Dublin – home of the nicest locals I’ve ever met during my travels. I was pleasantly surprised by the warm and welcoming culture, and not just when visiting one of their famous pubs. This post is designed to help you make the most out of a short stint in Dublin before heading out to explore the beautiful countryside and idyllic coast. Ideally, you would fly into Dublin and spend 1-2 days in town before renting a car and heading out along the coast on the famous ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ or ‘Copper Coast’ routes.

TravelingKT – Dublin Guide for a printout / screenshot version of this guide for easy reference during your travels.

Where to Stay:

Generator Dublin

Hostel with both shared and private rooms, and right next door to the Jameson Distillery (open from 10am-7pm, great for a tour on arrival day while waiting for your room or after check-out). Located in a quiet but walkable neighborhood. Walking distance from the busy Temple Bar / main tourist area (~15 minute walk).

What to Do:

• Start your morning with a guided tour at the Kilmainham Gaol, one of the most important sites to understand Ireland’s long, contentious, and violent history with Britain. This location is a monument to the former jail, built in 1796, that held thousands of prisoners, including those who fought for Irish independence.
  • Book your tour(s) in advance online and aim for a morning time slot – a great first introduction into the Republic of Ireland’s history.
• Next, head to 1837 Bar & Brasserie for lunch at the Guinness Storehouse, and then book an early afternoon tour. The storehouse is a must-visit, for drinkers and non-drinkers alike. This multi-story location will walk you through the famous beer’s history, ending with a top-floor bar with 360-views of Dublin – and a pint is included in your tour ticket!
• Hop in a ride over to Trinity College, founded in 1592, to walk off your pint and enjoy the beautiful architecture, cobblestone roads, and expansive parks. Start at The Long Room in the college’s Old Library, home to 200,000 of their oldest books, including the famous Book of Kells, an illuminated religious manuscript of the New Testament from the medieval period. Proceeds from your visit are invested back into the college.
• From Trinity College, walk towards the river (River Liffey) to Fleet street into the Temple Bar area (~8 minute walk). This area is known as the cultural hub of the town and where you want to go for classic pub drinking. Before grabbing a pint, head to Gallagher’s Boxty House for a classic Irish dinner.
• After dinner, walk along Fleet Street to the famous Temple Bar Pub where you can drink with locals and tourists alike, in a quintessential Irish pub that’s been around since 1840.