Spending the weekend in Dublin? Spending 48 hours is not enough to see or experience the city. If you only have 48 hours to spend in Dublin, this guide will help you determine where to spend your time without wasting a minute!
Dublin is a city where medieval and modern meet on every corner. Dublin is Ireland's capital and largest city, with 1.2 million residents. While historians differ on some earlier counts of the settlement of Dublin, one thing is considered true: the Vikings settled in or around 841 in the city. Known as Dyflin (Irish Duiblinn), meaning “black pool,” it was named after the dark water near the back of where the Dublin Castle now sits. This dark water is where archaeologists believe the Vikings stored their ships.
Today, the same waters that harbored the Viking ships now house some of the largest technology companies in the world. It is known for attracting a large international population of college students, with Trinity College as its highest-ranking university. Aside from education and work, it has an amazing culture, including street art, craft beer, contemporary music festivals, and a cafe scene. Trust me, you will not be bored when you visit Dublin!
If you are like me and prefer smaller crowds and milder temperatures, you’ll want to visit in late spring or early fall. April, May, September, and October also have slightly lower prices. Summer tends to be the warmest, busiest, and most expensive time of the year. You can always visit in winter but be prepared for cold temperatures.
Getting to Dublin City Center from the airport is super easy! Public transportation, such as the Dublin Bus, costs only 2 Euros. However, you should check the hours of operation and availability and note luggage restrictions. Taxis line up outside the airport near the luggage carousels. The cost ranges from €25.00 to €30.00 and takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
First things first, drop off your luggage at your hotel and get ready to explore! Hopefully, you slept on the plane because there is a lot to see. I highly recommend booking one of the hop-on-hop-off bus passes. There are a couple of options to choose from. (Not only do I recommend this in Dublin, but in any big city you are visiting!) The hop-on-hop-off bus allows you to see the sites easily, can include passes to some sites, and with so many stops, you can grab the bus almost instantly.
Ok. Now that you’ve dropped your luggage off and grabbed a spot on the bus, where to first? It depends on what you like. Are you into history? Want to take some shopping right away? Maybe you want to check out some of the local experiences, have some lunch, drink a Guinness, and people-watch? Because there are so many options, I will break these down by name so you can create your own 48-hour itinerary!
Must-See Medieval Heritage
Dublin Castle
One of my absolute favorite places on earth is the Dublin Castle. As you enter the castle grounds, you'll be welcomed by large and imposing gates, immediately transporting you through centuries of Irish history. Make sure to take the guided tour if it's available when you visit. This will allow you to access the Medieval Undercroft, where original structure pieces are found. If you prefer to explore on your own, you can do that as well! There are historical references, information, and the Throne Room, created for King George IV and later used by Queen Victoria during her visits to the castle.
Christ Church Cathedral - This beautiful church is a must-see! Founded in the early 11th Century by the Norse King, Sigtrygg II Silkbeard Olafsson. Nearly 1,000 years old, it is a working Cathedral that is one of the most beautiful architecture with medieval tiled floors, vaulted ceilings, and an underground crypt. Take a guided tour when available, or wander through at your own pace. You will be impressed during your visit whether it’s the stained glass windows or the enormous organ.
St. Patrick's Cathedral - One of Dublin’s most famous tourist sites, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is over 800 years old. St. Patrick performed baptisms occurring on the site dating back to 450 AD. With services held daily, you can plan your visit around a service or simply visit. I was in awe over the fact that the chapel served “The Most Illustrious Order of the Knights of Saint Patrick” from 1783 to 1869. This is where they introduced new knights, and you’ll see much evidence of it throughout, with the many helmets, armor, and chains hanging around the Cathedral.
Where the Past Meets the Present
Trinity College & Book of Kells - As of early 2025, the Book of Kells is closed and being refurbished. That doesn’t mean you should skip this stop! They have created an interactive and digital experience that is very good. Walk through the halls of digital books, hear from historical figures, and read from some of the books located in the Book of Kells. You can also grab a coffee and take a walk around campus. If school is in session, just move out of the way or you’ll get run over by the students trying to make it to class!
Grafton Street - If shopping is your thing, you will want to visit Grafton Street. This pedestrian-only street runs between St. Stephen’s Green and Trinity College, and you’ll find cafes, high-end shops, and street performers. Check out the side streets off of Grafton, like Wicklow for more indie-style shops or South Williams Street for vintage shops. If you want to dine in the area, check out Duke Street. You can thank me later!
St. Stephen's Green - 22 acres of Victorian-era landscaped gardens, fountains, sculptures, and tree-lined walking paths are only a few of the things that St. Stephen’s Green has in store for you. Originally a marshy area used for grazing during medieval times it was transformed into a park for only the wealthy in 1664. Over 200 years later, it was opened to the public and played a role in the 1916 Easter Rising. Areas of St. Stephen’s Green have plaques, statues, and memorials to share their rich history with you.
Temple Bar - Located near the south bank of the River Liffey, you’ve more than likely heard of Temple Bar. Like me, you may be thinking it’s a pub! While there is a pub in the area, it is very touristy and expensive. With that said, I did visit it and highly recommend it! Locals would probably groan reading this, but we ate an early-ish lunch. It was nearly empty with great music, and I even tried my first Guinness there! The Temple Bar is actually a cobblestoned quarter with medieval-designed streets, lively music, and cultural attractions. It does get quite busy at night, so if you like that kind of atmosphere, then go for it! Some alternatives to The Temple Bar pub are The Norseman or The Porterhouse. The Norseman is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin!
With an incredible balance between rich history and modern-day culture, there is something for everyone. Dublin’s compact city center and walkability prove a great place to wander and visit places from churches to colleges to eateries. Be sure to pop into local pubs for spontaneous conversations with the locals, grab a hot chocolate from Butler’s Chocolate, and soak all that Dublin has to offer.
And trust me, there's so much more to discover! This 48-hour guide just scratches the surface of what Dublin has in store for you. Want more insider tips and travel guides like this?
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