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Three days in Dublin is just enough to scratch the surface of this vibrant city. Not sure where to start? We’ve put together the perfect itinerary for a long winter weekend.
At just 90 minutes from most GB airports, Dublin is an excellent choice for a short break. There’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant city, whatever time of year you visit. During winter it’s especially magical, with illuminated buildings and plenty of cosy pubs and restaurants to relax in. With just 72 hours it can be hard to choose what to do, so we’re narrowing it down with these unmissable suggestions.
72 hours in Dublin: day one
Morning
Get your bearings on a free walking tour by Sandemans New Europe, starting at 11am near city hall. During the three-hour walk you’ll explore famous and lesser-known parts of the city centre. Get the lay of the land, and learn more about Dublin’s history at the same time.
Before the tour begins, head round the corner to Queen of Tarts on Cow’s Lane for a takeaway breakfast. All of the cakes, pastries and tarts are baked on-site under the watchful eye of New York-trained pastry chefs, Regina and Yvonne Fallon.
Afternoon
Visiting Dublin in winter means shorter queues at attractions like Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells. At over 1,000 years old, this medieval manuscript features intricate illustrations of the four gospels of the new testament. Its location – the Long Room library – is just as impressive. Admire the intricately carved bookcases creaking under the weight of ancient books, with marble busts of famous philosophers lining the walls.
Your next stop is a must-do in Dublin: snap a selfie with Molly Malone. The statue of the famous folk heroine is one of the city’s most photographed monuments. Keep walking west and you’ll end up at Christ Church Cathedral. The crypt dates back to the original church, founded nearly a thousand years ago by Dublin’s Viking king, Silkbeard. The cathedral is famous for its curiosities such as a mummified cat and rat who died mid-chase in the pipe organ.
Evening
Spend your first night in Dublin in one of the city’s many cosy pubs. You’re sure of a warm welcome and some good Irish craic (banter). After visiting Christ Church, you’re just a short stroll from Darkey Kelly’s. This is one of the city’s most popular live music joints with performances every night of the week. They champion local musicians. Best of all, food is served until nearly 10pm so you can tuck into Irish favourites like Beef & Guinness stew, followed by an indulgent slice of Bailey’s cheesecake.
72 hours in Dublin: day two
Morning
Start your day by exploring the industrial Smithfield area, just to the north of the River Liffey. You don’t have to wander the streets to enjoy the urban art. The Hendrick hotel has an art gallery encapsulating all eras – from letter-based graffiti to more modern stencil and abstract designs.
Before moving on, grab a bite at Urbanity. This Nordic-inspired café specialises in wholesome dishes crafted from local ingredients. The all-day breakfast menu changes each month. Expect interesting flavour combinations like blackcurrant & bay leaf compote, roast garlic and thyme aioli, or pumpkin dulce de leche.
Afternoon
Dublin is a brilliant city for a shopping spree. You’ll find high street standards on Grafton Street, but for something a little different head to the parallel Drury Street. This stretch is home to independent shops like Om Diva, specialising in vintage women’s fashion and contemporary pieces from Irish designers. Industry & Co sells design-oriented homewares and has an artisan café (try the sea salt brownies), while John Farrington Antiques is the place to go for statement jewellery.
Next, head north of the river to visit one of the city’s best attractions – EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. This award-winning attraction tells the story of the Irish diaspora, with interactive displays delving into Irish history and heritage. Follow it up with a visit to The Jeanie Johnston: An Irish Famine Story, just two minutes’ walk away. This replica tall ship continues the story of the million Irish people who fled the Great Famine by emigrating to North America on boats such as this. You can save money by booking a combo ticket to both museums.
Evening
Your 72 hours in Dublin wouldn’t be complete without a night out in the infamous Temple Bar neighbourhood. Start by lining your stomach at The Woollen Mills Eating House. Ask for a table by the window and enjoy views of the iconic Ha’penny Bridge. The menu is seasonal and packed with local produce. During winter you can expect dishes such as pumpkin dumplings with wild mushrooms and sage, and pomegranate-marinated chicken thighs with cumin-roasted carrots.
Next, head out and soak up the atmosphere in the neighbourhood’s pubs, where locals and tourists mingle over pints of Guinness. Start in The Palace Bar, one of Dublin’s oldest pubs and a favourite haunt of The Irish Times journos. Next, dip into The Foggy Dew. This music-focused pub has walls lined with rock memorabilia and laid-back folk sessions on Sunday. Finally, for a taste of modern Dublin, nip into the Porterhouse Temple Bar. This modern beer-temple specialises in small-batch brews like chocolate truffle stout, red Irish ale and tropical IPA.
72 hours in Dublin: day three
Morning
After a night of craic in Temple Bar you’ll probably need a lie in. Take it easy, and then blow away the cobwebs with brunch at Gallagher’s Boxty House. It’s served until 2pm so there’s no rush, but it’s best to book a table. This Temple Bar eatery specialises in potato pancakes, a.k.a boxty. Try them on the side of a full Irish breakfast, with sausage, bacon, mushroom, tomato, black pudding and fried eggs.
Walk it off with the 20-minute stroll along the banks of the Liffey to The Liberties neighbourhood. This historic area is filled with cute boutiques and historic buildings. You can catch a glimpse of the old city wall at Cornmarket and Lamb Alley. Or, for window shopping, stroll down Francis Street and admire the old Edwardian pieces.
Fortify yourself with a coffee at Hen’s Teeth. As well as great coffee, this concept store/art gallery sells colourful bits for body and home. Think pop culture-inspired cookbooks, body part-shaped plant pots and locally-made skincare.
Afternoon
After last night, a ‘hair of the dog’ will be more than welcome. Combine it with culture by spending an afternoon at the Guinness Storehouse. One of the top attractions in Dublin teaches you all about the history of the famous stout.
Just a few minutes’ stroll away is your next stop, the Roe & Co Distillery. This new attraction is set inside the former Guinness Power Station. Here, you can learn about Ireland’s other famous drink – whiskey! There are two tours to choose from. After a walkthrough of the Still House, you can either learn the art of whiskey blending or shake things up in a cocktail-making class.
Evening
Before heading back to your hotel to pack, say farewell to Dublin with a twilight stroll and a warm drink. Pop into the Butlers Chocolate Café flagship store on Wicklow Street – it’s open until 7pm (7.30pm on Thursdays) – for one of their award-winning hot chocolates. As well as white, milk and dark chocolate varieties there are lots of flavours to try. Try the seasonal Winter Spice hot chocolate or choose from other comforting favourites like praline, peppermint and chilli.
Book your long weekend in Dublin
Now that you’ve got the gameplan, all you need are flights and a hotel. It’s easy to find cheap flights to Dublin with Skyscanner. Simply type ‘Dublin’ into the box below, and select the dates you want to travel. Remember you can find even better bargains if you stay flexible and search ‘whole month’.
Need more help planning your 72 hours in Dublin? Read more
- 10 reasons to visit Dublin this winter. Find out why we think Dublin is one of the best places to visit during the cold, dark months.
- 4 days in Ireland: a perfect road trip itinerary for a short visit. If you’ve got a little longer in the Emerald Isle, hire a car and explore with our ultimate road trip suggestions.
- The science behind spontaneous travel: our latest whitepaper shows why booking a last-minute trip to Dublin could be good for your mind and your wallet.
