Ireland's literary and lively capital, Dublin brings together Trinity College, the Temple Bar pub quarter, the castle and the famous Guinness Storehouse. Here's how to enjoy it in 2 or 3 days, with budgets and 2026 tips.
Dublin at a glance
Population
1.2 M (metro)
Airport
DUB
Ideal stay
2 to 3 days
Budget / day
€70-220
Flight Paris
~1h45 direct
Time diff
-1h
Current climate
Best season
In brief
A capital best explored on foot
The centre is compact: most sights sit within a 30-minute walk. Allow 2 days for the essentials, 3 to take it slow.
Book Trinity College and the Guinness ahead
The Book of Kells and the Guinness Storehouse often sell out in high season. Buy your time slots online a few days before.
Visit Temple Bar, but drink elsewhere
The quarter is worth a look by day, but pints there are among the priciest in town. Pubs on Camden Street or in Stoneybatter feel more genuine.
Pack a waterproof jacket in any season
Rain can fall any day of the year, often in short showers. A waterproof windbreaker beats an umbrella against the wind.
Life happens in the pubs
Live trad music (often free in the evening), conversation and impromptu sessions are the real heart of Dublin.
Must-see
Ireland's oldest university, the illuminated Book of Kells manuscript and the stunning Long Room library.
Seven floors devoted to the world's most famous stout, with a free pint at the 360° Gravity Bar.
The cobbled district of pubs and live music. Photogenic by day, pricey and touristy at night.
Former prison at the heart of Ireland's independence story. A gripping, moving guided tour.
Former seat of British rule, blending a medieval tower with the State Apartments. Lovely garden behind.
Ireland's largest cathedral, tied to writer Jonathan Swift, who served as its dean.
Pedestrian shopping street, buskers and smart addresses. The shopping pulse of the centre.
Peaceful Victorian park at the end of Grafton Street. Lawns, a pond and a bandstand, perfect for a break.
Tour and tasting of Ireland's best-known whiskey, in the heart of Smithfield.
Dublin's emblematic cast-iron footbridge, best paired with a stroll along the Liffey.
Choose your district
Around Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green. Central, elegant, all walkable. From €110/night.
★ Recommended
In the thick of the action. Convenient but noisy at night and pricier. From €130/night.
Lively
Bohemian district along the Grand Canal, cafés and neighbourhood pubs. From €95/night.
Bohemian
Modern Liffey-side area, recent hotels and direct Luas tram. From €100/night.
Modern
Getting around
Luas (tram)
Two lines (green and red) crossing the centre. Simple and reliable. Cheaper with a Leap card.
DART (coastal train)
Train hugging the bay, ideal for Howth, Dun Laoghaire and the southern coast.
Dublin Bus
Dense network for everything the Luas doesn't reach. Pay with the Leap card.
On foot
The best way in the centre: most sights are under a 25-minute walk apart.
Climate & crowds
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
Summer
May to Sept · 15-20°C, long bright days · Ideal: the mildest period, festivals, light evenings
Shoulder
Mar-Apr & Oct · 9-14°C, frequent showers · Fair: fewer crowds, St Patrick's mid-March
Winter
Nov to Feb · 4-8°C, mild but dark · Avoid: very short days, but cosy pubs and low rates
How much
Backpacker
€70
per day
Comfort
€150
per day
Premium
€300
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
30 min by DART · Fishing harbour and cliffs
25 min by DART · Castle and gardens
1h30 away · Monastic valley and lakes
📍 2h15 away · Sister city on the Atlantic
FAQ
Laura Petit ✓
·Europe specialist
Last updated: June 6, 2026.