Your 48 hours in Dublin
– 6 - min read
Renowned for its charming locals and vibrant streets, Dublin city has made its way onto many people’s bucket lists. And with its literary history, growing selection of impressive eateries, and of course, great pints of Guinness, 48 hours in Dublin may not seem like enough time but, like the great saying goes; where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Day 1 in Dublin City
Visit the Little Museum of Dublin
After breakfast, take some time to stretch your legs in the historical St. Stephen’s Green before making your way across the road to the Little Museum of Dublin.
Arguably one of the most endearing museums in the city centre, the Little Museum of Dublin is exactly what its name suggests: a uniquely small in size museum that tells the story of Dublin with quirky exhibits and fascinating objects to boot. The museum offers guided tours or standard admission, and if a walking tour of the city is up your street – they have an award-winning one of those available too!
Check out Trinity College
Once you have soaked up all there is to know about Dublin, take a walk down Grafton Street, where you will likely spot some local buskers, and make your way towards the famed Trinity College.
As Ireland’s highest-ranked university, Trinity was once attended by some of Ireland’s most impressive minds such as Oscar Wilde and Ernest Walton. Moreover, Trinity’s Long Room houses the beautiful Book of Kells – a must-see during your weekend in Dublin. As it’s a pretty popular attraction, try booking online in advance to avoid the long queue!
Experience Guinness Storehouse, St. James’s Gate
It might go without saying that another important part of Ireland’s history is a pint of Guinness and of course there’s no better way to learn about Ireland’s most iconic beer than visiting the Guinness Storehouse.
Located in St. James’s Gate, around a 20-minute walk from Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse consists of seven interactive floors packed with history and iconic artefacts synonymous with the world-famous drink. The tour ends in the Gravity Bar where you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views of the city and of course, a perfectly poured pint included in your ticket.
Day Two in Dublin City
Clayton Vitality Breakfast
With fresh bread and pastries, cheeses, yoghurts, fresh fruit, cereals and hot breakfast options of full English, vegetarian and Chef’s daily special there is something to suit everyone with our Vitality Breakfast.
With a busy itinerary filled with plans of things to do in Dublin you can order a to go breakfast which includes orange juice, Special K milk & bowl, banana, yogurt, croissant with jam and butter and will be packed in a handy bag to take with you.
Make Your Way to Kilmainham Gaol, Kilmainham
Hop on a local bus towards Kilmainham Gaol – currently one of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe.
A visit to Kilmainham Gaol offers a fascinating insight into the history of the prison where some of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed. On your guided tour, you will get a glimpse into the prison cells and learn about the lives and deaths of some of the prominent prisoners. Make sure to book a ticket online to avoid disappointment as tickets will not be available at their reception.
Lunch in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, South William Street
Make your way back into the city centre and towards Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. Once the home of Lord and Lady Powerscourt, this stunning Georgian building is now a speciality shopping centre and the magnificent architecture makes it a great setting for your final lunch in Dublin!
For great sandwiches, fresh cakes, and delicious salads, visit The Pepper Pot café, located on the first floor of the centre. Try grabbing a seat on their first-floor terrace so you can really soak up all Powerscourt has to offer. Once you’re finished up, why not take a walk around the antique, jewellery, and art shops and maybe even treat yourself to a souvenir!
Explore the Vintage Shops in Temple Bar
Take a walk-through South William Street and towards Temple Bar. Typically known for its traditional Irish pubs and nightlife, Temple Bar is also home to a number of beautiful vintage shops that are definitely worth checking out.
Try out vintage wonderlands: Lucy’s Lounge, Dublin Vintage Factory, and Nine Crows, and one of Ireland’s largest design exchange shops: Siopella. If your shopping spree finishes up early, make your way to a traditional Irish pub; Grogan’s, which was once a favourite meeting spot for famous Irish writers such as Patrick Kavanagh and Flann O’Brien.
Dinner in Woollen Mills, Ormond Quay
Take a walk across the Ha’penny bridge towards The Woollen Mills where you will enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the River Liffey to end your 48 hours in Dublin.
Once a popular meeting place for a number of famous creative minds, The Woollen Mills offers authentic and traditional Irish food using locally sourced produce. If you can, try getting a table on their rooftop terrace which offers an unmissable view of the Dublin cityscape when the sunsets.
