Dublin is a compact capital with a giant personality. Founded by Vikings and shaped by poets, rebels, and rock bands, the city weaves medieval lanes into elegant Georgian boulevards. Its cultural heart beats in Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and the Liberties—brewery-studded streets where you can sip history by the pint.

Fun fact: O’Connell Street’s GPO helped script the 1916 Rising, while nearby Grafton Street has been serenaded by buskers who later topped global charts. You’ll swap between scholarly marvels like the Book of Kells and lively markets such as George’s Street Arcade with ease; everything noteworthy feels delightfully within reach.

Practical notes: Expect changeable weather—layers and a light rain jacket are your best friends. Tipping is appreciated (10–12% in restaurants if service isn’t included). Non‑EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on qualifying shopping. For transit, Dublin Bus, DART (suburban rail), and LUAS (tram) are straightforward; taxis and ride-hailing are plentiful. Aim to prebook major sights like Kilmainham Gaol.

Dublin

Welcome to the “Fair City,” where Georgian squares meet the River Liffey’s iconic bridges. Top sights include Trinity College’s Old Library, the soaring nave of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the National Gallery’s Caravaggios and Irish masters. For living culture, head to the Cobblestone for traditional music, or stroll the Liberties to discover roasteries, distilleries, and modern Irish kitchens.

• Why you’ll love it: World-class museums within walking distance, atmospheric pubs with storytelling flair, and excellent day-trip options to sea cliffs and mountains.
• Don’t miss: Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol, Chester Beatty, National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, and a coastal spin to Howth.
• Where to shop: Grafton Street flagships (Brown Thomas), Irish crafts at Kilkenny Shop, indie finds at George’s Street Arcade, and design-led gifts at the Irish Design Shop.

Where to stay (mid-range focus, with options up and down):

• Clayton Hotel Burlington Road — large, reliable, great value near Georgian Dublin; easy bus links to city core.
• Generator Dublin — stylish budget pick beside Smithfield’s Jameson Distillery; tram access and lively common areas.
• The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection — historic grande dame on St. Stephen’s Green; afternoon tea and a storied lobby bar.
• The Merrion Hotel — refined Georgian townhouses, art-filled salons, and serene courtyard garden.

Prefer an apartment? Browse stays on VRBO Dublin or compare hotels on Hotels.com Dublin.

Getting here: Fly into Dublin Airport (DUB). Within Europe, find flights or rail/bus combos on Omio flights (Europe), Omio trains (Europe), and Omio buses (Europe). From the UK, ferries via Holyhead are an option: see Omio ferries. Long-haul tickets can be compared on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com flights.

Airport to city: Express buses run every 10–15 minutes (35–45 minutes, ~€9–€10 one-way, €12–€14 return). Taxis average €30–€40 to central Dublin depending on traffic.

Day 1: Georgian strolls, local orientation, and a classic Dublin evening

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, drop bags at your hotel and shake off jet lag with a gentle loop through St. Stephen’s Green. Pop into Bewley’s on Grafton Street for a proper Irish breakfast or a buttery scone—the stained-glass windows and mahogany booths set the mood for the week.

Afternoon: Explore Grafton Street’s buskers and side streets. Dip into George’s Street Arcade for vintage finds, indie jewelry, and Irish prints. Then join a lively city primer with the Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour. It’s ideal for first-timers—expect stories that stitch landmarks to local lore.

Estimated: ~2 hours, from ~€20–€30.

Evening: Dinner by the Ha’penny Bridge at The Winding Stair—seasonal Irish fare like Dunany crab on toast or rich beef-and-Guinness pie, with Liffey views and a snug bookstore below. For a wallet-friendly bite, Bunsen serves arguably Dublin’s best no‑frills burger. Cap the night with classic pubs: Kehoe’s (Victorian snugs) or The Long Hall (a time capsule of etched glass and red leather). For trad music, The Cobblestone in Smithfield hums nightly.

Day 2: Trinity’s treasures, museum mile, and shopping breaks

Morning: Start early with the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle and Molly Malone Guided Tour (early access) to admire the illuminated manuscript and Trinity’s Old Library Long Room before crowds.

Estimated: ~2.5–3 hours, from ~€45–€65. Coffee after at 3fe Grand Canal or Kaph (specialty brews, friendly baristas).

Afternoon: Dive into Ireland’s story at the National Museum – Archaeology (don’t miss the bog bodies) and the National Gallery (Irish and European masters; admission free). Lunch at The Pepper Pot Café in Powerscourt Townhouse—famed salmon bagels and pear–blue cheese sandwiches under a graceful atrium—then browse Irish crafts upstairs. Continue shopping on Grafton Street: Brown Thomas for luxe browsing; Kilkenny Shop for Irish-made knitwear, linen, and ceramics.

Evening: Choose your flavor: a whiskey education at Jameson Bow St. or a self-guided journey through the Guinness Storehouse finishing at the Gravity Bar with citywide views (both are best prebooked). For dinner, book Etto (award-winning small plates; try the featherblade with polenta) or Spitalfields in the Liberties (elevated Irish comfort—shared beef Wellington is a local favorite). Nightcap: The Palace Bar on Fleet Street—journalists’ haunt with a deep whiskey list.

Day 3: Hop-on hop-off landmarks, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Liberties

Morning: Use the Big Bus Dublin Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour to connect distant sights with lively commentary.

Ride to Kilmainham Gaol (book timed entry well ahead). The museum and former prison illuminate Ireland’s struggle for independence—allow 90 minutes inside. Coffee at Container Coffee or Proper Order nearby if you need a warm-up.

Afternoon: Continue HOHO to Phoenix Park (home to a herd of fallow deer) and down to the Liberties. Stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Ireland’s largest) and Marsh’s Library (300-year-old reading rooms). If you didn’t visit Guinness or Jameson yesterday, both are on this loop. Lunch options: The Fumbally (wholesome plates; great soup and sandwiches) or Griolladh (Ireland’s cult cheese toasties) for a quick, budget-friendly refuel.

Evening: Dinner in the Creative Quarter: Fade Street Social (buzzy brasserie; local beef, wood-fired flatbreads) or Variety Jones (Michelin-starred, chef’s counter vibes—book early). For a low-key finale, slip into O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row for trad sessions where the Dubliners once played.

Day 4: Dublin Bay breeze in Howth, last‑minute finds, and departure

Morning: Breathe in the sea air on the Howth Coastal Half‑Day Bus Tour with Live Guide—a quick escape to pier walks, lighthouse views, and cliff‑edge panoramas without logistics stress.

Estimated: ~3.5–4 hours, from ~€30–€45. If time allows, nibble on super-fresh seafood at Beshoff Bros or order a simply grilled catch at King Sitric.

Afternoon: Return to the city for last-minute shopping at George’s Street Arcade and the Irish Design Shop, then pick up chocolates or Irish butter shortbread for the flight. Head to the airport: express bus (35–45 minutes, ~€9–€10) or taxi (~€30–€40).

Evening: If you’ve got a late flight, enjoy an early pre-departure meal: Umi Falafel (excellent value; the halloumi sabich is a sleeper hit) or The Woollen Mills (Irish comfort dishes overlooking the Ha’penny Bridge).

Optional add-on (if you gain an extra day or swap Day 4): Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains

If coastal cliffs whet your appetite for nature, consider a guided day to the monastic ruins of Glendalough and Wicklow’s heathered hills. It’s an easy, scenic contrast to urban Dublin and pairs perfectly with a quiet evening in a traditional pub back in town.

Budget notes (target ~50/100): Aim for mid-range hotels, mix museum freebies (National Gallery, many state museums) with 2–3 paid entries (Book of Kells, Kilmainham, Guinness/Jameson), and favor excellent-value meals (Umi Falafel, Pepper Pot Café) alongside one or two special-occasion dinners (Etto, Variety Jones). The hop-on hop-off pass can replace some taxi rides while doubling as a narrated city tour.

Viator activities featured in this itinerary (easy booking):

• Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour
  

  

• Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Guided Tour (early access)
  

  

• Big Bus Dublin Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
  

  

• Howth Coastal Half‑Day Bus Tour with Live Guide
  

  

In four days, you’ll see Dublin’s greatest hits without rushing: illuminated manuscripts, revolutionary prisons, grand cathedrals, lively markets, and a salty breeze from the bay. Built-in shopping stops and great-value eats keep your budget steady while your memories pile up. Slán go fóill—until the next visit.