What to do in Dublin for 2 Days

Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, with well over 8 million people visiting every year. Because of its relatively small size, it makes for the ideal location for spending a couple of days, and there’s lots to pack into those two days as we will discuss in this article.

Whether you’re looking for the best bars in the city, or where to experience authentic Irish culture, this guide will help you make the most of your 48 hours in Dublin.

Where to Stay in Dublin

There are numerous hotels in Dublin, all of which have their own charm and character – and there’s a huge range suited to almost every budget. Here are just a few of the best, suitable for all kinds of budgets and travel experiences:

Luxury: The Shelbourne in Dublin epitomises luxury. For 200 years, this hotel (which borders St Stephen’s Green) has offered some of the best rooms in the city in its elegant, five-star rated building. Truly worth visiting for an extra special occasion.

Mid-range: You don’t have to spend a fortune to spend a couple of nights in Dublin. A stay at The Arlington Hotel – right in the city centre and on the banks of the River Liffey – makes for an excellent mid-range hotel stay.

Budget: You’d be surprised that there are still some excellent budget hotel choices in Dublin city centre, such as The Charles Stewart Guesthouse, which has 58 budget-friendly rooms.

Boutique: Found just off Grafton Street, The Arthaus Hotel is an excellent choice for those wishing to stay in a boutique hotel in Dublin.

Where to Drink in Dublin

It’s no secret that some of the finest pubs in the world can be found in Dublin. The first one that comes to mind is the world-famous Temple Bar, found (unsurprisingly) in Temple Bar, Dublin. While popular with tourists, it’s easy to see why: live music from 10:30 until 02:30 7 days a week takes some beating!

The Auld Dubliner is another wonderful traditional Irish pub and can be found just a few doors down from its slightly noisier counterpart, the Temple Bar – live music, Jameson’s and Irish coffees are all a staple on the menu, of course. For more live music and less tourists, stop by The Cobblestone. 

Understandably, not everybody is into the Black Stuff, but don’t worry – there are still plenty of places for a good old knees-up in the city. The Blind Pig Speakeasy offers some of the best cocktails in Dublin, while the Shuffleboard Bar offers live sports, and numerous games – including giant Jenga, shuffleboard, foosball and more.

Want to experience Dublin like a local? Drury Street is the place to be on a sunny day. This pedestrianised street is lined with bars, and you’ll find locals sitting outside, soaking up the sun and enjoying a drink.

Where to Eat in Dublin

Dublin is brimming with authentic Irish bars, ensuring you’ll never be short of a spot serving up great food and even better craic. Grogan’s is an iconic landmark—stop in for a quick pint and one of their infamous toasties.

Bambino is absolutely worth a visit for those wanting some comfort food favourites. Expect mouth-watering slices of New York-style pizza, made freshly every day. For a similar vibe, a quick stop at Doughboys is a must, for sandwiches filled to the brim with all kinds of fillings – from classic chicken parm to seasonal roast turkey, and everything in between.

If you’re looking to indulge in the fine dining scene, be sure to check out Note and Library Street for a more elevated dining experience.

And for another Irish staple – the traditional Irish breakfast – you simply cannot look past the Irish Potato Cake Company, who, alongside their traditional Irish breakfast, also offer a range of vegan and gluten-free options.

Where to Get Your Culture Fix in Dublin

The first thing at the top of any list when it comes to experiencing Dublin culture is a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Located in the centre of the city, the Storehouse produces Guinness and ships it worldwide. On the guided tour, you learn all about the history of Ireland’s national drink and even get an insight into how it is produced. Finally, you get to pour – and drink – your very own pint of Guinness at the top of the storehouse tower in the bar which offers fantastic 360-degree views of the whole city.

A visit to Dublin Castle is also worth putting on your itinerary during your two-day visit to Ireland’s capital. The castle has stood since 1204, making this one of the oldest structures in the city. Guided tours around the castle offer a fascinating insight into Dublin's – and Ireland’s – history and culture.

Dublin is also home to numerous museums, from the quirky Leprechaun Museum, where you can learn all about one of Ireland’s famous mythical creatures, to the Little Museum of Dublin, which pays homage to the city’s heritage, history and culture. You can even take a wander around Phoenix Park, and see the President’s house, as well as Dublin Zoo. The grounds make for a lovely place to have a picnic in the summer, or a nice romantic walk in the crisp winter months, finished with a hot chocolate, or an Irish coffee if you’d prefer.

Fans of rock music may wish to pay their respects to Phil Lynott, the late frontman of the world-famous Dublin band Thin Lizzy, whose life-size statue can be found on Harry Street.

Best Day Trips from Dublin

While the city itself is absolutely wonderful, it can be good to explore the nearby areas should you want to return (and let’s face it – you will want to return to Dublin!)

Fans of HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones can book themselves onto a day trip from Dublin, and see much of the actual scenery used in the filming of the TV series, as well as numerous props and how the programme itself was filmed.

Additionally, visitors to Dublin can hop on the DART to the small fishing village of Howth, just to the north of the city. There is a beautiful cliff walk and after you’ve completed the walk you can quench your thirst at the top of the hill. Howth itself is home to numerous gorgeous restaurants and bars such as Octopussy, serving up fresh seafood dishes daily.

48 Hours in Dublin: The Itinerary

There’s so much to do in just 48 hours in Dublin that it can be quite difficult to even think about where to start! Well, fear not – our two-day itinerary has you covered, on how you can make the most of your 2-day trip to the capital of Ireland.

Day 1: Exploring the City

• It’s going to be a busy day, so you need to fuel up properly for it – we’d definitely recommend starting your day with a traditional Irish breakfast, of course. You’ll need that side order of soda bread and a nice steaming hot mug of Barry’s tea to wash it all down. Get your fix at a local cafe for an excellent Irish breakfast experience.
• Why not head over to Phoenix Park to burn off some of that hearty breakfast? A stroll up to the President’s house can be a great way to spend a morning.
• After lunch, how about a visit to Dublin Castle or one of the many museums in the city to learn all about the history of Dublin while you’re there?
• Would you check the time? It looks like it’s pub o’clock! Make your way down to the Temple Bar area of Dublin and revel in some of the finest live music in the country – expect singalong classics from some of Dublin’s finest – naturally accompanied with a pint of Guinness or two of course.
• A lovely way to end the day is a nice stroll along the riverbank, where you could pop into one of the many restaurants and fill up on a hearty portion of Irish stew, and a wee Irish coffee as a nightcap.

H3 Day 2: Life Outside of Dublin

• How could you possibly turn down another glorious full Irish breakfast? Well, if it’s not your vibe, how about grabbing a quick coffee and a pastry from a local cafe to see you through the morning? Places such as Ella’s Heaven offer Irish and global pastries and lovely fresh coffee.
• Walk around the city and take in some more famous landmarks – the Phil Lynott Statue for example, or a quick look around the General Post Office – the very site of the Easter Rising in 1916.
• A Guinness tour at the Guinness sthStorehouse is a must. After the tour, you can cheers to a wonderful two days in Dublin on the Storehouse’s rooftop bar.
• Catch traditional music at The Cobblestone to see off your 48 hours in Dublin.