Looking for a quick weekend getaway or stopping through as part of a larger Ireland vacation? Here are the top things I recommend doing and seeing while in Dublin for 48 hours.
Visit the Guinness Storehouse. Of course Guinness is home to Dublin and this is something that should not be messed. The general ticket will include admission to Guinness, which allows you to do a self guided walk-through and learn about the beer making process. I personally recommend splurging if possible and doing the connoisseur experience. In addition to the general admission ticket which allows the self guided walk-through, the connoisseur experience is limited to a small group of about 12 people where you go into a private bar in the facility and learn from one of the Guinness employees. The added bonus is you will get to taste 3 to 4 other Guinness produced beers and learn how to do a perfect pour. I have visited Dublin twice now as part of other trips and I have done the connoisseur experience both times!
Visit Trinity College, and be sure to book your tickets for the Book of Kells in advance. Both times that we have visited Dublin. We forgot to plan ahead and did not book tickets accordingly and thus they were unavailable, but this is a top item that should not be missed. However, walking around Trinity College itself is relaxing and beautiful taking in the history
Walk the temple bar district. While temple bar itself is a famous Irish bar. The entire area is known as the temple bar district in here you will find numerous Irish pubs to grab that perfect pint. It is definitely worth stopping in temple bar itself, even though it is extremely crowded just to get a sense of what it is all about. A lot of of the different pubs also feature live music so that is an added bonus.
Take a stroll down Grafton Street. Yes… Grafton Street is super touristy, but after all, this is the street where many performers got their first break. It is now lined with mostly shops, but I enjoy walking down it to take in some of the locals busking trying to find their break.
Visit the Jamison Distillery or the Irish Whiskey Museum. We didn’t have time to get to the Jamison distillery, but close to Trinity College there is a little establishment that is called the Irish Whiskey Museum. Here you will learn about different types of whiskey and the flavors and also get to try 3 to 4 whiskeys from different companies. They do have an option for those in the group who do not drink to join.
Visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, as it is impressive from its size in stunning architecture and history.
Visit the oldest pub in Dublin, the Brazen Head for a pint and bite to eat! We again visited on both trips to have our 1st pint of Guinness as well as enjoy a delicious burger and fries. The pub is very large with indoor and outdoor spaces and two stories with endless rooms on the inside. If you’re looking to dine, food is available only inside.
One other item on the list that we missed on both trips is the Kilmanham Gaol Museum. This is not just any museum, but this is actually an old prison that held men women in children for minor crimes to being involved in momentous events such as the Irish independence. For those looking to learn more about Irish history while visiting Dublin, this would be a must stop. Be sure to book tickets in advance.
Whatever is bringing you to visit Dublin, I can ensure you anything you decide to do will be a great time. The people of Dublin are super friendly and worth noting how much they can make your time here great!