The Ultimate 3-Day Dublin Itinerary
- Lucie Viktorin
- 6 Minute Read
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You think 3 days aren’t enough for a visit to Dublin? Think again! My recent trip to this vibrant city proved that even with just 3,5 days, you can experience the best of Ireland’s main city. When visiting, seeing my long-term and long-distance bestie was an obvious highlight of my trip. However, I made sure to take notes to create the ultimate 3-Day Dublin Itinerary for first-time visitors of the Irish capital. Seasoned travelers are welcome as well of course! Read on to make the most of your trip or jump straight to the summarized itinerary overview here.
Arrival Day
Arrive in Dublin and embrace the Irish spirit
As soon as I arrived in Dublin and dropped off my luggage, my friend and I headed straight to a traditional pub to get into the Irish spirit. Dublin’s pubs are legendary, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy live music and a pint of Guinness – or my personal recommendation, Hop House beer. This is the perfect, and only right way, to start your trip and get a (literal) taste of the Irish people’s favorite past-time activity.
Day 1: Explore Dublin’s Iconic Sights
Morning: Temple Bar District and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Hopefully you’ll wake up relaxed and ready for your Dublin adventure after your night out. Start your day with a stroll through the Temple Bar district, Dublin’s cultural quarter known for its lively atmosphere and cobbled streets. Wihout a doubt, the famous Temple Bar is a must-see, but you might want to just take photos and save the money, as the pub and the Temple Bar gift shop can get pricey due to the popularity. Rather, grab a drink to-go and head over to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. Soak in the stunning architecture and garden, and if the weather’s nice, relax on the grounds.
Noon to Afternoon: Trinity College, Xi’an Street Food and Carrolls Irish Gifts
On your way to lunch, stop by Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592. The college’s historical significance and breathtaking architecture make it a must-see.
For lunch, try the Spice Bag at Xi’an Street Food. Believe it or not, this dish is a typical Irish delicacy, inspired by Chinese cuisine and is a local favorite. Although, the Spice Bag might also be available in other Chinese takeaways, the portions at Xi’an’s are huge, delicious and worth every penny!
After lunch, visit Carrolls Irish Gifts, one of the largest souvenir shop chains in Dublin. There you can find everything from traditional Irish crafts to quirky souvenirs, making it the perfect spot to knock out your souvenir shopping.
Evening: Pub Time
Afterwards, embrace the local culture by heading to a traditional Irish pub. Irish folks start drinking early, so join in and enjoy a pint of a local brew. The pubs are a great place to unwind and experience Dublin’s famous hospitality. Seriously, the people are almost ridiculously nice and I love it!
Day 2: Trip to Howth
Morning: Explore Howth
Rise and shine for a day trip to the haven town Howth! Grab a quick bite on your way to the train station, for example delicious cinnamon-sugar mini-donuts from The Rolling Donut. The chain has multiple spots all over Dublin, so you are likely to be close to one of the booths. Once in Howth, visit the local craft and food market right outside the train station. It’s a great spot to pick up unique souvenirs, little gifts for yourself and some local treats.
Noon to Afternoon: Scenic Hiking and Lunch at Beshoff Bros
After the market, choose one of the multiple walking routes available in Howth, ranging from easy strolls to engaging hikes. No matter the summer months, always be prepared for changing weather when in Ireland! Therefore, bring a jacket and a sweater and keep in mind the cool wind coming from the ocean when on your scenic walk on the Irish cliffs. Speaking of, the breathtaking views and fresh sea air are well worth any coldness you might encounter!
When heading back to the town, stop for a delicious meal at Beshoff Bros. Enjoy their fresh and flavorful fish’n’chips and while enjoying your meal, please beware of the sea gulls! Don’t try to feed them because they will take you and your food hostage. You’ve been warned!Evening: Return to Dublin and Unwind
Finally, when you’re ready, take the train back to Dublin. Once back, check your mood and either head to a pub to enjoy the lively atmosphere or opt for some relaxation time.
Day 3: Brunch and Farewell
Morning: Drag Brunch at Wigwam
No matter how you choose to spend your evening, start your day fresh and sparkly with a fabulous drag brunch at Wigwam. Enjoy delicious food, amazing drinks and a spectacular performance from two talented drag queens. It’s a highlight you don’t want to miss! You can find tickets here!
Noon to Afternoon: Light Shopping and Matcha Tea
When the exciting brunch is over, indulge in some light shopping for local fashion and last-minute gifts, preferably for yourself. Later, head to The Matcha Bar to try their unique matcha blends. Their speciality is hand-picked Japanese matcha, prepared with care and mixed with naturally sourced add-ons such as rose or lavender syrup or strawberry purée, making it the perfect treat to end your Dublin adventure.
Evening: Pack and Reflect
With your matcha buzz, return to your accommodation to pack and reflect on a memorable Dublin getaway.
As you can see,
it is very much possible to soak in the Irish culture and Dublin’s charms in a short time. From the vibrant streets of Temple Bar to the scenic beauty of Howth, and the lively drag brunch at Wigwam, The Irish capital offers a whirlwind of experiences packed into a quick visit. With this 3-Day Itinerary through Dublin you are sure to create lasting memories, make every moment count and leave you eager to return. If you are interested in learning more about travel to Ireland, stay tuned for next Sunday’s post on Top 10 Tips For An Amazing Stay In Dublin. Or, in case you are inclined to travel further south, read more about a 2-Day Adventure along the Valencian Coast in Spain.
Happy exploring!Quick Itinerary Overview
Arrival evening:
- Arrive in Dublin
- Visit an Irish pub to start your Ireland trip the right way
Day 1:
- Stroll through the Temple Bar district after breakfast
- Grab a drink to-go and visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and surrounding garden
- Check out Trinity College on your way to lunch at Xi’an Street Food
- Visit Carrolls Irish Gifts for souvenir shopping
- Head to a pub and enjoy your beers!
Day 2:
- Train ride to Howth
- Visit the local craft and food market in Howth
- Choose a walking route for a light, scenic hike
- Late lunch at Beshoff Bros
- Enjoy the pubs or relax back in Dublin
Day 3:
- Drag Brunch at Wigwam
- Light shopping and Matcha Tea
- Pack and reflect on a memorable weekend
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