How long should we plan for Dublin?
 

We will be flying in and out of Dublin for a 10 day trip. Our possible itinerary is to spend our first day in Dublin seeing what we can see before jet lag does us in. We were then thinking about taking a bus tour to Belfast/Giants Causeway the second day and then spending the second night in Dublin and on the third day renting a car and heading towards either Galway or Kilkenny (haven't decided exactly which way we want to go). Our alternative itinerary is to spend Day 1 and Day 2 seeing Dublin. Then we take the bus tour to Northern Ireland on Day 3. Then on Day 4 head out towards Galway or Kilkenny. My question is should we take two days to see Dublin or is one day enough time to get a good taste? Our plan was if we only spent the one day seeing Dublin we would schedule in about another half day at the end of our trip for a little more sightseeing there before we fly home the next day. Opinions??

I recently planned a trip to Dublin that I had to cancel at the last minute, but I was surprised when I began to read guidebooks and research online that more than 50 percent of the "top" attractions automatically listed were of ZERO interest to me, since they struck me as a corny cliche of Irish life from a touristy point of view.

It wasn't until I got a couple of very detailed guidebooks, and did google searches for "Dublin history" and "Dublin neighborhoods" and "Dublin food" that I was able to plan how much time to spend there. Given my interests, I decided on 4 nights, and I had no intention of spending one second visiting breweries, doing a pub crawl, visiting fairy creature museums or shopping for Celtic jewelry.

Since I never took the trip, can't tell if that was too much or too little to be rewarding. But I am suggesting you might find that a lot of standard advice about what constitutes today's "flavor" of Dublin is canned for tourism, and if you dig a bit, you might get curious to experience something other than that. Dublin is a rather fascinating modern European city, with many facets.

Karen, great question. I'd base it on the day you arrive (assume a bit of jet lag etc), stay two nights and then leave early on the next day. The centre is small and walkable unless unfit. A great little art collection, the college, the guiness show, the old prison and maybe some of the more special friendly shops will fill the main day.

I agree with sandralist. We didn't do the typical touristy things either. Spent 2/1/2 full days there and loved it. Took a trip to Malahide Castle which was FASCINATING as it was about a 1000 years old and added on over the years so you walk from one era to the other. We took the bus to get there and the train back.

I could list other great things to do but find a Dublin guide book and see what YOU would like to do.

I love Dublin and can always find different things to do. The museums are great and still haven't seen them all. We love history and Glasnevin cemetery is Irish history. There are great pubs, music, parks and food to enjoy. I so want to see a game at Croke park. Easy day trips north and south though you might want to spend a night in Belfast.

Consider taking a day trip to 5,200 year old Newgrange while you are in Dublin.

It depends on what you like. I loved Glasnevin cemetery because I love funereal sculpture - I could have spent all day there. Alas, I had no idea how huge it was and only alloted an hour or so before my flight out.

As sandralist said, the touristy things aren't for everyone. Do some research to see what you might be interested in doing. Perhaps a Hop On Hop Off tour will give you an interesting overview. I always enjoy them in the cities I'm new to.

I believe there is much to Dublin. It's a lovely city with lots to offer for architecture, museums, kitsch, history, art, and entertainment. One of my thrills was wondering through a maze-warren of a used book store :)

I second Keith's suggestion. Was there 4 days ago, so very interesting.

Karen

Don't miss Newgrange - a neolithic monument not far from Dublin. Older than Stonehenge - but you can actually enter - but only as part of a small group with a professional leader. But not good if you aren't good at small or dark places.

Also in Dublin do go to the theater. There is a very active scene - and you can likely find something by a local playwrite - Shaw or Wilde.