48-Hour Guide to Dublin
Here is my guide to spending 48 hours in Dublin, with a mixture of rich cultural heritage, a culinary scene to marvel at and nightlife up there with the best in Europe.
I am not going to tell you that 48 hours is enough time in Dublin, because it isn’t. But if you are in desperate need of a city break but only have a few days spare then book that flight to Dublin, but just so you know… you will need to visit again!
Getting to Dublin:
One of the best things about my solo trip to Dublin was how easy it was to get to, and my drive to the airport took longer than my flight!
Once you have landed at Dublin Airport, rather than wasting money on a taxi to the centre of Dublin from the airport, take the Aircoach which is a 24-hour coach service between Dublin Airport and Dublin City, with buses running every 15 minutes. And what’s even better, is that it only costs €4.50 each way. Bargain.
You can purchase tickets from the customer service staff at the Airport, but if you book in advance online you can save yourself some time whilst there. Remember, every minute counts!
Day 1 Exploring Dublin:
Now if you are only in Dublin for a short time, I recommend being up bright and early on your first day to make the most of what the city has to offer! Here are just a few of the activities I recommend you do!
Trinity College
Start off your trip to Dublin by exploring Ireland’s most famous University, Trinity College. This won’t take you long to do, but is well worth the visit and should take you no more than 20 minutes in total, unless you book on to one of the guided tours which gives you more information on the history.
The Book of Kells at Trinity’s Old Library
Before you leave Trinity College, make sure to visit Ireland’s most famous artefact, The Book of Kells. Fun fact, there are only four books in the world older than The Book of Kells, and two of those are carved into gold!
The Long Room at Trinity College provides you with some truly hogwartsesque settings, and the library there oozes insta-worthy so it is definitely worth the €18.50!
Grafton Street and the Molly Malone Statue
From Trinity College, there is just a short walk to Dublin’s most famous statue, that of Molly Malone. This really is a must-see whilst in Dublin, as Molly Malone and her barrow are one of Dublin’s most familiar symbols.
Once you have arrived and checked in at your hotel (I stayed at the conveniently located RIU Plaza The Gresham) drop your bags off and make your way down O’Connell Street and on to Ha’penny Bridge for a great photo opportunity, before a short stroll to Suffolk Street to see Dublin’s most famous statue, that of Molly Malone.
From here, depending on how quickly you want that first refreshing pint of Guinness, you can either head to one of the many bars around you, or you can take the short stroll to Grafton Street to experience the sounds of the highly talented street performers which has to be done on your trip to Dublin.
You may then want to make a quick Guinness pit-stop and for this why not try the infamous Hairy Lemon Pub, and whilst there use this as a perfect opportunity to try a local delicacy such as Traditional Irish Stew, Homemade Beef & Guinness Pie or even Bangers & Mash!
Next, visit the most popular area in Dublin; Temple Bar.
Before visiting Dublin, I thought Temple Bar was just one pub but when I got there, it turns out the area is Temple Bar – with a Temple Bar there!
I strongly recommend you visit the Temple Bar Pub, and even though you will find cheaper alternatives with less tourists, you have to experience the great music there.
Your First Evening:
I booked myself on to a Traditional Pubs Walking Tour, with a great local guide who explained the history of Whiskey in Ireland, the cultural significance of Guinness and also allowed us to visit some of Dublin’s finest watering holes. As a solo traveller, this was perfect for me to meet new people, however there were also big groups on the tour as well as couples so this is a great evening all-round.
Day Two
You are probably going to power through the Guinness hangover, and I recommend being up bright and early
If you are fortunate enough to have a late flight home, make the most of your final day. Here are a few recommendations of things you can do on your final day!
Visit Dublin Castle
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