48 Hours in Dublin

Renowned for its charming locals and vibrant streets, Dublin city has made its way onto many people’s bucket lists. And with its literary history, growing selection of impressive eateries, and of course, great pints of Guinness, 48 hours in Dublin may not seem like enough time but, like the great saying goes; where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Day 1 in Dublin City

Visit the Little Museum of Dublin

After breakfast, take some time to stretch your legs in the historical St. Stephen’s Green before making your way across the road to the Little Museum of Dublin.

Arguably one of the most endearing museums in the city centre, the Little Museum of Dublin is exactly what its name suggests: a uniquely small in size museum that tells the story of Dublin with quirky exhibits and fascinating objects to boot. The museum offers guided tours or standard admission, and if a walking tour of the city is up your street – they have an award-winning one of those available too!

Check out Trinity college

couple exploring Trinity College Dublin

Once you have soaked up all there is to know about Dublin, take a walk down Grafton Street, where you will likely spot some local buskers, and make your way towards the famed Trinity College.

As Ireland’s highest-ranked university, Trinity was once attended by some of Ireland’s most impressive minds such as Oscar Wilde and Ernest Walton. Moreover, Trinity’s Long Room houses the beautiful Book of Kells – a must-see during your weekend in Dublin. As it’s a pretty popular attraction, try booking online in advance to avoid the long queue!

Lunch in Gallagher’s Boxty House, Temple Bar

It’s time to tick two cliché, but definitely not overrated, Dublin experiences off your list: Temple bar and some authentic Irish cuisine.

Located in the midst of Dublin’s Temple Bar, Gallagher’s Boxty House is a family-run restaurant that has been around for just over 30 years. The menu offers a number of homely Irish meals all produced with locally sourced ingredients and they specialise in the infamous boxty. Boxty is best described as a potato pancake and is believed to have originated in the 1700s, making a trip to Gallagher’s Boxty House an ideal way to immerse yourself in genuine Irish cooking.

Experience Guinness Storehouse, St. James’s Gate

It might go without saying that another important part of Ireland’s history is a pint of Guinness and of course there’s no better way to learn about Ireland’s most iconic beer than visiting the Guinness Storehouse.

Located in St. James’s Gate, around a 20-minute walk from Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse consists of seven interactive floors packed with history and iconic artefacts synonymous with the world-famous drink. The tour ends in the Gravity Bar where you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views of the city and of course, a perfectly poured pint included in your ticket.

Dinner in Hang Dai, Camden Street

Hang Dai is one of a number of great multicultural eateries that have joined the restaurant scene in Dublin in recent years and have been offering authentic (and delicious) Chinese food since it opened in 2016.

Located on Dublin’s up-and-coming Camden Street, Hang Dai doesn’t just offer great food, they also offer a memorable experience – think an inconspicuous beaded curtained door, an open kitchen, and fitted trendy booths. After your meal, try grabbing a seat in their Gold bar that offers a stunning view of Camden Street at night.

Day Two in Dublin City

Clayton Vitality Breakfast

vitality breakfast

With fresh bread and pastries, cheeses, yoghurts, fresh fruit, cereals and hot breakfast options of full English, vegetarian and Chef’s daily special there is something to suit everyone with our Vitality Breakfast.

With a busy itinerary filled with plans of things to do in Dublin you can order a to go breakfast which includes orange juice, Special K milk & bowl, banana, yogurt, croissant with jam and butter and will be packed in a handy bag to take with you.

Make Your Way to Kilmainham Gaol, Kilmainham

Hop on a local bus towards Kilmainham Gaol – currently one of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe.

A visit to Kilmainham Gaol offers a fascinating insight into the history of the prison where some of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed. On your guided tour, you will get a glimpse into the prison cells and learn about the lives and deaths of some of the prominent prisoners. Make sure to book a ticket online to avoid disappointment as tickets will not be available at their reception.

Lunch in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, South William Street

Make your way back into the city centre and towards Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. Once the home of Lord and Lady Powerscourt, this stunning Georgian building is now a speciality shopping centre and the magnificent architecture makes it a great setting for your final lunch in Dublin!

For great sandwiches, fresh cakes, and delicious salads, visit The Pepper Pot café, located on the first floor of the centre. Try grabbing a seat on their first-floor terrace so you can really soak up all Powerscourt has to offer. Once you’re finished up, why not take a walk around the antique, jewellery, and art shops and maybe even treat yourself to a souvenir!

Explore the Vintage Shops in Temple Bar

Take a walk-through South William Street and towards Temple Bar. Typically known for its traditional Irish pubs and nightlife, Temple Bar is also home to a number of beautiful vintage shops that are definitely worth checking out.

Try out vintage wonderlands: Lucy’s Lounge, Dublin Vintage Factory, and Nine Crows, and one of Ireland’s largest design exchange shops: Siopella. If your shopping spree finishes up early, make your way to a traditional Irish pub; Grogan’s, which was once a favourite meeting spot for famous Irish writers such as Patrick Kavanagh and Flann O’Brien.

Dinner in Woollen Mills, Ormond Quay

Take a walk across the Ha’penny bridge towards The Woollen Mills where you will enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the River Liffey to end your 48 hours in Dublin.

Once a popular meeting place for a number of famous creative minds, The Woollen Mills offers authentic and traditional Irish food using locally sourced produce. If you can, try getting a table on their rooftop terrace which offers an unmissable view of the Dublin cityscape when the sunsets.

Tip: Discover more things to see and do in the city with our Dublin Guide.

Hotel in Dublin City Centre

rooms clayton hotel burlington road

To make your 48 hours in Dublin extra special, stay at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road. There is a range of special offers available and as a guest, you’ll get to experience all that Dublin city centre has to offer right on your doorstep.

 

Special Offers

Looking forward to having the best time in Dublin? Make sure you check our special offers!

Celebrate the last days of Summer with a Prosecco in the city

Time to relax? Try our Midweek City Escape and enjoy the buzz of the city!

Give yourself the time to explore the city sights with our Summer City Stay for Less offer.

rooms clayton hotel burlington road

Start planning your trip to Dublin and book your perfect break at Clayton Hotel Burlington Road.

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