Dublin It Right: A 3-Day Guide to Dublin Without the Tourist Traps

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Start your day like Dublin royalty at The Castle Tea Rooms with warm scones, smoked salmon bagels, and a full Irish breakfast that doesn’t skimp on the black pudding. Housed in a building that whispers old-world charm, this cozy nook is where hearty meets historic—just the fuel you need before geeking out on culture.

Attraction: The Abbey Theatre

Founded in 1904, this isn’t just any stage—it’s the birthplace of Irish drama. From Yeats to modern provocateurs, the Abbey is where Irish identity and storytelling collide. Culture buffs can trace the city’s social heartbeat through decades of groundbreaking plays, rebellion, and razor-sharp satire.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: 13 Upper O'Connell Street
• Do Dublin: O’Connell St./Abbey St.
• City Sightseeing: The GPO, Abbey Theatre

Highlights: 

• The main stage has premiered works by Ireland’s literary giants, many of whom sat in the audience on opening night.
• Take the backstage tour for a rare look at the costume room, prop storage, and the ghost light—yes, there’s a story behind it.
• The theatre’s archive holds over a century of annotated scripts, protest letters, and controversial program notes.

Pro tip: If there’s a post-show talk scheduled, stay. It’s usually with the director or cast, and they spill creative secrets you won’t get elsewhere.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time needed to next stop: Board the Dublin hop-on hop-off bus—10 minutes to your next can't-miss spot. 

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: O’Neills Pub & Kitchen has been slinging pints and plates since the 1800s. Load up on Guinness beef stew, creamy seafood chowder, or a towering carvery plate that will test your lunchtime ambition. With stained-glass windows and snug that whisper old Dublin tales, it’s a feast for your stomach and your inner history nerd.

Attraction: The Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum

Sure, Dublin's famous for Joyce and Yeats, but this place shouts about Bono, Thin Lizzy, and Hozier. The museum doubles as a working studio, so you're stepping into music history and the present. Perfect for those who prefer guitars over goblets.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: Dame Street/Temple Bar
• Do Dublin: Dame Street
• City Sightseeing: Temple Bar

Highlights: 

• Step inside the very recording studio where Rihanna laid down vocals. The space still hosts artists today.
• See original stage gear and personal items, including handwritten lyrics from legends like Phil Lynott and U2.
• The museum is housed in a working live venue and rehearsal space, so the line between museum and music scene is deliciously blurred.

Pro tip: Bring good headphones if you're into sound tech—the museum lets you isolate different track layers from famous recordings. 

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time needed to next stop: Just 5 minutes away by bus to your next stop.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral isn’t just a pretty spire; it’s Dublin’s spiritual icon, dating back nearly a thousand years. You can marvel at its medieval crypt, Gothic architecture, and hidden quirks. It’s a walk-through time capsule that smells like old stone and secrets.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: Christ Church Cathedral
• Do Dublin: Christ Church Place
• City Sightseeing: Christ Church Cathedral

Highlights: 

• Wander through one of the largest crypts in Ireland, housing everything from historic relics to a quirky mummified duo nicknamed Tom & Jerry.
• The nave is a Gothic stunner with soaring arches, original tiles, and a solemn grandeur that’s perfect for lingering in historical awe.
• Discover the story of Strongbow, the Norman warlord buried here. Though the exact spot is a historical mystery, locals love to debate.

Pro tip: If you're into details, download the audio guide before you go. It digs into stories you won’t find on signboards.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours

Time needed to next stop: Just 7 to 10 minutes on foot to reach the restaurant. 

Late night (8pm - 12am) 

Dinner: Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head, knows how to charm hungry bellies. Think hearty Irish stew, beer-battered fish and chips, and slow-cooked lamb shank that practically narrates a saga. The creaky wooden beams and candlelit corners give serious medieval tavern vibes. 

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Tuck into an Irish start at Hatch & Sons—think Waterford blaa stuffed with spiced beef or sausage, and apple tart so good it might make you weep a little. The cozy, vintage vibe makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into your granny’s kitchen. 

Attraction: National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

This is where Ireland's ancient soul lives. From bog bodies that practically time-travelled to glittering Celtic gold and Viking loot, it’s a crash course in 9,000 years of history—minus the boring bits. If you’re into epic origin stories and eerie artifacts, this place is non-negotiable.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: St. Stephen's Green
• Do Dublin: St. Stephen's Green
• City Sightseeing: St. Stephen's Green

Highlights: 

• Peer into the preserved lives of Iron Age bog bodies—haunting, fascinating, and a little bit chilling.
• The Treasury glows with Celtic masterpieces like the Tara Brooch and Ardagh Chalice.
• Viking weaponry, medieval bells, and prehistoric tools show Ireland’s past without sugarcoating it.

Pro tip: The museum’s layout isn’t chronological, so grab a map if you like your history in order.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Time needed to next stop: Back on the bus: 20 minutes to your next destination. 

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: The Vintage Kitchen is a tiny, retro-chic spot that is big on charm and even bigger on portions. Their slow-braised beef cheek is a local legend, and the seafood chowder tastes like Dublin Bay in a bowl. You can also bring your own wine, so it’s like dining at your friend’s place. 

Attraction: Guinness Storehouse

It’s not just about beer, it’s about a legacy that helped shape Dublin. Housed in a former fermentation plant, this multi-sensory seven-floor experience blends brewing history, Irish identity, and cheeky Guinness ads into one very frothy cultural deep dive.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: Guinness Storehouse
• Do Dublin: Saint James' Gate
• City Sightseeing: Guinness Storehouse

Highlights: 

• See the 9,000-year lease signed by Arthur Guinness himself. A bold move, even by today’s startup standards.
• The brewing floor lets you trace every step of the stout’s journey, with hands-on elements you’ll actually want to touch.
• The Gravity Bar offers 360° views over Dublin, with a perfectly poured pint as your reward for reaching the top.

Pro tip: Head to the Guinness Archives on Level 1 if you’re into rare labels and old blueprints—they’re a hidden gem most people breeze past.

Suggested time to spend: 2 to 3 hours

Time needed to next stop: The next stop is 15 bus minutes from here.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Kilmainham Gaol

You’ll walk through Ireland’s most haunted history book—except the pages are stone walls and iron bars. Kilmainham Gaol held everyone from teenage revolutionaries to future presidents, and you can feel the weight of every story echoing down those echoey corridors.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: Nancy Hands
• Do Dublin: Royal Hospital
• City Sightseeing: Irish Museum of Modern Art

Highlights: 

• The East Wing’s design isn’t just visually stunning; it was a surveillance structure in the 1800s, meant to watch every prisoner from a single point.
• The execution yard looks deceptively plain until you learn the stories. It’s where the 1916 leaders were shot.
• Prison graffiti still marks the fading names, scratched prayers, and political slogans. 

Pro tip: Go on a guided tour and learn about the “forgotten” prisoners, as there’s more to this place than just the names everyone knows.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Time needed to next stop: One-minute walk, that’s all it takes to get to your dinner destination. 

Late night (8pm - 12am) 

Dinner: Set in the historic Westin, Broyage Bar, Bistro & Terrace is a sleek spot dishing out elevated Irish fare with a modern twist. Think Guinness-braised short ribs, perfectly seared scallops, and a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate fondant. 

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: herbstreet, is a sleek riverside spot that does breakfast right, with zingy lemon ricotta pancakes, herby eggs Florentine, and a full Irish fry—we're talking sausages, bacon, black pudding, eggs, grilled tomato, and toast. The whole glorious shebang! 

Attraction: Game of Thrones Studio Tour

If you’ve ever whispered Winter is coming with full dramatic flair, this one’s for you. Walk through actual sets from the series, like the Great Hall of Winterfell, and geek out over costumes, props, and special effects. It’s a fantasy deep-dive with a side of screen magic, perfect for both fans and curious culture vultures.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: Nassau Street/Book of Kells
• Do Dublin: College Green/Trinity College
• City Sightseeing: Irish Whiskey Museum, Trinity College, Book of Kells

Highlights: 

• Stand on the actual set of Winterfell and relive your Jon Snow moment without the existential dread.
• See original costumes, weaponry, and set pieces that look even more epic in real life.
• Discover how the magic happened from green screens to direwolves with behind-the-scenes wizardry.

Pro tip: The gift shop is loaded with cool merchandise. Skip the keychains and get something unique, like replica coins or vintage-style maps.

Suggested time to spend: 3 hours

Time needed to next stop: 25 minutes by bus to the next big one. 

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: This classic 19th-century pub, The Palace Bar, has a literary soul and a whiskey heart. Try the braised lamb shank with colcannon, a rich seafood chowder served with brown soda bread, or their smoked salmon platter. It’s best enjoyed with a local craft pour under those original timber beams.

Attraction: Irish Whiskey Museum

This isn’t some dusty display behind glass! It’s a spirited (pun fully intended) deep dive into Ireland’s whiskey-soaked past. From monks distilling the “water of life” to modern blends, it’s part tasting session, part time travel, and worth raising a glass to. 

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: College Green
• Do Dublin: College Green/Trinity College
• City Sightseeing: Irish Whiskey Museum

Highlights: 

• A fully independent museum (not tied to a brand), so you get the juicy history and rivalries between distillers.
• Includes aged whiskeys and a peek into how blends vary by region, barrel, and even local customs.
• Touchscreen exhibits, relics from old distilleries, and a gift shop that stocks indie distilleries you won’t find at the airport. 

Pro tip: Want something extra? The whiskey-blending experience lets you craft your bottle, complete with a label.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time needed to next stop: A short 5 to 7-minute bus ride gets you to the next stop.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Temple Bar

It’s loud, proud, and more than just pints and party shots. Temple Bar is where Dublin’s cultural heartbeat thumps. Think street performers, indie galleries, live music echoing from every corner, and centuries-old pubs that haven’t lost their soul.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: Dame Street/Temple Bar
• Do Dublin: Dame Street
• City Sightseeing: Temple Bar

Highlights: 

• The iconic Temple Bar Pub serves up traditional music daily, a killer whiskey collection, and walls soaked in stories since the 1840s.
• Cow’s Lane is a quieter stretch lined with design shops, art markets, and unexpected finds.
• The Irish Film Institute screens indie gems and cult classics in a space that feels like a secret cinema club for cool kids.

Pro tip: Pop into the National Photographic Archive or the Temple Bar Gallery for a breather from the buzz.

Suggested time to spend: 2 to hours

Time needed to next stop: Walk 7 to 10 minutes to reach the dinner spot. 

Late night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: Yes, it’s literally a church. The Church is complete with stained-glass windows, a pipe organ, and a whole lot of character. Dig into the roast pork belly with cider jus, the Irish hake with chorizo and bean cassoulet, or the wild mushroom risotto. The dramatic setting makes your meal feel like a full-blown event.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Keogh’s is like stepping into a Dublin short story, cozy, bustling, and full of character. Nab a warm seat by the window and tuck into their buttery scones, classic Irish sausage rolls, or a hearty porridge with honey and berries. 

Attraction: Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Home to the legendary Book of Kells and a library straight out of a movie, it’s where centuries of stories have been whispered under vaulted ceilings and oak beams. For book lovers, this place is sacred ground.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: Nassau Street/Book of Kells
• Do Dublin: College Green/Trinity College
• City Sightseeing: Irish Whiskey Museum, Trinity College, Book of Kells

Highlights: 

• The Long Room library is every reader’s fantasy: two stories tall, packed with 200,000 antique books and the smell of history.
• The 9th-century Book of Kells is all hand-painted detail, Celtic symbolism, and mystery.
• Historic cobbled courtyards and leafy squares have hosted thinkers, rebels, and dreamers since 1592.

Pro tip: Look up! The library’s ceiling has hidden symbolism that most people miss while staring at the books.

Suggested time to spend: 2 to 3 hours

Time needed to next stop: Settle in for 20 minutes—next stop's worth it. 

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Tucked beneath the Dublin Writers Museum, Chapter One is a quiet nod to the city’s storytelling soul. The Michelin-starred plates, like cavanagh egg with truffle or the melt-in-your-mouth antrim lamb, read like edible poetry. Ideal for lunch with a side of literary elegance.

Attraction: Dublin Writers Museum

The Dublin Writers Museum celebrates the city’s wordsmiths from Wilde’s wit to Beckett’s brooding brilliance. Manuscripts, letters, and pipes: this place is a treasure trove for those who like their vacations with a side of literary gossip.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: Parnell Square North
• Do Dublin: Parnell Square North
• City Sightseeing: Dublin Writers Museum, The Hugh Lane Gallery, Garden of Remembrance

Highlights: 

• See the first editions, typewriters, and personal letters of Ireland’s literary heavyweights.
• The museum’s collection includes James Joyce’s piano—yes, the man could write and play.
• Audio guides feature actors reading excerpts, like having a pint with Yeats and Joyce at once.

Pro tip: There’s a lovely bookshop inside with rare and themed editions. Great spot for gifts or personal bragging rights.

Suggested time to spend: 1 to 2 hours

Time needed to next stop: Back on the Dublin bus tour, you're 20 minutes from the next highlight.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: The Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)

MoLI is a literary theme park for grown-ups. Set in a stunning Georgian house, it celebrates Irish storytelling in all forms, from Joyce’s Ulysses to modern poetry slams. It’s where the past meets present and prose meets interactive tech.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: St. Stephen's Green
• Do Dublin: St. Stephen's Green
• City Sightseeing: St. Stephen's Green, The Little Museum of Dublin, MoLI

Highlights: 

• First editions, rare manuscripts, and handwritten letters from Joyce, Yeats, Beckett, and Shaw—this is literary name-dropping at its finest.
• Oscar Wilde’s wit is everywhere, but nothing tops seeing his actual belongings and scandalous newspaper clippings.
• Joyce’s piano isn’t just a quirky relic—it’s a portal where stories were shared, sung, and fiercely debated.

Pro tip: Check out the peaceful garden out back, dedicated to James Joyce. Ideal for sipping coffee as you reread your favorite book. 

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time needed to next stop: Stretch your legs—dinner is 10 to 15 minutes away. 

Late night (8pm - 12am) 

Dinner: Forest Avenue Restaurant’s tasting menu changes often, but expect delights like Jerusalem artichoke with smoked eel or aged beef with clever, seasonal flair. Quietly brilliant, just like your favorite author.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Tucked behind a bookstore, the Cake Cafe is a hidden gem that serves breakfast with charm and scones that could woo Joyce himself. Think baked eggs with chorizo, homemade granola with poached pear, and lemon drizzle cake that reads like a love letter to your sweet tooth.

Attraction: Jonathan Swift’s Tomb (St. Patrick’s Cathedral)

Where else can you pay your respects to a satirical genius and the author of Gulliver’s Travels? Swift’s final resting place sits inside Dublin’s largest cathedral—equal parts majestic and morbid. It’s the kind of place that reminds you literature can shake empires and still end up on a stone slab.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: St. Patrick's Cathedral
• Do Dublin: St. Patrick's Cathedral
• City Sightseeing: St. Patrick's Cathedral, Marsh's Library

Highlights: 

• Swift is buried beside Esther Johnson, his “Stella,” whose relationship with him is still debated. Marriage? Friendship? Literary muse? No one knows.
• Don’t miss the original death mask and personal artifacts. Eerily intimate and weirdly fascinating.
• Gothic architecture, medieval tombs, and politically charged epitaphs—this place screams literary drama.

Pro tip: Skip the guided tour if short on time; their brochure has a Swift-specific trail you can follow in 20 minutes.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour

Time needed to next stop: Ride 30 minutes and arrive at your next spot. 

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Expect bold Middle Eastern flavours done right at Brother Hubbard North. Go for the harissa chicken with turmeric rice, shakshuka with whipped feta, or the signature Moroccan lamb flatbread. It’s a well-loved spot that keeps things fresh, seasonal, and anything but boring.

Attraction: James Joyce Centre

If Dublin is Joyce’s playground, this townhouse is the author’s backstage pass. Set inside an 18th-century building, the centre dives deep into the mind that gave us Ulysses and Dubliners. Perfect for fans ready to spiral into literary madness.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: Parnell Square North
• Do Dublin: Parnell Square 
• City Sightseeing: O'Connell Street

Highlights: 

• Peek into a full re-creation of Leopold Bloom’s (the fictional protagonist and hero of James Joyce's Ulysses) bedroom, including the slippers.
• See Joyce’s actual furniture, rare photos, and his death mask—prepare for chills.
• The permanent exhibit traces Ulysses through Dublin’s streets with original notes, maps, and deleted scenes.

Pro tip: If you're a real fan, bring a notebook. You’ll want to jot down odd little details they don’t publish online.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours

Time needed to next stop: Board again—just 15 minutes to the next attraction.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: National Library of Ireland

Should we call it a literary sanctuary? The reading room alone is worth the visit: massive dome, green lamps, silence thick enough to make your spine straighten. And, the library houses one of the most extensive archives on Irish writers, including Joyce, Yeats, Beckett, the gang’s all here.

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: Nassau Street/Book of Kells
• Do Dublin: Nassau St.
• City Sightseeing: Irish Whiskey Museum, Trinity College, Book of Kells

Highlights: 

• The permanent Yeats exhibit is like walking into his brain. Manuscripts, letters, audio recordings, and even his mystical obsession with the occult.
• The digitized newspaper archives are rabbit holes waiting to happen. Scan headlines from 100 years ago.
• If you love beautiful architecture, the main reading room is a cathedral for bookworms.

Pro tip: You can register for a research reader’s card on the spot, which opens access to rare manuscripts.

Suggested time to spend: 2 to 3 hours

Time needed to next stop: The dinner restaurant’s just a 5-minute walk away. 

Late night (8pm - 12am)

Dinner: Founded by the first British chef to earn three Michelin stars, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill is an elegant steakhouse that delivers drama and detail. Try the 35-day aged ribeye, duck à l’orange, or classic fish pie—each plate nods to old-school grandeur without being fussy.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Bewley's Café has been a Grafton Street classic since 1840. Start with warm porridge drizzled in Irish honey, or try their signature smoked salmon and eggs. The cherry on top? A freshly baked scone with jam and cream. All enjoyed under stained-glass windows where poets once nursed coffee and deadlines.

Attraction: The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin is where Dublin’s literary and cultural heart beats. With exhibits that dive into the lives of literary legends like Joyce, Wilde, and Beckett, plus quirky artifacts like a first edition of Ulysses, it’s a must-visit for anyone fascinated by Dublin’s rich literary heritage. Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: St. Stephen's Green
• Do Dublin: St. Stephen's Green
• City Sightseeing: St. Stephen's Green, The Little Museum of Dublin, MoLI

Highlights: 

• A treasure trove of Dublin's history and cultural milestones, from the 1916 Rising to the Beatles' 1960s visit.
• The museum’s collection of rare items linked to Joyce, Beckett, and Shaw offers a behind-the-scenes look at their world.
• The cozy atmosphere and ever-changing exhibitions make every visit feel fresh, while the staff's storytelling brings the city’s vibrant past to life.

Pro tip: Check the museum’s schedule before visiting, as it often hosts live talks, literary events, or exhibits that you won’t want to miss.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time needed to next stop: It's an easy 5-minute bus ride or a 15-minute walk to the next highlight. 

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Chic but not too showy, The Ivy is where avocado toast gets a glow-up. Their crispy duck salad and truffle arancini are worth the pause in sightseeing. It's a stone’s throw from the National Library—perfect for refueling mid-muse.

Attraction: National Gallery of Ireland

A place where art and words collide, the National Gallery of Ireland is a must for everyone who knows that a painting can say as much as a page of text. Here, you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Irish art, from Irish mythology realism, with works that echo the themes of Dublin's literary giants. 

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: National Art Gallery
• Do Dublin: Merrion Square West
• City Sightseeing: Merrion Square, Natural History Museum, The National Gallery of Ireland

Highlights: 

• Explore works by Jack B. Yeats, whose artistic genius rivals his brother W.B. Yeats’ literary fame.
• Stroll through the collection of 19th-century Irish art, which is steeped in national pride and mythological themes.
• Don't miss the collection of Old Masters—many of their works were referenced in the pages of books by Wilde, Joyce, and other literary icons.

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for rotating exhibitions, often featuring works inspired by Irish literary legends, creating a new intersection of art and text.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours

Time needed to next stop: Just 2 minutes by bus or a 5-minute walk to the next iconic stop. 

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Oscar Wilde Memorial 

Oscar Wilde isn’t just remembered, he’s performing in Merrion Square. Lounging on a rock with a sly smile, his statue stares right at his former home. Around him, stone pillars quote his wittiest, sharpest lines. It's a must for anyone who’s read The Picture of Dorian Gray and thought, “This man was outrageous, in the best way.”

Nearest stop: 

• Big Bus: National Art Gallery
• Do Dublin: Westland Row
• City Sightseeing: Merrion Square, Natural History Museum, The National Gallery of Ireland

Highlights: 

• Wilde’s statue isn’t just a tribute—it’s a full-on literary wink. He’s reclining, grinning, and looking like he knows something you don’t.
• Surrounding pillars feature 25 handpicked quotes that showcase his genius, sarcasm, and scandal-loving spirit. It’s like a walkable book of epigrams.
• Merrion Square’s Georgian vibe is the perfect backdrop for Wilde’s flamboyance and is great for quiet reading.

Pro tip: Shoot wide-angle from behind the statue to capture Wilde’s gaze pointing directly at his old home.

Suggested time to spend: 30 mins to 1 hour

Time needed to next stop: Take a 5-minute walk and dig in. 

Late night (8pm - 12am) 

Dinner: Settle into Pearl Brasserie, a tucked-away gem where velvet booths meet French-Irish fine dining. Try the roast venison with blackberry jus or the Dover sole. Great for brooding over a wine list that reads like poetry.