What Ireland may not have in size and population, it certainly has in the richness of its history.

Are you heading to Dublin but have no idea what to do?

I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re visiting for 1, 2, 3, or 4 whole days, here’s what to do for a visit to Ireland’s capital city.

Essential information before you go

Language: English and Irish (mostly English)

Currency: Euro

Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (UTC)

Emergency number: 112 or 999

Plug type: G

Electrical: 230 volts / 50Hz

Visa needed: Depends on your nationality. Not required for EU and UK citizens. Many countries (including US, Canada, Australia), no visa required.

Getting to and from the airport

Several buses go from the airport to the city center:

Dublin Express – 782, 784

Aircoach – 700, 702, 703

Dublin Bus – 16, 41

Go Ahead – 33a, 102

Airport Hopper – 767, 777

Dublin Coach – 750

Dublin Airport is also only 10km from the city center, so it’s a reasonable 15-minute drive (if you don’t get stuck in traffic) if you’re willing to pay about €25-30.

Itinerary

Day 1

Morning:

Brave the line and grab some breakfast at Bread 41, a wonderful little bakery just across the street from Trinity College.

I am 100% completely biased (being a trained medievalist and all), and I don’t believe a trip to Dublin is complete without seeing the Book of Kells, an 8^th century illuminated manuscript and one of the most important and outstanding examples of Insular art.

It’s kept in the Library at Trinity College Dublin, whose breathtaking Long Room is in itself worth a visit. While you’re there, combine it with a tour of Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university, founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592.

Afternoon:

Walk through the city and take a photo at the Molly Malone statue (Molly being the subject of one of Ireland’s most famous ballads) and at Ha’penny Bridge, before heading to Dublin Castle.

Dublin Castle was once the administrative seat of the British government when Ireland was under British rule. Today, it still serves as the place where the Presidents of Ireland are inaugurated.

On the grounds of the castle is the Chester Beatty Library, a free museum that houses the collection of Alfred Chester Beatty. Alfred Chester Beatty was an avid collector of rare books and manuscripts, and it’s here you can see a number of priceless artefacts such as Islamic illuminations and some of the earliest copies of the Christian New Testament.

Evening:

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s expensive. But you have to see at least the outside of Dublin’s most famous bar, the Temple Bar. Once you’ve snapped your photos and perhaps enjoyed an over-priced pint, eat dinner at one of the many cheaper nearby pubs.

Day 2

All day:

Make it a museum day by visiting four of Ireland’s museums, all clustered around each other.

The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology houses a magnificent collection of artefacts from Irish history, most notably from its prehistory, including the famed Tara Brooch. For the less squeamish, the museum also displays well-persevered bog bodies, unfortunate victims of violence from Ireland’s ancient past.

Check out some priceless works of art in the National Gallery of Ireland. Here you can find works by Jack Yeats (brother of the poet William Butler Yeats), Caravaggio, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Titian, among many others.

Affectionately known as the Dead Zoo, the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History contains millions of specimens related to zoology and geology. What’s particularly fascinating is that the museum layout hasn’t changed much since Victorian times – it’s been described as a “museum of a museum.”

And if you need a break from museums, head to the nearby Merion Square Park, where you can admire the Georgian houses surrounding the park and take a photo with the Oscar Wilde Monument.

Evening:

Have dinner and a drink at The Brazen Head, which claims to be Dublin’s oldest pub dating to the 1100s. While this claim is disputed, it certainly has been in operation as a pub since the 1660s.

Day 3

Morning:

Visit two of Dublin’s most famous churches, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Its most famous dean was Jonathan Swift, who wrote Gulliver’s Travels and who is buried in the cathedral.

Founded by the Vikings, the nearby Christ Church Cathedral is another medieval cathedral. Here, you can see the grave of the Norman knight Strongbow, historic books and altar pieces, and the mummified remains of a cat and mouse who were once stuck in one of the cathedral’s organ pipes.

Afternoon:

Make your way to the Guinness Storehouse to learn about how Ireland’s most famous brewery makes its beer. Have an early dinner at one of the many eateries within.

A drink at their 360-degree rooftop bar is included in the entrance ticket, so enjoy the view along with that hearty pint of Guinness.

• Find more details about visiting the Guinness Storehouse with my Guide to Visiting the Guinness Storehouse.

Day 4

All day:

Why not go farther afield by taking a day trip? There are several you can choose from. These are only the tip of the iceberg (no pun intended for those choosing to visit the Titanic Exhibit in Belfast):

Learn about Belfast’s troubled history or see where the Titanic was built, then visit the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this tour.

Admire the stunning natural beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, visit one of Ireland’s earliest monastic sites at Glendalough, and walk around the medieval city of Kilkenny with this day tour.

Get the gift of the gab while hanging precariously upside down at Blarney Castle with this tour.

Want more ideas for a day trip from Dublin? Check out the 9 Best Day Trips from Dublin!

Where to stay

I like to stay at one of the several Staycity apartments around town, as they are modern hotels with a 24/7 front desk and come equipped with a kitchenette. Staycity Aparthotel Dublin Mark Street is a convenient location.

They also serve pizza 24 hours. I’m going to be 100% honest here for a second: as much as I try to immerse myself in the local culture and eat traditional food, sometimes I just want a pizza.

There you have it! Itineraries for a perfect trip to Dublin.

I hope you enjoy your trip!