The city of Dublin is a wonderful city full of history, charm, and many things to do. Dublin earned its name from the Vikings and was originally known as Blackpool. Ireland is a beautiful country with many beautiful naturally beautiful places to enjoy. I highly suggest visiting Dublin if you are a first-time traveler as well since English is easily spoken and everyone is very friendly. During my trip to Ireland, I experienced a lot and created the best 2-day itinerary in Dublin. I want to share my tips and tricks on how to spend 2 days in Dublin.
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2 Days in Dublin | What to see in 2 days
When planning a 2-day Dublin itinerary, it is important to consider what you want to see and do. This city has so much to offer and it can be difficult to fit everything in during such a short period of time. However, with careful planning, it is definitely doable. The first step is to decide what attractions you want to visit. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Dublin include the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Temple Bar district. Other great options include Christ Church Cathedral, the National Museum of Ireland, and Phoenix Park.
Once you have chosen your attractions, it is time to start planning your route. Since you only have 2 days in Dublin, it is important to make the most of your time. One way to do this is by walking as much as possible. This will allow you to see more of the city and also save money on transportation costs. If there are any attractions that are close together, try to visit them on the same day. Another thing to keep in mind is that many of Dublin’s museums are closed on Mondays.
Now, this solely depends on your jet lag and when you have arrived in Dublin city, you can always switch the 2 days in Dublin itinerary around. This will be a good basis and idea of what you can get done within a day. You can choose to do more or less to suit your needs.
RELATED: Ireland and Scotland Itinerary
When to visit Dublin
The best time to visit Dublin is June through August, however, we did visit Dublin during October and did not have any issues with rain or terrible weather. It was a bit colder with high winds, but it rained only 1 day out of the 10 days we were there. The weather is warm and pleasant during this time, and there are many events and festivals going on. However, if you don’t mind potentially wet weather, the fall season from September to November is also a great time to visit Dublin.
There is always a risk of it raining in Dublin and the rest of Ireland, so always be prepared for rainy weather. I highly suggest you pack some heavy-duty rain jackets since the winds will definitely ruin your umbrella.
Where to stay in Dublin
When looking for a place to stay in Dublin, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, decide what type of accommodation you want. Dublin has many different types of lodging options, including hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and apartments.
Another thing to consider is your budget. Dublin is not a cheap city, and accommodations can be expensive. However, there are some affordable options available if you know where to look. Finally, think about location. Dublin is a large city with many different neighborhoods. Choose a neighborhood that is close to the attractions you want to visit.
Some of the best neighborhoods for tourists include Temple Bar, Grafton Street, and Dame Street. These neighborhoods are close to many restaurants, pubs, and tourist attractions. If you’re looking for something more affordable, try the Liberties or Christ Church area. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center but still offer plenty to see and do.
Hotels
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, then Dublin’s hotels are definitely the way to go. The city has many high-end hotels that offer top-notch service and amenities. Some of the most popular hotels include the Shelbourne Hotel, The Merrion Hotel, and The Ritz-Carlton Dublin. Prices for these hotels start at around €200 per night and can go up significantly depending on the season.
Hostels
Dublin also has a large number of hostels available for budget-minded travelers. Hostels offer shared rooms as well as private rooms, and most have kitchens available for guests to use. Prices start at around €15 per night for a shared room and can go up to €50 per night for a private room. Some of the most popular hostels in Dublin include Abbey Court Hostel, Barnacles Hostel Temple Bar, and Generator Hostel Dublin.
Bed and Breakfasts
If you’re looking for a more personal experience while in Dublin, then consider staying at a bed and breakfast. B&Bs are small establishments that offer rooms with private bathrooms as well as breakfast each morning. Prices start at around €50 per night and can go up significantly depending on the size of the room and the location of the B&B. Some of the most popular B&Bs in Dublin include The Morrison Hotel & Spa, Beech Hill Country House Hotel & Spa, and Brooklodge & Macreddin Village.
Dublin is a fairly safe place to stay in so there are a lot of areas that you can stay in. A lot of people may suggest staying in the Temple Bar area so that you can be close to the action and don’t need to travel far to access everything. However, keep in mind that the Temple Bar area is the place with all the action. You may need to worry about loud noises till late in the morning. You will want to stay in the city center to be centrally located to everything.
If that isn’t your cup of tea and don’t might taking public transportation, then I suggest you stay in the Arbour Hill area with a nice Airbnb.
Hotels in Dublin
These are some of the best hotels in Dublin and are perfectly located. They are highly rated and have affordable rates.
How to Get Around Dublin in 2 Days
There are a few ways to get around for your 2 days in Dublin. Our preferred way to get around was by bus. We purchased a 7-Day LEAP Pass at SPAR inside the airport for about 40 euros. This was a great investment since we were able to use it all week long. We didn’t stay in Dublin the entire time and took several Dublin day trips, but we were based there and traveled on day trips throughout the rest of the country.
Second, there are plenty of taxis to take around the area. I suggest you download the mytaxi app and you can request taxis in advance, pay through your phone or choose to pay cash.
You can also look into purchasing the Dublin Pass if you want pre-paid and selected activities for your 2 days in Dublin.
How many days in Dublin
Well, this is always so subjective. I would say that 2 days is sufficient enough to stay in Dublin. However, you can also make Dublin your home base so that you can explore it more throughout the evening for dinner and drinks. It’s easy to grab a lot of tours out of Dublin especially if you don’t feel comfortable driving in another country. Dublin itself isn’t a very large city, but there are a lot of great restaurants and drinking spots which makes it a hot spot to spend some time in if you enjoy the nightlife. Ultimately, how many days in Dublin depends on you and your personality.
However, if you’re looking to do day trips from Dublin (which is easy to do) and explore more of Ireland, then 5-7 days might be better.
Day Trips from Dublin
Dublin is a great place to base yourself while exploring Ireland. There are plenty of day trips from Dublin that will let you see beautiful landscapes, charming villages, and historical sites. If you have more than 2 days in Dublin, you can easily take day trips to explore more of what Ireland has to offer.
These are some of the best Dublin Day Trips to take:
- Glendalough
- Howth
- Kilkenny
- The Cliffs of Moher
- Ring of Kerry
- Connemara National Park
- Belfast
Where to eat in Dublin
There are so many places to eat in Dublin and I’ve already included several in the Itinerary below. However, if those restaurants do not appeal to you, check out some of the other restaurants below. Be sure to check out the bar street where you can find a lot of these restaurants and bars. If you are traveling as a vegan, be sure to check out this vegan guide to Dublin.
Things to do in Dublin Ireland
2 Days in Dublin Itinerary – Day 1
Jameson Tour
Admission Fees
Whiskey Blending Class – €60.00
Bow St. Experience – €20.00
Cocktail Making Class – €50.00
Whiskey Tasting Experience – €30.00
Operating Hours
Wednesday 10:00am–7:00pm
Thursday 10:00am – 7:00pm
Friday 10:00am –8:00pm
Saturday 10:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday 10:00am – 7:00pm
Monday 10:00am – 7:00pm
Tuesday 10:00am – 7:00pm
The Jameson Distillery was established in 1780 by John Jameson. It is located in Dublin, Ireland, and is the producer of Jameson Irish Whiskey. The distillery is open for tours and offers whiskey tastings, blending classes, and cocktail-making classes.
If you are an Irish Whiskey fan or a fan of drinking in general, then you have to add this tour to your list. Jameson is my favorite whiskey out there and the tour is well-balanced and there are plenty to choose from. You can choose to do the basic Bow St. Experience which still includes a tasting that provides a scotch whiskey, American whiskey, and Jameson for comparison. This tour costs about 20 euros.
If you are a more established whiskey drinker, then I highly suggest you do a Whiskey Blending Class for about 60 euros which also provides you with your own bottle you personally make. These should be booked in advance as they fill up quickly. We were able to get the Bow St. Experience on the day of, but the others were full or were at later times during the day.
RELATED: 7 Best Whiskey Distilleries in the World
Lunch at the Riddler (if you choose not to do the food tour)
Irish Food Tour
Fees
€60.00 – €120.00 depending on the experience
Operating Hours
2:00 pm tours
6:00 pm tours
The Irish have a long and rich history with food. One of the most iconic Irish dishes is the beef and Guinness stew. This hearty dish is made with beef, onions, carrots, potatoes, and Guinness stout. Other popular Irish dishes include colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale), boxty (a potato pancake), and Irish soda bread.
The Irish are also known for their love of pub food. Pub food is typically simple and hearty, consisting of dishes like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash. The quintessential Irish pub food dish is potato pancake fries. These are made of shredded potatoes that are pan-fried until crispy. They are served with a variety of dipping sauces, including tartar sauce, garlic mayo, and ketchup.
Finally, the Irish are also known for their love of whiskey. In fact, Ireland is the world’s second-largest producer of whiskey after Scotland. There are many distilleries throughout Ireland that offer tours and tastings. Some of the most popular brands of Irish whiskey include Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore Dew, and Powers Gold Label.
I highly suggest you do a food tour in Dublin. Irish food is about home cooking and making sure they fill you up. The Irish are hospitable people and they want to make sure you are satisfied. The food tour is an amazing experience because you will get a taste of some traditional dishes and the creative ways they use potatoes. At the end of the tour, you will also learn how to make your own Irish Coffee! We did the €60.00 tour. This was one of my favorite things we did during our 2 days in Dublin. Book your tickets here.
Take a stroll along O’Connell Street
O’Connell Street is a street in Dublin, Ireland that runs along the north side of the River Liffey. The street is one of the busiest and most important in Dublin, and has been called “the grandest thoroughfare in Europe” and the “wide open sewer of Dublin”. The street was named after Daniel O’Connell, an important Irish political leader who fought for Catholic emancipation.
The street was originally laid out in 1794 by the Wide Streets Commission, and was one of the first streets in Dublin to be built with a grid pattern. The street saw its greatest period of growth in the mid-19th century, when it was home to many of Dublin’s most important businesses and public buildings. Today, O’Connell Street is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is home to a number of landmarks, including the General Post Office (GPO), Nelson’s Pillar, and the statue of Daniel O’Connell.
Irish Whiskey Museum
Admission Fees
Classic Tour – Adult €18 | Senior €16 | Student €16 | Child €9 | Family (2 adults & 2 children) €45 | Group (+10) €15pp
Premium Tour – Adult €22 | Senior €20 | Student €20 | Family (2 adults & 2 children) €53 | Group (+10) €19pp
Whiskey Blending Experience – Adult €28 | Senior €28 | Student €28 | Group (+10) €26pp
Operating Hours
10:00am – 6:00pm
Whiskey Blending Experience Tours – 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm daily
On to more drinking. If you didn’t get my hint that the Irish love to drink, whelp this visit continues with even more drinking. The Irish Whiskey Museum has a lot of Whiskeys to choose from and a tour to taste them all. Book your tickets here.
Drinks at Temple Bar
The Temple Bar District is a neighborhood in Dublin, Ireland that is known for its nightlife and pubs. It is located on the south bank of the River Liffey and is home to the Temple Bar Pub. The district was once a dilapidated part of the city, but it has been revitalized in recent years and is now a popular tourist destination.
Now don’t get confused with the Temple Bar Pub. The temple bar district is technically a district or neighborhood in Ireland that consists of a cobblestone road. However if you are interested in the Temple Bar Pub, it was opened in 1992 and quickly became a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The pub is decorated with artifacts from around the world and offers live music and DJs every night.
Additionally, be careful of the bars though, some of the bars throughout the night will change the price of the drink on the hour every hour. That is how they get your money and that is how they get you to move on to another pub or bar.
Dinner at Matt the Thresher
Operating Hours
Breakfast: Monday – Friday 10:00am – 11:45am
Lunch: 12:00pm – 5:00pm, Sunday 12:30pm – 5:00pm
Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:45pm, Sunday 5:00pm – 8:45pm
If you happen to still be hungry, I highly suggest you have dinner at Matt the Thresher especially if you love Seafood. This is a great place to get some local and fresh seafood from oysters to mussels to cockles and clams. I highly recommend you make time for this restaurant sometime during your trip even if you can’t do it on this day.
2 Days in Dublin – Day 2
Breakfast at Queen of Tarts
Operating Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
The Queen of Tarts is a bakery and cafe in Dublin, Ireland that specializes in homemade cakes and pastries. The cafe offers a wide variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a variety of coffee drinks. Some of the highlights on the menu include the bacon and egg sandwich, the salmon and cream cheese bagel, and the roast beef sandwich. The Queen of Tarts is a perfect spot for a quick bite to eat or for a leisurely breakfast/lunch.
Breakfast at the Queen of Tarts is absolutely delicious. You can also pick up some small bakery goods, cake, pie, coffee, and more to go. We actually did a sit-down breakfast and enjoyed a lot of delicious food. The plates are reasonably sized.
2 Days in Dublin must include Dublin Castle
Admission Fees
Adult €10
Senior (60+) €8
Student (valid student ID required) €8
Child (12-17) €4
Family (max. 2 adults & 5 children) €24
Operating Hours
9:45am – 5:45pm (last admission 5:15pm)
Dublin Castle was first built in the 12th century as a defensive fortification for the city of Dublin. The castle was expanded and renovated over the years, and it eventually became the home of the British monarchy in Ireland. The castle was occupied by British forces during the Easter Rising of 1916, and it was later used as a prison for Irish republican rebels. The castle was handed back to the Irish government in 1922, and it is now a popular tourist attraction in Dublin.
The castle was burned down in the 1600s and only a small portion of the original castle is left. The castle was then rebuilt with more of a palace-style which was added to the castle itself. At the castle, you will see tow parts that look different from the medieval style to a more recent palace style.
Purchase your tickets in advance! I highly suggest you visit Dublin Castle early so you can enjoy photos of the castle without people in them. You can take your time on the exterior but once your time for the tour starts, you will be let through all of the different rooms. This tour lasts about an hour and a half to go through the whole place. There are many rooms and places to explore. After the tour, you can then wander around on your own and revisit some of the places you may have missed or wanted better photographs of. You can’t miss this castle tour during your 2 days in Dublin.
Trinity College Library & Book of Kells
Admission Fees
€11 – 14
Operating Hours
May-Sept: Mon-Sat 8:30am – 5:00pm, Sun 09:30am – 5:00pm
Oct – April: Mon-Sat 9:30am – 5:00p,, Sun 12:00pm – 4:30pm
After your tour at Dublin Castle, head down towards Trinity College Dublin which is within walking distance from Dublin Palace. Trinity College was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. The college was originally intended to provide education for the sons of Protestant merchants and nobility in Dublin. Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland and one of the oldest universities in Europe. The college was originally located in a small building on College Green, but it has since expanded and now occupies a large campus in central Dublin.
The Trinity College Library is one of the largest and most beautiful libraries in Europe. The library is home to the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript gospel book dating from the 9th century. The Book of Kells is one of the most famous and important manuscripts in the world and it is on display at the Trinity College Library. This is one of the largest libraries around the world with an extensive collection of books dating from the 6th to 7th centuries.
I highly suggest you purchase your tickets in advance since these tickets are frequently sold out. Additionally, the long line will only make you wish you had tickets in advance. You can purchase Book of Kell tickets online and have them scanned in person at the Book of the Kells. Furthermore, if you want more of a tour, you can also purchase an audio tour for 5 euros.
If you enjoy libraries and have time, visit the Chester Beatty Library.
Lunch at Klaw
Operating Hours
Sun: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Mon-Wed: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Thu – Fri: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Sat: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Time for lunch and time for more seafood and exploring around the Temple Bar area. Klaw had an amazing chowder but the reason we chose to go here was to get some amazing oysters. Now, keep in mind that the oysters in Ireland are saltier than you may be used to if you are from the United States. Additionally, they had so many different flavors and styles that made a place worth visiting for 2 days in Dublin.
Guinness Storehouse
Admission Fees
€18.50
Operating Hours
9:30am – 7:00pm (last admission is at 5pm)
The Guinness Storehouse is a popular tourist attraction in Dublin, Ireland. The attraction is a seven-story museum dedicated to the history of Guinness beer. The museum is located in the St. James’s Gate Brewery, which has been brewing Guinness beer since 1759.
The Guinness Storehouse was opened to the public in 2000. The attraction attracts over 1 million visitors each year. The Guinness Storehouse is the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland. The Guinness Storehouse is an important and popular stop for your 2 days in Dublin.
This tour is a very long tour so be sure to spend quite a bit of time here. I think we spent about a good 2-3 hours and enjoyed a drink at the very top with a beautiful view of the city. For the storehouse, you do not need to purchase tickets in advance since there are so many areas to explore and wander in.
This is a self-guided tour experience, but the are other activities that you can experience and so much to see and do. This place is like Disneyland for adults! The experience was more than I ever expected it to be. You also receive a free pint at the end of the tour of Guinness draft and a few others. Book your tickets here.
Explore Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison located in Kilmainham, Dublin, Ireland. The prison was built in 1796 and it closed in 1924. The prison has been used as a location for filming movies such as “The Italian Job” and “Michael Collins”.
The prison was the scene of the executions of many leaders of the Easter Rising, including Patrick Pearse, James Connolly, and Joseph Plunkett. The last execution at Kilmainham Gaol was that of Kevin Barry on November 1, 1920.
The Kilmainham Gaol Museum was opened to the public in 1966. The museum is located in the former prison chapel.
Teeling Whiskey Tour is a must for your 2 days in Dublin
Admission Fees
Tasting: €15
Trinity Tasting: €20
Single Malt Tasting: €30
Operating Hours
10.00am – 5.40pm
The Teeling Distillery is a distillery located in Dublin, Ireland. The distillery was founded in 1782 by Walter Teeling. The distillery was closed in 1966, but it was reopened in 2015 by the Teeling family. The distillery is the only independently owned distillery in Dublin.
The Teeling Distillery produces a range of whiskeys, including single malt whiskey, blended whiskey, and grain whiskey. The distillery also produces Irish gin and vodka. Teeling is a newer Distillery in Ireland and the first new Distillery in 125 years.
The Irish Whiskey Business has always been through the older and established distilleries. Distilleries like Jameson and Powers partnered together when prohibition occurred in order to stay afloat.
Teeling is worth the visit because as a newer establishment I would say they are the underdogs in success. Furthermore, they bring a lot to the table and much of Ireland is excited to see what they come up with in the future. Book your tickets here.
Dublin in 2 days should include Dinner at Porterhouse Bar
Operating Hours
Mon-Wed: 11.30am – 12:00am
Thurs: 11:30am – 01:00am
Fri-Sat: 11:30am – 02:00am
Sun: 12.00pm – 12:00am
The Porterhouse Bar in Dublin was founded in 1989. The bar is a pub and restaurant located in Temple Bar, Dublin. The bar is owned by Oliver Hughes.
The Porterhouse Bar is a popular tourist attraction in Dublin. The bar is the largest pub in Ireland, with a capacity of 2,500 people. The bar has been the subject of several television documentaries, including “Porterhouse Blue”.
I suggest you get yourself a nice meal at the Porterhouse Bar. Ultimately, there are so many delicious food options here from small bites to burgers and pub food. I couldn’t decide on anything so I ended up purchasing a lot of the appetizers and small bites to share. Everything was absolutely delicious.
After Dublin, you should consider taking a Game of Thrones tour in Northern Ireland.
Other things to do in Dublin | Another Day Dublin Itinerary
- Christ Church Cathedral
- Irish Emigration Museum
- Green Shopping Centre
Day Tours in Dublin | day Dublin itinerary
If you plan to take some day trips from Dublin and a guided tour, I highly suggest you take the time to check out some of these day trips. I found Dublin to be a great location to stay at instead of moving luggage all around town. These are some of the best Dublin day trips to take. On many of the day trips, you have to meet at Molly Malone Statue.
Map of Dublin | Plan your 2 days in Dublin
FAQs about a 2 days in Dublin itinerary
Are two days enough in Dublin?
Given the number of things to do and see in Dublin, 2 days is plenty of time to get a good overview of the city. Of course, you could always spend more time if you want to explore certain areas in more depth. But 2 days is a good amount of time to see all the top tourist attractions and enjoy some Irish culture as well.
How can I spend 2 days in Dublin Ireland?
You can spend 2 days in Dublin Ireland by visiting the top tourist attractions in the city. These include Christ Church Cathedral, Irish Emigration Museum, Green Shopping Centre, and many more. You can also take a guided tour of Northern Ireland to see some of the popular Game of Thrones filming locations.
How many days in Dublin is enough?
Two days in Dublin is enough to see the top tourist attractions and enjoy some Irish culture. However, you could always spend more time if you want to explore certain areas in more depth.
What is Dublin famous for?
Dublin is most famous for its rich history and heritage. The city is home to many historical landmarks, including Christ Church Cathedral and the Irish Emigration Museum. Dublin is also a popular tourist destination for those looking to explore some of the filming locations from Game of Thrones.
Is Dublin Ireland expensive?
Dublin can be expensive depending on your budget and what you plan to do while there. There are plenty of affordable options, but there are also some high-end restaurants and hotels that can really put a dent in your wallet. Overall, Dublin is more expensive than many other European cities, but there are plenty of ways to save money if you’re savvy.
Some tips for saving money in Dublin:
- Eat at local pubs and restaurants instead of high-end establishments
- Stay in budget accommodations or Airbnbs
- Take public transportation instead of taxis or Uber
- Visit free attractions such as Christ Church Cathedral and the Irish Emigration Museum
Is Dublin a good city break?
Dublin is a great city for a short break. There are plenty of things to do and see in city, and you can easily explore all the top tourist attractions in 2 days. Dublin is also a great location to explore some of the popular Game of Thrones filming locations. The city is more expensive than many other European cities, but there are plenty of ways to save money if you’re savvy.
What is the best month to go to Ireland?
The best time to visit Ireland depends on what you want to do. If you’re interested in sightseeing and enjoying the outdoor scenery, then May through September is a good time to go. However, if you’re looking to explore the countryside and go on hikes, October through April would be a better choice. And if you’re interested in catching some of the famous Irish rain, November through February is the wettest time of year.
Is Dublin worth visiting?
Dublin is a popular tourist destination for those looking to explore some of the filming locations from Game of Thrones. The city is more expensive than many other European cities, but there are plenty of ways to save money if you’re savvy. Overall, Dublin is a great city for a short break and is worth visiting if you want to experience Irish culture and history.
Conclusion about this 2 Days in Dublin Itinerary
If you’re looking for a way to experience Irish culture and history, 2 days in Dublin is the perfect amount of time. You’ll be able to visit all the top tourist attractions, including Christ Church Cathedral and the Irish Emigration Museum. There are also plenty of affordable options for dining and accommodations. So if you’re looking for a fun-filled city break in Ireland, 2 days in Dublin is definitely worth considering.
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There you have it my 2 Days in Dublin for your perfect Dublin Itinerary. I hope you liked this post. Finally, if you enjoyed it be sure to share, pin and comment!
