2 Days in Dublin: the Ultimate Itinerary

Spending 2 days in Dublin? Let me share with you an itinerary I recently used that made sure I saw all the attractions in Dublin in a short space of time.

With planning, you can see all the must-see Dublin sights in just a few days. 

When I travel I love to learn about history, see the iconic buildings and monuments, and sample the local food and drink, I’ve made sure this Dublin itinerary does just that.

I love immersing myself in the culture of a place and there is no better place to do that than Ireland. 

My itinerary covers all the iconic places such as Dublin Castle,  Kilmainham Gaol, and the Temple Bar District. It’s a perfect of things to do for Dublin in a weekend

So are you ready? Let’s do Dublin in 2 days.

Here are some things to know if this is your first time in Ireland.

The Ultimate 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

Day One: of Your 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

Stop One: Dublin Castle

The first place I visited on my 2 days in Dublin Ireland was Dublin Castle. I love history and this place has loads of it. 

Take their guided tour I did and I learned loads and you have access to rooms that you don’t if you tour alone. You do pay for it but it’s worth it.

 I loved the little facts and interesting stories of past visitors our tour guide gave us. 

If you find yourself hungry or thirsty, there is a lovely eatery at the back of the castle with outdoor seating. The tour lasts about one hour.

Dublin Gardens is behind the castle and is a beautiful location if you want to take a few minutes. I spent about 15 minutes here just enjoying the space and it was time well spent. 

The Chester Beatty Library is located directly adjacent to the Dublin Castle and is free. It houses the collections of Sir Charles Beatty, who made his name in mining. They do have a guided tour that lasts about one hour. 

I missed out on seeing all the exquisite treasures at the Chester Beatty Library because of poor time management and was very disappointed.

You will need about 2 hours and 15 minutes at these locations so depending on what time you start your day you might want to miss one of these places and move on. 

When visiting Dublin a visit to the castle is a must.

Get Tickets Before You Go: Fast-Track Access Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour

Here are great places to grab breakfast in Dublin if you are hungry.

Stop Two: St. Patrick Cathedral

Within walking distance of Dublin Castle is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. 

I found this Gothic-inspired church beautiful and the guided tour is great, you learn about Jonathan Swift the author of Gullivers’ Travels who is buried there. 

I spent 45 minutes here and it was time well spent. Put this high on your 2 day Dublin itinerary.

Get Your Tickets In Advance: St Patrick’s Cathedral: Self-Guided Cathedral Admission

Stop Three: Trinity College, Long Room Library, and The Book of Kells

My next stop was somewhere that had been on my wish list forever and I can’t recommend it enough. I had wanted to see The Book of Kells so I took the optional tour of the college.

 If I was to do this again I would probably skip the tour and head straight to the Long Room Libary.

Don’t get me wrong the tour was great but if you are short on time there are better things to do. If you do the tour it will take about 30 minutes. 

You will need to pay to get into the Old Library but it is so worth it. I purchased the audio tour which I found an excellent guide. 

Seeing the actual two parts of the Book of Kells on display under glass was a highlight of my trip. The Book of Kells is a written manuscript of all four of the gospels in the New Testament.

The calligraphy is exquisite and the drawings of plants, animals, and people were incredible. 

The Long Room Library is the largest room of the Old Library on the Trinity College campus. It houses over 220,000 vintage books and is stunning.

I felt like I could have spent forever in there but alas I needed to move on.  You will want to allocate one hour to ninety minutes to the Old Library, which includes the Book of Kells and the Long Room Library.

A trip here is one of the things to do in Ireland. This was the highlight of my trip to Dublin.

Here are some Dublin restaurants where you can grab lunch.

Get Tickets Before You Go: Fast-Track Access Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour

Stop Four: The General Post Office

I just really wanted to see this building rather than go on a tour so that was what I did. I only spent about 15 minutes here but there are longer tours you can go on if you wish.

The General Post Office is located in the center of O’Connell St., Dublin’s main street, and is one of Ireland’s most famous buildings.

It was the main stronghold of the rebels of the 1916 Irish “Rising,” during the country’s quest for independence.

The architecture is also beautiful. If you decide to enter the museum and do a tour you will probably need about an hour.

Consider a City Walking Tour

Stop Five: Trendy Temple Bar District

I then made my way to the Temple Bar District. This area consists of a few blocks where eclectic restaurants, pubs, and galleries are jam-packed together.

It is considered the most popular tourist destination in Dublin.

I visited on an early Friday evening, and could not believe how crowded the several-block area was. It is always crowded here so be aware and prepare to wait and squeeze through the crowds.

I got a vegan gelato and did some people-watching before heading to the famous Temple Bar where I got a quick drink. It was packed in here but I loved the experience.

I spent a couple of hours here and it wasn’t enough to see everything so spend as long here as you can. This is one of the things to do in Dublin for couples.

If you want to see more of the Irish pub scene how about the Dublin: Generation Pub Crawl

Stop Six: The Ha’Penny Bridge

On the way back to my accommodation I stopped at the Ha’Penny Bridge. It is a quick walk from the Temple Bar District and is worth seeing. 

This ornate bridge is called Liffey Bridge but everyone calls it  Ha’Penny Bridge a name it got from the ½ pence charge to cross it when it opened. 

I spent about 15 minutes here taking some photographs. I then went back to my accommodation and after this day I slept like a baby. 

And so day 1 of my 2 days in Dublin solo.

If don’t want to do day one alone how about a Walking Tour of Dublin?

Day Two: Of Your 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

Stop One: Kilmainham Gaol Museum

I started the second day of my two days in Dublin with a trip to Kilmainham Gaol Museum. I decided on day two to visit locations outside of the city walls.  

Once used as a prison, Kilmainham Gaol is now a museum run by the Irish government detailing some of the most courageous and devastating events in Irish history.

This is the place where the Irish rebels accused of inciting many Irish rebellions, including the 1916 Easter Rising were held. This was also the place where they were put to death. 

The admission fee comes with a guided tour that lasts for about an hour. I found this place moving and interesting and I spent about 90 minutes here. 

Get your ticket before you go I didn’t and waited for about 20 minutes in line which was such a waste of time. 

This is one of the places to visit in Ireland.

If you want to see more of the sights take an Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip.

Stop Two: Guinness Storehouse

I am not a beer drinker, but I definitely could not resist the desire to tour the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. Again, I advise purchasing tickets in advance I learned the hard way. 

With admission, you will first receive welcome instructions from a staff member. Then you will be on your own to tour the facility. 

It is seven stories full of interesting exhibits, dedicated to the history of making the “black stuff.”

I don’t like beer and I found this interesting. I even liked the taste testing at the end. The shop is also full of Guinness-related products and perfect for gifts. 

I spent about two hours here.  This is one of the things to do in Dublin for families.

Tickets Here: Guinness Storehouse: Skip-the-Line Ticket with Free Pint

Stop Three: The Brazen Head Pub, Ireland’s Oldest Pub

Finding myself hungry I headed to The Brazen Head Pub. I loved it here it was such an authentic experience. 

It is the oldest pub in Ireland and has been operating since 1198. It’s full of history and I found all the pictures and scrolls on the walls so interesting.   

I found this place welcoming and enjoyed my time here. I stayed about an hour and had something to eat. I’m told it is even more special around Christmas time and that it is the best time to visit Dublin.

A trip to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some Irish pubs. 

Stop Four: Christchurch Cathedral 

 I do love a good church and this is the second I visited on my weekend in Dublin. On day two it’s Christchurch Cathedral (also known as The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity).

It’s a thousand years old and the medieval architect is absolutely beautiful inside and out.  There is a modest admission fee, which helps with the upkeep of the church.

You can choose a self-guided audio tour, or a guided tour, which lasts about forty-five minutes. I would suggest budgeting forty-five minutes to one hour at Christchurch Cathedral.

I did the guided tour and loved it.

Get Your Christ Church Cathedral Entrance Ticket & Self-Guided Tour

Stop Five: Molly Malone Statue and O’Neill’s Pub

I then went back inside the walls of Dubin as I wanted to eat at an Irish pub. But before that, I stopped off at the Molly Malone statue, located on Grafton Street. 

Molly’s background is obscure at best. Irish lore has her selling seafood from her wheelbarrow during the day and/or working as a prostitute at night.

No one is quite sure although her outfit is rather provocative.   

Current local tradition holds if you rub one of Molly’s breasts, you will have a bit of good luck! This is a popular tourist attraction, but I do not think you will be there longer than fifteen minutes.

You can learn more and go on a Mythology and Folklore Walking Tour.

I then went to O’Neill’s for a drink and some food. The food is great, the music Irish and the atmosphere is incredible. Plan thirty minutes here for a beer, longer if you decide to stay to eat. This is one of the best activities in Dublin.

Where to Stay in Dublin

Leonardo Hotel 

Located on Dublin’s Parnell Street Leonardo Hotel is just around the corner from O’Connell Street. The location is perfect for exploring.

The contemporary rooms are well-appointed light and airy. The hotel is just five minutes away from the Temple Bar District. A buffet breakfast is available.

Click here to make a reservation.

Motel One Dublin

In the center of Dublin, Motel One is trendy and very quirky and I love it. It is about a 13-minute walk from Connolly Train Station.

The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable. A great choice for those who like something a little different.

Click here to book a reservation.

The Samuel Hotel

In the center, The Samuel Hotel has a fitness center and a great restaurant. The rooms are comfortable and modern with everything you need.

You can get room services here and the bar is well worth a visit. A great option for those who like all the cons of a great hotel.

Click here to make a reservation.

How To Get To Dublin For Your 2 Days in Dublin Itinerary

I flew into Dublin International Airport as most do but of course, you can travel to Dublin by train, bus, and car. 

I then got a bus into the city center it was less than $10 and I found it easy. You can get a taxi or Uber but it will be more expensive.

I stayed on until the O’Connell Street stop, which was located at the famous Irish landmark, the Spire. My Air B&B was a mere few blocks from where the bus dropped me off which was very convenient.

Get Your Airport Transfer and Hop on/off tickets.

How To Get Around Dublin During Your 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

I purposefully chose an Air B&B inside the Dublin City Center walls. This meant I was able to walk everywhere!

Yes, I paid a bit more for the convenience, but it was worth every penny. This may be a consideration you may want to factor in.

If walking does not appeal to you, you can purchase a Hop On, Hop Off Dublin Pass, which offers you bus transportation around Dublin.

There is also DART the electric rail system which is a fast and easy way to get around Dublin. Or Luas, Dublin’s light rail tram system is also convenient.

Tickets Here: Do Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Quick Tips For Your 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

The official language of Ireland is Gaelic, the second is English.  All the street signs and all government signs have two languages: Gaelic, and English. This can take a bit of time to get used to.

Use the Dublin Spire as a landmark to get around Dublin City. It juts almost 394 feet into the air, above most city buildings, and is easily and visibly seen from around the city.

Contact your credit card company and check to see if your credit card does or does not have foreign transaction fees. 

Purchase advanced tickets to attractions whenever possible. Admission tickets purchased online are usually offered at a discount, and you will save a lot of time waiting in lines.

Packing Tips During Your 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

No matter if you fly or drive to Dublin, here are my tips on how to pack light in a carry-on.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, these RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

IMy daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use. It is made of durable aluminum and is very lightweight.

This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. the 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble. You can find filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

Perhaps you need a more substantial backpack for your international travel. This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.

You will be walking more than usual during your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must-have. These waterproof all season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable. 

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

If you are visiting Dublin in warmer weather, maybe you want a pair of sandals to wear to dinner or the local cafe, I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

They are very comfortable. I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable. 

We all need to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you. 

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In this ultimate 2 days in Dublin itinerary, I have mapped out for you many of the highlights Dublin has to offer.

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