3-Day Trip To Dublin: Travel Guide
Dublin is a cultured and varied spot that has much more than the stereotypes. It is not only the land of Guinness and Saint Patrick’s Day. In fact, it thrives with live music pubs, it is home to Francis Bacon’s studio, has the largest obelisk in Europe, and has the treasure of Irish literature inside Trinity College, amongst many other things. If you have ever wondered what Dublin has or if you just like travelling, read ahead!
ARRIVAL DAY: THURSDAY
1. Flight: 17:20h - 19:00h
TIP 1: There is an hour difference between Spain and Dublin.
TIP 2: When you arrive at the airport, if you plan on moving around a lot or your Airbnb is not in the center, buy a “Leap Visitor Card” at the information desk. (72-hour pass for public transport for 19,50 €. A normal ticket is approximately 3-6€)
2. Go out for dinner at Temple Bar Area
Take a walk through Grafton Street to the area of Temple Bar, between Dame Street and the river Liffey to find dozens of bars and Irish pubs.
TIP: If you go to the actual Temple Bar, the price of the drinks increases as the night passes. You might start taking pints at 5pm for 3€ and end up at 9pm being charged with 7€. Be careful.
Temple Bar Area, apart from being one of the main hubs of Dublin's nightlife, welcomes different markets during the day such as the Food Market, or the Book Market. The area was also chosen by several cultural associations, art galleries and some alternative fashion stores. It is worth revisiting to have a walk during the day.
3. Going out in Temple Bar Area…
Club M: a club of 1,000 people capacity and 2 floors that surround the main dance floor. With the chance of booking and getting VIP and chill out areas. It is known as one of Dublin’s longest established nights spots
The Palace: cLocated in the ballroom of the Camden De Luxe Hotel, used as set in the film “The Commitments,” is a club known for good music and a great atmosphere.urrently being remodelled.
Other clubs worth looking for :
Mono: decor of a bachelor pad, with diverse alcohol, where most of the students go.
Fireworks (for Saturdays): party at an unusual venue, a converted fire station.
Velvet: if you are looking for where locals like to party, head here.
Copperface Jack’s (free entry from Monday to Wednesday): relaxing club to enjoy some drinks before going out to dance.
Switch (Gay Night on Mondays): one of the clubs that opens until late, located in Temple Bar with something happening all the time.
DAY 2: FRIDAY
1. FREE TOUR: Start your day with a Free Walking Tour (10 AM or 11 AM). I personally recommend the company Sandemans. A free walking tour can be the best way to orientate yourself in the city, discover the history and culture of Dublin and really find out what are the worth-while attractions. The tour takes around 3 hours. At the end of the tour, the tour guide will ask for a tip, which is not mandatory but recommended, ranging from 5€ per person to 15€.
They will take you to see the outsides of the Dublin’s Castle; Queen Elizabeth gardens of Dubh Linn; Viking Remains, outside of the Holy Trinity Cathedral; the origins of U2 in Temple Bar; and the Trinity College building.
Trinity College: world-wide known for being a beautiful Instagram location, with its barrel-vaulted roof and dusty shelves. This library is home to treasures of Irish literature, such as The Book of Kells (manuscript from 800 AD), and a rare copy of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic.
Renaissance Marsh’s LibraryIf you are interested in other libraries, , Ireland’s first public library, opened in 1707 and is said to be a mesmerising spot for book lovers.
By this time you will be tired and your best option will be to have lunch near Trinity College, next to the Molly Malone’s statue, who was a fishmonger who plied her trade on the streets of Dublin, known as a hawker by day and part-time prostitute by night...
You will find multiple Cafeterias and Restaurants with affordable menu prices. After this, walk through Nassau Street. Grab some snacks for a picnic and make your way to…
Merrion Square: You will walk pass by the Number Twenty-Nine, a Gregorian house museum. It is furnished and recreates a typical bourgeois dwelling in Dublin of between 1790 and 1820. Other than a light walk, you can find an extensive collection of sculptures, like the well-known Oscar Wilde, 100-year-old lampposts and remains of an air raid shelter.
St. Stephen's Park: This park is perfect to walk around and find a spot to sit and have a picnic. The approximately 9 hectares of land, extends to a beautiful pond inhabited by gulls and swans, but the most curious thing is an area specialised for the blind. This part of the park has aromatic plants that are labelled in braille.
DAY 2: SATURDAY
Alternative 1 - Prison and City Visiting
Kilmainham Prison: It opened in 1796 and today it is a memorial from the rebellion of 1798. To make this visit possible, book in advance (like a month), and wake up early to get there at 10 AM. The price is 5€.
Guinness Factory: you can contemplate a striking exhibition on the four ingredients that make up the beer, see the brewing process, and get to drink beer at the end! Tickets are available online with a 10% discount.
Around the area, you will also find Christ Church's Cathedral and Saint Patrick's Cathedral.
Alternative 2 - Howth Day Trip
The emerald isle, also known as Howth, is an ancient fishing village in the outskirts of Dublin. Nature, legends, Irish history, trekking and breathtaking views. You can take a 30-minute train ride to get there from Dublin. This is the perfect one day trip if you like a more “spiritual” vibe of travelling.
If you are an animal lover, you will get to see guillemots, eagles, seals and wild animals. Other than that, it has Neolithic standing stones from Medieval ruins, food markets and a beautiful coast. Because of Howth’s proximity to the sea, it has amazing fresh fish and seafood.
You can see Ireland's Eye, the Cliffs of Moher, hikes, the pier or the Howth Castle (linked to pirates!)
Afternoon plan - Phoenix Park
This park is one of the largest city-center parks in the world, the first in Europe, and it is 350-years-old. Here you can find the President’s House, Dublin zoo, an abandoned military fort and, if you are lucky, sometimes people spot dears!
RETURN DAY: SUNDAY
Depending on the time of your flight, you might not have had time to do all the things planned. A good option to make it on time to do your homework due next week or Sunday night is an early morning flight, but Dublin has many more things to see. Take note for your next trip!
The Museum of History and Archeology: pass by this underrated spot, a beautiful building and a home to an array of Egyptian offerings, Viking skeletons, tales of Irish clans and dissected insects (free entrance).
Marks & Spencer Terrace Café: if you did not eat scones, either buy them at TESCO for a really cheap price or enjoy this sweet delicatessen with a hot tea at the Marks & Spencer terrace. You can also buy an Afternoon Tea Pack, which is a British classic, consisting of a meal of sandwiches, usually cut delicately into 'fingers', scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cake.
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