My husband and I only had three days in Dublin, but somehow it felt like we saw so much – without ever feeling rushed – and still left with a list of things we want to come back for. From cliffside walks and traditional music to Michelin-worthy lunches and Guinness that tastes entirely different than it does at home, here’s how we spent our long weekend in Ireland’s capital.

Day One: First Pints, Design Shops and a Standout Dinner

Morning
We landed and dropped off our bags at the hotel (we stayed at The Mont Hotel). Immediately after that we made our way to St. Stephen’s Green with a coffee in hand. It’s the kind of park that makes you want to sit and people-watch for hours—especially if you’re running on travel adrenaline and caffeine (like we were).

Afternoon
Our first pub stop was The Hairy Lemon, a classic Irish joint where we ordered our first Guinness—and yes, it really does taste completely different in Ireland. Smoother, creamier, somehow colder.

After that, we wandered around Drury Street in the city centre, which quickly became our favourite area: filled with design shops, cozy cafés, and excellent pubs.

Best shops to check out:

• STOCK Design – kitchen goods, toys, gifts (we could’ve spent hours here)

• Irish Design Shop – beautiful, modern Irish-made pieces

• LOOT – vintage finds (no website, but a gem)

• Industry & Co – part design store, part café

• Worth a mention: Loose Canon for wine and cheese—we didn’t go, but it looked so cute.

Pizza from Mani held us over (we were starving), even though we had a dinner reservation in an hour. Worth it.

Evening

Dinner at Volpe Nera was a highlight of the trip. Tucked away 15–20 minutes from downtown, it was elegant, understated, and completely delicious. Standout dishes included honey sourdough focaccia, mushroom dumplings, and the Delmonico beef for two. And that roast white chocolate + rhubarb cheesecake? Unreal.

We ended the night at O’Donoghue’s, where a trad session was already in full swing. Packed, lively, and filled with locals – we met a couple from Limerick and stayed longer than we meant to. Best first night that we could’ve imagined.

Day Two: Cliff Walks, Slow Lunches, and Pub Traditions

Morning
We hopped on the train to Howth early (only a 20 minute train ride) and grabbed toasties and coffee at Mercato Howth. It was filled with ham, caramelized onions and cheese and absolutely hit the spot. Irish toasties are very popular there and I’m definitely going to be recreating these at home!

The Howth Cliff Walk was pure magic. Wildflowers, ocean views, fresh air. We followed this guide for route options, but honestly, any path you take will be beautiful. Could’ve stayed longer if we didn’t have a lunch res.

Afternoon
Lunch at Mamó was an experience. A slow, three-hour meal that felt luxurious in the best way. It was such a rare thing for us to indulge in a long lunch but it was a great reminder to slow down and we appreciated it so much. Our server (and co-owner) Jess was incredible, and every dish was thoughtful and exciting:

• Cod chips—their chic take on fish & chips

• Yellowtail crudo with rosemary ricotta (unexpected combo that worked)

• Roast cauliflower with a spiced sabayon sauce the colour of sunshine

• A passionfruit curd dessert that was bright, playful, and just the right amount of sweet

• Also had the most amazing white wine called ‘Blank Canvas’ from New Zealand

After lunch, we wandered the pier, peeked into some touristy shops, then trained back to the city.

Evening
Yes, we went to Temple Bar — and yes, we loved it. Live music, packed with energy, and fun in that unapologetically touristy way.

While there, we came up with a new travel tradition: in every city we visit, we’ll find the oldest, most historic pub and have a pint.

So that’s what led us to The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub. History oozes from the walls. We shared fish and chips and watched a man order two pints — one with blackcurrant syrup for his wife. Apparently that’s a thing if the Guinness is too bitter for you? A minor (and hilarious) debate broke out between him and the bartender about whether it’s just for women. We loved learning that little local detail — exactly the kind of moment you hope for in a pub like this.

Nightcap: a late-night spice bag from Xi’an Street Food, because sometimes, salty fried things are just the right call. This Irish-Chinese takeaway staple is a mix of fried chicken, chips, sautéed peppers and onions—coated in a spicy/savoury/salty seasoning blend. Total perfection after a few pints.

Day Three: Pastries, Irish History, and a Hidden Wine Bar

Morning
We kicked things off at Bread 41, and I’m still thinking about that potato danish with chimichurri. The almond croissant and savoury egg tart were also very tasty.

We walked through Trinity College afterward, coffee in hand from their campus café, and just wandered for a bit. No rush, no agenda, just admiring the stunning buildings.

Afternoon
A quick lunch at Sprout & Co hit the reset button when we were craving something healthy and light — fresh bowls, salads, wraps. We sat outside on a bench near Drury Street and soaked in the sun before heading off to the next spot.

Then we made our way to Kilmainham Gaol, which I highly recommend. Haunting, powerful, and deeply moving. It’s hard to walk through and not feel connected to Ireland’s complex history.

After that, we technically “toured” the Guinness Storehouse but really just went straight to the Gravity Bar for the view (and the pint). Very touristy, but worth it for the beer break. Great merch shop if you’re into that.

On the way back, we wandered along the River Liffey in the newer docklands area. Gorgeous contrast to the older city centre. We stopped at The Ferryman for one last pint, which was a great pub with dark wood interiors, little nooks to sit, and an impressive whiskey selection.

Evening
We ended the trip with dinner at Amy Austin, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it wine bar tucked next to a parking garage (literally). The food? Incredible.

Highlights:

• Bread and black garlic butter

• Thai-spiced oysters

• Grilled octopus

• Cabbage with sake foam + parmesan

• The Campfire Cocoa Indulgence dessert with marshmallow and ganache

We ended up closing the place, chatting with the chef and servers late into the night (the wine on tap was flowin’). The owner was inspired by Austin, TX and the popular Texas chain, Amy’s Ice Creams (hence the name). One of those unexpected gems that makes a trip feel super special.

Final Thoughts

Dublin was everything we hoped it would be — incredibly friendly, walkable, easygoing, and packed with charm. We left feeling full (literally and figuratively), a lot more connected to Irish culture, and already planning our next visit. Every time my husband and I visit a new place we always joke and say “So should we move here?” — not going to lie, we could COMPLETELY see ourselves living here, or at the very least, visiting here very often. There’s just something so special about the city. Next time we want to see more of Ireland! Let me know in the comments if you have other recommendations!

If you’re heading there, I hope this helps you plan your own version of the perfect three days. And don’t forget: always have the pint at the oldest pub.