Dublin is a city for everyone. Whether you’re here as a tourist, staying for a semester or it’s a quick trip for an event or conference, Dublin has activities from culture to clubbing and everything in between. 48 hours is not nearly enough time to get to know the city well, but if you’re lucky enough to have two days to explore, you can see a lot of the highlights.
Our 48-hour guide to Dublin lets you experience the city and its people, making sure you don’t miss anything important but leaving lots of things to do when you return. For excellent value accommodation in Dublin, DCU Rooms in Glasnevin is the perfect choice. Our mix of shared & private rooms and serviced apartments offer a convenient, comfortable alternative to traditional hotels in Dublin.
Friday Night
If you arrive on Friday afternoon or evening, the weekend is just getting started. Catch a show in one of Dublin’s fantastic venues like the Bord Gais, The Helix, Olympia, 3 Arena or Gaiety Theatre. You’ll find everything from sports and comedy to drama and musicals on any given day of the week. Afterwards, book a table in one of the city’s best restaurants and experience fine dining in Dublin. We recommend FX Buckley, Uno Mas or House for a truly delicious meal.
There are dozens of more affordable options and our team will be happy to recommend a spot based on your preferences. After dinner, hang around the city and enjoy some live music and a few drinks in the world-famous Temple Bar. Hop on a bus back to DCU Rooms for a great sleep.
Saturday Morning
Start your morning well with a coffee and some breakfast in Drumcondra on your way to the city. There are some lovely breakfast options like The Lovely Food Company or Nellys Café. Spend the morning exploring some of the most culturally significant spots on Dublin’s south side. Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, walk down Grafton Street enjoying the buskers, grab a coffee in the famous Bewley’s Café and enjoy it in St. Stephens Green Park.
If you have time, pop into one of the many fascinating museums in the area like the Archaeology Museum, The Natural History Museum or the National Gallery of Ireland. You can also browse some of the best shops in Dublin ranging from high-end boutiques to unique vintage.
Saturday Afternoon
Grab some lunch in one of the dozens of cafes in the city before heading to one of the most popular attractions in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse. You’ll be treated to a self-guided tour of the factory, with history lessons about the beer and the city, interactive experiences, and of course, a tasting at the top of Dubin, the Gravity Bar. When you leave, take your time walking back to the city, enjoying one of Dublin’s most colourful and interesting neighbourhoods, The Liberties.
Pop into Proof or Space Jaru for dinner and make sure to visit one of the few local pubs for a cheap pint and some free entertainment. If you want to keep the party going, Darkey Kelly’s has great traditional music and lots of pubs and clubs in Temple Bar open until 2.30 am.
Sunday Morning
You’ll be hitting the road on Sunday evening, but you still have time to go back to the city for some last-minute sightseeing. Shops are open between 10 am-12 pm on Sundays if you want to grab a souvenir. We recommend staying local and enjoying the best of Glasnevin so you’re close to the airport. Spend a couple of hours exploring history in Glasnevin Cemetery on a guided tour learning more about the famous residents. The Botanic Gardens are nearby and are well worth a visit, especially around the change of the season. Stop for a pint in the Gravediggers Pub and learn about its morbid history before booking the first table of the day in Shouk, a magnificent Middle Eastern restaurant, for a meal you won’t forget. Getting to the airport is easy from here by car, bus or taxi.
If you’re planning 48 hours in Dublin, book the most affordable accommodation in Dublin in DCU Rooms. Book directly for our best available rates and allow our team to welcome you with any additional suggestions or directions you need.
