A weekend away in Dublin wasn’t initially planned. Dublin was supposed to be just the starting point for our short trip along the Irish coast. But then we thought: why not add another three days in Dublin? After all, Dublin is the capital of Ireland, known for its lively atmosphere, live music, and colorful pubs. We wanted to see what else Dublin had to offer, so we put together the most varied weekend program we could.
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Is a weekend away in Dublin the right choice for you?
With around 550,000 residents, Dublin is Ireland’s largest city, situated on the east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. As one of Europe’s youngest cities, Dublin is vibrant, colorful, noisy, and full of energy. However, there is a downside. For us, the focus on alcohol in Dublin was a bit overwhelming. Many activities center around tasting Guinness, going on pub tours, or visiting whiskey distilleries. In the Temple Bar district, we encountered drunk people from morning until night, and we didn’t find the atmosphere very pleasant.
However, Dublin also offers a wealth of culture and history. From cathedrals and old prisons to relaxing green spaces and fascinating museums, you’ll have plenty of options for how to spend your weekend. Additionally, the surrounding nature is perfect for a day trip if the city becomes too hectic for you.
We think Dublin is ideal for you if you enjoy partying or are looking for a vibrant capital city that still has a small-town charm. It can also be a great contrast to Ireland’s stunning natural landscapes.
Weekend away in Dublin
To give you an overview of the best activities in Dublin, we’ve listed our 7 favorite things to do in this blog post that you can’t miss. As always, you’ll also find tips on getting around Dublin, recommendations for restaurants, and suggestions for accommodations.
1. Trinity College & Book of Kells
Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university with famous alumni such as poet Oscar Wilde and author Jonathan Swift. We took a guided tour of the campus, but would recommend exploring the campus on your own. The tour wasn’t very interesting, and we wished we had learned more about student life and heard some interesting stories.
We definitely enjoyed our visit to the library more. The main attraction, the Long Room, is stunning. Even though most of the books were removed from the shelves in early 2024 for a major renovation, the library still looks incredibly impressive.
Afterward, you can check out the legendary Book of Kells, a medieval manuscript renowned for its exceptional artistry and detailed illustrations. Its origins are uncertain, but it’s believed to have been created in the 9th century AD in a monastery on the island of Iona off the Scottish coast, or possibly in an Irish monastery.
2. Kilmainham Gaol
Next up is an absolute highlight in Dublin: the former prison Kilmainham Gaol. The pronunciation might be tricky for non-Irish speakers, but your guide will help you master it during the tour of this historic prison. On the tour, you’ll gain historical insights and learn about the harsh conditions inmates endured until 1924. You can visit old cells and the impressive Victorian East Wing. Be warned, the tour will give you chills, especially when you hear the stories of political prisoners who fought for Ireland’s independence and see the courtyard where numerous executions took place.
Fun fact: two weeks after our visit to Dublin, we watched the movie Paddington 2 and recognized Kilmainham Gaol! Some scenes were filmed there. We don’t know about you, but we find it’s always special to see places you’ve visited on the big screen.
- A guided tour of the prison is only available with an online ticket booked for a specific time slot. Tickets can be purchased exclusively on the official Kilmainham Gaol website, and bookings open 28 days before your visit. Plan for about 90 minutes for your tour.
- Tours are very popular and sell out quickly. If you can't get a ticket online, you can try to snag a last-minute ticket on the day of your visit. If there are cancellations, you might get lucky and find an available ticket between 9:15 AM and 9:30 AM.
- Just around the corner from the prison in the Business District is URBAN8, a nice bistro with friendly service and great food. You can make reservations online.
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3. Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Tour
The Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus is a different kind of sightseeing tour and perfect for a rainy afternoon. In 75 minutes, you’ll drive across Dublin while enjoying unlimited tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. You’ll be served warm scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, along with fine pastries and sandwiches, all while getting an overview of the city. The guides are incredibly entertaining and make the tour very engaging. The guided tour alone is worth it, and the afternoon tea saves you the cost of lunch.
The meeting point is at Stephens Green Park, which is also worth a stroll before or after the bus tour.
- You can book a spot on a Sightseeing Tour with Afternoon Tea here.
4. Guinness Storehouse
No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the famous Guinness Storehouse. We were a bit skeptical at first but ended up pleasantly surprised. You should definitely set aside enough time for the self-guided tour because there’s a lot to learn about Arthur Guinness, the brewing process, and the brewery’s history across six floors. A tasting is included, and I found the exhibition on the quirky advertising campaigns over the decades particularly interesting. If you want, you can upgrade your ticket to learn how to pour the perfect pint or even have your selfie printed on the foam – all possible at the Guinness Storehouse.
We preferred taking selfies with our camera in the Gravity Bar on the top floor, where you get a stunning 360-degree view of Dublin.
- You can reserve your ticket here. Booking a time slot for sunset is especially nice.
- Although there are bars and cafés in the Guinness Storehouse, we recommend eating at Ireland's oldest pub, the Brazen Head instead. Conveniently, it's only a 15-minute walk from the museum. They supposedly have the best "Bangers and Mash" – a dish of mashed potatoes, sausages, and onions. Definitely worth a try.
5. Teeling distillery
Dublin has more than one whiskey distillery to visit. Most tourists go to the Jameson Distillery, but we found the 30+ euro entrance fee a bit too expensive. Instead, we visited the Teeling Whiskey Distillery. It’s highly recommended, even if you’re not a big whiskey fan. The tour is engaging, and during the tasting, you can choose the light version and try a whiskey cocktail instead of sampling 3 or 4 whiskeys.
- Here's how to visit and taste at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery.
- Just a 5-minute walk from the distillery, you'll find the traditional pub Peadar Browns. It offers live music, great value for money, and incredibly friendly staff.
6. Cultural & Creative Quarter
Take some time to wander through the colorful streets of Dublin. Even though we didn’t love the Temple Bar district, also known as the Cultural Quarter, it was still worth checking out. If you’re into partying or pub-hopping, Temple Bar should definitely be on your list. You’ll also find markets like the Temple Bar Food Market (every Saturday at Meeting House Square) and the Temple Bar Book Market (every Saturday at Temple Bar Square).
We preferred the Creative Quarter. It’s filled with small artists’ studios, galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Grafton Street, one of Dublin’s most famous shopping streets, is always bustling. Don’t miss Butlers Chocolate Café for a hot chocolate and some of their delicious pralines.
- If you’re exploring the Temple Bar district, consider dining at The Church. This old church has been converted into a restaurant and bar, with many original features like the organ still intact. The setting is unique, and the food is good - not cheap, but reasonable by Irish standards given the unusual location. To sit on the gallery, you should definitely reserve in advance.
7. St Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland, so it’s definitely worth a visit, even if churches aren’t usually your thing. You can either explore it on your own or join a guided tour. It’s situated in the Medieval Quarter, which is rich in Dublin’s history. Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral are also close by.
- To skip the lines, you can reserve your ticket for St. Patrick’s Cathedral here.
- Just a 10-minute walk from the cathedral is the charming Café Il Valentino Bakery, perfect for an afternoon tea or a hearty Irish breakfast.
More things to do on a weekend away in Dublin
If the weather is better than what we had, consider a trip to Howth. You can take the DART train right to this charming former fishing village. From the harbor, you can enjoy a beautiful coastal walk on the Cliff Walk and, with some luck, spot seals in the harbor. For fresh seafood, try The Pier House. Howth also offers one-hour boat tours along the coast.
If you’d rather stay in Dublin, you can take a boat ride on the River Liffey.
For whiskey lovers, a city tour that includes whiskey tasting is a great way to combine culture with enjoyment.
Weekend away in Dublin: How to Combine everything for a weekend trip
If you want to make the most of your 3 days in Dublin, here’s a suggested itinerary. It’s a packed schedule, so feel free to adjust it according to your preferences or skip some activities if you’d like more time to explore at a leisurely pace.
Day 1:
- Arrival & Check-in/Luggage Drop off, e.g., at Motel One
- Lunch at Tang Café on Abbey Street
- Trinity College, Book of Kells & Long Room
- Explore the Temple Bar/Cultural Quarter or the Creative Quarter
- Dinner at Bruxelles Pub
Day 2:
- Visit Kilmainham Gaol or the EPIC Museum
- Afternoon Tea on a Vintage Bus Tour
- Guinness Storehouse at sunset
- Dinner at The Brazen Head
Day 3:
- Coastal walk or boat trip in Howth
- Lunch in Howth
- Optional: St. Patrick’s Cathedral & a stroll through Dublin’s Medieval Quarter
- Visit Teeling Distillery
- Dinner at Peadar Browns or The Church
Day 4:
Check-out and departure
Depending on how many attractions you want to visit, the Dublin Pass might be worth considering. You have two options:
The Go City Explorer Pass, which allows you to choose 3 to 7 attractions, or the Dublin Pass, which covers over 40 attractions and is available for 1 to 5 days.
Getting around on a weekend away in Dublin
- By Airplane: You will most likely fly into Dublin Airport (DUB).
If you’re still looking for the right flight, check out Skyscanner* for the best options.
- A car is pretty much unnecessary in Dublin. Even if you’re visiting Dublin as part of an Ireland road trip, it’s better not to drive into the city. Use public transport from the airport and then rent a car after your city stay.
A large part of Dublin is easily explored on foot, and walking is always a great way to get to know a city. However, you’ll likely need to use public transport for some sights to avoid spending too much time getting around. Here are the most important tips:
- From the airport, you can take Bus Line 41 to the city center, which is much cheaper than the Express Bus and takes about the same time. Interestingly, neither Google nor the TFI app list Bus Line 41, only the more expensive Express Bus. When you arrive at Dublin Airport, check the bus departure board in the arrivals area and either note the departure zone or take a photo of it.
- If you decide not to get the Leap Visitor Card and prefer to buy single tickets on the bus, make sure to bring exact change. Bus drivers don’t give change. You can get a refund if you overpay, but you’d have to claim it at the O’Connell Street office, which isn’t the most convenient option.
- Don’t be surprised if a bus drives past you while you’re waiting at the stop. In Dublin, it’s common practice to wave down buses.
- For travel within Dublin, buses are the main mode of transport. If you’re planning a day trip outside the city, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) is a good choice. It runs from Howth in the north to Bray in the south and is covered by the Leap Visitor Card.
Where to stay for a weekend away in Dublin
Dublin isn’t exactly a budget-friendly city. Expect to pay around 150-250 € per night for a place in the city center. For this price range, we recommend Motel One, which offers a good standard with a great breakfast buffet and modern but compact rooms. Another comparable option in the city center is the Ruby Molly Hotel.
If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, Beckett Locke is just outside the city center and offers studio apartments. The bonus here is that you get a small kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.
If you’re traveling between late May and late August, you can book a room on the Trinity College campus. These are affordable and centrally located, but you’ll need to book early to secure a room.
We hope you have a fantastic and varied 3 days in Dublin and find our tips helpful for your planning. We’d love to hear your feedback on Instagram.
If you would love to see more of Ireland’s epic coastline, check this travel guide for your road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way.
