Welcome to Dublin, the capital of Ireland and a city that is famous for its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. After having lived in Dublin for 3 years, I am happy to share with you a comprehensive guide to Dublin’s must-see sights so that you can make the most of your time in this historic city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Dublin has something for everyone. In this weekend guide, I will take you on a journey through the best the city has to offer.
How long to get a good taste of Dublin?
Dublin is not a big city compared to other European capital like London, Paris or Rome. A lot of the main attractions are close to each other, so you can see quite a lot in just 24 hours. However, that would mean you would have to go to the essentials only. This is why 48 hours is what I would recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy the Irish capital without rushing through anything. Better yet, if you have 72 hours to spend in the Irish capital, this would give you time to enjoy the city for 2 days and take a day trip to the outskirts of Dublin to get a taste of the wonderful Irish outdoors.
How to get around?
I believe walking is the best mean of transport in Dublin. It is easy to walk to and in between every main point of interest and it is the best way to immerse yourself in the city. However, if you want to avoid walking where possible, for destinations that are a little outside the inner city or if it rains too much (no matter when you go you’re never safe in Ireland), know that there are buses and the Luas (the tram) that will take you anywhere.
To use public transport, it is best to buy the Leap Card which you’ll find in 7-Eleven or any shop with the green Leap Card sign. Public transport in Dublin does not accept credit cards and drivers will not give you change back on your ticket if you don’t give them the exact amount. You can top up the Leap Card in those same shops or using the app, and you will have to tap it on and off each ride. You can buy several tickets with the same card, no need to have a card per person.
Top attractions
Now let’s talk about the fun part! From historic landmarks and cultural attractions to lively pubs, I’ll show you how to make the most of your two days in Dublin. So, get ready to discover the charm and character of this amazing city, and let’s dive into our Dublin weekend guide!
DAY 1
Start your day with a scenic walk in Dublin.
Once you are settled in your accommodation and ready to explore, start by taking a stroll South on O’Connell Street. Being one of the main streets, this will give you a first glimpse into the busy city. There you can find the statue of famous Irish author James Joyce and the impressive General Post Office, which was almost entirely destroyed by a fire following the Easter Rising. The only part of the building that was left was the stone facade, and you can still see the bullet holes from the event.
At the end of the street, turn right before the O’Connell Bridge and head west to cross the Liffey river on the Ha’penny Bridge (pictured above), a cast iron walkway that got its name from the fact it used to cost half a penny to cross.
Temple Bar
Continuing straight from the Ha’penny, you will end up in Temple Bar, which is arguably the most famous neighborhood in Ireland. My advice is to visit the area in the morning or the early afternoon to enjoy the street without stepping on people’s toes and come back in the evening for live music and a pint.
Temple Bar is a lively and colorful neighborhood located in the heart of Dublin. It is known for its bustling atmosphere, cobbled streets, and traditional pubs that come alive with music and entertainment in the evenings. The most famous one is The Temple Bar with its very recognizable red facade. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who come to soak up the vibrant ambiance and experience the city’s nightlife.
While Temple Bar is best known for its pubs and nightlife, it also offers a range of dining options, from traditional Irish fare to international cuisine, as well as shopping options for your souvenirs. Overall, whether you are in the city for a day or a week, Temple Bar is a must-visit destination in Dublin, offering visitors a taste of the city’s history, culture, and energy.
Trinity College, the Book of Kells and the Long Room
Trinity College, Ireland’s most prestigious institution, is considered one of Europe’s elite universities and was the host of famous graduates such as Oscar Wilde. Walk around the campus on your own or take one of the informative guided tours to get the whole story of this historic scholar landmark.
Be sure to buy a ticket to see the Book of Kells, written in the year 800AD, which contains the four gospels of the New Testament. Other than being a religious item, it is also a beautiful old book.
Entry to the Book of Kells also gives you access to the Long Room, which is the main chamber of the Old Library of Trinity College. Entering the chamber, you will be taken by the sheer size of the room and amazed by the number of old books (more than 200,000!). The Long Room also displays the remaining copies of the Declaration of the Irish Republic, as well as the oldest harp in Ireland, the one that was used as the model for the emblem of the country. And a little bonus for my fellow Harry Potter fans out there: visiting the Long Room will make you feel like you’re walking through the library at Hogwarts!
Pro Tip: this is one of the main tourist attractions in Dublin, which means it can get very busy. To beat the crowds, arrive before the opening or purchase your ticket in advance on the internet. This will allow you to walk right in instead of waiting in line for possibly an hour or more.
Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green Park
After having lunch at the end of your visit of Trinity College, take a walk up on Grafton Street. This is a pedestrian street full of shopping opportunities as well as a great scene for street performers. There you can have a taste of how talented the Irish are at everything musical – from singing and playing an instrument to dancing.
At the end of Grafton Street when going South, you will find St Stephen’s Green Park. It isn’t a big park but it is nice to have a stroll around and see a few swans. On a sunny day, it is also a great place to have a picnic.
Guinness Storehouse
Once you’ve walked around the city for a bit, head West and finish the visits for the day with the Guinness Storehouse. It is a must-see in Dublin, even if you are not a beer fan.
The Guinness Storehouse is located at St James’s Gate, where Arthur Guinness himself set up the factory with a 9000-year lease back in the 18th century. My first time visiting the place I was impressed by the modernism of the facilities and the quantity of interesting info you get. The museum will guide you through the history of Guinness, will explain the brewing process, recap all the fun and iconic advertising, and overall give you an understanding of what makes Guinness so special. You will also have a little introduction to tasting, which will give you more insight into the variety of smells and flavors you will experience while drinking the Stout.
You have plenty of tour options for a visit there, from self-guided to tasting tours. It will take you approximately an hour and a half to visit, depending on how much you linger. I would advise going there in the late afternoon, and making sure your ticket gets you a free pint in the Gravity Bar, located on the top floor of the building. The Gravity Bar gives you a 360 view over Dublin which, in my opinion, is best to see around sunset or when it is dark out. And don’t worry if a pint of the stout beer isn’t to your liking, you will have plenty of other choices – my personal favorite after the Guinness is the Hop House.
Pub crawl to finish the day!
After a quick introduction to the beer scenery in Ireland thanks to the Guinness Storehouse, finish the day off by visiting a couple of pubs. Enjoy another Guinness or any other type of drink while listening to live music and chanting in unison with the crowd. The pub atmosphere is like no other and is an absolute must while in Dublin, or even in Ireland in general.
Couple of pro tips for you:
- you can head back to Temple Bar which is the most popular area for pubs, but it is also the most touristic and therefore can be the most expensive. Or you can go to the neighborhood which I call the South East Inner City, which is located between George St and Dawson St, and Dame Street and King St. Plenty of pub options there too, some very famous and old ones like the Old Stag.
- I also recommend having a Baby Guinness – it is a shot made with coffee liquor and Baileys. Not a drop of beer. It gets its name from its appearance and is so sweet it feels like you’re having a dessert. I don’t think you can find it anywhere else in the world, or at least I had never heard of it before coming to Ireland, and trust me it would be a shame to miss out.
DAY 2
Dublin Castle
Start Day 2 by visiting the Dublin Castle, located in the very center of the city. Once the center of the English and British governments in Ireland, it is now a major Irish government complex where the Irish President receives international government leaders visiting the country. You can get entry with a self-guided visit or buy a guided tour through the State Apartment, Medieval Section, and the Chapel Royal. Make sure to walk around the Castle and take a quick break in the small Duhb Linn Garden. Also if you are interested, there is a nice little museum called Chester Beatty Library which is located right next to the castle, and that is home to one of the most significant collections of Western, Islamic and East & South East Asian artifacts.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
As the largest church in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is not only a popular tourist destination but also an important cultural and religious center for the city. With its rich history and stunning architecture, the cathedral attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire its Gothic-style spires, intricate stained-glass windows, and ornate interior. Whether you’re interested in exploring the cathedral’s fascinating history or simply taking in the beauty of this impressive building, a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a must for anyone traveling to Dublin.
Christ Church Cathedral
Located just a few minutes walk from St Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church is a remarkable cathedral that is an important part of the city’s Viking heritage, dating back over 1,000 years. Originally built by the Vikings as a wooden church, it was later reconstructed in stone by the Anglo-Normans. Today, it is renowned for its impressive architecture, which blends Viking and Norman styles. It boasts stunning carvings, intricate details, and beautiful stained glass windows that tell the story of the Vikings in Ireland. Standing as a testament to the rich Viking history of the region, Christ Church contains in its crypt curiosities that include a glass display case housing a mummified cat in the act of chasing a mummified rat (just like Tom and Jerry)
Get a taste of Irish Whiskey
After the beer, the most popular Irish drink is Whiskey, and Dublin offers you a few options to get to discover the local liquor.
My advice would be to visit either the Jameson or the Teeling distilleries, which are the 2 most recognizable brands of Irish Whiskey. Jameson is probably the most popular distillery to visit as it is very interactive and gives you plenty of optional activities. Whereas Teeling feels a little smaller and more familial, which I loved as you get to be in small groups and interact easily with your guide. Now for a very personal opinion, in terms of taste, I believe Teeling Whiskey is better so that is the distillery that I would recommend first.
Visit a museum for insights into Irish History
Dublin is a city steeped in history and culture, and its museums reflect this. From ancient artifacts to contemporary art, there is a wide variety of museums to explore. The best ones when on a short visit though are in my opinion those that give you an insight into the culture of the country and its History. In that sense, I would advise you to visit either the EPIC museum or Kilmainham Goal.
EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, is an immersive museum located in Dublin’s Docklands area. It celebrates the rich history and culture of Ireland through interactive exhibits, digital technology, and engaging storytelling. From the struggles of Irish emigrants to the contributions they made to their new countries, EPIC offers a unique and thought-provoking experience. The museum has won multiple awards, including Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Irish history and heritage.
As for Kilmainham Gaol, it is a historic prison located on the West side of the city that played a significant role in Ireland’s fight for independence. It is now a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the harsh conditions experienced by prisoners during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum’s exhibits and guided tours showcase the lives of the political prisoners who were incarcerated there, including the leaders of the Easter Rising. Kilmainham Gaol is an essential destination for anyone interested in getting a unique and fascinating insight into the struggle for Irish independence.
