Dublin, Ireland is a place I had always wanted to visit. The rolling hills of green, the Irish accent, and the exciting nightlife drew me in. I remember feeling so jealous of all my sorority sisters who studied abroad in Dublin during college. So when the opportunity arose to spend 48 hours there, I jumped at the chance! We had the absolute best time and I’d be doing a disservice if I didn’t share everything! I’m recapping all the places you must eat at, things you need to do, and where you should stay! If you’re lucky enough to visit this city, feel free to use this itinerary as your personal guide.
WHERE TO STAY:
- Hazelbrook House B&B – We loved staying at this comfortable bed and breakfast! It was perfectly located near all the major bus stops, China Town, and Trinity College. The staff couldn’t have been kinder and even allowed us to keep our luggage at the B&B for an extra day while we explored. If you’re looking to feel right at home for a 1-2 night stay, I can’t recommend this place enough! Book here.
- Want to stay in the heart of Dublin? Look no further than Abbey Court Hostel! I was wary of staying in a hostel but I couldn’t pass up this affordable choice. The nightly price was less than I’d spend on a brunch back home. Plus Allie’s adventurous side convinced me that hostel life in Dublin was something we had to try. While she usually talks me into bad choices, I am so glad that we stayed here. We met people from all over the world and I will forever cherish that night and the hostel experience. Besides the safety and comfort we felt here, the exterior of the hostel is also the cutest building in Dublin. It is located right off the canal and the districts you will most likely frequent. Book here!
WHERE TO EAT:
- Off Beat Donuts – This place is no joke! I refuse to admit how many times I visited this delicious shop during my 48 hour stint. Let’s just say I am happy to recommend a flavor for you to try since I’ve eaten half the menu… They are located all across town so you can’t miss them!
- Frank and Honest – This gourmet coffee company not only makes the best coffee but also cookies the size of your head. We loved their happy hour deal as we always needed a mid-morning boost. Plus, they are super sustainable which made me a very happy girl. If you are a vanilla latte lover like me, check them out!
- Nutbutter – Don’t even get me started on this place! I would literally jump on a plane and go back to Dublin just to eat another meal here. It is the perfect place to start your day as they offer toast, porridge, and açaí bowls. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything you order off their menu. I highly recommend The Nutbutter Toast and The Go Pro! (Location: 2 + 3 Gallery Quay Grand Canal Dock Dublin 2)
- Brick Alley Cafe – Someone recommended we try out this cute cafe and I’m so glad we did. It is located right next to Temple Bar so you can snag a seat by the window and watch all the bachelor parties tumble out. They also offer an extensive menu for hot chocolates – my kind of place! If you go, try out the dark chocolate one and thank me later. (Location: 25 East Essex Street, Dublin)
WHAT TO DO:
- Grab a drink at Temple Bar is the one item that should automatically be high up on your list (if you are of age of course). This bar is easily recognizable, a tourist hot spot and the perfect aesthetic. I recommend starting at this bar before it gets jam-packed and then bar hopping around the city.
- Take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse and experience the history behind Ireland’s most popular beer. While I am not a beer girl, I have heard wonderful things about this interactive tour. A local even told me that the founder of Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease so it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
- Take a stroll along the River Liffey and walk to the Dublin Castle. It has 11 acres worth of beauty but my favorite part was the gardens and the colorful wing of the castle. For how stunning it was, there wasn’t much of a crowd. If you’re looking to get some great photos, the castle was one of my all time favorites.
- Have a picnic in Saint Stephen’s Green. The park is filled with flowers, wildlife, and people looking to escape the city for a quieter day. I was astounded at the detail and effort the gardeners took to creating a “Garden for the Blind.” It is full of aromatic flowers and was one of my favorite sections of this massive park.
- Walk around Trinity College and visit the Books of Kells. You will have to pay if you want to go inside the library and set your eyes on the medieval manuscript. While we opted out, I hear it is a stunning library. As a bookworm, I definitely want to check it out next time.
- Visit Sophie’s, on the rooftop of the Dean Hotel, for delicious cocktails and an incredible view. Make sure you take a photo of the “I Fell in Love Here” LED sign in the Dean hotel lobby. Sophie’s is a chic bar with outstanding food and large portions. For other instagrammable things to do in Dublin, you can read this post.
DAY TRIPS FROM DUBLIN:
While the city is absolutely spectacular and you can easily find ways to spend 24-48 hours here, taking a day trip is highly recommended. Dublin has some of the best transportation I’ve seen in Europe and since you are so close to some pretty awesome landmarks and cities, you may as well venture out.
- Galway – This lively town is full of coffee shops, live folk music, and breathtaking views. It sits on the River Corrib so you can watch the boats come in and out of the harbor. There is a reason that Ed Sheeran sang about a Galway girl – this place is pretty special.
- Cliffs of Moher – If you travel all the way to Dublin and don’t take a tour to the Cliffs, you are doing your trip wrong. You absolutely cannot miss out on this excursion. We booked a day trip with Finn McCools Tours and it was 100% worth every penny. Seeing the cliffs up close and personal is such a spiritual experience. I could spend hours just walking the trails and overlooking the scenery. Just go!
I think Dublin is the perfect place to visit, especially if you’ve never been to Europe. The people are insanely nice, the food and drinks are to die for, and the city is perfectly walkable for a 1-2 day trip. Have you been to Dublin before? Let me know in the comments below if I missed anything. As always, I’m constantly recapping my trips over on my IG page so follow along for more tips!
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