Dublin grew from a Viking trading post into Ireland’s spirited capital, where Georgian squares meet lively pubs and world-class culture. You’ll find medieval lanes around Christ Church Cathedral, literary ghosts near Trinity College, and the River Liffey tying it all together. Despite its storied past, Dublin feels intimate—made for wandering and unhurried café stops.

For a gentle three days, this itinerary leans into easy sightseeing, nourishing food, restorative spa time, and a taste of the nightlife that put Dublin on the map. You’ll see headline sights like the Book of Kells, glide around on a hop-on hop-off bus, sip afternoon tea on a vintage double-decker, and toast your trip with a Jameson tasting.

Practical notes: expect changeable weather—pack layers and a light rain jacket. Currency is the euro; tipping is modest (round up or 10% for table service). Public transport is straightforward, and many museums are free. Dubliners love good coffee, sea air, and a singalong; you’re in good company.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, walkable city with pocket parks (St Stephen’s Green, Merrion Square), grand museums (most are free), and neighborhoods that reward dawdling—Georgian doors in the south, vintage markets and cafés around the south city, and trad-music pubs north of the river.

• Top sights: Trinity College & Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, Chester Beatty, National Museum of Archaeology, Phoenix Park, Kilmainham Gaol (prebook), Ha’penny Bridge, Temple Bar (wander by day, pub-hop by night).
• Food & drink: Hearty Irish stews, seafood from nearby Howth, exceptional coffee and pastries (don’t miss Bread 41), and classic pubs with live traditional music.
• Fun fact: Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature—Joyce, Wilde, Beckett, and Swift all left their mark here.

How to get there: Fly into Dublin Airport (DUB). For flights within Europe, compare on Omio; for long-haul or non‑Europe routes, check Trip.com Flights. From the airport, the Dublin Express or Aircoach buses reach the city center in about 25–35 minutes.

Getting around: Walk, hop on the LUAS tram, DART trains for the coast, or use a 24–72 hour transit card for easy bus/tram access. For flexible city sightseeing, see the hop-on hop-off bus below.

Where to stay (budget-conscious picks included):

• Search apartments and homes: VRBO Dublin — great for kitchens and longer stays.
• Compare hotel deals: Hotels.com Dublin.
• Wallet-friendly, social: Generator Dublin (Smithfield) — stylish rooms, café-bar, steps from the Jameson Distillery and tram.
• Solid midrange: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road — quiet, reliable, frequent buses to the center; good value on weekends.
• Classic splurge with a spa: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection — history on St Stephen’s Green.
• Refined and serene: The Merrion Hotel — period townhouses, art collection, and a tranquil spa.

Day 1: Settle In, City Strolls, and Afternoon Tea on Wheels

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, drop your bags and take a restorative loop through St Stephen’s Green—Victorian flowerbeds, duck ponds, and leafy benches make an easy first impression. Grab a flat white at Shoe Lane Coffee (smooth house espresso) or Clement & Pekoe (excellent teas and small-batch roasters).

Afternoon: Orient yourself with Georgian streets and Grafton Street buskers, then indulge in the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin—dainty sandwiches and pastries served as a vintage double-decker rolls past Phoenix Park, the Guinness site, Christ Church, and more. It’s sightseeing without the steps—ideal for a relaxing start. Book on Viator

Prefer a casual late lunch? Try Umi Falafel (budget-friendly mezze and fresh falafel wraps) or Sano for wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas under €10–€12.

Evening: Dinner near the river: The Winding Stair (Irish seasonal plates overlooking Ha’penny Bridge) or Leo Burdock (old-school fish & chips to-go). For music without the tourist crush, head to The Cobblestone in Smithfield for nightly trad sessions, or savor a pint beneath ornate ceilings at The Long Hall—a beloved Victorian pub.

Day 2: Book of Kells, Easy City Sightseeing, and Cozy Pubs

Morning: Fuel up with laminated perfection at Bread 41 (arrive early for croissants and cardamom buns) or grab coffee at 3FE. Then step into Irish heritage on the Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour. Early access means calmer halls and time to savor the Long Room’s soaring oak stacks before exploring the Dublin Castle exterior and city legends. Book on Viator

Afterward, wander through Powerscourt Townhouse (Irish design boutiques; great for gifts) and the covered George’s Street Arcade (vintage, vinyl, indie crafts).

Afternoon: Sit back and see the city the easy way with the Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Use it as your rolling couch to reach Phoenix Park (keep an eye out for deer), the National Museum of Archaeology (bog bodies! free entry), or the Little Museum of Dublin (entry included with certain tickets). Book on Viator

Craving some pampering? Consider a mid-afternoon treatment at The Buff Day Spa near St Stephen’s Green (reliable massages and facials) or a thermal suite session at the spa in the Anantara The Marker Hotel—both excellent for a relaxing reset.

Evening: Dine well without splurging: Featherblade (great-value steak and sides), Brother Hubbard (Middle Eastern comfort plates), or Fish Shop on Benburb Street (small, seafood-focused). For a classic music pub, try O’Donoghue’s (Merrion Row) or join an indie gig at Whelan’s if you want a livelier night.

Day 3: Coastal Howth, Jameson Tasting, and Departure

Morning: Take the DART train (~30 minutes) to the fishing village of Howth. Stroll the harbor, scan for seals, then do a short, gentle section of the cliff path for sweeping sea views (turn back when you like to keep it easy). Coffee at Ebb & Flow and an early seafood lunch at The Oar House or a casual bite at Beshoff Bros hit the spot.

Afternoon: Back in the city, toast your trip on the Dublin Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour and Tasting (45 mins)—a guided walk-through of whiskey-making history plus a comparative tasting that highlights why Irish whiskey is so smooth. Relaxed, informative, and right by the LUAS tram. Book on Viator

Time allowing, pop into the Chester Beatty for exquisite manuscripts (free) or pick up Irish-made gifts at Avoca (Suffolk Street) and Kilkenny Shop (Nassau Street) before your airport transfer.

Evening: Most travelers depart this afternoon. If your flight is later, enjoy a final bowl of coddle or stew at The Hairy Lemon or a last espresso at Proper Order Coffee (Smithfield) before catching the airport coach.

Optional swaps for different moods or weather:

• Nature, less walking: Half-day coach to Glendalough & Wicklow for serene lakes and monastic ruins. See on Viator
• Rainy-day Dublin: Pair the National Gallery of Ireland with the Archaeology Museum and a warming bowl at Cornucopia (vegetarian stalwart).
• Night out with a show: A lively evening of dance and dinner at an Irish music performance. See on Viator

Money-saving, comfort-first tips:

• Many museums are free; plan paid entries selectively (Book of Kells, distilleries).
• Seek “early bird” dinner menus and lunch specials; cafés like Tang, Brother Hubbard, and Umi stretch your euros.
• Use the hop-on hop-off as low-effort transport between clusters of sights to stay relaxed.