3 Days in Dublin Itinerary (A Dubliner’s Guide)

Spending 3 days in Dublin? I’ve lived here for 34 years – I’m confident you’ll love the itineraries below.

There’s endless things to do in Dublin and it can often be overwhelming when you’re trying to map out a realistic itinerary.

In this guide, you’ll find 2 meticulously planned itineraries for doing Dublin in 3 days:

• Itinerary 1 (no car needed): The tourist favourite (all the city’s best bits + two lovely seaside towns)
• Itinerary 2 (car needed): The explorer’s favourite (the city’s best bits, the Dublin Mountains + more)

If you’re spending a long weekend in Dublin, the guide below will ensure you have a very memorable visit. Dive on in!

Some need-to-knows before spending 3 days in Dublin

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

1. A realistic itinerary is key

Dublin City is walkable. However, this often leads people into a false sense of security. It’s walkable, but you need to be walking in the right direction… Having a clear plan of action will definitely save you time and it’ll likely save you money.

2. Pick the right base to explore from

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

3. You likely won’t need a car

Our first itinerary for spending 3 days in Dublin is car free (the second one needs a car). Renting a car in Dublin is expensive and the only way you’ll need one is if you don’t fancy getting around Dublin by bus/train or if you plan on exploring more of Ireland after your weekend in Dublin.

4. Book in advance where possible

This applies to accommodation, tours and some attractions. Hotels in Dublin can be a nightmare price wise, especially if a big event is announced. If you can, lock in your stay before hand. The same goes for tours and some attractions, especially if you’re visiting during summer.

5. Save with the Dublin Pass

If you’re spending 3 days in Dublin, the Dublin Pass is a no brainer. It costs €69 and it gives you access to the city’s main attractions, like the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery. If you’re visiting a chunk of Dublin’s main fee-paying sights, you can save from €62.50 (info here).

Dublin in 3 days: An overview of the itineraries

Here’s a speedy overview of the different 3 days in Dublin itinerary guides (we go into each in detail below).

These itineraries vary quite a bit. 9 times out of 10 (especially for first time visitors) itinerary 1 will be the winner.

Itinerary 1: The tourist favourite

Our first weekend in Dublin itinerary takes in the very best of Dublin City over the first two days before moving out to the charming towns of Malahide and Howth for the final day.

You’ll see a good chunk of Dublin City and then you’ll take the DART (train) along Dublin’s coastline to see Malahide Castle, some beautiful beaches and then the bustling fishing town of Howth.

Itinerary 2: The explorer’s favourite

The second of our 3 days in Dublin itinerary guides will suit those of you that have either 1, been to Dublin before and that want to see a different side to it or 2, those that fancy seeing a bit of the city before exploring the wider county.

The first day takes in the best of the city. The second sees you exploring part of Dublin’s coastline and the third takes you into the Dublin mountains and then around some of the more picturesque corners of Dublin.

Dublin in 3 days: Itinerary 1, Day 1

Our first 3 days in Dublin itinerary will suit the vast majority of people (especially first time visitors).

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.

08:30: Breakfast

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!

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, or Beanhive on Dawson St.

09:00: Trinity College

When you’re fed, take a stroll to Trinity College – it’s here that you’ll find the Book of Kells exhibit.

Trinity College 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.

The main attraction here is The Long Room. This magnificent library was crafted between 1712 and 1732 and it’s home to 200,000+ of the college’s oldest books.

If you’re wondering what to do in Dublin for 3 days that’ll live on in your memory for ever more, get yourself to The Long Room.

11:00: Temple Bar

When you leave Trinity you’re a short 8-minute walk to the well-trodden cobbled streets of Temple Bar.

This area is hugely popular with tourists but many locals, myself included, tend to doge it for the most part (the bars are overpriced and you can get dodgy characters hanging around it).

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!

11:15: The Ha’penny Bridge

You’ll find the Ha’penny Bridge just 2 minutes from Temple Bar. 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 3 days itinerary.

11:35: GPO Witness History Tour

Our next stop is a handy 6-minute walk away. 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 3 days if the weathers terrible!

14:15: Dublin’s Oldest Pub for lunch

Our next stop takes us on a 20-minute walk down the quays 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 long weekend in Dublin.

15:00: Christ Church Cathedral

Our next stop is a short 7-minute walk from the Brazen Head and it’s arguably one of the most beautiful buildings you’ll come across in this 3 days in Dublin itinerary (along with the nearby St Patrick’s Cathedral).

First constructed from stone in the early 11th century, Christ Church Cathedral has been remodelled several times over the years.

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.

15:40: The Guinness Storehouse

Coffins, crypts, and creepy things aside, it’s time to warm up inside and out, and that means taking the 15-minute walk to the Guinness Storehouse!

St. James’s Gate has been home to Guinness since 1837 and is where you can take their tasting experience to gain a new appreciation for the art of brewing.

There’s also a rooftop bar with magnificent views of the city! Booking is essential.

17:30: Chill time

The first part of our Dublin in 3 days itinerary was fairly busy, so it’s now time to chill for a bit (if you like).

Either head back to your accommodation, or you can always stroll through the nearby Phoenix Park, along the River Liffey, or keep a seat warm in one of the many Dublin pubs.

Accommodation recommendation: Struggling to decide where to stay during your 3 days in Dublin? See our guide to the best Dublin hotels!

18:45: Dinner

Although some people would lead you to believe otherwise, Dublin excels when it comes to food.

The city has a nice, diverse foodie scene, with everything from African and Thai to Vietnamese, Italian and Greek.

There’s also some excellent Irish restaurants in Dublin to sample, too.

20:00: Old school Dublin pubs

3 days in Dublin is plenty of time to explore some of the capital’s pub scene. On this website, we only ever recommend old-school, historic pubs.

We’ve put together an old-school Dublin pub crawl guide (complete with a handy Google Map) that’ll take you to some of the oldest pubs in Dublin.

3 days in Dublin: Itinerary 1, Day 2

The second day in this 3 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.

08:30: Breakfast

There are some excellent places to have breakfast in Dublin to kick-start the 2nd of of your 3 days in Dublin. 

If you fancy something baked fresh that morning, see our guide to the best bakeries in Dublin.

It’s hard to beat The Bakery Temple Bar, or Green Door Bakery. You can linger if you want, or you can take in some of Dublin’s streetscapes as you make your way to your first destination.

09:00: The Molly Malone Statue

Our 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.

This statue has graced the cover of a million postcards and the song of the same name has been bellowed out for hundreds of years.

09:30: 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 3 days in Dublin itinerary. 

11:00: 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: St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a 10-minute walk from our previous stop. 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.

12:25: Marsh’s Library

Located next door to the Cathedral is one of the hidden gems in this Dublin in 3 days 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.

13:30: Lunch

After a full morning of exploring, it’s time to grab a bite-to-eat. Head to The Fumbally – it’s a 7-minute walk away.

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

15:00: Teeling Whiskey Distillery

The Teeling Whiskey Distillery is around a 5-minute walk from the last stop! Dublin’s newest Irish whiskey distillery is also extremely popular with both locals and visitors alike.

Take one of their whiskey tasting tours and gain a new appreciation for the craft of whiskey distilling.

If you’d like to squeeze a different whiskey tour into your Dublin in 3 days itinerary, the Jameson Distillery tour is a 20-minute walk away on Bow St.

17:30: Chill time

The second part of our Dublin in 3 days itinerary was fairly packed, so it’s now time to relax for a bit (if you like).

You’ve explored much of the southern sights in Dublin city, and it’s time to put your feet up for a while. Head back to your digs and recoup for a bit.

Or, work up an appetite by taking a stroll through any of the nearby parks, like St. Stephen’s Green, the Phoenix Park, or the Iveagh Gardens before heading out for a bite to eat.

18:45: Dinner

Now, depending on which of the many hotels in Dublin you’re staying in, you’ll have a fair number of dining options to choose from.

If you fancy a great steak, see our guide to the best steak in Dublin. Or, for something more casual, see our guide to the best burger in Dublin.

20:00: Old school Dublin pubs

And that’s a wrap on night 2 of your 3 days in Dublin. If you fancy some live trad, there’s plenty of pubs with live music in Dublin.

Some of the most popular spots are The Cobblestone, Nancy Hands and the Old Storehouse.

Or, you can follow our Dublin pub crawl guide if you want a route to stick to.

Weekend in Dublin: Itinerary 1, day 3

The final day of this weekend in Dublin itinerary takes you out of the city, along the coast and in to two gorgeous seaside towns.

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: Take the train 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

There are some excellent places to have breakfast in Dublin to kick-start the 3rd of of your 3 days in Dublin. A fine feed is exactly what you’ll get at these Malahide restaurants:

• The Greenery: A brisk 10mins walk and The Greenery has your typical breakfast foods; croissants, scones, granola, and cooked breakfasts too
• Déjà Vu: Also only 3 minutes from the station and with a distinctly Parisian feel, Déjà Vu is filled with wrought-iron cafe tables and delectable dishes like crepes, eggs Benedict, and pain perdu

9:40: Malahide Castle

You won’t be able to miss your next destination; Malahide Castle. The grounds that the castle sits within are a short 5-minute walk from the centre of the village.

Now, you can do a tour of the castle, if you like, but you’ll get some great views of it from afar, from the gorgeous grounds here. There’s plenty of other things to do in Malahide if you’d like to linger here.

11:52: DART from Malahide to Howth

Howth is only 2 short train rides away from Malahide. So head back to the station and take the DART to Howth Junction (3 stops).

From Howth Junction and Donaghmede take the DART to ‘Howth’ (3 stops). Howth village is less than a 2-minute walk from the stop.

12:30: Snack time at Howth Market

You’ll find Howth Market just across from the station. There’s something to tickle every tastebud here.

If the mood strikes, you can also go to Gino’s Gelato in Howth village. It’s only a 5-minute walk, and there you’ll find great gelato, crepes, waffles and more!

13:15: Do the Howth Cliff Walk or saunter along the pier

Noted for being one of the best and most scenic walks in Dublin, the Howth Cliff Walk is hard to beat.

There are several trails to tackle, ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours. You can read more about these in detail in this guide.

If a cliff walk isn’t your thing, there’s also a lovely walk along the pier that looks out to Ireland’s Eye, and the Church of the Three Sons of Nessan. The pier walk takes about 25 minutes.

15:00: Lunch in Howth village

After all that walking and indulging in scenery, it’s time to refresh and refuel.

Take a ramble into one of the many restaurants in Howth. Here are our favourites:

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

16:00: Old school pubs

So, we’re about half way through the final day of this Dublin in 3 days itinerary.

Have a wander around the harbour if you haven’t already, and then nip into one of the many pubs in Howth. Here are our favourites:

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

17:00: Back 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 (see our guide to getting around Dublin if you’re confused).

Once back in Dublin, we’d suggest returning to your base and getting a bit of rest in – there’s still a lot to see and do, and you’ll need your energy.

Note: We 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 those. Avoid lingering here.

17:30: Chill time

The last part of our Dublin in 3 days itinerary involved a fair bit of moving about, so it’s now time to chill for a bit (if you like).

Again, if you’re unsure about the areas of Dublin to avoid, see our guide on where to stay in Dublin or our guide to the finest hotels in Dublin.

18:45: Dinner

Whatever you fancy for your dinner in Dublin, you’ll find it in this city.

With a range of cuisines from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and fine dining to cosy bistros a quality meal is never far away.

20:00: Old school Dublin pubs

Dublin is home to plenty of tourist traps. If you’d like to visit historic, traditional pubs, try our Dublin pub crawl.

If you fancy bopping away to some traditional tunes, visit one of the many live music pubs in Dublin (some have trad sessions 7 nights a week).

And that is a wrap on our first Dublin in 3 days itinerary. Scroll to see the section option – it differs greatly from the first.

3 days in Dublin: Itinerary 2, day 1

The second of our Dublin in 3 days itinerary is very different to the first – you’ll need a car for this one (see our guide to renting a car in Dublin).

As you can see above, day 1 sees you explore the city, day 2 takes you along the coast and day 3 takes you out to south county Dublin.

08:30: Breakfast

Right – let’s kick things off with a decent bit of breakfast. Our go-tos are Brother Hubbard (Capel Street), Joy of Cha (Temple Bar) and Beanhive (Dawson St.).

Or, you can hop into our guide to the best breakfast in Dublin and flick through the photos.

09:00: Trinity College

The first stop of your weekend in Dublin is the historic Trinity College

Founded in 1592, Trinity is Ireland’s oldest university and it boasts a rich history along with some impressive architecture. 

The highlight is arguably the Book of Kells and The Long Room Library.

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

11:00: Temple Bar

Take a stroll through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar (an 8-minute walk from Trinity) next.

Temple Bar is home to many-a-pub that charges visitors an eye-watering amount for a pint.

This area is popular with tourists but many locals only enter it to use it as a shortcut.

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!

11:15: The Ha’penny Bridge

You’ll find the Ha’penny Bridge just 2 minutes from Temple Bar. This is a historic cast-iron bridge that spans Dublin City’s 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 3 days itinerary.

11:35: GPO Witness History Tour

Our next stop is a 6-minute walk away – the General Post Office.

Book onto the GPO Witness History Tour and you’ll be immersed in the events of the 1916 Easter Rising.

Located on O’Connell Street, it’s a very handy option for those of you wondering what to do in Dublin for 3 days if the weathers terrible!

14:15: Dublin’s Oldest Pub for lunch

Our next stop takes us on a 20-minute walk down the quays. There are many old pubs in Dublin, but one reigns supreme – 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 Dublin in 3 days itinerary.

15:00: Christ Church Cathedral

Our next stop is a short 7-minute walk from the Brazen Head and it’s arguably one of the most beautiful buildings you’ll come across in this 3 days in Dublin itinerary (along with the nearby St Patrick’s Cathedral).

First constructed from stone in the early 11th century, Christ Church Cathedral has been remodelled several times over the years.

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.

15:40: The Guinness Storehouse

Coffins, crypts, and creepy things aside, it’s time to warm up inside and out, and that means taking the 15-minute walk to the Guinness Storehouse!

St. James’s Gate has been home to Guinness since 1837 and is where you can take their tasting experience to gain a new appreciation for the art of brewing.

There’s also a rooftop bar with magnificent views of the city! Booking is essential.

17:30: Chill time

The first part of our Dublin in 3 days itinerary was fairly busy, so it’s now time to chill for a bit (if you like).

Either head back to your accommodation, or you can always stroll through the nearby Phoenix Park, along the River Liffey, or keep a seat warm in one of the many Dublin pubs.

Accommodation recommendation: Struggling to decide where to stay during your 3 days in Dublin? See our guide to the best Dublin hotels!

18:45: Dinner

Although some people would lead you to believe otherwise, Dublin excels when it comes to food.

The city has a nice, diverse foodie scene, with everything from African and Thai to Vietnamese, Italian and Greek. There’s also some excellent Irish restaurants in Dublin to sample, too.

20:00: Old school Dublin pubs

Two days in Dublin is plenty of time to explore some of Dublins pub scene. On this website, we only ever recommend old-school, historic pubs.

We’ve put together an old-school Dublin pub crawl guide (complete with a handy Google Map) that’ll take you to some of the oldest pubs in Dublin.

3 days in Dublin: Itinerary 2, day 2

Our second Dublin in 3 days itinerary is completely different to the first and it’ll give you a look at a side of Dublin that many visitors miss.

Now, you’ll need a car for this one (see our guide to renting a car in Ireland without the stress).

08:00: Drive from the city to Malahide

A mere 30 minutes drive from Dublin, Malahide sits to the north and boasts the beautiful Malahide Castle and Gardens, a harbour and beaches.

Park at Malahide Beach, soak up some ocean air and take the short walk into the village.

08:45: Breakfast in Malahide village

There are some excellent places to have breakfast in Dublin to kick-start the 2nd of of your 3 days in Dublin. 

While there are some excellent restaurants in Malahide for you to choose from, head to The Greenery (it’s right across from Malahide Beach).

09:40: Malahide Castle

Fuelled up and ready to explore, walk through the village and past the DART station and you’ll find the entrance to the castle on the left.

Malahide Castle has a dramatic 800 year history that is bound to enthral along with 260 acres of beautiful parkland for you to explore.

11:40: Drive to Howth

The seaside village of Howth is a quick 20 min drive away and it’s one of the highlights of this Dublin 3 day itinerary guide.

The village is arguably best known for its busy harbour, which is where you’ll want to park up.

12:45: Grab something tasty from Howth Market

You’ll find Howth Market right across from the DART station and it’s a handy spot to grab something tasty.

It’s home to a range of stalls offering everything from tasty treats to meats and cheeses.

13:15: Pick an activity

So, you’ve an option here – if you fancy a moderately challenging walk, give The Howth Cliff Walk a bash.

This is one of my favourite walks in this 3 days in Dublin itinerary. There are several routes that range from 1.5 to 3.5 hours.

If you don’t fancy a long walk, there’s plenty of other things to do in Howth, with the stroll along the pier a nice, gentle alternative to the cliff walk.

15:00: Lunch in Howth village

With your walk complete, it’s time to return to Howth for lunch. Now, if you fancy something casual, there’s lots of pubs in Howth offering casual pub grub.

If you fancy something a bit more formal, there’s some great restaurants in Howth worth checking out, like Aqua, which is located on the pier.

16:30: Bull Wall 

From Howth, you’re a handy 20-minute drive from our next stop.

The small spit of land in the photos above is North Bull Island and is home to the North Bull Island Nature Reserve.

Cross over the the wooden bridge, and find a spot to park. There are beautiful views of the city, and Dollymount Beach is a nice spot to dip your feet in while enjoying an ice cream or coffee.

17:30: Chill time 

The second day of this Dublin in 3 days itinerary was fairly full-on, so it’s now time to chill for a bit (if you like).

The city is a 20-minute drive from North Bull Island. Cross back over the wooden bridge, and head southwest around the shoreline via Clontarf.

Either rest up at your base, or take in some of the city’s nighttime sights, like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Ha’Penny Bridge (it looks great at night!), or Temple Bar.

18:45: Dinner

Right – time for a bit of food. If you fancy something swanky, see out guide to the finest Michelin Star restaurants in Dublin.

If you’d like to see a good mix of places worth trying, hop into our Dublin food guide.

20:00: Old school Dublin pubs

As was the case with our other 3 days in Dublin itinerary guides, we’re going to polish off the evening in a cosy pub.

If you’d like to saunter around some old-school pubs, see our Dublin pub crawl guide. If you follow it, you’ll visit 6 very old pubs all near each other.

Weekend in Dublin: Itinerary 2, day 3

The final day of this 3 days in Dublin itinerary takes us out to south Dublin, where you’ll be treated to glorious coastal views on a number of walks.

There’s also some great food to be had, a stunning beach to saunter along and some very fancy houses.

08:30: Breakfast

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

The drive to your first destination is only around 40 minutes or so, but why drive with an empty belly when there’s plenty on offer around you!?

10:30: Drive to Ticknock

The Ticknock Walk is arguably one of the best walks in Dublin, and it’s a handy 25 to 30-minute drive from the city centre.

The walk here follows a steep path to the summit of Ticknock, in the Dublin Mountains. It’s a reasonably moderate walk and the views of the city are outstanding.

13:00: Lunch in Dalkey

Having worn you out on Dublin’s Mountains, it’s time to head downhill to Dalkey. Fortunately, there’s some brilliant restaurants in Dalkey.

One of our favourites is Benito’s Italian Restaurant where you’ll find a seasonal menu with pizza, pasta, etc.

Another is DeVille’s, which is upmarket and more in the fine dining category, but is renowned for its seafood chowder and beef Bourguignon.

14:30: More views from Killiney Hill

It’s time to head back uphill to take in some more magnificent scenery, this time on the Killiney Hill Walk.

If there’s only one walk you do during your 3 days in Dublin, make sure it’s this one.

Park in the nearby car park, and make your way up the 20-minute-long path to see what all the fuss is about.

15:30: Coffee and a paddle

What better way to rest tired feet than to dip them in the sea?!

Make your way down to Killiney Beach. You can park near the beach and grab a coffee and ice cream from Fred and Nancy’s.

Sit back, relax, and take in the air that comes blowing fresh off the Irish Sea.

17:00: Chill time

As the final day of your 3 days in Dublin draws to a close, you’ll return to central Dublin and your accommodation (see our Dublin hotels guide for great places to stay).

When you’re ready, it’s time to make the most of your last night in the city.

18:45: Dinner

On the last night of this Dublin 3 day itinerary, treat yourself to something tasty.

If you fancy a beaut of a burger or some of the best steak in town, head to PHX Bistro – it’s consistently great!

20:00: Old school Dublin pubs

As was the case with our other 3 days in Dublin itinerary guides, we’re going to polish off the evening in a cosy pub.

If you need a nudge in the right direction, see our guide to the best bars in Dublin.

Each has a rich history, a traditional feel, and should not be missed out from your stay in the nation’s capital, Dublin.

FAQs about what to do in Dublin for 3 days

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Is 72 hours in Dublin enough?’ to ‘What are the best things to do in Dublin in 3 days?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.