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Dublin & Beyond: 4 Days of Irish Charm
Published on May 13, 2025
Dublin is a laid-back city full of heart, and the live music pouring out of cozy pubs instantly won me over. After learning how to actually drink a Guinness, I surprised myself by actually developing a liking for it! Whether you’re wandering its cobblestone streets or exploring Ireland’s coast and countryside, Dublin makes an incredible base for a few unforgettable days in Ireland.
Day 1
After a long overnight flight, I landed in Dublin and hopped on one of the express buses into the city. My first priority? Food. Dublin has no shortage of cozy cafés and great lunch spots. Brother Hubbard, Bewley’s Grafton Street, and KC Peaches are all excellent options.
To orient myself to the city, I did what I always do when getting to know a new place: a free (tips-based) walking tour. I’ve had consistently great experiences with Sandemans NewEurope tours, and Dublin was no exception. Their free walking tour offers a fun and informative introduction to the city’s history, legends, and hidden corners you might otherwise walk right past. If spooky stories are your thing, they also offer a “Dark Side” tour, where your guide will familiarize you with Dublin’s haunted history and spaces.
Following the tour, the afternoon was spent exploring the sights at my own pace. I wandered over the Ha’Penny Bridge and River Liffey, strolled down Grafton Street, and relaxed in St. Stephen’s Green Park. From there, I was able to easily make my way by foot to visit the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin, followed by St-Patrick’s Cathedral.
I wrapped up the day with an evening outing to the Temple Bar neighborhood, where I couldn’t resist snapping in front of the iconic Temple Bar Pub. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s like a rite of passage. Instead of grabbing a pint there, I headed over to The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub, for Irish stew and traditional live music.
Day 2
This was an early start, but well worth the wake-up call! I joined a full-day Cliffs of Moher tour, which departed promptly at 6:50am in front of the famous Molly Malone statue. The cliffs themselves were breathtaking, and the cross-country bus ride offered a beautiful glimpse into the Irish countryside. In addition to visiting the cliffs, the tour also included a stop for lunch in the village of Doolin, a visit to the limestone landscape of The Burren, and some time to explore the colorful streets of Galway before heading back to Dublin. This tour was an absolute highlight of my trip!
Day 3
Day three in Dublin started with a full Irish breakfast at The Stage Door Café, a local gem known for its friendly service and generous portions. After breakfast, I took a short walk over to George’s Street Arcade, one of Europe’s oldest city markets.
In the afternoon, I checked off one of Dublin’s most iconic attractions: the Guinness Storehouse. The self-guided tour takes you through several immersive floors of Guinness history, brewing techniques, and branding, and ends with a freshly poured pint at the Gravity Bar, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline. What a fun experience!
I ended the night with a juicy hamburger at Bunsen (a great option if you’re craving something simple and satisfying), followed by a pint and some live music at a nearby pub, The Auld Dubliner, because no evening in Dublin is complete without one.
Day 4
One of my favorite parts of this trip was my day trip to Howth, a fishing village located just outside of the city. Getting there was easy: I hopped on a DART train from Connolly Station and arrived in under 30 minutes. Trains to Howth run roughly every 20 minutes from several central Dublin stops. For a detailed timetable, click here.
Howth is the perfect scenic escape, with colorful boats, fresh seafood, and magnificent cliff views. I spent the morning doing the Howth Cliff Walk, a 2-hour loop trail that starts and ends at the train station in Howth Village. The coastal views of Dublin Bay are well worth it! If hiking isn’t your thing, you can opt to spend time relaxing at Balscadden Bay Beach and take in the coastal beauty from a different perspective.
Once back in the village, I spent some time browsing Howth Market and scoped out lunch options (there are plenty!). I ended up grabbing the fish and chips from Baily Bites at Kish, a casual spot on the West Pier, and it absolutely hit the spot.
My four days in Dublin flew by, but each one was packed full of history, live music, and cold pints. Whether you’re planning your first visit or a return trip, Dublin has a way of making you feel right at home. My next stop on this solo journey was another place that makes me feel right at home: Amsterdam!
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