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Cobble-stone streets surrounding historic buildings. Cozy pubs filled with friendly Irish-accented locals. A vibrant city with lots of things to see and do. Dublin in 3 days – is it enough? Probably not, but it’s a start for anyone looking to get a taste of Ireland. Trust me, you’ll be back.
Ireland had long been on my list of places to visit. Growing up in the UK I have no idea why it took me so long to get there. Exploring outside of Dublin is very important as there’s more to the country than it’s lively capital. However, Dublin is a wonderful place for a long weekend and the perfect introduction to the welcoming country of Ireland.
Where is Dublin?
Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. It can be found along the eastern coast of Ireland, around 70-miles off mainland UK. The city itself has around 592,000 inhabitants. But including the suburbs, there are 1.2 million people in Dublin – more than a fifth of Ireland’s overall population.
From coast to coast, Dublin to Galway, is about a 3-hour drive. If you’re heading to or from Belfast in Northern Ireland, it’s only a 2-hour train ride from Dublin. All of this makes it pretty easy to get around and explore more of the island of Ireland, with Dublin as your base.
Dublin In 3 Days – Where To Stay
If you’re only in Dublin for a limited time, I would suggest being as central as you can. You’re close to the action, stumbling distance from all the amazing pubs, and you won’t have to rely on public transport.
Temple Bar is one of the main tourist centers of Dublin. There are lots of hotels in amongst the many pubs. You can see a lot of Dublin in 3 days if you’re around this area.
I stayed at the edge of Temple Bar, at The Fleet Hotel. I found it less noisy than I expected for the bustling area, but being at the edge of the district likely helped.
Portobello is also a really great area to stay I hear, although depending on where you are it might not be as walkable to the main sights.
Wherever you stay in Dublin it’s worth noting that the city is not cheap. Accommodation, even for cheap hostels and budget hotels, have high prices and are always busy. Two nights on a weekend in June cost me around €450 (~$470 USD).
A few tips for visiting Dublin
A popular place for visitors, Dublin is a great city to explore. But to make sure you make the most of it and have a good time, here are a few of my tips/recommendations from my experience there:
- SKIP THE BUS TOUR – You can see a lot of Dublin in 3 days on foot. The city is very walkable. So unless you have mobility challenges or really hate walking, nothing is too far. Most of the main sights are no more than a 15-20 minute walk from the center with the exception of things like Dublin Zoo
- BUDGET EXTRA – Dublin ain’t cheap. Accommodation aside, even dining out and entrance fees for some places can get quite pricy. Meals run around €15-20 and some popular attractions can be around €20-25 each.
- BOOK ACTIVITIES IN ADVANCE – Often booking ahead of your stay, or even online while you’re in the city, can save money. Consider off-peak times for some of the popular spots like the Guinness Storehouse or Book of Kells.
- TAKE A BUS TO THE AIRPORT – Public buses can be as cheap as under €5 and airport express buses around €8-10. You’ll get there in around 30-45 minutes, which is also how long a taxi might take. But a taxi is probably going to be over €30. Save the money, take a bus, they’re really easy to book and pick up from major Dublin hot spots.
- TIPPING ISN’T CUSTOMARY – Sure, if you have a great meal with really good service, a tip will be appreciated. But you don’t have to budget you usual 15-25% that North Americans are used to.
Dublin In 3 Days – What To Do
To really make the most of your time in this great city, you’ll want to plan ahead. Group activities together depending on where they are located. Not that anything in Dublin is really too far away. Here are a few ideas for seeing the best of Dublin in 3 days:
GUINNESS STOREHOUSE TOUR
An absolute must in my opinion. Tour the famous brewery discovering all the secrets to making the perfect pint along the way.
Go deep into the 11-step brewing process which uses only 4 ingredients. Check out popular Guinness advertising, learn the history of the Guinness family, and of course try a pint of the Black Stuff itself.
While you can visit on your own with your pre-purchased tickets, it’s also possible to take a guided Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Irish Whiskey tour, complete with skip-the-line passes.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: The tour will be quieter earlier in the day. You can spend a couple of hours here, so a 10am timeslot isn’t the worst idea, and you’ll have way less crowds.
DUBLIN CASTLE
Dublin does indeed have a castle. Dating back over 800-years, Dublin Castle is not only a historic place to visit, but it’s incredibly easy to find. Located in the heart of the city, it’s walkable from most of the major tourist sites.
Less than €10 to enter, you can also check out the courtyard areas and see a good deal of the exterior for free. Inside see exquisitely decorated staterooms and apartments and learn of the castles lengthy history.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Tickets are only available online within 14 days of visiting. Guided tours are bookable on the day at the ticket desk.
CATHEDRALS
Dublin has some beautiful cathedrals. Christ Church Cathedral dates back to the early 11th Century and has a self-guided tour option for around €10. You can buy tickets online or in person. If you prefer a guided tour, ask at the entrance about ticket options. Either way it has beautiful stained glass windows and is a stunning old cathedral.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a little younger, built towards the end of the 12th Century. It’s around the same price as Christ Church Cathedral so you might want to pick one of them to visit.
For no additional cost you can take a guided tour of St. Patricks, and I would recommend relaxing in the adjacent St. Patrick’s Park for some great shots of the outside of the cathedral.
EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum
Trying to cram a few things into your trip to Dublin in 3 days? Don’t leave without learning a little Irish history.
Immigration/emigration really interests me. Probably because of my own personal country-hopping past – I moved from the UK to Canada at the age of 28. The Irish Emigration Museum, housed in the former Customs House, is called EPIC. And it really is.
Trace the history of emigration from Ireland. The reasons why people chose to leave their homeland and what they found along the way. The museum is really well put together. Read about personal emigration stories – whether they ended in success or not. And find out just how Irish you might be.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: All visitors are given a passport at the entrance. Don’t forget to stamp it in each room, a fun way to keep kids (and big kids) engaged as you move through the museum.
FAMINE MEMORIAL
The memorial to victims of the Irish Potato Famine, or Great Famine, lies at Dublin Docks. It was here, after an arduously long 100-mile walk from central Ireland, that over 1000 people set sail to Canada in hope of a better life.
Not everyone who embarked upon the “coffin ships” reached their destination. It’s a really sad part of Irish history – which you can learn more about in the Emigration Museum (see above). But it’s on the docks where you’ll see the famine memorial statues portraying the poor people who had their crops ruined and starved during the mid-1800s.
HA’PENNY BRIDGE
Ha’penny Bridge used to cost a half penny to cross. It’s the oldest pedestrian bridge in Dublin, crossing the river Liffey around the corner from Temple Bar.
You won’t need more than a few minutes of your day to make the crossing (now without the toll). But you will get to enjoy a nice river view, especially on a sunny day. Plus, with so many ways to cross the river, why not choose a historic way at least one time.
DUBH LINN GARDEN
Around the back of Dublin Castle is the gorgeously floral, circular Dubh Linn Garden. With lots of benches to sit and enjoy the view, and a lush green grass center, the garden is a peaceful spot in the city.
At one edge of the garden you’ll find the Coach House Gallery, technically part of Dublin Castle. Here you can often visit ever-changing exhibits for free, so don’t forget to take a peek at what’s going on during your visit.
COLORFUL PUBS
Don’t worry we’ll get to the inside of Dublin’s gloriously colorful pubs very soon. But first I recommend everyone spend some time wandering around the cobbled streets admiring the lovely pubs themselves.
Fleet Street has a lot of colorful pubs, with equally colorful flowers adorning the outside. Of course, that includes the famous Temple Bar. But don’t forget to leave the main street in search of equally pretty pubs.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Take an early morning walk to really get the best views without the hordes of drunken people standing outside.
LIVE MUSIC/PUB VISIT
Speaking of drunken people, it’s time to head inside the pubs. And Dublin has a lot of them, so you’ve got your pick of the bunch. No trip to Ireland, or Dublin, is complete without an evening of live music, traditional or otherwise.
Most of the pubs in central Dublin will have live music at one time or another. Follow your ears to find one that is. Some have acoustic versions of popular chart topping hits, and others follow the more traditional music route. Either way, the atmosphere is amazing. It’ll likely end up as one of your favorite experiences when trying to get a taste of Dublin in 3 days.
Even without live music, you can’t beat a proper cozy Irish pub. Random antiques and knick-knacks on dusty shelves, hot pub food that’s usually centered around potatoes, and of course a cold beer. Guinness if you’re really embracing the Irish spirit.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Sit at the bar instead of a table. You’ll get to meet locals and tourists alike, and everyone is friendly after a beer or two. I got talking to so many people this way, which was really important to me as a solo traveler. Another option is to book a tour of the local pubs complete with live music and new friends.
BOOK OF KELLS
Almost €20 to see a book? I know what you’re thinking. But this book has some serious history. 1200 years of it to be exact. Dating back to around 800 AD, the book is a masterpiece.
The Book of Kells is a religious book, containing the four Gospels from the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). But unlike your average bible, the Book of Kells is elaborately decorated with top notch calligraphy and illustrations.
See the book, and read about its history, then proceed to the Old Library. This was a highlight for me. The Long Room is everything a book-lover dreams about when it comes to libraries. Simply stunning. In 2023 the books are undergoing conservation efforts so most, if not all, have been removed from the shelves.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Hate getting lots of people in your photos? Book the last tour of the day, and simply wait them out. That’s what I did, and made sure I was one of the last to leave. I got some incredible shots of the library with barely a soul in them. Quite the contrast from when I first entered the Long Room as part of the tour.
TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
While you’re visiting the Book of Kells, why not spend a bit more time exploring the historic Trinity College? After all it was founded by Queen Elizabeth I almost 500 years ago.
See the fantastic old buildings, the pretty gardens and the unique public art, all on display throughout the university. Why not take a campus tour while you’re there. For only €5 you download a self-guided tour through the Trinity College app.
At the very least take a walk through campus on your own – like a tour of Harvard University, you might feel smarter just being here.
KILMAINHAM GAOL
Love a bit of history? Maybe a creepy, potentially haunted, location? Kilmainham gaol could be the place for you. This now disused jail in Dublin has held some famous Irish revolutionary prisoners, as well as many who may have done nothing more than steal food as they were hungry.
A lot of the prisoners ended up on their way to Australia, but others were hanged here at the jail. The gaol is also known as a filming location for a few movies, including The Italian Job.
The gaol is by guided tour only, which to me is way better as you’ll get a deeper understanding of its past. A ticket is under €10, but you should book in advance as they sell out quite often a couple of weeks in advance even out of the summer season.
LOCAL LEGENDS
Leprechauns, banshees, and…vampires? Yes, as well as your expected local Irish legends and myths, there are a couple of surprises. The best way to learn about all the unique legends of Ireland is a walking tour of Dublin. One of my favorite ways to see a new city.
Dublin’s vampire connection comes to the King of Horror classics himself, Bram Stoker. The author of Dracula lived in Dublin, and a Bram Stoker walking tour will teach you a bit more about the man himself.
Another local legend is about Molly Malone, the character behind the well known Irish folk song Cockles and Mussels. She’s now said to haunt the streets of Dublin. There’s a statue of Molly in Dublin city center and it’s said you should rub the statue for good luck. I’ll let you guess where by looking at the photo.
VISIT IRELAND’S OLDEST PUB
Yes, we’ve already covered where to find some live music and a pint of Guinness on your 3 days in Dublin. But should you overlook Dublin’s oldest pub? Probably not. The Brazen Head has been around since 1198. Which means they’ve gone through a lot of beer in their time.
Not only is the pub very historic, but the interior is a quirky, cozy, fun place to spend an hour of two. The food isn’t bad either. I had a great time sitting at the bar, enjoying a potato-topped pie and a cold pint of beer while chatting with other travelers.
Dublin In 3 Days – Is It Enough?
Absolutely not, but it’s a start. Dublin is one of the best cities I’ve visited. There’s so much to see and do here that Dublin will leave you wanting more.
The good news is you’ll be able to see most of the main sights of Dublin in 3 days. The city is full of history, remarkable architecture, interesting stories and legends, and of course some quality alcohol. What’s not to love?
I could spend 3 days in Dublin just visiting all the pubs and listening to live music with a Guinness in hand. But that wouldn’t leave time for anything else. Instead, make sure you dive deeper into what made Dublin what it is today, and embrace the friendly Irish welcome you’ll get wherever you go.
Dublin might be expensive, so you can of course make it your base for some day trips, but I would recommend leaving the city and exploring more of Ireland for longer. For a small island, there is so much to see.
Dublin in 3 days suggested itinerary
Wondering how to put all these fun activities together? Here’s a few ideas for building your itinerary:
DAY 1
Start your morning with a stroll through the Temple Bar area of Dublin. The pubs will be closed, but it’ll be nice and quiet for you to see some of the colorful pubs that make up this vibrant part of the city. Walk to Dublin Castle, only a few minutes away.
Spend an hour or so exploring Dublin Castle, taking a good look around the courtyards and the Dubh Linn garden afterwards. If you have time, check out the art gallery in the gardens for their latest exhibit.
After finding somewhere for lunch, wander back towards the river. Cross the Ha’penny Bridge and wander along the other bank of the river. When you come to the Famine Memorial statues read a little on their history, then visit EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum, across the street. You can probably spend the rest of the afternoon learning all about some Irish history before finding some yummy local food nearby.
DAY 2
Book an early ticket for the Kilmainham Gaol, which opens around 9:30am. Take a tour around Ireland’s infamous jail, located about 20-mins by public transport from the Temple Bar district. Next, head over to another Irish institute, the Guinness Storehouse.
After a couple of hours learning all about Dublin’s most famous brewery, take a 15-minute walk towards the river for a stop at the historic Brazen Head pub.
Enjoy a hearty pub lunch and another pint of Guinness. It’s a great place to while away a rainy afternoon if you haven’t been lucky with the weather. Make it back to Temple Bar for a 5pm Mythology and Folklore Tour of Dublin and spend a couple hours walking around the lesser known streets of Dublin with a knowledgeable guide.
DAY 3
Spend the morning walking around Dublin and visiting some of its best known churches and cathedrals. Take a guided tour of the Christ Church Cathedral, followed by a walk in St. Patrick’s Park admiring another impressive cathedral.
You can’t leave Ireland without a little souvenir shopping. Find a nice spot for lunch along the way followed by some shopping along the river and around the ever-popular Temple Bar area including Grafton Street. With any luck you’ll stumble across some independent shops selling nice gifts to take home.
Walk to Trinity College. Wander around campus soaking up some knowledge, or at least some nice views, in this beautiful university. See public art and historic buildings before arriving at Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells. Book the last ticket slot of the day, and enjoy a quieter view of the Library once everyone else starts leaving.
End your Dublin in 3 days itinerary with a real Dublin experience: live music in an Irish pub. There are lots to choose from so just follow the musical sounds emanating from the many bars and pubs in the area – preferably one with a decent menu so you can also grab some much needed food. Enjoy a final pint of Guinness and sing along to the catchy tunes.
Staying for longer?
Maybe you can see the best of Dublin in 3 days, but Ireland is a different matter. Rent a car, take the train, book a bus tour. Whatever you do, make sure you get out and see some more of the Emerald Isle.
CLIFFS OF MOHER
A really popular, and worthwhile, day trip from Dublin is to the Cliffs of Moher. The beautiful dramatic coastline in the west of Ireland is famous for all the right reasons.
It’ll be a windy place to visit, but the scenery is spectacular and the birdlife aplenty. The Cliffs are free to visit, but the parking at the visitor center isn’t.
A bus tour might be the easiest way to see them, but you usually won’t get as much time to explore the coastal walks. The visitor center is well worth a look too. However you get here, make sure you’re not rushed.
GALWAY
A small and historic city on Ireland’s west coast, Galway is a gem of a place to visit. A day trip might not give you as much time as you should allow, but you can be there in about 2.5 hours. The medieval city sits on a harbour famed for its merchant past.
The town’s cobbled streets, lined with quaint shops, come to life throughout the year when over 100 different festivals occur in Irelands “Festival Capital”.
One of my main reasons for wanting to visit Galway was its history with the famous Irish Claddagh ring. The heart, hands and crown symbol has been used in jewelry making here in Galway for hundreds of years. Visit the original Thomas Dillion’s for some gifts for yourself or loved ones.
BELFAST
Take a trip to Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast. Only 2-hours from Dublin by direct train route, this industrial city has undergone a lot of regeneration.
One of the things Belfast is most famous for is its Titanic museum. Visit the shipyard where the great ship was built and learn all about its fateful journey.
As well as a beautiful city hall museum, indoor market, and cathedral, you can visit the award-winning Belfast Botanic Gardens or take a political history tour in a taxi and learn all about “The Troubles”.
GIANT’S CAUSEWAY
A little further north still is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway. It’s free to visit, but you do need to pay if you want to visit the visitor center or park in the National Trust car park.
Formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity, the Giant’s Causeway is a unique spot made up of thousands of naturally-occuring interlocking hexagonal basalt columns.
Many tours from Dublin include Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway, but you can also rent a car and drive yourself. It’ll be about 3 hours from Dublin, but is it ever worth the trip!
Final thoughts on Dublin
Ireland’s capital is a wonderful city. A true European gem. I can hardly believe it took me so long to get around to visiting. From walking down the pretty, cobble-stone streets, to sipping a pint in a lively pub I loved every minute.
Seeing everything in Dublin in 3 days is a ridiculous notion, but quite often it’s all people have. A long weekend, a short layover, or a few days on a much longer vacation. It won’t be enough, but it’ll give you a taste for a city you’ll want to return to.
What I liked most about Dublin was that it felt like a place I didn’t need to rush around. I didn’t need to check off all the main tourist sights like I often feel in cities like Paris or London.
The best way to really get to know a city is by meeting locals, something I had no trouble doing in Dublin. The city and its people will invite you in with a smile and a cheers (or sláinte if you’re feeling extra Irish), and by the end of an evening of singing along to all the live music, you’ll feel like you never want to leave.
I reckon I saw most of the tourist sights I wanted to on my visit, but I still can’t wait to return to Dublin. To me, that’s the sign of a really unique place.
Rarely have I felt as instantly at home in a new city as I did in Dublin. When you find those destinations on your travels it’s a wonderful feeling.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Seeing all of Dublin in 3 days is a tall order, what would you most want to experience here?
I love Dublin! I think it’s a grand place for solo adventures.
You’ve highlighted some of my favourite things to do when I visit. My evenings in a pub enjoying trad music are always a highlight. Guinness always tastes better in Ireland.
I’ve stayed in student’s quarters at Trinity College during summer visits: basic but affordable and the location is tops.
Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com
Went to Dublin many years ago and even though it was a nice weekend, I never really felt the appeal to go back. Your itinerary is detailed and definitely includes a few things that I would love to go and see, the Book of Kells was an activity I missed out on. The top tip to book the last tour and get an empty library is brilliant. Why is Dublin so expensive to stay? I get that this is during the summer months but still, Dublin is no London or Vienna? I hope the situation in Dublin will ease soon so the city can welcome tourists and visitors again.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
I would certainly agree with you that more than 3 days is needed to see Dublin in depth, unless you just want to see the top 5 things.
I also agree that the bus from the airport is much cheaper than a taxi and it goes right into the centre also.
Walking is also so easy here. I never took taxis anywhere and if the weather is good a stroll along some of its Georgian style streets is certainly refreshing.
There was a time when I was in Dublin 2/3 times a year for many years but sadly have not been back for a while. This post reminded me that a revisit is due
Ireland’s capital, may be small in size but punches above its weight – hard and strong. I’ve always wanted to visit Dublin and your post is making me want to do it sooner than later. I like how the city mixes heritage, humor and hedonism which can either start or end with a pint of Guinness. Also a visit to Dublin is an oppotunity to get closer to Joyce, Shaw, and Beckett’s beloved hometowns #flyingbaguette
Jan – https://flyingbaguette.com/
Yes! So many people skip over Dublin for the countryside, but there is so much to see in the city. I agree about the Guinness Storehouse – it has so much of Ireland’s history in it even if you’re not a beer lover. Great post – makes me miss Dublin.
I was very excited when I realized that the central focus of the article was Dublin. I’m very curious to get to know the city and it was great to learn that it’s possible to visit the city on foot, without the need for tourist buses!
Little did I know about the Book of Kells. It would definitely be on my list to visit, as well as the old library. What an architectural dream!
I like the tip of staying a few more days and exploring the surrounding area, namely Giants Causeway.
Excellent guide, Emma. Congratulations!
A lovely Dublin itinerary. We enjoyed a visit to Ireland and Northern Ireland a couple of years ago and loved it there. This brought back great memories of our trip. You’re right that you could easily spend more than three days in the city but you offered a great variety of things to see and do. There were a few places on your Dublin itinerary that we didn’t manage to visit – so we will bookmark those for a future trip. It was also great that you suggested a number of day trips – we visited all these locations and really enjoyed them!
Excellent guide for a Dublin getaway! Great tips on must-see spots and why Dublin will capture your heart.
I went to Dublin in 1991 and saw the highlights but would love to go back. My partner went for work recently, but I had work and could not join him… now I am slightly annoyed because it would have meant free hotel, and a cheap trip considering hotel prices are so high! Sounds more expensive than London!
oh, how fun! love the advice on etiquette and things like tipping! Would lvo to go to Dublin someday…
Dublin is one of my favourite cities in the world. I love wondering the streets and popping into a cafe for a bit to eat or one of the many pubs. I got tingles of good times reading this post.
I just love Dublin and appreciate all the info and tips! (Especially the one about The Book of Kells. 😉). Thank you!
We visited Dublin last year (it was my first time to Ireland) and I fell in love with the city! We missed a few things on your list, but I know we will go back at some point.
Colorful pubs and Guinness! Whoo hoo. Of course, I would also visit museums and other unique and historical sites. Thanks for this itinerary, which will help with the planning phase of the trip.
I’ve never been to Ireland but my daughter will be going for a school program and I see myself tagging along to explore Dublin. The city isn’t cheap for sure due to all the corporations like Google there. Thanks for your tips and I’m saving your itinerary for my trip.
Oh, su much to see and do in Dublin. I would definitely want to see the Book of Kells, the Trinity College Library and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.