Ireland has influenced culture, cuisine, and art for thousands of years. All that Irish history could be boiled down to one single place: Dublin.
Located on the east coast, Dublin is both Ireland’s capital and its most populated city. The architecture that dates to the stone age, prolific artists and writers, and famous folklore tales have made Dublin a must-see destination.
On this trip, we are going to spend 48 hours in Dublin, tasting and experiencing everything the city has to offer – including beer and whiskey. If you are stressed about only having two days, don’t worry. Dublin is a compact city that’s easy to navigate.
Lets get started:
Day 1
Lemon Crêpe and Coffee Co.
On your first morning in Dublin, head to Lemon Crêpe & Coffee Co. to start your day with some of the city’s finest crepes. The restaurant has a full menu of items, so don’t think crepes are the only options. Take one of their delicious coffees or teas to go because you’ve got a big day ahead of you.
Historical Walking Tour
From Lemon Crêpe, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from a historical walking tour. There’s no better way to get to know a city than hitting the streets on foot.
History graduates of Trinity College Dublin will take you on a journey through Irish history. You’ll visit places like the House of Lords, Christ Church, Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, and many more fascinating locations.
Tours start at 11 AM – and 3 PM in the summer – and last at least two hours.
Cross the Ha’penny Bridge
No matter what you do in Dublin, make sure to walk across the historic Ha’penny Bridge. When it was built in 1816, it was the first iron bridge for pedestrians and the only walking bridge that crossed the River Liffey. More than 180 years later, the Millennium Bridge finally became a second way for pedestrians to walk across the river.
The Bridge has gone through a few different name changes over the years. From Wellington Bridge to Liffey Bridge – its technical name – locals started calling it the Ha’penny bridge from when it cost a ha’penny (a half penny) to cross it– clever, huh?
Old Mill Restaurant
You have probably built up an appetite from all the walking. The Old Mill Restaurant is within walking distance from the Ha’penny Bridge or where the walking tour ends. The restaurant serves traditional Irish dishes like Cottage Pie, Irish Stew, Dublin Coddle, and mouthwatering steaks.
The location is in Temple Bar, a popular spot with great restaurants and pubs. So, don’t be surprised if there’s a crowd.
If you want to warm up for the next stop on the itinerary, order a couple of local beers.
Guinness Storehouse
Steven Lek | Wikimedia
Ireland may be famous for leprechauns and St. Patrick’s Day, but the world-renowned Guinness beer will forever be a country symbol. Just a 25-minute walk from the Old Mill Restaurant is the Guinness Storehouse.
Inside, the seven different floors will introduce you to the ingredients used in Guinness, the production process, the barrels’ assembly, and the product’s overall history. Finally, when you reach the last floor, you can drink all the Guinness you’d like with an amazing view of the city.
Dudley’s Pub
To finish off the first day, walk over to Dudley’s for a couple nightcaps and a bite to eat if you’re hungry. They have a great beer selection, so if you’ve had enough of Guinness, this is the perfect spot to try something new and local.
Day 2
The Pig and Heifer
The Pig and Heifer is a popular deli that makes sensational breakfast and lunch sandwiches. It opens at 8 am on the weekdays, and 10 am on the weekends, so there’s no need to rush out of bed.
The deli also offers breakfast plates, bagels, wraps, and vegetarian options.
Don’t be surprised if you come back later in the day for a second round.
Trinity College and The Book of Kells
Around the corner from The Pig and Heifer, you can do a guided or self-guided tour of Trinity College. It is the highest-ranked school in Ireland that has magnificent architecture.
On the campus, you’ll find The Book of Kells, which houses illuminated manuscripts of four Gospels from the New Testament. While the exact age of the manuscripts is unknown, they are presumed to have been created around 800 AD.
Touring the campus and The Book of Kells is free, so there’s no reason to not check them out.
National Museums
Ireland has several great museums to visit. Some of them are located right next to each other, making it an efficient way to spend the afternoon. The best part is that many of them are free!
Go check out the Natural Museum of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland, and the Hugh Lane Gallery, all free options, and learn about Irish culture.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Experience the grandeur of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It was built in 1191, and the Church of Ireland has since named it the national cathedral. The historical significance and architectural detail definitely make the cathedral worth a visit.
If you are interested in learning all about St. Patrick’s Cathedral, guided tours are available that last about an hour.
Jameson Distillery
Ireland is home to the world-famous Jameson Whiskey. The original factory was created in 1780 and is now a visitor center for tourists and whiskey enthusiasts. You can participate in tasting sessions, tours, and even cocktail-making classes.
You are bound to learn something new and interesting at a factory that has been around since the 1700s.
Brazen Head
To close your 48 hours in Dublin, grab one last dinner at the historic Brazen Head. It is the oldest pub in Dublin and has been serving alcohol since 1198.
The pub serves up delicious Irish cuisine with meat and vegetarian options. If you are planning on eating, plan ahead because the kitchen closes at 9 pm.
Stick around after dinner to try some of their cocktails, beer, and wine.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have two days or two weeks in Dublin, it’s a vibrant and historic city worth seeing at least once. If you can only spare 48 hours in Dublin, follow this itinerary – or something close to it – and you’ll be sure to experience the great things it has to offer.
