The Ultimate 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

Will you be in Dublin and looking for the ultimate 2 days in Dublin itinerary?

Are you headed to Ireland and have 2 days in Dublin to see the sights, eat the food and have a beer in an authentic Irish pub? Are you looking for recommendations? Look no further because I was in Dublin not long ago.

Here I have assembled the perfect and ultimate 2 days in Dublin itinerary for you. Dublin is such a vibrant city with lots to do and lots to see.  I want to make sure you do not miss out on anything!

In what order and how long you spend at each location depends on you. You must take into account the weather, how many others are in your party, and how everyone feels. Take your time and enjoy yourself.

 

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The Ultimate 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

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

Most travelers arrive in Dublin by flying into Dublin International Airport. Others from various locales in  Europe, Northern Ireland or other parts of Ireland drive their cars or arrive by train or bus.

The train system in Dublin is one of the most popular ways to get around.

If you arrived by plane to Dublin International Airport you have several choices about how to get from the airport to Dublin City.

You can secure a taxi or hire an Uber to transport you to the city to begin your 2 days in Dublin itinerary, but that can be very pricey.

Get Tickets: Airlink Express: Dublin Airport to Dublin’s City Center

I chose the Airlink Express, Route 747 from the Dublin International Airport directly to Dublin City Center.

It was less than $10 U.S. dollars, one-way, and the bus speedily rode along to Dublin City, approximately 6 miles away. The bus does make several stops on its route.

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.

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

If walking does not appeal to you, I have lots of other suggestions. You can purchase a Hop On, Hop Off Dublin Pass, which offers you bus transportation around Dublin.

You have your choice of two routes, with twenty-eight stops at a variety of landmarks and attractions around Dublin.

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

Tickets Here: Dublin Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tours

Tickets Here: Dublin Pass with Bus Tour: Free Entry to 33 Attractions

DART is the electric rail system and stands for Dublin Area Rapid Transit, and is a fast and easy way to get around Dublin.

And yet another option for you is the Luas- Dublin’s light rail tram system. Currently, it offers two independent routes, and schedules are online for your convenience. 

It is hoped that in the future, the two lines will connect. There are ticket vending machines at every stop.

Day One: of Your 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

Stop One:

Dublin Castle is a fine choice and way to begin the first day of your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. Dublin Castle is steeped in history and you will definitely want to take their guided tour, admission fee required.

You can opt out and tour the grounds by yourself, but you will not have access to the staterooms on the second floor.  I took the tour and found it fascinating. The guides are so full of interesting tidbits about the history of Ireland.

Dublin, the original Gaelic name, ‘Dubh Linn’ translates into Black Pool.  The stagnant black pool of dirty water, from the River Liffey,  was originally located on the Dublin Castle’s property and is how Dublin received its name.

The Dublin Castle tour includes descending below ground to view some of the original walls of fortification surrounding Dublin and also visiting staterooms on the second floor of the castle.

The history of the past guests was very interesting along with tidbits and tales of things that occurred within the castle’s rooms and which political and royal dignitaries visited.  Chapel Royale, the castle’s chapel, was beautiful and full of tales of its own.

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

Tickets: Fast-Track Access Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour

Dublin Castle with the lovely gardens in the foreground.

Dublin Gardens are located immediately behind Dublin Castle and a beautiful place to stop and enjoy the landscape. You can even have your refreshments from the snack shop out on the balcony overlooking Dublin Gardens.

The Gardens are designed with a pattern of six connecting winding pathways that can be seen from the air and resemble the iconic Celtic design.

Dubliners often take a few moments out of their hustle and bustle busy lifestyles to come and visit the Dublin Gardens and relax. The gardens are beautiful and you will want to meander through them at your leisure, so plan fifteen minutes.

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.  Admission is free, and guided tours are available for a fee, but check the tour times when you plan to visit so you can adjust your day accordingly.

The treasures are displayed in two collections, “Sacred Traditions” and “Artistic Traditions.” Upon his death, Mr. Beatty bequeathed these priceless and sometimes rare items to the Irish People.

I missed out on seeing all the exquisite treasures at the Chester Beatty Library because of poor time management and was very disappointed. Do not make that same mistake! The guided tour lasts one hour.

Conference Center Building is located on Dublin Castle’s grounds. It hosts traveling exhibitions, and when I was visiting Dublin, there was a very moving and very inspiring presentation of the Irish Famine. It was both very sad and very enlightening.

There was definitely more involved in the millions of Irish deaths than simply failed potato crops. Since the exhibitions change, make sure you inquire during your visit to Dublin Castle what show is currently housed at the conference center.

Depending on the exhibit being presented, you may spend thirty to sixty minutes here. 

 

Look here: Grand Canal Cruise and Dinner: 2-Hour Tour in Dublin

Look here: Discover Dublin By Boat

Stop Two: St. Patrick Cathedral

Within walking distance of Dublin Castle is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral which is on your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. It is a Church of Ireland Cathedral and the national cathedral of the Emerald Isle. There is a paid entry, which includes a guided tour.

The interior of the Gothic-inspired church is beautiful and I learned a lot about Jonathan Swift, (author of many manuscripts, the most well-known is Gulliver’s Travels), as he is buried there. Saint Patrick himself baptized converts to Christianity using a spring on the property. This visit will probably last thirty to forty-five minutes. 

Tickets: St Patrick’s Cathedral: Self-Guided Cathedral Admission

Saint Patrick Cathedral, Dublin

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

Of all the Dublin attractions, visiting Trinty College and The Book of Kells was tops on my wishlist! There is an optional paid guided tour of Trinity College, which I decided to do. The college is very prestigious but it is difficult for aspiring students to attain acceptance.

Truthfully, while I did learn information about the history of the college, I would suggest you skip the optional outdoors guided tour of Trinity College and head directly to the  Long Room Library on campus, which houses the incredible Book of Kells and next on your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. This tour took about thirty minutes.

Trinity College Courtyard, Dublin

There is a paid admission fee to enter the Old Library on the campus of Trinity College, but I thought it was so worth it and a worthy addition to your 2 days in Dublin itinerary.

Once inside, I also purchased the audio tour, which guided me along the way while explaining everything in great detail. I would definitely recommend purchasing the audio tour.

The beginning of the tour included detailed explanations about the calligraphy and drawings in the Book of Kells. It was written in Latin, in approximately 880A.D., by Catholic monks at a monastery in either Britain or Ireland or Scotland. The Book of Kells is considered a national Irish treasure.

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 pages are turned on average once every two months, so if you visit again, you will not view the same exact pages.  The calligraphy is exquisite and the drawings of plants, animals, and people were as well. 

The Long Room Library is the largest room of the Old Library on the Trinity College campus. It houses over 220,000 vintage books. Most of its exhaustive number of books are stored off campus though.

The library is a “copyright library” and thus receives a free copy of any book printed in Ireland or Great Britain. The room is massive with books from head to toe on either side of it.

Tickets: Fast-Track Access Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour

Also visible are many busts of great philosophers and writers of the western world. All men. Yes, all men!!!

Nonetheless, the busts lining both sides of the room were impressive. Each of the men they represented’s body of work that contributed to civilization was impressive too.

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.

There is a lot to see, and no one will hurry you along, so you are able to view everything at your own pace. And, there is a gift shop as you exit.

The Long Room Library- books stacked from floor to ceiling. Notice the busts of influential scholars. 

Stop Four: The General Post Office

The General Post Office located in the center of O’Connell St., Dublin’s main street, is one of Ireland’s most famous of buildings. It currently is a working post office.

It is more recognized as the main stronghold of the rebels of the 1916 Irish “Rising,” during the country’s quest for independence.  And also for its beautiful architecture.

There is an option of a paid admission attraction highlighting and explaining in great detail the 1916 Rising.  The General Post Office is very much a wise choice on your 2 days in Dublin itinerary.

There are informative panels which explain in detail the chain of events, and the participants involved in the Irish 1916 Easter Rising. You will need fifteen to thirty minutes at the General Post Office if you do not enter the museum, and probably one hour if you do.

Stop Five: Trendy Temple Bar District

The very popular trendy Temple Bar District is a fantastic way to end the first day of your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. Be forewarned, the Temple Bar district of Dublin is extremely popular and almost always very crowded.

It 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. People watching was fun, as was the chocolate vegan gelato I got! And of course, there’s certainly nothing more Irish to do on your 2 days in Dublin itinerary, than raising a glass at the Temple Bar.

Again, a reminder, the line is long to get into the bar. Be patient for this authentic experience. Plan to spend an hour or two at the minimum to experience the vibes of the Temple Bar district.

Allocate more time if you plan to shop the galleries and stores, and eat or drink at one of the many fine Irish establishments, especially the world-renowned Temple Bar.

Look here: Dublin: Generation Pub Crawl

Stop Six: The Ha’Penny Bridge

Ha’Penny Bridge is a quick walk from the Temple Bar District. It is made of ornate cast iron and although its official name is the Liffey Bridge, it is still called the Ha’Penny Bridge. The name is derived from the cost (ha’penny or 1 1/2 pence) charged early Irish pedestrians to cross the Liffey River.

It is a great place to stop and take pictures commemorating your Dublin visit. Budget fifteen minutes to take pictures and admire the Ha’Penny Bridge and its ironwork.

Tickets here: Walking Tour of Dublin

Day Two: Of Your 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

Stop One: Kilmainham Gaol Museum

Today’s first four destinations on your 2 days in Dublin itinerary, are located just outside of the Dublin city walls. First up is Kilmainham Gaol Museum. 

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

Imprisoned there were the Irish rebels accused of inciting many Irish rebellions, including the 1916 Easter Rising. It was at Kilmainham Gaol that the British put to death by firing squad many of the leaders of the 1916 Rising. The jail also housed many ordinary Irish citizens for their crimes as well, in deplorable conditions. 

Tickets Here: Dublin: Easy Access Kilmainham Gaol – War & Revolution Tour

There is an admission fee, but that comes with a guided tour that lasts about one hour. Consider purchasing your tickets online if possible.

I did not and waited at least 20 minutes in line to purchase my ticket. There is also a moving and very interesting museum at the end of the tour, so plan to spend a minimum of one hour to ninety minutes touring Kilmainham Gaol on your second of 2 days in Dublin itinerary.

Dingy and dank prisoner hallway in Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin.

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, purchasing advance tickets online for everyone in your party will assist you greatly.

I did not do so and waited about 20 minutes in line. This is a very popular attraction, with tourists arriving by the busload, so be prepared for it to be crowded.

With admission, you will first receive welcome instructions from a staff member. And 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.”

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

Tickets Here: Skip-the-Line Guinness Storehouse Signature Package

There are elevators that make the Guinness Storehouse wheelchair and stroller friendly.  Of course, free beer is included with admission!

There are two options: a full-sized pint on the top floor in the spectacular Gravity Bar. It boasts 360-degree views of all of Dublin with floor-to-ceiling windows. Your second option is a taste testing of four varieties of beers that Guinness makes. I chose the samples since I do not drink beer and wanted to check them all out.

There are several restaurants and cafes available to you while touring. Also, an extremely large retail shop selling all things Guinness. You may wish to purchase souvenirs for yourself or to bring home for a family member who is a Guinness fan. Due to its popularity, I would budget two hours for this tour.

Look here if you are a whiskey drinker: Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings

Or here: Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting

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

If you are looking for the authentic Irish pub experience, The Brazen Head Pub is the place to go. It is officially designated as the oldest pub in Ireland, operating since 1198, to be exact! It is very full of history, with pictures and scrolls on its walls.

It also serves award-winning food as well as wines if that’s your preference over beer. And there is traditional Irish music! Reservations are not accepted. That’s part of the fun. You decide how long you want to spend at this historic pub!

Stop Four: Christchurch Cathedral 

The city of Dublin has two cathedrals, both belonging to the Church of Ireland, St Patrick’s Cathedral, which your toured yesterday on the first day of your 2 days in Dublin itinerary, and Christchurch Cathedral (also known as The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity).

Christchurch Cathedral has been welcoming worshipers and visitors alike for over one thousand years! Its medieval architecture is beautiful both 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.

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

Back inside the walls of Dublin, are two landmarks worth visiting during your 2 days in Dublin itinerary.  The first is the statue of the mysterious but very popular Irish personality, Molly Malone, 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. 

Her statue dresses her very provocatively if that’s any indication of her true profession. 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.

Oneill’s Pub & Kitchen is located directly across the street from the Molly Malone Statue. It is very popular and has been around for over 300 years!

It is an authentic Irish pub experience. Complete with Irish music, good food sourced locally, and of course, the beer! Plan thirty minutes here for a beer, longer if you decide to stay to eat.

Quick Tips For Your 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

Here are some quick tips and tricks I’ve learned, along with the ones above, which will enhance your 2 days in Dublin itinerary.

Please remember, always stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle with you and refill it often. I never travel without my Bobble water bottle. It is just the right size to fit into my daypack and the replaceable carbon filter assures I will always have clean drinking water.

The official language of Ireland is Gaelic, the second is English.  All the street signs and all government signs have two languages: first Gaelic, second 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.

It would make a great meeting place if you get separated from the other members of your group.

Contact your credit card company and check to see if your credit card does or does not have foreign transaction fees. If it does, inquire about the possibility of applying for one that does not carry foreign transaction fees attached to it.

(The small fee charged you whenever you use your card out of your home country.) Also, remember to notify your bank of the dates you will be out of the country.

When you visit an ATM in Dublin, check to be sure it is on the same network as your bank, so you are not charged a transaction fee every time you withdraw cash. Withdrawing larger amounts of money will help you limit bank transition 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 to buy tickets at the individual attractions.

Your 2 days in Dublin itinerary will flow more effortlessly when you have your plan and can pace yourself and not have to worry about the availability of tickets at each location.

Packing Tips For Your 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary

Using these useful packing tips will enhance your 2 days in Dublin itinerary and I hope more stress-free!

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring during your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. 

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. You can keep your most valuable documents safe and secure next to your body.

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

This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your current pouch or wallet. 

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast! I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about.

And if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day. And it is able to charge two devices at the same time.

My 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. I love mine. I think this will make a great addition to your 2 days in Dublin list of things to bring.

Don’t forget to bring along a universal power adapter on your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. This worldwide power plug is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days.

And this world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time. This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group, or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time.

If you are in need of new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.

Both sets come with TSA locks and 8 wheels per piece. Either will be great for the plane or train or even your car depending on how you plan to travel to Dublin.

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 cannot believe how much more organized I am now!

Hydration is so important. You want to remain hydrated to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.  You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you. 

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. Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry.

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 set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles would work well for you. Would not take up much space in your suitcase at all. And you will be receiving a set of two.

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. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

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 to the local cafe, I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals. I have several pairs of these exact Vionic sandals in several colors that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel.

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. 

Bring a lightweight scarf or shawl. Scarves and shawls are very popular in Europe and Dublin is no exception. Both men and women wear scarves, both decoratively and as a layering piece to keep warm.

This cotton unisex lightweight scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season. And here’s another option to consider: this lightweight sunscreen shawl scarf would do double duty to protect you from the Irish sun should you visit Dublin in the warmer seasons as well as being a fashion accessory layering piece.

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. 

f you are in need of new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.

Both sets come with TSA locks and 8 wheels per piece. Either will be great for the plane or train or even your car depending on how you plan to travel to Dublin.

 

Two days is definitely long enough for you to get to know the bustling capital city of Ireland and all she has to offer.  You will marvel at the rich Irish history, monuments, museums, Irish food and of course, the Irish pubs!

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

Have you ever been to Dublin? What was your favorite thing to do? What would be your #1 recommendation for a first-time visitor? Please leave your comments below.

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