The Only Dublin Weekend Travel Guide You Need
- Sarah Magnoni
- Feb 13
- 5 min read
Spending the weekend in Dublin? I fell in love with Dublin after spending one day wandering, eating, and shopping. Forty-eight hours is not nearly enough to see or experience everything this captivating city offers. But if you only have a weekend to spend in Ireland's capital, this guide will help you determine where to focus your time without wasting a minute!
Looking for a day-by-day Dublin itinerary? Check out our 48-Hour Dublin Itinerary with hour-by-hour recommendations!
Why Dublin?
Dublin is a magical city where medieval and modern meet on every corner. As Ireland's capital and largest city with 1.2 million residents, Dublin boasts a rich history dating back to Viking times.
While historians differ on the exact timeline of Dublin's early settlement, one thing is considered true: the Vikings settled in or around 841. That is a long time ago! Known as Dyflin (Irish Duiblinn), meaning "black pool," it was named after the dark water near where Dublin Castle now stands.
When to Visit
If you prefer smaller crowds and milder temperatures like I do, visit Dublin in:
Late Spring: April and May
Early Fall: September and October
These shoulder seasons also offer slightly lower prices than peak season. I've only been in the fall months, and the weather has been perfect. There were a few showers here and there, but overall, it was the ideal weather experience.
Summer tends to be the warmest, busiest, and most expensive time of the year. Winter visits are possible, but prepare for cold temperatures. It is cold and wet.
Want insider tips, travel news, and trip guides delivered to you weekly? Subscribe below.
Getting Around
From the Airport to City Center:
Dublin Bus: Only €2, but check hours of operation and luggage restrictions
Taxi: Available outside the airport near luggage carousels, €25-30, approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic
In the City: Dublin hop-on-hop-off bus to see the city, visit sites, and listen to your guide share history and point out important sites. I highly recommend booking one of the hop-on-hop-off bus passes that include access to many of the sites that I am sharing below. These bus passes:
Allow you to see major sites easily
Often include passes to popular attractions
Have frequent stops throughout the city for convenient access
A Weekend in Dublin Itinerary
First things first, drop off your luggage at your hotel and get ready to explore! Hopefully, you slept on the plane because there's a lot to see!
Where to begin depends on your interests:
Are you fascinated by history?
Want to shop right away?
Perhaps you'd prefer to check out local experiences, have lunch, drink a Guinness, and people-watch?
With so many options, I've categorized Dublin's must-see attractions to help you create your perfect weekend itinerary.
Looking for a day-by-day Dublin itinerary? Check out our 48-Hour Dublin Itinerary with hour-by-hour recommendations!
Must-See Medieval Heritage
Dublin Castle
It is one of my absolute favorite places on earth! As you enter the castle grounds, large, imposing gates welcome you, immediately transporting you through centuries of Irish history. I recommend:
Taking the guided tour, if available, to access the Medieval Undercroft with original structure pieces
Exploring the Throne Room, created for King George IV and later used by Queen Victoria
Setting aside at least 1.5 hours to appreciate this historic landmark fully
Christ Church Cathedral
This beautiful church is a must-see! Founded in the early 11th Century by a Norse King, it's nearly 1,000 years (!!) old and still functions as a working Cathedral. My favorite things to see inside were:
Spectacular medieval tiled floors
Impressive vaulted ceilings
An atmospheric underground crypt
Breathtaking stained glass windows
An enormous organ
You can take a guided tour when available or wander through at your own pace. We wandered and enjoyed our time.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
One of Dublin's most famous tourist sites, St. Patrick's Cathedral has over 800 years of history, with baptisms performed by St. Patrick himself on this site dating back to 450 AD. Don't miss:
Daily services (you can plan your visit around one)
The chapel that served "The Most Illustrious Order of the Knights of Saint Patrick" from 1783 to 1869
Historic helmets, armor, and chains are displayed throughout the Cathedral, and I stood looking up at them for a long time in amazement
Want insider tips, travel news, and trip guides delivered to you weekly? Subscribe below.
Where the Past Meets the Present
Trinity College & Book of Kells
As of early 2025, the Book of Kells is closed for refurbishment. However, that doesn't mean you should skip this stop! They've created an excellent interactive digital experience where you can:
Walk through halls of digital books
Hear from historical figures
View digital versions of ancient manuscripts
Afterward, grab a coffee and take a walk around the beautiful campus. Just remember to move out of the way if school is in session. The students rushing to class won't slow down for tourists!
Grafton Street
If shopping is your thing, you'll want to visit Grafton Street. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare connects St. Stephen's Green and Trinity College, featuring:
High-end shops
Charming cafés
Talented street performers
Explore these nearby side streets for specialized shopping:
Wicklow Street: Indie-style shops
South Williams Street: Vintage boutiques
Duke Street: Excellent dining options (you can thank me later!)
St. Stephen's Green
This 22-acre Victorian-era park offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Dublin with:
Beautifully landscaped gardens
Elegant fountains
Impressive sculptures
Tree-lined walking paths
Originally a marshy area used for grazing during medieval times, it was transformed into a park for the wealthy in 1664. Over 200 years later, it opened to the public and played a significant role in the 1916 Easter Rising. Look for the many plaques, statues, and memorials that share the park's rich history.
Temple Bar Quarter
Located near the south bank of the River Liffey, you've likely heard of Temple Bar. Like me, you might initially think it's just a pub! While there is a famous pub in the area, Temple Bar refers to an entire cobblestoned quarter featuring:
Medieval-designed streets
Lively music venues
Diverse cultural attractions
Although the Temple Bar pub is admittedly touristy and expensive, I still recommend visiting! Locals might groan at this suggestion, but here's my tip: visit for an early lunch when it's nearly empty. You'll enjoy great music without the crowds, and it's where I tried my first Guinness!
The area does get quite busy at night, so if you prefer a calmer atmosphere, consider visiting during the day.
Local alternatives to The Temple Bar pub that I shared in this blog post:
The Norseman: One of the oldest pubs in Dublin
The Porterhouse: Great for craft beer enthusiasts
Lastly
Dublin offers an incredible balance between rich history and modern culture, with something for everyone. The compact city center and walkability make it perfect for a weekend visit.
Be sure to pop into a local pub for spontaneous conversations with friendly Dubliners. Do not miss out on a hot chocolate from Butlers! Butler's Chocolate Café offers different drinks, chocolates, and bakery items. Perfect for people watching.
This 48-hour guide only scratches the surface of what Dublin has to offer. You'll undoubtedly want to return to explore more of this magical city!
Looking for a day-by-day Dublin itinerary? Check out our 48-Hour Dublin Itinerary with hour-by-hour recommendations!
Want insider tips, travel news, and trip guides delivered to you weekly? Subscribe below.
Comments