what to do in Dublin in 3 days – tips and itinerary!

It doesn't matter if you're spending a few days in Ireland for leisure or staying longer to study, my tips on what to do in Dublin in 3 days will help you! Below you'll find a mini itinerary featuring the best of the Irish capital. Get ready to fall in love!

To make things easier, I’ll divide the itinerary by day, although you won’t necessarily spend a full day sightseeing. It all depends on your pace and how many places you want to explore in depth.

Dublin is a great city to explore on foot. Stroll through the streets without rushing, admire the architecture, visit the classic spots, but also discover some hidden gems and enjoy the experience!

If you arrive in Dublin in the evening, I recommend heading straight to the Temple Bar area for a pint. Is it super cliché? Yes, but life is also made of clichés, and having a Guinness, or another beer of your choice, at the most famous bar in town is a “must-do” in Dublin.

Temple Bar

What to do in Dublin in 3 days

Day one

On your first full day in the city, my suggestion for what to do in Dublin is to start by walking along the banks of the River Liffey. Take a look at the Ha’penny Bridge, which was the first bridge built for pedestrians to cross the river. Its name came from the toll pedestrians used to pay to cross it (half penny).

From there, head to Temple Bar, this time to snap a classic photo. Then walk to Dublin Castle, which is less than 1 km from the bar.

The Castle offers two types of visits: guided tours (State Apartments, Medieval Section, and Chapel Royal) for €12 and self-guided tours (State Apartments and exhibitions) for €8. It’s open Monday to Sunday from 9:45 AM to 5:45 PM. It is closed on December 25th to 27th and January 1st. More details are available on the official website.

After visiting the Castle, head to Christ Church Cathedral, known as Igreja de Cristo in Portuguese. Its façade is stunning, and inside you'll find one of the largest medieval crypts in Great Britain.

After leaving the church, walk over to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It is the largest church in Ireland and was founded in the 12th century, definitely worth a visit. From Monday to Friday it’s open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entrance fee is €8.

Interior of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

If the weather is nice, you can end the day with a picnic at St. Stephen's Green Park, which is just 700 meters from the cathedral. Stop by a Tesco supermarket (there are several throughout the city), grab some different beers or another drink you like, some snacks, and go relax in the park.

If you still have the energy to explore more, add a visit to The Little Museum of Dublin to your list of things to do in Dublin in 3 days. It’s an excellent option to learn more about the city and the country’s history. Opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, and admission costs €10.

Second Day

No list of what to do in Dublin in 3 days would be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College. So get ready for a packed day!

My suggestion is to start with Trinity College Library. There you’ll find the famous Book of Kells (a manuscript written by Irish monks around 800 AD). I recommend buying your ticket in advance, as prices vary depending on the time of your visit, it’s cheaper before 11 AM or after 3 PM. The library is open to visitors from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

From there, make a stop at Grafton Street, one of the city’s main streets. Then continue walking (or not) to the Guinness Storehouse. The factory is open daily, but the hours vary. From Monday to Thursday, it’s open from 11:30 AM to 7 PM. On Fridays, it opens at 11:30 AM and closes at 9 PM. On Saturdays, it’s open from 11 AM to 9:30 PM, and on Sundays from 11 AM to 7 PM. More information is available on the official website.

After visiting Guinness, I suggest heading to Kilmainham Gaol. It was inaugurated in 1796 and became well known for housing important figures who fought for Ireland’s independence. It has also been used as a film set.

Opening hours vary depending on the season, with summer months (June, July, and August) running from 9 AM to 6:30 PM. The guided tour is ideal for those who want to learn more about the country's history and lasts around 90 minutes. Tickets can only be purchased on-site. Children under 12 years old enter for free.

Trinity College Library.

To end the day, head to Phoenix Park, which is one of the largest parks in Europe. Once again, my suggestion is to have a picnic =)

Day Three

As a final suggestion for what to do in Dublin in 3 days, you can set aside a day to take a day trip to a small town near the capital. There’s no shortage of options, I even wrote a post called “5 WEEKEND TRIPS FROM DUBLIN”, where I talk about Belfast, Cork, Galway, the Ring of Kerry, and Bray.

If you’re not interested in the cities mentioned above, you can still consider Limerick, Wicklow, Kilkenny, among others!

To take a day trip, you can rent a car, take a bus, or book a tour. The first option gives you the most freedom, and it’s also a unique experience to drive on the left-hand side of the road. But if you don’t have a license or simply don’t want to rent a car, no worries, just check the bus schedules (the cheapest alternative) or available tours.

That’s it! Now you know what to do in Dublin in 3 days and you’re ready to go! Any questions or suggestions, leave a comment below!

Kisses and see you soon!