Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Weekend in Dublin

Dublin, with a population that makes up a quarter of Ireland, is bustling with activities. Whether you're visiting one of the national museums, perusing art galleries, enjoying a Guinness at an 800-year-old pub, or celebrating events like the St. Patrick’s Festival in spring, there’s never a dull moment. The city boasts rich history, featuring ancient cathedrals, Viking artifacts, and 8th-century treasures like the Book of Kells, along with charming cafés and snug pubs. Getting around is simple, whether by foot, bus, Luas tram, or the DART to explore Dublin Bay or visit coastal villages and beaches. This four-day itinerary is designed for a Thursday to Sunday adventure, highlighting the best ways to enjoy the Irish capital.

Thursday: Exploring the city's Georgian Quarter

James Joyce’s iconic modernist novel Ulysses takes readers on a journey through Dublin on a single day in June 1904, making MoLI—the Museum of Literature Ireland—a perfect starting point for your exploration. Housed in a historic building across from St. Stephen’s Green, it’s usually less crowded and features regularly changing exhibits. The Ink and Imagination collaboration with University College Dublin showcases archived manuscripts from various Irish authors. Don't miss the chance to enjoy tea and scones in the garden at the Commons Café, which opens up to the tranquil Iveagh Gardens, ideal for a leisurely stroll through the rose garden.

Cross through St. Stephen’s Green park, where ample benches await for people-watching, to reach the Little Museum of Dublin. This historic house from 1776 brings the city’s story to life in an engaging way. Look for quirky exhibits, like one dedicated to the DART commuter train, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, or ask to see the stool crafted from a shutter at 11 Harcourt Terrace, marked by bullet holes from the 1916 Rising. The museum also displays a first English edition of Ulysses open to the last page, allowing you to claim you’ve completed the novel after your visit to MoLI. For eco-conscious shopping, check out Fresh Cuts Clothing on Castle Market for Dublin-designed clothing made from organic cotton, or find Dublin Herbalists skincare products at shops like Kilkenny Design or Nourish.

Stop by Lennan’s Yard for a Dirty Duck cocktail, featuring duck fat–washed Tanqueray gin, Lillet Blanc, and samphire brine, all set in a charming old coach house courtyard. Then, venture to Library Street for carefully crafted sharing plates of seasonal Irish cuisine. You might enjoy line-caught cured mackerel with tomato or salt-crusted venison paired with endive, pear, and beetroot. Save some space for a delightful dessert of sheep’s milk and marinated raspberry.

Friday: Exploring History and the High Seas

Begin your journey through Dublin’s history today at the Jeanie Johnston along the River Liffey quays. This replica ship was originally constructed in 1847 to ferry emigrants to Québec during the Great Famine (1845–49). A guided tour allows you to experience the cramped living conditions and hear tales of the perilous Atlantic voyages.

Next, trace the footsteps of Irish emigrants at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum located in the CHQ building, where captivating stories of renowned Irish figures from various fields such as sports, music, and politics are shared through cutting-edge digital displays.

From there, stroll or hop on the Luas tram for a few stops back towards the city center. “For lunch, I highly recommend the Winding Stair next to the Ha’penny Bridge—it’s a true Dublin institution,” shares Marianna Kovacova, concierge at the Morrison Hotel on Lower Ormond Quay. “They focus on organic Irish produce, and there's also a bookshop.” The Winding Stair’s menu boasts hearty Irish dishes, featuring favorites like hand-smoked haddock poached in milk served with onions and white Cheddar mash, or potted Dingle Bay crab paired with pickled cucumber and toasted soda bread.

“Bovinity on nearby Capel Street is another top pick, serving Irish beef and organic ingredients. It’s a vibrant spot with a true ‘north Dublin’ vibe—dimly lit, musical, and the decor is wonderfully quirky,” adds Marianna.

Just a few more stops on the Luas red line brings you to Dublin’s Phoenix Park, a favorite among locals for its expansive 6.8 square miles of green space. Chef and co-owner James Moore of D’Olier Street restaurant, who relocated to Dublin in 2022 after working globally, is particularly fond of this park.

“We often take our dog Ruby to Phoenix Park. Having moved from New York City, where crowds are everywhere, it's a refreshing change. After passing through the touristy area, you find yourself in endless fields, rolling hills, and grass. You might even spot wild deer roaming about. It feels like a getaway from the city,” shares James. The park’s Victorian Tea Rooms, established in 1896, are perfect for enjoying organic coffee and delicious cakes.

Be sure to save room for the 13-course tasting menu at D’Olier Street, a recent addition (2022) set in a beautifully restored historic building in the city center. It received its first Michelin star in February for its inventive and artfully presented dishes, including cured hamachi with smoked eel, sesame, and kimchi; cod paired with basil, girolle, and chicken; and pear infused with cardamom and tarragon.

Saturday: Exploring Historic Dublin

Begin your day by wandering through the historic Liberties district, home to Christ Church Cathedral, which boasts over a millennium of history. A self-guided tour will lead you into the underground crypt, where you can admire ancient manuscripts, a royal plate gifted by William III in 1697, and even a mummified cat and rat discovered in the organ pipe during renovations in 1850.

For lunch, don't miss the tasting menu at Delahunt, located in a repurposed pub on Camden Street (a pleasant 15-minute walk). The menu features delightful Irish ingredients, occasionally foraged, such as sea bream crudo with blackcurrant and jalapeño, or haddock served with girolles, York cabbage, and mussels.

Stop by Marsh’s Library to immerse yourself in the towering shelves of ancient leather-bound books and relish the timeless ambiance. Founded in 1707, the library remains unchanged. Conclude your afternoon with a Teeling Tasting Tour at Teelings Distillery, where you'll discover the whiskey-making process and learn about Dublin's status as a whiskey production hub in the 1800s, boasting 37 distilleries. You'll also have the chance to sample some award-winning whiskeys. Dinner at Variety Jones promises a culinary delight with its six-course sharing menu that blends Irish ingredients with global influences; be sure to try the oyster snack with Vietnamese dressing and cucumber, or the barbecued monkfish paired with curried tomato sauce and squid.

James Moore shares his favorite spot for a night off is Spitalfields. “We enjoy relaxing in the snug, savoring delicious food, and having a pint of Guinness. Their beef cheek and oxtail sandwich comes with a side of rich bone marrow gravy for dipping. In the chilly winter months, it's wonderful to indulge in something hearty.” For live music, don’t forget to check out Vicar Street (make a reservation) or Whelan’s, a popular venue for indie singer-songwriters.

Sunday: A coastal adventure with scenic walks

Today is perfect for exploring Dublin’s coastline. Start your morning with a sausage roll, a morning bun, and coffee from the organic sourdough bakery Bread 41, then board the DART train at Dublin Pearse or Tara Street for a 30-minute ride to the charming village of Howth. Begin your day with a stroll along the Cliff Path Loop (arrive early to avoid the crowds). The route meanders from the harbor along the stunning cliffs (remember to wear sturdy shoes), offering breathtaking views of Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye, and Dublin Bay. This two-hour trek will surely whet your appetite for Howth chowder (featuring cod, salmon, and smoked haddock) or the fisherman’s pie at the Abbey Tavern.

“There’s a lovely spot at the top of the East Pier that basks in the afternoon sun,” shares Howth local, Sean Doran, whose family has operated fish shop Dorans on the Pier for over 60 years. “You can watch trawlers returning from a day at sea, ferries shuttling back and forth, or sailing boats gliding by. Keep an eye out for various seabirds—seagulls, cormorants, kittiwakes, and possibly a gannet. Don’t forget to stop by Anne’s shop across the road for a ’99' ice cream cone, the finest in Howth.”

In the afternoon, embark on a one-hour boat journey from Howth pier around the wildlife haven of Ireland’s Eye (roughly one mile from the harbor) with Ireland’s Eye Ferries. Keep an eye out for local seals and various nesting seabirds such as guillemots, gannets, puffins, and gulls. For dinner, reserve a table at the neighborhood bistro Mamó, where fresh Irish ingredients are expertly crafted with a modern European flair—sample the Winetavern farm pork loin and ribs, or the stuffed Irish sea brill with langoustine. “The hospitality is fantastic,” remarks James Moore from D’Olier Street. “We linger there for four hours on a Sunday, gazing out at the ocean, always ordering nearly 90 percent of the menu.”

Where to stay

For a glimpse of Georgian-style opulence, the townhouse rooms in the Main House of the Merrion Hotel are adorned in 18th-century decor, complete with rococo plasterwork and marble fireplaces. The hotel is conveniently located near numerous museums and galleries. Be sure to indulge in afternoon tea in the hotel’s exquisite Georgian drawing rooms after your explorations.

Anantara the Marker Dublin, located on Grand Canal Square in the south docklands, provides a serene getaway with locally inspired cuisine at Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins. The hotel also features a spa and an indoor infinity pool, along with stunning views from the rooftop bar overlooking the docklands and extending to the Dublin Mountains.

The Morrison Hotel, situated on Lower Ormond Quay, is a luxurious haven right in the heart of the city center. Some rooms offer views of the River Liffey, as does the Morrison Grill, where you can enjoy people-watching over the quays through large windows while savoring a succulent Josper-grilled steak or sipping a Bow Street Julep made with whiskey from the nearby Jameson distillery on Bow Street.