4 days in Dublin is plenty of time to immerse yourself in the city and gives you the freedom to get out of the hustle and bustle and experience a little bit of Ireland away from the bright lights and noise of the city.
And while some people might tell you to avoid the city, as a Dubliner, I say don’t listen to them. Dublin has so much to see and do as a tourist destination (I should know, I’ve lived, worked and explored my home city as a tourist), that even 4 days might not feel like enough.
So, with that in mind, I’ve curated the ultimate 4 days in Dublin itinerary to help you explore the best the city has to offer, without feeling rushed. You’ll combine history, culture, food and drink, and even a trip to the countryside, giving you the best of both worlds.
Get ready to immerse yourself in Dublin.
Check out my other Dublin itineraries here:
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4-Day Dublin Itinerary
Day 1: Historical Landmarks & Cultural Immersion
Morning:
Start your time in the city with a guided walking tour of Dublin. There is honestly no better way to get to grips with the city than with a local bringing you around.
As well as getting acquainted with the city’s layout, you will get a deep dive into Dublin, its history and more from knowledgeable locals.
If you haven’t had breakfast and want to fill your bellies, take a walking food tour of Dublin. My son and I did the Underground Donut Tour of Dublin (read my review of this food tour), and it was amazing.
Our tour guide took us to four different donut establishments across the city while sharing their knowledge and stories of the city with us. It was a great way to explore the city.
Next up, I recommend you visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells.
Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university, and there are lots of nooks and crannies to visit within its walls. The most famous, of course, being the Book of Kells.
This ancient religious manuscript is intricately detailed and is a must-see. Housed in an exhibition attached to the iconic Long Room Library, there is an interesting exhibition about the book before you view 2 pages of the manuscript itself.
Note: At the end of 2025, the Long Room will be closed for restoration and redevelopment. Currently, there are a limited number of busts and shelves with books still in place in the Long Room. Visitors will be able to experience a reimagined Long Room in a new digital, immersive exhibition.
Afternoon:
Since it isn’t too far from Trinity College, the next stop on your itinerary for Dublin should be Dublin Castle.
Dublin Castle isn’t just a castle; it is also a government centre and complex. Constructed in the 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement, it was the headquarters of the English governors of Ireland during British Rule.
Want to know about Ireland’s history? Read this article.
There are both guided and self-guided tours of Dublin, and since you are visiting in the afternoon, you will be limited to self-guided tours as the guided tours book out fast in the morning and cannot be prebooked online.
The State Apartments are the section of Dublin Castle that is the tourist attraction and gives visitors a glimpse into the opulence enjoyed by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (later Viceroy) and his family when in residence.
Rooms you can visit include the State Drawing Room, Viceroy’s Bedchamber, his study, and my personal favorite, St Patrick’s Hall, which is used nowadays for the swearing-in ceremonies of the President of Ireland.
I dare you not to take as many pictures of this stunning room as I did.
After your State Apartments visit, you cannot leave Dublin Castle without going to visit the Chester Beatty Library. As one of the amazing free things to do in Dublin, this library is actually a museum featuring the private collection of religious and secular books and artworks from the late Chester Beatty.
I was introduced to this museum on my private walking tour of Dublin with Alan Byrne, and I loved it so much that only a few weeks later ,I went back.
The museum has two floors and is divided by country or region, and by religion. The artwork and manuscripts on display are beautiful. I loved the Japanese warrior armor and the collection of Islamic scripts.
After Dublin, Castle stroll back towards Grafton Street and enjoy some retail therapy along this pedestrianized street, where you might also get to enjoy some local street performances.
If you are looking for some upmarket items, pop into Brown Thomas. Or for cheap Irish souvenirs to bring back to family and friends, go into Carroll’s. I can’t resist taking a look in Carroll’s for something to have at home.
Evening:
After a busy day, it’s time for dinner and drinks. You can head to the Temple Bar District for both. For food, you have a wealth of options available to you including the Thunder Road Café (I’ve eaten here many moons ago), the Bad Ass Café, or the Seafood Café by Niall Sabongi.
For drinks, you are also spoiled for choice. The Temple Bar pub is a tourist trap and very expensive. It is also nearly impossible to find a seat in the evenings, especially at the weekends. But if you don’t mind standing or being charged a fortune, then have one drink there before moving on.
Alternatively, why not pop into the 4-star Morgan Hotel for a cocktail or two. To avoid the worst of the crowds, head to Darky Kelly’s or The Palace Bar, the quieter non-touristy pubs in the area. For the chance to enjoy some music, head to Buskers.
Day 2: Museums & Local Experiences
Morning:
Set your alarm for 7 am and grab breakfast in your hotel or from a nearby café. If you have time, I can recommend Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street for a hearty breakfast.
Then, your first stop is going to be St Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the largest in Ireland and known for its stunning architecture.
There are audio guides that can explain each section or artefact in the cathedral, and there are also free guided tours throughout the day. To be honest, the self-guided option will suffice.
From St Patrick’s Cathedral, you will head to the nearby Christ Church Cathedral. They are located within an easy 8-minute walk of each other.
I first visited Christ Church Cathedral on a school tour when I was 12, and the one thing that stuck with me since then was the visit to the crypt. But it has changed between then and my most recent visit.
As one of the oldest buildings in Dublin and with its medieval crypt, it is easy to see why Christ Church Cathedral is one of Dublin’s top tourist attractions.
Christ Church Cathedral offers visitors audio self-guided tours as well as guided tours with knowledgeable staff.
Visitors can explore the nave with its many treasures, go below ground to the crypt (look out for Tom and Jerry), and take time to reflect.
Note: Both St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral are places of worship and may be closed for special services. If a public service is taking place, no photography is permitted during the service.
Afternoon:
After a morning checking out Dublin’s amazing cathedrals, their treasures and architecture, it’s time for some local museums.
To reach the two museums I am writing about below, I highly recommend you get a taxi or a Luas to reach them, as it is a 25 to 30-minute walk to reach them.
If you are getting a Luas, walk across the Ha’Penny Bridge to the Jervis Luas Stop, and take a Luas Red Line tram heading towards The Point (do not take one heading for Connelly Station). You will alight at the George’s Dock stop, and EPIC is in the CHQ Dublin building just across the road from you, with the entrance being at the front facing the River Liffey.
Epic the Irish Emigration Museum is an amazing interactive experience that details the history of Irish emigration and what became of the Irish diaspora.
You will journey through 20 galleries that each have a story to tell. You will learn about the Famine and how it affected not only the population in Ireland, but also other countries where the Irish landed.
You will learn about both important and famous people across the globe with direct links to Ireland. And for those traveling with kids, make sure to pick up their EPIC passport so they can stamp it in each room.
EPIC is an incredible museum to visit in Dublin, and you can get a combined ticket for visiting it and your next stop, the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship.
Across the road from EPIC, you will find the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship, a replica Famine ship permanently moored on the River Liffey.
During a 1-hour guided tour, you will learn all about famine ships, their roles to play in one of Ireland’s darkest times in history, and about some of the passengers of the Jeanie Johnston itself.
My son and I visited with my sister on a past visit to Dublin, and it was brilliant. The tour guides are especially engaging with children, ideal for those exploring Dublin with kids.
Both EPIC and the Jeanie Johnston are worth visiting when in Dublin, and that is why I’ve included them in this 4-day Dublin itinerary.
Evening:
For your dinner tonight, take a taxi to The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub. This traditional Irish pub is located near Christ Church Cathedral, but you should get a taxi to it and back to your hotel if it is dark out.
You can get dinner and enjoy drinks in the pub, beer terrace or restaurant sections (note the bar section fills up quickly), and I can recommend the ham and mashed potatoes.
On a winter’s evening, the fire might be lit, making it a cozy place to relax and enjoy a pint of Guinness, a popular thing to order in Irish pubs. And if you are lucky, you might also get to enjoy some live music.
When your evening comes to a close, ask one of the barmen to order you a taxi, or order one via Uber or the FreeNow app.
Day 3: Day Trip to the Countryside
Today is all about getting out of the city and into the Irish countryside. If you are going for option 1, you will need to set your alarm super early, as most of the tours depart from Dublin by 7 am at the latest.
Option 1: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Your first option for getting out of the Irish capital is to take one of the best Cliffs of Moher tours from Dublin. These full-day tours offer you the chance to visit the iconic Cliffs in County Clare, along with another destination, which is usually Galway City.
Leaving Dublin early, your tour will head west and bring you to the Cliffs of Moher, where you will have time to check out the exhibitions in the Visitor Centre as well as walk on the paved paths along the top of the cliffs.
Afterwards, your tour will bring you to another destination, often times Galway City, where you will have free time to enjoy the centre of the city. Another destination often included in these tours is a visit to Bunratty Castle, one of my all-time favorite castles in Ireland.
Check out my top picks of Cliffs of Moher Tours from Dublin to decide which one is the best for you.
Your tour bus will bring you back to Dublin in the evening, usually dropping you off at the same pick-up point.
Option 2: Glendalough & Powerscourt Gardens
Another great tour to take from Dublin is one which brings you to the beautiful Glendalough. There are both half and full day tours to Glendalough from Dublin, so you can decide how long you want to be out of the city for.
Half-day tours usually take in Glendalough and parts of the Wicklow Mountains, while full-day tours often include a trip to Kilkenny, another great Irish city to visit.
Some tours will also bring you to the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens and waterfall, the second-highest waterfall in Ireland.
Read this article for more ideas for day tours to take from Dublin.
Whichever option you decide to enjoy, it is a great way to enjoy a bit more of Ireland than just Dublin, without the hassle of doing any driving in Ireland yourself or moving hotels.
Day 4: Distilleries & Local Flavors
Morning and afternoon:
Don’t set your alarm too early this morning, especially if you took a full-day tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin. Ease yourself out of bed, but don’t forget to get breakfast as you will need it.
Today is all about drinks and local flavors.
First up, the Jameson Distillery Bow Street. Enjoy a guided tour of the Bow Street distillery where you will learn all about the founder, his foray into whiskey making and the history behind the distillery.
You will taste Jameson straight from the barrel and afterwards enjoy a signature Jameson cocktail in the JJ Bar.
After a leisurely lunch, head to the Guinness Storehouse. I recommend you take a taxi to reach it as although it is a 20 to 25-minute walk, the walk takes you through some unsavory areas of Dublin. So, play it safe and get a taxi.
The Guinness Storehouse is somewhere that eluded me for a long time. On my private guided tour of Dublin, Alan took me to Guinness’ first.
We decided to do a self-guided tour of the experience to allow us to pick and choose which areas we spent the most time in.
The experience is set across seven floors and is dedicated to the history and evolution of Guinness from its inception in 1759 to the present day.
You can learn about the brewing process, explore the world of marketing the famous Guinness brand, and more.
Once you have fully explored the different floors, make your way up to the eighth floor to the Gravity Bar, where, on a good day, you can enjoy unrivalled 360° views of the skyline of Dublin city, all the way to the Dublin Mountains. A pint of Guinness or a soft drink is included in your ticket.
Evening:
For your evening, you should enjoy dinner at Gallagher’s Boxty House. Located in the heart of Temple Bar, not far from Merchant’s Arch at the Ha’Penny Bridge, this restaurant not only serves great Irish food, they also serve their own brewed beer.
Customers can dine on Irish dishes such as fish and chips, Irish stew and a Dublin Coddle. They are most famous for their boxty dishes. A boxty is a traditional Irish potato cake, and this restaurant puts its own twist on it.
If you fancy something different, why not take a food tour of Dublin? They’re another great way to enjoy the city while tasting delicious food.
Another option is to combine dinner and a show, such as the Music and Dance Show at the Irish House Party.
This entertaining option allows you to enjoy a 3-course meal before an hour and a half of Irish music and dance. This would be a great way to round off your Dublin 4-day itinerary.
Planning a trip to Dublin for 4 days – Additional Tips & Recommendations
How to get around Dublin
Dublin is a walkable city, so for most of your time you can explore it on foot. In this itinerary for Dublin in 4 days, you will be joining at least one walking tour of Dublin on your first day to get your bearings, and from there, things should feel easier.
On three occasions I have recommended getting a taxi, and you can call one via Uber or through the FreeNow app.
Dublin is also served by a comprehensive public bus service, two tram lines that cross the city and go out to the suburbs called the Luas, and the DART, which is the train line that runs along its coast from Howth in the north to Bray in the south.
Read my comprehensive guide to getting around Dublin.
Where to stay in Dublin
Dublin has plenty of accommodation options for those on all types of budgets.
There are hostels catering for those visiting Ireland on a budget, to luxurious 5-star hotels, and everything in between. There are even Dublin hotels with rooftop bars, the perfect place to stay and enjoy drinks at sunset on dry summer evenings.
Prices will vary, especially by star-rating and location to the city centre.
If you are looking to stay in a 4-star city centre hotel, I can highly recommend The Grafton Hotel, located near the St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre.
My son and I stayed there during a trip home to Dublin, and it was amazing. We had breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel across our overnight stay, and the beds were very comfortable.
What to bring to Dublin
For this itinerary, you will need comfortable shoes. Depending on the time of year for your visit to Ireland, you might want to bring waterproof shoes. No-one likes exploring with wet shoes!
I highly recommend you bring a waterproof raincoat to ensure you can stay dry when those unpredictable showers arrive in Dublin.
For anyone visiting Ireland in summer, I also recommend a sleep mask as the days are bright from early in the morning until 10pm.
And for anyone staying in the heart of Dublin or in Temple Bar, remember some earplugs. My personal favorites are the Mighty Earplugs. I never travel without them.
And last but not least, remember a waterproof backpack for carry your personal items and those all important souvenirs. Ideally, ensure the one you bring an anti-theft backpack to avoid any pickpocketing. Dublin is a safe enough city but as with all big cities, petty crime can and does happen.
For more safety tips for visiting the Irish capital, read my article about safety in Dublin.
Final thoughts
This Dublin itinerary for 4 days will allow you to enjoy the best the city has to offer while also affording you the chance to escape the hustle and bustle and see a bit more of Ireland.
This 4-day itinerary for Dublin is a great mix of the city’s history, culture and modern liveliness. You’ll have an amazing time exploring all the Irish capital has to offer visitors and come away with some incredible memories of your short and sweet trip to the Emerald Isle.
Before you go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
- Best Time to Visit Dublin
- Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Dublin
- Best Free Things to Do in Dublin
- Is Dublin Safe?
- How to Get Around Dublin
- How to Spend 3 Days in Dublin
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