Dublin is a city you have to visit! It’s vibrant with a great atmosphere, fun bars with live music, delicious food, and beautiful nature close by. You don’t need many days to explore the city. In 2 days, you can see and do a lot, so Dublin is perfect for a short getaway or a weekend city trip. Plus, Dublin is quite expensive, so 2 days won’t break the bank ;).

Dublin has a compact city centre, making it easy to explore on foot. You can use public transport like the bus or train to explore nature outside the city, but I will discuss that later in this blog post. First, let’s begin with what you can do on your first day in Dublin!

Day 1 in Dublin

On your first day in Dublin, I recommend spending the day exploring the city and seeing the most beautiful sights. Like this, you will have enough time to explore the beautiful nature around Dublin on your second day.

So, where should we begin on day 1? I suggest starting with a delicious breakfast!

Some great bakeries in Dublin are Bread 41, The Bakery Temple Bar and Hansel and Gretel Bakery & Patisserie.

After breakfast, it’s time to see what Dublin has to offer.

Half Penny Bridge or Ha’penny Bridge
I must admit I expected more of this bridge as it was on my “101 Places to See Before You Die” poster :D. I was expecting an impressive bridge, but it’s just a small pedestrian bridge over the river in the city centre.

You’ll cross bridges multiple times because the city is divided in two by the River Liffey, and many attractions are on the south side of the river. My hostel was on the north side, so I had to cross it several times. Almost every time, I used the Ha’penny Bridge to cross.

So, what’s so special about this tiny bridge? It had to be on my poster for a reason, right? After researching, I discovered it was built in 1816 and is the oldest pedestrian crossing over the River Liffey. Around 30,000 people cross it daily, and it’s one of the symbols of Dublin.

Temple Bar
Temple Bar is the district just across the Half Penny Bridge, but Temple Bar is also the name of the most famous bar in Dublin! The district and the bar are must-see spots during your two days in Dublin!

I was travelling alone and went to the Temple Bar by myself. I almost immediately met people, which was fun! There was a great atmosphere, and I enjoyed an Irish coffee (of course ;)). The Temple bar has daily live music and an outdoor beer garden. There’s always a lot of people and something going on!

During your first day in Dublin, it might be a bit too early for an alcoholic drink, but you could have some coffee for now and come back in the evening!

Trinity College
Trinity College is located near the Temple Bar area and is Dublin’s oldest university. You can freely explore the area while admiring its iconic architecture or sit on a bench and watch people go by. Guided tours are also available, providing more in-depth information about the university.

The Book of Kells in Trinity’s Old Library is renowned. You can purchase a ‘The Book of Kells experience’ ticket, which gives access to the Book of Kells, the old library, and some additional attractions. You can find more information on the website.

The prices are high, but if you wish to view one of the oldest books in the world, believed to have been created around 800 AD, you’ll need to be willing to spend some money!

The doors of Dublin
Dublin is famous for its beautiful and colourful front doors! You can find several postcards of the city showcasing them in almost every colour imaginable. I enjoyed discovering them as I love all colourful things, and they make Instagram-worthy pictures.

So, if you like taking beautiful photos, these are the spots to visit! You can find the front doors throughout the city, but at Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square, you can find most of them. Both squares are close to Trinity College, making it the perfect next stop!

National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland is in the elegant Georgian Quarter of Dublin on Merrion Square. Visiting this museum can provide a peaceful break from the busier city centre.

The museum’s collection includes European and Irish art, featuring paintings by Picasso, Monet, Vermeer, and many others, as well as sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs. Entrance to the permanent collection is free, and the museum is open seven days a week!

St. Stephen’s Green Park
When you need some fresh air after visiting the National Gallery of Ireland, this park is a great option. It’s a perfect spot to relax a little, before exploring more of Dublin.

St. Patrick’s Park and Cathedral
Not far from St. Stephen’s Green, you’ll find St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Park, just a 10-minute walk away. It doesn’t get more Irish than this—St. Patrick is Ireland’s most famous saint, celebrated annually on St. Patrick’s Day. The cathedral, founded in 1191 and dedicated to Saint Patrick, is a must-see part of history.

Dublin Castle
When you imagine seeing a grand and imposing fortress, Dublin Castle may not meet your expectations. It’s more like a park with some lovely buildings nearby. It’s a pleasant place to relax, and the gardens are beautiful, perfect for photo opportunities.

You can explore the grounds for free, and if you’d like to see the interior, you can join a guided tour or go on a self-guided tour. The castle is open for visitors for most of the year.

Day 2 in Dublin

Howth
The perfect thing to do on your second day in Dublin is going to Howth!
After a full day of exploring the city of Dublin, it is time to take in some of Ireland’s green landscapes.

You will not regret it as you’ll see a scenic coastline while wandering along the Howth Cliff walk! Blown away by the stunning nature of Howth, I was so glad I went on this trip, as it exceeded my expectations! Additionally, there is a harbour and delicious seafood restaurants in Howth.

How to get there?

To get to the fishing village of Howth from Dublin, you can take a half-hour train ride from Dublin Pearse Station or Dublin Connolly. The trains operate daily, and services depart regularly at very affordable prices.

Howth Cliff walk
You can do the whole tour of 7.8 km, which typically takes around 2 hours.
Alternatively, you can walk to the lighthouse and return along the same route. Whichever option you choose, the views are guaranteed to be stunning!

When you return to the town of Howth after the cliff walk, you can still spend some time at the harbour and visit one of the many seafood restaurants!

Extra things to do in Dublin

If you go for just a half day to Howth and feel you still have some time left over for other things, here are some additional activities to do in Dublin!

The Guinness Storehouse
Ireland is well-known for its famous Guinness beer. If you love beer, you’ve got to visit the Guinness Storehouse during your two days in Dublin! You can sample some beers, learn about the history of Guinness, enjoy a great view from the gravity bar, learn how to pour a perfect pint of Guinness, print a selfie on the foam of your beer, and more!

The Guinness Storehouse is near the city centre, about a half-hour walk from Temple Bar. But you can also get there by bike or public transport.
The storehouse is open daily, but the hours may vary, so it’s best to check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets are not cheap, so it’s best to purchase them online in advance, saving you some money!
Address: St. James’s Gate

Kilmainham Gaol
Something to write on your list if you have some extra time to spare in Dublin! This former prison, now a museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s past. The Gaol opened in 1796 and closed in 1924. It’s outside the city centre, so the best way to get there is by bus, car, or taxi.

Access to the Gaol is only through a guided tour, and tickets must be booked in advance on their website as they tend to sell out quickly.
Address: Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.

The Little Museum of Dublin
Visiting this small and cosy museum doesn’t take long, and it’s a fun way to spend an hour, during which you’ll see most of it. If you can fit in a visit during your two days in Dublin, you should do it!
In a short time, and with a sense of humour, you will learn about the history of Dublin.

You can purchase tickets and book a tour on their website.
The museum is near Merrion Square and St. Stephen’s Green Park at 33 Lower Pembroke Street.

Where to eat in Dublin?

In a city like Dublin, there are plenty of dining options! I enjoy trying out the local dishes when travelling, but I also appreciate the variety of multicultural dishes. Dublin offers a wide selection of excellent restaurants. Here are some great spots:

Darkey Kelly’s
Darkey Kelly’s is a cosy Irish pub that serves delicious food, including traditional Irish dishes such as stew and sirloin steak. The pub only accepts walk-ins, so making a reservation is not possible.
Located in the Temple Bar area: 19 Fishamble St, Christchurch.

The Saucy Cow Vegan Food Temple Bar
They serve super tasty vegan food, and there’s a warm and welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff! This place is also in the Temple Bar area on 19 Crane Lane.

Umi Falafel
Umi Falafel has three locations in Dublin. The restaurant offers fresh, healthy, delicious, and affordable food, making it a perfect choice for a quick and tasty meal!

Green Bench Cafe
The Green Bench Cafe serves delicious sandwiches with fresh ingredients and tasty bread. Despite the long queues sometimes, the food is definitely worth the wait! Take-away only. The cafe is near St. Stephen’s Green Park, where you can enjoy your sandwich!

Thank you for reading my blog post! Enjoy your 2 days in Dublin!

If you plan to visit Belfast in Northern Ireland, check out my blog post:
15 Reasons to Visit Belfast!