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3 Days in Dublin: A Local’s Perfect Itinerary

3 Days in Dublin: A Local’s Perfect Itinerary

I’ve called Dublin home for 35 years, so I know Ireland’s capital very well. The itinerary below has helped thousands of visitors decide what to do in Dublin for 3 days and make the most of their trip.

3 days in Dublin is more than enough time to soak up both the city’s highlights and Malahide and Howth, but a well-planned itinerary is key to make every moment count.

Here’s an overview of my meticulously planned itinerary:

  • Day 1: See a good chunk of Dublin City (Trinity, Storehouse + more)
  • Day 2: More of Dublin’s top attractions (St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle + more)
  • Day 3: Take a day trip to the coast by train (Howth Cliff Walk, Malahide Castle + more)

Key information before spending 3 days in Dublin

best places to stay in dublin city

 

Before I dive into the different 3 days in Dublin itinerary guides, there are a few need-to-knows worth considering first:

1. Choose a good base

Deciding where to stay in Dublin can be tricky. You want a base that’s central to your itinerary and that fits your budget. My preferred locations are around St Stephen’s Green (very central) and Ballsbridge (safe, leafy area a short walk/bus from the city).

2. Get a travel card

Renting a car in Dublin is expensive and unnecessary. The reality is that getting around Dublin via bus and DART (train) is easy. There are two public transport cards worth considering:

  • Visitor Leap Card: Provides unlimited travel for 24 hours (€8), 72 hours (€16), or 7 days (€32)
  • DoDublin Card: A €49 card offering 48 hours of hop-on/hop-off bus access and 72 hours of unlimited public transport

3. Consider the Dublin Pass

If you’re spending 3 days in Dublin, the Dublin Pass is a smart choice. For around €69, it includes entry to top attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. If you plan to visit several fee-paying sights, it can save you up to €62.50

4. How many days in Dublin is too many?

In my opinion, anything more than 4 is over-the-top. In 3 days, you’ll see the city’s main attractions and some of the coast. If you have 4 or more days, do day trips from Dublin, like Wicklow or Kilkenny. See my Road Trip Itinerary library for routes to follow.

Day 1

map of this 3 days in dublin itinerary

 

This 3 day itinerary for Dublin contains plenty of maps that’ll help you get the lay-of-the-land nice and quickly.

On day 1, you’ll visit one of the finest museums in Dublin, enjoy delicious food, explore Dublin’s key attractions, and end the day in cozy traditional pubs.

08:30: Begin with breakfast

Joy of Chá

Photos via Joy of Chá on FB

There are some excellent places to have breakfast in Dublin to kick-start the 1st of of your 3 days in Dublin. 

Head for Brother Hubbard on Capel Street. They have hearty classics with a twist; meaty mezze or Eggs Baba Bida are both delish!

Or, if you’re on the south-side, go to Joy of Cha, just near the Liffey for a solid cuppa tea and a hearty breakfast.

09:00: Explore Trinity College

map of trinity college map

After fuelling up, take a stroll to Trinity College, home to the iconic Book of Kells exhibit.

Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I of England, Trinity College is steeped in history, and its stunning architecture makes wandering the grounds a delight.

The highlight here is the awe-inspiring Long Room, a library masterpiece built between 1712 and 1732.

Housing over 200,000 of the college’s oldest books, it’s a sight that will leave a lasting impression.

If you’re deciding what to do in Dublin for 3 days, visiting The Long Room is an experience you won’t soon forget.

 

11:00: Wander through Temple Bar (but steer clear of the pubs!)

temple bar district

Photos via Shutterstock

When you leave Trinity, it’s just an 8-minute walk to the bustling, cobbled streets of Temple Bar.

While this area is a hit with tourists, many locals, myself included, tend to avoid it—it’s pricey, and you can get some dodgy characters hanging around.

That said, there are some good pubs in Temple Bar worth popping into later in the day.

For now, though, stay focused and keep exploring!

 

11:15: Admire the historic Ha’penny Bridge

Ha’penny Bridge

Photos via Shutterstock

Just a 2-minute walk from Temple Bar lies the Ha’penny Bridge, a historic cast-iron structure spanning the River Liffey.

Built in the early 1800s, it was Dublin’s first toll bridge, earning its name from the half-penny charge to cross.

Iconic and picturesque, the Ha’penny Bridge features on countless postcards and tourism ads.

You’ll cross it on your way to the next stop in this Dublin in 3 days itinerary!

11:35: Experience the often-missed GPO Witness History Tour

map of the GPO Dublin

The next stop is just a quick 6-minute walk away. Surprisingly, the GPO doesn’t appear in many Dublin guides, but it’s packed with history and well-worth your time.

The fascinating GPO Witness History Tour delves into the pivotal events of the 1916 Easter Rising, offering a poignant look at a defining moment in Ireland’s past.

Situated on historic O’Connell Street, the GPO is a perfect stop for anyone wondering what to do in Dublin for 3 days—especially if the weather takes a turn!

Prefer exploring on foot? The award-winning 2-hour historical walking tour of Dublin is a must-try

 

14:15: Head to the oldest pub in Dublin for lunch

Brazen Head

Photos via Brazen Head on FB

The next stop is a 20-minute stroll along the quays to The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub.

Dating back to the 12th century, stepping inside feels like traveling back in time. With its cozy atmosphere, it’s especially enchanting in winter, when a roaring fire adds to the charm.

This historic spot has hosted literary legends like James Joyce and Brendan Behan.

It’s the perfect place to grab a hearty lunch and fuel up for the rest of day 1 of your Dublin adventure.

 

15:00: Behold the beauty of Christ Church Cathedral

tipping in dublin

Photos via Shutterstock

The next stop is just a 7-minute walk from The Brazen Head and is easily one of the most stunning buildings featured in this 3-day Dublin itinerary.

Originally built from stone in the early 11th century, Christ Church Cathedral has undergone several transformations over the centuries.

Inside, you’ll find breathtaking stained-glass windows, fascinating exhibits, and, for the brave, a crypt housing a mummy or two—an experience you won’t forget!

A fine Dublin fact: The cathedral was founded by the Viking King Sitric Silkenbeard, who converted to Christianity and built the cathedral on the site of a wooden Norse church.

15:40: Explore the Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse

Photos © Diageo via Ireland’s Content Pool

It’s coming to the end of day 1, but you still have plenty to look forward to a 15-minute walk away at the Guinness Storehouse!

St. James’s Gate has been the home of Guinness since 1837, offering visitors the chance to dive into its rich brewing heritage with their immersive tasting experience, where you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the craft behind the iconic stout.

Book your ticket in advance (you’ll skip an often-lengthy queue) and journey through the Guinness story which ends with a pint in the Gravity Bar, which overlooks the city.

 

Dublin for the night

live music dublin

Day 1 of this Dublin in 3 days itinerary is coming to a close. After the Storehouse, you can head back to your accommodation and chill for a bit.

Or you can head straight out. Here are some recommendations for you to consider:

Day 2

3 days in dublin day 2 map

 

The second day in this 3 day itinerary for Dublin 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: Make a pit-stop at the Molly Malone Statue

the molly malone statue

The first stop of the day is a quick dive into Dublin’s history.

I’m referring to none other than the iconic Molly Malone statue, located near O’Neill’s Pub on Suffolk Street.

This famous figure has adorned countless postcards, and the song bearing her name has echoed through Irish pubs and streets for centuries.

09:30: Uncover Dublin’s past at Dublin Castle

dublin castle

Just a 10-minute stroll from Molly Malone brings you to the storied Dublin Castle, a site steeped in history.

Originally built in the 13th century, it, like many castles in Ireland, has evolved over centuries, with layers of renovations and expansions shaping its character.

As you wander through the grounds, you’ll spot traces of medieval stonework, elegant Georgian touches, and striking Gothic details—all blending to tell Dublin’s architectural story.

Start by exploring the grounds, then dive deeper on a guided tour to uncover the castle’s fascinating Viking roots. It’s a highlight of this 3 day Dublin itinerary and a must-see for history lovers!

 

11:00: Discover a hidden gem at the Chester Beatty

Chester Beatty

Photos courtesy of Chester Beatty via Ireland’s Content Pool

The Chester Beatty Museum, nestled within the grounds of Dublin Castle, is home to one of Ireland’s most remarkable collections.

Founded by New York mining magnate Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, the museum houses an extraordinary array of artworks, manuscripts, and historical treasures that he generously gifted to Ireland.

The collections span cultures and continents, featuring masterpieces from China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Highlights include intricate Chinese woodblock prints, and artefacts dating as far back as 2700 BC.

 

12:00: Marvel at majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral Dublin

Photos via Shutterstock

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a 10-minute walk from the last stop and is a breathtaking masterpiece dating back to the early 1200s.

Begin by strolling around the exterior, taking in its intricate flying buttresses, vibrant stained-glass windows, and striking Gothic architecture.

It’s a feast for the eyes and a glimpse into Dublin’s medieval past.

Once you’ve admired the outside, step inside to explore the cathedral’s magnificent interior. Remember, this is a sacred space, so take a moment to soak in its atmosphere respectfully.

12:25: Discover the mighty Marsh’s Library

Marsh's Library Dublin

Photos via Ireland’s Content Pool

Right next door to St. Patrick’s Cathedral lies one Dublin’s hidden gems—Marsh’s Library, Ireland’s oldest public library, opened in 1707.

With its dark oak bookcases, rolling ladders, and an air of timeless elegance, Marsh’s a must-visit for history and book lovers alike.

This literary treasure trove is home to over 25,000 rare books and manuscripts, including works from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Notable figures like Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, once browsed these very shelves.

 

13:30: Lunch time

Devitts

Photos via Devitts on FB

You’ve had a busy morning exploring Dublin, so it’s time for lunch.

While there are plenty of options close to Marsh’s, I’d recommend heading to The Fumbally (7-minute walk).

There’s a great lunch menu here with something to tickle even the fussiest of tastebuds.

15:00: Choose between the Jameson or Teeling Distillery

Teeling’s Whiskey

Photos courtesy Teeling Whiskey Distillery via Failte Ireland

Right – you’ve two options next:

I’ve done both of these tours in recent years and, to be honest, it’s very hard to say which is better – both are excellent.

Live music and great food

map showing the best pints of Guinness in Dublin

 

Day 2 of this Dublin in 3 days itinerary is coming to a close.

As was the case with day 1, either head back to your accommodation (here’s the best Dublin neighbourhoods if you’ve yet to decide) or head straight out.

  • Food: Rosa Madre (Italian), Uno Mas (European) and Hang Dai (Chinese) are all excellent
  • Historic pub crawl: If you want to visit several ancient pubs, follow my Dublin pub crawl
  • Live tunes: Nancy Hands and the Old Storehouse are two reliable pubs with live music in Dublin

Day 3

map of 3 days in dublin day 3

 

If you’re wondering what to do in Dublin that takes you away from the city, day 3 should tickle your fancy.

Now, if you’re not familiar with public transportation in Ireland, don’t worry – getting around Dublin by train is easy. And you’ll find the info you need below.

8:00: Get the DART to Malahide

map showing the journey from dublin city to malahide

Get a bit of a lie-in on the final leg of your 3 days in Dublin – today you’re off to Malahide and Howth.

Make your way to your nearest DART station (e.g. Connolly) and buy a ticket (there are machines in the station) to Malahide.

This journey takes approx. 30-minutes and leaves from Connolly Station on Amiens St. Aim to sit on the right-hand side of the carriage for glimpses of the seaside, and beautiful countryside during your journey.

 

8:45: Breakfast in Malahide village

Malahide Village

Photos via Shutterstock

There are some excellent places to have breakfast in Dublin to kick-start the 3rd of of your 3 days in Dublin.

If you want to wait until you land in Malahide, head to either the Greenery or Déjà Vu.

The beauty of both of these places is that they’re a stones throw from the marina, the coast and Malahide Beach.

 

9:40: Explore the grounds of Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle

Photos via Shutterstock

While there are plenty of things to do in Malahide, it’s Malahide Castle that tops the list.

You’ll find the entrance to the grounds just past the DART station on the left (look for the car park).

The castle was built in the 12th century by the Talbots who lived in the castle for around 800 years. 

Now, you have 2 options here – you can explore the castle grounds (they’re huge – you’ll need at least 1 hour) or you can take the tour and learn about the history.

 

11:55: Take the DART from Malahide to Howth

map showing how to get the DART from Malahide to Howth

Howth is only 2 short train rides away from Malahide but NOTE that you’ll need to change trains.

  • 1: Get the DART at Malahide heading towards Bray
  • 2: Get off at Howth Junction after three stops
  • 3: Jump on the DART to Howth

12:30: Fuel up for your walk at Howth Market

Howth Market

Photos via Howth Market on FB

Right across from the DART station in Howth, you’ll find the charming Howth Market.

While it might be tempting to settle in for lunch, hold off for now—you’ve got a scenic walk ahead.

Instead, grab a quick pick-me-up to keep your energy up.

The market offers plenty of options, from coffee and ice cream to an array of sweet treats.

 

13:15: Choose between the Howth Cliff Walk or the pier walk

a map of the looped howth cliff walk route map

Howth is home to one of the finest walks in Dublin – the Howth Cliff Walk.

While there are many variations of the trail, it’s the Green Route that I recommend to most visitors.

It’s a moderate walk that requires good fitness and it begins from the village centre. You’ll want to allow around 2 hours to complete it.

If the cliff walk doesn’t tickle your fancy, you have two options:

  • Take the bus to Howth Summit: You can take a short walk to Bailey Lighthouse from here
  • Walk the pier: It’s easier going and much shorter (around 25 minutes)
 

15:00: A post-walk feed

30 Church Street

Photos via 30 Church Street on FB

You’ll have worked up an appetitive at this stage.

There’s a good mix of casual and formal restaurants in Howth. Here are my favourites:

  • Aqua (formal): Located on the western pier, Aqua is a more formal dine-in affair
  • Beshoff Bros (casual): One of the more popular chippers in Dublin for a tasty, casual feed

16:30: Enjoy some post-dinner views

St. Mary's Abbey howth village

Photo courtesy Fionn McCann via Fáilte Ireland

While it may be tempting to head for a drink after dinner, there are plenty more things to do in Howth that don’t require a huge amount of effort.

One of my favourites is St. Mary’s Abbey, located a 3-minute walk from the pier in an elevated position overlooking the harbour.

The first church here was founded around 1042 by Viking leader Sigtrygg Silkbeard, the Hiberno-Norse King of Dublin.

In 1235, a new church was built by the Archbishop of Dublin, but only ruins remain today, dating back to the late 14th or early 15th century.

Another option is the Hurdy Gurdy Vintage Radio museum, located inside a Martello Tower.

 

An evening in Howth

pubs in howth

Click to enlarge

I’m going to recommend that you round off your Dublin in 3 days itinerary in Howth, rather than Dublin City.

While there are plenty of pubs in Howth, these are the ones that I keep going back to:

  • The Abbey Tavern: A classic Irish pub with a rich musical history
  • McNeills of Howth: A cosy pub that pours a fine pint
 

Getting back to the city

map showing the journey from howth to the city

Time to head back to Dublin, and your best bet is the DART from Howth station.

It’s a direct train and takes around 30 minutes Now, a warning – I get asked is Dublin safe a fair bit.

Like any busy city, it has its bad spots. The area around Connolly Station is one of the areas to avoid in Dublin, so don’t hang around here.

See Ireland beyond Dublin

ireland itinerary 7 days

Now that you’ve a sense of what to do in Dublin for 3 days, it’s time to explore Ireland.

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liv

Sunday 29th of December 2024

Hi..just discovered your site and man...I have to congratulate you.........best ever .! ...i`ll be discovering Ireland in 2025...(direct from Australia to Dublin then some group trip.......)...I will basically digest all your information..and plan from there...great start....thanks a lot.. Livia and Bruno

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