Discover Dublin - Three Day Itinerary
Plan your staycation at the Herbert Park Hotel & Park Residence
Whether you are looking for a relaxing or a very active staycation in Dublin, we have put together an itinerary of favorite things to do and see during your stay at the Herbert Park Hotel & Park Residence. We truly hope to inspire our guests and help to plan their upcoming trip to Dublin.
DAY 1 - THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
HERBERT PARK
The best way to spend your time after arrival at Herbert Park Hotel & Park Residence is to explore the wonderful surrounding area. Our hotel's unique position right next to the 48 acre stunning Herbert Park gives our guests an option to relax in the calm surroundings of nature. Take a rest with a tasty lunch from the Terrace Lounge and enjoy a walk around the picturesque park. Families can take advantage of the amazing playground, the family walking trail, as well as endless greenery perfect for a picnic & play.
SANDYMOUNT STRAND AND VILLAGE
We are only a 6 minute drive or 1 stop ride on the DART from Lansdowne Road to get to the Sandymount Strand. The beach at the Sandymount Strand features breath-taking views all year round of Poolbeg Towers and Dublin Bay. The Sandymount Village is considered one of Dublin's prettiest villages with a choice of boutiques and delis where you can discover some of the local produce.
WAKEDOCK
Wakedock is Ireland's first cable wakeboard park, set to reopen in 2023, uniquely located in the Grand Canal Dock just a short stroll from Dublin's city centre. The wakeboard cable replaces the boat and pulls the rider along an obstacle course. Wakedock offers wakeboard tuition for adults, teens and children. Ride the cable, book group sessions, kids' parties and kids' club, from age 8 and up. Wakedock's location in the Grand Canal Dock is easily accessible from Herbert Park Hotel by car, on foot or by DART (Grand Canal Dock stop).
Return to the Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence for a delicious dinner at the Pavilion Restaurant and a nightcap in the Terrace Lounge before returning to your bedroom for a restful sleep.
DAY 2 - DUBLIN CITY
There is so much to see and do in Dublin City centre and we have put together a list of our favourite attractions for you to choose from.
DUBLIN MUSEUMS
We have narrowed down a list of the best traditional and eclectic museums and galleries in Dublin City, perfect to add a touch of culture to your stay:
EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum
Explore, engage and connect with Irish history and culture in 20 interactive galleries at EPIC. Go beyond the stereotypes and discover what it truly means to be Irish. EPIC was the winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2019 and 2020.
Jeannie Johnston Tall Ship
This remarkable replica of a famine ship, tells the story of those caught in the potato famine and their desperate bid for a new life elsewhere. The dark history is treated with respect and sensitivity, but also with hope and humour, making for a fascinating and intriguing experience.
The Book of Kells
A visit to the Book of Kells at the Old Library in Trinity College Dublin is a journey through some of Ireland’s most iconic cultural heritage.
National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery contains over 12,000 pieces of art representing numerous artists including work by Jack B Yeats, Caravaggio, Vermeer, Rembrandt Turner & many more. It is conveniently located in Dublin City Centre, a short stroll from Trinity College and Merrion Square.
Science Gallery Dublin
Science Gallery is a venue where art and science meet to ignite creativity and discovery, providing experiences that allow visitors to participate and make social connections. It's one of the top free cultural attractions in Ireland and centrally located in Trinity College.
Dublinia
Dublinia, located at the crossroads of the Medieval city at Christchurch, is history brought to life in an exciting way for all to engage, learn and share. Explore Viking Dublin lifestyle, talk to costumed guides, experience sights and sounds of Medieval Dublin, and learn about archaeology methods. Complete your visit with a climb up St. Michael's Tower for great views of the city.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is the heart of historic Dublin and is where the city gets its name from the Black Pool - 'Dubh Linn' - which was on the site of the present Castle gardens. The Castle houses the magnificent State Apartments, the Chapel Royal, a 13th century Tower and some of its Medieval structures.
GRAFTON STREET SHOPPING
Grafton Street is a pedestrian shopping street which runs from Trinity College to St. Stephen’s Green park. It has the cache of being Dublin’s premier shopping street and presents a special, iconic atmosphere. Grafton Street looks its best on a sunny summer day when Dubliners come out for a stroll or in the festive winter months, when the whole street sparkles with seasonal lights. There are also a lot of boutiques and specialist shops in the little side streets off Grafton Street which are well worth exploring. Take a short drive or use public transport for a shopping experience like no other.
DUBLIN ZOO
Dublin Zoo, located in Phoenix Park - the heart of Dublin city - is Ireland’s most popular family attraction and welcomes over one million visitors a year. Opened in 1831, it is one of the world’s oldest and most popular zoos, home to some 400+ animals on 70 acres. Animals at Dublin Zoo live enriched lives in natural social groups, they are fit and healthy, able to breed and raise their own young. They can be observed in naturalistic spaces with vegetation, substrate and water features that reflects their native habitat.
DUBLIN DISTILLERIES & BREWERIES
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Located in the heart of Dublin City Centre, Teeling Whiskey Distillery is the first new operational distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years and home of the Spirit of Dublin. Producing up to 500,000 litres of spirit each year, The Teeling Whiskey Distillery is Dublin’s premier destination for whiskey fans or for anyone with an interest in Dublin’s long, historical association with Irish whiskey.
Guinness Storehouse
Located in the heart of St. James’ Gate, the Guinness Storehouse building was once the fermentation plant of the brewery. Today it offers a Guinness brewing experience. As you make your way through the space, explore the ingredients, history and culture that tell the Guinness story.
While taking in panoramic views of Dublin in the Gravity Bar, you can enjoy a pint of Guinness or one of the new experimental brews from the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, included in your ticket.
Jameson Distillery Bow Street
The Jameson Distillery Bow St. Dublin was been crowned the World's Leading Distillery Tour for serveral years in a row and took home the prestigious award at the 2020 World Travel Awards. The award acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence in global travel and tourism.
DAY 3 - COASTAL TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Take a day trip and wander around picturesque towns, discover secret beaches or enjoy breath-taking cliff walks. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, tasty seafood, quirky shops, historical castles or a magical shoreline – Dublin is surrounded by it all. The coastal towns and villages are easily accessible by car or by taking the DART, Dublin’s electric rail system.
THE FORTY FOOT AND SANDYCOVE
The Forty Foot is famous for its excellent swimming conditions, even during low tide. It is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike at all times of the year, including a Christmas Day swim which occurs at the Forty Foot annually and people from the surrounding area participate in it; many families even have long traditions of participating in the annual dip. Additionally, Sandycove has a lovely sandy beach and is a very sheltered spot.
DUN LAOGHAIRE
Brightly painted villas, palm trees and townland parks greet visitors to Dún Laoghaire, an elegant port town just 13km from Dublin’s city centre, a short trip on the DART. Popular with holiday makers since Victorian times, its appeal is timeless. Try your hand at sailing, take a dip in the sea, visit a museum, and top it all off with an ice-cream cone on the pier.
BRAY
Bray is the biggest town in County Wicklow. It is known as the Gateway to the Garden of Ireland and is the longest established seaside town in Ireland. There is a beach of sand and shingle to walk on and there is a spacious esplanade. The scene is dominated by Bray Head. The scenic cliff walk is on the eastern side of Bray Head and continues along the cliff path towards Greystones offering walkers a feast of views on the way. The town boasts shops, restaurants and evening entertainment. Also available in the immediate locality are golf courses, tennis ourts, fishing, sailing, and horse riding. Another feature of Bray is the variety of amusement centres and carnival attractions as well as a bowling alley.