Welcome to my 3 Day Dublin Itinerary. This itinerary is designed to get the most bang for your buck! It’s jammed packed- but don’t let that deter you if you’re looking for a laid back trip. The best part about these itineraries is that they’re totally customizable. Don’t want to see something that I have on the list? Take it out. Absolutely can’t miss that museum that didn’t make the cut? Add it in.
This trip is all about you- make sure your itinerary is all about you as well. Feel free to add and subtract as you please, just adjust the times and you’re good to go! If adjusting itineraries around your needs isn’t really your thing, fret no more! Please contact me at kaley@adventuresofablondegirl.com and for a small fee I will be glad to create a custom itinerary just for you!
I hope you have a great trip to Dublin!
P.S. Click HERE for a FREE PRINTABLE VERSION of this itinerary!
Before You Go:
While this itinerary is definitely walkable (I’ve done it on more than one occasion), I highly suggest utilizing a hop on hop off style of bus tour while in Dublin. I’ve based the timing of this itinerary under the assumption that you will be utilizing one of these tours because I feel that it will allow you to see so many wonderful things without completely wearing yourself out. Don’t worry, you will still have plenty of time to walk around and enjoy the city- you’ll just be way more rested while you do it!
I’m a big fan of Big Bus Tours Dublin. With this company, you can get a two day bus pass with access to more than 30 stops, a free night tour of Dublin and a free walking tour. You can currently purchase tickets here. As of now, it costs just over 25 euros for an adult 2-day pass, 9 euros for a child 2-day pass and 66 euros and some change for a family pass (2 adults and 2 children). Once again, you can purchase those tickets directly from the site through this link. This bus company also has a free app with an interactive bus route and time tables for all of the stops.
My itinerary starts at a central location in Dublin that is relatively close to many hotels and places to stay. That being said, it is always best to check the bus routes once you’ve selected your hotel- it might make sense for you to start your tour at a different bus stop that’s closer to your hotel.
One final note- I’ve done my best to come up with an itinerary that works for any day, all year long. That being said, there will be days when some exhibits are closed or opening times have changed. I can’t stress enough how important it is to check the opening/closing times yourself for each attraction before you leave home and make adjustments as necessary.
Day 1:
1) Start at Trinity College
9:00 Trinity College and the Book of Kells
- 1 hr 30 minutes
Arrive at the famous university, founded in 1592. Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds, with a morning coffee perhaps? Join the line to see the Book of Kells, a beautiful manuscript of the New Testament Gospels thought to be transcribed in 800 A.D. Once you’ve seen enough of the book, wander your way through the exhibit, make sure you check out the library (don’t worry, you can’t miss it).
2) The next stop is an easy 5 minute walk
10:35 Temple Bar
- 2 hours
Temple Bar area is considered to be a cultural quarter of Dublin. Here you will find shops, restaurants and bars intermingled down quaint stone roads. Live music is almost always playing. Here you can do some shopping and maybe grab some lunch.
3) Hop on the Red or Blue line to Stop #9 Dame St/Dublin Castle
1:05 Dublin Castle
- 1 hour 30 mins
Built in the 1200s, Dublin Castle was constructed for King John of England to help protect the city. Today it holds 2 museums, 2 cafes, a conference center, gardens and State Apartments. Guided tours of the Apartments are available- these need to be booked in advance.
4) Hop on the Blue or Red Line to Stop #10
2:40 Christ Church Cathedral
- 30 minutes
Christ Church Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Dublin. Audio and guided tours are available here that take you through the church and belfry.
5) Hop on the Red or Blue Line to Stop #23
3:30 Old Jameson Distillery
- 2 hours
Enjoy your bus ride through Dublin until you get to my personal favorite, the Old Jameson Distillery. Here you can grab an hour long guided tour through the distillery complete with a whiskey tasting. End the visit with a visit to the bar for a drink of whiskey. The Distillery also has a restaurant and a gift shop. This is a great place to pick up customized souvenirs for all your whiskey lovers back home.
6) Jump on the Red Line to Stop #25 Bachelors Walk
6:00 O’Connell St
- 2 hours
Hop off the bus at Bachelor’s Walk and take a stroll along the River Liffey until you get to O’Connell Street. Here you will find the beautiful General Post Office. You’ll learn more about that tomorrow at Kilmainham Gaol. Head down O’Connell Street taking in all the sights. Check out some shops and maybe take this time to grab some dinner or some drinks.
Tip: The free night tour offered by Big Bus Tour Dublin with the 2 day ticket starts at 7pm, 8pm or 9:30pm from O’Connell street. If you’re interested in checking that out, this would be the perfect night!
Day 2:
1) Take the Red or Blue Line to Stop #9 Dame Street/Dublin Castle
10:00 Chester Beatty Library
- 1 hr
Look familiar? We’re back at Dublin Castle, but this time we’re here to see the Chester Beatty Library which is housed on the Castle grounds. The Chester Beatty Library is described as one of the greatest private collections of manuscripts and books in the world. The best part? Admission is free!
2) Take the Red or the Blue Line to Stop #11
11:10 St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- 1 hr
Next stop is probably Dublin’s most famous attractions, St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Built in 1260, St. Patrick’s is the largest cathedral in the country. While the inside of the cathedral is magnificent, don’t forget to check out the beautiful gardens too!
3) Take the Red or Blue Line to Stop #13
12:30 The Guinness Storehouse
- 2 hours
Beer anyone? The Guinness Storehouse is an experience to say the least. There’s so much to do packed into one place. Take a tour of the brewery, experts will guide you through the whole beer making process. Next check out the many exhibits showcasing the famous Irish beer. Since your tour includes a free pint, head up to the Gravity Bar where you will have an amazing panoramic view of Dublin. Since it’s lunch time, you might also want to grab a bite to eat in the Brewing Dining Hall.
4) Take the Red or Blue line to Stop #16
2:45 Kilmainham Gaol
- 2 hours
You’ve now arrived at one of my favorite attractions in Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol. Built in 1796, the Gaol has been a witness to many major (and gruesome) events in Irish history. You will be able to see the Gaol and hear all about its history via an awesome guided tour. The staff at Kilmainham Gaol do an amazing job presenting the Gaol’s history and really bringing it to life.
5) Take the Red or Blue Line to Stop# 25
5:15 Grafton St
- 2 hours +
Enjoy your ride across Dublin back to Bachelor’s Walk. Instead of turning left to O’Connell St, take a right and cross over the bridge. Make sure you take in the nice view of Dublin along the River Liffey. Turn right onto College St and follow it around, you will run into Grafton St. Grafton St. is Dublin’s most famous shopping district. Most of the street is pedestrian only and is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, theaters and galleries. There is often live music and entertainment. This is a great time to pick up some souvenirs for those back home and to grab some dinner and a drink as well.
Day 3:
For day 3, I highly suggest you take a day trip from Dublin to Blarney. Click here for my FAVORITE Blarney Tour from Dublin. This tour includes:
- Transportation to and from Dublin in an air conditioned bus with a knowledgeable tour guide
- Entrance into Blarney Castle where you can climb to the top and kiss the famous Blarney Stone.
- A stop at the Rock of Cashel where you will not only see what remains of the buildings there but also an amazing view of the picturesque Irish landscape. This is definitely a site not to be missed.
