How to Spend 2 Days in Dublin, Ireland: The Perfect Itinerary

Dublin is a city I know well. Having lived there for two months during a college internship, it holds a lot of memories for me. But returning this summer was different—(this time, I wasn’t a broke college student). I had more freedom to truly experience the city in ways I hadn’t been able to before. With my husband by my side, visiting Dublin became both a trip down memory lane and a fresh adventure. While our main focus was exploring Ireland’s wild, beautiful countryside, we carved out roughly 36 hours to rediscover Dublin’s rich history, literary legacy, and, yes, its vibrant pub culture.

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and only have a short time in Dublin, this guide will help you make the most of your visit. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re revisiting like I was, here’s how to soak up the essence of Dublin in just a day and a half.

Things to Know Before You Go

Before jumping into the itinerary, here are a few tips to help you navigate Dublin with ease:

Currency: Dublin uses the Euro (€). You’ll find most places accept cards (make sure it has a chip!), but it’s always a good idea to carry a little cash for smaller purchases or tips.
Language: English is spoken everywhere, but you’ll spot Irish (Gaelic) on street signs. While it’s not necessary to know the language, it’s fun to pick up a few phrases!
Weather: Dublin weather is famously unpredictable. Layer up and bring a light rain jacket, even if the forecast looks clear.
Tipping: A 10-15% tip in restaurants is appreciated, but check if service is included in your bill before adding extra.
Transportation: The city is very walkable, and this itinerary takes advantage of that. However, taxis are also widely available, and there’s an app frequently used by taxi drivers in Dublin that makes it easy to request a ride (you might want to check for apps like Free Now). It’s a convenient option if you prefer not to walk or need a ride late at night.

Hotel Recommendations in Dublin

As a travel advisor and planner, I’ve built valuable partnerships with some of the best hotels in Dublin, combining my personal experiences in the city with trusted collaborations that offer exclusive perks. Whether you’re booking on your own or looking to elevate your stay with VIP perks, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help make your trip even more special!

The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection: This luxurious, historic hotel sits at St. Stephen’s Green, offering refined elegance. My Booking Perks: $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, and upgrades/late check-out when available.
The Westbury, Dublin: A 5-star gem near Grafton Street, perfect for luxury. My Booking Perks: $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, and upgrades/late check-out when available.
College Green Hotel, Autograph Collection: Modern with historical charm near Trinity College. My Booking Perks: $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, a welcome amenity, and upgrades/late check-out when available.
Hyatt Centric, The Liberties: Trendy hotel in The Liberties district, ideal for exploring. My Booking Perks: hotel credit, daily breakfast, VIP welcome and amenity, and upgrades/late check-out when available.
The Wilder Townhouse: Boutique luxury just outside the city center. My Booking Perks: $50–$100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and upgrades/late check-out when available.

Day 1: Arriving in Dublin and Exploring the City’s Highlights

If you’re flying into Dublin from the U.S., you’ll most likely land in the morning, giving you plenty of time to start exploring. We were supposed to arrive around 10 a.m., but due to a flight delay from Dallas, we didn’t make it to our hotel until lunchtime. After checking into our hotel in the city centre, we took a short walk to Darkey Kelly’s for quick lunch. It’s one of those pubs that isn’t too touristy, with a great atmosphere and excellent Irish fare. Of course, my husband had his first-ever pint of Guinness here, which was an exciting moment to watch.

After lunch, we strolled over to Christ Church Cathedral, which is just a short walk away. The medieval architecture is breathtaking, and right next door is Dublinia, a museum focusing on Viking and medieval Dublin that I hear is a hit for younger kids, though we didn’t visit it.

From there, we continued on to Dublin Castle. If you have time, it’s worth a stop, though it’s not a traditional fairy-tale castle. It’s more focused on Ireland’s political history, especially during British rule.

Next up was St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland. The cathedral’s architecture is stunning, and don’t miss the beautiful gardens outside, which are perfect for a peaceful stroll. After exploring the cathedral, we walked to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery in the Liberties area, although you could easily take a taxi if you prefer.

The Liberties is an up-and-coming part of Dublin, and the distillery itself is a fantastic experience. Unlike the Jameson Distillery, where whiskey is no longer produced on-site, Teeling still makes its whiskey right there. The tour dives into the rich history of Irish whiskey, and the “Phoenix from the ashes” story of Teeling’s resurgence is really inspiring. Plus, it’s a family-run business, and you get to learn about the two brothers behind it all.

For dinner, we headed to The Church, a 17th-century church-turned-restaurant. The setting is unique, and the food was excellent—definitely a memorable meal. Afterward, we wrapped up the night with the Literary Pub Crawl, which was more than just pub hopping. It blended literary history, folklore, and city sightseeing, with stops at Trinity College and other iconic spots. The guides were absolutely hilarious and really brought Dublin’s literary heritage to life. If you’re into books or history, this is a must-do. Just note that the tour is longer than we expected—around two hours—so plan accordingly and make sure to eat before you start!

Day 2: Delving Into Dublin's Revolutionary Past and Cultural Treasures

We started our second day bright and early with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol, one of Dublin’s most important historical sites. The guided tour of this former prison offered a moving insight into Ireland’s struggle for independence, especially during the 1916 Easter Rising. Planning ahead was crucial—this is one of Dublin’s most in-demand tours. Tickets go on sale 28 days in advance at midnight Dublin time, and they sell out within minutes, so we made sure to set alarms on our phones to snag them as soon as they were available.

After the Kilmainham Gaol tour, our original plan was to head straight to the Guinness Storehouse by taxi. But our taxi driver had a better idea—he suggested taking a stroll through the peaceful IMMA Gardens, a spot known mostly to locals. We took his advice, and it was the perfect break from the city’s buzz. We were the only ones there, and it felt serene—like a hidden oasis in Dublin. If you have time, this walk is a great way to reflect and enjoy a quieter side of the city. That said, if you’re pressed for time, taking a taxi to the Storehouse is a solid option too.

At the Guinness Storehouse, we booked the standard experience, which is a great way to learn about the history and production of Ireland’s iconic stout. This was our second time visiting, and it was just as fascinating as the first. The interactive exhibits are not only fun but also insightful, showing how much pride the Irish have in Guinness and the care that goes into its agricultural production. And of course, the Gravity Bar is a must for its panoramic views of the city.

For lunch, we opted for another scenic stroll before indulging in some Irish pub grub. The walk wasn’t too bad and took us through some of Dublin’s more touristy areas, like the Temple Bar district. It was a fun way to see the city before arriving at O’Neill’s, a pub located right by the Molly Malone statue. O’Neill’s is in the heart of the city center, making it convenient, and while it’s popular with tourists, it didn’t feel overly so. The traditional Irish food was some of the best we had in Dublin, and we thought the prices were pretty fair too.

Next, we made our way to Trinity College, one of the most iconic spots in Dublin. If you have the time, I’d highly recommend visiting the Book of Kells and the Long Room. However, even if you’re short on time, the campus itself is still worth a stroll. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. Just a quick note: the Long Room is currently undergoing improvements, and many of the books have been removed for preservation. The restoration is expected to be completed by 2025, so keep that in mind if you’re planning a visit.

We then made our way to the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, a treasure trove of Ireland’s ancient history. The museum offers fascinating exhibits on everything from Bronze Age artifacts to Viking treasures, and it’s completely free to visit. Of all the National Museums of Ireland, I’d say this is the best one and absolutely worth your time. It’s located next to Leinster House (the Irish Parliament), which makes the area especially meaningful for me since I did my college internship here!

Afterward, we took a short stroll over to St. Stephen’s Green. This historic park has been a peaceful retreat in Dublin for centuries, offering a lovely escape after a day of walking and touring. With its beautiful gardens and quiet paths, it’s the perfect place to unwind. You’ll also be right next to St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, so it’s a convenient spot to stop if you’re in the mood for a little shopping.

As the evening neared, we made our way to the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum, located along the River Liffey. This replica of a 19th-century famine ship offers a powerful insight into the harrowing journeys many Irish people took as they emigrated during the famine years. The ship is affiliated with the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, a museum I didn’t have time to revisit on this trip but highly recommend if you want to dive deeper into Ireland’s emigration story.

I visited EPIC several years ago, and it remains one of my top recommendations, especially for those who aren’t as familiar with Ireland’s global impact. It’s one of the best interactive museums I’ve ever experienced, offering an emotional and fascinating look at how Irish emigrants shaped the world, particularly in the United States. The exhibits bring the stories to life in a way that leaves a lasting impression. If you have time, I can’t recommend it enough.

As our time in Dublin came to a close, we took a leisurely walk along the River Liffey, crossed the iconic Ha’penny Bridge, and made our way to the GPO (General Post Office) Museum on O’Connell Street. This building holds deep historical significance as the headquarters of the 1916 Easter Rising, a key moment in Ireland’s fight for independence.

If you have the time, I’d recommend visiting the museum’s exhibit, which dives into the history of the rebellion through fascinating displays and artifacts. However, even if you’re pressed for time, it’s still worth stopping by just to admire the building from the outside. You can even spot the bullet holes in the columns, a haunting reminder of the fighting that took place there during the uprising.

To end our day on a high note, we indulged in a delicious steak dinner at F.X. Buckley. We wanted to splurge on at least one meal in each city we visited, and in Dublin, we chose F.X. Buckley. As Texans who love steak, this was something my husband especially wanted to try. I’d had Irish beef during my college days and wasn’t too impressed, but this time was different. The steaks were perfectly cooked and seasoned, and we were blown away by the sides and the warm hospitality. We went to the location near Temple Bar—a small, intimate spot where reservations are definitely a must. Highly recommend this place for anyone craving a great steak dinner in Dublin!

Wrapping Up the Perfect Two Day Itinerary

Our time in Dublin was an unforgettable mix of history, culture, and personal connections. Whether you’re indulging in your first pint of Guinness, walking through centuries-old cathedrals, or immersing yourself in the city’s literary heritage, Dublin has something special to offer. My biggest tip is to plan ahead, especially for popular tours like Kilmainham Gaol or booking at top restaurants.

Stay tuned for more Dublin and Ireland-specific content, where I’ll share even more insider tips, hidden gems, and recommendations for your perfect Irish adventure. Sláinte!