A Vibrant Weekend Travel Guide for Dublin, Ireland

A bustling street scene outside Grogan’s pub in Dublin, featuring people walking past and sitting at outdoor tables. The pub has a classic black and red exterior with “J. Grogan” signage, and the street is lined with red-brick buildings and hanging lights.

A tempting pastry case of goods at One Kinda Folk in Dublin, Ireland

A vibrant museum wall display with a large “DUBLIN” sign and various framed photos, posters, and memorabilia, including a punk rock portrait, a red curtain, a poster titled “The Heroes of Italy,” and text reading “IT GOES INTO YOUR HEART” in block letters.

Dublin castle with a blue sky in the background

As much as I love Dublin, I put off going back for years.

Why? It’s that classic travel tug-of-war: do you revisit a place you already know and love, or chase the excitement of somewhere new?

In holding out, though, I kept unintentionally delaying Michael’s first visit to the city. Ireland had come up plenty of times over the years when planning trips to Europe, but we always seemed to prioritize other destinations—usually the ones with perfect timing or irresistible flight deals.

This post contains commissionable links and a hosted experience, however, all opinions are my own as always

Then one night, while half-distractedly poking around Google Flights, I spotted direct fares to Dublin for under $500. I casually mentioned it over lunch the next day, and somewhat to my surprise, it was still available and we booked it.

We spent a glorious week road-tripping through some of the country’s southern and western highlights, but this guide is all about our time in Dublin: what we did, what we loved, and what I’d recommend if you’re planning a weekend in the city.

ABOUT DUBLIN, IRELAND

View of Dublin with mountains in the distance

Dublin (whose name comes from the dark tidal pool once found in the castle gardens) is one of those cities that feels both historic and totally alive at the same time. It sits on Ireland’s east coast, split by the River Liffey, with the mountains to one side and the sea to the other. The city’s roots stretch all the way back to the Vikings, and you can still see layers of its history in everything from the cobblestone streets to the elegant Georgian architecture.

As the capital and largest city, the culture here runs deep. Dubliners have a way with words (this is the city of Joyce, Beckett, and Wilde, after all), but they also have a way with music, visual art, and a good story. Sports are a big part of the modern city too—you’ll find the headquarters of the GAA here, along with a number of football, cricket, and rugby clubs. Translation: Dublin is much more than its daytime cultural attractions. It keeps moving, evolving, and inviting you along for the ride.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT

A busy street with buses, cars, people in Dublin

I know it’s a very American habit to assume everyone reading is also American—but based on my site analytics, there’s about a 90% chance that you are. And if you’re on the East Coast, Dublin is surprisingly easy to reach: quick (for a transatlantic flight, anyway), and maybe even direct.

In our case, it was a $500 nonstop flight from Charlotte that sealed the deal. But ease of access isn’t the only reason to go. Dublin is the capital, yes, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming—there’s something about it that’s hard to explain, but you’ll know it when you feel it. Maybe it’s the pub culture, where friends, neighbors, and strangers gather to chat like old pals. Maybe it’s how walkable and welcoming the city is, or how quickly it starts to feel like your own. Or maybe it’s in the locals’ more lyrical take on our shared language.

Whatever it is, I hope you get the chance to visit and see what I mean.

THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN

The exterior of the temporary pop-up for The Little Museum of Dublin

A detailed museum display featuring a wooden cabinet labeled “The Magdalen Laundries” filled with historical artifacts, surrounded by vintage posters, photographs, clothing, and a tram window labeled “This window once lived on the side of a Dublin tram.” — Explore Dublin through a unique collection of donated artifacts at The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin

A museum you can visit in 29 minutes? As someone who is frequently time-strapped while traveling, the petite size of The Little Museum of Dublin was already appealing. Add in a lively performance and an eclectic assortment of objects donated entirely by locals, and well—how could we not visit?

For now, the museum is housed in a smaller temporary location than its usual home, which means fewer tickets per time slot (read: book early!). After checking in out front, we stepped into the one-room space on Pembroke Street and were immediately surrounded by walls filled with fascinating pieces of the city’s story. It’s a lot to take in all at once—your eyes will want to land on everything. But eventually, your guide will appear and launch into a highly animated and theatrical performance for your small group.

The tour traces Dublin’s story from the dark ages to modern day, and chances are you’ll learn something you were never taught in school. I won’t spoil the journey, but if you know anything about the Irish, you know they’re world-class storytellers. The experience is full of surprising moments, quirky details, and even an emotional song to bring it home. By the time you step back onto the street, you’ll see the city around you in a completely different light.

→The Little Museum of Dublin // 33 Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 FK06, Ireland

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The lease signed by Arthur Guinness for 9000 years — Tour one of Ireland’s top attractions: the Guinness Storehouse (at least, sometime before the 9,000-year lease ends)

Guinness Storehouse

I’m living proof that you can visit Dublin without visiting the Guinness Storehouse—but that doesn’t mean you should. On my first trip, I skipped it entirely as I was traveling with my beer-averse grandmother. But with Michael in tow this time around, there was no avoiding Ireland’s most-visited attraction.

Even if you think you don’t like Guinness, you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for it—if not for the taste, then at least for the history, design, and care behind it. The experience begins with the famous 9,000-year lease signed by Arthur Guinness at St. James’s Gate before leading you upstairs through each part of the brewing process.

A room of barley at the Guinness Storehouse

Water flows from a display at the Guinness Storehouse to spell the word WATER

A tray of mini Guinness samples — Learn about the four ingredients that make a pint of Guinness, and then taste a sample to discover how they come together in harmony

Just four ingredients go into each ruby red pint: barley, water, hops, and yeast—and the tour breaks down how each one plays a role in a series of incredibly impressive visual displays. After learning about what Guinness is made of, you’ll then get to take a stroll through history in the form of the brewery’s famous advertisements.

Then it’s off to the tasting room, where you’ll engage all your senses in identifying the flavors and aromas of a freshly-poured sample (don’t worry—the real pint comes later). The scent pods are a fun touch, and the tiny glass is a good warm-up for what’s ahead.

Two Guinness taps at the Guinness Academy in Dublin

Alyssa holds a ticket up at the Guinness Academy — Perfect your Guinness pouring skills at the Guinness Academy (it’s harder than it looks!)

Alyssa pours a pint of Guinness at the Guinness Academy — Perfect your Guinness pouring skills at the Guinness Academy (it’s harder than it looks!)

There are a few add-ons at the Storehouse, but one stood out to me immediately: the Guinness Academy. Here, you get to step behind the bar and learn how to pour the perfect pint. It’s more precise than you’d expect—angle the glass just right, pause to let it settle, and then push the tap the other way to finish it off.

While I doubt I’d get hired at a local pub, we left with some expert advice: if everyone around you is drinking Guinness, it’s a good place to order one. If not? The bartender would be wise to purchase a session at the Guinness Academy.

A crowd inside the Gravity Bar, seen through a window — Cap off your visit with a rewarding pint paired with stunning views of Dublin at the Gravity Bar

A pint of Guinness with the city in the background — Cap off your visit with a rewarding pint paired with stunning views of Dublin at the Gravity Bar

After our amateur efforts, we cashed in our drink tickets for perfectly poured pints at the top-floor Gravity Bar. The panoramic views are just as much of a highlight as the beer, and the birds flying past the curved glass put on an unexpected show (fun fact: the roof is shaped like the head of a pint!). Plan to spend at least two or three hours at the Storehouse depending on your interest level, and book tickets in advance—morning and weekday slots are often the cheapest. Sláinte!

→Guinness Storehouse // St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland

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A crowd of people circle the walkway in front of Chester Beatty Library in Dublin

Chester Beatty Library

Dublin can be a pricey city to explore, which makes free attractions like the Chester Beatty Library all the more appealing—especially when they’re this impressive. Once the private collection of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, the now public museum includes art, manuscripts, and textiles from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.

Floor by floor, you’ll find Egyptian papyrus scrolls, Japanese prints, beautifully illustrated books, and an incredibly thoughtful World Faiths exhibit. As someone who’s fairly well traveled, I was genuinely impressed by the scope and balance of the collection—it may be the most nuanced presentation of religious artifacts I’ve come across.

Plan to spend an hour or two here, depending on how deep you want to dive, and if the weather cooperates, don’t skip the rooftop garden.

→Chester Beatty Library // Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, D02 AD92, Ireland

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A vibrant display of yarns on a wall at This is Knit in Dublin, Ireland — My fellow fiber friends *have* to add This is Knit to your travel itinerary

Rows and rows of colorful yarns and accessories available at Dublin's This is Knit — My fellow fiber friends *have* to add This is Knit to your travel itinerary

Exterior of Irish Design Shop, with a green facade and large windows — Shop for locally-made souvenirs from Irish Design Shop

Interior of Irish Design Shop, with plants, gifts, and art — Shop for locally-made souvenirs from Irish Design Shop

A crowd of people at St. Patrick's Park Market, with tents seen in the distance — On Sundays, St. Patrick’s Park turns into a charming little market

Shopping in Dublin

If your mental image of sustainable fashion is all neutral-toned oversized basics, Fresh Cuts Clothing is here to change your mind. This cheerful city center shop is full of bold colors and great designs—drop in and you might just find your new favorite tee. Every time you wear it back home, you’ll think of Dublin.

Looking for a souvenir that supports local artists? Irish Design Shop is your place. From accessories to home goods, every item here is made in Ireland by a local designer or maker. It’s the kind of store where you’ll find something impactful and stylish to take home.

This one’s a bit niche, but as someone who knits, I was like a kid in a candy store at This is Knit. Located in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, this family-run yarn shop stocks a wide range of premium and local yarns. If you’re a knitter (or know someone who is), it’s a gem. And if you’re not? They have beginner kits too.

And finally, if you’re in town on a Sunday, head to St. Patrick’s Park Market. Tents pop up just outside the cathedral, and the whole neighborhood seems to turn out. It’s part vintage, part handmade goods, and all-around a lovely way to soak up a little local life.

→Irish Design Shop // 41 Drury St, Dublin, Ireland
→Fresh Cuts Clothing // 13 Castle Market, Dublin, D02 XH05, Ireland
→St. Patrick’s Park Market // Bull Alley St, Dublin, Ireland
→This is Knit // William St S, Dublin 2, D02 WC94, Ireland

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN DUBLIN

The entrance to Richmond restaurant in Dublin. The building has a grey face, with a sign that reads Richmond above in a plain font. There is a sandwich board out front advertising brunch

Burgundy booths line a brick wall at Richmond, and tables are set for brunch

A grey plate with a pork benedict, including focaccia, pork, poached egg, tajin, and arugula, all topped with a drizzled yellow sauce — To enjoy one of Dublin’s modern darling restaurants on a gentler budget, consider visiting Richmond for Sunday brunch

A plate of three pancakes topped with grilled corn and lardons of bacon, with a side of maple syrup — To enjoy one of Dublin’s modern darling restaurants on a gentler budget, consider visiting Richmond for Sunday brunch

Richmond

I almost let this cutie take the lead on brunch at Richmond, a Bib Gourmand restaurant on Richmond Street in Dublin—but I suppose I should share my two cents, too. While it may be best known for dinner (including an excellent-value early bird menu), Richmond’s brunch is a laidback treat at a refreshingly reasonable price point.

The menu is compact but considered, offering a mix of brunch classics and lunch-style options for those less enthusiastic about traditional breakfast fare. Michael’s pork benedict—with poached eggs, hollandaise, tajin, and kale toasted focaccia—was perfectly balanced, while my sweet and savory pancakes came topped with grilled corn, crispy bacon, and maple syrup. If your travel itinerary has you hitting the ground running, this is a lovely place to pause and savor a slower moment. While we lucked into a last-minute table, I’d recommend booking ahead if you can.

→Richmond // 43 Richmond St S, Portobello, Dublin 2, D02 X499, Ireland

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Grogan’s Castle Lounge

For a classic neighborhood pub experience in the heart of the city (and thankfully far from the tourist-packed Temple Bar), head to Grogan’s Castle Lounge. This beloved pub has welcomed an eclectic mix of patrons since the 1970s, and today you’ll still find a crowd that spans all ages and walks of life.

Michael and I originally planned to grab a couple of pints and settle into a pair of bar stools, but there wasn’t a single seat—or standing spot—to be had. So we did what the locals do: joined the cheerful crowd spilling onto the curb outside, Guinness in hand, and soaked up the cool spring sunshine.

→Grogan’s Castle Lounge // 15 William St S, Dublin 2, D02 H336, Ireland

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BIGFAN

Dublin is a global city, and what better place to enjoy cuisine from another part of the world than at BIGFAN? Serving up a taste of China on a plate, this high-energy spot specializes in fresh bao, handmade dumplings, and so much more.

On weekends, reservations are a must—we had one and still waited a bit to be seated, but it gave us time to pore over the menu. We ordered cocktails (the She Sells Sichuan and the Da Ge Da BIGFAN Old Fashioned) and a selection of plates: Shan Ji Bao, Pork Snowflake Dumplings, Scamorza Wontons, Wong’s Lamb, and a little bowl of rice to round it out.

Choosing the right amount of small plates at a new-to-you restaurant can feel like solving a puzzle, but we nailed it. Every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully executed, and though I was always a little sad at taking the last bite, having a new dish at the ready made it much easier.

→BIGFAN // 16 Aungier St, Dublin, D02 X044, Ireland

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Tables line a wall in a black and white cafe that is fully hand-drawn in Dublin — Things aren’t always what they seem at First Chapter

First Chapter

How adorable is First Chapter? This hand-drawn café and bar is oh-so charming, and perfectly located for a midday coffee stop. I can’t speak to the food, but my cortado was absolutely delicious—and sometimes that’s all you need.

→First Chapter // 16 Fade St, Dublin 2, D02 XA58, Ireland

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Loose Canon Cheese and Wine

If you see a crowd of people spilling onto the sidewalk with wine glasses in hand, you’re only steps away from Loose Canon Cheese and Wine. This pocket-sized wine bar and shop serves an exceptional selection of wines by the glass, but it was Michael’s singular focus—the toastie—that stole the show.

Despite waiting a good ten to fifteen minutes before digging in at a park nearby, the sandwich was impeccable: gooey cheese, smoky ham, and perfectly crisped bread. Think it’s just a grilled cheese? Trust me—this one is something special.

→Loose Canon Cheese and Wine // 29 Drury St, Dublin, D02 RX95, Ireland

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The Long Hall

Not only is The Long Hall one of Dublin’s oldest pubs, but it has to be in the running for one of the most beautiful pubs, too. Dressed to the nines in burgundy and mahogany furnishings and decor, it retains every bit of its Victorian splendor. Bringing things into the modern age, The Long Hall features beers from Changing Times Brewery in addition to the old favorites. This is a great place to take a break from sightseeing, strike up a hearty conversation, and perhaps buy another round.

→The Long Hall // 51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, D02 DV74, Ireland

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Spilt Milk Ice Cream

Around 3 or 4 p.m. each day, my sweet tooth goes on high alert—and Spilt Milk Ice Cream came to the rescue. I use pistachio as my litmus test for any new ice cream shop, and I’m happy to report this one exceeded expectations. Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced—you’ll only cry over it when it’s gone.

→Spilt Milk Ice Cream // 30 Drury St, Dublin 2, D02 DW66, Ireland

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One Kinda Folk

One Kinda Folk has two kinda locations, just seven minutes apart. We stopped into the Leeson Street outpost due to time constraints, though I’ve heard the Dartmouth Road location’s garden is lovely.

This daytime cafe has a darling neighborhood feel to it, and a menu of coffee, pastries, sausage rolls, and sandwiches. I might have gone on an off day as my pastry was a touch stale, but overall this is an excellent place to grab a coffee and perhaps to try one of their other menu items.

→One Kinda Folk // Multiple Locations

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBLIN

A colorful lobby at Mespil Hotel, with a fireplace, sofas, coffee tables, and circular light fixture

A king bed in the foreground with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Dublin in the background

A shower with Rituals products at Dublin's Mespil Hotel

A desk with a big TV above it at Mespil Hotel

A Nespresso machine and tea kettle on a marble lined stand in the hotel room

Mespil Hotel

Throughout this Ireland trip, I made a conscious effort to choose accommodations that felt connected to each destination—whether that meant a farm stay in a rural village or an art-filled B&B in Galway. When it came time to book in cosmopolitan Dublin, Mespil Hotel made the decision easy.

Overlooking the canal in a quieter part of the city, this four-star property blends comfort and convenience with 260 spacious rooms. We stayed in a Superior Executive King, which was thoughtfully laid out with a sizable wardrobe, comfortable bed, cozy robe and slippers, Nespresso machine, kettle, workstation, and a large ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower and Rituals toiletries. But the sweetest amenity of all? Butlers Chocolates waiting in the room.

Each morning, we sipped coffee while watching pigeons gather on the windowsill before heading out to explore the city. The hotel offers a tempting breakfast buffet for an additional fee, but with so few meals left to enjoy in Dublin, we opted to skip it. If you do want breakfast, though, it’s cheapest to add it at check-in.

I wish we’d had more downtime to enjoy the hotel itself, but even with a packed itinerary, I left genuinely pleased with the choice. The location is ideal—close to the city core with a bus stop less than a block away, yet just far enough removed to offer a peaceful night’s sleep. And while I don’t recommend driving in Dublin, the hotel does offer free parking on a first-come, first-served basis.

Beyond the amenities and restorative room, Mespil Hotel was spotless, the service was excellent, and I’d stay again in a heartbeat.

While I always recommend booking directly when you can, I know some readers prefer third-party sites. If this review helped and you choose to book via Booking or Expedia, I’d be grateful if you used my link. It doesn’t cost you anything extra but helps keep this content free for readers—thank you!

→Mespil Hotel // 50-60 Mespil Rd, Dublin 4, D04 E7N2, Ireland

WITH MORE TIME

A copycat Book of Kells found at The Little Museum of Dublin

A weekend in Dublin is just enough to get a feel for the city—to fall into step with its rhythm and enjoy it alongside the locals. But it’s certainly not enough time to dive deep or experience everything the city has to offer.

That’s why I always like to include a little wishlist of places I had my eye on but didn’t have the time to visit—just in case you find yourself with a bit more time, or you’re planning a return trip (I hope I am one day soon, too!). Here’s what’s on my list for next time:

A lovely day trip to Howth.
The Kellogg’s Skyline Croke Park Tour for a unique view of the city.
A tour of Kilmainham Gaol (that is, if you can snag a ticket!).
Heading over to Trinity College for The Book of Kells Experience.
Spending an afternoon exploring the National Gallery of Ireland.
Strolling the National Botanic Gardens.
More watering holes: Peruke & Periwig, Bowe’s Lounge Bar, Bar 1661, Hacienda Bar, Fidelity Bar, and The Swan Bar, to name a few.
More tasty eats: The Fumbally, Alma, Spitalfields, Mister S, Fable Bakery, and yes, Bread41. Though we visited their Greystones outpost, we didn’t make it to the Dublin location.

If you visit any of these spots before I do, I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you thought!

TRAVEL TIPS FOR DUBLIN

A busy Dublin street with cars, people, and buses — There’s no need to book a bus tour of Dublin (unless you really want to, of course!)

Arriving in Dublin

If you’re flying into Dublin, I’ve got good news—and a bit of bad news. The good? Dublin Airport is well connected, with service from major airlines flying to and from North America, continental Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East. The not-so-good? There’s no direct rail connection into the city center. Instead, you’ll need to choose between a cab or a bus.

Depending on where you’re headed, you might be able to take a public city bus—the most budget-friendly option. Just be aware that it can be slow and not particularly luggage-friendly. Private express buses are also available, offering more direct service to the city center for around €10–15 per person (and less if you buy a return ticket). If you’re leaning toward this option, plug your destination into Google Maps to find the best route based on price and travel time.

The easiest—though priciest—option is a taxi. While you can use the Uber or Lyft apps, all rideshares in Ireland are regulated taxis. I recommend using the FREENOW app to book one. Fares vary based on distance and time of day, but for reference, our ride from the airport to the city center cost €34.50, and our return trip (with tolls) came to €46.

If you’re arriving by train, Dublin has three main stations: Connolly, Heuston, and Pearse. Most travelers will arrive at Connolly or Heuston, but all three are centrally located and have solid bus and tram connections.

Driving in? If you’re staying in the city center, I highly recommend navigating straight to your hotel, parking the car, and leaving it there—or even better, dropping it off at the rental agency if Dublin is your final stop. Parking is expensive and city driving can be more stressful than it’s worth.

Getting Around Dublin

Dublin’s city center is compact and pleasantly walkable. We found ourselves walking almost everywhere—but that was in sunny weather! On rainier days, you might rely more on the bus or the Luas tram, but we managed to skip both for most of our trip.

If you do plan to use public transit, I suggest picking up a Leap Card. It costs €5, and you can load it with credit at the time of purchase and by using the Leap Top-Up app. On the bus, simply tap on when boarding (next to the driver). Your fare will be valid for 90 minutes of travel. You won’t need to tap off when exiting the bus—just hit the stop button, exit through the back, and toss out a friendly “thanks!” as you go. If you’re only going a short distance, you can let the driver know for a cheaper fare—but that will forfeit your transfer option within the 90-minute window.

For the tram, you’ll need either a Leap Card or a paper ticket. Tap on at the platform validator before boarding and tap off at your destination. Always remember to do both, or you could be fined. If you’re not sure whether you tapped, head to a ticket machine—don’t re-tap at the validator. DART and commuter rail lines work similarly to the tram system, and you’ll enter and exit through turnstiles using your Leap Card or a paper ticket.

The best part? Leap Card fares are capped, so you’ll never spend more than €6 per day or €24 per week (yay!).

As for driving, I truly think it’s more hassle than it’s worth. If you’re able, I highly recommend walking and taking public transit to navigate the city, and using taxis to fill in the gaps.

Money

Dublin isn’t exactly a bargain destination, but it’s also not outrageously expensive (looking at you, Norway). Choosing a hotel a 10–15 minute walk from hotspots like St. Stephen’s Green saved us hundreds of Euros while still enjoying luxe amenities. If you’re seeing similar trends in your search, expanding your radius might be worth it.

When it comes to meals, there are plenty of delicious, budget-friendly bites around the €10 mark and places like Tang, Pablo Picante, or even the restaurant at Dunnes. And coming from Charlotte—where a brewery beer can easily cost $8 or $9—I found pub prices in Dublin downright reasonable.

Safety

While I can’t guarantee your safety anywhere in the world (not even in your home city!), overall, Dublin is considered safe. But a reputation for late night pub crawls also comes with opportunity for petty crime, and if you’re planning some late night shenanigans, please keep your wits about you. Don’t overindulge, stick to well-lit areas, keep your belongings close by your sides, and use sidewalks and crosswalks at all times.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON SPENDING A WEEKEND IN DUBLIN, IRELAND

View of the Dublin Skyline from the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse

A happy bit of serendipity—a well-priced flight—landed us in Dublin, but it was our choice to slow down and spend a comfortably paced weekend here that made the experience so memorable. You can’t truly know Dublin in a weekend, no matter how many tours you book or how early you rise. And honestly, why try? This city isn’t built for rushing.

Dublin is best experienced at its own pace. Even in just a couple of days, we found great food, moments of adventure, and endless impromptu conversations with strangers in pubs. Best of all? With a seasonal direct flight from Charlotte, this warm, walkable city is never too far away.

Thank you to the team at the Guinness Storehouse/Diageo for generously hosting our experience and allowing us to share a look at this iconic attraction with Wayward readers.

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Questions for you

What are you most looking forward to during your time in Dublin?

Tell me—are you a fan of Guinness?

Where to next? You may also enjoy:

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How to Spend a Weekend in Dublin, Ireland