Dublin had been on my radar for a long time — and for good reason. With its Georgian architecture, lively pubs, rich history, and (most importantly) Guinness, it’s a city you really don’t want to miss. After visiting in autumn 2024, I’ve put together what I believe is the perfect 3 Days in Dublin itinerary.

Day 1: A Day of Discovery

Day 1 is your first full day in Dublin and involves a lot of exploring, so make sure you fuel up at breakfast. If you’re staying near the Temple Bar district, one of my personal favourites is Bread 41, which serves excellent pastries (just be prepared to queue).

After breakfast, make your way to Kilmainham Gaol (around a 50-minute walk). Here, you’ll discover the stories of those who were imprisoned — from ordinary criminals to key figures who fought for Irish independence and were executed by firing squad in the Stonebreakers’ Yard. It’s a truly eye-opening experience and one that played a significant role in Ireland’s journey to independence.

After all that walking, find a spot for lunch before heading towards Dublin Castle. If you’re a big Guinness drinker, don’t miss the Guinness Storehouse on the way back. While I felt parts of the experience were a little drawn out, the free Guinness at the Gravity Bar quickly lifted my spirits.

Originally built in the early 1200s as a fortress, Dublin Castle was later rebuilt into a Georgian palace and served as the seat of British rule in Ireland. Today, it functions as a major government complex, hosting presidential inaugurations, while also being open for visitors to explore.

End your day in the Temple Bar district with a meal and a well-earned drink. You’ll find plenty of great restaurants here, including two favourites of mine — Mongolian BBQ and Bunsen (perfect for burger lovers). The bars are some of the best I’ve visited, and the live music scene in Dublin is genuinely unforgettable.

To note:

• When visiting the Storehouse, keep an eye out for tourists who don’t like Guinness — I managed to score three free drinks.
• Book tickets in advance, as attractions often sell out.
• Kilmainham Gaol is a long walk from the city centre; buses or trams are good alternatives.
• In Temple Bar, check out Quays Bar and Bad Bobs (two personal favourites), as well as the famous Temple Bar pub — just be aware you’ll pay a premium.

Day 2: Tales from Dublin’s Past

After a busy first day, you’ll be glad to hear Day 2 involves a bit less walking. After breakfast, head to Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland. You can take part in the Book of Kells Experience or simply wander the historic grounds and admire the architecture.

Just a short walk away is St Stephen’s Green — perfect for a relaxed stroll or a bite to eat while waiting for your slot at the Little Museum of Dublin. This actor-led experience was one of my highlights of the trip, offering a fun yet informative look at Dublin’s history (be prepared to be gently picked on if you’re British).

Once your tour finishes, walk over to St Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland. Built in the late 12th century, it’s one of the few surviving medieval buildings in the city and the burial place of Jonathan Swift. You can admire the Gothic architecture from outside or head in for the full experience.

As with all good days in Dublin, finish the evening back in Temple Bar with food, live music, and another round or two.

To note:

• Again, book tickets in advance.
• For a fun and unique way to explore the city, try the Viking Splash Tour — it’s both entertaining and surprisingly informative.

Day 3: A Breath of Fresh Air

Your final day offers the chance to venture outside the city to the nearby coastal village of Howth. Here, you can explore the cliffs via the coastal walk, which offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and, if you’re lucky, a glimpse of Wales. Depending on the route you choose, the walk can take between 1 and 3 hours and loops back toward the train station, where you can grab lunch before heading back.

Howth is just a 30-minute train ride from Dublin and works perfectly as a half-day trip, leaving time to enjoy a final wander through the city before saying goodbye.

To note:

• I had lunch at The Doghouse (very quirky), but Mamo or King Sitric are great options for seafood and traditional Irish dishes.
• For a more adventurous alternative, Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains (via St Kevin’s Bus) make an excellent day trip.
• See the itinerary map below for ideas once you return to Dublin.

Itinerary Map

I’ve created an interactive map highlighting all the key locations mentioned in this 3 Days in Dublin itinerary, along with a few extra spots if you’re short on ideas or want to mix things up.

Where to Stay

I stayed at Jacob’s Inn Hostel, which I’d highly recommend for budget-friendly travellers who don’t mind shared rooms. If you’re looking for something more upmarket, staying near O’Connell Bridge (on either side of the river) is ideal, as it provides a great starting point for each day’s activities.

Getting Around

You’ll be pleased to hear that Dublin is a very walkable city, with most major attractions close together. If walking isn’t ideal, there’s a great network of buses and trams throughout the city.

When to Visit

Although I visited in November 2024 and still had a great time, I’d recommend visiting between June and August for the best weather and longer evenings. If you prefer smaller crowds, May and September offer a great balance of decent weather and fewer tourists.

Thoughts after 3 Days in Dublin

I absolutely loved my time in Dublin. From its historic streets and stunning architecture to its dance culture, friendly locals, live music, and deep love for Guinness, it really is a city that has something for everyone.

While this itinerary covers 3 Days in Dublin, the city’s compact layout means you could easily skip Howth for a weekend trip. Alternatively, many travellers I met extended their stay with a visit to Galway on the west coast to see more of the Emerald Isle.

The only real downside to Dublin is the cost — it’s comparable to London — so budget travellers may want to skip a few attractions or save money by staying in hostels, as I did.

I hope this 3 Days in Dublin itinerary helps you plan your trip and that you enjoy the city just as much as I did.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out my other travel blogs.