2 Day Itinerary Dublin: The Only One You’ll Need!

Need a 2-day itinerary for Dublin because you’re going to be spending 2 days in Dublin? You’re in the right place!

If you’re a first-timer to the Emerald Isle and spending 2 days in Ireland, there’s no doubt that you should head first to the capital city, Dublin, and spend a full two days there.

If you’re also wondering if it is possible to do Dublin in 2 days — as someone who’s shown many family and friends around this amazing city, I’d confidently say it’s entirely possible!

It’s not just me who’s claiming this — my husband, Ger, who is from Ireland, has also cobbled up many a 2-day Dublin itinerary for his loved ones.

So without further ado, if two days in Dublin is all you have, then leave your itinerary in our hands and read on for the only two-day Dublin itinerary you’ll need to explore this beautiful city.

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2-Day Itinerary For Dublin: Day 1

For my Dublin in 2 days itinerary, I will divide it into three components: morning, afternoon, and evening.

You can switch the locations around if you’d like, but I’ve listed them down based on the best time to do these activities.

Day 1, Morning — Start With A Walking Tour

One of the best ways to get to know a city, especially a walkable one, is to go on a local-led walking tour so you get to orient yourself quickly.

I’d personally choose a walking tour that first starts with Trinity College in central Dublin.

Given that Dublin is extremely walkable, the walking tour will also likely cover these tourist hotspots:

1. Book Of Kells In Trinity College

In case you’re wondering why Trinity College is so famous, the location houses the Book of Kells, which contains the four Gospels of the New Testament.

The Book of Kells is seen as one of the greatest masterpieces of Western calligraphy and has a great level of detail in the way it was crafted.

2. Dublin Castle

If you’re looking to visit spots that are important in Irish history, then look no further than Dublin Castle, which was the base of the English first, and then subsequently the Irish administration.

The castle was built in the 13th century and has been a military fortress, prison, treasury, and court of law, apart from serving as an administrative base for the respective ruling governments.

It is still in use to this day, as a location for state-related events, such as presidential inaugurations.

3. Molly Malone Statue

Wondering why this statue is all hyped up? Molly Malone was a beautiful young girl who was said to have worked as a fishmonger by day and a sex worker by night.

While it is not sure when and how this tradition began, it is believed that groping the statue’s bosom brings one luck.

However, some people in recent times have begun questioning the tradition and whether it’s right to be groping the statue’s chest, even though it is not an actual person.

I’ll let you decide if it’s worth a touch!

If you have chosen the option of the walking tour it should take about 2.5 hours, which is roughly the same amount of time if you also covered the places alone though you might take longer as you need to get tickets on your own.

Regardless, after all that walking, you should be in a good time for lunch.

Day 2, Afternoon — Ha’Penny Bridge, Ha’Penny Bridge Inn, Winding Stair Bookshop & St. Stephen’s Green Park

4. Ha’Penny Bridge

Before you head to lunch, walk to or across the Ha’Penny Bridge, which is Dublin’s oldest pedestrian bridge that goes over the river Liffey.

Besides being a historic structure, the Ha’Penny Bridge is also popular as it was one of the earliest cast-iron structures.

In case you’re wondering how it got its name — it was because there was a half-penny toll levied on anyone who wanted to use the bridge — something that went on till 1919.

5. Ha’Penny Bridge Inn

Then, head for lunch at the Ha’Penny Bridge Inn. The building has been around since 1732, while the pub came about relatively recently in the early 20th century.

The spot remains one of the few family-owned pubs in the Dublin city center and isn’t just frequented by tourists — locals also love heading to the pub.

If I were you, I’d try some classic fish and chips there, as well as a pint of Guinness stout.

6. Winding Stair Bookshop

Close to the Ha’Penny Inn is the Winding Stair Bookshop, said to be one of the oldest surviving independent bookshops in Dublin!

It’s a must-visit if you’re a book-lover and worth a stop by, even if you’re ambivalent about books.

Afterall, how often can you lay claim to having visited such an age-old location?

If you’re lucky, you might even witness a performance or play being held there!

7. St. Stephen’s Green Park

After all those historic buildings, you might want something a little more nature-oriented — head to St. Stephen’s Green for a dose of green.

Aside from being an oasis in the middle of all the buildings, this urban park has also bore witness to many key milestones in Irish history, such as the 1916 Easter Rising.

But if you’re not too acquainted with Irish history, just take a stroll in the park, spend some time, and appreciate the breeze — after all, it’s a very iconic and picturesque spot.

Day 3, Evening — Temple Bar, Dublin Pub Crawl

8. Temple Bar

When the evening rolls around, it’s time to engage in a little bit of merrymaking. Head to the Temple Bar area and get involved in some craic (Irish slang for a good time).

The night scene can get a tad overwhelming especially since you might not know where or how to get started.

Either stumble into a random pub like The Temple Bar itself or sign yourself up for a good old Dublin pub crawl and let the local experts do the work for you!

9. Dublin Pub Crawl

Since 2 days in Dublin, Ireland, typically means that you only have one full evening to spare, I’d say spend that evening on a classic Dublin pub crawl.

Dublin has a strong pub culture in case you haven’t realized it by now — you might have noticed that many of its attractions revolve around pubs and drinking-related spots such as the Guinness Storehouse.

My top pick, since you’re on a time crunch, is to take a 100% personalized and private historical pub tour.

It will bring you to the popular Temple Bar area, and also the more-local district of Rathmine.

It also comes complete with private transportation with pick-up upon request, two complimentary drinks, and a customized itinerary if you have particular bars you’d like to check out.

2-Day Itinerary For Dublin: Day 2

1. Stage Door Cafe

Said to be the home of Dublin’s best breakfast, Stage Door Cafe is a quaint, age-old institution that’s well-loved by both locals and tourists.

The space is small, but you’ll still be welcome as long as there are seats.

Once in there, dig into a generous plate of Irish breakfast — it’s a must! And if you’re up for it, grab a mug of good ole Irish coffee too.

Having both will give you all the energy you need for your second day in Dublin.

2. Guinness Storehouse

If you had an Irish coffee earlier, then let’s continue the boozy trail by having you visit the Guinness Storehouse.

It’s a museum that chronicles the beginnings of Guinness beer, one of Ireland’s most popular exports.

You can always go there yourself, but if I were you, I’d opt for a Skip-The-Line Tour, which combines both the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Whiskey Distillery.

You’re on a 2-day time crunch, after all!

3. The Brazen Head

After that, it’s to yet another age-old institution in Dublin, The Brazen Head.

It is said to be one of the country’s oldest pubs and still retains many elements from its heyday.

While you’re there, grab some lunch — I hear the bangers and mash is great — and a pint if you’re thirsty after all that walking!

4. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

This St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin is not to be confused with the one in New York City.

The St. Patrick’s Cathedral is famous because it is said to be Ireland’s biggest church and is also reportedly the final resting spot of Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels.

It is still operating as a Roman Catholic church today.

5. Christ Church Cathedral

If you want to follow along this path of age-old church buildings, then you should swing by Christ Church Cathedral, a place of worship for nearly 1,000 years.

It is not just one of Dublin’s oldest buildings, but one with magnificent architecture — it’s amazing that such intricate finishes were built in that time.

6. Dublin Food Tour

By now, you should be nearly done with your 2-day itinerary for Dublin, but in case you still have some time (and stomach space), I’d recommend taking a food tour of Dublin.

Yes, you can always look for food on your own, but nothing quite beats having a local bring you around and explore various nooks and crannies you wouldn’t be able to find on your own.

7. Irish Cabaret at Taylors Three Rock Pub

At this point, I’m not quite sure if you’d still be in Dublin (since it is afterall only a 2-day itinerary), but if you are, then give the Irish Night Show a go!

Taking place at the Taylors Three Rock Pub, this is a 4-course dinner complete with song, dance, and comedy, an extremely eye-opening, value-for-money experience.

You might even get to pick up Irish dancing at the end of the evening — how’s that for a souvenir?

When To Visit Dublin?

If you’re wondering when to visit Dublin, the best time to visit this city is in Spring (April or May) or the cusp between Autumn and Winter (October) when the weather is fair, not too warm, and not too cold.

It’s also a time when the summer crowds have yet to begin traveling or are done with their summer travels, so the city is still relatively uncrowded.

The best part about traveling during this time?

It’s also called the shoulder season, which is an off-peak season, so you’ll get to save on airfare since fares are usually lower during this period.

Where To Stay In Dublin?

Not quite sure where to stay in Dublin? If you’re only there for just 2 days, then you’ll want to be somewhere central — central Dublin or Temple Bar are good areas.

Other good areas to be in, if you don’t want somewhere too touristy, include the southern bank of the Grand Canal, Ballsbridge, and Donnybrook.

As to what’s a good hotel to stay in, here are my top choices, depending on the level of luxury you’d like to enjoy:

The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection — A 5-star hotel in St. Stephen’s Green, complete with a health club, spa, and swimming pool.

Temple Bar Hotel — A centrally-located, modern 4-star hotel that’s just a short walk from Dublin’s main shopping streets, Grafton Street and Henry Street.

Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre — Also a 4-star hotel, but very modern, no-frills, and convenient with views of the River Liffey.

How To Get Around Dublin?

Not quite sure how to get around Dublin? If you’re only there for two days, you can rely on Dublin’s efficient public transport network, as well as walk around the city center.

The Dublin public transport system is made up of the Dublin bus network, the DART (the electric train system), as well as the tram.

Just get a Leap card to travel with ease on these modes of transport.

If you somehow decide that you want to take a 2-day trip from Dublin to somewhere further out, say the Cliffs of Moher, then you’re better off renting a car for the journey.

How Much Money To Exchange For 2-Day Itinerary In Dublin?

Wondering how much money to exchange for a 2-day itinerary? You can probably get by by budgeting about €100 (or US$106) a day.

While it is always good to carry around cash, I personally carry around a multi-currency card, Revolut, so that I’m never caught in a situation where I don’t have enough cash on hand.

After all, you can never be too sure when money-related emergencies might occur, like needing an extra…scarf.

I jest — but having the currency you need readily on hand is always helpful.

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FAQs on 2-Day Itinerary Dublin

Can I Do Dublin In 2 Days?

If you’re wondering can I do Dublin in 2 days, the good news is you absolutely can!

Two days gives you more than enough time to visit the Dublin must-gos — Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar, and even St. Stephen’s Green.

Given that Dublin is extremely walkable, with most of the main attractions within walking distance of each other, it is not impossible to finish Dublin in two days.

Is It Worth Going To Ireland For 2 Days?

You might be in Europe or the UK and wonder if it is worth going to Ireland for 2 days.

As someone who lives in this gorgeous country,I’m gonna be biased and say yes it is absolutely worth visiting!

There is an incredible amount of history in this city, plenty of sights to explore, and tons of culture to go all around.

If you have extra time, you could even take a 2-day tour from Dublin out to the neighboring areas to visit further sites such as Belfast, Giants Causeway, and the Wild Atlantic Way.

How Many Days Do You Need To See Dublin?

In case you’re unsure of how many days you need in Dublin, the good news is not very many days at all — just two days is good enough.

You can spend just a minimum of two days in Dublin to get the best of what the city has to offer and still have enough time to take it slow, enjoying the sights and culture as you go along.

Of course, Dublin has many peripheral areas that are also worth a visit, but for the first time, two days is more than enough to see central Dublin and all its sights.

Is 3 Days In Dublin Too Long?

Now if you’re wondering if 3 days in Dublin is too long, no it isn’t! Two or three days in Dublin is just the right amount of time to be spent in Dublin.

You’ll not only have time to see all the main Dublin attractions such as Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar, and St. Stephen’s Green, but it gives you enough time to wander around.

If you find yourself wondering what to do in Dublin for 3 days, just know you’re not limited to the city center!

There is always the option of taking a day trip out to see the Cliffs of Moher or any natural sights!

Is It Worth Going To Dublin For A Weekend?

Don’t know if is it worth going to Dublin for a weekend. The answer is always yes!

Dublin is an extremely compact and walkable city with reliable public transportation systems. This means that you’ll not have to spend a lot of time going between attractions and can make the most of your time there.

Even if you don’t clock off all the attractions, the Irish are always known to have a good time, so a weekend in Dublin will never be a reason for regret.

Is Dublin An Expensive City To Visit?

One of the key questions to consider is: Is Dublin an expensive city to visit? As with all cities, yes, it can be an expensive spot.

In fact, given that it is the capital city, it is easily the most expensive county to visit in Ireland.

However, there are plenty of ways to keep the budget down:

Walk to each of your locations
Eat cheaply at a neighborhood restaurant (The locals don’t eat out or eat expensively every day, afterall!)
Go for a walk in places like St. Stephen’s Green, which is free
Or even offer to house-sit for someone you might know who lives in Dublin!

I hope you have all the knowledge you need for your 2-day itinerary for Dublin!

As you can see, Dublin may be small, but it holds a lot of culture, history, and plenty of warmth — and is definitely worth a visit no matter how short your trip is.

Regardless of whether you decide to make the trip to trusty Dublin, I hope you eventually get a chance to see just why Ger and I love this beautiful city (and country) so much.

Need more tips on traveling to Ireland or Dublin? Just let me know!

I am always raring to share more about this wonderful country I now call home!

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2 Day Itinerary Dublin: The Only One You’ll Need!