36-Hour Dublin: Guinness Whiskey

Not me, a travel blogger, selflessly gifting a trip to Dublin and casually planning the perfect 36-hour Dublin: Guinness Whiskey escape while I was at it.

When your partner in crime loves Guinness, whiskey, and is a quarter Irish, Dublin isn’t just a good idea, it’s the obvious one. I leaned into my travel blogger instincts and crafted a short, intentional trip that felt easy, slow paced and deeply rooted in Irish culture. No chaos. No overplanning. Just the right mix of iconic experiences and local favorites.

This 36-hour Dublin: Guinness Whiskey itinerary comes straight from my own experience. I designed it around what actually matters when you’re short on time but still want great food, historic pubs, live music, and drinks that tell a story.

From hopping on the Dublin Express straight from the airport to walking between distilleries, cafés, and centuries-old pubs, everything flowed. It’s the kind of city break that works whether you’re gifting a trip, planning a romantic getaway, or simply traveling with someone who really loves their pint.

36-hour Dublin: Guinness Whiskey Table of Contents

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Cliff Notes: Pints, Pubs And Experiences We Loved

Flight	Stay	Do	Drive
Skyscanner	Agoda	GetYourGuide	Getrentacar.com

Short on time or just want the highlights?

Here’s the quick-hit version of our 36-hour Dublin: Guinness Whiskey trip — the experiences we genuinely loved and would do again.

Tour the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy a Gravity Bar pint

Shake things up at a Roe & Co Whiskey Cocktail Workshop

Catch live Irish music at The Cobblestone

Sip a pint at Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head

Try experimental Guinness brews at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, the only place you can taste them

Find where locals swear the best Guinness is poured at Bowes Bar

If that list alone speaks to you, this city break was made for you.

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Day 1: Arrival & First Pints

If you’re looking for an easy European city break that celebrates Guinness, whiskey, and Irish culture in a fun, authentic way, this 36-hour Dublin: Guinness Whiskey itinerary is exactly how I’d recommend doing it.

DAY 1

Morning Arrival:	We used Dublin Express to get into the city quickly and stress-free. Book in advance to save time and start your Dublin adventure without delay. [Book here]
Brunch at Slice:	Head to SLICE in Stoneybatter for a highly-rated brunch or a carefully crafted coffee. It’s perfect before or after exploring north of the Liffey. I ordered their avocado dish with a side of hash brown and a maple latte…chefs kiss!
Guinness Storehouse:	Just give me a pint… preferably here. Inspired by the Netflix series House of Guinness and a certain +1 who really loves his pint. No Dublin trip is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. This self-guided experience dives into the history and brewing of Guinness, ending with a pint at the Gravity Bar with sweeping city views. Psst: While Guinness Storehouse doesn’t offer coat check, they will store your luggage free of charge for you. [Book tickets]
Post-Storehouse Tastings:	Swing by Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Dublin’s only place to taste experimental Guinness brews. Our server, Ignacio, made the experience unforgettable with thoughtful recommendations.
Check-In:	We stayed at Kilronan House, a Grade A-listed B&B with original chandeliers and cooked-to-order breakfasts. Charming and full of character, it felt like home away from home. [Book your stay]
Early Dinner:	Dinner at Matt the Thresher is all about Irish seafood classics like the fish pie and seafood chowder. Everything was tasty here. [Reserve your table]
Evening Music & Drinks:	Catch live Irish tunes at The Cobblestone, then take a stroll to The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub. The authenticity is unreal. You really will feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

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Day 2: Whiskey, Coffee And More

Today you’ll enjoy a relaxed morning, a whiskey cocktail workshop, and a stroll through Temple Bar before one last pint and heading to the airport.

DAY 2

Morning at Kilronan House:	Enjoy a leisurely cooked to order breakfast at Kilronan House before checking out at 11 AM. [Book your stay]
Walk Through St. Stephen’s Green:	Take a peaceful stroll through the gardens on your way to Temple Bar neighborhood.
Coffee at Mantle:	This coffee shop goes above and beyond. Expertly crafted drinks made by passionate coffee artists for true coffee enthusiasts at Mantle. [Check it out]
Roe & Co Whiskey Cocktail Workshop:	Shake things up at Roe & Co! In a 1-hour workshop, you’ll taste whiskey, craft your own cocktail, and enjoy a complimentary drink at their bar. Perfect for a spirited date. [Book your workshop]
Lunch at Darkey Kelly:	Another round of Irish classics, paired with music and a lively atmosphere. While Darkey Kelly‘s is busy, with a little patience you will get a seat. [Check out here]
Temple Bar Neighborhood:	Walk the cobblestones, pop into quirky shops, or stop for one last pint at Bowes Bar, said to pour the best Guinness outside of the Storehouse.
Departure:	Hop on the Dublin Express back to the airport for an easy evening departure. [Book transport]

Optional Music Spot:
If you have extra time, check out O’Donoghues Bar. Live music starts around 6:30 p.m. on Fridays, but varies by day so be sure to double check their schedule online.

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Why This 36-Hour Dublin Trip Just Works

What this 36-hour Dublin: Guinness Whiskey trip proved to me is that you don’t need a long itinerary to truly experience a place. Dublin delivers culture effortlessly through its music, its pubs, its stories, and the people you cheers with pints.

Planning this trip reminded me why experiences make the best gifts. Everything felt intentional, relaxed, and genuinely fun. Whether you’re planning a surprise trip, traveling with a Guinness lover, or just want a city that’s easy to enjoy without overthinking it, Dublin checks every box.

Would I plan a whole trip around a pint? Have even more time to explore Dublin? Read my 12 Must Visit In Dublin – 2 Day Itinerary

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Want to discover where else you can visit on a short city break?

See my Travel Guide Section for tips and recommendations for other city break cities like Helsinki, Zurich and Copenhagen. Learn how to get there, where to stay, eat and what to do!