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

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.

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 before visiting the famous ‘long room’ and the ‘book of kells’.

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.

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 4: The GPO and The Spire

The GPO short for ‘Generally Post Office’ was one of the leading buildings in the 1916 rising, the fight that evidentially grated Ireland its independence.

If you look really carefully, the bullet shot markings from the war can be seen on the building to this day.

If you like history, there is an interactive self-guided tour is offered on-site for €14.00.

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As you walk down O’Connell Street you will notice Ireland’s tallest landmark, the Spire.

The Spire was created back in 2003. Originally, the Irish did what we do best and made several comedic jokes about what was soon to become one of the city’s most known landmarks.

With that being said, I have personally grown to love the spire. It’s ideal when lost in Dublin, just knowing even with my poor navigation skills, if I walk towards the spire I will eventually end up on O’Connell Street.

Or, the fact that many years later it is still subject to Irish banter…like turning it into a giant lightsaber for the launch of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie.

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.

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 don’t the foam. Now, that’s pretty cool.

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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: Watch the sunset at the Samuel Beckett Bridge

If you don’t feel like paddling in a kayak, then I have another great option for you!

One of the best places to watch the sunset in Dublin is located right in the city centre.

The Samuel Beckett Bridge is a great spot to catch the sky changing from morning to night.

Sit along the River Liffey and watch the world go by.

Once it is nightfall, the convention centre lights turn on and reflect upon the river.

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.

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.

Stop 3: The Jeanie Johnstone & Epic Museum

The Jeanie Johnston & EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum are both located within minutes of each other. Making them the perfect 2 spots to visit in one go. They also offer a combined ticket combo for €24.50 for adults.

A replica of the Jeanie Johnston lies on the banks of the River Liffey. The tall ship was used during the famine to sail voyages between Co. Kerry and Quebec in Canada.

The tour brings visitors onboard the famous Famine ship and tell’s the story of Ireland’s past.

The Epic Irish Emigration Museum is an interactive museum that gives you the opportunity to go back in time and learn about the lives of those who lived during the famine.

Stop 4: Howth

The next stop takes us on a mini Dublin Day Trip to the beautiful seaside town, Howth.

Before you begin to explore the stunning coastal area, head over to Póg for some delicious food!

After lunch, head towards Howth Head for beautiful views of Dublin’s coastline. The Howth Head walk is one of the most beautiful cliff walks in Dublin.

Once you have finished taking in the views make your way back to the West Pier.

I’d advise taking part in the beautiful Howth cliff cruise. This tour allows you to see Howth from a whole new perspective.

They also offer sunset tours!