Dublin Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland ranks as one of the most famous cities in the world. Steeped in history and boasting iconic attractions, Dublin has long attracted writers, intellectuals…and travelers! We believe spending 3 days in Dublin, Ireland is the perfect amount of time to get acquainted with the city.

 

3 DAYS IN DUBLIN ITINERARY

We are wasting no time and jumping right into our detailed, day-by-day 3-Day Itinerary for Dublin, Ireland. Later in the article, we share honest advice and top travel tips for planning your vacation.

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DAY 1 of your 3 Day Itinerary Dublin

On the first day of your Dublin 3 Day Itinerary, get oriented on a walking tour, visit a few iconic attractions and spend time in the city’s must-see district.

 

MORNING DAY 1: Explore Dublin on a Walking Tour

Start your exploration on a walking tour – it’s a must do in Dublin! Visitors can opt for one of the themed, guided tours or set off on your own discovery with our Self-Guided Dublin Walking Tour. 

Our self-guided walk includes the sights that are an absolute must see in Dublin – such as St. Stephen’s Green (the city’s most beautiful park), Grafton Street (one of the main shopping areas), Trinity College (where many famous Irish writers attended school), the Ha’penny Bridge (a must see Dublin sight) and Christ Church Cathedral (the oldest structure in the city).

For those who’d prefer to get a personal introduction with a local guide, we are highlighting a few of the top guided tours of Dublin.

• Historic Walking Tour: 2-hour walking tour of the top historical sights.
• Literary Pub Crawl: 2-hour tour revolving around Dublin’s literary heroes…and the pubs they frequented.
• 1916 Easter Rising Tour: A walking tour dedicated to the events of the 1916 Uprising.
• Private Walking Tour: Personal tour to top Dublin sights, like the Ha’Penny Bridge and Molly Malone Statue.
• Dublin Food Tour: Learn about the gastronomic history of Ireland on a mid-day foodie tour.

Pro Tip: Not up for walking? No problem, catch a ride on the Dublin Hop On Hop Off Bus! 

 

AFTERNOON DAY 1: Take in a Top Dublin Attraction

Dublin sights cover a range of interests; truly, there is something for everyone! We are highlighting the must-see Dublin, Ireland attractions; leaving you to choose which ones are most intriguing to you.

 

Book of Kells and Long Room Library

The Book of Kells is, perhaps, the most famous Medieval manuscript in the world – and it’s housed in the Long Room in the Old Library at Trinity College in Dublin. The library itself is a stunning sight, with wooden shelves storing more than 200,000 ancient books. Tickets are required – and it’s best to book in advance.

 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin

The largest – and most impressive – cathedral in Ireland, visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the things you must do in Dublin! On self-guided tours, visitors learn about the history of the church, which stretches back to the year 1220. 

 

Tour Guinness Brewery 

Beer is one of Dublin’s top claims to fame – and visitors can go straight to the source to discover the city’s most popular brand.

Guinness – a dark, smooth and creamy stout – is one of the city’s oldest and best-known brews. It has been produced at St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin since 1759. Visitors can tour the world-famous brewery and then relax with a pint at the Gravity Bar. Book early – and entry is included with the Dublin Pass!

 

Sip Whiskey at the Jameson Distillery

Whiskey drinkers, on the other hand, won’t want to miss a guided tour of the Jameson Distillery Bow St. You will learn about the complex process of Irish whiskey production and then get to taste the product at JJ’s Bar. Tickets required for the tour – but are also included with the Dublin Pass.

Pro Tip: While Jameson’s is the long-standing traditional whiskey made in Dublin, The Teeling Whiskey Distillery is one of the newest. Visitors tour the operational distillery and taste a sample, too. Find more details!

 

EVENING DAY 1: Tip a Few Pints in Temple Bar District

End the first of your three days in Dublin, Ireland in the famous Temple Bar District. Home to a few of the Best Dublin Pubs, the historic area is the city’s cultural hub and nightlife hotspot. Absolutely packed with boisterous bars, music echo’s off the cobblestone streets and beer flows from the taps in every direction.

The most famous bar in the district is The Temple Bar Pub, but we also like Quays Bar (for the intimate setting) and Porterhouse (for the craft beer). That said, it’s best to just stroll around and drift in to whatever place catches your eye or ear!

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DAY 2 of your Dublin 3-Day Itinerary

On Day 2 of your Dublin 3 Day Itinerary, pop into a museum in the morning and then spend the afternoon outdoors. At the end of the day, raise a glass with the locals and visitors alike.

 

MORNING DAY 2: Visit One of the Best Dublin Museums

The museums in Dublin are absolutely fabulous (and perfect for rainy days in Dublin, too). Covering a range of topics – from fine art to rock-and-roll to Irish influence around the world – visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to Dublin museums. 

 

The Little Museum of Dublin

Small but mighty, the Little Museum of Dublin is packed full of memorabilia and artifacts from Dublin’s past. Visitors can learn about the history of the city on a guided tour and then explore the displays on their own. For music fans, the U2 room is not to be missed. Buy tickets!

 

The National Gallery of Ireland

One of the best free museums in Dublin, the National Gallery of Ireland features an incredible collection of European art – including paintings by masters and entire wings dedicated to Irish artists.

The National Gallery is just one of many free museums – find more cost-costing options in our article, Best FREE Things To Do in Dublin.

 

EPIC Irish Emigration Museum

A state-of-the-art museum tracing Ireland’s emigration history and the impact it has had on the world, EPIC is one of the most intriguing places to visit in Dublin. In addition to the stories of the Irish people who have left the island and settled elsewhere, visitors can also research their own ancestry at the on-site Irish Family History Center. Book your admission!

 

Irish Whiskey Museum

Although there is no shortage of places to taste whiskey in Dublin, there is only one place that delves into the history of the subject: The Irish Whiskey Museum. Visitors are regaled by stories of the rise and fall – and rise again – of Irish whiskey. At the end of the tour, participants can sample and blend their own. Reserve your space!

 

Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience

Located in the Temple Bar District – a hot spot for musicians in the 1980s – the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum offers music lovers a guided and interactive experience. In addition to the displayed memorabilia from top Irish artists – like U2 and Thin Lizzy – visitors get to step inside a real recording studio and even form their own band. Get Your Ticket!

 

More Museums for Your Dublin Trip

The above listed museums are our top picks for what to see in Dublin in 3 days – but they are far from the only museums in the city. Fellow travelers may, instead, want to include one or more of the following museums on their itinerary.

• Chester Beatty Library Museum: A Collection of ancient religious texts and manuscripts from around the world. Entry is free.
• Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship: A replica ship detailing the transatlantic journey that passengers escaping the Great Irish Famine would have had to endure. Tickets are required.
• GPO Witness History Exhibition: Located inside the General Post Office, the interactive museum details the events of the 1916 Easter Rising. Ticket Required.

 

AFTERNOON DAY 2: Spend Time in Dublin’s Green Spaces

Ireland is known for its lush landscapes – and even in the bustling city of Dublin there are green gardens and parks. On the afternoon of the second day of your Three Days in Dublin Itinerary, get outside and relish those green spaces!

 

Dublin City Parks

St. Stephen’s Green, Merrion Square Park and Iveagh Gardens are a few of the best Dublin parks for picnics, playing games and people watching. Choose one, or make your way around to all three if you have time and it’s a sunny day!

 

Phoenix Park

Far and away our favorite park in Dublin, Phoenix Park is a massive green space on the west side of the city. The sprawling park is home to the Dublin Zoo, the President of Ireland’s house, many monuments and the famed herd of Fallow Deer.

 

National Botanic Gardens

North of the city, the National Botanic Gardens are a lovely place to spend an afternoon. With beautiful gardens and multiple green houses, it is easy to spend a few hours at the garden.

Furthermore, a trip to the garden can be combined with the Glasnevin Cemetery, which is right next door (and more beautiful than it is creepy!).

Pro Tip: Before heading back into town, consider grabbing a well-poured pint of Guinness at John Kavanagh Gravediggers Pub.

 

EVENING DAY 2: Enjoy Authentic Irish Pubs

There is no doubt that Temple Bar is a must-see district, but if you are going to visit Dublin in 3 days, then we highly recommend exploring some of the other bars in the city.

The Brazen Head is one of our favorite pubs in Dublin – and it also claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland. With traditional vibes and live music, it’s truly hard to find a better place to have a pint.

For bar hopping, we love Wexford/Camden Street Lower where there are a mix of bars – from classic pubs (Devitt’s) to craft beer hubs (Against the Grain). The Merrion Row/Baggot Street Lower area, near Stephen’s Green, is another fun place for a pub crawl. Don’t miss O’Donoghues Bar where there’s often live music and an even livelier crowd!

Pro Tip: Use our guide to the Great Pubs in Dublin for more fun Irish drinking establishments!

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DAY 3 of your Dublin Itinerary 3 Days

On the last day of your 3 Day Dublin Itinerary, go exploring on a day trip. Don’t fret, you’ll be back in time for another night of Irish music and food!

 

MORNING/AFTERNOON DAY 3: Take a Day Trip from Dublin

Your Dublin visit shouldn’t be limited to exploring the city center – there is so much more to see in the immediate area! Travelers can easily plan a quick DIY road trip or join guided tours further afield. We are sharing a few of our favorite Dublin day trips that you can do on your own or with a guide.

 

Howth

The coastal village of Howth is one of the best places to visit near Dublin – as it’s just a short 30-minute train ride. Known for fresh seafood and an epic coastal walk, visitors can easily spend an entire day enjoying Howth. Just be sure to use our tips to Plan a Howth Day Trip from Dublin. 

 

Malahide

Located just north of Howth, Malahide is a fabulous Dublin day trip destination. The idyllic village features a pedestrian-only thoroughfare that is lined with quaint restaurants and pubs. However, the top sight to see is the Malahide Castle. Read about all the Best Things To Do in Malahide!

 

Bray

Bray, situated on the coast in Co Wicklow to the south of Dublin, was developed in the mid-1800s as a summer city escape. With a long beachfront promenade and a fantastic scenic coastal walk, Bray is a fun place to go for seaside rest and relaxation. Read all our recommended Things To See in Bray!

 

Giant’s Causeway and Belfast, Northern Ireland

Although it’s a big day, a trip to Giant’s Causeway is worth it! It’s even better when it is combined with a stop in Belfast. Unless you have a car, it’s best to join a tour, but if you go on your own be sure to have our helpful Guide of Things To Do in Belfast!

 

Wicklow Mountains

Join a guided full-day tour into the Wicklow Mountains south of Dublin. Organized day trips include multiple stops, including Kilkenny Castle, Wicklow Mountain National Park, Glendalough and more. Get the details! 

 

Cliffs of Moher

Visiting the incredible Cliffs of Moher and the quaint town of Doolin – on the west coast of Ireland – is another extended day trip from Dublin. If your trip to Ireland is limited to just staying in Dublin, we believe it’s worth the long day. Find out more!

 

Kiss the Blarney Stone…and More

It’s possible to see three of Ireland’s most recognizable sights in just one day: Blarney Castle, Blarney Stone and Rock of Cashel. The full-day excursion is most enjoyable on a guided tour…and it will certainly be one to remember. Book your seat!

 

EVENING DAY 3: Traditional Irish Music and Dance Show

Wrap up your Dublin, Ireland trip with a night of live music, dancing and singing. At a traditional Irish show, attendees watch professional dancers take the stage – and are invited to join in on the fun! The entertaining show is family-friendly and can be upgraded to include a 3-course dinner. Book the experience!

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Planning 3 Days in Dublin: What To Do

Our outlined itinerary features the best of Dublin in 3 days – but there is more to planning your trip than arranging your sightseeing adventures. We are sharing useful tips that will aid you in your Ireland trip planning process. 

 

Creating an Organized 3-Day Dublin Itinerary

Planning what to see in Dublin is only one aspect of your vacation. You will also need to consider how to get there, where to stay and what to pack. For those planning a trip to Dublin from overseas, we recommend also reading our tips for Planning a Trip to Europe and our 7 Day Ireland Itinerary.

As you make your travel plans, organization is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner – to stay on top of the details!

 

How Many Days in Dublin for a Trip

Figuring out how many days to spend in Dublin depends on your interests, budget and overall allotted time for your vacation.

 

Is 3 Days in Dublin Enough…or Too Much?

Personally, we would not want to spend less than 3 days in the city – but we could stay (and have stayed) longer. Our Dublin, Ireland Itinerary outlines exactly how we recommend spending that time. It’s ideal for a long weekend in Dublin or for travelers who are visiting the city along with other destinations in Ireland.

 

Alternate 3 Day Dublin Itineraries

We understand that fellow travelers may want to spend more – or less – time in the city. Therefore, we are offering suggestions for a Dublin City 3-Day Itinerary (without a day trip) and a plan for spending 3 days in Dublin with other top Ireland destinations. 

 

3 Day Itinerary Dublin – Without Day Trip

We outlined what we believe is the perfect way to see Dublin in 3 days – which includes a day exploring around Ireland. Those who would rather stay in the city, however, have plenty of options.

Travelers who want to spend all three days in Dublin City Centre can create a robust sightseeing itinerary. Throughout our 3-Day Dublin Trip Plan, we offer a multitude of suggestions regarding ticketed attractions, museums and parks to see on Days 1 and 2. Instead of using Day 3 for a excursion, add more of these sights into your trip plan.

How this 3-Day Dublin City Itinerary could flow is like this: 

• Day 1: Walking Tour, then Book of Kells and Guinness Brewery, then Temple Bar
• Day 2: Little Museum of Dublin, the National Gallery and Phoenix Park
• Day 3: EPIC Museum, the Botanical Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery, then St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Jameson Distillery. 

 

3 Days in Ireland Itinerary – Without Dublin

Travelers who want to see the best of the entire country – not just Dublin – can pack as much sightseeing into three days in Ireland as possible. The quickest way to see the highlights on such a short amount of time is on an organized tour.

One of the most popular 3-day tours from Dublin is an Ireland Highlights Tour that includes visiting Cork, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, Cliff of Moher. Find out more!

 

Multi-City Trip Plans for Ireland and UK

We have shared our top tips on what to see and do in Dublin and the surrounding region. However, we know that many travelers plan to visit Dublin as part of a longer European vacation.

 

Dublin and Belfast Itinerary: Use our Dublin Itinerary for three days and then add our Belfast Itinerary to plan your time in Northern Ireland (including What To Eat).

 

Dublin and Edinburgh Itinerary: For your vacation in Scotland, use our Guide of What To Do in Edinburgh – and take a look at our tips for Things To Eat in Edinburgh and taking a Day Trip To Dunbar!

 

Dublin, London, Paris Itinerary: To create an ideal Paris, London and Dublin Itinerary, you likely need at least 10 days. We share our Perfect Paris Itinerary and ideas on How To Plan a London Trip that will help you in your vacation planning process.

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Dublin Travel Itinerary FAQs

Okay, you’ve got our plan of what to do in Dublin for 3 days and ideas for longer trips. Now we are going to answer a few frequently asked questions about planning a trip to the Emerald Isle.

 

What is Dublin, Ireland Known For?

Dublin is known for its rich history, literary influence and traditional culture. The top things to do in Dublin, Ireland showcase the city’s celebrated past – from world-class museums to scenic Irish coastline to ancient relics. Of course, it also has a reputation as a party city – and imbibing in the festive atmosphere at the many pubs is one of the fun activities in Dublin. 

 

Can I Plan a Dublin Itinerary with Kids?

Absolutely! Although our above Itinerary for Dublin in 3 Days is not specific to family travel, many of the attractions that we include in the trip plan are kid-friendly. In addition to the sights we have already mentioned, some of the top things to do in Dublin with kids are the Viking Splash Tours, ziplining and the Leprechaun Museum. 

 

Is a Trip to Dublin Expensive?

Yes, a Dublin trip can be quite expensive…but it doesn’t have to be. Airfare and accommodations will likely be your biggest expenditures. Beyond those costs, however, your 3 days in Dublin, Ireland can be fairly affordable.

Use our guide to Cheap Things To Do in Dublin for money-saving activities. Travelers interested in entering multiple ticketed attractions might be able to save money by purchasing a Dublin Pass. 

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Travel Tips for Visiting Dublin, Ireland

Now that you are well on your way to planning your Dublin 3 Days Itinerary, we have advice on getting there, how to get around once you arrive, where to stay and what to pack.

 

Flights To Dublin, Ireland

Dublin can be reached by plane, train, bus, boat or car. For international visitors, the best way to arrive is by plane (although there is ferry service from the UK).

Flights to Dublin are available from all major European cities as well as many secondary destinations with low-cost carrier Ryanair. Additionally, many US gateways offer direct flights to Dublin, although most are seasonal. Use our guide to Finding Cheap Airfare then hop on Skyscanner to book that flight to Dublin!

The Dublin Airport is just 6 miles north of the city center. To get to central Dublin, use Uber, FreeNow, pre-arranged private transfer, or the airport bus.

 

How To Travel Around Dublin

We think the best way to get around Dublin is by walking. That said, the city has a good public transit system – including buses, trams and trains – that make travel in Dublin quite simple.

Dublin buses, Luas trams and DART trains all use the same payment system – a Leap Card. Visitors can purchase a Leap Card and load it with money to pay for rides on all forms of Dublin transport.

There are even special Visitor Leap Cards that are incredibly beneficial to tourists. The 3 Day Dublin Leap Card can be purchased for a flat rate and used for unlimited public transport for 72 hours. Travelers arriving by air can buy the pass at the Dublin Airport or in advance of their trip (and have it mailed to their home address).

Top Tip: There is also a 1-Day and 7-Day Leap Card for visitors on shorter or longer trips to Dublin.

 

Hotels in Dublin, Ireland

Visitors planning a 3 night stay in Dublin have a wide range of accommodations to choose from. We recommend staying in a central Dublin hotel, rather than an apartment. 

When it comes to what area to stay in Dublin, we suggest being as close to the city center as possible. Naturally, the best Dublin city center hotels fill up quickly in the summertime and tend to be outrageously expensive. Look for accommodations that are close to public transit lines if you book away from Dublin City.

Two Dublin hotels that get great reviews – and have rooms at decent prices – are Leonardo Dublin Christchurch and Temple Bar Inn. Budget travelers looking for a cheap place can find a dorm bed at Garden Lane Backpackers.

Regardless of your budget, no one wants to overpay for accommodations! Be sure to read our tips for Finding the Best Hotels for Cheap. 

 

What To Pack for a 3 Day Itinerary Dublin, Ireland

It’s time to think about what to pack in your backpack or suitcase. We have a few Dublin-specific ideas, but you can find all of our advice on our Packing Tips Page. For now, grab your Free Packing Checklist, and let’s get started!

 

Durable Travel Shoes

Our 3 Days in Dublin Itinerary covers some ground! You will want to make sure have comfortable walking shoes for your trip. Lightweight, supportive and versatile shoes are the way to go when traveling – which is why I wear these trainers. Find suggestions and reviews in our article, Best Shoes for Traveling.

 

Irish Weather Gear

It’s not a myth, the weather in Dublin can flip on a dime – so it’s best to be prepared! Carry clothes that can be layered and be sure to pack a raincoat and travel umbrella. In the summertime, you may even need sunscreen or a travel hat that will shade your face.

 

Travel Camera

The landscapes in Ireland are gorgeous – and so is the architecture around the Dublin city center. In order to capture the beauty of Ireland, we suggest a Real Travel Camera. We shoot with a Canon DSLR with a 18-135mm lens that works great for both landscape and cityscapes. It’s a fabulous budget camera for beginners – and comes with heaps of accessories.

 

Small Day Pack

Long days of sightseeing require that you carry everything you need. Small backpacks – like these Osprey Packs we carry – are great travel day packs for any type of adventure. They are big enough to carry our camera, raincoats and map, plus they have zippered pockets that keep our wallets and phones out of the reach of pickpockets.

 

Travel Insurance for Your Ireland Trip

Travel insurance may cover a wide range of unfortunate situations – including everything from annoying lost luggage to delayed flights to falling ill abroad. Check for affordable rates at a trusted company, like World Nomads. 

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More Ireland and UK Travel Guides

• Sightseeing Dublin Walking Tour
• Best of West Coast Ireland: Galway, Doolin and The Aran Islands
• 10 Day Scotland Itinerary
• Famous London Food
• Explore the Scottish Highlands and Walk The West Highland Way
• One Day in Glasgow, Manchester or Birmingham
• Touring Windsor, Bristol and Bath, England

 

Start planning your trip to Ireland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

 

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