I visited Dublin in the winter. I brought my Dad since he loves Jameson Whiskey. Yes, I am bragging about being a really great daughter who totally took advantage of cheap flights! I loved Dublin in February. It wasn’t too chilly and had really small crowds. If you need help with developing an itinerary for Dublin for a 4 day trip, then you are in the right place. Use this travel guide to create the very best Dublin, Ireland Itinerary for 2024. I have included the best restaurants in Dublin, the best things to do in Dublin and exciting day trips. So keep reading to have a great 4 days in Dublin, Ireland in 2024.
And remember all of Pragmatic Travelers’ recommendations are based on my own adventures. All pictures are taken with my cell phone.
As a booking.com and Tripadvisor affiliate, I may earn a small commission on some of the links below, at no additional cost to you. As always, I only recommend what I have actually experienced so you know these recommendations are based on honesty rather a round up of internet research.
Great Airbnb to Rent
I stayed at this great Airbnb that had gorgeous views over the canal. Perfect location to all major attractions, close to restaurants and coffee! Clean and comfy with a supermarket right under the apartment. (Not affiliated with Airbnb.) Click here: Stylish Waterfront Airbnb
Don’t want to stay in an Airbnb? Check out hotels in Dublin. Plenty of choices to research!
Best Restaurants in Dublin, Ireland
- Il Valentino Bakery, Grand Canal Dock- Great coffee and tasty bakery treats.
- The Brazen Head, Dublin-We went because it was the oldest pub in Ireland and was pleasantly surprised by the fantastic food. Great Bangers and Mash!
- Klaw by Niall Sabongi, Temple Bar -This place was amazing. Fantastic seafood. It is busy so go early or at weird hours. It is also very small. It only seats about 21 people. (Reopening soon.)
- The Cedar Tree, Temple Bar- Fantastic Lebanese food. Kofta in particular was great.
- O’Neills Pub & Kitchen, Dublin- Crazy maze like pub but wonderful carvery. (Roasted meats, delicious vegetables and Yorkshire Pudding. Perfect meal for a chilly night.) Thoroughly enjoyed my evening.
- Osteria Lucio, Gran Canal Quay- Really cool atmosphere with exposed brickwork. Fantastic pizza.
Best Things to do in Dublin
Trinity College
Trinity College is a must do because you can visit the most beautiful library I have ever seen: the Long Room. (See picture above.) It is like a literary fairy tale; made even better by seeing the Book of Kells. The campus is beautiful to walk around. I will warn you it is busy! It was surprisingly busy in the middle of February. Book your tickets in advance and go at off peak times. (Early morning or late afternoon.
St. Michan’s Church
(Very close to Jameson)- This was a great great find. St. Michan’s church was build 1095 it is even rumored that Handel first played the Messiah here. The real reason to visit is the mummies. You pay a small fee to enter the crypt (3.50) and a tour guide brings you into the basement where they have multiple rooms with mummies. The star was the Crusader which is an 800 year old mummy. (His head was stolen though.) Incredible piece of history. Do this!
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
This is a wonderful cathedral to visit. It is stunning. We got there too early but they invited us in for mass. The children’s choir was performing and it was a truly special experience. Highly recommend.
Guinness Storehouse
This would be an amazing experience for someone who likes Guinness. For someone like me who isn’t the biggest fan, it was a bit long winded and cheesy. Self guided tour was fine. The view at the top with the complementary Guinness was amazing. Again, if you like Guinness this will be a great experience,
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
We stumbled upon the Teeling Distillery and it was a fantastic find. The tour was intimate and filled with information. The whiskey is fantastic. The building is gorgeous and inviting. I loved the tasting and yummy cocktails! Don’t skip this whiskey experience.
Jameson Distillery Bow Street
I LOVED this tour. I am a big fan of Jameson Whiskey. It was very informative and fun. I loved the complimentary ginger ale and whiskey. The bar is the place to be. GREAT cocktails. I mean really great. We went back twice just for the cocktails and great atmosphere. Close to the Brazen Head. Also I do recommend trying one of their private tours, particularly if you are a fan of Jameson!
Wander around the Temple Bar District
Plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to visit. Close to all the best attractions in Dublin. It can get rowdy and loud at night. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the nightlife there. Watch out for pickpockets who take advantage of the party goers. It wasn’t too bad to wander around during the day .
Stroll along the Liffy River and cross the Ha’Penny Bridge
Enjoy walking along the Liffy River and visit the Ha’Penny Bridge. This was the first pedestrian bridge and was built in 1816. It is a perfect arch bridge made of Iron.
Take a break in St.Stephen’s Green
A city park with a lake, waterfall, playground and art. Perfect for a break in some green space.
Sample Four Day Itinerary in Dublin
- Day 1(The day you land)-Get a large Irish breakfast. Then head straight to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then visit Teeling Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse. Dinner at Osterio Lucio.
- Day 2-Head over to Jameson for a tour. Visit St. Michan’s Church. Have lunch at the Brazen Head. Cross over the Ha’Penny Bridge and explore the Temple Bar District. Visit St. Stephen’s Green for a break. Dinner at Klaw (if it is reopened).
- Day 3-Spend the day wandering around Trinity College. Visit the Book of Kells and the Long Room. Lunch or dinner at the Cedar Tree. Could save some money and make a meal at the Airbnb.
- Day 4-Rent a car and visit the Wicklow mountains, Powerscout Gardens and Glendalough Monastic City. Dinner at O’Neills.
Day Trips from Dublin
Enjoy a day trip out of the city. We rented a car with Europcar in the morning and hit the road. Here was our itinerary.
First stop: Powerscourt House and Gardens, Enniskerry
Powerscourt House and Gardens has consistently ranked as one of the best gardens in the world. And I can see why. The grounds are breathtaking. The mountains in the background only make it more special. There is much to explore and appreciate so make sure to block off plenty of time. I loved every second walking the grounds.
Second Stop: Drive through Sally Gap.
Absolute stunner of a drive through the Wicklow Mountains. Inspiring views, narrow roads and great overlook of Lough Tay.
Third Stop: Glendalough Monastic City, Wicklow
Amazing monastic city ruins from the 10th trough 12th centuries. The walk through and around the ruins are both fascinating and beautiful. Highly recommend the drive. Once you done with the ruins, take the walk to Glendalough Upper Lake. Which just continues the beauty and thrill of the area.
Your Thoughts…
This is four day travel guide to Dublin, Ireland for 2024. What are you excited to visit or experience? What do you enjoy doing while in Dublin? Leave a comment below.
