This was our second time visiting Dublin. The first visit was very much a feral gremlin escapade, where we saw precisely nothing aside from Irish bars, ended up in a queue for a strip club at 3am, and had to get a 6am flight home after staying out all night.
If any other feral gremlins would like the download on that trip please slide immediately into my DM’s, for the rest of you wholesome lot, keep reading.
Book of Kells – Trinity College
First on my list, and one of my favourite activities by far, was the Book of Kells Experience. The experience combines a visit to the Old Library which features the “Long Room Reimagined” which uses digital projections to bring the library’s history to life plus a chance to see pages of The Book of Kells on display.
After roaming the corridors of the Old Library and soaking up the architecture, the experience takes you on an immersive light and sound journey including “The Book of Kells 360,” that delves into the history and artistry of the manuscript. And we all know how much I enjoy being immersed (for as long as my squirrel brain can concentrate).
Learning from past mistakes, aka the last time we visited Dublin and expected to rock up and wander into the Book of Kells experience without booking. Firstly this gets booked up super quickly and secondly, we arrived late on a Sunday when the experience had closed for the day. Lol double fail. So, my advice: book ahead to secure your slot.
*Note: We visited in February when there was a redevelopment underway as part of the conservation work, so most of the books had been removed from the library. Which pretty much sums up my reading efforts so far this year tbh.
The George – you better werk
Why would you head to a regular bar for a cocktail when can dive straight into a live show and get toast thrown at your head by a drag queen? The George is one of Ireland’s oldest and most renowned gay club featuring legendary drag shows that’ll have you screaming “yaaas” louder than a seagull stealing your chips.
The George located in the city centre, not only has live drag performances but also encourages audience participation which was a very welcome surprise. Despite the liquid courage of a few Vodka, lime and sodas, seeing someone effortlessly death drop onto the stage mid song we kept our butts firmly glued to our seats.
Drinks are reasonably priced and there’s generally no entry fee during the week so make sure you swing by to finish your night with an absolute serve of a performance.
Tip: Keep an eye out for Anita Hero who was by far our fave of the night. Check out what they have coming up and who’s performing here.
2 Nights in Dublin: The Temple Bar Pub
Its an obvious one, and an absolute must visit, even if it’s just to snap a few piccies but my recommendation is to have a drink or two then head somewhere less touristy. Dropping £20 on two baby Guinness’s was painful but the music is good and it’s one of those “got to be done” places.
If you want a picture outside The Temple Bar Pub without every single other tourist in Ireland in it, you’ve got to get up bloody early. Or just visit midweek, out of season – if you’re anything like me I’d opt for the second one. & that goes for visiting Dublin as a whole, we visited Monday-Weds in Feb and honestly 10/10 worth it for how quiet and accessible it was.
Travel tip: Sounds stupid but walk around the bar, when we went the first time, we spent the whole time in the front section of the bar which gets RAMMED. But on second inspection (Dublin V2) we realised it’s absolutely huge, so yeah, go wandering.
National Gallery of Ireland
My big three include napping, yapping and gallery grazing. So of course some gallery granola was in order at some point during our 2 nights in Dublin.
The National Gallery of Ireland offers an impressive collection of Irish and European art, plus a diverse selection of paintings, sculptures and portraits. One of my faves for a rainy day in Dublin. Displaying work by artists including Johannes Vermeer, Lavinia Fontana, Jack B Yeats, Alice Neel and Caravaggio – it’s also free to visit. So I’d call that a Dub-win.
We spent time marvelling at the elegant ceilings and dramatic architecture and indulged in a game of “what would the art say”. I’m not sure Rembrandt, Monet, or Picasso would have signed off on some of our captions but anyway.
Travel tip: While entry to the permanent collection is free – you may need to pay entry to temporary exhibitions or events, see what they have coming up here.
Guinness Storehouse
The one thing bit of Irish culture we managed to absorb on our first trip to Dublin, and where I tried my first Guinness. More than just a brewery tour; you get the whole story, from grain to glass. Then, you are transported to the Gravity Bar with incredible views of Dublin, pint in hand. You can even get your photo printed onto a Guinness if you’re into that. Even if you’re not a Guinness fan the experience is very cool, well worth a visit. NB – I still cannot smell Guinness without wanting to hurl (see Dublin trip #1)
Travel tip: A word to the wise: the Guinness Storehouse? Book. Now. Those tickets vanish quicker than my patience on a morning commute.
2 nights in Dublin: Some other things to see
Arisu Photobooth: Located on O’Connell Street, this is easily the best photobooth I’ve ever been to. Providing mirrors, props, two sets of photos plus a mini video of your experience. Also, very reasonable at €6 for two photo strips. The Arisu Photo Booth is located at 5 O’Connell Street Upper, Dublin 1, Ireland.
Stephen’s Green shopping Centre: NGL I saw this shopping centre on Instagram and thought it looked pretty so we went. The architecture is cool, but the shops aren’t all that. Plus, the overwhelming smell of greasy food wafting from the top floor was not it. So, by all means have a peep inside, but I wouldn’t recommend spending a great deal of time here.
Dublin Portal: Originally a livestream between Dublin and NYC but relocated due to bad behaviour, lol (no not Kim and I on our last trip). Swing by the portal for a livestream view between Dublin, Vilnius, Lublin and Philadelphia. V cool and yes, we waved at the people in other cities like we’d never seen other humans before.
Umbrella street: A vibrant spot to grab a few piccies underneath a canopy of multi coloured umbrellas. Located on Anne’s Lane, after your photo opp grab a drink at one of the many cocktail bars nearby.
2 nights in Dublin: Some foodie recommendations
Because stopping for snackies is my greatest passion in life and there’s some absolute gems in Dublin:
Loose Canon – The perfect lunch time pit stop, and potentially the best cheese toastie I’ve ever eaten. Honourable mention to the ridiculous selection of wine. It made decision making even harder than usual. Deets and location here.
Soren & Son – If there’s one thing about me, I will travel for an aesthetically pleasing drink. & this one didn’t disappoint. Recommend ordering the beetroot latte.
Balfes – If recreating a trip to Paris whilst visiting other cities was a skill, then we are the masters. Visit for the French onion soup (I also ordered fries on the side because there’s no such thing as too many tato’s, plus a Picante because there are no rules on trip trips). It is kinda spenny but also very good food so make sure you’re adding this one to your visit list.
Bread 41 – I got lured into packing my running stuff in my ridiculously small hand luggage with the promise of a good pastry and despite the anger of the 8am alarm and reduced shoe count, this place delivered. Honourable mention to the perfectly curated Bread 41 flat white and almond croissant, a testament to artisanal perfection.
The Old Storehouse – A proper, old-school Irish pub. The Old Storehouse has the kind of atmosphere that clings to you like a good perfume. Dive headfirst into their Irish stew. It’s the kind of hearty, soul-warming stuff that makes you want to throw your head back and belt out a ballad, even if you’re tone deaf. Trust me, it’s worth ditching the Aperol for a pint and a proper feed.
2 nights in Dublin: Bar recommendations
Cocktails at The Bank Bar – another IG find, get a life babe lol. Offering beautiful interiors and cocktails that’ll make you forget about your return flight. Perfect for a decadent date night or a catch-up with your oldest friend that knows your deepest darkest secrets, and has still remained a friend. Basically, if you want a touch of class with your picante’s The Bank Bar is your new go-to.
The Green Dublin – a contemporary dream of hotel in the heart of Dublin. Grab a chilled glass of vino at their on-site restaurant and then head down to Pen and Player their late night cocktail bar. Don’t forget to check out the most dramatic bathroom in Dubbers. Deets and location here.
Sophies Rooftop Bar – mimosas make me happy. Would recommend heading here for brunch for beaut views over the city, smashed avo on toast and a play on their rooftop swings…
The Pawn Shop – although I was initially baffled as to why Kim was taking me somewhere to sell our jewellery it made much more sense when I realised it was a grungy dive bar, duh. The perfect place to end the night with electro music, a cocktail and a slice of their infamous pizza.
The Blind Pig – why is it always so fun to enter somewhere through a secret door (behave) this little speakeasy is located on Suffolk Street. Head here post dins for one of the most delicious cocktails you’ll ever try. I said what I said.
I probably have more recommendations for eats and drinks but as this blog is already 3-5 working days long, I’m going to call it a day there. Hope I’ve inspired you to spend 2 nights in Dublin and as always if I’ve missed somewhere you think deserves to be included, or you have any q’s feel free to drop me a message. Ciao for now x
More city guide inspo:
Looks & sounds amazing ☘️. Made me giggle 🤭
Author March 19, 2025 / 8:37 am
Such a fun city, loved Dublin 😍
Beautiful 🤩 love the blind pig
Author January 5, 2026 / 9:17 am
Yesss! Love the speakeasy vibe and the cocktails are just wow 🙂
A practical itinerary that demonstrates how to make the most of a short stay in Dublin. The suggested activities, sights, and recommendations create a useful guide for travellers with limited time.
Author July 23, 2026 / 2:58 pm
Thank you 🙂 glad you enjoyed!