Weekend city breaks offer a great way to see new places in a short space of time.
If you’re planning to spend a couple of nights in Dublin, you will find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to attractions. Picking what to prioritise can be tricky, which is where we come in.
We have compiled an itinerary for you so that you can see the best of what Dublin has to offer on your next trip to Ireland.
Immerse Yourself in Dublin’s Live Music Scene
If you’re getting into Dublin on Friday evening and want to really get into the swing of things, get yourself along to a gig at 4 Dame Lane, a live music venue which hosts an eclectic range of artists.
This is a popular spot located close to Temple Bar, so we recommend booking in advance to ensure you have a spot on the guest list.
They also serve up a variety of excellent cocktails, along with Irish whiskey, beer, and cider. Enjoy the start of your weekend at 4 Dame Lane, but be sure not to overindulge! You’ll want to feel fresh when visiting the rest of our top picks.
Take a Tour of Trinity College
For those with a passion for architecture, or for anyone who wants to learn more about Irish history, Trinity College is a must-see Dublin destination.
The university is regularly ranked within the top 100 schools worldwide.
Tours of Trinity College and the Book of Kells are available. You can embark on the Book of Kells Experience, a guided tour for €26 lasting 90 minutes, which gives visitors access to the Old Library and the Red Pavilion’s digital exhibition.
Alternatively, for €33.50, you can get exactly the same, in addition to a 45-minute Trinity Trails Tour, showing you around the Trinity College campus beforehand.
Due to the popularity of these tours, we would recommend booking tickets in advance.
Wander Through Phoenix Park
Formed all the way back in the 1660s, Phoenix Park was originally a royal hunting park. Skip forward a few centuries, and it is now one of the biggest enclosed parks in a European capital city.
Provided there isn’t heavy wind or rain, a visit to Phoenix Park is a brilliant way to spend some time outdoors.
A large herd of deer reside there, and visitors are welcome to take a walk or bike ride through various public trails on the scenic green landscape.
The park stays open 24/7, so you can fit a visit in easily around other planned activities.
Visit the Home of Guinness
Guinness is a beer that is famous around the world, but originated in the city of Dublin.
For any alcohol connoisseurs or just those who enjoy a pint of stout, we highly recommend going on a Guinness Storehouse Experience. Standard tours start at €22.
Take part in a self-guided, seven-storey tour of the storehouse to become a Guinness expert, before enjoying a pint as part of your package at the Gravity Bar.
There are also higher-end tours on offer, which involve pint pouring and taste paddling.
Stroll Down the River Liffey
The beautiful River Liffey flows right through the heart of Dublin, and is a fantastic spot for a morning, afternoon, or evening walk.
Formerly used for trading, it is now a popular tourist spot. If you decide to visit the river, we recommend crossing over the iconic Ha’penny Bridge, which has provided a means of getting over the river and back since 1816.
It is Ireland’s first-ever iron bridge and is known as the Ha’penny Bridge, dating back to the days of old when a halfpenny was required to cross it.
Enjoy Dublin
Whether you follow this itinerary to a tee or pick and choose one or two activities is up to you!
These recommendations are designed to align with many different interests and ideas of fun.
Whatever you decide to do and see, we wish you a very pleasant visit during your trip to the Irish capital.