2 Days in Dublin - The Best Way to Tackle Dublin in 2 Days!
If you’ve only got two days in Dublin and you want to make the most of your time in Ireland’s capital, then this article has you covered. Sights, pubs, landmarks and more.
Believe it or not, my very first trip to Europe was to Dublin, Ireland in 2006.
I was a bright-eyed, bushy tailed 16 year old who was looking forward to finally checking “travelling to Europe” off my bucket-list. Of course, looking back, I hadn’t actually waited all that long to check that off my list, but you must understand that, at that age, patience was not a virtue I was all too familiar with.
That trip to Dublin unequivocally changed my life, and it’s ensured that Dublin (along with so many other incredible cities in Ireland) has forever held a place in my heart.
I’ve gone back time and time again, including to check out one of the newer Dublin tourist attractions, the EPIC Museum (The Irish Emigration Museum), which piqued my interest due to my family’s Irish heritage.
Each time I go to Dublin, I glean new knowledge, and so I thought it was high time I shared some of that knowledge, don’t you think? It seems shockingly overdue, especially since I’ve worked with Fáilte Ireland/Tourism Ireland on multiple occasions.
I was actually first in Dublin all those years ago to take a course at Trinity College in order to get myself an extra high school credit (an experience that inspired me to study abroad later on in Oslo, Norway). I fell in love with the campus, and with each and every Irish author we studied.
In total, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Dublin, so much so that it’s become something of a European second home for me, but I’ve had readers reach out again and again about how to spend a weekend in Dublin, or how to make the most of a quick visit, and so I figured I’d start there.
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Where to Stay if You’re in Dublin For The Weekend (Or a Couple of Days)
The River Liffy, at sunset.
So, firstly, it’s worth noting that Dublin is a very walkable city from a European travel perspective, but it’s important to be situated in the right place
Dublin is basically cut in two by the River Liffey (which is lovely, by the way) into North and South Dublin respectively.
O’Connell Street is widely considered to be the main street in the city, and if you’re staying on or near O‘Connell anywhere near the River Liffey, you’re in good shape. When in doubt, look at how far away your accommodation would be from The General Post Office, as that’s nice and central. Anywhere near there on the north side, and you’re fine.
South of the River Liffey, being near Trinity College or Grafton Street is a good idea if you’re interested in quickly seeing Dublin’s sights, as well as enjoying its bar and restaurant scene.
Dublin isn’t a big city at all, especially when considering other European capitals.
If you’re only in Dublin for the weekend, then you’d probably wanted to be located in one of these three areas.
Temple Bar & Trinity (especially if you like nightlife)
The Docklands
near O’ Connell Street
Merrion Square or Fitzwilliam Square
The Davenport Hotel
As it was my birthday when we landed on our most recent visit, Bri and I booked into The Historic Davenport Hotel.
Located in the vibrant heart of Georgian Dublin, The Davenport stands as an emblem of luxurious accommodation, and exudes old world charm.
This exceptional hotel effortlessly combines its historical charm with what today's guests expect, which is always nice to see. We could feel the history, but we could also appreciate the comfort.
Within the hotel, you can also appreciate some premium dining experiences, notably at the 1863 Lounge, and where we had a fantastic meal. The breakfast here (and the service) was also above and beyond.
In terms of rooms, every room here is going to be elegant or lavish in some regard. You’ve King Koil bedding, opulent marble-clad bathrooms with rainforest walk-in showers, Smart TVs equipped with Chromecast connectivity, and complimentary access to Dublin's swiftest hotel WiFi. Oh, and access to a 24 hour fitness centre.
You can check on availability if that sounds up your alley here.
What Should You Prioritize If You’ve Only Got 2 Days in Dublin?
You may not want to cover everything I list here, but if you’re an ambitious traveller like myself, then it’s worth considering all you could do, and then seeing what works. Whether you’re in Dublin for a one or two day itinerary or longer, there are some incredible sites to be seen on this list.
It’s also worth looking into purchasing a Dublin Pass, which offers you unlimited entry to over 40 sites in Dublin during your trip. If you plan on heading to several places on this list, most of them are included in the Dublin Pass.
Make Time to Stroll Around (and Explore) Trinity College
The one and only Trinity College Library
Of course, I’m biased in that I took a course here back in high school, but the grounds are something special. Furthermore, I’m a firm believer that you should never start the exploration of a city indoors.
So, it’s worth starting with a walk to Trinity from wherever you’re staying. Trinity College is also right in the Dublin city center, so when you’re finished here, you’re in a good position to wander.
It’s as magnificent as you’d expect, and the true selling feature for me was the fact that some of Trinity’s graduates include the likes of Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, Samuel Beckett and more.
There are two things you need to see here - The Trinity College Library and The Book of Kells.
In the main courtyard, you’ll see signs, as well as an entrance to see both. First, you’ll go through a museum which will contextualize the importance of the Book of Kells (it’s Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure), and, if I’m not mistaken, you end up in the library after looking through the exhibits.
The Book of Kells, in short, is an ornate, illuminated manuscript gospel book, which contains the four gospels of the new testament. It’s impossibly beautiful.
The Trinity College Library is a book lover’s dream. It is a very old library which was established along with the university in 1592, and it looks like it hasn’t changed much. If I found out in the afterlife that this was indeed heaven, I’d be utterly content.
That being said, when I was last in Dublin, they had removed some of the books from the shelves in order to do some restoration, so check out their website to see what stage they’re at with that process.
Stroll Down Grafton Street
Grafton Street is usually busy and great for tapping into the vibe of Dublin.
You’ll likely exit Trinity onto College Green. On your left, you’ll see Grafton Street, which is one of the two main shopping streets in Dublin (the other being Henry), and likely the city’s most famous.
Walking down Grafton isn’t going to be the highlight of your weekend in Dublin (or 2 days in Dublin if you’re there during the week), but you might as well set eyes on it.
At its core, it’s an expensive shopping street, but you certainly don’t have to buy anything. The reason I’d recommend walking down it is because it’s a pedestrian only boulevard and much of the time, it’s filled with mostly entertaining buskers, or, if not, some good people watching.
Walk south on Grafton until you get to St. Stephen’s Green.
Spend a Relaxing Moment in St. Stephen’s Green
You’ll see Bri here with Hannah Carnegie from Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours, while we were on our “Best of Dublin - Highlights and Hidden Corners” Tour. An excellent tour, by the way.
Anyway, in my humble opinion, this is the public park not to miss in Dublin.
It’s the largest park in central Dublin, and it’s a fairly ideal spot to get a view of what some of the perks of living in Dublin might be. Dubliners young and old come here to walk, visit the playground, or simply view some of the statues and busts throughout.
Every time I’m in Dublin (and I’ve been 6 times now, I believe) I make a point of putting in my headphones, listening to some music, and walking around to take everything in. It’s not a place you want to be rushing around, so do your best to find some serenity at St. Stephen’s Green.
It’s not quite Central Park, but it’s as pleasant as can be.
If you love parks, nearby Merrion Square is worth stopping by as well, if only to see the Oscar Wilde Statue (at least for literature lovers like myself).
Get a Bite/Pint at an Irish Pub
Enjoying at pint at Grogan’s, our favourite little spot in Dublin for a pint.
Whether you drink alcohol or not, effectively tackling Dublin in 2 days is going to require some time spent in the pub. I personally always tell myself that each Guinness is a cultural experience, and thus justified.
Honestly though, Irish pubs are marvellous. Good food, beer served the right way, and a lively atmosphere usually replete with loud live music.
To keep it easy, I’d recommend exiting St. Stephen’s Green on the north side of the park onto Merrion Row. There are a number of decent spots there to get a bite to eat.
In particular, I like O’Donaghue’s Bar, as it’s got a lengthy history, and they have all the fix-ins off a good Irish pub. I’d recommend the fish & chips and a pint off Guinness. Original, right?
Foley’s Bar, just down the street from O’ Donaghues on Merrion Row, is also a good bet. Look for the bright blue exterior, and once inside, get your hands on their Beef & Guinness Pie. Their Atlantic Seafood Chowder on Guinness Bread is also delicious.
My personal favourite pint of Guinness in the city, though, is at Grogan’s, located a stone’s throw from Grafton Street. This is typically the first pint that I’ll have when I arrive in the city (based a good friend’s recommendation who is from here). They also do easy sandwiches/toasties to accompany your pint. This is a nice place to go to be surrounded by locals, not tourists.
Visit the EPIC Museum (The Irish Emigration Museum)
This is about a 15-20 minute walk from where you had lunch, but like most walks in Dublin, it’s going to be pleasant. Follow the street “Westland Row” straight down to the water, cross the River Liffey, and you’re at the EPIC Museum.
My family actually originally came from Ireland (a not uncommon Canadian tale), so a visit to the EPIC Museum was remarkably fascinating for me. If I’m not mistaken, it’s my dad’s side of the family that hales from Wexford, and my mom’s side that was based in County Armagh in Northern Ireland.
Either way, my full name is Christopher James Darby Mitchell, so there’s a just a touch of Irish in it, as may be obvious.
Travel writers can get caught in the trap of making proclamations that a particular site could only be in a certain location and nowhere else. In the case of the EPIC museum, that holds true. In short, it covers the history of Irish diaspora and their mass emigration to other nations.
Even if you’ve only got two days in Dublin, I think you need to find a way to fit this in there.
Reflect at Dublin’s Famine Memorial
The Famine Memorial is just outside the EPIC Museum on Customs House Quays, and it features a group of life-sized statues essentially clinging onto dear life due to starvation. It was unveiled in 1997, and it’s a striking reminder of the devastation of the Irish famine.
Interestingly enough, ten years later similar statues were built in my hometown of Toronto (in Ireland Park). They’re meant to complete the cycle of the emigrants leaving Ireland for a new life.
For those who don’t know, the Great Famine that took place in the middle of the 19th century cut the Irish population in half by either death or emigration.
It’s nearly inconceivable to consider how that affected the Irish nation at large, but visiting the EPIC Museum does provide some important context.
Catch a Show at the Abbey Theatre
I remember being just 16 when I attended a showing of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest at the Abbey Theatre. I wish I could go back in time and tell my fidgety teenage self to relish the experience a little more! Certainly, the Chris of nowadays would kill for an experience like that.
The Abbey Theatre was founded by none other than William Butler Yeats - a fact which an English Literature major like me can’t help but be in awe of.
The Abbey Theatre is as renowned as they come in the city of Dublin and the nation of Ireland. I’d venture to say that whatever they’re showing is worth watching, and I believe their nightly showing is at 7:30pm most of the time.
You can decide whether you would want to eat before or after the performance at the Abbey, but if you’re looking for a special meal, Chapter One is about a ten minute walk from the theatre and has a Michelin Star. If you’re looking for something that’s also about a ten minute walk away, but a little more dressed down (but still upscale and decidedly date-worthy) then consider Lemon & Duke.
If not, there’s quick on-the-go fast food choices around the Abbey as well - particularly on O’Connell Street Lower.
Walk Up O’Connell Street
O’ Connell Street - with the Post Office & Spire in view.
I’ve tried to plan this with the idea that what was above is something you perhaps aimed to cover on day one, and so begins your day 2.
Well, not far from where you ended your night last night (assuming you didn’t go out for pints after the show, which is a big if) is where you’ll start today.
Start at the bottom of the street at the O’Connell Monument. The monument pays respect to Daniel O’Connell, who many would say is the father of modern Ireland, and is known as “The Liberator,” for his role as an Irish nationalist.
As you walk up the road, you’ll see the General Post Office. Take a moment to notice the bullet holes that you can still see in the exterior as a result of the 1916 Easter Rising.
If you don’t know what I’m referring to when I mention the Easter Rising, I’d strongly recommend popping into the compact GPO Museum, which is a quick interactive Dublin attraction that aims to shed some light on what the Easter Rising was all about.
Walk further up the street towards The Spire, a sculpture that Dubliners seems to love or hate, with not much in-between. Regardless, as a visitor, it’s worth glancing upon.
If you’ve got the time, and you’re a lover of words like myself, you may want to walk further north to the Dublin Writers Museum.
Visit Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is not on everyone’s Dublin itinerary, and especially not if you’re trying to tackle Dublin in a weekend, but I think that’s a mistake.
Even if you’ve just got a couple of days, I think you need to fit in a visit. But, in this case, you’ll likely want to catch a cab, as it’s a fair distance and a little out of the Dublin core. That being said, on our most recent visit, we bought a Hop On Hop Off 48 our ticket with DoDublin, and all the city’s major sights are stops, including Kilmainham. We’re not usually ones for buses like this, but they did a very nice job, and it was extremely easy to use.
This jail is the site to visit if you’re interested in the struggle for Irish Independence and the 1916 Easter Rising.
Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison that now essentially serves as a monument to Irish oppression and struggle. It was here that the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were shot, and you can walk into the very courtyard where it happened.
If I remember correctly from my tour there, this prison, or at least the East Wing, was also at the forefront of the new prison design called the “panopticon.” It was basically a design that allowed for an intensive, disciplinary system of control where the guard was placed strategically so they could see everyone at once, and all the time.
I believe there was also a strict silence policy, which, you might gather, would be my personal nightmare.
If you’re ready for a bite after your visit to Kilmainham, you can get some lunch at BRÚ House Kilmainham, a microbrewery with an affordable upscale pub style menu.
Dive Into the World of Irish Beer & Irish Whiskey
Freshly poured pints at the Guinness Storehouse!
I’m cognizant of the fact that, especially nowadays, travellers aren’t always looking to be drinkers, but in the case of Dublin, I do think you can put forth the argument that it’s borderline culturally vital to the enjoyment of the city.
I’m going to recommend a handful of places where you can not only do some drinking, but also some learning, with the emphasis placed more strongly on the latter.
Some of these Irish Breweries & Distilleries are closer to Kilmainham if you’re departing from there but, again, it’s Dublin, so nothing is too far away. How you construct your itinerary will likely depend on your preferences.
Guinness Storehouse: I’ve done this a few times, and nowadays it’s a full on immersive experience that ends on their rooftop bar - with some of the finest views in Dublin, I might add. If you’re a beer lover, I don’t see how you can’t try to fit this one in. We did the full tour on our most recent visit, and it’s incredible how much they’ve added to (and modernized) the experience. It’s like something out of Willy Wonka at this point, and the upstairs bar can be crowded, but my goodness it the pint ever good.
Jameson Distillery Bow St.: Last I checked, this was one of the top 5 destinations on TripAdvisor in Dublin, so they must be doing something right. It is as it sounds - an Irish whiskey tourist attraction in the original spot that Jameson was brewed.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery: Teeling is the new kid on the block, and the first new whiskey distillery to open in Ireland’s capital in over a century. I don’t think it’d be a bad move to fit this into your Dublin itinerary.
Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery: This isn’t all that far from Kilmainham, so could be a good spot to visit right after, and even walk to if you’re feeling like stretching your legs. What I like about their tour is that it’s focused on their whiskey, but also on the neighbourhood where they’re based called “The Liberties.”
Finally, if you want to put a bow on the whole experience in central Dublin, there’s the Irish Whiskey Museum. They offer guided tours on the illustrious history of Irish history, as well as offering some interactive tastings.
If you’re tight on time (which you might be if you’re only in Dublin for the weekend/spending 2 days in Dublin), then I’d consider going to the Guinness Storehouse, then straight to the Irish Whiskey Museum so I could check both boxes in terms of learning about Irish beer and Irish whiskey.
Go Out in Temple Bar
Outside The Temple Bar in Temple Bar District.
So, I’m conflicted on Temple Bar at times because it’s where I went out quite a bit when I was a much younger lad, and had an absolute blast - but it’s also where I now often avoid because it can, at times, be a bit of a tourist trap.
If I had a week in Dublin, it’s definitely not the place I’d go night after night just because of the volume of tourists, but I do think at least one night out in the Temple Bar neighbourhood during each Dublin stay is warranted.
Temple Bar, for those who don’t know, is a lively riverside neighbourhood which is famous for its pubs, live music, cobbled streets, as well as energy and eccentricity.
Here are a few spots that I’d recommend getting a beer, beverage or bite to eat:
Porterhouse Temple Bar: A microbrewery with Irish fare.
The Temple Bar: It’s touristy, yes, but it’s for a reason. They’ve got great Irish tunes, and it’s the only licensed garden in the neighbourhood.
The Palace Bar: You’ll know when you’re there when you see the bar that’s covered in flowers. You’ll find lots of quality Irish music indoors as well.
In sum, if you haven’t ever been here, I do think you should come, with camera in hand, and grab a pint somewhere (perhaps the Temple Bar, and to hear some live music), but it’s not the only place I’d go out.
Other Ideas for Activities to Add to Your Itinerary for Dublin
I travel at a pretty feverish pace, and the 2 days in Dublin I planned up above are pretty ambitious as far as I’m concerned. However, if you’ve someone managed to see everything listed, here are a few more spots that I’d recommend for you during your visit to Dublin.
Attending a hurling match was probably one of the top sports memories I’ve had abroad. For one, Croke Park is a pretty special stadium, but I also get a thrill out of celebrating a game that simply isn’t very popular elsewhere, but is beloved in this nation. I’d also consider doing the Croke Park Stadium Tour & GAA Museum.
If you’ve got the time, rent a bike and explore Phoenix Park. It’s huge, and there’s plenty to see including the Dublin Zoo, The Magazine Fort, the Papal Cross and American Ambassador’s Residence. If you find you’ve got an afternoon, it’s a nice place to explore on a bike.
While I haven’t been myself, I’ve heard wonderful things about The Little Museum of Dublin. It’s a “people’s museum” where the exhibits consist of about 5000 artifacts that have been donated or loaned from the people of Dublin. When I go back, this will be at the top of my list.
If you’re into music, you may also want to consider visiting the Irish Rock N’ Roll Museum Experience.
The stories of almost 1.5 million people are faithfully preserved at Glasnevin, Ireland’s National Cemetery, if that sounds like a reflective experience you may want to make time for.
See Christ Church Cathedral either from the exterior or inside. It’s arguably the most famous church in Dublin. It’s nearly 1000 years old, and is an impressive display of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
Visit the famous Molly Malone Statue on Grafton Street. It’s a depiction of the fish-mongering woman from the famous song “Molly Malone” (also known as "Cockles and Mussels" or "In Dublin's Fair City"), and it’s believed that rubbing her breasts will bring years of good luck.
Head to the Chester Beatty Museum. Formerly known as the Chester Beatty Library, it is viewed as one of the best museums to visit in Dublin, with collections of historic artifacts from all around the world that were once owned by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty.
Finally lovers of museums and history may want to check out the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology.
And That, My Friends, is Your Two Day Dublin Itinerary
Dubh Linh Garden (near Dublin Castle)
Dublin is a city for me that will always feel a bit like a second home. Dubliners love all the things that I do - a good book, a great beer, and barrel of laughs.
I’ve often thought that I could live in Dublin somewhere down the line, but who knows? It’s the city that’s never going to have the pomp of London or Rome, but it has heart and character, which I’ll take over pomp any day of the week.
Even someone mentioning Dublin puts an extended smile across my lips, and I hope that’s the case forever more. At this point, as I mentioned prior, I’ve visited Dublin perhaps five times, and each time I learn something new about the city and myself.
If you’re interested in learning about some great day trips you can take only a few hours from Dublin, I plan to have an article all about that ready for the website soon.
I feel lucky to walk in the footsteps of so many writers and thinkers that I respect, and then, when my feet are tired, to arrive in a nearby pub, and enjoy a beer done right in a bar that, somehow, is both dim and beaming with vibrant character.
Thank you to Tourism Ireland for hosting us as media. All opinions are our own.