Dublin: The Best 3-Day Itinerary For The Ultimate Getaway
So, you’re thinking of spending a few days in Dublin, Ireland – the Emerald Isle? Well, you’ve definitely come to the right place! Dublin is one of the most exciting cities in Europe, with a rich culture, stunning architecture, and a bustling nightlife. So, if you’re ready to explore the city, here’s the perfect three-day itinerary for your trip to Dublin!
Introduction To Dublin
Dublin is the capital of Ireland, and it is often considered to be the cultural capital of the country as well. It is also the largest city in Ireland, with a population of over 1.2 million people. Dublin is a great place to visit, and there are plenty of things to see and do in the city.
The city is divided into two main parts: the Northside and the Southside. The Northside is the older part of the city, and it is home to many historical sites, such as Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The Southside is the more modern part of the city, and it is home to many of the city’s most popular attractions, such as the Guinness Storehouse, the Dublin Zoo, and the Dublin Writers’ Museum.
Best Places To Stay
When planning your trip to Dublin, you’ll want to make sure to choose the right accommodation for your needs. Dublin has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels.
Here are some of the top end hotels to stay in:
The Shelbourne Hotel – The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin is a historic, landmark hotel located in the heart of Dublin on St. Stephen’s Green. The five-star hotel is located right in the heart of Dublin, you won’t have to walk far to see the city’s main attractions. You can expect to pay over £500 per night to stay here in the summer months.
The Westbury Hotel – The luxurious 5-star Westbury Hotel has spacious and sumptuously furnished bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. On Dublin’s Grafton Street, the Westbury has fantastic restaurants, a bar and a fitness suite. A night here in summer will cost you around £400.
The Merrion Hotel – The luxurious 5-star Westbury Hotel has spacious and sumptuously furnished bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. On Dublin’s Grafton Street, the Westbury has fantastic restaurants, a bar and a fitness suite. Depending on the dates, you can expect to pay over £450 to stay here.
If you are looking for something a bit more mid range, here is my list of choices:
Castle Hotel – This elegant Georgian hotel in Dublin city centre is just 2 minutes’ walk from O’ Connell Street and very close to Temple Bar, it offers rooms with en suite bathrooms, a restaurant/bar with evening entertainment, and free Wi-Fi. A night here in summer will set you back around £130.
The Croke Park Hotel – Luxuriously furnished, each room at Croke Park Hotel features comfortable beds with duck down duvets, and a private bathroom with deluxe toiletries. Rooms also features a free Wi-Fi. You can expect to pay around £170 per night here in summer.
Finally, here are my list of budget friendly hotels:
Errigal Guest House – Each room has a smart TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and a desk with charging points. The rooms have en-suite facilities and some rooms offer garden views. Rooms cost around £70 per night here in the summer months.
Hazelbrook lodge – Situated in Dublin city centre, Hazelbrook Lodge is just a 5-minute walk from O’Connell Street which is Dublin’s main thoroughfare. Guests will also benefit from a communal living room with free Wi-Fi. A night here in summer costs around £80.
If you are really strapped for cash you can stay in a hostel, but you may have to share a room. Here is the best rated hostels:
Abbey Court Hostel, Gardiner House and Generator Dublin. A night in one of these hostels in the summer months will cost you around £30.
You can find more in depth reviews on booking.com or tripadvisor. If you are looking for more hostel options, Hostelworld is another great resource.
DAY 1 IN DUBLIN
Start of your first day with a visit to the National Museum of Ireland. The Museum is a treasure trove of knowledge, culture, and history. Step into the Medieval Ireland Gallery and explore the archaeological remains of the country’s past.
Or wander through the Prehistoric Ireland Gallery and learn about the lives of people who lived here over 4,000 years ago. The Natural History and Art & Industry galleries are also filled with artefacts and interactive exhibits that will captivate and educate you.
The Museum also hosts a variety of events and workshops, like lectures, family activities, and workshops, so you can keep learning even after you leave.
Next, you should head to the Dublin Castle. Dublin Castle is an iconic symbol of the city and a must-see for any visitors to Dublin. Built in the 13th century, the castle served as the seat of British rule in Ireland for centuries.
Today, it’s a beautiful and well-preserved example of medieval architecture. Inside the castle walls, there are stunning state apartments, a chapel, and a beautiful courtyard.
You can even explore the dungeons, where many prisoners were held during the castle’s history. Strolling around the castle is a great way to get a sense of its history.
Next, you should take a stroll around Trinity College. Trinity College is a place where history and beauty come together in perfect harmony. Located in the heart of the city, Trinity College offers visitors a unique insight into the past and present of Dublin.
From the cobbled streets of its campus to its ancient buildings, the college offers a glimpse into the city’s long and storied past. Plus, it’s home to some of Dublin’s most iconic attractions, like the Book of Kells and the Long Room Library.
When you’re done exploring Trinity College, head to the Dublin Writers’ Museum. the museum celebrates the literary heritage of the Irish capital and is a must-see for any book lover. The museum is filled with artifacts, manuscripts, and other memorabilia from some of Ireland’s greatest writers and poets, making it a great place to get to know the history of the country.
Plus, you can peruse some of the original manuscripts and even sit in a replica of James Joyce’s study. The museum also houses a beautiful library and an interactive exhibit that brings Dublin’s literary history to life.
Finish your first day in Dublin by taking a relaxing stroll along the River Liffey. The river is lined with iconic bridges, and it is a great place to soak in the city’s stunning views.
DAY 2 IN DUBLIN
Start your second day in Dublin with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. This iconic landmark is the home of the world-famous Guinness Brewery and is a must-see for anyone looking for a unique experience.
Inside the Storehouse, you’ll find seven floors of Guinness-themed attractions, from interactive exhibits to pubs and restaurants. On the ground floor, you can learn the history of the brewery and how the beer is brewed.
You can also sample Guinness from the tasting room, where experts will guide you through the process of tasting the perfect pint. As you move up the floors, you’ll find interactive exhibits, a rooftop bar, and a panoramic view of Dublin.
To top it all off, you can visit the Gravity Bar on the top floor, where you can enjoy complimentary pints of Guinness while taking in the stunning views of the city.
Afterwards, you should head to the Dublin Zoo. With over 400 different animals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can take a guided tour to learn about the diverse wildlife and their habitats, or wander around the zoo on your own.
Make sure to check out the daily events the zoo has to offer, such as the elephant and sea lion shows. There are also plenty of educational programs and interactive exhibits that will give you a closer look at the animals.
The zoo also offers a range of dining experiences, from traditional snacks to full meals. On top of all that, the zoo has a number of rides and attractions for children and adults alike.
Next, you should visit the National Gallery of Ireland. the gallery houses an impressive collection of Irish and international art spanning centuries. visitors can explore the impressive collection of Irish art, including works from renowned masters like Jack B. Yeats and J.M.W. Turner.
You can also check out the modern art section, which features works by contemporary artists like Paul Henry and Louis le Brocquy. Other highlights include the impressive collection of Old Masters, the exquisite collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, and the captivating exhibition of sculptures.
When you’re done exploring the gallery, you should take a stroll around St. Stephen’s Green. It is one of the city’s most popular parks, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the city’s stunning views.
Finish your day by visiting Kilmainham Gaol. The prison, which opened in 1796, is a powerful reminder of the country’s turbulent past. The building itself is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture, and its thick walls have held some of Ireland’s most famous figures.
Political leaders like Charles Stewart Parnell, Robert Emmet and Joseph Plunkett were among those imprisoned here. The Gaol also played a crucial role in the Easter Rising of 1916, when the rebels were brought here for imprisonment and eventual execution.
Today, Kilmainham Gaol is a museum and a monument to the struggle for Irish independence. Visitors can take a guided tour of the prison, which includes the cells, the execution yard and the chapel. It’s a must-see for any visitor to Dublin and a humbling experience to take in the history of this important site.
DAY 3 IN DUBLIN
Start your third day in Dublin with a visit to the National Botanic Gardens. This stunning garden is open every day of the week, from 9:30am to 5:30pm.
And best of all, it’s free to visit! the National Botanic Gardens is the perfect spot. you can find over 15,000 species of plants from all over the world, from exotic rainforest trees to rare cacti.
You can even take a guided tour to learn about the different plants and get an up-close look at the gardens in action. While you are there, don’t forget to check out the Palm House, a glass dome filled with tropical plants from all over the world.
Afterwards, you should take a stroll around the Phoenix Park. Phoenix Park is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Affectionately known as the “lungs of Dublin” due to its sheer size, this public park is a must-have on any Dublin itinerary.
Phoenix Park is bursting with incredible sights and activities to explore. For those looking to relax, the park offers plenty of quiet spots, including a picturesque rose garden. For those looking for adventure, the park boasts a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and badgers.
There are also a number of walking trails, as well as a 9-hole golf course. And if you’re looking for a bite to eat, the park is home to a number of cafes and restaurants.
Next, you should visit the National Leprechaun Museum. This interactive museum is full of fun, magical activities that will transport you to a world of leprechauns and fairies.
The museum has a range of exhibits that teach visitors about Irish folklore, the various creatures that inhabit the Emerald Isle, and the history behind some of Ireland’s most beloved tales. And, of course, you can take pictures with a real-life leprechaun!
The museum is open every day from 10am to 6pm, and tickets cost €15 for adults and €10 for children.
When you’re done exploring the museum, you should head to the Chester Beatty Library. This world-famous library houses an incredible collection of manuscripts, prints, paintings, and artefacts from countries around the world.
Highlights include a fifth-century Gospel book, a 13th-century Koran, and a 14th-century Chinese scroll. The Library also offers a range of programs and events, from lectures and workshops to art installations and film screenings.
Best of all, admission is free! The Library is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 1pm-5pm.
Finish your day by visiting the Temple Bar area. This lively neighbourhood is full of charm and character, with its cobblestoned streets and colourful buildings.
It’s also home to some of the city’s best restaurants, pubs, and shops. If you’re into history, there’s plenty to explore. The area is full of old churches, monuments, and other historic sites, giving you a glimpse of Dublin’s past.
And of course, there’s the nightlife. Temple Bar has some of the best pubs and clubs in Dublin, as well as plenty of live music venues.
You can also catch some of the city’s biggest cultural events here, like the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Dublin Film Festival.
Best Places To Eat in Dublin
When it comes to food, Dublin has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Irish pub meal or an upscale restaurant, you’ll find plenty of options in the city.
If your looking for some traditional Irish pub food, then you will want to head to Darkey Kelly’s Bar & Restaurant. Located on Fishamble Street, Temple bar. You can expect really friendly services from the staff, delicious Irish food and great live music. Open from 10.30am to 11.30pm most days of the week. Brilliant place to grab a pint of Guiness and have a chat with the locals.
If fine dining is more your thing, you can’t go wrong choosing Wilde restaurant. Situated on Grafton street. You will have a relaxing and luxurious dining experience, The menu at WILDE celebrates the finest Irish seasonal produce, combining much-loved local dishes with classic cuisine from around the world. Opening times are from 12.00pm – 3.30pm then closes and reopens at 5.30pm – 9.30pm everyday.
Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, you should head to Taza on Ardcollum Avenue. One of the best Indian restaurants in Dublin, you can expect a friendly welcome from staff and a great dining experience. Opening times are 1pm-8pm everyday.
Best Night Life Hotspots In Dublin
Ah, Dublin – the city of a thousand pubs. If you’re looking for a nightlife that can rival the best in the world, the Emerald Isle’s capital is the place to be. From traditional Irish bars to chic cocktail lounges, Dublin has something for everyone.
And if you’re looking for some live music, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether it’s folk, jazz, or rock, you can find it all in Dublin. And if you’re looking to dance the night away, there are plenty of clubs to choose from.
Plus, there’s always a great atmosphere in Dublin, so you’re sure to have a fantastic night out.
If you’re looking for a quiet pub there are plenty to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a cosy place to relax after a long day or a romantic spot for a date night, there are plenty of pubs that fit the bill. One of the best is the Brazen Head. Located in the heart of Dublin, this cosy pub has been serving traditional Irish food and drinks for centuries. Its low ceilings and stone walls give it a warm, intimate atmosphere, perfect for those looking for a peaceful evening.
If you’re looking for something a bit more lively well Dublin is known for its lively pubs and vibrant nightlife, so it can be hard to narrow down the list and decide which one is the best.
Luckily, there are a few pubs in the city that stand out for their excellent atmosphere and great selection of drinks. The Long Hall is a popular place for locals and tourists alike due to its cosy atmosphere and traditional pub décor.
If you’re looking for something a bit more upbeat, The Stag’s Head is a great option. This lively pub is always packed with people ready to sing, dance, and have a good time.
For a more upscale experience, The Temple Bar is the place to go. This iconic bar is known for its delicious cocktails and unique atmosphere. No matter which pub you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing time in Dublin.
Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, one of the most popular pubs is The Cobblestone, which offers traditional Irish music, local beers, and some of the best traditional Irish cooking in the city.
If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, there’s the Grand Social, which has a wide range of craft beers and a lively atmosphere. Other pubs offer a variety of live music, such as the popular Whelan’s, which has hosted some of the biggest names in music.
So, there you have it – the perfect three-day itinerary for your trip to Dublin! What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Dublin is waiting for you!
