Citytrip Dublin
Citytrip Dublin: 3-day itinerary
At Easter 2022, we decided to take a short getaway. Away from the daily hustle, we wanted a city full of character. Our choice fell on Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Small enough to explore in a weekend, yet rich in atmosphere and stories. We flew with Ryanair from Brussels and stayed at the Marlin Hotel Stephens Green, sleek and modern, but above all perfectly located to explore the city.
What followed was a long weekend full of history, Irish charm, and an unforgettable day trip to the rugged landscapes of Northern Ireland. In this blog, I’ll take you through our experiences – it might inspire your own trip.
Friday: First impressions of Dublin
After a short flight, our weekend in Dublin began. The city greeted us with fresh spring air and a relaxed vibe. Not an overwhelming, busy metropolis, but a lively, charming capital where you quickly feel at home.
After checking in, we didn’t waste any time and went straight out to explore. Our first stop was Dublin Castle. Right in the heart of the city, yet surprisingly quiet. We wandered through the courtyards and looked at a few exhibitions. It felt like a modest but beautiful introduction to the city’s history.
A little further on, we came across Christ Church Cathedral. A stunning medieval cathedral, where sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows and the underground crypt added a mysterious touch. The walls seemed to carry centuries of stories.
Next, we wandered through the atmospheric streets of Temple Bar – yes, it’s touristy, but full of contagious energy. Everywhere there was live music, cheerful people, and the smell of beer and pub food in the air. Of course, we took a photo by the iconic red front of The Temple Bar Pub.
We ended the day with a hearty meal at Thunder Road Café, a rock-‘n’-roll diner in the heart of Temple Bar. Not haute cuisine, but exactly what we wanted: comfort food with a smile.
Saturday: City tour, hidden gems & views
We started the day with coffee and fresh energy. Dublin is a very walkable city, and today was all about exploring.
First, we walked to St. Stephen’s Green, a city park where joggers ran their laps and students laughed on benches. Spring was in the air – a perfect start to the day.
At the Molly Malone statue, we stopped for a photo. Then we walked to Trinity College, a peaceful oasis of grandeur in the city centre. The Long Room Library is truly magical – if you love books, you may never want to leave.
A few streets away, we found the Iveagh Gardens, a park that almost no one seems to know about, yet it felt like a hidden oasis. Fountains, shaded paths, and hardly any tourists – perfect for a short break.
We continued via O’Connell Street and the charming Ha’penny Bridge to Henry Street for some shopping. But the day’s most unexpected highlight? A visit to a Lidl supermarket built on top of medieval ruins. Sounds strange, but it’s a perfect mix of modern everyday life and centuries-old history.
In the evening, we dined at Sophie’s Rooftop. As we enjoyed delicious food and stylish cocktails, the sky above Dublin slowly turned orange. The city lay at our feet, and we felt completely at ease.
Sunday: Daytrip to Northern Ireland
The alarm went off early because today promised something special: a daytrip to Northern Ireland. It was a day full of rugged nature, quiet castles, and legendary stories.
Our first stop was Dunluce Castle. This ruin sits dramatically on a cliff by the sea. The wind blew strongly, the sky was clear, and we felt completely detached from the modern world. A place that seems almost unreal when you’re standing there.
Next, we drove to the Giant’s Causeway. A bizarre natural formation of 40,000 basalt columns that fit together perfectly. We learned about the giant Finn McCool and the volcanic origins – both explanations equally fascinating.
Along the way, we made a short stop at the Dark Hedges – a fairytale-like avenue of beech trees, known from Game of Thrones. Even without that reference, it is a magical place.
Finally, we spent a few hours in Belfast, walking through the city centre and reflecting on the history of the Titanic, once built there. The city felt raw, but intriguing and full of contrasts.
Back in Dublin, we felt satisfied – a long, intensive day, but one we would remember for a long time.
Monday: Reflection & travel tips
Three days in Dublin: it went by far too quickly. Yet we felt that we had really gotten to know the city. The mix of historic buildings, cosy pubs, peaceful parks, and impressive nature made this city break unique. And that daytrip to Northern Ireland? That made it unforgettable.
Tips for your citytrip Dublin
- Book popular attractions like Trinity College online in advance.
- Temple Bar is fun, but also explore the less touristy pubs for a truly Irish experience.
- Take an organised day trip to Northern Ireland – tiring, but an absolute must.
- Dine at Sophie’s Rooftop for a top evening with a view.
