Visiting Dublin in 3 days: our day-by-day itinerary

You wish Visit Dublin in 3 days The Irish capital is perfect for a short break. Its centre is easily walkable, its national museums are free, and its pubs offer traditional music every night.

Here is our day-by-day itinerary, with visits to book, neighborhoods to explore, and our practical advice.

Day 1 of visiting Dublin in 3 days: Trinity College and the city center

Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Start at Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university. The Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript created around the year 800, is on display there. The tour then continues to the Long Room, a spectacular library. It's best to book your visit in advance, especially during the summer months.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Visiting Dublin in 3 days: our day-by-day itinerary "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In the city, you enjoy exploring…

On foot, neighborhood by neighborhoodMajor sites first

Question 2 of 5

Need a break?

A local cafe or pubA museum or a monument

Question 3 of 5

What appeals to you most?

The atmosphere of the streets and marketsHistory and architecture

Question 4 of 5

In the evening, you would rather choose…

A good restaurant and a lively neighborhoodA show or a visit

Question 5 of 5

With a few free hours?

You let yourself be carried awayYou add an essential

Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green

Then walk up Grafton Street, the main shopping street, often enlivened by street musicians. At the end, St Stephen's Green park offers a peaceful respite.

The National Museum of Archaeology

Just a few minutes away, the National Museum of Ireland, dedicated to archaeology, is free to visit. Its Bronze Age gold jewelry and bodies preserved in the bogs are particularly worth seeing. Finally, stop by Merrion Square, where you'll find the statue of Oscar Wilde.

Evening in Temple Bar

In the evening, the Temple Bar district is home to the most famous pubs. Our top picks are listed in our guide to the traditional Irish music. The atmosphere is very festive, but prices are higher than elsewhere. For a more authentic music experience, head to the Smithfield area instead.

Day 2 of visiting Dublin in 3 days: history and Guinness

Dublin Castle and Chester Beatty

The second day begins at Dublin Castle, long the seat of British power in Ireland. In its gardens, the Chester Beatty Library is also exhibiting superb manuscripts from all over the world, free of charge.

Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedrals

Next, visit Christ Church Cathedral, founded by the Vikings, and then St. Patrick's Cathedral. Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver's Travels, was notably its dean.

The Guinness Storehouse

In the afternoon, the Guinness Storehouse recounts the history of the famous beer. The tour concludes at the Gravity Bar, which offers panoramic views of the entire city.

Kilmainham Prison

Nearby, the former Kilmainham Gaol tells the story of the Irish struggle for independence. Guided tours are often fully booked, so reserve them several weeks in advance.

Day 3 of visiting Dublin in 3 days: between sea and nature

Howth and its coastal path

On the third day, take the DART commuter train to Howth Harbour. In less than 30 minutes, you'll leave the town behind and find yourself on a coastal path atop the cliffs. The harbour is also renowned for its seafood restaurants.

Another option: Glendalough

If you prefer the mountains, Glendalough is about an hour south of Dublin. This monastic site, nestled between two lakes, can be explored on a day trip.

Phoenix Park and the EPIC Museum

Back in the city, Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed urban parks in Europe, and deer roam freely there. Finally, the EPIC museum, in the docks, tells the story of Irish emigration in a very engaging way.

Our practical tips for visiting Dublin in 3 days

The city center is best explored on foot. For longer journeys, the Leap card allows you to use buses, the Luas tram, and the DART. There are no trains directly from the airport to the city center; however, buses provide regular service.

For sleeping, opt for neighborhoods near St. Stephen's Green or the docks. Temple Bar is noisier at night. As for formalities, an identity card is sufficient for French travelers, as explained in our guide to... formalities for Ireland.

For the season, May to September offers the longest days. Saint Patrick's Day in Dublin, March 17th also attracts a huge crowd. In December, follow our guide to spend Christmas in Dublin. Our guide when to go to Ireland detailed each month.

Visit Dublin in 3 days, then extend your stay

Dublin is often the starting point for a longer journey. For example, the train reaches Belfast in about two hours, allowing you to explore Northern Ireland. Heading west, Galway then opens the gates to the Connemara.

To create a complete itinerary, take inspiration from our Ten must-see places in Ireland and our advice for plan a trip to Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to visit Dublin in 3 days?

Yes. Three days allows you to see the major sites in the center, visit the Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham, and then take a day trip to Howth or Glendalough.

What tours should I book to visit Dublin in 3 days?

The Book of Kells at Trinity College and Kilmainham Gaol, especially in summer. The Guinness Storehouse can also be booked online.

Which museums in Dublin are free?

The national museums, including the one dedicated to archaeology, as well as the Chester Beatty Library, in the gardens of Dublin Castle.

How do I get from the airport to Dublin city centre?

There is no direct train. However, several bus lines connect the airport to the city centre.

Do you need a passport to visit Dublin?

Not for a French traveler: a valid identity card is sufficient in the Republic of Ireland.

Visit Dublin in 3 days with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we organize tailor-made holidays in Dublin and throughout Ireland. We select well-located accommodations and book the most popular tours.

Discover our stay in Dublin or our advice for going to Ireland as a family. The official website Ireland.com also presents the city.

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