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48 hours in Dublin: Landmarks, culture or nightlife?

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When you have just a weekend in Dublin you really have to make the most of it. You could be enchanted at the Abbey Theatre, get a taste of the island’s fish and chips in coastal Dalkey or spot some wild deer in the Phoenix Park.

48 Hours for sight-seeing and landmarks in Dublin

Love castles, cathedrals or Georgian doors? Here’s our list for sightseeing in Dublin.

In the daytime:

  1. The naturally landscaped Dublin Zoo. The perfect family day out.
  2. The full brewery experience at Guinness Storehouse.
  3. Snap a selfie with the reflective Spire monument.
  4. Take a view from Ha’penny Bridge.
  5. Pick a stately room in Dublin Castle.
  6. Rest up in the Victorian city centre park, St Stephen’s Green.
  7. Meet (a statue of) Bono in the Little Museum of Dublin.
  8. Take advantage of Dublin's coastal location on a Dublin Bay Cruise.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
Ha'penny Bridge
Ha'penny Bridge

At night:

  1. Take a stroll along the banks of the River Liffey.
  2. Join an eerie ghost tour of some of the city’s landmarks.
  3. Sample an evening at the Old Jameson Bow Street Distillery.

48 hours of culture and history in Dublin

Love art, history and getting a sense of place? Here’s our list for soaking up culture in Dublin.

In the daytime:

  1. Explore Ireland’s political and prison history at Kilmainham Gaol.
  2. Pick out a print from the permanent collections in the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
  3. See the majesty of the Trinity College Library Long Room and discover the Book of Kells.
  4. View the nation’s art collection free-of-charge in the National Gallery of Ireland.
  5. Find pieces of Viking and Egyptian history in the Archaeology National Museum of Ireland.
  6. Wander through 19th-century grandeur and animal displays in the Natural History Museum of Ireland.
Mandela display at Kilmainham Gaol Prison
Mandela display at Kilmainham Gaol Prison
Trinity College Library's Long Room
Trinity College Library's Long Room

At night:

  1. See a show at the famous Abbey or the Gate Theatre.
  2. Hear some of the island’s best musicians and singers at the Cobblestone, Tom Mulligan’s traditional Irish music bar and venue.
  3. Attend an evening devotion in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
Traditional Irish busker at Merchant's Arch
Traditional Irish busker at Merchant's Arch

48 hours of sport and pubs in Dublin

Looking for a big weekend of revelry, fun and good conversation? Here’s our list of fun times in Dublin.

In the daytime:

  1. Visit the Gravediggers pub next to Glasnevin Cemetery for the perfect pint of Guinness’
  2. Watch the Six Nation’s rugby or international football at the Aviva Stadium.
  3. Go see Ireland’s Gaelic games at historic Croke park.
  4. Be the controller with free-roam virtual reality in Zero Latency Dublin.
Aviva Stadium
Aviva Stadium
Croke Park
Croke Park

At night:

  1. Catch greyhound racing at the Shelbourne Park stadium.
  2. Soak up the night-time atmosphere of Temple Bar.
  3. Paddle along on an evening kayak tour in summer
  4. Rock a gig at the Workman’s Club.
  5. Party to synth and electronic tunes at nightclub, Mother.
Busy Temple Bar
Busy Temple Bar

48 hours of green spaces in Dublin

Love to spend your time in green spaces and exploring the wilderness? Here’s our list of nature spots close to Dublin.

  1. Discover a green oasis in north Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens.
  2. Relax in St. Stephen’s Green or the Iveagh Gardens, wonderous green spaces designed in Victorian times.
  3. Follow the Fairy Castle Loop on a Ticknock hike nestled in the hills beyond Sandyford.
  4. Visit Wicklow’s stunning Glenealo Valley with a picnic by the massive Powerscourt Waterfall.
  5. Climb up to coastal views on Killiney Hill.
Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens
Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens
View from Killiney Hill
View from Killiney Hill

Find your next flight to Dublin

Aer Lingus and Ryanair run regular flights to Dublin from Leeds Bradford Airport. With Friday and Sunday flights, you can even get away without taking annual leave!

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Dublin

As the capital city of Ireland, Dublin is a place with a very distinct personality. It’s not just the Guinness that's better here – historical landmarks, greenery and great shopping are well worth the trip.

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