Top 3 Itineraries in Dublin

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Dublin.

If you only have a few days, Dublin weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Dublin offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Dublin are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Dublin’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Dublin offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Ireland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Dublin truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Dublin belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Dublin are just a quick search away.

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Discover the perfect Dublin itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Dublin for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Dublin without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Dublin!

A scenic 7-day road trip through Ballyvaughan, Kinvarra, Galway, Cork, and Dublin is one of the best ways to experience Ireland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 7-day itinerary means that Dublin can easily be combined with other top destinations in Ireland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Ballyvaughan, Kinvarra, Galway, Cork, and Dublin by public transport, renting a car in Ireland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 7 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

• Arrival city: Ballyvaughan, Kinvarra, Galway, Cork, and Dublin
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Dublin, e.g., Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Dublin. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Dublin

• Destinations: Dublin
• Driving distance: 13.45 km, approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Dublin, e.g., Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
• Sightseeing: The Book of Kells Experience, Dublin Castle, St Stephen's Green, St Patrick's Cathedral, and Dublin Zoo
• Recommended tour: Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle Exterior

Set out on a day of discovery and visit The Book of Kells Experience, Dublin Castle, St Stephen's Green, St Patrick's Cathedral, and Dublin Zoo. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Dublin, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Cork and Blarney

• Destinations: Cork and Blarney
• Driving distance: 274.09 km, approx. 3 hours and 41 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Cork, e.g., Maranatha Country House
• Sightseeing: Fitzgerald Park, St Patrick's Bridge, Cork City Gaol, and Blarney Castle & Gardens
• Recommended tour: Cork City Ramble

Spend the day exploring Fitzgerald Park, St Patrick's Bridge, Cork City Gaol, and Blarney Castle & Gardens. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Cork.

Day 4: Experience Galway

• Destinations: Galway
• Driving distance: 207.47 km, approx. 3 hours and 3 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Galway, e.g., Menlo Park Hotel
• Sightseeing: Galway Cathedral, The Latin Quarter, Eyre Square, and Galway City Museum
• Recommended tour: Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour

Continue your journey through Galway, where you can explore Galway Cathedral, The Latin Quarter, Eyre Square, and Galway City Museum. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Galway.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Ballyvaughan, Conamara Municipal District, and West Clare Municipal District

• Destinations: Ballyvaughan, Conamara Municipal District, and West Clare Municipal District
• Driving distance: 318.1 km, approx. 5 hours and 48 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Galway, e.g., Menlo Park Hotel
• Sightseeing: Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, and Ballyvaughan Pier
• Recommended tour: Galway City on Foot with Seán: Stories, History, Local Tips, Chat and More.

Drive through Ballyvaughan, Conamara Municipal District, and West Clare Municipal District, stopping to visit Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, and Ballyvaughan Pier. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Kinvarra and West Clare Municipal District

• Destinations: Kinvarra and West Clare Municipal District
• Driving distance: 327.19 km, approx. 4 hours and 43 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Dublin, e.g., Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
• Sightseeing: Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Burren Experience, and Burren National Park
• Recommended tour: 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour

Spend time discovering Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Burren Experience, and Burren National Park, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Dublin.

Day 7: Bid Farewell to Dublin

• Departure city: Dublin
• Driving distance: 5.9 km, approx. 25 minutes
• Sightseeing: Guinness Storehouse

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Dublin. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 862 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Dublin.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Dublin for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Dublin with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Dublin and Dublin's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Dublin without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Dublin

Arrive in Dublin and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Peadar Kearney's Pub is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Dublin's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Dublin by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Guinness Storehouse, National Botanic Gardens, Ha'penny Bridge, Christ Church Cathedral, and St Patrick's Cathedral.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Dublin. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Dublin in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Dublin

Use this day to discover more of Dublin’s top sights. We recommend visiting The Book of Kells Experience, Trinity College Dublin, National Gallery of Ireland, St Stephen's Green, and Molly Malone Statue.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Dublin in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Dublin's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Dublin’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Dublin

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Dublin.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Dublin. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Ireland!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Dublin

Spend your last few hours in Dublin soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Dublin in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Dublin, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Dublin travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Dublin offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Dublin itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Dublin weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Dublin

Arrive in Dublin around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
• Tip: Book an airport transfer to Dublin in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Dublin by night.

Day 2 - Discover Dublin’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Dublin with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit National Gallery of Ireland early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to St Stephen's Green, stopping by Dublin Castle for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Dublin and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Dublin

Make the most of your last few hours in Dublin before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
• Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Dublin in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Dublin.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Dublin. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Dublin itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Dublin, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Dublin for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Dublin. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Dublin in a way that feels truly unforgettable!