Dublin is a compact, friendly capital with a rich literary history, a lively pub culture and Georgian squares. It is easy to walk across, and the people are known for their chat and humour.
It is a good city for a long weekend. The coast and the mountains are both close, so it pairs well with a day out of town.
How many days: 3
Three days covers the main sights, a day trip and plenty of evenings in pubs. Two works for a quick break.
Popular day trips go to the coastal village of Howth, the seaside town of Dalkey and the mountains of Wicklow. All are within easy reach by train, bus or tour.
What to do in Dublin
- Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells
- The university holds the illuminated Book of Kells and a magnificent old library. Book timed tickets ahead on the official site.
- Walk through St Stephen's Green
- A Victorian park in the centre with ponds, lawns and flower beds. A good place for a picnic.
- Explore Temple Bar and the old city
- The cobbled streets are busy and lively. Pubs have live music, though prices are higher in this area.
- See Kilmainham Gaol
- A former prison that played a part in Irish history. The tours are excellent, so book in advance.
- Tour the Guinness Storehouse
- A big visitor centre dedicated to the famous stout, with a bar at the top. A touristy but popular stop.
- Walk by the river Liffey
- Bridges, quays and the Ha'penny Bridge give a good sense of the city. The walk along the quays is pleasant at dusk.
- Take the coastal train to Howth
- A fishing village on a headland with cliff walks, seafood and sea views. A good half-day trip.
- Visit the National Museum of Ireland
- Several free museums cover archaeology, natural history and decorative arts. A good place to shelter from the rain.
- Walk to the Phoenix Park
- One of the largest enclosed city parks in Europe, home to wild deer and a zoo. A good break from the busy centre.
What to eat and drink
- Irish stew
- A slow-cooked dish of lamb or beef, potatoes and root vegetables. Traditional and filling.
- Seafood chowder
- A creamy soup of fish and shellfish, served with brown bread. A good lunch.
- A pint of Guinness
- Poured in two stages and left to settle. Try it in a traditional pub.
- Irish breakfast
- A cooked breakfast with sausages, rashers, eggs, black and white pudding and soda bread. Plan for a quiet morning after it.
- Irish whiskey
- Smooth and usually triple-distilled. Many pubs have a good selection.
- Soda bread and Irish butter
- Soda bread is baked fresh in many cafes and bakeries. It is excellent with local butter and smoked salmon.
Getting around
The city centre is small and walkable. Most main sights are within a short walk of each other.
Buses and trams cover the wider city, and a local rail line runs along the coast. Contactless payment is available on many routes.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available, but traffic can be heavy.
Good to know
- The weather is changeable, and rain is possible all year. Pack a waterproof and layers.
- Ireland uses the euro in the Republic. Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling.
- Live music in pubs is common in the evenings. Look for sessions of traditional Irish music, where musicians play together informally.
- Dublin is a popular destination, so book accommodation early for weekends and festivals.
- Pubs often stop serving food early in the evening, so check the kitchen times if you want dinner. Many also have no table service, so order at the bar.
- The city has many free museums and galleries, making it easier to fit in the cultural highlights without spending much.