Dublin is the biggest city in Ireland and is home to a variety of colleges and universities, attracting countless students from all over the globe. With the variety of students traipsing in and out of the city, it makes for an exciting getaway for those young at heart travellers among you. Dublin also offers several world-class shopping opportunities, fine dining restaurants, and a plethora of entertainment offerings. Regardless of your interests, a weekend in Dublin is sure to have the activities you’re looking for.
Things to keep in mind before visiting Dublin
- Grab a Leap Visitor Card to save on transportation. A 3-day pass is sufficient for a weekend and gives you access to the bus, DART, and rail systems for much less than paying per trip will cost you.
- The tourism centre on O’Connell Street is a must if you’ve forgotten your international power adapters.
- If you need to pick up free Wi-Fi, Starbucks and the buses are some of the easiest ways to do this.
- Get the Dublin Pass for a single day to save on certain attractions and ride the Hop On and Hop Off bus system.
- Take your own reusable bags, as many shops in Dublin don’t give out plastic bags. You’ll also find fewer restaurants that give out napkins or straws.
- Tipping at establishments is typically 10%.
- Take the DART system if you go out of Dublin. It’s cheaper and easier.
- Plan your day tours in advance to make sure you have the right transport and timing.
How to get around in Dublin?
The public transport system in Dublin is efficient and easy to use. The local bus service is operated by Dublin Bus, which travels throughout the city. You can also make use of the LUAS light rail tram system or the DART system if you’re hoping to travel a little further away from the city centre. All of these systems require the use of prepaid cards and you can obtain these cards from most stations, tourist offices, and newsagents. Numerous taxis are available throughout the city and the fares are usually quite cheap, though generally more expensive than the bus or rail systems.
Where to stay in Dublin?
If you’re wondering where the best places to stay in Dublin are, you’ll find most of the popular options located around the city centre. One of the most sought-after hotels is The Merchant House, which offers luxurious suites a short walk away from local bars and restaurants. The Marker Hotel is another leading hotel in Dublin that’s popular with visitors, by the Grand Canal Square. Wren Urban Nest is another popular choice, more budget-friendly than the other choices mentioned.
Weekend in Dublin – Day 1
Morning: Starting your trip to Dublin in 2 days
It’s your first day in the capital city and you’re looking to start the day off right. What better way to do that than with a scrumptious breakfast? Head on down to Kilkenny Cafe and Restaurant located along Nassau Street.
They’re open from 08:30 each morning and offer a full breakfast with toast and tea/coffee. An added benefit of Kilkenny’s is that they’re down the road from Trinity College, which is one of the most popular things to do for tourists travelling to Dublin. Trinity is home to an array of stunning artefacts and is steeped in history.
The most popular thing to see at Trinity is the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript Gospel book dating back to the 9th century and written entirely in Latin. The book contains the first four gospels of the New Testament along with various illustrations and is widely considered to be one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures.
After you’ve spent time perusing through the book, make your way to Grafton Street, grab a coffee from one of the numerous top-class coffee shops, and meander through the luscious grounds of Trinity before making your way to the Long Room, a 300-year-old library.
If you’re an art lover, your last stop at Trinity College before heading out into the streets of Dublin should be Douglas Hyde Gallery. This gallery is one of the most popular galleries in the city and offers works focused on artists that push the boundaries of form. Since the gallery opened in 1978, it has displayed pieces by renowned artists like Eva Rothschild, Kathy Prendergast, and Sam Keogh.
Afternoon
After spending several hours perusing the offerings of the college, you’ll want to start making your way to other attractions and hopefully grab a bite to eat along the way. Check out a list of restaurants available where you’ll find somewhere to eat in Dublin.
The Irish Whiskey Museum is located a stone’s throw away from the steps of the college and offers guests a peek into the deep history of Irish Whiskey in Dublin. Taste and experience a wide variety of Irish Whiskey before making your way down the road to the famous Temple Bar area, lined with a plethora of bars, pubs, and restaurants.
From the Temple Bar area, you’ll be a short walk away from the well-known Dublin Castle, one of the most popular castles in the city that attracts a wide array of tourists throughout the year. You’ll have the chance to learn about the castle’s complex history, take a tour of the underground tunnels, and marvel at the curious appearance of the structure. A Dublin Castle guided tour is an optimal way to learn about the structure from experienced guides.
Your final stop on your first afternoon should be the Dublinia, a popular visitor’s attraction that focuses on the Viking and Medieval history of Dublin and stands as a historical recreational museum.
Evening
Your first evening can be spent at a local bar, like many visitors and locals, or you could venture out and do something a little different. The Lighthouse cinema, located in Smithfield, is one of the most vibrant cultural spaces in the city. You’ll find over 600 seats available with four different screens, and a subterranean bar and café serving beverages and eats. Not only does Lighthouse offer some of the best projections in the country, they also provide a few unique experiences that include sing-along screenings, big screen Karaoke, late-night dancing, and even Eurovision live.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more active and exciting, head to Charlotte Quay instead and spend your time trying to work your way through an escape room at The Escape Boats. They stay open until close to midnight and offer various escape rooms where you’ll be given clues you’ll need to solve to get off the boat.
Weekend in Dublin – Day 2
Morning
After spending your first day exploring things in and around Dublin city, the second day is dedicated to getting out of the city centre and exploring the Dublin surrounds, from beaches to parks to mountainous walks. Start the day with a quick bite to eat at Keoghs Café near Temple Bar before kicking off your adventure. From there, you’ll want to start with a trip out to the Dublin Mountains, which form part of the Wicklow Mountains. There are several trails to tackle while out there, including Cruagh Wood, Hell Fire Club, Ticknock, Tibradden Wood, and Carrickgollogan Forest.
If you prefer the coastline to the mountains, opt for a day trip out to the Cliffs of Moher instead. These cliffs are one of the most famous sights in the country and offer incredible views of the ocean waves crashing against the vertical cliff edge towering over the West Clare coast.
Afternoon
To kick off the afternoon once you’ve returned to the city, make sure you don’t leave Dublin without experiencing real Irish Guinness. Head on over to the Guinness Storehouse and explore the telling tale of Ireland’s most famous beer accompanied by tastings and a rooftop bar.
The tour includes a telling of the history of the beer while meandering through the seven floors of the building. Once you’ve been through the history of Guinness, your journey will end at the top of the building, the Gravity Bar, which offers panoramic views of the entire city. Catching the sunset from this spot is recommended.
Dublin in 48 hours
When it comes to how many days you need in Dublin to see everything there is to see, a weekend may not cut it. This Dublin 2 days itinerary is designed for those with limited time and wondering what to see in Dublin in only 2 days. If you’re looking to get a good feel for the city and wondering how long to stay in Dublin, consider spending a week or two and plan your trip meticulously.
Excited for your next adventure? Our friends at Where to Go, produced by the team behind the award-winning DK Eyewitness travel guides, are here to help!
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