How to spend 2 days in Dublin (with Map) – How to see it all in a short time

If you are planning to spend 2 days in Dublin then you are in luck. Not only is it one of our favourite destinations, but it is also the capital city of Dave’s home country. For that reason, we do tend to visit a lot especially thanks to cheap flights (thank you Ryanair), great nights out, and a whole lot more.

Dublin is a city that exudes personality like no other. It’s a city that has had a turbulent history, but this has also inspired some of the greatest authors and musicians of our time. It is a city ready to have a good time and a place you really need to visit. Or at least we think so. And yes we might be completely biased.

Dublin is a hugely popular destination which is why we have put this guide together, to help you plan your own 2 day Dublin itinerary. We tell you everything you need to know when visiting, like where to stay, what to eat, and most importantly what to see.

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Dublin itinerary factsheet

Country: Republic of Ireland

Languages Spoken: English and Gaelic officially. – a lot of signs are in both Gaelic and English, but it will be a rare occasion if someone speak to you in Gaelic. That being said it is an official language of Ireland.

Currency: Euro

Famous for: A turbulent history, literary greats, Guinness

Visit if you like: Great nightlife, city breaks

Dublin is located in the Republic of Ireland on the east coast of the country. And the name Dublin actually means ‘Black Pool’ when translated from Gaelic.

Another cool thing to note is that Dublin was recognised as a UNESCO city of literature in 2010. Spend 2 days in Dublin and it is easy to see why, with a rich literary past, and vibrant literary future Dublin really is a cultural hub.

If you are wondering if Dublin is worth visiting then here is an article to help you decide.

And if you are wondering if Ireland is worth visiting this is a handy post.

2 days in Dublin – Getting there

Dublin is the perfect place to visit for a weekend break. For starters is only a short flight from the UK (under 40 minutes from Manchester) and Ryanair offer some pretty good deals from the UK starting from £9.99, if you are lucky that is.

Chances are though the start of your 2 day Dublin itinerary will be at Dublin airport. There are 2 terminals at the airport, with most European flights arriving into Terminal 1 and the transatlantics (as well as Aer Lingus flights) arriving in Terminal 2.

Getting into the city centre is relatively easy. You can either opt for the more direct option of getting a taxi into the centre. You will need to follow the signs from either Terminal 1 or 2, to the taxi rank. A taxi into the centre will cost someone in the range of 25-35 Euro – depending on the time of day, and where you want to be dropped off.

If you are after something a little cheaper though, the best way to get into the city centre is to catch the Aircoach straight from the entrance to the terminals. It gives you the opportunity to travel in comfort, straight into the centre of Dublin. The coach departs every 15 mins or so, and a single ticket ranges from €7 – €13 depending on where you are going.

Cheaper still are the 747 or the 757 Airlink buses. For about €6 one way theses buses will take you into the centre of Dublin. They are part of the public transport network so you can purchase a Leap Card, and will be able to use these to cover the tickets.

Alternatively, if you are arriving into Dublin from elsewhere in Ireland then chances are you will be arriving into Connolly Station. From here you will need to get the Luas Red Line that will take you into the centre.

When to plan your 2 day Dublin itinerary 

When you only have 2 days in Dublin you need to make the most of your time there. That is why we think summer is a great time to visit Dublin. The weather picks up, the sun comes out (sometimes) but it is also peak tourist season.

Hotel prices tend to spike in the summer, and places like Temple Bar become crowded with tourists. Winter in Dublin whilst being atmospheric can be a little grey and miserable. If you want to avoid the masses of tourists then aim for either May or October.

In May the weather sits in the mid to late teens (Celsius), although the nights are a bit cooler at around 6 degrees Celsius. October is also mild and a good time to visit before the cold and rainy weather takes over for winter.

We would advise against visiting around St Patrick’s Day (17th March) unless you want to line up for hours to get a drink and hang around really drunk tourists! 

Is 2 days in Dublin enough?

So, you might be wondering how long do you really need in Dublin? 2 days in Dublin is probably the minimum amount of time you want to spend here. Compared to other capital cities like London or Paris, Dublin is a lot smaller and more compact.

A lot of the main attractions are close to the centre so this means that you can cover quite a lot of ground in 2 days. Ideally though you probably want to spend at least 3-5 days in Dublin. And that way you can also plan a day trip to explore a bit more of the countryside and get out of Dublin centre too.

Also if you are trying to decide between Belfast or Dublin here is a handy guide.

How much money do I need for 2 days in Dublin?

Dublin can be quite expensive, particularly for things like food and drink so you need to make sure you budget accordingly when planning your 2 day Dublin itinerary.

And if you are heading somewhere like Temple Bar it can be even more expensive than planned. We would recommend budgeting about €100 per person per day, not including accommodation. We usually book our accommodation in advance on booking sights like hotels.com to find the cheapest deals.

Most places in Dublin will accept credit card, so you don’t need to bring a huge amount of cash with you, although we like to carry a bit for emergencies. Dublin is part of the EU and therefore the currency is Euro.

One Euro is equivalent to 100 Cents. Euros are made up of a mixture of coins and notes. The coins tend to be Cents so you get 1,2,5,10,20 and 50 Cent coins, as well as a 1 and 2 Euro coin. Notes are made up of 5,10,20,50,100,200, and 500 Euros.

With the notes we don’t recommend carrying around the higher denominations as some places won’t take anything over a 50 for security purposes. And honestly, I don’t think we have ever seen a 200 or 500 Euro note! So if you do find one let us know.

Booking accommodation during your 2 days in Dublin

Accommodation in the city can be expensive which is why we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. And expect to pay over the odds if you are planning to visit around New Year or St Patrick’s Day.

Ideally for a 2 day Dublin itinerary you want to stay close to the centre where there is a lot happening and transport links are good. A lot of the tourist attractions in Dublin are walkable from the centre, which is another reason why we recommend staying here.

Most recently we stayed at Albany House in Dublin, which in terms of location was perfect. We were able to walk to restaurants and bars in the evening, and tourist attractions during the day. 

Also, something to note, if your 2 days in Dublin happens to fall over a weekend, then expect accommodation prices to soar. A lot of hotels especially in the centre put up the prices due to demand.

So booking in advance, and checking booking sites like hotels.com for instance will be key for trying to save a bit of money. If you are wanting to save money on hotels plan your 2 day Dublin itinerary for weekdays.

Best areas to stay during your 2 days in Dublin

Accommodation as we have said is pretty costly in Dublin and the further out you stay the cheaper it will be. That being said if you only have 2 days in Dublin you want to be central. Here are some of the best areas to stay in when planning your Dublin itinerary.

St. Stephen’s Green

When you only have 2 days in Dublin you probably want to be close to the action. That is why the area around St Stephen’s Green is a great choice. There are a number of museums nearby as well as the shopping district and of course the beautiful Stephen’s Green.

This is a popular area to stay in so make sure you book your accommodation well in advance.

Merrion Square

Merrion Square while technically not the city centre is close enough to it that you kind of get some hustle and bustle and some quiet. There are a number of galleries and museums within walking distance and it’s probably one of the best areas to stay for families.

It’s also has that classic Georgian Dublin vibe, with cobbled streets and beautiful green squares. Accommodation around here does tend to be a bit fancier and more expensive. So again book well in advance to get the best deals.

Temple Bar

If you want to be close to the nightlife in Dublin Temple Bar is our recommendation. It’s also good for 2 days in Dublin because it’s smack bang in the middle of the hustle and bustle, tourist attractions, and transport links. Accommodation is expensive here because of the prime location so keep that in mind when booking.

Docklands

The Docklands area is another good option if you want to be close to the centre but not smack bang in the middle of all the chaos. It’s also a little less touristy so the food and drink options around here are not going to be your classic tourist traps. It’s got more of a business vibe to it, which is fine if you are looking for something a little bit removed from say Temple Bar and the nightlife.

Where we stayed during our 2 days in Dublin

I’ve touched on this slightly above, but honestly accommodation in Dublin is ridiculously expensive. On our last trip to Dublin we ended up paying €260 per night for our accommodation in the city centre.

We stayed at the Wren Urban Nest which is a boutique 4 star hotel. The rooms are modern, very clean, but also very small. It’s not something that we minded all that much, but it gives you an insight into what you can get for your money in Dublin.

We probably would stay here again, as everything was great, but the sheer cost of spending the night is slightly outrageous. This tends to be a standard thing in Dublin. Hotels tend to charge a fortune and they get away with it. There is high demand from tourists which means accommodation is expensive.

Getting around during your 2 days in Dublin

As mentioned previously Dublin is a pretty walkable city so you won’t need to factor in a load of public transport into your 2 day Dublin itinerary.  If you do find yourself using public transport chances are it will be because you are wanting to travel a little bit out of the centre.

To do this you can get on the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) which due to the fact that it goes along the Irish Sea Coast for most of its journey makes it one of the most beautiful public transport systems.

You also have the option of the Luas which is a tram service that crosses through the city. We spent the majority of time walking although we did get the bus from Dublin Airport into the centre.

We got the 757 into town, which was cheap and pretty straight forward. You can purchase a Leap Card, for about €10 for 1 day, and this will cover you for Luas services, and buses.

Something that might also be useful is doing a hop on, hop off tour. These buses stop at all the main attractions in Dublin so it’s kind of like killing 2 birds with one stone.

What to do in Dublin in 2 days

So you might be wondering what to do in Dublin in 2 days. Here are our tried and tested recommendations to ensure you have a perfect 2 days in the city. This includes some Dublin bucket list items, but also your must see tourist spots. 

The Guinness Storehouse

I think it is only fair to start at the Guinness Storehouse as no 2 days in Dublin is complete without a visit. When you think of Ireland one of the first things you are probably going to think of is Guinness.

At the Storehouse there are 7 floors that eventually lead you to what can only be described as black gold heaven. This is a panoramic bar on the top floor of the storehouse where you can determine for yourself if Guinness really does taste better in Ireland. Here is a clue, it does!

We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance as it is a bit of a trek to the Storehouse, so you don’t want to have to go all the way back to the Dublin centre if tickets are booked up.

National Leprechaun Museum

I know this one sounds like an absolute tourist trap but hear us out. A visit to the Leprechaun Museum is actually a lot of fun. Filled with tales of folklore and Irish myths, it is actually a fascinating experience.

Trinity College

This is one of Europe’s top universities, and walking around the campus conjures up a sort of Dead Poets Society image. The stunning architecture, cobbled squares and grassy knolls make it the perfect place to walk around and escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Dublin.

Trinity’s history is laden with controversy as it was initially for Protestants only, and even up until the 1970’s the Catholic church threatened to excommunicate any Catholics that enrolled. 

The Book of Kells

This is a must on any 2 day Dublin itinerary, especially if you are visiting Trinity College. The Book of Kells is a manuscript containing the four Gospels and dates back to the 9th Century. Admission to see the book also includes a tour of the Old College Library, which in itself is fascinating. You can book tickets online in advance, or get a bundle ticket including entry to Dublin Castle.

Stephens Green

This is basically Dublin’s version of Hyde Park with squirrel infested green space and swan filled ponds. Changes are at some point during your 2 days in Dublin you will end up here.  It’s a beautiful place to wander around and experience some greenery in a bustling city.

Temple Bar

This is another must see on your 2 day Dublin itinerary. This array of cobbled streets is known as Dublin’s cultural quarter. One of the most visited places in the area has to be the ‘Temple Bar’ pub. It is a great place to sit (if you can find one) and have a pint and listen to some live music.

Just don’t expect to mingle with the locals as this place is mostly filled with tourists. Despite this the atmosphere is electric and the ‘craic’ as the Irish say is good. It can get busy though so always be sure to keep your belongings close in case of pickpockets who do target prominent tourist spots in Dublin.

Kilmainham Gaol

If you are looking for something a bit more unusual to add to your 2 day Dublin itinerary then Kilmainham Gaol is a great option. Located about 3.5 km out of Dublin centre. It is an important part of Irish history and many Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned and executed here by order of the UK government.

If you aren’t familiar with Irish/English history this is a great place to bridge those gaps in your knowledge. The prison had a reputation of treating its prisoners quite harshly, although these days it is one of the top tourist attractions in the city.

Glasnevin Cemetery

I know visiting a cemetery sounds like a weird thing to do during your 2 days in Dublin but hear me out. Built in 1832 this is one of Dublin’s most famous cemeteries, and was once a key target for body snatchers.

These days though it is the final resting place for some of Ireland’s most historical figures like Michael Collins – who played a key role in Ireland’s Independence.

And if you are wanting to trace your Irish ancestry this is the best place to do it.   

Phoenix Park

You would be wrong if you were thinking that Dublin is all hustle and bustle. Just a stones throw from the centre is Phoenix Park, a 7km green space, that is home to Dublin Zoo, and some wild deer that wander around the grounds. It’s perfect for strolling around or having a picnic – just watch out for the deer.

St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s was founded in 1191 as a Roman Catholic cathedral, but is now the national cathedral for the Church of Ireland. It’s very photogenic with gardens to walk around in and admire.

It’s popular with tourists and is one of the few remaining buildings from medieval Dublin. You can visit the inside for a small fee, which is worth it as it is very beautiful inside.

Christchurch Cathedral

Located within walking distance of St Patricks is Christchurch Cathedral. You can pay to go inside and experience all it’s glory. It is still a working cathedral to this day, but you can explore the belfry, as well as the crypt if you pay for entry.

The grounds are quite stunning, as is the architecture so even if you don’t plan to go in you should definitely visit.

National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum of Ireland is great for families particularly if you have an interest in archaeology. Here you will find all sorts of ancient artefacts to do with Vikings, Egyptian Mummies and much more.

Irish Emigration Museum

The Irish have a large history with Emigration, so a visit to the Irish Emigration Museum is a must during your 2 days in Dublin.

The museum is very interactive and you can learn about Emigration and the effect this has had on Ireland and the world.

One of the really fun things about this museum is that there is an interactive exhibit where you can attempt the Riverdance. Anyone with an ounce of Irish in them, or just an appreciation for the country will love this.

Visit the Shrine of St Valentine

Yes before you ask it is that St Valentine! Located in Whitefriar Street Church you will find a shrine containing the relics of St Valentine. You might be wondering how exactly St Valentine ended up in Dublin. Apparently his remains were exhumed in 1835 near Rome. A famous priest by the name of John Spratt when given the remains by the Pope at the time Gregory XVI. He then brought these back to Dublin and the rest is history.

Tour the Old Jameson Distillery

This is another must on your 2 days Dublin itinerary. Jameson whiskey used to be manufactured in Dublin until the early 1970s. That being said you can still tour the old distillery and learn all about the process of making whiskey. The most important bit though is that you do get to taste it too.

Irish Whiskey Museum

Apart from Guinness, Ireland is also renowned for its Whiskey. The museum is located across the road from Trinity College and goes into detail about the history of Irish Whiskey. It is actually a lot more interesting than it sounds and the guides are excellent and entertaining throughout the tour.

For 19 Euros you do the tour and get to taste 4 types of whiskey. You also get to take a whiskey glass home with you. We definitely don’t recommend doing this tour on an empty stomach like we did though.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the day.

Sweny’s Pharmacy

Literature lovers should definitely add this to their 2 days in Dublin itinerary. Sweny’s Pharmacy is famous as it is mentioned in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses. It’s easy to find and is located close to Trinity College. It is where the main character Leopold Bloom goes to buy some lemon soap.

These days you can purchase second hand books, crafts, and of course lemon soap in the store. It is pretty much like stepping back in time so do add this to your Dublin itinerary if you want something a little bit quirky to do.

Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

Dublin has produced some incredible writers so why not spend some time during your 2 days in Dublin drinking like a writer? Ok maybe you don’t need to take it that far, you only have 2 days after all, but there is a pub crawl you can do where you can learn about Dublin’s literary history. The best part is that you get to visit some of Dublin’s most famous literary places.

Dublin Castle

It wouldn’t be a trip to Ireland without seeing one castle. Dublin Castle until 1922 was the centre of UK government rule in Ireland. Since then it has become a major tourist attraction and is used for state dinners as well as the inauguration of presidents in Ireland. You can buy a ticket combining entry to the castle and the Book of Kells online in advance.

Little Museum of Dublin

For an often humorous, and interesting take on all things Irish History the Little Museum of Dublin is a must. Located on St Stephen’s Green this museum is great if you are looking for something quirky to add to your 2 day Dublin itinerary. Buy your ticket online to skip the queue.

It’s housed over 3 floors and contains over 5,000 exhibits each giving you an insight into life in Dublin in the 20^th Century. Highlights include JFK’s tour of the city, and there is even a room all about Irish rock legend Bono.

Tours go every hour, and the museum is open 7 days a week.

Get a picture with the Molly Malone Statue

The Molly Malone statue is a favourite with tourists in Dublin. Located on Suffolk Street the statue is one of the best spots for a quick selfie. There also tend to buskers playing nearby, and it’s a very jovial area.

Who is Molly Malone you might be wondering? She is a fictional fishmonger and subject of a popular Irish song. The statue is located just outside St Andrews Church so you can’t miss it.

Visit Grafton Street and just walk around and explore

On top of the above suggestions Dublin is also a great place just to walk around. During your 2 days in Dublin we recommend exploring and getting lost in the city centre.  You can stroll along the River Liffey or head to Grafton Street for some retail therapy.

If you walk down the side streets you can find some amazing restaurants. Dublin is also a great place for a pub crawl especially so that you can put all your Guinness and Whiskey knowledge to good use.

Ha’penny Bridge

Chances are you will cross the River Liffey at some point during your 2 days in Dublin, so why not do it in style. The Ha’penny Bridge is a scenic pedestrian bridge that was built in May 1816 over the River Liffey. It is one of the symbols of the city, and one of the first pedestrian bridges over the River itself.

Howth Cliff Walk

You might need more than 2 days in Dublin to do this one, as it is little bit further out of the city centre. That being said if you are a nature lover it is well worth it.

Howth is a coastal town under an hours drive or via public transport from Dublin. The seafood here is top notch, as are the gorgeous coastal views.

There is a specific walk that you can do which is relatively easy and manageable for those with moderate fitness levels. It takes about 2 hours but you probably want to make sure that the weather is decent before setting off.

Checkout the unique doors of Dublin

Again this might be a weird thing to add to your 2 days in Dublin but again hear me out. Back in the day a lot of housing in Dublin was built to look the same. So one way to identify or differentiate between homes was to paint your front door.

This has now become a must see in Dublin. You don’t necessarily need to go out of your way to find these doors, they are pretty much everywhere, but just pay attention.

Dublins most photographed door though is at 46 Fitzwilliam Square. Autumn is one of the best times to photograph it because of the amber leaves on the vines surrounding it.

It’s about a 10 minute walk from Stephen’s Green to Fitzwilliam Square. It’s a great walk if you want to experience the less touristy side of Dublin.

Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens

Dublin’s Botanic Gardens are a great place to visit particularly in Spring when the flowers are in full bloom.

It’s easy to get lost here, so we recommend adding this to your 2 days in Dublin if you are looking for an activity that is a little more chilled out.

Entry is free, so you can explore at your own pace, but you can also book onto tours.

Watch a sports match at Croke Park

Croke Park is a massive stadium in Dublin which holds 82,300 people. It is the 3rd largest stadium in Europe and the atmosphere here on match days is immense. If you can catch a game of hurling or Gaelic football even better.

If you are unable to get tickets to a game then you can visit the museum which goes through the history of Ireland’s unique sports of Gaelic football and hurling.

Visit Marsh’s Library

One of the quirkier things to do during your 2 days in Dublin is to visit Marsh’s Library. It is located right next to St Patrick’s Cathedral, and was the first public library in Ireland. It was first opened in 1707, so it’s really fascinating to walk around and look at the books.

You can get a combined ticket for the library and St Patricks Cathedral. And a top tip if you plan to do both get your tickets at Marsh’s Library as the queues are way shorter.

Icon Walk

One of the cooler hidden attractions in Dublin is the Icon Walk. It’s a free open air art and cultural installation that contains many famous Irish writers, poets, musicians and more. It’s supposed to celebrate Irish culture, and is such a fun an colourful place in the city. There are tours you can hop on that tell you all about the famous people that decorate the walls of the walk as well. It’s perfect if you want to inject a bit of culture into your 2 days in Dublin.

Romantic things to add to your 2 day Dublin itinerary

If you are planning to spend your 2 days in London with your significant other we have you covered. Here are some romantic things to do in Dublin to add to your 2 day Dublin itinerary.

Picnic at St Stephen’s Green

Buy some bread and cheese at the high street and have a picnic in the park. St Stephen’s Green is great if you are in the city centre.

Stroll through Phoenix Park

Another romantic suggestion for your 2 days in Dublin is to take a stroll through Phoenix Park. You can also opt for a picnic, just be careful as an overzealous deer may try to join you!

Cross the Ha’penny Bridge at sunset

There is nothing more romantic than the sunset. So why not visit the Ha’penny Bridge at sunset.

Or if you want to take the planning out of your hands, here is a romantic tour of Dublin you can book.

2 days in Dublin for Solo travellers

If you are spending 2 days in Dublin as a solo traveller here are some ideas on the best things to do. My preference when travelling solo is to explore myself, but then do a few group tours. It gives you the opportunity to meet like minded travellers and who knows you may make a friend for life.

• Join a pub crawl and experience Dublin’s nightlife
• Visit the Botanical Gardens and join a tour
• Try the Whiskey Museum or the Old Jameson’s Distillery tour
• Do a literary pub crawl
• Do a day trip out of Dublin
• See Trinity College and the Book of Kells

2 days in Dublin for families

If you are spending 2 days in Dublin as a family there are so many incredible things to do. From visiting museums to explore the parks and green spaces. Here are some key suggestions.

• Visit the Leprechaun museum
• Visit the Irish Emigration Museum
• Picnic in Stephen’s Green
• Do a hop on hop off bus tour
• Explore the botanical gardens
• Do a day trip out of Dublin

Where to drink during your 2 days in Dublin

A lot of tourists flock to Temple Bar, and whilst the atmosphere here is pretty incredible you will not find a lot of locals sipping pints here. So here are some other bars to try during your 2 days in Dublin.

Bar 1661

Bar 1661 is our absolute favourite cocktail bar in Dublin. The premise here is all about turning Poitín which has been known as Irish Moonshine into some swanky cocktails.

It has won multiple awards and the drinks are excellent. It’s great if you want an upmarket cocktail experience during your 2 days in Dublin.

37 Dawson Street

This is a cool bar with and eclectic interior and decent cocktails The food is also really good. It’s close to St Stephen’s Green so easy to find, and a great place to relax after a long day of visiting Dublin.

Confession Box

Once a haunt of Michael Collins who used the pub as a safe house, it is now home to the best Guinness in Dublin.

The Bar With No Name

This is a great bar if you are into cocktails. They do a mean Mojito among other things and the prices aren’t too bad for Dublin. If you visit at the weekend try their brunch.

The Long Hall

Go here if you love Whiskey, they have a huge choice, and the bar is pretty cool too! The inside is reminiscent of the Victorian era, and well worth a visit.

The Brazen Head

If you are a James Joyce fan you might recognise the name as he referenced it in Ulysses. Visiting is like stepping back in time. It’s also the oldest pub in Dublin established in 1198 so it’s a must for your 2 days in Dublin. A lot of the original features have been kept and you do get a very authentic and friendly pub experience here.

Vintage Cocktail Club

The Vintage Cocktail Club is one of Dublin’s best kept secrets. Located behind a hidden door in Temple Bar you will need to ring the bell for entry. Inside you will be greeted by a dimly lit lounge, serving inventive cocktails. If you are visiting on a weekend you need to make a booking.

O’Neill’s Bar

Located on Suffolk Street you will find O’Neill’s Bar which is a great pub for traditional music, a decent pint, and a whole lot of fun. It’s also a good spot to watch a sports game like Rugby or Football.

The Palace Bar

Instead of going to Temple Bar I love the Palace Bar instead. It’s another of the oldest bars in Dublin and they have over 100 Irish whiskeys. You will know you are in the right place when you arrive on Fleet Street and see the flowers spilling out of the hanging baskets.

Distilled

I’ve heard rumours that Distilled might not be a speakeasy style cocktail bar for much longer. Which is a shame because this is such a great place to go for a properly made cocktail in a dimly lit bar with a ton of atmosphere. Honestly this was one of our favourite bars during our 2 days in Dublin so try and get in if you can.

The Blind Pig

Another favourite if you want to enjoy some cocktails during your 2 days in Dublin is the Blind Pig. The entrance is a bit of a secret, and half the fun is finding it so I won’t give too much away. But once you have a table it’s such a cool place to visit. You do need to book in advance though as sometimes they do ask for a password for entry which you will get when your booking is confirmed.

Alternatively take the stress of planning out of your hands and join one of the many pub crawls in Dublin. It’s a great way to meet new people and have a bit of Irish Craic.

Eating during your 2 days in Dublin

There are so many fantastic food choices in Dublin. And it’s even more important to line your stomach with some tasty treats, particularly if you are planning on sampling the Guinness and Irish Whisky. Here are some of the foods that we recommend you try as part of your 2 day Dublin itinerary.

Irish Stew

You cannot go wrong with a good old Irish Stew. Usually made with mutton and vegetables this is the ultimate Irish comfort food. The dish is best tried at a traditional Irish pub like  The Brazen Head for example.

Soda bread 

Irish Soda Bread is another staple, that you should definitely try during your 2 days in Dublin. Made from basic ingredients such as flour, baking soda, salt and soured milk, the bread is a perfect accompaniment to some soup on a cold wet Dublin day.

Colcannon

Colcannon is basically the Irish version of Bubble and Squeak. It’s made from mashed potatoes and cabbage and even though the origins of the dish were about using up ingredients, these days you can find some more contemporary takes on it.

Tayto

You cannot spend 2 days in Dublin without trying this cheap and cheerful snack. Tayto are crisps (or chips) that you really have to try because they are so addictive. The best flavour is the cheese and onion, and I promise you they will be better than any cheese and onion flavoured crisp you have tried.

They are essentially an Irish institution.

Donuts

I don’t know why but on our 2 days in Dublin we a lot of artisan donut shops. And I mean A LOT. So it kind of feels like the thing to do in Dublin is to chow down on donuts. It’s not a trend I’m complaining about it. It rains a lot in Dublin and hopping inside for a donut and coffee is something I am down with.

 Boxty

Another traditional food to try during your 2 days in Dublin is Boxty. It’s essentially a potato pancake fried in oil to give it that crisp exterior. It’s popular on the west coast of Ireland but Dublin has some great places to try it too.

Gallaghers Boxty House in Temple Bar is one of our favourites. The Boxty fries are out of this world. Just book a table if you can because it’s pretty popular.

Alternatively get yourself on a food tour to try some of the best of Irish food.

Drinks you have to try during your 2 days in Dublin

Ok so we have gone through pubs, and also food you need to try in Dublin but here are the specific drinks you should try.

Guinness

Guinness is a no brainer when visiting Dublin. If you visit the Guinness factory you will get an opportunity to try the stout. But there is nothing more iconic than sipping a pint of Guinness in a pub in Dublin.

Irish Whiskey

Irish Whiskey is another must for your 2 days in Dublin. Like Guinness there is something about having a nip of whiskey in a pub in Ireland. You have so many brands to choose from too. You can mix it with a soft drink, or drink it neat or with ice.

Irish Coffee

Another Irish institution when it comes to drinking is Irish Coffee. It’s essentially coffee spiked with Whiskey, and topped with cream.

Apparently it was invented when a bartender called Joe Sheridan was working at an airport bar near Limerick. A Pan Am flight had to turn back and so he made them a concoction with coffee and whiskey. The drink was really popular and the rest as they say is history.

You can get these at most places that serve alcohol or coffee. I tried one at Temple Bar, and admittedly it was expensive but tasty nevertheless.

For more food, drink and travel ideas in Ireland you should check out our Ireland bucket list.

Sample 2 day Dublin itinerary (with map)

Here is our suggested itinerary for spending 2 days in Dublin. 

2 day Dublin itinerary- Day 1

Start your morning with a wander through St Stephens Green, before heading towards Grafton Street. There are some great places to eat breakfast around here to get you ready for the day ahead. It is also a great place to go to pick up some Irish souvenirs.

When you are done make your way over to Trinity College to explore the campus and checkout the Book of Kells. 

Grab some lunch nearby before visiting the Irish Whiskey Museum. After the museum fresh air will certainly do you some good. So we recommend a walk to the Ha’Penny Bridge. If you get a chance explore the surrounding area, and if you are interested the Leprechaun Museum is located very close by! 

As evening approaches make your way to Temple Bar for some traditional pub food, trad music, and some drinks. 

2 day Dublin itinerary – Day 2

We recommend starting at Dublin Castle and taking the opportunity to learn about its history. Afterwards make your way to St Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedral for some photo opps. 

Then walk towards the Guinness Storehouse stopping for lunch along the way. After the tour, take your time making your way back into the centre and make sure you stop along the way for coffee and afternoon tea. 

Tips for spending 2 days in Dublin

• Try and avoid Temple Bar when drinking. It is fun for a visit, but a lot of locals don’t go there and it is expensive. Try to find some more local and less touristy pubs.
• Book any restaurants that you want to eat at in advance as it can be hard getting in to popular places.
• Wear layers – Dublin’s weather can be unpredictable and quite cool in the evening.
• If you are visiting for St Patrick’s Day don’t expect to be able to move in a bar!
• Try and get out of the centre if you can, some hidden gems include Bray and Greystone.
• Pickpocketing is a big thing in Dublin especially during big events. I know this from experience when I got pickpocketed on St Patricks day and lost my phone. Watch your belongings.

What to pack for your 2 days in Dublin

Apart from the usual items, here are some things that we recommend bringing for your 2 days in Dublin.

• Waterproof jacket and umbrella. It rains in Dublin. A lot!
• Layers, even in the summer months, it can get cool in the evenings.
• A good pair of walking shoes – most attractions in Dublin are within walking distance of each other.
• A day bag for exploring – but try and get a pickpocket proof bag

So should I spend 2 days in Dublin

If you are on the fence about whether to spend 2 days in Dublin we say go for it. Dublin is such a remarkable city, and you won’t be short of things to do that is for sure. What we love the most about Dublin is its charm and friendliness. It might be a big city but people are generally so friendly and accommodating. Spend even a little bit of time in Dublin and it will honestly leave you wanting more.

More than 2 days in Dublin?

If you have longer than 2 days in Dublin we highly recommend doing a day trip and seeing more of the country. Here are some of the best day trip destinations from Dublin.

Cliffs of Moher

It takes about 3 hours to drive to the Cliffs of Moher, but don’t let that put you off. The Cliffs of Moher are a popular tourist destination, and a great place to go to escape from the city. There are a number of different tours you can book, here are some examples below.

Glendalough

This monastic sight is great for a bit of peace and quiet. There are a number of walks you can do and be at one with nature. We recommend talking a drive through the Wicklow Mountains on the way, as this is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland. Again you can book tours that leave from Dublin.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny has a number of quirky streets to explore, a castle, and some really amazing pubs. There are a number of tours you can book or even include this into a Glendalough trip.

Giants Causeway

This is a long day trip but so worthwhile. It is about a 3 hour drive to this Northern Irish landmark. You can either rent a car or book a tour with a reputable company.

 Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

We recommend combining this with a trip to the Giants Causeway as these two attractions are relatively close together.

Killarney National Park

Full of immense beauty Killarney National Park makes for a great day trip from Dublin. You can visit the Lakes, admire the views, and go on some amazing hikes.

Kerry

It will be a long day, but we think Kerry is worth a visit. You can drive through the Ring of Kerry, which is one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. The coastal scenery is incredible and the small quaint villages will give you a taste of the Ireland that the guide books gush about.

Blarney Castle

Apart from being a beautiful place, Blarney Castle is home to the Blarney Stone. Legend has it, if you kiss it you will be given the gift of the gab. That is reason enough to add this to your list of day trips from Dublin.

2 day Dublin itinerary – a recap

Dublin is a must visit city in Europe. There is so much culture and history, that we highly recommend visiting at least once. While Dublin can be expensive, you probably only really need 2 days in Dublin to see the main sights, so it is worth it for a short time.

If you are staying longer in Ireland why not consider a day trip from Dublin? 

Trying to decide between London and Dublin – here is a helpful guide. Or Dublin and Cork? This might be useful.

And, if you found this article useful why not Pin it for later? We hope you enjoy your 2 days in Dublin.

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