The Ultimate 48-Hour Dublin Itinerary: How to Experience Ireland's Capital in a Weekend
- Sarah Magnoni
- May 8
- 5 min read
Updated: May 13
Visiting Dublin but short on time? While a weekend isn't enough to experience everything this vibrant city offers (as I mentioned in my Weekend in Dublin overview), this hour-by-hour itinerary will help you make the most of your 48 hours in Ireland's capital.
From medieval castles to literary landmarks, traditional pubs to modern shopping streets, I've crafted this schedule to help you experience the best of Dublin without wasting precious time. This itinerary balances must-see attractions with breathing room to savor those unexpected moments that make travel special.
Looking for a weeklong itinerary? You can download it here!
Before You Arrive
For the best experience with fewer crowds and milder temperatures, consider visiting in late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October). Summer brings warmer weather but larger crowds and higher prices, while winter offers quieter streets but colder temperatures.
Book your accommodations in central Dublin near Temple Bar, Trinity College, or St. Stephen's Green to minimize travel time between attractions.
DAY 1: Historic Dublin
Morning
8:30 AM: Hotel Check-in/Luggage Drop After arriving at Dublin Airport, take a taxi (€25-30) or the Dublin Bus (€2) to your hotel. Drop your bags and freshen up before starting your adventure.
9:30 AM: Grab a Quick Breakfast Pick up a coffee and pastry from a local café. Try Keoghs Café on Trinity Street or The Queen of Tarts near Dublin Castle.
10:00 AM: Dublin Castle Begin your exploration at this historic fortress, once the seat of British rule in Ireland. Take the guided tour (75 minutes, €12) to access the Medieval Undercroft with original Viking structures. Don't miss the ornate State Apartments and the beautiful Throne Room created for King George IV.
Afternoon
12:00 PM: Lunch at The Pig's Ear Enjoy modern Irish cuisine with a creative twist at this award-winning restaurant on Nassau Street. Their lunch menu offers excellent value while showcasing local ingredients.
1:30 PM: Christ Church Cathedral Marvel at this stunning 11th-century cathedral with its medieval tiled floors, vaulted ceilings, and atmospheric crypt. Take time to appreciate the beautiful stained glass and magnificent architecture.
3:00 PM: St. Patrick's Cathedral A short walk from Christ Church, St. Patrick's Cathedral is over 800 years old and built on the site where St. Patrick performed baptisms around 450 AD. Look for the impressive helmets, armor, and chains from "The Most Illustrious Order of the Knights of Saint Patrick."
4:30 PM: Temple Bar District Explore the cobblestoned streets of this cultural quarter. While The Temple Bar pub is touristy, it's worth visiting during off-peak hours when you can enjoy traditional music without the nighttime crowds. Alternatively, try The Norseman or The Porterhouse for a more authentic experience.
Evening
6:30 PM: Dinner at The Winding Stair This former bookshop on Lower Ormond Quay offers farm-to-table Irish cuisine with beautiful views over the Ha'penny Bridge. Book in advance!
8:30 PM: Traditional Irish Music Session Experience authentic Irish music at O'Donoghue's Pub on Merrion Row or The Cobblestone in Smithfield for a less touristy atmosphere.
10:30 PM: Evening Stroll along the River Liffey Take a peaceful walk along the illuminated riverfront to see Dublin's bridges and buildings beautifully lit at night.
DAY 2: Cultural Dublin
Morning
9:00 AM: Breakfast at Bewley's Café Start your day at this historic café on Grafton Street, serving Dubliners since 1840. Try their famous cherry buns or a full Irish breakfast.
10:30 AM: Trinity College & Book of Kells Experience While the original Book of Kells is currently closed for refurbishment (as of 2025), the interactive digital experience is excellent and well worth a visit. Afterward, explore the beautiful Trinity College campus and its magnificent Old Library.
Afternoon
12:30 PM: St. Stephen's Green Take a relaxing stroll through this 22-acre Victorian park with its landscaped gardens, fountains, and sculptures. Look for the many plaques and monuments that tell stories from Ireland's complex history.
1:30 PM: Lunch on Dawson Street Try Café en Seine for its stunning art nouveau interior or Peruke & Periwig for inventive cocktails and excellent food.
3:00 PM: Grafton Street Shopping Explore Dublin's premier shopping street and surrounding lanes. Don't miss:
Powerscourt Townhouse Centre for Irish designers
Wicklow Street for boutique shops
Butler's Chocolate Café for their famous hot chocolate
Brown Thomas department store for luxury goods
5:00 PM: Guinness Storehouse End your afternoon with a visit to Ireland's most famous attraction. The self-guided tour ends with a complimentary pint at the Gravity Bar, offering 360° views of Dublin. Book tickets online to avoid queues. Be sure to make reservations well before you arrive to Dublin.
Evening
7:30 PM: Dinner in the Creative Quarter Try Fade Street Social for tapas-style Irish cuisine or Drury Buildings for Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a stylish setting.
9:30 PM: Literary Pub Crawl Join the famous Dublin Literary Pub Crawl (bookable online) to experience Ireland's rich literary heritage while visiting historic pubs. Professional actors perform works by Joyce, Beckett, and Wilde as you move between venues.
Alternatively: Live Music at Whelan's If pub crawls aren't your style, catch live music at Whelan's on Wexford Street, one of Dublin's best venues for contemporary bands.
If You Have Extra Time
If your flight leaves late on day two or you're staying an extra few hours, consider adding one of these experiences:
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum - An interactive museum telling the stories of the 10 million Irish who left the island
Kilmainham Gaol - Historic jail with powerful connections to Ireland's fight for independence
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology - Home to spectacular Celtic and Viking artifacts
Dublin Bay Cruise - See the city from the water on a 90-minute coastal cruise
Planning a Longer Trip?
Dublin makes an excellent starting point for deeper explorations of Ireland or connections to river cruises in continental Europe. Consider:
Extending your stay to explore Howth or Malahide as day trips from Dublin
Continuing to the west of Ireland to experience the Wild Atlantic Way
For a personalized Ireland Itinerary, contact us for a consultation
Essential Dublin Tips
Dublin Pass: Consider purchasing the Dublin Pass for free entry to many attractions
Leap Visitor Card: Unlimited public transport for €10 per day
Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants; not required in pubs for drinks
Weather: Always carry a light raincoat or umbrella regardless of the forecast
Pronunciation: It's "LIFF-ee" for the River Liffey, not "LIE-fee"
While 48 hours can only scratch the surface of what Dublin has to offer, this itinerary will ensure you experience the city's essential highlights. For more background on Dublin's fascinating attractions and hidden gems, don't miss my comprehensive Weekend in Dublin guide with deeper insights into the history and culture behind these landmarks.
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