How to spend 2 days in Dublin

Thomas
Jan 20
8 min read

Being from Ireland, I’m often asked about spending a quick pit stop in Dublin when it’s part of a wider European trip. Dublin is a great city. I studied at university there, still have a place in the city, and manage to get home every couple of months. Because of that, I’m always happy to share my take on how to spend 48 hours in Dublin without trying to squeeze everything in.

I always recommend visiting Dublin at the end of a European trip. One major reason is that when you fly direct from Dublin Airport to the US, you clear US customs before departure, meaning you simply walk off the plane when you land back home. The second is timing: most US flights arrive into Dublin early in the morning, and unless you’re already on European time, you end up exhausted and waiting hours for hotel check-in, which defeats the point of trying to enjoy a short stay in the city. Some of the hotel and activity links included may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Arriving in Dublin

Dublin Airport is close to the city centre, typically about a 20 to 30 minute drive depending on traffic. While there are public transport options like the Aircoach and Dublin Bus, they can add extra time with stops and drop-offs, which matters when your goal is to make the most of a short stay.

For a 48-hour visit, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is often the better choice. It gets you straight from the airport to your hotel without detours or decision-making, so you can start enjoying the city immediately rather than spending your first hour navigating transport. When you only have two days in Dublin, protecting that time makes all the difference. Prebooked transfers can be reserved by clicking here.

Where to Stay

Dublin is a very walkable city, which is why location matters when you’re only here for 48 hours. I always recommend staying in Dublin 2, ideally close to St Stephen’s Green, a beautiful Victorian public park right in the heart of the city. From this area, you’re an easy walk to Grafton Street, Trinity College Dublin, and the Government Buildings, which keeps everything central without feeling hectic.

Staying here means you can step outside and start exploring immediately, return to your hotel easily during the day, and head out again in the evening without relying on taxis or transport. It’s the most practical base for a short stay and makes experiencing Dublin feel effortless rather than rushed.

The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

The Shelbourne is one of Dublin’s most iconic hotels, overlooking St Stephen’s Green since the 1800s. It’s deeply woven into the city’s history, including being the place where the Irish Constitution was drafted, yet it never feels stuck in the past. The Shelbourne balances old-world elegance with modern luxury in a way very few hotels manage to get right. Service is polished but warm, and there’s a sense of Irish hospitality that feels genuine rather than formal. Its location makes it ideal for a short stay, with much of the city easily walkable from the front door. If you want a classic Dublin experience with a bit of gravitas, this is hard to beat. Check out availability and rates here.

The Hoxton, Dublin

The Hoxton Dublin opened in late 2025, marking the brand’s first hotel in Ireland. It’s located on Exchequer Street, right in the city centre, with Grafton Street, St Stephen’s Green, and Trinity College all a short walk away. The hotel occupies the former Central Hotel building and has been thoughtfully reworked to suit Hoxton’s open, social style. Design is contemporary but warm, with layered textures, Irish references, and spaces that feel lived-in rather than staged. Rooms are compact but well designed, and the ground floor is very much part of the experience, whether for coffee, a drink, or a slow start to the day. It’s a solid option if you want something current, central, and well suited to a 48-hour stay in Dublin. Rates can be viewed here.

The Wilder

The Wilder is a stylish boutique hotel located about a 15 min walk to Grafton Street, making it an excellent base for a short stay in Dublin. The design leans modern and playful, with well-appointed rooms that balance comfort with tasteful, contemporary touches. Because it’s so central, you’re a short stroll from major spots like St Stephen’s Green, Trinity College, and some of the city’s best restaurants and cafés. The Wilder feels like a quieter spot tucked just behind the busiest streets, which makes it easy to step out and explore without feeling like you’re in the middle of the crowds. Rooms are smartly laid out and comfortable, which matters when you’re in the city for only a couple of nights. If you want a central, well-designed hotel that feels current without being overdone, The Wilder is a solid choice for a Dublin stay. Availabily and rates can be found here.

What to Do

Once you’ve dropped your bags, it’s time to head out and start exploring while the city is still fresh. Dublin is known for Guinness and Jameson, but I’d save those for later in the afternoon, once you’ve covered some ground and are ready to sit down with a drink. A walking start makes everything that follows feel earned rather than rushed. First up is Trinity College Dublin, where I studied many moons ago and which still feels like one of the best introductions to the city.

Trinity College Dublin, one of the oldest universities in Ireland is home to some of the city’s most important history. Walk through the famous front square, where the cobblestones and surrounding buildings immediately give you a sense of Dublin’s past. Within the campus is the Old Library, built in the early 18th century and home to the Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript created over 1,200 years ago. The visit also includes the Long Room, a striking vaulted library filled with thousands of rare books and one of the most impressive spaces in the city. Booking tickets in advance is recommended so you can take your time and enjoy the experience

One of the most interesting ways to experience Dublin is on this mythology and folklore walking tour, which runs for around two hours and focuses on the stories that underpin Irish culture. Instead of a traditional history lesson, the guide uses legends, ancient beliefs, and oral storytelling to explain how mythology shaped the city and its people. You’ll hear about figures from Irish folklore, including banshees and other mythical creatures, and how these stories are tied to specific streets, buildings, and landmarks. The route stays central, making it easy to follow while giving real context to places you might otherwise walk past without a second thought. It’s an engaging way to see Dublin differently and adds depth to the city beyond the usual must-see sights. Prebook your spot and allow around 2 hours for this tour.

To round out the afternoon, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse fits perfectly into a 48-hour stay. Located at St James’s Gate, the experience walks you through the history, brewing process, and cultural influence of Guinness, from its beginnings in Dublin to its place around the world. The self guided route moves through several floors, covering everything from ingredients and advertising to how the perfect pint is poured. The visit finishes at the Gravity Bar, where your included pint comes with panoramic views across the city. Prebooking tickets is recommended, and you can do so by clicking here.

After seeing the city centre, the next morning is a great time to experience a different side of Dublin with a trip to Howth. This seaside village is known for its working pier, fresh seafood restaurants, and the cliff walk that wraps around Howth Head with views back across Dublin Bay. To keep things simple, a half day coastal tour is an easy option, taking you from the city to Howth with time to walk the cliffs and explore the village without worrying about logistics. If you prefer to go on your own, the DART is a straightforward ride from the city centre and takes about 30 minutes, dropping you right by the harbour. You can use a Leap Visitor Card for public transport around Dublin, which covers buses, trams, and the DART and is available in one day, three day, or seven day options. It’s a relaxed, rewarding way to spend half a day and adds a coastal element to your Dublin stay without taking up the whole day.

After returning to the city in the late afternoon, whether from a long lunch on the pier in Howth or a coastal walk near the lighthouse overlooking Dublin Bay, it’s a good time to shift gears and ease into the evening. A visit to Jameson Distillery Bow St. fits well here and offers insight into the history and production of Irish whiskey. The tour explains how Jameson is made and what sets Irish whiskey apart, finishing with a guided tasting. Did you know that in our native language, whiskey is known as uisce beatha, which translates to “water of life”? After returning to the city in the late afternoon, whether from a long lunch on the pier in Howth or a coastal walk near the lighthouse overlooking Dublin Bay, it’s a good time to shift gears and ease into the evening.

A visit to Jameson Distillery Bow St. fits well here and offers insight into the history and production of Irish whiskey. The tour explains how Jameson is made and what sets Irish whiskey apart, finishing with a guided tasting. Did you know that in our native language, whiskey is known as uisce beatha, which translates to “water of life”? Prebook your visit here with free cancellation up to 24hours before selected tour time. Prebook your visit here with free cancellation up to 24hours before selected tour time.

Two days in Dublin goes quickly, but with the right balance it’s enough time to experience both the city and its coastline without feeling rushed. Along the way, there are a few places we always return to, whether it’s Butlers for coffee and pastries, where every coffee comes with a crafted chocolate of your choice, or Avoca on Wicklow Street for a relaxed breakfast stop. If your schedule allows, afternoon tea at The Shelbourne Hotel is a classic Dublin experience, and The Ivy on Dawson Street is always a reliable choice for food in a great setting. Dublin rewards a slower pace and a bit of flexibility, which is often where the best moments happen. As always, we’re happy to answer any questions if you’re planning your own visit.