The Book of Kells and Georgian squares, Guinness and St Patrick's Cathedral, then Kilmainham Gaol and the cliffs of Howth.
3 days, 20 stopsBalanced paceMay to Jun, SepApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 3, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: The Book of Kells, Georgian Dublin and Portobello
The Book of Kells first thing, lunch in a Victorian arcade, Irish gold and old masters, then dinner in Portobello.
1
9:00 AMBook aheadBook of Kells ExperienceBook the first slot and allow about 90 minutes for the Old Library and the digital exhibition. Most Long Room books are out for redevelopment work.About 1 hour 30 min here
Book of Kells Experience, from: €25 (about $28) · Book a time slot
10:45 AMOptionalSt Stephen's GreenStroll the paths and lake of the city-center park; it opens at 7:30 AM, or 9:30 AM on Sundays.About 45 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 10 min
3
11:45 AMGeorge's Street ArcadeBrowse the stalls of this 1881 arcade and eat at one of its food counters; Sunday opening is 11 AM.About 1 hour 30 min here
Pay as you go
Walk about 10 min
4
1:30 PMNational Museum of Ireland, ArchaeologyFree entry; it opens at 1 PM on Sundays and Mondays and at 10 AM other days. Call ahead if you want one gallery, as some close at short notice.About 1 hour 15 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 5 min
5
2:45 PMNational Gallery of IrelandSee the free permanent collection; the galleries start closing at 4:50 PM, so head for the rooms you most want first.About 1 hour 30 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 5 min
6
4:15 PMOptionalMerrion SquareWalk the Georgian square and its restored park. The gates close at 5 PM in December and January, later the rest of the year.About 1 hour 15 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 25 min
7
6:00 PMPortobelloPick a bistro or cafe in this canal-side neighborhood; book ahead on Friday and Saturday nights.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Book these aheadBook of Kells Experience (day 1), Guinness Storehouse (day 2), Kilmainham Gaol (day 3): timed tickets, or tickets that often sell out.
Book timed tickets earlyThe Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Gaol sell timed entry online; Kilmainham releases tickets 28 days ahead.
Check Sunday hoursThe National Museum opens at 1 PM on Sundays and Mondays, and St Patrick's Cathedral opens only between services on Sundays.
Book dinner at weekendsDublin dinner service usually runs from about 5 PM to 10 PM, and popular places fill up on Friday and Saturday nights.
Pack layers and a raincoatRain can fall in any month and the weather changes fast, so carry a waterproof layer even on bright mornings.
Where to stay for this plan
Stay between Temple Bar and St Stephen's Green: you can walk to every stop on days 1 and 2 and reach Heuston and Connolly stations easily on day 3.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 4, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
