There is something about Dublin that makes you feel like you are in some Indie-flick. From the kitschy stores, adorable pubs, gorgesous architecture, and super friendly people, you won’t even notice that the skies are almost always gray. There are so many different cute cities near-by that it can be difficult to decide what to do or where to go. Do you do constant day trips? Or do you spend the time getting to know the cute city and all it has to offer. With this itinerary, you can do a bit of both!
Day 1
The Cliffs of Moher
Yes, I know what you are saying – this Dublin trip starts out with us leaving Dublin?! But really, if you are only going to spend a short time in Dublin, can you really afford not to see this stunning, famous sight? I think not. We landed at 0800 and headed straight out to the other side of the country (turns out, that’s only like 3 hours). Stop in Galway for lunch (be sure to play Galway Girl on your phone the entire time you walk around the city) and walk down the main shops for a cute introduction to Ireland. From there, take the “Jesus take the Wheel” road down towards Doolin & the Cliffs of Moher. Along the way, stop off at Doonagore Castle, which sits on a small hill overlooking Doolin point. Don’t spend too much time there though because depending on the time of year, you will want to hit the cliffs at least 1.5 hours before sunset!
Be sure to dress warm for the Cliffs – and bring a hair tie for your hair – it is SO windy up there! If you are not sure about the weather, call the visitor center to get an update if the Cliffs are visible – if it is too foggy and you can’t see them you may decide to spend a bit more time in Galway first.
Spending the night in Doolin is actually a very quaint thing. Almost entires Guesthouses and B&B’s with a couple pubs for dinner and drinks, it’s the perfect spot for a cozy night before heading back to Dublin the next day! If you catch the luck of the Irish like us, you may even get to watch Ireland play in a huge rugby match in one of the local pubs. A truly local experience!
Day 2
Back to Dublin
Finishing the loop back to Dublin takes you through Limerick and Shannon in the south – both cute Irish towns complete with their own castles that are worth a quick stop and photo op. From there, you can make it back to Dublin in time for lunch and then head to the Guinness Storehouse for a tour!
Guinness Storehouse
This is a self-guided tour but you will still want to allow yourself a couple hours to make your way through and drink a couple pints along the way. You get a shot glass tasting during the tour but a pint also comes with your ticket. If you’re feeling extra fun, you can also order a “stoutie” which is a perfect pint of Guinness complete with your photo on top!
Dinner at Temple Bar
Every guide says to head to Temple Bar, which, while the name of a pub, is actually the name of a street lined with fun pubs and restaurants.
If you want something other than beer and book in advance you can squeeze a spot at Vintage Cocktail Club – a speakeasy-vibe bar with a novel worth of cocktails. They have a page per decade, starting in the 1800s. You could easily spend hours here drinking through the centuries but if you can pull yourself away, head to Larder for a nice Irish meal.
Day 3
More Dublin
You could fill your days with tours in Dublin, but most of these tours include drinking, so you’ll actually want to go on them!
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
While some people head to the Jameson Distillery for tours, the Teeling Tour is much less crowded and feels a bit more personal. They take you through the history and the current working distillery before ending the tour with a nice whiskey and whiskey cocktail (you can also upgrade to multiple tastings)
Trinity College & The Book of Kell
No need to pre-book this tour, the college students run constant tours you can purchase day of that come with a ticket that gets you in to see the Book of Kell any time that day. It’s fun to have the point of view of current students taking you through and explaining the 600 year institution and the tour is quick so you can pop into the gorgeous library and see the Book Of Kell which dates back to 800 AD. No pictures are permitted but they turn the page every 2 months so if you return you may see something different!
Lunch at Temple Bar
If you missed the oysters in Galway, head to Klaw and get your fill. It’s a small spot but worth the squeeze.
Dublin Castle or Jameson Distillery
From lunch is a nice walk down to Dublin Castle. Stop and shop along the way before touring this 13th century historical site. If you’re in the mood for more whiskey instead, head to the Jameson Distillery for another tour and tasting!
Dinner
Between Temple Bar and Trinity College you will find dozens of high-rated delicious dinner spots. Decide what you are in the mood for and try to make a reservation if you can so that you don’t miss out on a great meal!
After these 3 days you will feel like you have seen Dublin but need to be back ASAP for more of Ireland because like I said, the food, the sights, and the people will make you feel right at home.
Happy planning!
Visit recently and see something I missed? Please leave it in the comments below to help other readers!
Xx
Kali