Whilst summer this year was spent at home in the UK, a gift fell in to my lap when I had to fly over to Dublin with work for a Board Meeting back in June. Just the excuse I needed to have a mini-adventure. I found Dublin to be a really friendly city that is wrapped in centuries of history, and of course, a legendary pub culture!
I do have to be honest and say Dublin is not the most beautiful city in Europe; it’s less about loads of things to see and do, and more about slowing down and connecting with people over food and drink. So, if you’re planning your very first trip to the city, 48 hours is the perfect amount of time to take in some of the main highlights – and to help you maximise every minute, here is my ultimate, tried-and-tested two-day Dublin itinerary.
Dublin Itinerary Day 1
Morning: Trinity College & The Book of Kells
Start your first morning right in the heart of Dublin’s medieval centre, with one of the city’s most famous and unmissable attractions, Trinity College. The College itself is a photogenic University campus which you can walk around, before heading to the star of the show.
The Book of Kells is a famous 9th-century manuscript which is beautifully illuminated. It sits within Trinity College’s Long Room, which is an old library that feels like stepping on to a film-set! It holds over 200,000 of the University’s oldest books and it really has the wow factor. Plus it’s home to Ireland’s famous emblem – the harp (which you can see on pints of Guinness around the world)!
Important: You must book tickets to The Book of Kells Experience to visit; and tickets sell out fast. Please note the library books are currently part of a conservation project, meaning they are not on the shelves.
Afternoon: Ireland’s History (Emigration Museum & Famine Ship)
One of the most interesting ways to spend half a day in Dublin is to learn about its rich history.
Start by focusing in on social history by heading to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum down by the Docklands. It’s a brilliant, fully interactive museum that shows how Irish history and the emigration of its people shaped the entire world.
Afterwards, head to The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship to trace the steps of the one million Irish people who fled Ireland during the Great Famine in the 1840s and 50s. 2,500 of those people took their gruelling voyage onboard the Jeanie Johnston herself.
Evening: The Guinness Storehouse
You can’t visit Dublin without paying homage to its most famous export, Guinness! The Guinness Storehouse is located in the historic Liberties neighbourhood, and this seven-story immersive experience is built around a giant pint glass. You’ll learn how the beer is made, see vintage advertising campaigns, and even learn how to pour your own perfect pint.
The tour finishes in The Gravity Bar (a pint here is included in your ticket), right at the very top of the building. The 360-degree panoramic views across the rooftops of Dublin are lovely at sunset.
Alternative Option: If you’re a whiskey fan instead of a stout drinker, swap this out for a tour and tasting at the Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Dublin Itinerary Day 2
Morning: St Stephen’s Green, Merrion Square & Cathedrals
Start your morning with a nice stroll at St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful 27-acre Victorian park. Grab breakfast (the local favourite is the Green Bench Cafe) and enjoy by the duck pond.
Afterwards head to nearby Merrion Square to admire Dublin’s famous, colourful Georgian doors and snap a photo with the statue of Oscar Wilde reclining on a rock.
If you have time, you could also head over to see St Patrick’s Cathedral & Christ Church Cathedral, two beautiful old buildings that are worth a stop.
Important Note: I would normally also recommend adding in Dublin Castle here, but sadly it is currently closed, due to re-open in 2027.
Afternoon: Kilmainham Gaol
If you get the opportunity to squeeze in another attraction while in the city, then I recommend it being Kilmainham Gaol. This former prison held some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history, particularly during the 1916 Easter Rising (when Ireland was fighting for independence from the UK). The guided tours here are incredibly moving and give you a profound understanding of modern Ireland, including an understanding of “The Troubles” (Northern Ireland is still part of the UK, and its relationship with the Republic of Ireland and the UK is still a source of ongoing tension – current polls suggest around 40% of Northern Irish people wish to become part of RoI, and 60% wish to remain in the UK).
Important: You must book tickets in advance, they go on sale 28 days before and sell out virtually instantly. Last minute same-day tickets also go on sale each day at 9.15am, but are extremely limited.
Evening: The Temple Bar Experience
It’s time to head into Temple Bar to round off your trip. Yes, it is unashamedly touristy, and yes, the pints cost a bit more here – but the energy, the bright red storefronts, and the traditional live Irish music pouring out into the streets are an essential experience for a first time visitor.
End your Dublin adventure with a fantastic dinner and some authentic trad (traditional Irish music). I can highly recommend The Wine Cellar at Fallon & Byrne for great drinks and tasty Italian food, followed by some music at Merchant’s Arch.
Dublin Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Getting around: Dublin is incredibly compact and best explored on foot. For longer distances (like getting to Kilmainham Gaol), use the Luas (tram system) or hop on a local bus.
- Dublin Weather: Bring layers and a waterproof jacket. Dublin weather is famously fickle; it was meant to be 25 degrees for my visit, but ranged from 8-32! You might experience all four seasons in a single afternoon!
- Currency: Ireland uses the Euro. Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s always handy to have a little cash for smaller pubs.
Where to Eat & Drink in Dublin
Dublin is home to so many bars and eateries, and is packed with amazing food. Below I recommend some of the places I ate and really enjoyed in the city.
- The Wine Cellar at Fallon & Byrne: For an amazing wine menu and delicious Italian food in a lovely cellar setting.
- La Godita: For tasty tapas!
- Hellfire: For incredible steaks.
- Ivy Asia: For delicious sushi – and the decor alone makes it worth a visit!
- Sprout & Co: For build your own healthy lunch time salad or rice bowls, with really tasty local produce.
- Merchant’s Arch: For a traditional pub with lots of live music.
- The Ferryman: A traditional old style Dublin pub, without the Temple Bar pricetag.
- Gravediggers: For Dublin’s best pint of Guinness (according to the husband!)
And there you have it – Dublin in a nutshell and a city which I really enjoyed exploring. I also have to give a shout out that as a red-head I’ve never felt more at home. Only about 1% of the world’s population are red-headed and in India and Asia I’m forever stopped for photos. However, in Ireland, 15% of the population is red headed and we were everywhere. Whilst I don’t have any Irish heritage, it was still amazing to be surrounded by red, and I loved it.
Aside from all the red heads, it’s a really warm and welcoming city, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time here eating, drinking and seeing a few of the sites. And with that I boarded my flight home, my head still slightly sore from the night before.
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