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Top 5 Things To Do During A Weekend In Dublin

A weekend in Dublin can consist of everything, from shopping on Grafton Street or exploring the city, to visiting the Temple Bar or enjoying a night at the races – the possibilities are endless! There are countless things to do and see while you’re there, which can make planning your 48-hour itinerary overwhelming. We’ve done the hard work for you and listed our recommendations for your stay in Dublin, giving you more time to enjoy the vibrant city life.

Here’s our top 5 things to do during your weekend in Dublin:

1. Go on a Guided Tour of the City 

The beauty of spending a weekend in this amazing city means you have more time to explore and learn about Dublin’s unique history. So why not use your time wisely and go on a tour of this vibrant, beautiful city! From hop-on-hop-off buses to walking tours - there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your tenth, sightseeing buses are a fantastic way to travel around the city. Your ticket allows you to hop on and off at over 30 stops across Dublin as well as taking in the history with live tour guides. If you prefer taking in the sights by foot, Dublin Free Walking Tours offer free city tours with their award-winning guides which take off several times each day from The Spire on O’Connell Street! The tours make their way through Dublin, stopping at Trinity College, Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

2. Visit Dublin’s Oldest Pubs

With a population famed for their pub culture, it’s not surprising that there are numerous old school pubs dotted through-out the Irish city. From hidden gems in the heart of Dublin, to those located a bit further afield, there are a number of bars you should consider visiting during your stay such as The Brazen Head and The Stag’s Head. The Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198, making it a perfect location to start your pub journey. Your next stop should be at The Stag’s Head, established in 1780 and located in the heart of the city, this pub offers plenty of history and a great pint of Guinness. And of course, a trip to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famous Temple Bar district.

3. Enjoy a Night at the Races

If you’re looking for a great night out in Dublin, make sure to add a night at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium to your weekend itinerary. Located only a short 15 minute walking distance from Dublin City Centre, a night at the dogs will guarantee entertainment from the first bell right through to the last race. Enjoy the buzz of the greyhound racing from the comfort of the bar or from your table in our atmospheric restaurant, where you can also place a bet with our table-side Tote service. With our various restaurant packages and array of entertainment, a night at Shelbourne Park is perfect for everyone, from families to those wanting to enjoy a night out with friends. Plus, for those who can’t get here by foot, a free Dublin Coach Shuttle Bus runs every Saturday night, making it even easier to get here! Find out more about our current offers and restaurant packages.

4. Shop ‘Til You Drop

Dublin is one of the best shopping cities in Europe; from luxury brands to local handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone, making it the perfect activity during your weekend break. A great place to start your spending spree is O’Connell Street, which will lead you to Dublin’s largest department store, Arnotts. Next, take a walk across O’Connell Bridge and enjoy the charming river views before you arrive at the city’s main shopping boulevard, Grafton Street. Here you will find a colourful array of street performers dotted between shops such as Brown Thomas and Weir & Sons Jewellers. Don’t forget to stop off at one of the many restaurants and pubs for some well-deserved refreshments!

5. Discover the Secrets of Guinness and Jameson Whiskey

For many, a trip to Dublin will often include a well-deserved pint of Guinness or a glass of Jameson’s Whiskey. But this time, why not take part in one of the city’s top tourist attractions and enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the storehouse or distillery, or even better, both! Located a short distance from the city centre, the Guinness Storehouse will allow you to learn all about Guinness’ rich history as well as what goes into making a perfect pint of Guinness. To top it off, you will have the opportunity to pour your very own pint and enjoy it in the Gravity Bar with amazing views of the city. Alternatively, you can enjoy the world’s leading distillery tour at the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street where you will learn how to blend your own whiskey and master whiskey cocktail making.

Whether you choose to explore, shop, drink or experience a night at the races – there really is something for everyone to enjoy in Dublin. But with so much to do in this amazing city, a weekend might not be enough!

For help planning your night at the races or to book a table at our restaurant, contact the Shelbourne Park sales team now.