Our capital city is one of the biggest cities in the world (in fact, we’re somewhere around 450th on the list!), but there’s still a never-ending choice of brilliant things to do in Dublin, and while you’ll never get to do and see all of them in one long weekend, you’ll still have plenty of time to fall in love with the city.
The trick is to get your itinerary right; grouping the right areas and scheduling things cleverly will allow you to see so many of Dublin’s best attractionswithout totally exhausting yourself! We’ve put together a sample itinerary that will help you explore lots of its historic landmarks and best museums, learn some of its fascinating history, and, of course, soak up its legendary atmosphere, all in three unforgettable days.
It’s just a twenty-minute walk from Stephen’s Green, at the top of Grafton Street, to the heart of Temple Bar. There’s lots to see and do in this small area – not to mention a great selection of restaurants and pubs where you can get some great Irish fare and a pint of Guinness.
Start your Dublin long weekend at St Stephen’s Green. There are loads of independent cafes nearby where you can grab a takeaway latte and wander through the beautifully manicured park, complete with graceful swans, chubby ducks, and some fairly tenacious seagulls and pigeons.
There are plenty of information points throughout the park that will give you some insight into the history that happened here and the importance of its place in the city’s story.
From here, you can pop across the road to the Little Museum of Dublin, for a 29-minute whistle-stop tour of Dublin’s tale, told through a fascinating collection of artefacts and stories that we collected from people all over Dublin.
Next, wander down Grafton Street to see the Georgian architecture and the general atmosphere of one of Dublin’s busiest shopping thoroughfares. Check out the buskers, browse Brown Thomas and even grab another coffee and a cream cake in Bewley’s, to see its famous decor and stained glass. You might even decide you’re ready for lunch by the time you’ve finished exploring and shopping; if so, choose one of the many pubs, restaurants and cafes within a minute’s walk.
At the bottom of Grafton Street, you’ll find Trinity College. Wander through its charming, cobbled courtyard to the Book of Kells exhibition. Here you can see the intricate craftsmanship that has made this 9th-century manuscript one of Dublin’s best attractions. Once you’ve seen the Book of Kells and the Long Room at the Library, make your way across the road, and you’ll find yourself on the outskirts of Temple Bar.
By the evening, Temple Bar’s cobbled streets turn electric with music and laughter. Pop into a traditional pub like The Temple Bar Pub or The Auld Dubliner, grab a pint of Guinness, and soak up some traditional Irish music. Temple Bar is a good place to grab dinner too, with lots of great choices from the famous Bunsen Burger to something a little more upscale, like The Winding Stair.
Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are both monumental Dublin landmarks that hold the history of a thousand years of Irish faith and architecture. You can tour both, or just one, or even just wander around the outside of each and their respective grounds, to see the architecture and learn a little about their history.
From here, walk down either Thomas Street (if you’re coming from Christchurch) or up Frances or Meath Street (if you’re coming from St Patrick’s) towards us here at the Guinness Storehouse. Our Dublin brewery tour is considered to be one of Dublin’s best attractions and a must for any weekend itinerary for Dublin. Wander through our immersive exhibits on our brewing and our brand, before earning your reward at the top: a perfect, complementary pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar, with its stunning 360° panoramic views of the city.
Afterwards, continue your Dublin journey through history with a tour of Kilmainham Gaol next, which is just a 5-minute drive from the Storehouse. The tour of this former prison is poignant and often grim, painting a picture of some of the darker occasions that shaped Ireland’s path to independence.
Ease through your final day with a visit to Ireland’s largest cemetery. This might not sound like the most fun way to spend your last day in Dublin, but the tours here are truly fantastic and tell the story of Dublin through some of its most significant historical figures, all of whom are buried here. The guides are very knowledgeable, and most people who enjoy a guided tour here find that it turns out to be one of their best Dublin experiences.
Have a bite to eat in the cafe after your tour and then head just outside the cemetery to the Gravediggers (John Kavanagh’s pub), where the cemetery’s workers used to relax after a long day\s work. Here you’ll find a very good pint of Guinness and a beautiful old Dublin pub that’s steeped in Dublin history.
WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ARTHUR GUINNESS ON A NEW BREWERY EXPERIENCE
It’s no secret that Guinness is steeped in history and tradition. But how familiar are you with the origins of the black stuff? During a new one-of-a-kind experience, you have the chance to step back in time and explore the rich legacy that made Guinness what it is today.
BREWERY TOURS NEAR ME
Ireland is globally celebrated for its rich brewing and distilling tradition. Its capital, Dublin, is home to an assortment of breweries and distilleries that have played a significant role in crafting the country's unique cultural and social landscape.
GET THE MOST FROM YOUR GUINNESS STOREHOUSE EXPERIENCE
Here at the Guinness Storehouse you'll find stories and secrets that turn the humble pint into something truly magical. But, before you ride that wave of frothy goodness, let's talk a little about how you can get the most from one of the best tours in Dublin.
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With so many attractions and activities, how do you choose what to do in Dublin? We’ve used our insider knowledge to put together a list of 15 other top spots around the city we think you really must visit.