Dublin wears its history lightly—Viking roots, Georgian townhouses, and literary giants from Joyce to Wilde. Yet it’s a city built for the present: world-class museums, a lively pub tradition, dynamic food, and the sea and mountains within easy reach.

In five days, you’ll balance iconic sightseeing with hikes on windswept cliffs, monastic valleys, and a splash of Irish storytelling. With Dublin as your base, day trips unfold seamlessly: Howth’s coastal paths, Wicklow’s glacial lakes, and even the Atlantic drama of the Cliffs of Moher.

Practical notes: the euro is the currency; outlets are type G; weather shifts quickly, so pack layers and a light rain shell. Budget travelers thrive here with free museums, affordable public transit, and plenty of casual, excellent food. Expect hearty Irish dishes (boxty, coddle), stellar seafood in Howth, and craft coffee all over town.

Getting to Dublin (and around Europe):

• Flights: Check fares and routes on Omio (within Europe) or Trip.com and Kiwi.com (global). Typical flight times: London 1h15; Paris 1h50; NYC 6–7h; Boston 5.5–6h; Toronto 6–7h.
• Trains and buses in Europe/Ireland: Compare routes and tickets on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses). DART suburban trains run along the coast (e.g., Dublin–Howth ~30 min, €3–6).

Dublin

Dublin is compact, walkable, and rich in stories: the Book of Kells’ illuminated pages, rebellious 1916 sites, and the taste of stout poured on home turf. Between the River Liffey’s bridges and the Georgian squares, you’ll find small galleries, record shops, and bakeries worth detouring for.

Top sights include Trinity College, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse, and Kilmainham Gaol. Outdoors, the coast beckons—Howth’s cliff paths are a quick train ride—and inland, the Wicklow Mountains offer big scenery within an hour.

Where to stay (curated for a mid-range budget with options):

• Classic splurge: The Merrion Hotel or The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection (historic elegance near museums and parks).
• Great mid-range: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road (spacious rooms, good transport links, value).
• Budget-friendly and social: Generator Dublin (Smithfield; private rooms and dorms, easy tram access).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com Dublin or apartment-style options on VRBO Dublin.

Getting around Dublin: Walk most central sights; use DART trains for the coast and LUAS trams/buses elsewhere. For intercity or regional rail comparisons, check Omio trains (Dublin–Bray ~45 min; Dublin–Kilkenny ~1h40 by train; ~€10–25 depending on time).

Day 1: Georgian Doors, River Strolls, and a Cozy Irish Welcome

Morning: Arrival. Drop bags at your hotel and stretch your legs around leafy Merrion Square to admire Dublin’s famous colorful doors. Pop into the National Gallery of Ireland (free) for a quick look at Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ.

Afternoon: Walk Trinity College’s historic campus and the elegant front square; then cross to Grafton Street for buskers and a coffee at 3fe Sussex Terrace or Vice Coffee Inc. Browse local design at the Irish Design Shop and take in city views from the Ha’penny Bridge.

Evening: Dinner near the river at The Winding Stair (seasonal Irish—try the seafood chowder and crumbed hake) or Gallaghers Boxty House (potato pancakes with slow-cooked fillings). For trad music, slip into O’Donoghue’s; for a snug pint, try Kehoe’s or Grogan’s. Nightcap idea: Irish coffee at The Palace Bar, a Victorian classic.

Day 2: Howth Cliffs Hike + Guinness and Jameson

Morning: Fuel up with pastries at Bread 41 or breakfast at Brother Hubbard North (shakshuka, porridge with Irish oats). Then head out on the coastal adventure:

Featured experience:

Howth Coastal Half-Day Bus Tour from Dublin

This guided outing pairs the cliff-top vistas of Howth Head with a harbor stroll where seals often appear. Expect dramatic sea views, Baily Lighthouse, and a quick look at the quaint fishing village. DIY option: take the DART train from Tara Street to Howth (~30 minutes, €3–6; compare on Omio trains).

Afternoon: Back in town, dive into two Irish icons on one streamlined tour:

Dublin Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse Guided Tour

You’ll learn how stout and whiskey evolved here, taste expertly, and finish with a panoramic Gravity Bar view at Guinness. If you prefer to linger, consider the Guinness Storehouse Experience on a different day instead.

Evening: Casual dinner at Featherblade (great-value steak), Umi Falafel (budget-friendly, crisp falafel and salads), or Etto (small plates, Irish-Italian flair; book ahead). For live music that locals love, try The Cobblestone in Smithfield.

Day 3: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, and Kilkenny (Full-Day Adventure)

Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full Day Guided Tour

Voted a traveler favorite, this tour brings you from the granite spine of the Wicklow Mountains to the serene monastic site at Glendalough—perfect for a short lakeside hike—and onward to storybook Kilkenny with its medieval lanes and castle. It’s a superb sampler of Leinster’s landscapes without the hassle of car rental.

Tip: Pack a light rain jacket, trail shoes, and a reusable water bottle; pick up a breakfast sandwich at Oxmantown before departure. Return to Dublin in the evening and treat yourself to a late meal at Sano Pizza (wallet-friendly Neapolitan pies) or Fish Shop (Benburb Street; superlative fish and chips).

Day 4: West Coast Drama — Cliffs of Moher and Galway (Full-Day, Long but Unforgettable)

Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway

It’s a long day, but the payoff is immense: 700-foot sea cliffs, lunar-like Burren karst, and time in colorful Galway. Bring layers for Atlantic winds and enjoy a cliff-path stroll for the biggest views. This is the bucket-list day that pairs beautifully with your coastal walks earlier in the week.

Back in Dublin, keep dinner easy: Bunsen (short, excellent burger menu) or Pho Viet (comforting bowls near Parnell Street). If you’ve still got energy, stop by Whelan’s for live bands.

Day 5: Horseback Riding in Phoenix Park, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Saddle up in Phoenix Park—one of Europe’s largest city parks—for a relaxed trek with a local stable (Ashtown Stables commonly offers guided rides; book ahead and bring gloves if it’s chilly). You may spot the resident fallow deer and pass historic sites like Áras an Uachtaráin (the President’s residence).

Afternoon: Brunch at Two Boys Brew (excellent coffee, pancakes, and eggs) or Tang (vibrant salads and flatbreads). Grab gifts at George’s Street Arcade (Irish-made crafts, prints) and maybe a final 99 ice cream on Grafton Street. Head to the airport; from the city center it’s typically 25–40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Regional flights can be compared on Omio (flights); long-haul options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If your flight’s later, take a final riverside stroll along the Liffey boardwalk or a pint at The Long Hall, a Victorian jewel box. Slán go fóill—until the next time.

Food and drink picks to mix in all week:

• Coffee and bakeries: Bread 41 (laminated pastry heaven), 3fe (benchmark Irish coffee), Proper Order (Smithfield).
• Lunch: Oxmantown (sandwiches), Sheridan’s Cheesemongers (grab-and-go picnic), Cornucopia (vegetarian stalwart), Soup 2 (casual noodles).
• Dinner: Bastible (modern Irish, Michelin; splurge), Etto (seasonal plates), Delahunt (Irish classics with finesse), Featherblade (value steak), Fish Shop (crispy cod, natural wines).
• Pubs with personality: Kehoe’s, Grogan’s, The Cobblestone (trad), The Celt (sessions), Mary’s Bar & Hardware (toasties).

Cost-savvy tips (budget ~50/100): Use early entries and combo tours for value; leverage free museums (National Gallery, Chester Beatty). Consider a Leap Visitor Card for buses/trams. Eat your main meal at lunch, then go casual at dinner. Many pubs serve hearty daily specials.

Optional swaps if you want more hiking: Bray–Greystones Cliff Walk (DART to Bray or Greystones; 2–3 hours), or extend your Howth loop to the longer Purple or Red Routes for extra sea air.

Curious about Dublin’s history in one sweep? Consider this excellent overview (can swap into Day 1): Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour.

Five days in Dublin and Leinster give you city culture, coastal hikes, and grand Atlantic drama in one compact trip. With thoughtful food stops, pub evenings, and a horseback ride in Phoenix Park, you’ll experience Ireland’s capital with fresh air in your lungs and stories at your fingertips.