What to do in Dublin in 3 days
Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital, is a city rich in history, culture and modern charm. Situated on the east coast of the island, along the River Liffey, Dublin offers a fascinating mix of tradition and innovation.
The city is an ideal destination for a weekend of culture and entertainment, among the many historic buildings and the cobbled streets of Temple Bar with its quaint pubs, live music and a vibrant art scene.
Here are some tips if you are preparing to visit the Irish capital!
General informations
Located on the east coast of the island of Ireland, the capital of the Republic of Ireland is easily accessible by air through Dublin Airport (DUB), which is well connected to major European and international cities. It is located about 10 km from the city center and is easily accessible by bus, taxi or shuttle services. If you are arriving from the United Kingdom, Dublin has an active port with connections to and from the British Isles. The main companies operate ferries from Holyhead (Wales) and Liverpool. If you are arriving by land from Northern Ireland or other Irish cities, there are trains (Irish Rail) and buses (Bus Éireann) that connect Dublin with ease.
To enter the Republic of Ireland, a valid identity card for expatriation or passport (for European citizens) is sufficient. Although it is not part of the Schengen area, entry is easy and does not require additional visas (different if you want to enter from Northern Ireland).
Dublin has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters and cool summers. Bringing a raincoat and umbrella is essential, as rain can be frequent even in summer!
What to do
Here are the main attractions of Dublin that will make your trip unforgettable.
Let’s start with Trinity College and the Book of Kells. The oldest university in the country and one of the most prestigious in the world, it is home to historic buildings of great historical value as well as magnificent gardens. The main attraction is the Long Room, a historic library that looks like it came out of a fantasy film, with dark wooden shelves and dusty old volumes. Here you will find the Book of Kells, a medieval illuminated manuscript, it is pure Celtic magic. To visit these attractions I recommend you buy the ticket online in advance. For those who want to take a guided tour of the campus, various options are available on the official website of Trinity College to best savor the magical atmosphere of this university.
Another unmissable attraction in Dublin is the Temple Bar district, the beating heart of the nightlife. Its cobbled streets, colorful pubs and live music will make you dance until dawn. A fresh Guinness is a must and you can immortalize the most famous pub, the Temple Bar. Still on the subject of beer, a visit to the Guinness factory is one of the unmissable moments of a trip to Dublin. The Guinness Storehouse is the place where Ireland’s most famous beer is born. After a long visit to its historic building, expertly restored inside to give you an immersive experience in the creation of the famous drink, a tasting in the rooftop Gravity Bar will offer you a unique view of the Irish capital.
For lovers of greenery, Dublin offers numerous parks including Phoenix Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe! Here you can come across deer that live free in the park. Another unmissable park is Saint Stephen’s Garden.
For shopping lovers, the streets to take are Grafton Street and O’ Connell Street in the center of which you will come across the Spire, a long 120 m steel tower.
The religious soul of the city is evident in the numerous churches and cathedrals that Dublin hosts. The main one is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, a jewel of Gothic architecture. Not far away, the other unmissable church is Christ Church Cathedral.
Another cult place in the city is Dublin Castle. Located in the heart of the city, the castle served as the seat of the British government until 1922. Today it offers guided tours that illustrate Irish history and the beauty of its ceremonial rooms.
Also not to be missed is a visit to Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison transformed into a museum, a symbol of the fight for Irish independence. The guided tour is intense and touching, telling the stories of the prisoners who have marked the history of the country.
To conclude this roundup of the main attractions that Dublin offers, crossing the River Liffey on the iconic Ha’Penny Bridge is definitely one of the things to do, especially at sunset for unforgettable photos.
Day trips from Dublin
Dublin can be the starting point for discovering Ireland. Just a few hours from the capital you can reach enchanting places. Among these, just 30 minutes by train, the town of Howth, a picturesque fishing village with its spectacular cliffs that offer breathtaking views of Dublin Bay. The Cliff Walk is an easy walk with various circuits of varying difficulty and duration that will allow you to see unique landscapes.
Nature lovers will appreciate Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains. Glendalough is famous for its ancient monastery and the two lakes immersed in an enchanting valley. The hiking trails offer various options for all levels of difficulty.
For a dive into prehistory, visit Newgrange, an ancient Neolithic site older than the pyramids of Egypt. The Boyne Valley is also home to other historical sites such as Knowth and Dowth, perfect for archaeology enthusiasts.
About 30 minutes from Dublin, Malahide Castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers guided tours to discover its thousand-year history. Malahide village is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Although a little further away (about 1.5-2 hours by train), Kilkenny is a charming medieval city with an imposing castle, cobbled streets and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
