Planning a trip to Dublin? Whether you've got a weekend or just two days, Ireland's capital is full of history, culture, and lively spots to explore. From cobblestone streets in the Liberties to live traditional music sessions, this guide will help you make the most of your time, covering famous landmarks and hidden gems alike. With Big Bus Tours handling the navigation, you can focus on enjoying the craic.
Jump to:
- Discover our 2-day Dublin itinerary
- Day 1 of our Dublin itinerary
- Day 2 of your Dublin travel itinerary
- Bonus things to do in Dublin
- Dublin travel tips and the best time to visit
- FAQs about a 2-day itinerary for Dublin
Discover our 2-day Dublin itinerary
Dublin, Ireland's vibrant capital, mixes historic charm with modern energy. Whether you love exploring old streets, enjoying the pub scene, or checking out museums, there's something for everyone. This 2-day itinerary is packed with local insights to help you get the most out of your visit. We'll show you how to make the most of a weekend in Dublin, with the flexibility of Big Bus Tours' convenient routes to navigate the city.
Day 1 of your Dublin itinerary
Day 1: Morning
Tour of Liberties Dublin: Start your day with a 90-minute walking tour through the Liberties, the city's oldest neighbourhood. This historic area is full of character, from medieval remnants to its role as the birthplace of Irish brewing and distilling centuries ago. Wander the cobblestone streets, admire the artisan houses, and learn about the community spirit that's kept this area feeling like a village within the city. As our local Dublin expert puts it: "The Liberties has an energy all its own. The people here are welcoming, and every street feels like it has a story to tell."
Nearest Big Bus stop: Stop 10, Christ Church Cathedral, 3 minutes' walk
Local insight: "I just love wandering through the neighbourhood and admiring the beautiful little artisan houses and cottages that have survived."
Day 1: Afternoon
National Photographic Archive, Temple Bar: Head to the National Photographic Archive, home to the world's largest collection of Irish photographs. Entry is free, and the rotating exhibitions always tell a different story about Irish history and culture. It's tucked away in the heart of Temple Bar and easy to miss, which is exactly why you should make the effort to find it. Our local expert says: "They change their exhibitions every few months and they are always interesting. A fabulous place to while away an hour and come away feeling you've really learned something. Brings a smile to my face every time."
Nearest Big Bus stop: Stop 8, Dame Street/Temple Bar, 2 minutes' walk
Local insight: Every visit feels fresh because of the changing exhibitions. It's a gem tucked away in the heart of Temple Bar that many tourists walk straight past.
Day 1: Evening
Mary's Bar and Hardware Shop, Wicklow Street: End your first day at Mary's Bar, a one-of-a-kind venue that combines a traditional pub with a hardware shop aesthetic. The site has real history. It was once The Wicklow Hotel, a meeting place for Irish revolutionaries including Michael Collins and the Irish Republican Brotherhood. The hotel porter was shot dead here during the War of Independence in 1921, and that history is still very much part of the place. Today it's lively and welcoming, and a great spot to settle in with a pint. As our local expert says: "This is the perfect place for a pint. It's steeped in history and always buzzing with energy."
Nearest Big Bus stop: Stop 7, College Green, 5 minutes' walk
Local tip: Come ready to experience authentic Dublin pub culture, with history in every corner and a genuine atmosphere.
Day 2 of your Dublin travel itinerary
Day 2: Morning
Tour of Dublin's Street Art: Start your second day with a tour of Dublin's street art scene, which combines Irish art and literature to explore contemporary social and cultural issues. You'll hear the stories behind the murals and installations, and get a real feel for the city's creative energy. Our local expert says: "Street art in Dublin is constantly evolving, and this tour is a good way to see a different side of the city."
Nearest Big Bus stop: Stop 9, Dame Street/Dublin Castle, 1 minute's walk
Local insight: "It's great fun too with fabulous guides who bring the stories to life."
Day 2: Afternoon
The Cobblestone Pub, Smithfield: For authentic Irish music, head to The Cobblestone. This family-run pub is well known for its traditional sessions, where locals gather purely for the love of playing together. If you're lucky, you might even catch some ceili or set dancing. The Cobblestone is built on genuine respect for Ireland's musical traditions, with several family members often join the evening sessions themselves. Our local expert sums it up best: "The authenticity of the session is what makes it special. It's just people who love Irish music coming together to share their talent with others, for the pure enjoyment of it. It is not 'staged' like many other available sessions around Dublin. It's pure magic!" And yes, the Guinness here is excellent too.
Nearest Big Bus stop: Stop 23, Jameson Distillery, 3 minutes' walk
Local insight: This isn't staged entertainment. It's unfiltered Irish music, and it will stick with you long after you leave Dublin.
Day 2: Evening
Trocadero Restaurant: Wrap up your Dublin weekend with dinner at Trocadero, a city institution that's been going since 1956. The walls are covered with photos of famous patrons, and there's a good chance you'll spot a familiar face. It's long been a favourite with Dublin's theatre crowd. The food is classic European, the service is attentive, and the whole place has an old-world glamour that makes it a great way to round off a trip. Our local expert recommends the smoked salmon or scallop starters, and says: "It's in every Dubliner's top 5. An experience as well as having great food." Book ahead for weekends.
Nearest Big Bus stop: Stop 6, St. Stephen's Green, 3 minutes' walk
Local tip: Book ahead, especially for weekend dining, to secure a table at this Dublin favourite.
Bonus things to do in Dublin
If you have extra time or if some planned activities don't work out, here are a few more options worth knowing about:
Stroll through Phoenix Park: One of Europe's largest enclosed parks, Phoenix Park is a good spot for a walk or bike ride. You can wander the green spaces, keep an eye out for the wild deer, and visit the Victorian People's Flower Gardens. It's a peaceful escape that's easy to reach from the city centre.
Visit the National Museums: Dublin's National Museums of Archaeology, Decorative Arts & History, and Natural History are all free to enter. A highlight in the archaeology museum is the collection of bog bodies, preserved remains dating from 400BC to 200BC. Our local expert says: "It's not just the bodies but also so many artefacts. Fascinating experience to learn about life in Ireland so long ago. Seeing is believing."
Wander around St. Stephen's Green: Take a stroll through this city-centre park, with its winding paths, lake, and statues. On Sundays, check out nearby Merrion Square, where over 200 artists display their work on the park railings. Our local guide says: "I love taking an hour or two on a Sunday afternoon in this gorgeous part of the city. Always a deal to be done if anything catches your eye."
With these options, you'll have plenty to do, even if some places are closed for the weekend.
Dublin travel tips and the best time to visit
Best time to visit
Dublin is at its best during spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October). The weather is mild, averaging 10-15°C (50-59°F), and the city is less crowded than in peak summer. These seasons also bring great events, including St. Patrick's Day in March, Dublin's Oktoberfest, and the Dublin Theatre Festival in autumn. Summer is busier and more expensive, whilst winter is quieter with festive charm if you don't mind the cold.
Use Big Bus Tours
Big Bus Tours is a straightforward way to get around Dublin's highlights. With stops at key locations like Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and Phoenix Park, it takes the stress out of navigating the city. You can choose between live guides or pre-recorded commentary, and the open top deck gives you great views across Dublin. Pack a rain jacket, as Dublin weather is never quite predictable.
Explore Dublin's neighbourhoods
Dublin's city centre has plenty to keep you busy, but it's worth venturing into some of the neighbourhoods too. Stoneybatter is a good shout, with a mix of historic character and modern cafes, bakeries, and local pubs with traditional music. Ranelagh is known for its green spaces and lively restaurant scene, and the seaside suburb of Howth is worth the trip for cliffside walks and fresh seafood.
Pack for all seasons
Dublin's weather is famously changeable: sun one minute, rain the next. Pack layers and bring a lightweight waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a small umbrella. A scarf or hat will come in handy for cooler evenings, especially if you're planning a late night out.
Learn some local lingo
A little local knowledge goes a long way. When raising a glass in a pub, say "Sláinte" (pronounced slahn-chae), which means "to your good health" and always goes down well. You'll also hear people talk about the "craic" (pronounced crack), the Irish word for fun and good times. When someone asks "What's the craic?", they're just asking what's happening or how you're doing.
To get the most out of your Dublin trip, Big Bus Tours makes exploring the city simple and enjoyable. With flexible tickets and routes, you can visit top spots like Dublin Castle and the Guinness Storehouse at your own pace. It's an easy, no-stress way to see the city whilst keeping time for those unexpected discoveries along the way. Hop on and start your Dublin adventure today!
FAQs about a 2-day itinerary for Dublin
What are the must-see attractions in Dublin for a 2-day trip?
For a weekend in Dublin, this itinerary covers both the city's key spots and some lesser-known finds. On Day 1, take a walking tour of the Liberties, visit the National Photographic Archive in Temple Bar, and end the day with a pint at Mary's Bar. On Day 2, take in a street art tour, catch a traditional music session at The Cobblestone, and end with dinner at Trocadero. Check our hidden gems guide for even more local recommendations.
Is it possible to enjoy Dublin on a weekend if some attractions are closed?
Absolutely. There's always plenty to do in Dublin regardless. Visit free attractions like the National Museums, St. Stephen's Green, or take a walk through Phoenix Park. Dublin's neighbourhoods, street art scene, and pub culture are all available any day of the week.
Are there any free things to do in Dublin over the weekend?
Yes, quite a few. The National Museums of Ireland are free, St. Stephen's Green is free, and the street art around the city costs nothing to explore. On Sundays, the outdoor art market at Merrion Square is also free and well worth a look. These are all solid ways to experience Dublin without spending money.
How can I make the most of a weekend in Dublin?
Mix the well-known sights with some local experiences. Start with a hop on hop off Dublin bus tour to get your bearings, visit places like the Guinness Storehouse, and make time for the pubs and street life that give Dublin its character. With free activities and authentic local spots throughout the city, two days can go a very long way.