If you’re considering a trip to Dublin, you may ask yourself how many days do you need to spend in Dublin on your next family vacation to get the most out of the experience.
While every family’s needs, budgets, interests, and timelines are different, we think that 5 days is going to be the sweet spot for most families, and in today’s post, we’ll take a deeper look as to why.
My family is no stranger to Dublin. We’ve been to the city five times in 5 years and have plans to go back yet again in the future. Each trip was between 2 days and 2 weeks long, and we’ve learned a lot along the way.
How many days do you really need in Dublin?
How many days do you need to spend in Dublin for sightseeing?
Dublin, or other European destinations, is a tiny and compact city, unlike many U.S. destinations. Most of the city’s tourist attractions are conveniently located along a ~2-mile stretch on either side of the River Liffey.
Because of its size, most of the city’s famous tourist attractions are all within easy walking distance of each other, and if you plan your trip carefully, transportation times between areas of interest are almost non-existent.
For example, the National Museum of Ireland, the National Gallery of Ireland, and the Irish Museum of Natural History are in roughly the same city block. Devoting roughly 4-6 hours of one day will allow you to explore 3 of the most prominent museums in the country with plenty of time left in the day.
If your family is more interested in Dublin’s medieval history and you like old churches, you can devote one morning to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublinia, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Dublin Castle on one morning and still have plenty of time left over to enjoy a flight the Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Distillery.
With a bit of planning, it’s easy to identify the must-see museums and exhibits for your family’s trip, and we recommend that you then map them out. Once you’ve mapped them out, you can easily quadrant them into city areas you will explore on specific vacation days.
By focusing on one area of the city per day, you ensure you’re not wasting time going from one end to the other and back again on the same day. One tip: if you plan to visit churches, it’s best to go on weekdays as many are still in service on Sundays.
How many days do I need in Dublin to take a day trip somewhere else?
Dublin’s location makes it an excellent home base for any visit to Ireland due to the city’s robust transit infrastructure. Getting around in Dublin and getting to surrounding areas is easy and efficient.
While the Luas is the inner-city tram, Dublin also has access to the DART (a coastal train that runs north to south on the coast) and the Commuter Rail, which runs North, East, South, and West.
While you may not be able to explore every corner of Ireland on a five-day itinerary, you can easily pick one direction to explore for a day. Consider a seaside stroll in Howth or Dun Laoghaire, or take a trip to the historical sights of Newgrange and the Hill of Tara for something a little different.
If you’d rather not worry about using public transportation but want to catch a tour, connect with your hotel; they’ll be able to give you a list of providers offering more guided day trips to places like Limerick, Cork, and Belfast.
How many days do you need to spend in Dublin to appreciate Ireland’s culture?
If you’re like me, a big draw of international travel is being able to experience the culture of the destination, its people, its food, and its uniqueness in an authentic way.
One of the things that my family loves the most about Ireland is that Irish culture is everywhere. The people of Ireland take great pride in their country, and unlike other areas of the world that we’ve been to, there’s no separation here between the residents and the tourists unless you’re in a museum.
Ireland has a rich literary tradition filled with mythology, lore, poetry, and the art of storytelling, which makes it excellent for children. A near-constant parade of street performances, festivals, and book readings occurs within the city at any time.
There’s live nightly traditional folk music at downtown pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy a traditional Irish dinner. You’ll find residents at local spots dancing to music, screaming for their favorite sporting teams, and celebrating all things Irish.
You won’t need to spend a week or two getting to know the people here; you’ll need a night. The Irish are warm, welcoming, and inquisitive. They like lively debates, and they’re sharp as tacks.
Our simple 5-day Dublin itinerary for families –
Day 1 Dublin Itinerary
If you’re flying into Dublin from the U.S., you’ll fly on a red-eye and land in Dublin very early in the morning. You’ll want to stay away as long as possible to stave off jet lag, so you should plan for a light day.
Our picks for day 1 are short, sweet, and all about the great famine, an essential part of Ireland’s history.
The Famine Memorial
The Famine Memorial in Dublin is a significant and poignant tribute to those who suffered and died during the Great Famine in Ireland, also known as the Irish Potato Famine, which occurred between 1845 and 1852.
During this tragic period, Ireland’s population was reduced by approximately 25% due to death from starvation and disease and mass emigration, mainly to North America.
The memorial, which was unveiled in 1997 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Famine, comprises a group of life-sized bronze statues. These haunting figures were designed and crafted by renowned Dublin sculptor Rowan Gillespie, showing gaunt men, women, and children.
They are situated on Custom House Quay in Dublin’s Docklands, a location with significant historical relevance as one of the departure points from where famine refugees left Ireland for other lands.
The figures are depicted as if they are walking towards the emigration ships on the Dublin Quayside, their worldly possessions meager and their expressions one of despair. The memorial is a stark reminder of this sad chapter in Ireland’s history.
Another significant piece close to the Famine Memorial is the World Poverty Stone. This stone is dedicated to those who suffer from contemporary issues of poverty and famine in the world today.
The Jeanie Johnston
The Jeanie Johnston is a replica of a 19th-century ship that now serves as a museum ship in Dublin, Ireland. The original Jeanie Johnston was built in 1847 and made 16 transatlantic voyages to North America between 1847 and 1855, during the years of the Great Famine in Ireland.
The ship was built in Quebec, Canada for the Donovan family, merchants from Tralee in County Kerry. Notably, despite the hardship and illness common on many of the “famine ships” during this period, no passenger ever died on the Jeanie Johnston. This can be attributed to the ship’s doctor’s care and the ship’s cleanliness.
The replica ship, completed in 2002, now operates as a museum, providing visitors with insights into the experiences of Irish emigrants who sailed to North America in the mid-19th century. It’s moored at Custom House Quay in the River Liffey.
Onboard, you can explore the conditions in which the emigrants traveled, learn about the dangers they faced, and hear the stories of those who made the journey.
The guided tour provides a moving account of the desperation, courage, and hope of the thousands of people who undertook this perilous journey in search of a better life during the Great Famine.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
EPIC (The Irish Emigration Museum) is a museum located in the CHQ Building at Custom House Quay, Dublin, Ireland. Opened in 2016, the museum was established to tell the story of Irish emigration, a critical part of the nation’s history that has seen millions of Irish people move to other parts of the globe.
EPIC offers an engaging and immersive experience that presents the history of Irish emigration in a series of interactive galleries. Through a combination of digital technology, information panels, audio-visual material, and artifacts, the museum explores various themes, including the reasons for emigration, the journey, and the influence of the Irish diaspora worldwide.
Some critical aspects of the EPIC museum experience as of my last update include:
- Departure: The museum begins with a look at the reasons for Irish emigration, such as famine, conflict, and economic hardship.
- Influence: Visitors can explore the significant impact that Irish emigrants have made in their new homes, in areas ranging from politics and science to sports and culture.
- Arrival: The museum presents the experience of arriving in a new country, discussing the challenges and opportunities Irish emigrants face.
- Diaspora: The museum traces the global Irish diaspora and the cultural connections that Irish emigrants have maintained with their homeland.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and special events.
Day 2 in Dublin
On day 2, I recommend exploring Ireland’s Viking history and viewing Christ Church Cathedral.
Dublinia
Located in the heart of Dublin, in a part of Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral known as the Synod Hall, Dublinia takes visitors back to experience what life was like in the city during the Viking and Medieval times.
The Viking part of Dublinia provides a glimpse into how the Vikings lived more than 1,000 years ago. You can explore a Viking house, try Viking clothes, and learn about their warfare tactics and trading habits.
The Medieval Dublin exhibition is about life in the city after the Viking period and during the Middle Ages. You can see what life was like in the city, from the rich lords and ladies to the poor workers and beggars.
The museum also features an exhibition called “History Hunters,” which takes you through the steps of how archaeologists discover the past, from excavation to exhibition.
A newer addition to Dublinia is the “Medieval Mile” exhibition, which showcases the city’s rich medieval history and the importance of the Christ Church Cathedral in that history.
Dublinia is known for its interactive exhibits, making it an excellent place for families and anyone interested in getting a hands-on understanding of Dublin’s past.
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral, also known as The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, is one of Dublin, Ireland’s oldest and most recognized landmarks. As both an architectural marvel and a place of worship, the cathedral has a rich history that dates back nearly 1,000 years.
The original Viking church, founded around 1030, was incorporated into the Irish Church and significantly renovated in the 12th century by the Anglo-Norman knight Richard de Clare, also known as Strongbow. This overhaul saw the church transformed into a cathedral in the Romanesque style.
Throughout its history, Christ Church Cathedral has undergone various restorations, including a major one in the 19th century funded by a prominent whiskey distiller, Henry Roe, who dedicated much of his fortune to save the cathedral from a state of disrepair.
Today, the cathedral has many historical and cultural artifacts like Strongbow’s tomb. It also houses the important medieval crypt, one of the largest in Britain and Ireland, which dates back to the 12th century. The crypt is home to several historic displays and also hosts various exhibitions and events.
The cathedral’s architecture, with its imposing stone structure, pointed arches, impressive nave, and beautiful stained glass, is a feast for the eyes. It’s a functioning place of worship and the mother church for the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough in the Church of Ireland.
It’s worth noting that Christ Church Cathedral is often mentioned along with St. Patrick’s Cathedral as one of the two medieval cathedrals of Dublin. While both are remarkable in their own right, they have different affiliations: Christ Church is the cathedral of the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough in the Church of Ireland, while St. Patrick’s is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland.
Day 3 in Dublin
Museum Day! Ok, technically, most of these are museums… Anyways, today is all about the classics. Here you’ll get a taste of world-class artists and ancient Ireland’s local flora and fauna.
The National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland is located in the heart of Dublin and is one of the country’s premier art institutions. It holds significant collections of European art, with a focus particularly on Irish art.
The gallery was founded in 1854 and opened to the public in 1864. Its collection includes over 16,300 artworks, encompassing various artistic styles from different periods. You’ll find works from the 14th to the 20th century, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, icons, objets d’art, and period furniture.
Some of its most famous works include pieces by Vermeer, Caravaggio, Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet. However, the collection’s heart is the comprehensive assortment of Irish art featuring artists such as Jack B. Yeats, Paul Henry, and Louis le Brocquy, among others.
The gallery is also home to the Yeats Museum, which holds a collection of works by Jack B. Yeats, his father, John Butler Yeats, and other members of this artistic family.
The National Gallery of Ireland underwent a major refurbishment and extension project completed in 2017, which greatly enhanced its facilities, including a stunning new atrium.
In addition to its permanent collections, the gallery hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, and lectures. It also has a research library, a prints and drawings study room, a café, and a bookshop.
The Dead Zoo
The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, affectionately known as the “Dead Zoo” to Dubliners, is a branch of the National Museum of Ireland. It’s located on Merrion Street in Dublin, Ireland.
This museum focuses on zoological and geological exhibits, and it’s renowned for its Victorian cabinet-style presentation. The displays haven’t changed significantly since the early 20th century, providing a glimpse into the past, both in terms of the specimens displayed and the manner of their exhibition.
The museum has two main sections:
- Irish Fauna: The museum’s ground floor is dedicated to native Irish animals. Here you’ll find a variety of mammals, birds, fish, and insects from Ireland. Notable exhibits include the skeletons of three extinct Irish deer species.
- Mammals of the World: The upper floors are home to the ‘Mammals of the World’ collection, featuring various animals from around the globe, including many impressive specimens, such as a giraffe and an elephant.
In the museum, you’ll also find a collection of specimens collected by explorers from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including insects, birds, and creatures preserved in spirit jars.
Despite the old-fashioned display style, the museum provides a wealth of information about biodiversity and the natural world. It’s a fascinating place for anyone interested in zoology, geology, or the natural environment.
Day 4 in Dublin – Since you’ll be leaving the next morning, day 4 in Dublin should be another relatively easy day since you’ll want to have a good dinner, pack up, and get a good night’s rest before you begin the journey home.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is a major historic site in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. Established by King John of England in the 13th century (1204 AD), the castle was the administrative and ceremonial seat of British rule in Ireland for nearly 800 years until 1922. Since then, it has been a crucial Irish government complex.
Here are some key points about Dublin Castle:
- Architecture: Over centuries, the castle has seen many architectural changes, reflecting various styles from the Medieval to Georgian periods. The complex includes the Record Tower (the last intact medieval tower), the State Apartments (once the residence of the English viceroys and now used for state functions), the Chapel Royal, and the Garda Museum.
- State Apartments: These grand rooms, including St. Patrick’s Hall, the Throne Room, and the State Drawing Room, were used for entertaining and official functions. St. Patrick’s Hall is particularly noteworthy as it’s where the president of Ireland is inaugurated.
- Underground Excavations: The underground area of Dublin Castle reveals the foundations of the Viking fortress that predates the castle. Discovered during archaeological excavations, this section offers a fascinating glimpse into the earliest history of the site.
- Gardens: The Dubh Linn Gardens, on the site of the original ‘black pool’ (Dubh Linn) from which Dublin gets its name, are also a part of the castle grounds. The garden also serves as a helicopter pad during state occasions.
- Cultural Venue: Today, Dublin Castle is a major tourist attraction and a critical ceremonial site. It hosts state events, including presidential inaugurations and state dinners for visiting heads of state. It also serves as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events.
- The Chester Beatty Library: Located in the castle’s gardens, this library holds a renowned collection of manuscripts, rare books, and other artistic treasures. The collection was donated to the Irish people by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty.
The National Leprechaun Museum
The National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin, Ireland, is a unique venue dedicated to exploring Irish mythology and folklore, particularly focusing on the world of leprechauns and other mythical creatures from the Irish tradition. It’s a one-of-a-kind museum in the world, aiming to bring the magic of Irish folklore to life and share the country’s rich storytelling heritage with visitors.
Through a series of interactive exhibitions and immersive experiences, the museum takes visitors deep into Celtic culture to discover what really lies behind the well-known tales of leprechauns, rainbows, and pots of gold.
The museum’s exhibitions use elements of storytelling, optical illusions, scale models, and other design techniques to create an enchanting world where nothing is quite as it seems. Visitors might find themselves shrinking to leprechaun size or exploring a fairy hill, for example.
In addition to its regular exhibits, the National Leprechaun Museum also hosts special events, workshops, and nighttime storytelling sessions for adults, which often delve into the darker side of Irish mythology.
The National Leprechaun Museum provides a whimsical, engaging, and educational experience that reveals the importance of mythology and folklore in Irish culture and history.
Day 5 in Dublin
The Bridges of Dublin
If you have some time before your flight and you haven’t already noticed, Dublin’s river Liffey is crossed several times over by bridges, and each one has a unique history, aesthetic, and appeal.
If you’re down for a morning stroll, here are a few notable bridges with cool facts about each. It’s fun to take pictures of them and really get an up-close look at some of the details, especially the Ha’penny.
- Ha’penny Bridge: Also known as the Liffey Bridge, it’s a pedestrian bridge made of cast iron. It was built in 1816 and was the first to cross the Liffey without requiring a ferry. It got its nickname because of the half-penny toll charged for crossing it until 1919.
- O’Connell Bridge: This road bridge spans the width of the river at O’Connell Street, one of Dublin’s main thoroughfares. Unusually, the bridge is wider than it is long. It was completed in 1794 and named Carlisle Bridge, but it was later renamed after Daniel O’Connell, a national leader from the 19th century.
- Samuel Beckett Bridge: This is a relatively new addition, completed in 2009. It’s a cable-stayed bridge designed to look like a harp lying on its side, referencing the harp as a symbol of Ireland.
- James Joyce Bridge: Opened in 2003, this is another modern bridge designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. It was named after the famous Irish author James Joyce.
- Four Courts Bridge (O’Donovan Rossa Bridge): This bridge dates back to 1816 and connects the quays to the historic legal buildings of the Four Courts. It was originally a wooden bridge but was replaced with a stone structure.
- Grattan Bridge: Originally built in 1676, it was reconstructed in 1872 and renamed for Henry Grattan, an Irish House of Commons member and a campaigner for legislative freedom for the Irish Parliament.
- Sean Heuston Bridge: Originally named King’s Bridge for King George IV, it was later renamed in honor of Sean Heuston, an officer in the Easter Rising, an armed insurrection in Ireland during Easter Week 1916.
And there you have it! Seeing all that Dublin has to offer in a single trip would be almost impossible unless you were staying for a month or longer.
However, this 5-day itinerary for Dublin will allow you to see a big chunk of the city’s big landmarks without being too much to handle on any given day. If you’d like to make this your itinerary, we’ve marked all the points we covered here on the map below.
Until next time!