2 Day Dublin Itinerary: What to Do in & Around Dublin City Centre

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2 day Dublin itinerary alert! If you’re wondering, “Is 2 days enough in Dublin?”, it’s possible to get a good taste of the city in a short visit. If you want to soak in its charm, then bit more time might be ideal.

My 2-day itinerary covers some highlights like Trinity College, Temple Bar and the Guinness Store. Ultimately, how many days is ideal in Dublin depends on your interests and how you want to pace your trip. I also give a few pointers for 2 days in Dublin with kids or if you’re traveling solo.

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2 Day Dublin Itinerary: Out and About Ireland’s Capital

First off, I answer some common questions you might have if you’ve never been to Dublin, Ireland so you can gauge how much time to spend there.

Then I give the gist of what I did in and near Dublin City Centre. I’m giving you the quick Cliff Notes version to break it down in bullet points:

How many days in Dublin do you need?

I think two days is all you need in Dublin. However, it depends on your interests. You might want three days to see the main sights without feeling rushed.

I did an extra “day” there just to stay in a castle, but I wouldn’t go beyond that. Plan according to your preferences.

Is two days in Dublin enough?

Personally, two days in Dublin is enough if you don’t want to see every little point of interest. You can still visit the major attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, the Temple Bar area and Trinity College.

Additionally, you might explore a few neighborhoods and enjoy some local cuisine. Therefore, while it may not seem ideal, it is possible to get a good feel for the city.

Is 3 days in Dublin too long?

I personally think that 3 days in Dublin is too long. As I mentioned, I stayed in a castle the last day. It was 20 minutes from City Centre, but I planned it as a down day before I headed home. We weren’t sight seeing anymore at that point.

Once you see the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, The Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, the Molly Malone Statue and the EPIC Museum, have fun in the Temple Bar area.

Depending on how long you choose to stay there, you can then move on. Many of the other things to do last 5 to 10 mins such as seeing statues, buildings from outside, etc. Unless you’re doing a full tour of every little thing, in many of the spots you can take a pic and go.

Is Dublin City Centre walkable?

Yes, Dublin City Centre is walkable. Many key attractions are close to each other. Additionally, the city has pedestrian-friendly streets. Therefore, it’s easy to explore on foot.

What is the number one attraction in Dublin, Ireland?

The number one attraction in Dublin, Ireland is the Guinness Storehouse. This iconic attraction offers an immersive experience into the history and brewing process of Guinness, complete with a tasting session and panoramic views of the city from its Gravity Bar.

My favorite part was the watching the water droplets turn into images and words. It has a wow factor that makes it enjoyable.

What is the main shopping street in Dublin?

The main shopping street in Dublin is Grafton Street. It’s known for its wide range of high-end shops and boutiques, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

What is Grafton Street famous for?

Grafton Street is famous for its shopping. Additionally, it features street performers and historic architecture.

How far is Dublin City Centre from the airport?

Dublin City Centre is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the airport. Consequently, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to get there by car. Additionally, there are bus services available. Therefore, transportation options are convenient.

2 Days in Dublin with Kids

If you’re exploring Dublin with the kids, think about visiting the Dublin Zoo. Children are almost always fascinated by animals. Next, take a boat ride along the River Liffey, and enjoy the city’s views.

Finally, head to the playground in St. Stephen’s Green, where the kids can run around, or you can eat outside on a bench if it isn’t rainy.

2 Days in Dublin Solo

Consider starting your two day itinerary in Dublin alone, starting with a visit to Trinity College to the campus and see the Book of Kells. Afterwards, stroll through the bustling streets of Temple Bar, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Then, think about walking in Phoenix Park, appreciating the tranquil surroundings. Finally, visit at the Guinness Storehouse, and savor a pint while taking in the panoramic city views.

Day 1 – Dublin Itinerary: Arrival and Exploration

Here’s the quick break down of day 1. This is the bullet point version. If you want to read bigger snippets and get my pointers on alternative ideas, here’s my 2 days in Dublin itinerary and what I would do differently.

Morning:

Arrival: Land in Dublin and take the bus (€10 per person) to the city center.
Check-in: Walk to your hotel and drop off luggage (if early check-in isn’t available).

Late Morning:

Brunch: Enjoy a casual meal at Brother Hubbard, located nearby.
Rest: Return to your hotel for a nap to recover from the red-eye flight.

Afternoon:

Guinness Storehouse Tour: Head to the Guinness Storehouse for a 2:30 PM tour. Make sure to start at the Gravity Bar for views and a pint. Yes, day drink! 😉
Dublin Castle: After the tour, explore Dublin Castle and nearby landmarks like the free Chester Beatty library.

Evening:

Dinner: Dine at Milano’s in the Temple Bar area, offering gluten-free options and outdoor seating.
Exploration: Stroll across Ha’penny Bridge and visit George’s Arcade. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar with its traditional music.

Day 2- Dublin Itinerary: Culture and Leisure

Here’s the break down for Day 2.