The Ultimate 2 Day Dublin Itinerary
Whether you are looking for the perfect Dublin itinerary for a quick city break or hoping to start out your Ireland road trip on the right foot, you have come to the right place! The capital of the Emerald Isle has so much to offer in terms of culture, food and drink, historic sites and architecture, and with this Dublin itinerary, you’ll be able to catch all the highlights.
While one could easily spend more than just two days exploring Dublin, I was visiting as part of a larger Ireland trip and managed to squeeze in many of the city’s highlights in just two days! I’ve put together this 2 day Dublin itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
Dublin Itinerary
This itinerary was created with efficiency in mind! You’ll notice that I planned out two different routes, one for each day, to try and avoid backtracking. Fortunately Dublin is extremely walkable, so you probably won’t have to worry about navigating public transit unless you visit some of the city’s further away museums.
As always, feel free to adjust this itinerary to your liking! Let’s dive in!
Dublin Itinerary Day 1:
Dublin Castle
What better way to kick off your Dublin itinerary than with a visit to Dublin Castle? This was the first of many castles I visited in Ireland during my two-week adventure, and a visit here is an excellent way to learn more about the history of Ireland and Dublin. Plus, it isn’t every day you get to visit a castle in the middle of a city! I recommend joining one of the guided tours that are offered so you can learn more about the castle and visit the State Apartments. In addition to these beautiful rooms, you’ll have access to the castle’s Viking ruins and the stunning Chapel Royal. Be sure to book your tickets/tour in advance on the Dublin Castle website, as they do sell out during peak season.
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity) is just a 5-minute walk from Dublin Castle and is the next stop of the day. The church is one of the oldest and most easily recognized buildings in Dublin. Visitors not only gain access to the beautiful Gothic interior but also can visit a Medieval Crypt below the church. Keep an eye out in the crypt for the mummified cat and rat! Hours, information, and tickets can be found here.
If you have extra time, the Cathedral is located next door to the popular Dublinia, a museum dedicated to Dublin’s Viking and medieval history.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Your next stop of the day is another cathedral and iconic Dublin landmark, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and legend has it that this saint banished the snakes from Ireland. Today, shamrocks are associated with Saint Patrick, as we see each year on Saint Patrick’s Day. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is well worth a visit, famous namesake aside. The cathedral dates back to 1191 and is the largest church in all of Ireland. The spire is 141 feet (43 meters) tall, which also makes Saint Patrick’s Cathedral the tallest in Ireland. Tickets to enter are €8.00 (€7.50) if you book online. Be sure to double-check prices and hours on the official website before visiting!
Lunch at the Hairy Lemon
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite exploring the cathedrals and castles of Dublin, it’s time for lunch! When in Dublin, you simply must go to a pub for a pint and a meal. My family happened upon the Hairy Lemon by chance, only to discover it is quite a local favorite. Travel extraordinaire Rick Steves even recommends it in his guidebook! The food is typical Irish pub fare, and the atmosphere is excellent. There is also live music during the evenings if you decide to head back later during your stay. An excellent choice for your first meal in Dublin!
Guinness Storehouse
I don’t know about you, but when I think Ireland, I think Guinness! A Dublin itinerary truly wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. You’ll find the iconic St. James’s Gate Brewery a bit further from some of the city’s main tourist attractions, so be prepared for a little walk. The 7-story building is shaped like a pint glass and is less a storehouse than a complete experience.
You’ll learn all about the production and history behind Ireland’s most popular beer, have the opportunity to pour a proper pint at the Guinness Academy, and get incredible views of Dublin from the 360° Gravity Bar, just to name a few of the attractions within! Beer lover or not, you’re bound to spend several hours perusing the exhibits and experiences that the Guinness Storehouse has to offer. I recommend allowing 2-3 hours for the full experience so you aren’t rushed.
Note: You’ll want to book your tickets and time slot in advance on the Guinness Storehouse website, as times do sometimes sell out. Tickets range in price based on peak hours and demand, and booking online will help you save and avoid lines.
Kilmainham Gaol
Depending on how much time you spent in the Guinness Storehouse (and how much beer you consumed within ;)), you may or may not have time to visit Kilmainham Gaol. This former prison-turned-museum is about 20 minutes away from the Storehouse, putting you even further from the city center. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit, but I wish we had been able to squeeze a visit into our busy Dublin itinerary . Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned and even executed by the British here, making the museum an important piece of Irish history. You’ll find hours and information here.
The Brazen Head
End your day with a visit to the oldest pub in Dublin, The Brazen Head. The Brazen Head opened in 1198 and serves traditional pub food along with live music in the evenings. While it can be quite crowded with other tourists, the fun atmosphere is great for grabbing a pint or two before turning in for the night.
Dublin Itinerary Day 2:
Molly Malone Statue
Your Dublin itinerary continues today as you pass by the famous Molly Malone Statue while en route to your first stop of the day. The statue depicts a 17th-century fishmonger, who is the star of a popular folk song.
Trinity College Library & Book of Kells
The historic Trinity College is a beautiful campus on its own, but the Trinity College Library and Book of Kells, in particular, make this Dublin institution worth visiting. Take a tour of the college, or simply head straight to the library to see the famous Long Room and marvel at the Book of Kells.
The Long Room is the stuff of every book lover’s dreams, and the chance to see the Book of Kells (a famous 9th century illuminated manuscript and international treasure) in person is truly incredible. As a lover of both books and art history, visiting was a dream come true! Hours, prices, and information are listed here. If you’d like to avoid lines, consider buying your ticket in advance.
Ha’penny Bridge
This 19th century cast iron bridge is the perfect place to snap some lovely photos of Dublin and to take a stroll along the River Liffey. The bridge got its nickname, Ha’penny Bridge, from a toll that was once charged to those wishing to pass. While not quite a tourist attraction on its own, it is a fun stop on your way to the next stop of the day…
Lunch at The Temple Bar
Temple Bar is a lively Dublin neighborhood famous for its cobblestone streets, pubs and restaurants, vibrant atmosphere, and bustling pedestrian walkways. This area is a great place to stop for lunch and a pint. Be sure to grab a photo and stop by The Temple Bar, an iconic and instantly recognizable pub located in the heart of the district. While there may be a few too many tourists here to stop and eat, there are many great options in the area.
St. Stephen’s Green
This 22-acre public park is the perfect place to stop for a stroll or even a picnic if the weather is suitable! You’ll find a lake, sculptures, and even a waterfall in this Victorian-era park. If it is raining or parks aren’t your thing, consider heading indoors to one of Dublin’s many museums!
Jameson Distillery
I actually had a visit planned to a different distillery during my Ireland trip, but if you are a whiskey lover, you won’t want to miss paying a visit to the Jameson Distillery! This famous Irish whiskey producer actually has two distilleries open to visitors in Ireland, one is in Dublin, and the other is in Midleton, Cork.
Important to note: The location in Dublin is the original Jameson facility, and the whiskey was produced here up until the 1970s. You can book your tickets in advance here. If you would prefer to visit the location where Jameson is produced today, then you will want to pay a visit to the Midleton location.
If you have more time in Dublin…
Consider adding the following sites and museums to your Dublin itinerary:
- National Gallery of Ireland
- National Museum of Ireland
- National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland
- The Little Museum of Dublin
- Irish Museum of Modern Art
- Dublinia
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
There you have it, the ultimate 2 day Dublin itinerary! What is a must on your Dublin bucket list? Leave me a comment below!
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