5 Days in Dublin: A Local’s Perfect Itinerary

I’ve called Dublin home since the late 80s and I know the city and the wider county like the back-of-my-hand. If you follow this 5 day Dublin itinerary, I guarantee you’ll have a very memorable visit (and my maps below will take the stress out of planning/getting around).

This is the same route I’ve shared with thousands of visitors, along with friends and family passing through Dublin, and it always gets positive feedback.

5 days in Dublin gives you ample time to see the best of the city, a chunk of the coast and then 1 or 2 day trips, like Wicklow or Kilkenny.

5 days in Dublin itinerary overview

My map above shows you exactly where this 5 day Dublin itinerary will take you. You can follow the days in order or mix things up depending on how you want to pace the trip.

Some people will want to spend most of their time in the city, while others will use Dublin as a base and get out to explore beyond it.

Day 1: The heart of Dublin

Day 1 focuses on the key tourist attractions in Dublin. You’ll cover a mix of history, culture and some of the city’s best-known pubs, with stops like Trinity College Dublin, the General Post Office, Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse.

Day 2: More of Dublin’s fair city

Day 2 eases the pace and digs further into Dublin’s past. You’ll visit Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, stop into the Teeling Distillery and finish the day in pubs known for proper live music.

Day 3: The Dublin coast

Day 3 gets you out to the coast. Expect seaside towns, harbour views and a solid stretch of walking, with food stops along the way. Highlights include Malahide Castle and the Howth Cliff Walk.

Days 4 and 5: Day trips

3 days is enough time to see Dublin. Days 4 and 5 should be spent on one of many day trips. Personally, I think Wicklow and the Boyne Valley are the best options, but I’ll outline ten for you later in this guide.

Key tourist info for Dublin

There’s a section at the end of this guide with practical tips to make the trip smoother, including:

• Area guide: With info on where to stay in Dublin (and where to avoid)
• Money savers: For getting around Dublin, like the Leap Visitor Card
• Time savers: Like how to get from Dublin Airport to the city without the stress

Day 1: The best of Dublin City

My 5-day Dublin itinerary includes plenty of maps, like the one above, so you can get your bearings quickly and understand how each day fits together.

Day 1 is built around the highlights. You’ll move between museums, historic landmarks, good food and a few proper pubs to finish the evening.

1. Start your morning with one of Dublin’s best breakfasts

You won’t be stuck for choice when it comes to breakfast in Dublin, especially around the city centre.

If I’m near Capel Street, Brother Hubbard is my go-to. The menu leans beyond the usual full Irish, with dishes like the Eggs Baba Bida and their mezze plates standing out.

On the south side, Joy of Chá is known for its full Irish, served in portions that’ll keep you going well into the afternoon.

2. Visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells

Once you’ve eaten, head for Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells.

Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity is one of Dublin’s oldest institutions, and the grounds are worth taking a bit of time to explore.

The main draw is the Long Room – a barrel-vaulted library built between 1712 and 1732, lined with over 200,000 of the college’s oldest books.

2026 visitor note: The Long Room is currently undergoing restoration, so the shelves are mostly empty. There’s an immersive exhibition in place instead – worth seeing, but very different to what you’ll see in older photos.

3. Walk through Temple Bar (but don’t linger)

When you leave Trinity, it’s an easy 8-minute walk to Temple Bar. It’s one of the busiest parts of the city and draws a constant stream of visitors, but most locals tend to avoid it.

Prices are steep (around €10.20 for a Guinness), and it can get messy, especially later in the day. I personally avoid Temple Bar but, while it often gets written off as a tourist trap, there’s more to it than inflated prices.

While there are excellent pubs across Dublin for live music, places like The Cobblestone tend to have sessions at set times. In Temple Bar, music runs from early in the day and carries on into the night, every day of the week.

Those musicians aren’t playing for free, and that cost is built into what you’re paying at the bar.

4. Cross the Ha’penny Bridge

A 2-minute walk from Temple Bar brings you to the Ha’penny Bridge, a cast-iron footbridge over the River Liffey.

Built in the early 1800s, it was Dublin’s first toll bridge, with a half-penny fee to cross – which is where the name comes from.

It’s one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, and you’ll likely have seen it on postcards or in travel guides.

You’ll cross it on your way to the next stop in this Dublin in 5 days itinerary!

5. Learn about the 1916 Rising at the GPO

The next stop is a 6-minute walk away. The GPO is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most historically important buildings in Dublin.

Inside, the GPO Witness History exhibition walks you through the events of the 1916 Easter Rising in a clear, direct way.

The building served as the headquarters of the rebels, and it was from here that Patrick Pearse read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

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

6. A breather in Dublin’s oldest pub

From here, it’s a 20-minute walk along the quays to The Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Dublin.

With roots stretching back to the 12th century, it has long been a meeting point for locals, travellers and figures tied to Ireland’s past.

Inside, you’ll find low ceilings, stone walls and a snug layout that, especially when the fire is lit, will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

I was here on a cold evening last January and went for the stew – exactly what you want after a long morning on your feet.

7. Christ Church Cathedral and its Viking origins

A 7-minute walk from The Brazen Head brings you to Christ Church Cathedral.

The cathedral dates back to the early 11th century, although much of what stands today comes from later rebuilds.

Inside, you’ll find stained-glass windows, exhibitions and a large crypt – one of the oldest in Ireland – with a few unusual displays, including a mummified cat and rat.

It was originally founded by the Viking king Sitric Silkenbeard, who converted to Christianity and built it on the site of an earlier wooden church.

8. The Jameson Distillery or the Guinness Storehouse

The last stop of day 1 of your 5 days in Dublin comes down to a choice – the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Distillery.

I’ve created a comparison for you in the graphic above, but at a glance, here’s what you need to consider:

• Distance from Christ Church: 18-minute walk to the Storehouse and 13 minutes to Jameson
• The Storehouse:Larger, self-guided and focused on the scale, branding and history of Guinness
• Jameson: Shorter, fully guided and centred on how the whiskey is made, with a tasting included
• My 2 cents: If you’re not particularly interested in whiskey, the Storehouse tends to suit most people. If you are, Jameson is the better option.

9. An evening in the best pubs in Dublin

By now, Day 1 is coming to a close. After the Storehouse or the distillery, you can head back to your accommodation for a break, or go straight out for food and a few pints.

Here are a few places I head back to over and over:

• Great grub: Hawksmoor for steak, SOLE for seafood and Pickle for Indian
• Pubs with trad music: The Cobblestone and Darkey Kelly’s are two mighty pubs with music in Dublin
• The best Guinness: As an avid drinker of the Black Stuff, Mulligan’s and Bowes do the best Guinness in Dublin  

Day 2: More Dublin City sights

Day 2 of this 5-day Dublin itinerary changes the pace, moving beyond the headline attractions and into parts of the city that many visitors miss.

You’ll cover a mix of history, quieter corners and a few standout experiences, from Dublin Castle and a working distillery to museums that are often overlooked but well worth your time.

1. Dublin’s most famous statue

The day starts with a quick stop at one of the city’s most recognisable statues.

Molly Malone sits just off Suffolk Street, near O’Neill’s Pub, and it’s one of the most photographed spots in Dublin.

She comes from the song ‘Molly Malone’, which has been sung in pubs and on streets across Ireland for generations.

Whether she was based on a real person is still debated, but the statue has become a familiar starting point for visitors.

2. Step inside Dublin Castle

A 10-minute walk brings you to Dublin Castle, one of the city’s most important historic sites.

Parts of the original structure date back to the 13th century, although much of what you see today reflects later rebuilds and additions.

As you move through the grounds, you’ll notice the shift in styles – from medieval stonework to Georgian buildings and Gothic details, each tied to a different chapter in the city’s past.

Walk the exterior first, then consider a guided tour for context, including the site’s Viking origins.

3. Marvel at the Chester Beatty collection

Located within the castle grounds, the Chester Beatty Museum houses one of the most wide-ranging collections in Ireland.

It was assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, who gathered manuscripts, artworks and rare objects from across the world before donating them to the Irish state.

Inside, the collection spans continents and centuries, with pieces from China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Japan and beyond.

You’ll find everything from detailed woodblock prints to artefacts dating back thousands of years.

4. Step back in time at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

A 10-minute walk from the museum brings you to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which dates back to the early 1200s.

Walk the exterior first to get a sense of the scale – the buttresses, stonework and stained glass stand out immediately.

Inside, give yourself time to look around. It’s still an active place of worship, so keep that in mind as you explore.

5. Marsh’s very old Library

Right beside the cathedral is Marsh’s Library,, which opened in 1707 and has changed very little since.

Inside, you’ll find dark oak shelves, narrow reading spaces and old book cages that give the place a slightly frozen feel.

The collection holds more than 25,000 rare books and manuscripts, many dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Writers like Jonathan Swift spent time here, and that quiet, enclosed atmosphere still lingers.

6. My favourite lunch spots nearby

By now, you’ll be ready for a break. There are several good options close to the cathedral.

The Fourth Corner is a handy stop for burgers, toasties and wings if you want something quick.

Two Pups Coffee is another good option, although it fills up fast around lunchtime.

7. Visit a working Dublin distillery

If you skipped one of the distillery experiences on Day 1, this is your chance to catch it now. Alternatively, head to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, a 5-minute walk away.

Opened in 2015, it marked the return of distilling to the Liberties after more than a century.

The tour covers the full process, from fermentation through to maturation, with a focus on how Teeling approaches production differently to more established Irish whiskey brands.

8. The city’s best live music pubs

Day 2 of this Dublin in 5 days itinerary is coming to a close. As with day 1, you can head back to your accommodation for a break (here’s the best Dublin neighbourhoods if you’ve yet to decide), or go straight out again.

As was the case with day 1, I’ll give you some of my go-to spots for food and drink to consider:

• 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: The County Dublin coast

If you’re wondering what to do in Dublin for 5 days that takes you away from the city, today should tickle your fancy.

You’ll leave the city, via the DART train, and head out to Malahide (home to a lovely village, a little marina and a castle) and Howth (a lively harbour town with magnificent cliffs).

1. Take the DART to Malahide

Get a bit of a lie-in on the 3rd day of your 5 days in Dublin – today you’re off to Malahide and Howth.

Make your way to a DART station (Connolly is the most central) and grab a ticket to Malahide from the machine.

The journey takes around 30 minutes. Sit on the right-hand side for views across Dublin Bay as the train runs along the coast.

2. Ease into the morning with a walk and breakfast

The DART drops you into the centre of Malahide. When you come up to street level, you can head right towards the castle or left into the village.

If you haven’t eaten yet, go left. The Greenery (around a 10-minute walk, close to the coast) and Déjà Vu (3 minutes from the station) are both easy options.

Both sit close to the marina and beach, so you can stretch the legs before or after you eat.

3. Explore Malahide Castle and grounds

Malahide pulls people in for the marina, the beach and the village, but Malahide Castle is the main draw.

You’ll find the entrance just past the DART station on the left. The castle dates back to the 1100s and was home to the Talbot family for close to 800 years.

You’ve two options here. Walk the grounds, which are large enough to fill an hour without rushing, or take a guided tour for a look inside and some context on the building and its history.

4. Make your way 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

5. Nip into Howth Market

Right outside Howth DART station you’ll find Howth Market.

It’s tempting to stop for lunch here, but hold off – the walk is up next. Grab a coffee or something small to keep you going.

There’s a mix of options, from coffee and pastries to ice cream and quick snacks.

6. See the Howth Cliffs

It’s likely that the Howth Cliff Walk will be the highlight for many of you during your 5 days in Dublin.

I’ve done this walk more times than I can count and it holds up every time, although it’s best avoided on busy weekend mornings.

There are several routes, but the Green Route is the one most people go for. It starts from the village and includes a few steady climbs, so you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness.

Allow around 2 hours to do it without rushing. 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)

7. A fine feed awaits

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

8. Howth’s hidden gem

You might be tempted to head straight for a pint after dinner, but there are a couple of easy, worthwhile stops nearby if you’ve the energy.

One of my go-tos is St. Mary’s Abbey, a short 3-minute walk from the pier, set slightly above the harbour.

The original church here dates back to around 1042, founded by the Viking leader Sitric Silkenbeard. A later church was built in 1235 by the Archbishop of Dublin, and the ruins you see today are from the late 14th or early 15th century.

Another easy option is the Hurdy Gurdy Radio Museum, which is housed inside a historic Martello Tower.

9. A well-earned drink

I’m going to recommend that you round off the 2nd last of this Dublin in 5 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

10. Getting 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. 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.

Days 4 and 5: Pick a day trip

I’ve placed the day trips at the end, but you can slot them into your 5 days in Dublin however you like.

You’re also not limited to just one. Some people spend most of their time in Dublin, others use it as a base and head out for several days – it depends on how you want to shape the trip.

Below are the day trips that make the most sense from the city.

County Wicklow

County Wicklow is my go-to day trip from Dublin. You’ll find mountains, lakes and winding drives like the Sally Gap, all within an hour, and it feels a world away from the city.

• Driving: Around 1 hour
• Day tours: See here
• Public transport: Very limited
• Highlights: Lough Tay, Ballinastoe Woods, Glendalough, Powerscourt Waterfall

County Kilkenny

Kilkenny is one of the handiest city escapes from Dublin. It’s compact, easy to explore on foot and packed with medieval streets, a mighty castle and plenty of good pubs and places to eat.

• Driving: 1.5 hours
• Day tours: See here
• Public transport: Direct train available
• Highlights: Kilkenny Castle, Jerpoint Abbey and the Smithwick’s Experience

Belfast City

Belfast is well worth the spin. This is a compact city with a complex past, excellent museums and a food and pub scene that’s come on massively in recent years.

• Driving: 2 hours
• Day tours: See here
• Public transport: Direct train available
• Highlights: Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol and Belfast Castle

Meath and Louth

The Boyne Valley packs an absurd amount of history into a small area, from ancient tombs that are older than the pyramids to massive castles and sites that shaped Ireland, all within a short spin of Dublin.

• Driving: Around 40 minutes
• Day tours: See here
• Public transport: Available but awkward to get around
• Highlights: Newgrange, Trim Castle, Hill of Tara and Loughcrew

The Causeway Coast

The Causeway Coastal route is a 185km drive from Belfast to Derry, taking in castles, cliffs, beaches and some of the most impressive coastal scenery on the island of Ireland along the way

• Driving: 2.5 hours to starting point
• Day tours: Lots of day tours like these
• Public transport: Not available
• Highlights: Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge

The Cliffs of Moher

So, I’d generally recommend that you don’t take a day trip out to the Cliffs of Moher, but the reality is that a huge amount of people visiting Dublin aren’t fussed by the length of the journey.

If you’re one of those people, here’s everything you need-to-know about adding a trip to Moher during your 5 day Dublin itinerary:

• Driving: 3.5 hours
• Day tours: See here
• Public transport: Not available
• Highlights: Cliffs of Moher and the Burren

Cashel and Cahir

Cashel and Cahir pair well for a day trip – two of Ireland’s most impressive historic sites within minutes of each other, with the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle both delivering massive impact without much travel between them.

• Driving: 3.5 hours
• Day tours: See here
• Public transport: Messy

A locals tips for spending 5 days in Dublin

That brings my 5 day Dublin itinerary to a close. But don’t head off just yet – the most useful info is just below.

You’ll find neighbourhood maps, advice on where to stay, tips for getting around and ways to cut costs on public transport.

Where to stay in Dublin

Figuring out where to stay in Dublin isn’t always straightforward. You’ll want somewhere that’s convenient for getting around while still matching your budget.

I tend to recommend staying near St Stephen’s Green if you want to be right in the middle of things, or Ballsbridge if you’d prefer somewhere quieter, with easy access to the city.

The map above highlights the best areas. You’ll find a more detailed breakdown in my Dublin neighbourhood guide.

Getting to the city from the airport

Getting from Dublin Airport to the City Centre can catch people out. There’s no train or tram link, so your main options are bus or taxi.

The bus is the cheapest route (fares start from around €2), while taxis and apps like Uber are quicker and more direct, usually costing between €25 and €35 depending on traffic.

How to get around Dublin

Renting a car in Dublin is rarely worth the cost or hassle. Getting around Dublin is simple once you know how it works:

• Main transport: Buses, the LUAS tram and the DART train cover most of the city, with taxis filling in where needed
• Paying: You can’t tap your bank card on public transport, so it’s worth getting a travel card (LUAS/DART tickets can be bought by card at stations)
• Card one: The Visitor Leap Card gives unlimited travel for 24 hours (€8), 72 hours (€16) or 7 days (€32)
• Card two: The DoDublin Card (€49) includes 48 hours on the hop-on hop-off bus and 72 hours of unlimited public transport.

The Dublin Pass is a money saver

If you’re spending 3 days in Dublin, the Dublin Pass is worth considering. For roughly €69, it includes entry to major attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. If you’re planning to visit several paid attractions, it can shave a decent chunk off your overall costs.

Best time of year to visit Dublin

The best time of year to visit Dublin comes down to what matters most to you. May, September and October tend to offer the best balance of decent weather, longer days and fewer crowds, while summer brings the warmest conditions along with peak visitor numbers.

If keeping costs down is a priority, winter is when the cost of a trip to Ireland is lowest, but you’ll need to deal with shorter days and more changeable weather.

Handy info for tourists

Planning a trip to Ireland properly makes a big difference. Keep your itinerary realistic and avoid trying to squeeze in too much.

The weather in Ireland is unpredictable year-round, so layers and waterproofs are essential no matter when you visit.

Tipping in Ireland is more low-key than in the US. Around 10% in restaurants is standard. You’ll find more useful advice in my Ireland travel tips guide.

Is 5 days in Dublin too many?

In my view, anything beyond 5 days is pushing it. Three days is enough to see the main sights and get a taste of the coast. If you’ve more time, you’re better off heading out on day trips from Dublin, like Wicklow or Kilkenny. See my Road Trip Itinerary library for ideas.