2 Days in Dublin: How to Spend the Weekend in Ireland’s Capital

How to get from Dublin Airport to the city?

Getting from Dublin Airport to the city centre is pretty straightforward, and luckily, you have a few options to choose from.

Taxi: The most direct but expensive option. Taxis are readily available outside the airport, or you can book one using the Free Now App. It’s the quickest way to get to the city, but keep in mind that Dublin taxis can be quite pricey.

Public Transport: There are a few bus options. The Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41 will take you into the city, with the 41 running 24 hours a day. They’re budget-friendly but may take a bit longer than other options, especially during peak hours. However, to use this service you will need exact change or a LEAP card. I go into more detail on why in my Dublin Public Transport Guide.

Shuttle Bus:
Aircoach and Dublin Express are two popular shuttle bus services that offer a quicker, more comfortable ride into the city. Tickets start from around €10 for a return, and these buses are a great way to travel if you want a balance between comfort and speed.

Driving:
You could rent a car, but I wouldn’t recommend it for most visitors. Traffic in Dublin can be heavy, parking is limited and expensive, and navigating the city can be tricky, especially for first-time visitors. It's usually more hassle than it’s worth.

Private Transfers:
If you prefer a more comfortable, door-to-door service, private transfers are available. Companies like Welcome PickUps can be booked in advance and provide a stress-free journey straight to your accommodation, and can sometimes be the same price as a tax depending on how many are in your party.

How to get around Dublin

Public Transport is the easiest way to get around the city. Services include the bus, Luas and the DART. The easiest way to pay is via the leap card click here to find tourist rates.

Dublin Bikes is another great way to get around the city. It's FREE for the first 30-minutes. Download the app here (Android/IOS).

Getting a Taxi is another option, however, they can be rather expensive. And unfortunately, we do not have under in Ireland. If you need a taxi it's best to download the FREE Now app (Android/IOS).

Local Tip: To hail a taxi or stop a bus (at bus stops), you must place your hand out towards the road. Otherwise, they will drive on by.

HIGHLY RATED HOTELS IN DUBLIN CITY CENTRE

Hotel prices can go up and down, I always like to compare pricing by using sites such as Booking.com or Hotels.com.

Sometimes prices can be cheaper on the mobile app, than the browser so make sure you compare before booking.

Below are some of the best rated hotels in Dublin that are located in the city centre, if you want to support my content you do not have to book the recommended hotels for me to make commission. If you see something that better suits you needs, booking through my link will work just fine at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay in Dublin Pricing Map

Is it possible to see Dublin in 2 days?

There is so much to see and do in Dublin. You could honestly spend weeks exploring the beautiful city and surrounding county. However, with that being said, most people do not have weeks and two days in Dublin is plenty of time to see the city's highlights and a hidden gem or two.

Stop 1: Trinity College & The Book of Kells

The first stop on our two days in Dublin is none other than Trinity College.

Trinity is Dublin’s leading university with buildings dating back to the 16th century. It truly is a lovely place to visit and admire the architecture. It also gives many visitors serious ‘Harry Potter’ vibes.

I’d suggest having a walk around the college grounds. And if you are looking to get a feel for the college from a locals perspective, the Trinity Trails walking tour is a great option.

Once you have finished exploring the Trinity campus head over to the library for a famous view of the ‘long room’. On-site lies the Book of Kells exhibition along with the opportunity to see the book on display.

Local Tip: The Book of Kells isn’t always visible, so be sure to ask before purchasing your ticket.

And then finish your visit with the digital experience which tells visitors the story of the Book of Kells in a unique way, you can quite literally see the pages of the book come to life before your eyes.

Price: Tickets range from 11 to 14 euros.

Opening Times: Open from 9.30am to 5.00pm (times may vary).

Suggest Duration: 1 hour and a half

Stop 2: St. Stephens Green, Molly Malone & Grafton Street

Next, it is time to explore the Grafton Quarter. Start off by having a stroll around the beautiful St. Stephens green park.

And don't forget to pop into the nearby shopping centre for an interior treat!

Then walk down through Dublin most famous shopping area, Grafton Street. One of the best free things to do in Dublin is watch the talented buskers bring the street to life.

A short walk from Grafton Street lies Dublin's most famous statue, the Molly Malone. Which lead to one of the countries most iconic songs.

Subject to Irish folklore, the song tells a tale of a 17th-century woman who worked hard on the streets of Dublin, only to die at a young age.

‘In Dublin’s Fair City where the girls are so pretty, I first set my eye’s on sweet Molly Malone. As she wheeled her wheelbarrow, Through the streets broad and narrow, Crying “cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh”

Stop 3: Temple Bar & The Ha Penny Bridge

Now, as a local, I avoid Temple Bar at all costs when it comes to having a drink. It is extremely touristy and well, drinks are extremely overpriced.

However, with that being said, it is a cute little area of Dublin that has a lot of Irish character, like cobblestone streets, thrifty shops and live music.

At this stage of the day, you may be feeling a bit peckish. I suggest the Elephant Castle if you are in the mood for delish chicken wings or Mad Egg for the chance to design your own cheesecake.

A short walk from Temple Bar lies one of the most iconic spots in the city, the Ha Penny Bridge.

The famous pedestrian bridge was built back in 1816 and was originally named the ‘Liffey Bridge’.

The bridge was nicknamed Ha' Penny Bridge due to the toll passengers had to pay to cross it.

This is a landmark you will want to get a picture with.

Stop: 5: The Guinness Storehouse

The next stop of the day is by far the best attraction in Dublin, The Guinness Storehouse. And don’t worry you don’t have to like Guinness to enjoy the experience.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

The Storehouse allows you to embark on a 7-storey self-guided tour. You will learn all there is to know about how the ‘good stuff' is made.

You will even have the opportunity to pour your own pint. You can also have a picture of your face imprinted on the foam, known as a ‘stoutie'. Which is pretty cool.

At the top of the Storehouse, lies the Gravity Sky Bar. A class viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the city. I 100% recommend a visit to the Guinness Storehouse on any visit to Dublin.

Option 1: Music Under the Bridge

City Kayaking offers a truly unique experience for those visiting Dublin with their Music Under the Bridge tour.

Hop in a kayak and travel down the River Liffey. The tour stops beneath the bridges to hear a musical performance from a local musician.

This is also a great way to see Dublin from a different perspective. To get a photo with some of the cities iconic landmarks from the waterfront.

The Liffey isn’t exactly a dream place to kayak, but I can assure you, you do not get wet in the process.

The tour lasts for 2 hours in total and sometimes you can see kickass sunsets!

Option 2: Make Your Own Claddagh Ring

Why settle for buying a Claddagh Ring in Ireland when you can craft your own?

This is hands down one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets, and I’m genuinely surprised more people don’t know about it!

Silver Works offer evening workshops, with step-by-step instructions on how to create your very own Claddagh Ring from scratch.

Not only is this an unforgettable experience, but you’ll walk away with a one-of-a-kind Claddagh Ring—handcrafted by you, in Ireland. How many people can say that?

If you’re after something unique, hands-on, and completely brag-worthy to do in Dublin, this is it. But spots are limited, so book your place now before they’re gone!

Dublin 2 Day Itinerary Map & Suggested Time Table

Weekend in Dublin: Things to do at night

The Cobblestone Pub: If you are looking to have an authentic Irish Music experience then make you way to the Cobblestone in Smithfield. It's a family run pub, which invites musicians to come in and join on a Trad session. The ‘acts' are not prearranged or hired to preform. It's the way Trad music is meant to be. Which makes it really unique compared to other places in the city.

Temple Bar is the typical spot where tourists go to hear some traditional Irish music with a modern twist. And while the area is rather overpriced it is one of the only places in Dublin to get a stereotypical ‘Irish Experience’.

Across the street from Temple Bar is Dame Lane you will also find some traditional tunes being played here. It's slightly cheaper, only slightly though. You may even find a local or two dancing about.

Dawson Street is the place to go for a nice chill place to have a few drinks with the possibility of having a little boogie as the night progresses.

If you are looking to dance the night away and party to the early hours of the morning then Harcourt Street is the spot for you. The street is home to popular nightclubs such as Coppers, Dicey's and Krystal.

Local Tip: Coppers can get a little crazy, especially in the later hours.

If you are looking for a bit more of a sweet drink, check out Pygmalion or Capitol Lounge.

Not Mad on Drinking?

If drinking isn’t your scene, why not consider going to see a comedy gig in Vicar Street. Or, visit one of Dublin’s best-hidden gems, the Stella Cinema, a vintage cinema complex that transports you back in time.

Also, don’t rule out Temple Bar or Dame Lane. It is still possible to enjoy traditional Irish music without feeling the need to have an alcoholic beverage.

Dublin for a Weekend: Day 2

On our 2nd day in Dublin, we are going to explore some of the remaining top attractions in Dublin before heading on a day trip to Howth.

Stop 1: Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Goal played a major role in Ireland's fight for independence and is certainly a must-see attraction when visiting Dublin.

Kilmainham was used to house some of Ireland's most famous figures during the Irish Civil War, the Anglo Irish War, and 1916 rising. The jail was patrolled by British troops and saw the execution of my political Irish leaders.

However, the range of crimes the prisoners committed varied deeply with some being sentenced for the likes of robbing a loaf of bread. Whereas, others were on trial for murder.

Kilmainham Gaol closed its doors as a prison back in 1924 and now serves as an interactive museum for people to learn about Ireland's troubled past.

Opening Times: The Gaol is open from 9.30am to 6pm

Duration: I recommend 1 hour and a half to explore Kilmainham Gaol.

Price: This AWESOME experience will set you back €8 and is totally worth the money!

Local Tip: Kilmainham Jail is an extremely popular attraction, tickets go on sale 28 days in advance and often sell out. However, cancelled tickets are released each morning between 9:15am-9:30am.

Stop 2: Christchurch, St. Patrick Catedral & Dublin Castle

When you're finished in Kilmainham Gaol, hop on the 69 or 79 bus towards Christchurch.

Have a stroll by 3 beautiful landmarks, Christchurch, St. Patrick Catedral and Dublin Castle.

While all buildings offer tours, I recommend admiring them from the outskirts as there is still plenty more to do in Dublin.

Both Christchurch and St. Patricks Cathedral are two medieval churches in Dublin. The exterior of both buildings is truly beautiful.

As far as Irish Castles go, Dublin castle is very un-castle like (on the outside that is). Nonetheless, the non-castle looking exterior doesn’t take away from the significance Dublin castle has on the cities history. Even to this day, the building is still used for both government and public events.

Local Tip: If you are looking to visit a hidden gem consider visiting Marsh's Library, the oldest library in the country located around the back of St. Patricks Catedral (Closed on Sundays & Mondays).

Afternoon Option 1: The Jeanie Johnstone & Epic Museum

If you plan to continue exploring what the city has to offer then I highly recommend visiting the EPIC Museum.

The experience has won awards for bringing Ireland’s emigration history to life in a clever and engaging way.

One of my favourite parts is how interactive it is—each visitor gets a passport to stamp their way through the experience, making it not just educational but also a fun keepsake from your time in Dublin.

Just a few minutes away, you’ll find the Jeanie Johnston, another must-visit attraction. They even offer a combined ticket for those who want to experience both.

This replica tall ship sits on the banks of the River Liffey, representing the vessel that carried Irish emigrants from Co. Kerry to Quebec, Canada, during the famine. The guided tour takes you aboard, immersing you in the gripping stories of those who made the journey in search of a better life.

Whereas, EPIC, lets you step back in time through an interactive journey, shedding light on the struggles and resilience of those who left Ireland’s shores.

Both attractions offer an eye-opening look into Ireland’s past—perfect for history lovers or anyone looking for a deeper connection to Irish heritage.

Afternoon Option 2: Howth

If you are looking to escape the city for a while then consider taking a trip out to the seaside town of Howth. It takes no more than 40 minutes to get there from Dublin by using the DART, making it a quick and easy escape.

Or Alternatively, for those who prefer a more relaxed and guided experience, there is a hop-on hop-off bus tour that runs from the city.

Before you begin to explore the stunning coastal area, head over to Póg for some delicious food! Or, Beshoff Bros for some famous fish and chips.

After you have set yourself up with some delicious food, you won't be short of things to do. Take some time to stroll along the pier or admire the coastal views from the stunning Howth Cliff Walk, a scenic loop that starts and ends in the town.

If you’d like to experience it from a local’s perspective, consider this guided cliff walk tour—a great way to learn about the area while enjoying the scenery.

For a different angle, you can hop on a boat trip around the cliffs or set sail for Ireland’s Eye, a rugged little island just off the coast with incredible wildlife and hidden beaches.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not make the most of your day and tick off two seaside towns? This boat tour from Howth to Dun Laoghaire lets you experience both, and with the DART serving each town, getting back to Dublin is easy.

Dublin in a Weekend: Day 2 Suggested Timetable and Map

What to pack for Dublin

Packing for Dublin can be difficult due to the Irish weather being so unpredictable. That is why I have highlighted below the tops things you need to bring on your trip to Dublin. Check out my Ireland packing guide for a more detailed list.

1. Waterproof Jacket
2. A Day Bag (<- Also my favourite)
3. A Windproof Umbrella
4. Travel First Aid Kit
5. Water Bottle (The Tap Water is Drinkable)
6. Camera

When is the best time of year to visit Dublin?

If you are looking to make the most of the weather then July and August is the best time to visit. However, these are also the busiest time of the year.

June and September are off-peak months, yet, the weather is still dry for the most part and relatively warm for Irish standards. Locals joke that these are the two sunniest months of the year because it is exam season in June and the kids return to school in September.

Halloween is also a great time to visit Dublin as the holiday originated in Ireland. There are many Halloween celebrations that take place across the country.

November/December time is the best to visit for those looking to explore the Christmas Markets. The Irish love Christmas and the city is dressed up in beautiful lights.

In March we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and while it is a super busy time to visit Ireland. It is also a really fun time to visit!

Have more time in Dublin?

If you have more than 2 days to spend in Dublin then you are in luck because there are still plenty more things to do. Dublin is a great place to kick start a one week trip in Ireland. Or, if you are limited for time, you can use Dublin as a base and explore some more of the country by going on Day Trips. I have highlighted below some of the best Day Trips and Walks to enjoy while staying in Dublin.

Best Day Trips from Dublin

The Causeway Coast is the perfect place to visit on a Day Trip from Dublin. Explore the beauty of Muendem Temple, enjoy the Giants Causeway Walk and cross the daunting Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge.

Just a 50-minute drive from Dublin is the wonderful Wicklow National Park. It is common for tourists to go on a day trip to Glendalough to discover some of the best walks in Wicklow.

One of the most popular Day Trips from Dublin is none other than the iconic Cliffs of Moher. It takes 3 and a half hour to drive to a small town called Doolin in County Clare. From there you can enjoy the Cliffs of Moher Walk and visit Ireland's leading attractions for FREE. If you would like to dive a little further off the beaten path then consider checking out some more of Ireland's beautiful cliffs, like Slieve League or Kilkee.

If you are looking for a day trip that is a little bit off the beaten path then consider climbing Ireland's Stairway to Heaven. The trail grew in popularity over the years due to social media, however, not many use Dublin as a base to hike it.

Walks in Dublin

Perhaps you want to explore some more of County Dublin, then consider giving some of these beautiful walks ago.

The Hellfire Club sit on the foot of the Dublin Mountains, the trail takes 30 minutes to reach the summit and overs insane views of Dublin and beyond.

Another amazing hike with an epic view of Dublin is Ticknock. It takes around 40 minutes to reach the top, it is also an amazing place to watch the sunset!

A beautiful walk near Dublin that is easily accessible via public transport is the Bray to Greystone Cliff Walk. This one is perfect for those who want to spend the day out by the sea.

You could even spend the day taking in the beauty of Kiliney Hill.

Thanks for reading!

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