48 hours in Dublin means stepping straight into a whirlwind of charm, history, and the occasional drizzle. The first stop has to be breakfast, and no, not a sad croissant from the airport. Head to Brother Hubbard on Capel Street for eggs that actually taste like eggs and coffee that will keep you standing upright. If you’re feeling indulgent, add some freshly baked pastries into the mix—after all, you’re on holiday.
Once fuelled, wander over to Trinity College. The Long Room in the library is one of those places that makes you wonder why you ever settled for e-books. The Book of Kells is in there too, and while it’s beautiful, the real showstopper is that ceiling of infinite bookshelves. If old things in glass cases are your jam, the National Museum of Ireland is nearby and won’t cost a cent. If you prefer history with a bit of a grim twist, take a detour to the Little Museum of Dublin, where you’ll find a collection of quirky artefacts and stories that make the city’s past feel alive.
By now, a pint is in order. The Guinness Storehouse is the obvious choice, but if the idea of paying to learn how beer is made feels a bit much, skip straight to the Gravity Bar at the top for panoramic views and a stout that somehow tastes better than anywhere else. If Guinness isn’t your thing, head to The Brazen Head, which claims to be Ireland’s oldest pub. It’s old, it’s atmospheric, and the chances of overhearing a good story are high. If you want to keep things light before lunch, stop by a whiskey distillery—Teeling’s is a solid choice, offering tasting flights that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about Irish whiskey.
Lunch should involve something hearty. The Woollen Mills does modern Irish food that doesn’t feel like a gimmick. If you fancy something quick, grab a toastie from Loose Canon and pretend melted cheese is one of your five-a-day. If you’re craving seafood, Klaw does oysters and crab rolls that feel just right when paired with a crisp glass of white wine. Walk it off along the River Liffey, crossing the Ha’penny Bridge, which is basically Dublin’s favourite photo backdrop. If the mood strikes, pop into one of the many bookshops dotted around town, like The Winding Stair, where you can find great reads while sipping on a coffee.
Evening means Temple Bar, but approach with caution. Yes, it’s lively, but it’s also full of tourists paying double for pints. Instead, find a snug in Grogan’s, order a pint of the black stuff and a toasted sandwich, and marvel at the fact that this is considered a proper dinner. If you’re after something more refined, try Chapter One, where you can feast on Michelin-starred Irish cuisine. If the night is still young, Whelan’s is the spot for live music, where you might just catch the next big thing before they start charging stadium prices. If you prefer a more traditional session, Cobblestone in Smithfield is where you’ll hear folk music played the way it was meant to be played.
A Dublin morning requires a proper breakfast, and that means hitting up Queen of Tarts. Tea, scones, and an unnecessary-but-totally-justified slice of cake will sort you out. If you need something heartier, grab a full Irish breakfast at The Fumbally—it’s the kind of meal that makes skipping lunch seem like a valid option. Walk it off through St. Stephen’s Green, which is just as pretty in the rain as in the sun (maybe even more so). If the weather is on your side, wander further to the Grand Canal Dock area, where you’ll find modern architecture and a calmer side of the city.
For a bit of history, Kilmainham Gaol is well worth a visit. It’s one of those places that reminds you Ireland has a past that’s more than just pints and fiddles. Book ahead, because it’s popular, and for good reason. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, the Dublin Writers Museum celebrates literary greats like Joyce, Yeats, and Beckett, and it’s a must for book lovers.
Lunch should be at Delahunt, where the menu reads like a love letter to Irish produce. If you’re after something more casual, fish and chips from Leo Burdock’s will do the trick. Just watch out for seagulls with no regard for personal space. If you want something comforting but a little different, try a bowl of coddle—a Dublin stew of sausage, bacon, and potatoes that sounds basic but tastes like a warm hug.
An afternoon trip out to Howth is a good idea if the city feels a bit much. A quick train ride gets you to a fishing village with coastal walks, seafood that actually tastes like the sea, and the chance to breathe in air that isn’t mostly car fumes. The Howth Cliff Walk is the perfect excuse to stretch your legs, and the view at the summit is well worth the effort. If you stay for dinner, go for Octopussy – yes, that’s really its name, and yes, the seafood tapas are excellent. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab an ice cream from one of the seaside shops and pretend the Irish weather is ever warm enough for it.
Back in town, wrap your 48 hours in Dublin up with a final drink at The Long Hall. It’s old, it’s atmospheric, and it looks exactly how you want a Dublin pub to look. If you’re still not ready to call it a night, finish things off at Peruke & Periwig, a cocktail bar where the drinks are as theatrical as the decor. By this point, you’ll probably be considering a move to Dublin. That, or at least one more pint before reality calls.
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