Dublin Ireland 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Dublin’s Rich History and Culture
Morning:
- Start your day with a hearty Irish breakfast at Cafe en Seine, a historic café located in the heart of Dublin.
- Visit Trinity College Dublin and explore the beautiful campus, including the Long Room of the Old Library and the Book of Kells.
- Take a stroll through the charming streets of Dublin’s City Centre, taking in the colorful Georgian architecture and street art.
Afternoon:
- Visit Dublin Castle, once the seat of British rule in Ireland, now home to several government buildings and state apartments.
- Head to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Ireland.
- Explore the vibrant Temple Bar area, known for its lively pubs and traditional Irish music. Don’t miss The Temple Bar Pub!
Evening:
- For dinner, try Patrick Guilbaud, Ireland’s only 2-star Michelin restaurant.
- Take a nighttime stroll along the River Liffey and visit the beautiful O’Donoghue’s Pub for some traditional Irish music and craic (fun).
Day 2: Discovering Dublin’s Modern Side
Morning:
- Begin your day with breakfast at Fumbally Cafe, a trendy spot popular with locals.
- Visit the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology to learn about Ireland’s rich history and archaeology.
- Explore the hip neighborhood of Dublin 8, known for its street art, independent boutiques, and vibrant food scene.
Afternoon:
- Head to Phoenix Park and enjoy a picnic or rent a bike to explore the park’s many attractions, including Dublin Zoo and the Victorian People’s Flower Garden.
- Visit the contemporary IMMA - Irish Museum of Modern Art.
- Take a stroll through Grand Canal Dock and admire the modern architecture, including the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and the Google Dublin headquarters.
Evening:
- For dinner, try Ananda, an award-winning Indian restaurant in Dublin 8.
- End your trip with a visit to The Brazen Head, claimed to be Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198. Enjoy some traditional Irish music and a pint of Guinness before saying Slán (goodbye) to Dublin!
Transportation:
- Dublin has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams (Luas), and taxis. A Leap Card is the best way to navigate the city’s transit network.
- Walking is a great way to explore many parts of Dublin, and bike rentals are available throughout the city.
Things to Know:
- Ireland drives on the left side of the road.
- English is widely spoken in Dublin, but it’s always polite to say ’thank you’ (go raibh míle maith agat) and ‘please’ (le meas) when interacting with locals.
- Tipping is customary in Ireland, with 10% being the standard for a good service.
Tips:
- Bring an umbrella – Dublin’s weather can be unpredictable!
- Visit Dublin Pass or Irish Rail’s Explorer Pass for savings on attractions and transportation.
- Dublin is a friendly, welcoming city – don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations or directions!