How To Spend Three Days in Dublin?

You don’t need three weeks to fall in love with Dublin. In three days, you can see enough to understand why locals are so proud of their city – and maybe develop a brown bread addiction. This isn’t about cramming 17 museums into one afternoon or pretending every alley is a hidden gem. It’s about what’s actually doable, enjoyable, and won’t leave you needing a holiday from your holiday. Expect a mix of famous sites and a few not-so-obvious stops (no, not another pub crawl). From walking across the River Liffey to realizing Guinness really does taste better here, we’re keeping it real and skip-the-fluff. If you have 72 hours, decent walking shoes, and a working appetite, Dublin is totally manageable and fun. In this blog, we’ll show you how to spend 3 days in Dublin, covering the must-see sights and experiences the city has to offer.

Keoghs Café is set on 1 & 2 Trinity Street, Dublin 2, and is a family-run café. Wholesome, homely food is served here daily, from Monday to Saturday, starting from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm, and on Sunday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. Make sure to try the freshly baked scones and muffins. The café is ideal for Irish breakfasts and light lunches. Plus, it offers indoor and outdoor seating as well.

Trinity College Dublin was founded in 1592 and is Ireland’s oldest university, home to the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels in Latin. Made by Celtic monks, it’s famous for its intricate artwork and calligraphy. The Book of Kells is in the Long Room Library, a 65 m long hall with over 200,000 old books. It was made on the island of Iona, Scotland, and later moved to Kells, Ireland, for safekeeping after the Viking raids.

Stretching 400 m long, Grafton Street runs from College Green to St Stephen’s Green and is in the heart of Dublin. As a tourist starting near Trinity College, you’ll pass Brown Thomas, the luxury department store. Buskers (street performers) often perform near Bewley’s Grafton Street Café. The street is pedestrianized and has Marks & Spencer, Lush, and Pandora. At the St Stephen’s Green end, there’s a shopping center with a glass dome and various Irish and international stores. Just around the corner on Suffolk Street is the Molly Malone statue, which was moved in 2014.

The Grayson, Dublin is at 41 St. Stephen’s Green, perfect for a tasty breakfast with a menu that offers fresh salads, seasonal soups, and Irish-inspired mains. From roasted tomato and red pepper soup to Mediterranean chicken salad and fish and chips, all are made with local ingredients. It offers great views of St. Stephen’s Green too!

The Little Museum of Dublin is at 33 Lower Pembroke Street, a 5-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Green. Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, the last tour starts at 4:00 pm. Admission is granted by guided tour only, and make sure to book in advance as it’s very small. Exhibits include “The Golden Age of Dublin” with James Malton’s 18th-century views of the city and “The Editor’s Room,” a recreation of The Irish Times editorial office from the 1940s.

Jay Kay’s Café opened in March 2022 and is a family-run café located on Millennium Walkway, Dublin 1, near O’Connell Street and the Ha’penny Bridge. This eatery operates daily from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. You may enjoy all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch options here, serving a full Irish Breakfast, like Shakshuka Baked Eggs, Beefy Boy, Loaded Fries, and more. For something sweet, try their sweet crêpes, cold-pressed juices, and superfood smoothies. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. You may dine indoors or outdoors.

Dublin Castle—perched off Dame Street in the heart of Dublin—has a rich history dating back to the Viking era. That's where the story of the current castle begins, built from the ground up by King John of England in 1204. The complex has evolved over the centuries to include the State Apartments, the Chapel Royal, and the medieval undercroft. Today, it's a working government complex and one of Dublin's top tourist draws. Visitors can explore historic rooms and exhibitions through guided tours. The castle grounds are also home to the beautiful Dubh Linn Garden and the Chester Beatty Library—a museum housing rare manuscripts and art from all corners of the globe.

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol, located in Inchicore, Dublin, first opened its doors in 1796 and remained in operation until 1924. Over the years, it became a symbol of Ireland’s turbulent path to independence, housing many prominent political and revolutionary figures. Prisoners included leaders of the 1798 Rebellion, the Young Irelanders, and notably, the 1916 Easter Rising. The gaol gained a grim reputation for its harsh conditions and public executions, most famously the execution of 14 Easter Rising leaders in the Stonebreakers’ Yard. After its closure, the prison was left abandoned for decades until it was carefully restored and reopened as a museum in the 1960s. Today, guided tours offer visitors a powerful and immersive experience, leading them through restored prison cells, historical exhibitions, and the prison chapel—providing a deep insight into Ireland’s fight for freedom.

Broyage Bar, Bistro & Terrace is located at Hilton Dublin Kilmainham, overlooking Kilmainham Gaol and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). This eatery offers a laid-back dining experience with a modern art deco vibe. Brunch is served every weekend from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, including Full Irish fare like sweet crêpes and Mexican pancakes. The outdoor terrace is heated and pet-friendly with beautiful views of Kilmainham Gaol.

Herbstreet sits at 9 Hanover Quay in Dublin's Grand Canal Dock. This family-run café opened its doors in 2008. Customers love their Full Irish Breakfast, which comes with bacon, sausage, eggs, and black pudding. Another hit is the Eggos Mexicalos - baked eggs topped with tomato habanero sauce and avocado salsa. You can also dig into French toast with rum buttered bananas, Belgian waffles topped with clotted cream and berries, or wild mushrooms on toasted brioche. This place offers seats inside and outside, giving you views of the waterfront.

One of the best Dublin attractions is St. Patrick’s Cathedral! Located on St. Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, it is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Founded in 1191, it’s the largest cathedral in Ireland, and the construction has a Gothic architecture, 43-meter spire, vaulted roofs, and stained glass windows. Inside, you can see memorials including the grave of Jonathan Swift, author and former dean. The Lady Chapel (1270) and the Choir (restored by the Guinness family in the 19th century) are must-sees here. You can walk through the nave, chapels, and cloister and see exhibitions on the cathedral’s religious and historical significance as well.

One of the best things to do in Dublin is to visit the Guinness Storehouse, located at St. James’s Gate in Dublin, which is Ireland’s number one tourist attraction. Opened in 2000, it is situated in a former fermentation plant built in 1904. The 7-storey building is shaped like a giant pint glass around a central atrium where you can learn about the brewing process, ingredients, history, and advertising as you go floor by floor. A highlight is the Gravity Bar on the top floor, where you get 360-degree views of Dublin and a free pint of Guinness. The storehouse is open daily and is a 5-minute walk from the city center and Heuston Station.

The Legal Eagle is a modern Irish pub located at 1/2 Chancery Place, Dublin 7, near the Four Courts. They serve up a modern take on traditional Irish food using seasonal produce and classic flavors. Menu highlights include slow-cooked venison pie, crispy shimeji mushrooms, and half roast chicken with buttery mash and cavolo nero. Legal Eagle has an extensive selection of craft beers, whiskeys, and over 200 wines as well.

In conclusion, Dublin is full of history and fun spots to visit in three days. This guide covers the best of Dublin sightseeing to help you make the most of your trip.