A Local’s Guide to a Perfect 2 Days in Dublin

Dublin has been my home for 36 years. Since starting the Irish Road Trip 10+ years ago, the 2 days in Dublin itinerary below has been tried-and-tested by thousands of visitors.

While 48 hours in Dublin is plenty of time to experience the best the city has to offer, having a solid itinerary is key to making the most of your visit.

Here’s a quick overview of the itinerary (each day follows a logical route!):

• Day 1: Takes in the very best of Dublin City
• Day 2 option A: Dive deeper into Dublin’s top attractions
• Day 2 option B: A day trip to the Dublin coast (Howth and Malahide)

Key info before spending 2 days in Dublin

Before I dive into the different Dublin in 2 days itinerary guides, there are a few need-to-knows worth considering first:

1. A central base is key

Choosing where to stay in Dublin can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the city, but it’s crucial for both safety and convenience. I recommend basing yourself near St Stephen’s Green, Ballsbridge, or Drumcondra for a mix of comfort and accessibility.

2. Getting around

Getting around Dublin is a breeze once you know how. There are 2 useful cards:

• Visitor Leap Card: Offers unlimited travel for 24 hours (€8), 72 hours (€16), or 7 days (€32)
• DoDublin Card: A €49 card providing 48 hours of hop-on/hop-off bus access and 72 hours of public transport
• Renting a car in Dublin: Isn’t necessary

3. The Dublin Pass

If you’re doing Dublin in 2 days, the Dublin Pass is worth considering. You buy the pass for around €69 and you get access to the city’s main attractions, like the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery. You can easily save from €62.50, depending on how many places you visit.

Day 1

Day 1 revolves around Dublin City Centre and its main attractions. This is ideal for those of you visiting for the first time.

On day 1, you’ll eat great food, visit some of the top museums in Dublin and polish off your day in some traditional pubs.

09:00: Explore Trinity College

Take the ramble over to Trinity College – it’s here that you’ll find the Book of Kells exhibit. It is strongly suggested that you book in advance, as this is a popular tour.

Trinity was founded by Queen Elizabeth I of England way back in 1592. The grounds are a joy to stroll around thanks to its impressive architecture. However, the main attraction here is The Long Room.

This breath-taking library was built between 1712 and 1732 and it’s home to 200,000+ of Trinity’s oldest books.

If you’re wondering what to do in Dublin for 2 days that’ll live on in your memory for ever more, get yourself to The Long Room.

10:45: Ramble through Temple Bar

When you leave Trinity you’re a handy 8-minute walk from the Ha’penny Bridge via the well-trodden streets of Temple Bar.

The grand stone building on your left is the old Parliament House – the world’s first purpose-built two-chamber parliament (1730s) and the spot where the Irish Parliament sat until it was abolished in 1800.

As you turn left into Temple Bar you’ll pass The Palace Bar, a Victorian-fronted pub from 1823, instantly recognisable by its polished wood exterior, stained glass, hanging lanterns.

There are endless pubs in Temple Bar that you can nip into later in the day, if you like, but try not to get distracted just yet!

11:10: Cross the historic Ha’penny Bridge

Keep walking until you reach the square and you see The Old Mill restaurant – turn right here and it’ll take you up through the Merchant’s Arch.

This is a vaulted gateway beneath an 1821 guildhall built for Dublin’s Merchant Guild, later a school and factory, and still one of the oldest surviving entrances into the old quarter

You’ll find the Ha’penny Bridge just beyond it. This is a historic cast-iron bridge that spans the River Liffey.

This was Dublin’s original toll bridge and it takes its name from the cost of cross it back when it was built in 1800s – a ha’penny!

You’ll see its image plastered across countless postcards and tourism adverts. You’ll be crossing it to get to the next stop in this Dublin in 2 days itinerary.

Related read: Stuck for time? See my guide to spending 24 hours in Dublin!

11:30: Embark on the excellent GPO Tour

The next stop is a handy 6-minute walk away. As you cross O’Connell Bridge, the only traffic bridge in Europe that’s wider than it is long (a grand Dublin fact for you!), you’ll spot the Spire in the distance, a 120-metre stainless-steel marker that now anchors the northside skyline.

Now, you don’t see the GPO in many guides to Dublin, for some reason. However, it’s home to history-by-the-boat-load.

It’s on the incredible GPO Witness History Tour that you’ll discover the many events that took place around the 1916 Easter Rising, and it’s a sombre reminder of a not too distant past.

Located on historic O’Connell Street, it’s a very handy option for those of you wondering what to do in Dublin for 2 days if the weathers terrible!

12:45: Fill your belly in Dublin’s oldest pub

The next stop takes us on a 20-minute walk to the oldest pub in Dublin – The Brazen Head.

Dating back to the 12th century, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you stroll through its doors.

Particularly impressive in winter when the fire is blazing away, it was frequented by famous figures such as James Joyce and Brendan Behan.

Get in and grab a bit of lunch to tide you over for the rest of day 1 of your 48 hours in Dublin.

14:10: Step back in time at Christ Church Cathedral

The next stop, Christ Church Cathedral, is a short 7-minute walk from the Brazen Head, but there are some worth stops on the way.

You’ll pass the old Dublin City Wall on Lamb Alley (here on Maps), a surviving section of the 13th-century fortifications that once enclosed the medieval city.

A little further on is the medieval St Audoen’s, Dublin’s oldest parish church still in use, dating back to the 1190s. Keep going and you’ll reach Christ Church, which was first built in stone in the early 11th century and was reshaped many times since.

It now houses different exhibits, incredible stained-glass windows, and if you dare to venture into the crypt you’ll even see a mummy or two.

15:35: The Guinness Storehouse

The last stop of the day is the Guinness Storehouse! You can walk (takes 20 minutes) or you can take the bus from just up from Christ Church.

Now, it’s important to note that the final tour during the off-season is around 16:45, so make sure to book onto the last tour of the day.

This is a self-guided, 90-minute journey through seven floors of brewing history, interactive exhibits, tasting rooms, and archive displays, finishing with a pint in the Gravity Bar and optional add-ons like the Guinness Academy (pour your own pint), the Stoutie (print your face on the foam), and premium tasting experiences.

An evening in Dublin

Day 1 of this 2 day Dublin itinerary wraps up its sightseeing, but don’t worry – Dublin’s lively evening scene is just getting started!

Here’s some recommendations for food, pubs and live music:

• Food: There are some excellent restaurants in Dublin, like Hawksmoor, which does great steak in a fabulous setting
• Pubs/live music: For live music in Dublin, The Cobblestone is hard to beat. For great Guinness in Dublin, head for Bowes
• Accommodation: If you’ve yet to decide, these are the best Dublin hotels

Day 2 Option A

The second day in this 2 days in Dublin itinerary is filled with interesting and unusual attractions, and plenty of great food and drink.

Below, you’ll find everything from Dublin Castle and one of the finest whiskey distilleries in Dublin to some more brilliant museums.

09:00: Drop by the Molly Malone Statue

The first stop of the day is a quick pitstop for some history. I’m talking, of course, about the famous Molly Malone statue near O’Neill’s Pub on Suffolk Street.

Molly Malone is the legendary 17th-century Dublin fishseller whose song “Cockles and Mussels” turned her into the city’s most famous folk figure.

You’ll likely only spend a minute or so here, but it’s a popular stop for many visitors.

09:30: Discover the delights of Dublin Castle

Barely a 10-minute walk from Molly is Dublin Castle. It was built in the 13th century and, like many castles in Ireland, it underwent numerous renovations and expansions.

Those with an eye for architecture will notice hints of medieval, Georgian, and Gothic styles during their visit.

Explore the grounds, first, then take the tour to discover the sites Viking past. This is one of the most popular stops in this 2 days in Dublin itinerary.

11:00: Marvel at the often-missed Chester Beatty Museum

The Chester Beatty Museum is located on the grounds of Dublin Castle and it’s here you’ll find one of the greatest collections in the country.

Beatty was a New York mining magnate and he donated countless pieces of artwork, manuscripts, and historic pieces to the people of Ireland.

The museum collections are from China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, India, Iran, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

They are considered to be world-class and include Egyptian Books of the Dead, Chinese woodblock prints, and date as far back as 2700 BC.

12:00: Saunter around St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a 10-minute walk from Dublin Castle. This stunning building dates from the early 1200s and it really is a sight to behold.

Take your time to wander around the outside of the Cathedral, first, noting the flying buttresses, stained glass windows and Gothic features.

When you’re ready, the magnificent interior awaits. Remember that this is a place of worship, so behave accordingly.

13:25: See the marvellous Marsh’s Library

Located next door to the Cathedral is one of the hidden gems in this 48 hours in Dublin guide.

Marsh’s Library is Ireland’s oldest and it was opened in 1707. It’s arguably best known for its beautifully unique interior, which has been preserved in its original state.

A short self-guided visit (€7) takes you through original 18th-century reading rooms, rare-book cages, and the visitor ledger signed by Jonathan Swift, with subtle reminders of the events that swept through this area during 1916.

14:25: Lunch and a sneaky pint

After a full morning of exploring, it’s time to grab a bite-to-eat. Now, there are plenty of great spots for a bit of brunch in Dublin, but a couple of handy options nearby include:

• The Fumbally: One of Dublin’s best lunch spots (5-min walk)
• Two Pups: Lively neighbourhood spot serving standout plates and excellent specialty coffee
• Good pint stop: Fallon’s. Dates to 1619. Snug spot with a good pint

15:45: A tipple at the Teeling Distillery

The Teeling Whiskey Distillery is around a 5-minute walk from St. Patrick’s!

One of the newest whiskey distilleries in Dublin, Teelings offers a modern twist on Irish whiskey-making, with guided tours, tastings, and an up-close look at their cutting-edge facilities.

Choose from tours like the Teeling Tasting Tour with Small Batch Whiskey and a seasonal cocktail, the Trinity Tasting Tour featuring Small Batch, Single Grain, and Single Malt, or the Distillery Select Tasting Tour.

Prefer Jameson? If you’d like to squeeze a different whiskey tour into your 48 hours in Dublin, the Jameson Distillery tour is a 20-minute walk away on Bow St.

Food, live music and more

You’ve seen plenty of Dublin in 2 days at this stage, but your visit isn’t over yet. Here’s some food and pub recommendations to round off your weekend in style:

• Food: There are some top notch restaurants in Dublin. For seafood, SOLE is exceptional
• Ancient pubs: I’ve created a mini Dublin pub crawl that’ll take you to some of the oldest pubs in Dublin
• Live tunes: My guide to Dublin pubs with live music accompanies the map above
• Struggling with where to stay? Here’s a map of the different Dublin neighbourhoods with their pros/cons

Day 2 Option B

Day 2 Option B shows you what to do in Dublin for a day if you want to escape the city centre.

This makes a great day trip to Dublin for those that have visited the city and that want to explore the wider county without having to travel too far.

8:00: Catch a train from Dublin City to Malahide

Malahide is one of the more popular day trips from Dublin, and it’s very straightforward to get to.

Here’s what to do:

• 1: Go to Connolly Station. Buy a ticket for the DART (train)
• 2: Get the DART heading in the direction of Drogheda
• 3: It’s 9 stops to Malahide and it takes around 30 minutes
• Tip: Try sit on the right-hand side of the carriage for glimpses of the sea

9:40: Malahide Castle

When you leave the DART station, take a right and you’ll see the entrance to the grounds of Malahide Castle.

You have the option to join a guided tour of the castle, or you can admire its stunning architecture from a distance.

After exploring the castle, make your way into the town center. Enjoy a coffee or some breakfast, then stroll down to the Marina for a look around.

If you’re inclined to spend more time here, there are plenty of things to do in Malahide, including the coastal walk to Portmarnock.

12:00: Take the DART from Malahide to Howth

Howth is accessible from Malahide, although you should be aware there’s no direct train connection; a transfer is necessary.

• 1: Board the DART at Malahide heading towards Bray
• 2: Alight at Howth Junction after three stops
• 3: Switch to platform 2 for your DART connection to Howth

12:30: Grab a light bite at Howth Market

As you exit the station, Howth Market is directly across the road.

You’ll find a variety of offerings here, from coffee and sweet treats to savoury snacks.

Although small, the market is a perfect spot for a quick stop before you embark on your upcoming walk.

Related reads: Have more time to play with? See my guides to 3 days in Dublin, 5 days in Ireland or one week in Ireland

13:30: Tackle the Howth Cliff Walk

The Howth Cliff Walk is one of the most scenic walks in Dublin, and it begins right from the village.

• Start/finish: Howth DART station
• Length: 6 km / 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

If cliff walks aren’t to your liking, consider a pleasant stroll along the pier instead.

This walk offers scenic views of Ireland’s Eye and the Church of the Three Sons of Nessan. The journey along the pier takes about 25 minutes.

15:30: Sample the seafood in Howth village

After a good wander and soaking up those stunning views, it’s time to grab a bite.

As you’ll be right by the sea, you’ve gotta try the local seafood, and there are some excellent restaurants in Howth for a feed!

For a fancy sit-down, head to Aqua. If you’re in the mood for something quick and classic, swing by Beshoff Bros for fish and chips – just watch out for those cheeky seagulls!

16:30: A cosy pint

It’s after 16:00 and you’re on your holidays, so it’s time for a tipple. There are some mighty pubs in Howth. The ones I return to over and over are:

• The Abbey Tavern: A traditional Irish pub with an extensive menu
• McNeills of Howth: A lovely, cosy pub that does great Guinness

19:00: Get the DART back to the city

There’s a direct DART from Howth to the city centre, which takes just 30 minutes and stops at Connolly Station.

Now, a warning – the area around Connolly is one of the areas to avoid in Dublin City, so don’t hang around here!

If you fancy heading out for a night cap, here’s some recommendations:

• Nearys: A wonderful pub that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time
• Kehoes: A lively, traditional pub that does great Guinness
• The Palace: One of Dublin’s most beautiful pubs (and one of the only pubs in Temple Bar I’d drink in)

Exploring Ireland beyond Dublin

Now you know what to do in Dublin for 2 days, it’s time to explore further afield.

However, if you’re staying on in Ireland and you need road trip itineraries, I have hundreds of them here that start in Dublin.

Some other guides that may come in handy are:

• Deciding the best time to visit Ireland
• The easy method of planning a trip to Ireland
• The best things to do in Ireland