This post is all about how to spend 3 days in Dublin.

(updated February 16, 2022)

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Planning a trip to Ireland?

Only 3 Days in Dublin can seem overwhelming in a city that offers so much! Dublin is full of beautiful sights, incredible food, and beer… lots and lots of beer!

I’ve created this Ultimate Dublin Checklist for your trip, so you don’t miss a thing.

Shop My Dublin Essentials

Where to Stay in Dublin

Choosing where to stay in Dublin can be tricky.

First, you’ll need to decide whether you want to stay on the North or Southside.

If it’s your first time in Dublin and you want to be around the tourist destinations, you might want to stay on the south side.

However, the north side is equally as great and where most young locals spend their time.

The great thing is, wherever you choose to stay – Dublin is very walkable and you can be on the other side of the city in less than a half-hour.

Best Accommodations for your Budget

Budget – Jacobs Inn Hostel

Moderate – Zanzibar Locke

Luxury- The Gresham Hotel

Throughout my trips to Dublin, I’ve managed to narrow down the highlights so you can have an amazing jam-packed 3 Days in Dublin Ireland.

3-Day Dublin Itinerary (short version)

Day 1 – Free Walking Tour, Book of Kells, Trinity College, Grafton Street.

Day 2 – Full Day Tour of Cliffs of Moher OR Giants Causeway.

Day 3 – National Gallery or Guinness Factory tour, Christ Church Cathedral, Pub Crawl or Sin E Nightclub & Temple Bar.

How to Spend 3 Days in Dublin (detailed version)

Day 1

Start your day off with a free walking tour.

Free Walking Tours are the perfect way to get to know a new city.

While the tour itself is free, don’t forget to tip your guide! Expect to spend 2-3 hours on this tour and I recommend tipping 10-15 euros per person.

I always ask my tour guides their favorite food spots and nightlife.

Book of Kells and Trinity College

After your free walking tour, visit Trinity College Book Of Kells Exhibition.

This is something you MUST see during your time in Dublin. Tours book up quickly. I recommend buying your ticket in advance online.

Book a tour here for fast-track access to Book of Kells and a Dublin Castle Tour.

After a full day of tours and sightseeing, enjoy your free time and wander around Grafton street.

Day 2

On your second day in Dublin, consider booking a full-day tour to some of the iconic landmarks in Ireland.

Unfortunately with only 3 days, you just can’t do it all! Both the Cliffs of Moher and Giants Causeway are both fantastic day trips from Dublin.

The driving distance is several hours to both destinations, but they do a great job by breaking it up with fun sights and stops along the way.

Day 3

On your last day in Dublin, you’ll want to see either The National Gallery of Ireland or visit the Guinness Factory if you’re a beer lover.

Expect to spend about 3 hours at each of these activities.

The National Gallery is free. The Guinness Ticket is about $30 (check for discounts).

Next, head over to Christ Church Cathedral if you didn’t get a chance to see it on the free walking tour.

End your time in Dublin with a pub crawl. If pub crawls aren’t your thing, stop by Temple Bar and Sin E Nightclub for a guaranteed fun night out in Dublin.

That concludes a full 3 days of Dublin, Ireland

This itinerary was based on highlights of my own experiences in Dublin and can be switched around to accommodate your interests and time.

Although 3 days isn’t nearly enough time to explore this historic city, I think it’s the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what it has to offer. Enjoy your time in Dublin!