Dylan and Maddy
3 Days in Dublin, Ireland: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
We just returned from an incredible three days in Dublin, and we couldn’t wait to share our honest take on the city. As travel bloggers who value real, relatable experiences, we know how overwhelming it can be to plan a first-time trip somewhere as storied as Ireland’s capital. That’s why we’re excited to give you our perspective—straight from the cobblestone streets, cozy pubs, and lively neighborhoods we explored.
Spoiler: Dublin mostly lived up to the hype! From cute landmarks to unexpected local gems, we found so much to love (and a couple of things that surprised us). This itinerary is packed with practical tips, what’s truly worth your time, and a few honest opinions to help you skip the tourist traps and experience the city like we did.
Whether you’re into history, live music, good food, or just soaking up the local vibe, we hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time in Dublin!
Table of Contents
Why Visit Dublin?
Dublin is one of those cities that just feels alive the moment you arrive. It’s got a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Whether you’re into exploring centuries-old castles, relaxing in beautiful green parks, or hopping between pubs and lively music scenes, Dublin has something for everyone. For us, it was the perfect introduction to Ireland—a city that’s easy to navigate, packed with things to do, and full of surprises around every corner. If you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll find Dublin both welcoming and interesting.
How to Get to Dublin
Getting to Dublin is pretty straightforward. Most travelers arrive via Dublin Airport (DUB), which is well-connected to major cities across Europe and North America. From the airport, it’s about a 30-minute taxi or bus ride to the city center. If you’re already in Ireland or coming from the UK, you can also reach Dublin by train or ferry. We flew in through a direct flight from Toronto and found the airport transfer smooth and hassle-free—just be prepared for a bit of traffic during peak hours!
Where to Stay in Dublin
We highly recommend staying in the city center. Not only does this put you close to all the main sights—like Trinity College, Temple Bar, and Grafton Street—but it also means you can easily walk to most attractions, restaurants, and shops. Staying central saved us a ton of time and let us soak up the city’s atmosphere from the moment we stepped outside each morning. Where we stayed specifically was the Holiday Inn Express City Centre, and we thought it was perfect! There are other options for every budget, from boutique hotels and guesthouses to hostels and Airbnbs. If it’s your first time in Dublin, the city center is hands-down the most convenient and fun base.
Getting Around Dublin
Getting around Dublin is a breeze, especially if you’re staying in the city center. We walked almost everywhere—Dublin’s main attractions are surprisingly close together, and wandering the streets is half the fun. For spots a bit further out (like Malahide Castle or the Guinness Storehouse), you can hop on a bus, tram, or grab an Uber. But honestly, if you base yourself centrally, you’ll rarely need anything other than comfortable shoes. The city is flat, safe, and perfect for exploring on foot.
Day 1: Dublin’s Icons, History & Pubs
Start your day: 9:00 AM
If you want to make the most of your first day in Dublin, we recommend getting an early start—there’s a lot to see, but everything is walkable and the city’s energy in the morning is unbeatable.
Ha’penny Bridge
Kick off your Dublin adventure with a stroll across the iconic Ha’penny Bridge. This charming white cast-iron pedestrian bridge is one of the city’s most photographed spots—and for good reason. Walking across, you’ll get that “I’m really in Dublin!” feeling as you watch the River Liffey flow beneath you.
Temple Bar District
Next, wander into the Temple Bar District. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also a must-see for first-timers. The cobblestone streets, vibrant pubs, and colorful street art make it a fun place to explore, even in the morning before the crowds (and party scene) kick in. If you’re into photography, now’s the time to snap those classic red pub shots without a bunch of people in the way. This was one of our favorite spots in the city—not only was it super scenic, but it was also impressively clean.
O’Connell Street: GPO, Parnell Monument, The Spire, John Gray Statue
From Temple Bar, head north across the River Liffey via O’Connell Bridge and take a leisurely walk up O’Connell Street—Dublin’s main thoroughfare. Here you’ll pass several iconic landmarks:
- General Post Office (GPO): One of the most important buildings in Irish history, especially if you’re a history buff. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth pausing to appreciate the architecture and its role in the 1916 Easter Rising.
- Parnell Monument: Dedicated to Charles Stewart Parnell, a key figure in Irish politics. It’s a great spot for a quick photo.
- The Spire: You literally can’t miss it—it’s a 120-meter tall stainless steel monument right in the middle of O’Connell Street. Opinions are mixed, but it’s become a modern Dublin landmark.
- John Gray Statue: Another quick stop for a photo and a bit of local history.
- Dublin Portal: This new, high-tech installation connects Dublin with New York City in real time via a giant circular screen. It also rotates with other large cities in Poland, Lithuania. It’s a cool, futuristic addition to O’Connell Street and a fun stop—especially if you want to wave to strangers across the world or just watch the live feeds. We found ourselves lingering here longer than expected! It’s just a very neat concept.
Molly Malone Statue
Make your way back toward the city center to visit the famous Molly Malone Statue (“Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!”). It’s a quirky, fun photo op and a Dublin classic. It’s also become a trend for tourists to grab her breasts (which are more golden than the rest of the statue) for good luck. It’s a little weird LOL, but now you won’t be wondering why a bunch of people are grabbing a statue’s breasts.
Lunch at The Brazen Head
By now, you’ll be ready for a break and some hearty Irish food. Head to The Brazen Head, which claims to be Ireland’s oldest pub (dating back to 1198!). The atmosphere is cozy and historic, and the food is great—think classic Irish stew, fish and chips, burgers, and a pint of Guinness. It was really cool to be eating somewhere so historic, and they also have tons of gluten-free options, which is a huge plus!
Christ Church Cathedral
After lunch, take a scenic walk past Christ Church Cathedral. Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior alone is impressive and worth a few photos. We enjoyed just wandering the grounds and admiring the architecture.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of Dublin’s most impressive historic sites—and honestly, it was a highlight of our day. Founded in 1191, it’s the largest cathedral in Ireland and is absolutely packed with history. The Gothic architecture is stunning both inside and out, with soaring ceilings, colorful stained glass windows, and intricately tiled floors. It’s a very worthwhile stop in Dublin and only costs about $12!
Marsh’s Library
Just around the corner from St. Patrick’s Cathedral is Marsh’s Library, a hidden gem for book lovers. It’s one of the oldest public libraries in Ireland, and it was just cool to walk in and look around.
Trinity College & Book of Kells Experience
Wrap up your day at Trinity College, one of Dublin’s most iconic and historic sites. Even just walking onto the campus feels special—the cobblestone paths, elegant old buildings, and lively student energy give it a unique charm. Take a few minutes to wander the grounds and soak up the atmosphere; it’s a great spot for photos!
The main attraction here is the Book of Kells Experience. This ancient manuscript, created by Celtic monks around 800 AD, is famous for its intricate illustrations and is considered one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. The exhibit does a great job of explaining the history and artistry behind the book, and you’ll get to see some of the ornate pages up close (the detail is honestly mind-blowing).
But the real “wow” moment comes when you step into the Long Room Library. It’s a massive, two-story hall lined with thousands of old books, marble busts, and towering wooden shelves. This area was our favorite part of the Book of Kells Experience, and it genuinely feels like you’ve stepped into a scene from Harry Potter or some secret, magical library.
Day 2: Castles, Gardens & City Streets
Start your day: 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM
After a packed first day, we were excited to slow down a bit and dive into more of Dublin’s history, green spaces, and a little bit of shopping (plus a quick adventure just outside the city!).
Dublin Castle
Start your morning at Dublin Castle, one of the city’s most storied landmarks. Dating back to the 13th century, this place has seen it all—Vikings, British rule, royal ceremonies, rebellions—you name it. While you can stroll the outer courtyards for free, we’d recommend the guided or self-guided tour if you’re into history. You’ll get access to the grand State Apartments and the stunning Chapel Royal, both of which give major old-world charm. We had a blast wandering through the castle grounds, soaking up the atmosphere, and learning about the long history.
St. Stephen’s Green Park & Fusiliers' Arch
Start your day: 9:00 AM
Next, stroll over to St. Stephen’s Green—Dublin’s most famous city park. It’s a peaceful, beautifully landscaped spot to relax after the castle. Grab a coffee from a nearby café (like Caffè Nero) and take a leisurely walk around the ponds, flower beds, and statues. If the weather’s nice, this is the perfect place for a mid-morning break or even a quick picnic. We found it was a great way to experience some beautiful greenery while being in a big, European city.
Optional: Guinness Storehouse
If you’re a fan of beer or just curious about Ireland’s most famous export, the Guinness Storehouse is a super popular stop in Dublin. We didn’t make it there because we’re not into beer, but if you are, it’s worth it for first-timers. The tour takes you through the brewing process, the brand’s history, and ends with a pint at the Gravity Bar, which has panoramic views over the city.
Malahide Castle
For your next adventure, hop in an Uber (or take the DART train, if you prefer public transport) and head out to Malahide Castle. It’s about 25-30 minutes from the city center, and totally worth the trip. The castle itself is over 800 years old, and the guided tours are packed with fascinating stories about the Talbot family who lived here for generations. The grounds are gorgeous—don’t miss the walled botanical gardens. There’s also a lovely café if you want to grab a snack before heading back to Dublin.
Pro tip: Check the castle’s website for tour times and book ahead if you can, especially during busy seasons.
Grafton Street (Shops & Buskers)
Finish your day back in the city with a stroll down Grafton Street, made famous by Ed Sheeran’s song “Galway Girl.” This bustling pedestrian street is packed with shops, street performers (buskers), and plenty of energy. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, you’ll find everything from Irish boutiques to big-name brands. For us, the Disney Store and Lego Store were fun stops. The atmosphere here is lively and a great way to end the day!
Day 3: Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Get ready for an early start—this is a crazy day, but it’s totally worth it!
We wrapped up our Dublin adventure with a day trip that ended up being the absolute highlight of our trip: the Cliffs of Moher and the city of Galway. If you’re on the fence about dedicating a whole day to this excursion, trust us—it’s 100% worth it. For the exact tour that we took, you can find it here.
Cliffs of Moher
The journey from Dublin is a few hours each way, but the Irish countryside scenery makes the time fly by (and gives you a chance to catch up on sleep if you had a late night on Grafton Street or in Temple Bar District). Arriving at the Cliffs of Moher, we were absolutely blown away.
Photos don’t do this place justice—the dramatic cliffs, the wild Atlantic waves, and the endless green make it one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen! It’s up there with Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Amalfi Coast!
There are plenty of walking paths and viewpoints, so take your time exploring, snapping photos, and just soaking it all in. We spent a while standing at the edge (safely!) and letting it really sink in. It’s one of those places where you just say, “We finally made it,” and we felt a huge sense of gratitude.
If the weather’s clear, you’ll get stunning panoramic views, but even with a bit of mist or rain, the cliffs are breathtaking.
Pro tip: Check the weather the day before so you can dress appropriately—you may need a rain jacket and some layers!
Galway City
On the way back, our tour included a stop in Galway, and we instantly wished we had more time there. Even in just a couple of hours, we managed to walk the colorful streets, listen to some live music, and pop into a few shops. We also got amazing gelato from Murphy’s! It was so good and we wanted more as soon as we were finished. Galway has such a fun, laid-back vibe—there’s street art everywhere, musicians on every corner, and a real sense of community.
We loved wandering through the Latin Quarter, checking out the Spanish Arch, and grabbing a quick bite at “The Front Door” pub.
Day 3 Wrap-Up
If you’re debating whether to do this day trip, we can’t recommend it enough. The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see natural wonder, and Galway is the kind of city that leaves you wanting more. It was the perfect way to cap off our Dublin adventure and gave us a whole new appreciation for Ireland’s beauty and culture.
Would we do it again? In a heartbeat. Next time, we’re definitely planning a longer stay in Galway!
More Things to Do in Dublin (If You Have Extra Time)
If you’re staying in Dublin for more than three days or just want to mix up your itinerary, here are a few more things worth checking out:
- Kilmainham Gaol
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- Phoenix Park
- Jameson Distillery Bow St.
- Dublin Writers Museum
- Howth Coastal Walk
- National Gallery of Ireland
- Little Museum of Dublin
- Dublin City Hall
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many days do you really need in Dublin?
Three days is a great amount of time to see the main sights, get a feel for the city, and even take a day trip. If you want to explore more museums or neighborhoods at a slower pace, you could easily stretch your stay to four or five days. What we recommend most for just Dublin itself is 2 full days. Days beyond that, you may find yourself with not much to do.
2. Is Dublin expensive?
We didn’t think it was too bad—prices were pretty similar to what you’d find in most American or UK cities. Accommodation in the city center can be on the higher side, but food, drinks, and attractions felt reasonable to us. If you’re used to traveling in the US or UK, you probably won’t experience much sticker shock in Dublin.
3. What’s the best way to get around?
If you stay in the city center, you can walk to most major attractions. For places a bit further out, Dublin’s public transport (bus, tram, and train) is reliable and easy to use. Rideshares like Uber and Bolt are also available.
4. When is the best time to visit Dublin?
We think summer is absolutely the best time to visit. Dublin can be pretty chilly during other parts of the year, and even in the summer, daytime highs are usually only around 65–70°F (18–21°C). Still, we loved the longer daylight hours and the lively energy in the city during the summer months. Just remember to pack a light jacket—even in July, you might catch a cool breeze or a passing shower!
5. Can you visit the Cliffs of Moher as a day trip from Dublin?
Absolutely! It’s a long day, but totally doable. Many tour companies offer day trips that include the Cliffs of Moher and a stop in Galway, which is what we did and highly recommend.
6. What should I pack for Dublin?
Layers are key! The weather can change quickly—bring a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and something warm for the evenings. Don’t forget an adapter if you’re coming from outside Europe.
7. Is Dublin safe for tourists?
We felt very safe walking around Dublin, even at night. As with any city, keep an eye on your belongings and use common sense, but overall Dublin is very welcoming and friendly.
Final Thoughts on this 3 Days in Dublin, Ireland Itinerary
We genuinely enjoyed our trip to Dublin. It’s a cute city with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and we were pleasantly surprised by how clean everything felt. Compared to many other European cities we’ve visited, Dublin also felt especially safe—which made exploring on foot so much more relaxing.
That said, we want to be honest: Dublin doesn’t have the biggest landmarks or a never-ending list of must-see attractions. There’s plenty to enjoy for a couple of days, but after that, we could see it feeling a bit repetitive. For us, the highlight was definitely the Cliffs of Moher day trip—it was truly one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen and made our whole Ireland experience unforgettable.
While we probably wouldn’t put Dublin high on our list for a return trip, we’re definitely excited to explore more of Ireland in the future. If you’re planning your first visit, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in Dublin and inspires you to see a bit beyond the city as well.
If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, drop us a comment below—we love connecting with fellow travelers! And if you want more travel tips and inspiration, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram @zutelltravels for more behind-the-scenes moments from our adventures.
Happy travels!
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