A Weekend in Dublin: Steal My Itinerary!

A Weekend in Dublin: Steal My Itinerary! 

Why you should go to Dublin:

• Perfect solo trip!!
• Walkable: I explored the whole city on foot.
• Safe: Dublin is generally a very safe city, even at night.  
• Friendly people: Everyone was so helpful and made my experience the best it could be.

Included in this post:

My Advice and how to have a more Budget-Friendly Trip

Simplified Itinerary for you to copy

This is my EXACT schedule. Here are some details that helped me have a great trip:

My trip dates were January 8th-11th, which was just after the New Year’s crowds had left. I was lucky because I never had to wait in line and was able to do a lot each day. I flew RyanAir, and bought my flight during the Travel Tuesday sale in December. The day before arriving in Dublin, I purchased tickets for the Guinness Storehouse on Friday and the Trinity Trails & Book of Kells Experience on Saturday. This was my birthday trip, so I was not the most budget-conscious and treated myself to a lot more than I normally would on a weekend. However, here you will find what is worth the money and what you can skip for a cheaper experience!

My Advice and how to have a more Budget-friendly Trip!

Thursday (Home-2:00 am)

Fly out Thursday night after work from MAD airport to DUB airport

Take Bolt to the hostel: My flight arrived very late. In the moment, the convenience of the Bolt was worth it for me, but I would not recommend taking a car. There are many other budget-friendly options! 

From the airport to City-Center: City Bus 16 (2.60 Euros, exact change in cash: about 1 hour) 782 Dublin Express Bus (9 Euros cash or card: about 30 minutes)

Check-in to Abigail’s Hostel: This hostel was in the perfect location! I stayed in a 10-bed female dorm. It was the first hostel I stayed in with open bunks, and it made making friends so much easier. Everyone was able to get to know each other and hang out!

Friday (9:00am-3:00am)

Breakfast at Joy of Cha

Walk and take pictures at Love Lane

Take a tour of Christ Church Cathedral

Visit Guinness Storehouse: A must-do! Even if you don't drink alcohol or don't like beer, it is a big part of the culture of Dublin and an interesting experience. There are many different packages, and I chose the most basic ticket (as someone who doesn't like beer). 

Lunch at Bambino: A TikTok viral pizza shop that I thought was well worth the hype! Do not be deterred by the long line because it moves very quickly.

George’s Street Arcade: I got the cutest postcards from Maktus! I also recommend checking out Spin Dizzy record shop. 

Take a picture with the Molly Malone Statue

House of Read for an afternoon coffee

Visit Hodges Figgis Booksellers 

Head back to Abigail’s Hostel to rest and refresh

Finish the night with Generation Pub Crawl: One of the BEST parts of my trip! I went with a group of girls from my hostel and we danced all night! The experience included four different pubs and a nightclub. Even if you do not drink alcohol, I highly recommend signing up and meeting new people!

Saturday (10:00am-1:00am)

Trinity Trails & Book of Kells Experience: There are many ticket options, and I chose the "Trinity Trails & Book of Kells Experience." I enjoyed every part of the experience. However, if you are looking to save $ I would recommend booking the "Book of Kells Experience" without the campus tour. Try finding a podcast on Apple Music or Spotify about Trinity College and walking around the campus yourself to replace the "Trinity Trails" experience. 

Lunch at Nando’s: I had to try because of Niall Horan, of course! It was not my personal favorite, so next time I would try somewhere else. 

National Gallery of Ireland- Free!! So much amazing art.

Keoghs Cafe for an afternoon coffee

Dublin Castle Guided Tour- I chose the guided tour because they gave me the student discount (I am not a student hehe). My tour guide was amazing and really added to the experience. Once again, if you are looking to save money, try to find a podcast about the castle and walk around by yourself.

Shop around Grafton Street 

Head back to Abigail’s Hostel to rest and refresh

Pub hopping: Avoid Temple Street pubs to steer clear of tourist trap prices. 

Sunday (9:00am-Home)

Check out of  Abigail’s Hostel

Traditional Irish Breakfast at Irish Potato Cake Company: The cutest restaurant! I got the small plate traditional breakfast and it was delicious :)

Visit the Dublin Portal and walk around the surrounding shops

Take City Bus 16 from the city center to the airport  

Fly back to MAD!

Overall, I had the BEST time in Dublin, and I cannot recommend it enough! If you are considering a weekend trip soon, my advice is to book the trip. Below is my simplified itinerary to help you have an amazing experience as well. 

Simplified Itinerary for you to copy!

Thursday (Home-2:00 am)

• Fly out Thursday night after work from MAD airport to DUB airport
• Take Bolt to the Hostel 
• Check-in to Abigail’s Hostel

Friday (9:00am-3:00am)

• Breakfast at Joy of Cha
• Walk and take pictures at Love Lane
• Take a tour of Christ Church Cathedral
• Visit Guinness Storehouse
• Lunch at Bambino
• George’s Street Arcade
• Take a picture with Molly Malone Statue
• House of Read for an afternoon coffee
• Visit Hodges Figgis Booksellers 
• Head back to Abigail’s Hostel to rest and refresh
• Finish the night with Generation Pub Crawl

Saturday (10:00am-1:00am)

• Trinity Trails & Book of Kells Experience
• Lunch at Nando’s 
• National Gallery of Ireland
• Keoghs Cafe for an afternoon coffee
• Dublin Castle Guided Tour
• Shop around Grafton Street 
• Head back to Abigail’s Hostel to rest and refresh
• Pub hopping 

Sunday (9:00am-Home)

• Check out of  Abigail’s Hostel
• Traditional Irish Breakfast at Irish Potato Cake Company
• Visit the Dublin Portal and walk around shops
• Take City Bus 16 from the city center to the airport  
• Fly back to MAD!