Dublin, Ireland's vibrant capital, is a city of rich history, literary giants, and legendary hospitality. Whether you're drawn by its historic buildings, cultural treasures, or famous pub culture, 48 hours in Dublin offers plenty of time to experience the city's unique charm and character.
As a compact city with most attractions within walking distance of each other, Dublin is ideal for a weekend break. This guide will help you make the most of your time in this friendly and fascinating city.
Day 1: Historic Dublin and Cultural Treasures
Morning: Trinity College and Temple Bar
Begin your Dublin adventure at Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university, founded in 1592. The campus is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, with beautiful Georgian buildings and cobbled squares.
The main attraction here is the Book of Kells, a stunning illuminated manuscript created by Celtic monks around 800 AD. After viewing this masterpiece, make sure to visit the breathtaking Long Room library above, which houses 200,000 of Trinity's oldest books in a magnificent barrel-vaulted hall.
From Trinity, take a short walk to the lively Temple Bar district. While known for its nightlife, Temple Bar is also home to cultural institutions, vintage shops, and art galleries. The cobbled streets and colorful buildings make for great photos, and if you're hungry, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from for lunch.
Afternoon: Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral
After lunch, head to Dublin Castle, which has played a pivotal role in Irish history since its foundation in 1204. Take a guided tour to learn about Ireland's complex past and see the magnificent State Apartments, Medieval Undercroft, and Chapel Royal.
A short walk from the castle brings you to Christ Church Cathedral, founded in 1030 and one of Dublin's oldest buildings. The cathedral's medieval crypt is the largest in Britain or Ireland and contains fascinating historical artifacts. The cathedral also houses Strongbow's tomb and the heart of St. Laurence O'Toole, Dublin's patron saint.
Evening: Traditional Irish Dinner and Music
For dinner, experience traditional Irish cuisine at The Boxty House in Temple Bar, which specializes in boxty—a traditional Irish potato pancake served with various fillings. Alternatively, The Winding Stair near the Ha'penny Bridge offers modern Irish cooking with great views of the River Liffey.
After dinner, immerse yourself in traditional Irish music at O'Donoghue's Pub on Merrion Row, where the famous folk group The Dubliners used to play regularly. For a more formal musical experience, check if there's a performance at the National Concert Hall.
Day 2: Literary Dublin and Local Experiences
Morning: Literary Dublin
Begin your second day with a visit to the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) on St. Stephen's Green. Housed in the historic Newman House, MoLI celebrates Ireland's literary heritage through immersive exhibitions and rare artifacts, including James Joyce's "Ulysses" notebooks.
From MoLI, take a stroll through St. Stephen's Green, a beautiful Victorian park in the heart of the city. If you're interested in more literary history, join a Dublin Literary Pub Crawl that brings to life the city's rich literary heritage through performances and stories in historic pubs frequented by James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, and others.
Afternoon: Guinness Storehouse or Irish Whiskey Museum
No visit to Dublin would be complete without exploring Ireland's famous beverages. Choose between the Guinness Storehouse at St. James's Gate Brewery or the Irish Whiskey Museum near Trinity College.
The Guinness Storehouse is a seven-story experience telling the history of Ireland's famous dark beer, culminating with a complimentary pint in the Gravity Bar with 360-degree views of Dublin. The Irish Whiskey Museum offers an interactive guided tour through the history of Irish whiskey, with tasting sessions for different whiskey varieties.
Evening: Georgian Dublin and Dining
Spend your last evening exploring Georgian Dublin. Take a walk down Merrion Square to admire the elegant townhouses with their distinctive colorful doors, and visit the Little Museum of Dublin on St. Stephen's Green if time allows—it tells the story of 20th-century Dublin through donated artifacts and memorabilia.
For your final dinner, treat yourself to a meal at Chapter One, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary Irish cuisine in the basement of the Dublin Writers Museum. For something more casual but equally delicious, try Delahunt on Camden Street, housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building.
End your Dublin weekend with a drink at The Long Hall on George's Street, one of Dublin's most beautiful traditional pubs with ornate Victorian decor, or catch some live music at Whelan's, a famous venue that has hosted many renowned Irish and international acts.
Practical Tips for Your Dublin Weekend
- Getting Around: Dublin is a walkable city, but you can also use the LUAS tram system or Dublin Bus. The Leap Card is a convenient way to pay for public transport.
- Dublin Pass: Consider purchasing a Dublin Pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions, as it includes free entry to over 30 attractions and a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
- Weather: Be prepared for changeable weather, even in summer. A light raincoat is always a good idea.
- Reservations: Book popular attractions like the Book of Kells and Guinness Storehouse in advance to avoid long queues.
- Sunday Opening: Note that many shops don't open until 12 pm on Sundays, but museums and attractions generally open earlier.
Beyond the City: Day Trip Options
If you decide to extend your stay, Dublin makes an excellent base for day trips. Consider visiting:
- Howth: A picturesque fishing village just 30 minutes from Dublin by train, offering cliff walks and fresh seafood.
- Malahide: Home to the magnificent Malahide Castle and beautiful gardens.
- Glendalough: An ancient monastic settlement in the Wicklow Mountains with stunning scenery.
Dublin's blend of history, culture, and warm hospitality makes it a perfect weekend destination. From ancient manuscripts to literary pubs, from castle halls to cozy cafés, the city offers experiences that will leave you with lasting memories—and likely planning your return visit.