3 days in Dublin – Itinerary for first-time visitors

The city of Dublin in Ireland is steeped in history, home to castles and cathedrals, crammed with culture and buzzing with craic. Here’s how to spend an unforgettable 3 days in Dublin…

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Looking for a great city break destination? You can’t go far wrong with Dublin, one of my top choices in Europe for many reasons, not least that the city has an incredible vibe. Dublin is an excellent option for travellers of all ages and interests, plus, there’s an itinerary to suit any budget.

Three days in Dublin is the perfect length of time to enjoy the sights and soak up the culture, the cathedrals and the castles. There’s whiskey blending experiences, Book of Kells, EPIC the Irish Immigration Museum, walking tours, day trips and so much more.

You’ll also have plenty of time to explore some of the city’s many pubs and bars and enjoy the famous Dublin craic – that’s the Irish word for a fun atmosphere.

If you’re planning your first trip to Dublin, and are keen to see the city’s highlights and discover some of its lesser-known attractions, here’s everything you need to know, together with some money-saving tips for your visit.

When to visit Dublin

The best time to visit Dublin is shoulder season, between March and May or September and October. During these months, you’ll experience smaller crowds and cheaper accommodation prices, while the weather is still pleasant.

Visiting Dublin in summer can be tempting, but the city and its attractions will be incredibly busy at that time of year. The same is also true around St Patrick’s Day on 17th March, but that experience is not to be missed if you get the chance.

Getting to Dublin

It’s really easy to get to Dublin, as inexpensive flights are available from locations throughout the UK and Europe. The flight time from London is just 1 hour 25 minutes, making it the perfect destination for a few days away without too much travel time.

Many airlines fly to Dublin, and my top choices include British Airways, Ryanair and Aer Lingus. To get the best deals on flights to Dublin, you can compare cheap prices with the Skyscanner flight comparison site.

Another alternative is to take the ferry to Ireland, which is a relaxing way to travel. Stena Line and Irish Ferries both sail into Dublin from the UK, and the crossing from Holyhead only takes around 2 to 3 hours.

How to get to the city centre from Dublin airport

Once you arrive at Dublin Airport, there are a few options for getting into the city centre.

The Airport Express Airlink Bus leaves Dublin Airport every 10 minutes, with two routes that travel through the Dublin Tunnel to different areas of the city centre. A single ticket costs €9 for adults, and you can leave the bus at various stops along the route.

Aircoach offers another shuttle transfer service which operates 24 hours a day from the airport and only drops passengers off at O’Connell Street in the heart of the city. An adult single ticket costs €7.

If you’re travelling in a larger group, a private transfer could be a cheaper travel option.

Or, if you want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, you could consider taking a taxi or Uber. A standard fare is around €25-40 into the city centre. Fares are based on distance and are metred.

Looking to include Dublin as part of a visit to Ireland? Check out this 7 day Ireland itinerary for families.

How to get around Dublin

Once you’re in Dublin city centre, getting around the city is easy because it’s so compact.

You can travel between most attractions by foot or take a hop-on hop-off (HOHO) bus. There are a few of these to choose from, including the Do Dublin Bus and the Big Bus Open-Top Tours.

If you buy a Dublin Go City Pass the price includes a one-day hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket. This is a great thing to do in Dublin at the start of your visit as it’ll give you a good orientation of the city, or you could use it to visit attractions a little further out of the city centre, like the Guinness Storehouse – more on that later!

Taxis, Uber and bike hire are also good options for getting around Dublin.

How to save money in Dublin

The Dublin Go City Pass is one of the best ways to save money when you visit Dublin. It will give you free entry to over 35 attractions, including some of the top landmarks, tours and sightseeing listed below in our Dublin itinerary.

Buying the Dublin Pass will definitely be worth it if you intend to pack in a lot of attractions during your visit. It will also allow you visit some attractions that you might not originally have considered, because the price is included in your pass. If you’re unsure whether buying a Dublin Go City Pass will be worthwhile, you can check the cost of each individual attraction that you plan to visit against the overall cost of the pass before you buy.

Another way to save money is by staying in a self-catering apartment. This allows you to prepare your own meals, which helps you stretch your budget further. While you’ll want to enjoy some meals in one or two of Dublin’s many great restaurants, you can save a fair amount of your Dublin budget by preparing breakfast and lunch in your apartment each day.

Finally, if you can, I’d recommend walking around the city as much as possible and avoiding using taxis on your trip. Dublin is a compact city, and you’ll experience much more of its lively atmosphere if you travel on foot.

But if the weather’s pants (this is Ireland, after all), you could take advantage of the one-day hop-on hop-off bus included in the Dublin Go City Pass.

>>> Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Check hotel rates and availability 

Where to stay in Dublin for 3 days

St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street are perfect locations for enjoying the city. They are less than 20 minutes walk from Temple Bar and around 15 minutes from Trinity College. Hotels in Temple Bar will be the priciest, so if you don’t mind walking a little further, you’ll save some euros.

When looking for somewhere to stay in Dublin, it’s worth considering renting an apartment. It’s a great way to get more bang for your buck, especially for larger families or groups of friends. Apartments are usually cheaper than a hotel and give you more space to relax after a busy day exploring Dublin.

>>> Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Check hotel rates and availability 

3 days in Dublin itinerary

So that’s the practical stuff done, now onto my Dublin itinerary and how to have the best time in the city. Of course, this itinerary can be tweaked to fit your personal travel preferences.

Days one and two include some of the most popular Dublin attractions, and I’ve set out this itinerary with the shortest walking routes to help you make the best of your time.

If you have a little extra time, day three will take you to some of the lesser-known things to do, and there are also ideas to explore further afield with day trips from Dublin. These can be handy if your flight home isn’t until the evening.

Dublin itinerary – day 1

Trinity College, the Old Library and the Book of Kells

If you do just one thing in Dublin, make it a visit to Trinity College. Trinity College is an academic institution regarded as the finest university in Ireland. It’s lovely to wander through the courtyards filled with statues of famous Irish citizens, but the main highlights are the Long Room in the Old Library and the Book of Kells.

The main chamber of the Old Library is known as the Long Room because it is over 200 ft long. This has to be one of the most iconic sights in Dublin, and for literary lovers, this could be the highlight of your three days in Dublin.

The Old Library dates from the eighteenth century and is home to over 200,000 books displayed over two floors. Since 2004, an ongoing conservation project has seen all the books gradually removed and checked for signs of ageing and damage.

The Library is also home to one folio from the Book of Kells, a highly decorated 9th-century copy of the four gospels that is Ireland’s most significant cultural artefact. Visitors travel from around the globe to see the most famous medieval manuscript in the world.

Some of the Long Room’s other treasures include one of the few remaining copies of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic and a 15th-century harp which is the model for Ireland’s emblem.

Book a guided tour for fast-track access to see the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle.

Entry to both the Book of Kells and the Long Room are included in the same ticket. You can buy tickets directly from the Trinity College Dublin website or in person when you visit; however, I don’t advise this as you’ll waste at least 45 minutes queueing. Alternatively, take a walking tour which includes fast-track access to the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle.

>>> Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Check hotel rates and availability 

Coffee and cake at Bewley’s

After Trinity College, it’s just a few minutes stroll to Grafton Street, one of the most famous streets in Dublin. It’s popular for shopping, dining and watching buskers and street entertainers, but we’re here for coffee and cake at Bewley’s.

Think Art Deco stained glass panels, dark mahogany furniture, lush parlour palms and the most decadent of pastries. Bewley’s is a Dublin institution with excellent coffee, fabulous pastries and a wonderful ambience.

Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip

If you’d rather see the city while you scoff your tea and cake, afternoon tea on board a vintage bus is a unique Dublin sightseeing experience.

Enjoy a delicious spread of sandwiches, cakes and, of course, a cup of Irish tea as you listen to 1950s jazz on board a beautifully restored vintage double-decker bus.

The tour lasts around 75 minutes, departing several times daily, and options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are available.

Book here Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip

St Stephen’s Green and a clutch of museums

Continue on to St. Stephen’s Green, a lovely public park in Dublin city centre, and maybe spend a couple of hours at one of the free art and history museums nearby. Your options include the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland, which has two separate buildings, one for Archaeology and the Natural History Museum.

Behind the National Gallery, you’ll find Merrion Square, where you can see Oscar Wilde’s statue and his house. Alternatively, enjoy The Little Museum of Dublin, which shares the story of this incredible capital city. Entrance costs from €13, and it’s included in your Dublin Go City Pass.

For lunch, head to St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, where you can buy a picnic to enjoy in the park. The park is perfect for strolling around, and you’ll see various fountains, plants and plaques commemorating historical events.

>>> Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Check hotel rates and availability 

The Molly Malone Statue

After lunch, head back towards the city, passing sweet Molly Malone’s statue. The fictional Dublin resident, the subject of one of Ireland’s best-known traditional songs, tends to move her pitch around.

When we visited, she’d wheeled her wheelbarrow of ‘cockles and mussels alive, alive oh’ over to the tourist information office on Suffolk Street.

According to the song, ‘she died of a fever, and no one could save her’. Looking at her polished bronze breasts, it would appear many have tried…

>>> Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Check hotel rates and availability 

The Irish Whiskey Museum

After paying your respects to Molly, head to the nearby Irish Whiskey Museum, which offers guided tours and interactive tastings. You’ll learn about the history of Irish Whiskey and the Irish name for it – uisce beatha. Note that Irish whiskey is spelt with an ‘e’, unlike Scottish whisky.

Discover how the tradition of the ‘wake’ came about, the different distillation methods, and how they affect the flavour. Of course, whiskey tastings are available, and a visit to the Irish Whiskey Museum is a fascinating and fun way to learn about Irish whiskey.

>>> Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Check hotel rates and availability 

Sunset over the River Liffey and the Ha’Penny Bridge

Spend a few moments this evening watching the sunset over the River Liffey. The river flows right through the heart of the city, and time spent enjoying views of Dublin as the sun slips below the horizon is time well spent.

You’ll get great views from many of the bridges across the River Liffey, but the most picturesque and probably the most famous is the Ha’Penny Bridge. This cast iron pedestrian bridge was built in 1816 and offers fabulous city views.

Temple Bar

I’d recommend taking a quick look around Temple Bar before dinner today, as it can get a lot busier later in the evening. There’s also a fair bit of street art in the area, which is good to see before it gets too dark. This installation by SUBSET highlights climate change and focuses on the use of microplastics.

If you are looking to enjoy a special dinner tonight, book a reservation at Cleaver East in the Clarence Hotel. The restaurant offers the best Irish cuisine made from local ingredients with an Asian twist. A three-course meal comes in at around €50 plus drinks, and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.

Cleaver East, 6-8 East Essex Street, Dublin

For the rest of the evening, it’s time to enjoy the pubs, bars and buskers in Temple Bar, of which there are plenty. Regardless of when you visit, the pubs here are always busy, and you’ll be guaranteed a fun night out in the city. Enjoy the craic on what has hopefully been a fabulous start to your 3 days in Dublin.

>>> Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Check hotel rates and availability 

Dublin itinerary – day 2

Dublin Castle and the Medieval Quarter

Day two of your Dublin itinerary starts in the Medieval Quarter at Dublin Castle, which dates back to 1204 and was the seat of British power in Ireland until 1922. Nowadays, it houses government staterooms and two museums – the Garda (Irish Police) Museum and the Revenue Museum. The castle also houses the James Connolly Room.

Visitors can see the excavations of the Viking and medieval areas of the castle, the Gothic Chapel Royal and the State Apartments. Within the castle grounds, you’ll see the Dubh Linn (black pool) gardens, which are close to the location of the original ‘black pool’ that the city is named after.

You can buy a ticket for either a self-guided visit to the castle or a guided tour. The self-guided tour is free for Dublin Go City Pass holders, or you can upgrade to a guided tour for a special rate.

Check the official website before your visit, as occasionally, the castle is closed for private events. Nearby you’ll find the Chester Beatty Library museum, which is included in the Dublin City Pass.

>>> Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Check hotel rates and availability 

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is just a five-minute walk from Dublin Castle and is one of the city’s must-see attractions. The Cathedral dates back to 1028 and is the older of Dublin’s two medieval cathedrals. The other is St Patrick’s, which we’ll visit later.

Explore the crypt – the largest cathedral crypt in Ireland – which contains several monuments, a silver collection and a mummified cat and rat, which were discovered in an organ pipe. In the beautiful nave and main building, you’ll find the cathedral organ, Musician’s Corner, various tombs and medieval floor tiles.

You can visit Christ Church Cathedral as part of a self-guided tour or by guided tour for an additional fee. Guided tours are available but you’ll need to check on the website for current tour times and pricing.

If you’re not museum’d out by now, head over to nearby Dublinia, which is connected to Christ Church Cathedral by a walkway. This fascinating historical recreation museum highlights Dublin’s Viking and Medieval history, and the self-guided tour is included in the Dublin Pass.

Finish off your morning exploring Dublin’s old city walls, parts of which date back to the 13th century.

You can purchase tickets in advance here.

>>> Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Check hotel rates and availability 

St Patrick’s Cathedral

It’s unusual to find more than one cathedral in a city, but Dublin is an exception to the rule. It actually has two cathedrals plus an acting cathedral! So if you want to visit another cathedral, start your afternoon by visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral which is Ireland’s largest cathedral.

It’s thought that Saint Patrick baptised people from a well on the site over 1500 years ago, and there are records of a wooden church on this site since the year 890. St Patrick’s was first raised to cathedral status in 1191, and work on the stone cathedral was started between 1191 and 1270.

Jonathon Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels and once dean of the cathedral, is buried inside St Patrick’s, and its impressive stained glass window and interior are well worth checking out.

They can be seen on a self-guided visit from €9 for an adult ticket, and an audio guide is available for an additional fee. Book here for St Patrick’s Cathedral

Teeling Distillery

Near St Patrick’s Cathedral, you’ll find the Teeling Distillery. Experience the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of a fully operational distillery on a fully-guided tour followed by a tasting of the award-winning Teeling whiskey range.

Book here – Teeling Distillery tour and tasting

The Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse

Finally, finish the day’s sightseeing at one of Dublin’s most visited attractions, the enormous seven-storey Guinness Storehouse. It’s located next to the St James’s Gate Brewery, where Guinness has been brewed since 1759.

Book a tour which includes a self-guided tour where you’ll learn about how Guinness is made, the company’s founder and the history of the brand’s advertising. Your visit is rounded off with a pint of the black stuff, of which 720 million litres a year are produced at the flagship St James’s Gate Brewery.

You can spend as much time as you want in the museum but be sure to end your visit at the seventh-floor Gravity Bar, with its fabulous views over Dublin.

Here you’ll enjoy the freshest pint of Guinness you’ll ever lay your hands on with a stunning Dublin backdrop. Even if you’re not keen on Guinness, it’s a must-do on your Dublin itinerary.

As this is one of the most popular attractions in Dublin, I recommend that you buy your tickets online. This saves you money compared to buying tickets on-site and includes a pint of Guinness or a soft drink.

Free entry and access to the fast track queue are also included in the Dublin Go City Pass (but not the pint!)

I’d recommend using the hop-on hop-off bus to get to and from the Guinness Storehouse, as the walk from either of the cathedrals takes around 20 minutes. If you buy the Dublin Pass, you might want to save your free one-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket for today!

After another busy day of sightseeing, head for dinner at the lively Hairy Lemon cafe bar, where the Commitments movie was filmed. You’ll enjoy delicious food while listening to traditional Irish music and slick Irish banter from the friendly staff. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are all available.

After another busy day of sightseeing head for dinner at the lively Hairy Lemon cafe bar. You’ll enjoy delicious food while listening to traditional Irish music and slick Irish banter from the friendly staff. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.

>>> Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Check hotel rates and availability  

Dublin Itinerary – Day 3

The Jeanie Johnston tall ship

Today is the final day of your fabulous 3 days in Dublin. Before you head home, make sure you take in some attractions north of the river.

First, take a walk along the Liffey to the Jeanie Johnsto tall ship. En route, you’ll pass the impressive Customs House and the Famine Memorial, and a little further past the ship is the Samuel Beckett Bridge, one of Dublin’s modern architectural sights.

A visit to the Jeanie Johnston gives you a glimpse into Ireland’s Great Famine between 1845 and 1852. An estimated one million people died during the famine, and more than a million left for a new life in America, Canada or Australia. Some, like my own ancestors, travelled to Liverpool, England. I have family roots in Dublin, so I found this part of our visit fascinating.

The Jeanie Johnston was a three-masted sailing ship built in Quebec, Canada, in 1847. If you’re wondering why she looks in such good condition, this is a replica of the original famine ship.

The Jeanie Johnston sailed 16 voyages to North America, carrying emigrants from Ireland to their new lives. Unlike most famine ships, not a single person died on board any of her voyages, and a visit to the Jeanie Johnston will give you an idea of what life on board would have been like for the emigrants and crew.

The ship houses an interesting museum which you can explore on a 50-minute guided tour. Tours run throughout the day, so check times before you visit. Your visit to the Jeannie Johnston is included in the Dublin Go City Pass or costs €14 for adults and €8.50 for under 12s. You can also buy a combined ticket with the EPIC Emigration Centre, saving you €5 per person

The EPIC Emigration Museum

Across the road from the Jeannie Johnston, you’ll find EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. An estimated 10 million Irish people have emigrated since the 1700s, and EPIC explores the reasons and stories behind Irish emigration.

Follow an interactive pathway through the museum encountering personal accounts of the journeys taken and new lives begun all around the world.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch at one of the food stalls in EPIC, where you’ll find a wide variety of offerings.

And that brings to a close this epic 3-day Dublin itinerary. I hope my Dublin guide and itinerary have given you an idea of how much you can do with 72 hours in Dublin.

Of course, this itinerary can be adjusted or extended to fit the length of your stay, and you can add other attractions that take your fancy during your visit. See below for some ideas – there are plenty of options.

Dublin Walking Tours

Themed walking tours are a great way to discover more about a place through your own personal interests and learn from a local guide.

• This 3.5-hour Dublin food tour will give you a flavour of Dublin by sampling many of the city’s famous dishes and drinks
• This 3-hour Irish literary walking tour will introduce you to Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Samuel Beckett among others
• This 2-hour walking tour will introduce you to the highlights of the city plus a few hidden corners – a good overview of the city
• On this 2-hour evening walking tour you’ll see the spooky side of what is reputed to be one of the world’s most haunted cities.

>>> Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Check hotel rates and availability 

Day Trips from Dublin

If you have more time to spend  then you might want to consider these day trips from Dublin.

This Dublin to Giant’s Causeway and Titanic exhibition full-day trip will take you on a visit to the Titanic Experience, Giant’s Causeway and the Game of Thrones filming location of Dark Hedges. Or you could take a train or coach to Belfast for the day and explore the city.

Enjoy a Galway and Cliffs of Moher Day Trip taking in lively Galway on Ireland’s west coast and the stunning Cliffs of Moher.

A Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour will take you to Northern Ireland’s beautiful and dramatic coastline. as you journey to the Giant’s Causeway from Dublin. Your tour will take in locations like the Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle, and you’ll also have some time to spend in Belfast.

On this Glendalough, Wicklow, & Kilkenny Full-Day Trip you’ll travel south to Kilkenny, then pass through some of the beautiful countryside in the Wicklow Mountains, making your way towards Glendalough.

Ready to plan your trip to Dublin?

• To get the best deals on flights, compare cheap prices with Skyscanner flight comparison site
• Book your airport transfers with Welcome Transfers
• Find the perfect place to stay on Booking.com
• Compare prices for your car hire
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• Explore your destination through local experiences
• If you think you need a visa check with iVisa
• Plan your trip with maps and guide books
• I use a Wise account multi-currency debit card. Easy to top up, low fees and better exchange rates.
• If you’re travelling long-haul the Trtl travel pillow will help you get some decent in-flight sleep.
• And, finally, please don’t forget to protect you and your trip with travel insurance. I’m very happy with my Heymondo travel insurance and The Travelbunny readers get a 5% discount with Heymondo.

Tips for visiting Dublin

Dublin is an incredible city to visit at any time of the year. Here are a few of my top tips to save you time and money on your visit:

• Use the hop-on hop-off bus with your Dublin Go City Pass to take you to further away attractions, such as the Guinness Storehouse.
• Get the Dublin Pass for a day or two of your trip, and you’ll be able to enjoy a hassle-free trip with 35 attractions included in the price. It’s worth working out if it’ll save you money beforehand, but if you’re planning to visit several attractions, then it’ll be worthwhile.
• Prepare yourself for the weather in Dublin, which can get quite chilly at night in the shoulder season. It’s worth packing a light rain jacket at any time of year, and you’ll need a warm coat for winter and early spring.
• To save money, consider purchasing breakfast and lunch from a local supermarket, and if you are staying in an apartment, prepare meals in your kitchen.

Dublin and Galway over on the west coast, are fabulous European cities and both make for a brilliant city break.

As you can see, there’s heaps to see and do in Dublin, and you could spend far more than three days here. It’s the perfect destination for visitors of all ages and on all budgets.

Whenever you choose to go, I hope you’ll love Dublin and everything it has to offer.

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