For as long as I can remember and for whatever reason, I always wanted to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland. Even though Dublin gets a lot of attention as one of the best places to visit in Ireland, there are so many other beautiful areas of Ireland to explore. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny and attending Tradfest was an incredible experience, and I highly recommend their parade over Dublin’s parade! Keep reading for how to plan the perfect Ireland 3-day itinerary including extending your itinerary to Northern Ireland!

Ireland 3 Day Itinerary: 3 Days in Ireland from Dublin

Day 1

Explore Dublin and have dinner at Burtown House and Gardens

Day 2

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Tradfest in Kilkenny 

Day 3

Roam the Irish countryside 

Day 4&5

Add Northern Ireland to your list if you have time, keep reading for all the best places to visit!

Is 3 days enough to visit Ireland?

3 days is enough time to visit Ireland, especially if you’re only enjoying the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. If you want to spend 3 days in Ireland from Dublin you can easily see the city of Dublin, the beautiful Kilkenny, and the Irish countryside. If you wish to travel to Northern Ireland or see more of the countryside you should plan an Ireland itinerary for 5 days.

3 days in Ireland from Dublin

When planning an Ireland 3-day itinerary it’s best to plan to fly in and out of Dublin. You can easily rent a car and pick up and return from the Dublin airport. This will be the best way to get around Ireland if you only spend a few days there.

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What is the #1 thing to see in Ireland?

The Cliffs of Moher and Gian’ts Causeway are Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. The Cliffs of Moher are a few hours west of Dublin, and the Giant’s Causeway is a few hours north of Dublin. Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells Experience are some of the most popular things to do in Dublin and the best things to do in Dublin.

This Ireland 3-day itinerary only covers the best things to see and do in Dublin, Kilkenny, and the Irish countryside in between. If you have a few extra days to spend in Ireland, you could visit Northern Ireland or take a guided tour of the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin.

Is Kilkenny worth visiting?

Kilkenny is worth visiting because of its historical attractions like Kilkenny Castle and the Medieval Mile, old-town charm, and beautiful character. Even though Dublin has a rich Irish character, Kilkenny has more. I enjoyed Kilkenny far more than Dublin during our Ireland 3-day itinerary. The Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Parade was also not as chaotic as Dublin’s parade can be, as it’s popular among young adults and university students. The Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Parade felt more wholesome and authentic with the town and Medieval Mile adorning the background. 

Ireland 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Dublin and have dinner at Burtown House and Gardens

Lunch and Guinness at Brazen Head

Instead of heading to Dublin’s most popular bar Temple Bar for lunch, head to Brazen Head. Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub, established in 1198! This pub is open every day from noon to late and does fill up quickly, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. We arrived a few minutes before they opened and were not the only people waiting. If there’s not an open table, they have a lovely outdoor bar and patio area.

Have a drink at Temple Bar

Temple Bar is Dublin’s most popular bar. Temple Bar is the established home of traditional Irish music and has the largest selection of whiskies in Ireland. They also have the largest selection of pub sandwiches anywhere in the world! During St. Patrick’s Day weekend, you may or may not be able to make reservations, make sure to check their website for more details. 

Pre-book tickets for Trinity College Book of Kells Experience 

Visiting Trinity College and the Book of Kells Experience is the best thing to do in Dublin and needs to be included in your Ireland 3-day itinerary. You will need to pre-book tickets as they do sell out quickly. I wanted to visit Trinity College to see their beautiful Old Library, but you must book The Book of Kells Experience to see this. If you’re like me and wondering what The Book of Kells is, it’s one of the most famous medieval manuscripts in the world. Its beauty and complex illustrations set it apart from others like it. The book is over 1,200 years old and has been passed from multiple owners through the years. The Book of Kells Experience is worth seeing if you’re in Dublin, it does a great job sharing the history and importance of the book!

The Old Library is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world! If you’re looking for others I highly recommend these in Prague!

Visit the Guinness Storehouse

You can’t visit Dublin and Ireland without trying a Guinness, and they have a whole store dedicated to telling their story. You of course can buy anything and everything related to Guinness, if you have time and you’re a beer lover make sure to add it to your Ireland 3-day itinerary.

Here’s a perfect tour option to learn about Ireland’s favorite beer!

Tour Dublin Castle 

You might not have time to tour this castle if you’ll only be in Dublin for one day. When my husband and I visited, we opted to skip it, but the surrounding area and gardens are beautiful in the spring around St. Patrick’s Day.

If you’re looking for other beautiful places to visit in the spring, New England USA has multiple beautiful bloom locations!

Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral 

While spending one day in Dublin, you’ll have time to walk by this 800-year-old cathedral but might not have time to step inside. There was even a line too when we visited!

Have dinner at Burtown House and Gardens

Since we were heading out of Dublin on our way to Kilkenny, we stopped at Burtown House and Gardens. This spot is truly a hidden gem in Ireland. Burtown House offers quaint stable yard accommodations and a delicious farm-to-table restaurant. Visit their website to book reservations for the restaurant, or stay on their idyllic property!

Best Places to Stay in Dublin

Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin $$: This hotel is in a great location in central Dublin, close to the shopping districts and Temple Bar. 

Clontarf Castle Hotel $: This 4-star hotel would be perfect to add to your 3-day Ireland itinerary if you want to stay a bit out of Dublin. This hotel is only fifteen minutes from the city.

The Gibson Hotel $$: This Dublin hotel has panoramic views of the Dublin Port and is only a fifteen-minute drive from Dublin Airport.

The Westbury Hotel $$-$$$: This 5-star hotel in Dublin is in the perfect location between Trinity College and St. Stephens Green. This hotel has a few restaurants and a beautiful Sidecar Bar that serves delicious cocktails!

The Fitzwilliam Hotel $$: This 5-star hotel doesn’t have a luxurious nightly rate. This hotel is also in a central location close to Dublin city center.

Day 2: St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Tradfest in Kilkenny 

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Kilkenny Parade

Even though Dublin has a massive St. Patrick’s Day parade, I thought Kilkenny’s parade was more authentic. This parade draws the crowds, but it’s nowhere near the crowds or the overserved college and young professional partygoers you’ll experience in Dublin. Here’s all the information for the St. Patrick’s Day events in Kilkenny, including Tradfest which I’ll explain below!

Walk the Medieval Mile

Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile starts at Kilkenny Castle, continues through the city, and ends at the 13th-century St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower. You can visit all 25 locations of interest along the Medieval Mile. Some highlights of the Medieval Mile include Kilkenny Castle, Butler House and Gardens, Medieval Mile Museum, and the Smithwick’s Experience. How long does it take to walk the Medieval Mile in Kilkenny? Depending on where you stop, it will take you at least two hours, and I highly recommend the Smithwick Experience! 

Climb Round Tower

If you want a beautiful view of Kilkenny, climb the Round Tower at St. Canice’s Cathedral. Keep in mind this climb is not for the faint of heart, and it gets quite cozy at the top!

Wander around Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle is one of the best things to do in Kilkenny. Kilkenny Castle is over 800 years old and has been passed down from family to family until 1971 when it was sold to Kilkenny Castle Restoration Committee and is now in state ownership. You can tour the castle and grounds and even have tea in their adorable cafe. If you’re wondering if Kilkenny Castle is worth visiting, it’s worth seeing!

Book tickets for the Smithwick’s Experience 

Booking a ticket for the Smithwick Experience is one of the best things to do in Kilkenny. Even though Guinness might be Ireland’s most popular beer, Smithwick’s is Ireland’s oldest. Smithwick’s recipe has stayed the same since 1710 and includes a secret ingredient kept under lock and key. Learn about the history of Kilkenny’s prominent family that started it all and how it’s evolved into the brewery it is today.

Best Places to Stay in Ireland 

B & B Kilkenny recommendations 

Butler House $: This four-star location is in the heart of Kilkenny, a short walk from Kilkenny Castle making it one of the best places to stay in Kilkenny! This spot offers a la carte breakfast, and even some guest rooms have views of the Castle!

Raheen House Hotel $: Even though this B&B Kilkenny is a little less than an hour from Kilkenny it’s only thirty minutes from the Rock of Cashel. This Georgian home revival sits in the Comeragh Mountains and has a beautiful garden and terrace.

Castle Lodge $: This next B&B Kilkenny is extremely affordable and only a fifteen-minute walk or a few minutes drive from Kilkenny Castle.

Wilton Castle $$: Even though this four-star ‘castle’ hotel is around an hour from Kilkenny, it’s one of the best places to stay in Ireland! It’s near a golf course, fishing and picnic areas. The surrounding landscape is absolutely stunning, and it’s one of the highest-rated properties on Booking.com!

Kilmore Guesthouse $: These guesthouses are extremely modern, beautifully decorated, and are right in the heart of the town of Kilkenny! This spot would be great for families.

Best Hotels in Ireland and Northern Ireland

The Cashel Palace $$-$$$: This next location was on the list for Travel and Leisure Reader’s 30 favorite hotels in Europe! This is one of the best places to stay in Ireland and it’s easy to see why. This five-star property offers incredible dining and spa experiences. This hotel is located right down the street from the Rock of Cashel, hence the name!

Kilronan Castle $$: This four-star ‘castle hotel’ would be the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to visit Northern Ireland. This ‘castle hotel’ is quite the theme in Ireland, can you tell? This hotel has some of the most luxurious dining rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and even a spa! This would be a perfect halfway point between Dublin and the Northern Irish coast!

Ashford Castle $$$: This is another five-star property and has been recognized as one of the leading hotels of the world! It’s around three hours from Dublin but less than an hour from Galway. This property is right on the coast and the surrounding area is stunning, it’s really a destination in itself!

Blackwell House Northern Ireland $$: Recognized for its exceptional hospitality and luxurious experiences, Blackwell House is a ‘blend of Swiss precision and Northern Irish charm.’ They offer romantic including proposal packages, and even a Game of Thrones package as it’s just down the studio tour.

Day 3: Roam the Irish countryside 

Visit the beautiful Rock of Cashel

Even though you might be thinking why would I want to visit a rock, don’t worry because it’s so much more than that. Even though I loved Kilkenny so much more than Dublin, I loved the Irish countryside even more than Kilkenny. One of the best things to do in Ireland is to visit the Rock of Cashel. If you’re wondering why the Rock of Cashel is so famous, it’s because this is a site of religious significance where St. Patrick baptized King Aengus, making him the first Christian ruler of Ireland. The surrounding area and the views from the top are so stunning. If you want an even better view, follow the downward path near the entrance. 

This place is a popular day trip from Dublin. If you rented a car and are visiting on your own and want the site all to yourself, arrive when they open for the day. 

Have lunch at Malahide Castle 

Malahide Castle was the perfect stop on our way to Dublin Airport after visiting the Rock of Cashel. Even though we didn’t have time to tour the castle, the gardens, shop, and cafe were worth visiting. Part of their garden even had a lovely bluebell forest which was beautiful!

How to get around Ireland

The best way to get around Ireland is by car. If you’re following my Ireland 3-day itinerary, renting a car will be necessary. We pre-booked our rental car to pick up and return at the Dublin Airport. 

Dublin airport to Dublin city center

The best way to get from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Center is by bus. The ‘Dublin Express’ is the best option, you will find the bus right outside the airport, and you can buy tickets before you board. 

Dublin to Kilkenny train

If you’re not renting a car when visiting Ireland, here’s all the information you need for how to travel from Dublin to Kilkenny by train.

3 days in Ireland No Car

You can visit Ireland without renting a car. If you’re planning 3 days in Ireland with no car you should base yourself in Dublin. You can easily take day trips to the Irish countryside via guided tours.

How many days is ideal for Ireland?

If you’re wondering what is the best amount of time to spend in Ireland, it depends on what you want to see. The ideal amount of time to spend in Ireland is 3-7 days. You can easily see Ireland in 3 days as shown above, but spending more time will allow you to explore the countryside and Northern Ireland. Keep reading for how to extend your Ireland 3-day itinerary to include Northern Ireland and more of the Irish countryside.

Ireland itinerary 5 days in Northern Ireland

Visit Giant’s Causeway

Giant’s Causeway is one of the best things to do in Ireland. You may ask why is Giant’s Causeway so special? Giant’s Causeway is a Northern Ireland UNESCO World Heritage site. The unique hexagonal columns you can wander around are from volcanic activity and erosion which formed over a million years ago. The Giant’s Causeway is free to enter, but there is a parking fee. Keep in mind the parking lot is up a steep hill from the waterfront, but there’s a shuttle you can pay for if you need to.

This spot is very close to the other key locations in Northern Ireland. It’s around a three-hour drive from Dublin, but there are plenty of tours available if you’re not renting a car in Dublin.

Wander around Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is another filming location for Game of Thrones fans (it’s Pyke Castle of House Greyjoy on Pyke Island). It’s a very low cost to tour the castle and shouldn’t take you more than an hour to wander around. We didn’t pay to tour the entire castle as we were tight on time but enjoyed all the views we needed from the road and near the parking lot! This castle is right down the road from both Giant’s Causeway and the next stop that should be on your 5-day Ireland itinerary.

Giant’s Causeway and the landscape surrounding Dunluce Castle are so unique! The only other experience I could equate it to was our time in Iceland, click here for a comprehensive guide on how to visit!

Cross Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge if you dare!

This bridge is not for the faint of heart, but the views are incredible! This bridge is open year-round, and visitors usually spend around two hours wandering around, taking in the views, and crossing the narrow bridge. The views from Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge were some of the most beautiful we have seen in Ireland!

Spend the night at The Bushmills Inn

The Bushmills Inn Hotel and Restaurant is one of the best places to stay in Northern Ireland. A short drive from the hotel is the Old Bushmills Distillery. This distillery advertises Ireland’s best whiskey. It’s been making whiskey for 400 years and is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world! Even if you don’t have time to stay, make a reservation for their restaurant. My husband and I loved the romantic aesthetic and delicious food!

The Bushmills Hotel is one of the best in Ireland, click here to book your next stay!

Visit Game of Thrones the Dark Hedges

On your way back to Dublin, stop at the Dark Hedges. The Dark Hedges is one of the best things to see in Northern Ireland and was made wildly popular by the famous HBO series Game of Thrones. The Dark Hedges is simply an avenue of beech trees and one of the most photographed locations in Northern Ireland because of its natural beauty. You cannot drive through the Dark Hedges, which makes it better to admire. If you’re driving to the Dark Hedges, there’s a fee to park in their parking lot, and then just a short walk to the entrance. 

This spot is very close to the other locations in Northern Ireland. It’s around a three-hour drive from Dublin, but there are plenty of tours available if you’re not renting a car in Dublin.

How much money do you need for 3 days in Ireland?

Ireland is a relatively affordable destination to visit. If you’re planning to rent a car, you can stay in bed and breakfasts outside city centers to save money. For reference when we visited Ireland we only spent around $100 USD a night on accommodations and $25 USD per day on a rental car. 

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