We Spent 2 Days in Dublin and Only Slightly Regretted the Guinness
Pints, Parks & Proper Irish Craic—Done Right
Thinking of a weekend in Dublin? Great shout. We’ve done it more times than we can count, and this itinerary is based on our March 2025 trip—full of real stops we actually enjoyed (plus a few you might not think to add).
🔗 Heads up! This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book something I’ve recommended—at no extra cost to you. I only ever suggest places and experiences I’ve either done myself or properly researched (read: obsessively Googled with a cuppa in hand). It helps keep First Step Europe running.
🔗 Quick Links for Your Dublin Trip
Here are a few handy links to help you plan the perfect weekend:
✈️ Dublin Express Official Timetable
🚌 Compare hop-on hop-off bus tours
📚 Skip-the-line Trinity College tickets
🍺 Tour the Guinness Storehouse
🛏️Browse Dublin Hotels on Booking.com
Day 1: Dublin’s Northside
Note: This itinerary splits your weekend between Dublin’s Northside (Day 1) and Southside (Day 2), so you can explore both sides of the River Liffey without spending half your trip stuck on public transport.
☀️ Morning:
Big Bus Tour & Trinity College Library
Start with the Big Bus Tour from O’Connell Street. Yes, it’s a bit touristy—but it’s also a fab intro to the city (and ideal with a coffee in hand up top). Hop off at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and the stunning Long Room library. It’s popular, so book tickets early.
Hop off at Stop 2 for Trinity College. This is where you’ll find the Book of Kells exhibit and the stunning Long Room, home to over 200,000 ancient books. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Dublin for a reason.
🎟️ Entry from €18.50—book early if you’re visiting at the weekend.
🌳 Midday:
Phoenix Park – Bikes, Deer & Dublin Zoo
Catch the bus to Phoenix Park (Stop 20) for a bike ride, deer spotting, or a chilled wander. It’s huge—you won’t see it all, but even a short visit feels like a breath of fresh air.
Afterwards, head to Nancy Hands Pub near Stop 21. Free half-pint of Guinness if you show your Big Bus ticket, and it’s a great lunch spot—simple, tasty, and not rammed like Temple Bar.
🍴Afternoon:
The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship
Walk from Stop 24 to the Jeanie Johnston. It’s a short guided tour through a replica famine ship—surprisingly powerful and not too long. Great way to balance out the food and fun with a little history.
🕓 Late Afternoon:
GPO or Hugh Lane Gallery
Back near O’Connell Street, you’ve got two options:
- GPO Witness History – compact and moving
- Hugh Lane Gallery – free, quiet, and great if your feet need a break
There’s also the Garden of Remembrance nearby if you’d prefer a sit-down over more standing.
🌆 Evening:
Docklands Tour + Temple Bar
Grab the Big Bus again for the Docklands Night Tour (free with 48-hr ticket). Sunset views, city lights, and a calm loop to wind down your day.
After that, swing by Temple Bar for a pint and a photo—yes, it’s touristy, yes, it’s pricey, but it’s also iconic. Stay for one, then head to Parnell Heritage Pub for a cheaper, more relaxed evening.
Day 2: Dublin’s Southside
Today’s all about exploring Dublin’s Southside—a bit fancier, a bit more polished, and packed with history, green spaces, and some seriously good food. It’s also where you’ll find the Guinness Storehouse, so pace yourself… and maybe don’t skip breakfast.
🥐 Morning:
Keogh’s Café + Museum Stop
Kick off with a hearty breakfast at Keogh’s Café on Trinity Street. Their breakfast = elite.
Then choose your museum mood:
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology (free + full of Viking gold)
Or the Little Museum of Dublin for U2, JFK, and vintage bus tickets. Quirky and worth it if you’re into pop culture.
🌿 Midday:
St Stephen’s Green + Spar Deli Lunch
Wander through St Stephen’s Green—a central park with duck ponds and plenty of shade (if the Irish sun makes a rare appearance).
Lunch? Don’t judge us, but Spar Deli on Merrion Row does custom sandwiches under €6 and hits the spot every time.
🍺 Afternoon:
Guinness Storehouse
You have to go to the Guinness Storehouse at least once. It’s well-done, surprisingly fun, and the rooftop Gravity Bar view is unbeatable.
One drink is included—even non-drinkers get a decent zero-alcohol option.
Be sure to book ahead – it fills up fast!
🌙 Evening:
Canal Dinner Cruise or Easy Pub Night
If you’ve got energy, finish strong with a Grand Canal dinner cruise—3 courses, slow pace, and gorgeous views as the sun dips. It’s one of the calmest ways to end a trip.
Too tired? No shame in grabbing a quiet dinner in a pub and calling it a night.
Where We Stayed
📍 Location: Northside, Parnell Square
💶 From ~€150 per night (deluxe double)
We’ve stayed at The Belvedere and would happily go back. It’s comfy, super central, and the staff were genuinely lovely.
If you get the chance to book their Irish night with a 3-course meal and live music—do it. We didn’t expect much and ended up having one of our favourite evenings in the city.
📍 Location: St Stephen’s Green
💶 From ~€350 per night (small queen room)
Feeling bougie? The Shelbourne is proper old-school elegance—think chandeliers, doormen, and “I probably shouldn’t be wearing trainers” energy. You’re paying for the location, the spa, and the bragging rights (JFK stayed here, after all).
Getting Around Dublin: What You Actually Need to Know
👟 Walking
Dublin’s city centre is compact, and most top sights are walkable—Trinity College, Temple Bar, St Stephen’s Green, the GPO… all within 20–30 minutes of each other. We walked pretty much everywhere, but your feet will feel it by day two, so bring decent shoes.
🚃 Public Transport
If you need a break from walking, Dublin’s public transport is easy to use.
- The Luas (tram) is great for hopping between areas like Heuston and St Stephen’s Green.
- Dublin buses are regular, and contactless cards work—no need to mess with paper tickets or travel cards if you’re just here for the weekend.
You can plan routes using the TFI (Transport for Ireland) app or Google Maps.
✈️ Getting from Dublin Airport to the City Centre
The Dublin Express is the easiest and cheapest way to get into town. It runs every 15–30 minutes and drops you off on O’Connell Street in about 25 minutes (traffic depending). We always pre-book online so we’re not stuck queueing at Arrivals.
If you’re arriving late or just want door-to-door, you can grab a taxi—but we usually go with Bolt instead. Like many places, it tends to be more reliable and just as cost effective. We use it everywhere.
Dublin FAQs (Quick & Honest Answers)
Is Dublin safe for tourists?
Generally, yes. We’ve walked around late at night and never felt unsafe—but like any city, it’s worth staying aware, especially in crowded areas. I go into more detail here:
🔗 Is Dublin Safe? What You Actually Need to Know
Is two days enough in Dublin?
Yes—as long as you plan it right. You won’t see everything, but two days is plenty to hit the highlights, get a feel for the city, and still have time for a proper pint (or two).
Are there free museums in Dublin?
Yes! Loads of them.
Anything with “National” in the name is usually free, like the National Museum of Archaeology and the National Gallery. Here’s a list of our favourites:
🔗 Free Museums in Dublin That Are Actually Worth Visiting
Are shops open on Sundays in Dublin?
Most are, especially in the city centre.
Big names on Grafton and Henry Street usually open late morning, around 11am or 12pm. Smaller shops may open later—or not at all—so it’s always worth checking ahead if there’s somewhere specific you want to visit.
Final Thoughts: Is 2 days in Dublin Worth It?
Dublin in two days? Totally doable. With the right plan, you can hit the highlights, sneak in some quieter spots, and still have time for a proper pint (or two). Just pace yourself—and maybe pack a raincoat, just in case.
