Dublin Ireland 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Trinity College, Temple Bar, and a Pint of Guinness

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at The Queen of Tarts, a cozy cafe serving delicious pastries and sandwiches.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit Trinity College Dublin (TCD), one of Ireland’s most famous universities. Explore the Long Room in the Old Library, which houses over 200,000 ancient books, including the Book of Kells.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub (est. 1198). Try their Irish stew or shepherd’s pie.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore Temple Bar, a historic area filled with narrow streets, charming shops, and lively pubs. Visit the Temple Bar Gallery + Studios to see works by local artists.
  • 5:00 PM: Enjoy a pint of Guinness at The Long Hall or The Boxty House. Learn how to pour the perfect pint like a pro!
  • 7:00 PM: Dine at Chapter One, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary Irish cuisine.

Day 2: Dublin’s Coast and Beaches

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at The Fumbally Stables, a popular spot for eggs and coffee.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship & Famine Monument. Take a short walk to the nearby Dublin Writers Museum, showcasing the lives and works of famous Irish writers like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde.
  • 12:30 PM: Head to Dun Laoghaire, a charming seaside town with beautiful beaches and a historic harbor. Enjoy lunch at The Gull & Co., a restaurant serving fresh seafood.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, which tells the story of Ireland’s maritime history.
  • 4:00 PM: Take a leisurely stroll along Dublin’s coastal path, which offers stunning views of the Irish Sea.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Pigeon House, a seafood restaurant with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.

Day 3: Kilmainham Gaol and Phoenix Park

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at The Cornucopia Cafe, a popular spot for Irish breakfast and pastries.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison turned museum that played a significant role in Ireland’s struggle for independence. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the gaol and its famous inmates.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at The Old Mill Restaurant, which serves traditional Irish cuisine in a historic setting.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest urban parks. Visit the Dublin Zoo or take a leisurely stroll through the park’s beautiful gardens and walking trails.
  • 5:00 PM: Visit the Áras an Uachtaráin (Irish President’s residence) for a tour of the State Apartments and Gardens.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Winding Stair, a restaurant serving contemporary Irish cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 4: Dublin’s Markets and Street Food

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at The Fumbally Stables, a popular spot for eggs and coffee.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Temple Bar Market, which takes place every Saturday. Browse stalls selling local crafts, artwork, and street food.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at The Food Market, a popular spot for international cuisine and artisanal food.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore Dublin’s street art scene with a guided tour of the city’s murals and graffiti.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Dublin Flea Market, which takes place every Sunday. Browse stalls selling vintage clothing, antique furniture, and unique souvenirs.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Bernard Shaw, a popular spot for international cuisine and craft beer.

Day 5: Howth and the Cliff Walk

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at The King’s Inn, a historic pub serving traditional Irish breakfast.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the National Transport Museum of Ireland, which showcases Ireland’s transport history.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at The Howth Fish Bar, a popular spot for fresh seafood and stunning views of Dublin Bay.
  • 2:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk along the Cliff Walk in Howth, which offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and surrounding coastline.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Howth Harbour and take a short stroll around the picturesque village.

Where to Stay

Dublin has a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Consider staying in the following areas:

  • Temple Bar: A historic area with narrow streets, charming shops, and lively pubs.
  • Trinity College Area: Close to Trinity College Dublin and the Long Room in the Old Library.
  • Grafton Street: A popular shopping street with a wide range of restaurants and cafes.

Tips and Tricks

  • Be sure to try some Irish cuisine, including traditional dishes like Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, and boxty.
  • Learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness!
  • Explore Dublin’s many markets and street food stalls for unique souvenirs and delicious eats.
  • Consider purchasing a Leap Card for easy travel on Dublin’s public transportation system.
  • Be prepared for changeable weather – pack layers and waterproof gear.

Getting Around

Dublin has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. Consider using the following services:

  • Bus: The 747 Airlink bus takes passengers from Dublin Airport to O’Connell Street in the city center.
  • Luas (tram): A convenient way to travel across the city, with lines connecting to various suburbs and attractions.
  • Dart (train): A commuter train system connecting Dublin’s suburbs and surrounding areas.

Additional Information

  • Currency: Euro
  • Language: English (official), Irish (Gaeilge) also spoken in some areas
  • Safety: Dublin is a generally safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Weather: Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable – pack layers and waterproof gear!

Enjoy your trip to Dublin!