Boasting incredible charm and unparalleled hospitality, Dublin offers a number of plans for all tastes and budgets and schedules. Whether you’re spending two days in Dublin, a full week, or even more, you’re sure to fall in love with this gem of the Emerald Isle.
The city’s second best attribute is undoubtedly its size. You’ll be able to get a good grip of Dublin’s finest cultural and social offer in only two days, and if you cannot get enough of the Irish way of life, you can always take the Rocky Road (back) to Dublin!
Insider’s Tip: Dublin’s best-not-so-kept secret is its locals’ hospitality, or craic. An Irish person will always introduce a conversation with the question “What’s the craic” (What’s up?) to then banter for hours on end. Whether sitting at a pub over a plate of chips and a pint of Guinness or taking you around town, the Irish are always eager to share the best part of themselves.
Day 1, morning: Dublin through its heritage
What better way to prepare for your two days in Dublin than fueling up with a hearty breakfast? Beanhive offers you the sausages, beans, eggs and toast fest you need to kick off your Dublin tour properly.
Once you’ve charged your batteries, we’re off to the museum. Take your pick:
- The National Gallery of Ireland offers a quite comprehensive overview of European art, including works by Turner, Rembrandt and Irish impressionist Walter Osborne.
- The National Museum of Archaeology accounts for the evolution of Irish civilization from the Mesolithic period to the Middle Ages.
Right off both museums, you’ll find the idyllic St. Stephen’s Green park, where you can give your feet a rest while admiring the quiet, leafy scenery. One wouldn’t think Dublin’s busiest shopping street, Grafton St., is only a few hundred feet away.
A tour round Dublin wouldn’t be complete without a detour to Trinity College. One of the world’s most filmed locations, it has starred in blockbusters like Transformers: The Last Knight and the fan-favorite Normal People TV series.
While access to the campus is free, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to visit the outstanding Long Room.
Insider’s Tips: With over 200,000 books, this library is as breathtaking as it gets. Don’t miss the chance to take a picture of the Book of Kells, a well-preserved copy of the Gospel written in Latin dating back to the 9th century!…And, if you’re in the campus grounds, make sure not to pass through its arch while the bell is ringing—legend has it you’ll fail your exams!
Day 1, afternoon: The Temple Bar & Dublin street art
A long walk well deserves a treat, and you guessed right! Next, we’re heading to Temple Bar, your neon-light-rooftop and cobblestone-street paradise in the middle of the city.
Specifically, The Temple Bar region is a cultural and entertainment district in the heart of Dublin filled with pubs, restaurants, art galleries, theaters, and cultural institutions. It’s also home to its namesake bar, The Temple Bar.
Check out these great places for drinks and a bite to eat:
- The Foggy Dew: Known for its live music.
- The Palace: Famous for its flower adornment and carved wood façade.
- The Quays (10-12 Temple Bar Square), offering a whole range of Irish signature dishes like cottage pie, Dublin coddle, and slow-cooked beef and Guinness stew, plus seafood and vegetarian options.
- The Brazen Head: Ireland’s oldest pub with refreshing stouts and a delicious local bite. If you’re after a cheaper option for your meal, try Leo Burdock’s fish and chips.
- The Stag’s Head Pub: Offering fabulous traditional live music and food.
Day 1, evening: City strolling & delicious dinner
Before you leave, wander around the tiny alleyways off Dame Street and find samples of Dublin’s finest street art, or learn about Ireland’s profuse artistic output walking through the enlightening Icon Factory and Walk. Household names like James Joyce, W.B. Yeats and Sinéad O’Connor await!
If you’re a literature lover, try to swing by one of the best bookstores in Dublin and snag a treat.
Top off your day with the lovely views of Dublin’s River Liffey, from the quaint Ha’Penny Bridge (named after the half pence toll that was charged to cross it earlier) and try to take a selfie with the Spire, a 390 foot stainless steel needle-shaped statue that watches over the city.
When it comes to dinner on your first of two days in Dublin, consider one of these locally-loved spots:
- The Woollen Mills: Located on Ormond Quay, The Woollen Mills is a traditional Irish restaurant known for its hearty Irish cuisine like Irish stew, potato pancakes, and seafood chowder.
- The Horseshoe Bar: This iconic establishment offers a fine dining experience with a menu featuring both Irish and international dishes. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a more upscale traditional dining experience.
- The Winding Stair: Situated on Lower Ormond Quay along the River Liffey, The Winding Stair serves up traditional Irish dishes with a modern twist.
Day 2, morning: Dublin Castle & St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Let’s take the early hours of the morning to get the perfect snap of one of Dublin’s most iconic statues: Molly Malone. Chances are you might encounter her spirit as it wanders around town.
Then it’s time for another gem: the Dublin Castle.
While it may not resemble a fairytale castle, it holds immense significance for the locals. In 2011, Queen Elizabeth delivered a speech here during her visit to Ireland, even speaking a bit in Irish. Notably, former U.S. President Barack Obama also addressed the nation from Dublin Castle that year. Don’t miss the chance to explore its sculpture-filled gardens on a sunny day and admire its blend of medieval, Georgian, and Gothic architectural elements.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is just a stone away from the castle and is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture that dates from the early 1200s. Visitors are advised to check out the Door of Reconciliation and literary fans, the laying place of author Jonathan Swift.
Day 2, afternoon: Lunch & the Guinness Storehouse
An activity that’s probably on anyone’s mind that’s spending two days in Dublin is visiting the Guinness Storehouse.
…But before that, we’re going to need some lunch.
FIRE Steakhouse on Dawson Street and Trocadero on St. Andrew’s Street are both standout restaurants that combine the freshest local produce with the finest state-of-the-art culinary techniques. Since both are quite popular options, make sure to book in advance.
After lunch get ready for everyone’s anticipated activity: visiting the Guinness Storehouse!
Although the draught is no longer brewed in the premises, this hands-on museum will tell you the brand history, teach you how to pull your own pint, take a walk through the brewing process and, most importantly, sip your own taste of creamy black Guinness while delighting in one of the best skyline views over the Irish capital! Due to high demand, booking your trip to the Guinness Storehouse is essential.
Day 2, afternoon: Take a pub tour in Dublin
While the Guinness Storehouse is undoubtedly popular, there are those who may prefer to spend their afternoon in a less crowded setting (which still revolves around drinking!).
Drink your way through the Irish capital like a local on our Pubs, Pints, and History: Beer & Whiskey Tasting in Dublin’s Historic Pubs and discover some of the tales and stories inspiring the world’s best-known brews and spirits.
You’ll get to visit four historic pubs and bars in Dublin while enjoying classic Irish pub drinks.
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Day 2, evening: Enjoy traditional Irish food in Dublin
After all your adventures during your two days in Dublin, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite.
Enjoy a final meal at any of these places, and be sure to savor any remaining traditional Irish dishes you haven’t had the chance to try yet.
- Sinnott’s or Fagan’s: Look no further for your Sunday feast of meat (turkey, ham, corn beef, beef, pork or lamb), paired with vegetables and potatoes in all shapes and textures.
- L Mulligan Grocer: It’s common to find local delicacies such as Gubbeen cheese and Ballymakenny potatoes populating its menu, and each option comes with a suggested craft beer or cider.
- Loose Canon: If you’re a cheese toastie lover, don’t miss this spot!
- Bunsen: For burgers and fries (if you’re in the mood for something other than Irish food).
Even more things to do in Dublin
While two days is more than enough to cover the essential things to do in Dublin, here are a few more suggestions off the beaten track you can consider cramming into your trip (or keep in mind for when you come back to visit again in the future!)
Dublin’s charm goes beyond its city center. One of the most extensive enclosed public parks in any capital in Europe, Phoenix Park is not only the quiet oasis you need to look back on your Irish trip, it is also the residence of the President of Ireland!
A bit further out, the Kilmainham Gaol museum (gaol is Irish for jail, and yes, we’re putting one in the list) is a testament to the country’s independence history, being home to political prisoners such as Robert Emmet and Charles Stewart Parnell.
Although a lesser-known area for tourists, the thriving Docklands area is the place to be. Music fans will be enchanted to visit Windmill Lane Recording Studios, home to some of the past century’s most popular albums from household names like Thin Lizzy and global superstars such as U2 or Metallica.
Should you fancy a good draft, The Outpost, with its 32 taps and smashing burgers, is hard to beat.
If you feel time constrained and don’t want to miss anything in Dublin, our one-day walking tour is also available for your peace of mind!