How to Spend Two Days in Dublin Ireland – Detailed Itinerary
Are you planning a trip to Ireland and wondering how much time to spend in Dublin?
What is there to see and do? How should you create your itinerary to make the most of your trip?
Be inspired by this guide as you plan your next adventure to Dublin, Ireland!
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A trip to the Emerald Isle wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the capital city of Dublin. Here you will find plenty of interesting sights and activities to enjoy. A nicely thought-out itinerary will ensure that you make the most of your time, have a realistic plan and stay within budget. You’ll also be able to book entrance tickets and reserve accommodations in advance.
As tempting as it can be to have a jam-packed itinerary, it’s best to prioritize must-see destinations. Give yourself enough time to discover the highlights, but remember you won’t be able to see everything Dublin has to offer. Have some flexibility built in to your itinerary for unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather or longer than expected queues at popular attractions.
This guide is structured to provide an overview of the best activities, historical sites, museums as well as dining and shopping experiences that can be accomplished during a 2-day visit. Adjust accordingly to suit your own travel timeline, budget and personal preferences.
How Many Days to Spend in Dublin
Do you prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time or travel at a more leisurely pace?
Are you visiting in the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours for exploring?
Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
Dublin’s main highlights can be seen in two days. This is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors or for those seeking a weekend getaway. Dublin is an essential stop if you are continuing on to see other parts of Ireland on a longer trip around the country.
Take into consideration your arrival and departure time when creating your itinerary. This guide assumes travellers have two-full days available to explore. Even if you only have a short period of time, visiting Dublin will certainly be worthwhile.
Dublin – Two Day Itinerary
Use the following two-day itinerary as an inspirational guide to plan your trip to Dublin.
Day 1 – Food Tours, River Cruises & Temple Bar Nightlife
Travellers typically arrive in Ireland via Dublin International Airport (DUB). The airport is located approximately 15 minutes from the city centre. Climb aboard the Dublin Express Bus found outside the arrival’s terminal for a quick and hassle-free ride into the city. Buy a return ticket to save money if you are departing out of the same airport when your trip ends. Book your bus ticket in advance to guarantee your seat.
Once you have arrived in the city centre, check into your accommodation. Hotels, hostels and unique apartments located Downtown or in the Temple Bar District are the best places to stay for first-time visitors. If you have arrived prior to check-in, ask your accommodation staff if there is a secure place to store your belongings. It’s time to start exploring the capital city!
Dublin is a very walkable city. Most attractions can be reached on foot. There are also taxis, buses and light-rail (tram) public transportations options available. Today you will discover the city’s historical, cultural and culinary influence. Spend the evening celebrating at a lively pub in one of the country’s most famous districts.
Trinity College
Start today with a visit to Trinity College. Discover the beautiful campus of what is widely considered one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country. Trinity College was founded in 1592 making it one of the remaining ancient universities of Britain and Ireland. Trinity College is famously home to the Old Library (Long Room) featuring medieval artifacts such as the Book of Kells and the Brian Boru Harp. It’s free to wander the grounds, but there is an entrance fee to access the interior Library and Book of Kells. Cost: €18.50.
Opening Hours
April-September
Monday-Saturday 8:30am-5:00pm
Sunday 9:30am-5:00pm
October-March
Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm-430pm
Delicious Dublin Food Tour
After browsing fascinating museums all morning you’ve probably worked up quite an appetite. It’s time to eat! Join a tour to taste some delicious Irish food and learn about the rich local cuisine. Stop at several eateries you may not have found on your own.
River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise
After lunch, it’s time to gain a new perspective of Dublin while floating down the River Liffey on a sightseeing cruise. Pass by some of the city’s most famous landmarks and historic neighbourhoods. Tours typically last about 45-minutes. Board the boat at Dublin Docklands, located on Custom House Quay.
Ha’Penny Bridge
Enjoy views of the River Liffey as it runs through the heart of Dublin by crossing the Ha’Penny Bridge. This iconic pedestrian footbridge has been dubbed by locals as the Ha’Penny Bridge as this was the cost of the toll (half penny) to cross when it first opened in 1816. The bridge has been toll-free since 1919 however the name lives on. It is estimated that approximately 30 000 pedestrians cross the bridge every day.
Christ Church Cathedral
Walk to the former heart of medieval Dublin to admire the Christ Church Cathedral. The oldest cathedral in the nation’s capital was founded in the early 11th century during the reign of a Viking King. A statue sleeping on a bench outside the church depicts Jesus as a homeless person, designed to prompt public reflection. It serves as a reminder that Christ identified with the poor and vulnerable on the margins of society.
Dublin Castle
Not far from the cathedral, you will find a former medieval fortress and royal residence. Dublin Castle now hosts government functions, conferences, art exhibitions and guided tours. Pay for a guided tour or explore the grounds for free imagining what life was like here centuries ago.
Temple Bar District Pub Crawl
Get ready for a fun night out in one of the city’s most vibrant districts. This popular neighbourhood provides dining, shopping and entertainment options to locals and travellers. Packed with pubs, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries, this area comes alive for Happy Hour serving up Dublin’s best pint as well as live traditional music and dancing! Of course, you will find The Temple Bar here. The entire neighbourhood is now named after this world-famous establishment. Join a pub crawl or walking tour to find other lesser-known hidden gems that are just as charming!
Day 2 – Museums, Shopping & Distillery Tours
Start your morning by treating yourself to a full Irish Breakfast. A hearty meal of rashers (bacon), sausages, fried eggs, baked beans, hash browns and black pudding, will help kickstart the day. Wander Dublin’s most famous streets, museums and greenspaces. A trip to the Irish capital wouldn’t be complete without touring the Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Distillery.
National Gallery of Ireland
Museum lovers will want to check out the National Gallery of Ireland. It’s home to the country’s collection of Irish and European art. This is a must-see for Rembrandt & Walter Osborne enthusiasts. Entry to the permanent gallery collection is free (excludes special exhibitions).
Opening Hours
Sunday/Monday 11:00am-5:30pm
Tuesday/Wednesday 915am-5:30pm
Thursday 9:15am-8:30pm
Friday/Saturday 9:15am-5:30pm
National Museum of Ireland
Historical and cultural experiences are endless in this city. Visit the Archaeology Museum to browse Ireland’s precious collection of ancient artifacts. Entry to the museum is free.
Opening Hours
Sunday/Monday 1:00pm-5:00pm
Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat 10:00am-5:00pm
Molly Malone Statue
Controversial bronze sculpture located on Suffolk Street, near the Tourist Information Office, which has become a famous symbol of Dublin. The sculpture represents a fisherman’s young wife who sold the day’s catch on the streets of Dublin.
It is unknown if Molly Malone existed in real life, but the song about her, Cockles and Mussels, has become the unofficial anthem of Dublin. Familiarize yourself with it, as you will no doubt hear the song playing in all the local pubs and taverns on any given night in the city.
Grafton Street
One of Dublin’s high end shopping districts, famous for street performers and buskers. Great location for visitors to browse the shops and listen to the music as they stroll past. The music and arts scene crafted here has become a part of the city’s culture. Countless aspiring Irish musicians have performed on Grafton Street on their way to fame and fortune!
St. Stephen’s Green
At the end of Grafton Street, you will find St. Stephen’s Green. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after spending the day browsing museums and shopping. Grab some lunch from one of the nearby eateries and have a picnic in the park. If you want to do more shopping, check out Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Gothic-style church founded in medieval Dublin over 800 years ago to honour Ireland’s patron Saint. Listen for the church bells ringing regularly on Sundays.
Guinness Storehouse
This is one of the most popular attractions in Dublin so make sure to book your entrance ticket in advance. Visit St. James’s Gate Brewery, in operation from 1902 to 1988, to hear the tale of Ireland’s famous beer, with tastings and a rooftop bar overlooking the city of Dublin. A visit to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without having a freshly brewed Guinness! Take the Connoisseur Tour and learn how to poor the perfect pint.
Jameson Distillery
Tour the original site, called Bow Street Distillery, where Jameson Irish Whiskey was distilled from 1780 until 1971. Taste different whiskey samples while learning about the heritage and history on the exact spot where it all began.
After a long day of sightseeing and distillery tours, it’s time to head Downtown or to the Temple Bar District for this evening’s meal. Depending on your schedule, you may have a final night at your accommodation before heading off to another part of the county or you may need to prepare for a flight home. Although it was a brief visit, you will leave Dublin with memories that last a lifetime!
Start Booking Your Trip
Use the helpful resources below to start booking your trip to Dublin, Ireland!
- Reserve your accommodation with Hotels.com or Hostelworld.
- Book your rental car with Discover Cars.
- Book your flight with SkyScanner.
- Book activities with Get Your Guide.
- Traveling Solo? Book a Group Tour with G Adventures.
- Buy Travel Insurance with SafetyWing or World Nomads.
Recommended Reading
Have any questions about planning your trip to Dublin? Please share your questions or comments below!