Three Days in Dublin:
Exploring Ireland’s Capital
From Paris to Dublin: a short trip filled with history, culture, coastal views, music, and unforgettable memories.
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, had been a place I wanted to experience not only through photographs and travel stories, but by walking its streets, meeting its atmosphere, and discovering its history for myself. My three-day trip from Paris gave me the chance to explore the heart of Dublin, experience the beautiful coastal village of Howth, and visit some of Ireland’s most important cultural and historic landmarks.
Arriving in Dublin and discovering the city
My Dublin adventure began with a flight from Paris. After landing at Dublin Airport, I took a city bus towards the downtown area. As the journey continued, the excitement of finally being in Ireland began to sink in.
I checked in at Jacobs Inn, my hostel, and settled in before starting my first exploration of the city. After having breakfast at the hostel, I headed out to discover Dublin on foot.
Walking through the city was one of the best ways to experience its character. Dublin has a wonderful combination of historic buildings, lively streets, traditional architecture, small cafés, shops, and a relaxed atmosphere. I made my way towards the River Liffey and enjoyed an easy walk along the river, taking in the views and watching the city move around me.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was visiting the Temple Bar area. The colorful streets, traditional pubs, historic surroundings, and lively atmosphere made this part of Dublin particularly memorable. I continued exploring the downtown sights, stopping along the way to take photographs and simply enjoy being in a new city.
After a full day of walking and sightseeing, I had dinner and returned to the hostel.
But the evening was not over yet.
The hostel had live music, which gave the night a completely different feeling. Sitting back and listening to live music after a day of exploring was a perfect introduction to Dublin’s social and cultural atmosphere. Eventually, it was time to head to my room and get some rest.
Day 1 ended with a simple thought: Dublin already felt like a city worth exploring slowly.
A coastal escape to Howth
The second morning began with breakfast at the hostel before I headed out for one of the most anticipated parts of my trip: a day trip to Howth.
Leaving the city behind and travelling towards the coast felt like entering a different side of Ireland. Howth is known for its beautiful coastal scenery, village atmosphere, and dramatic cliffs, and I was excited to experience it in person.
The cliffs were the main attraction for me. Standing near the coastline and looking out across the sea was an entirely different experience from walking through Dublin’s busy streets. The combination of rugged cliffs, open water, fresh air, and green landscapes created some of the most memorable views of my trip.
I also explored the area around the old lighthouse, which added to the character of the coastal landscape. There was something peaceful about simply standing there, watching the sea, and taking in the scenery.
After spending a long time exploring Howth and enjoying the coastal views, I stopped in the village for lunch. A classic serving of fish and chips was the perfect meal after a morning of walking.
The day trip was long, but it was absolutely worth it.
Eventually, I returned to Dublin and made my way back to the hostel. After taking some time to relax, I went out for an evening walk and did a little shopping. It was a quieter evening compared with the previous day, but it was a nice way to experience Dublin at a slower pace.
After dinner, I returned to the hostel and went to sleep, knowing that my final day would be another busy one.
History, literature and art
My final morning in Dublin started with breakfast at a local café. Having breakfast outside the hostel gave me another opportunity to experience the everyday rhythm of the city before beginning my final day of sightseeing.
My first major stop was Trinity College, one of Dublin’s most famous landmarks. Walking through the historic university campus was a memorable experience, particularly because of its connection to Ireland’s literary and academic heritage.
I also took the Book of Kells tour, which was one of the cultural highlights of my visit. The experience offered a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s ancient literary and artistic heritage.
From Trinity College, I continued exploring Dublin’s cultural institutions.
I visited the National Library of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland, taking time to learn more about the country’s history, culture, and heritage.
Another important stop was St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The architecture and atmosphere of the cathedral made it a memorable part of my final day. After visiting the cathedral, I stopped for lunch before continuing with the rest of my itinerary.
In the afternoon, I visited the National Museum of Modern Art, where I explored a different side of Ireland’s cultural scene. Moving from historic manuscripts and museums to modern art made the final day feel like a journey through different periods of Irish culture.
Saying goodbye to Dublin
By the end of the third day, it was time to return to the hostel and prepare for my journey home.
I packed my baggage, checked everything one last time, and headed towards the airport. As I travelled back to Dublin Airport, I found myself thinking about how much I had experienced in just three days.
From walking beside the River Liffey and exploring Temple Bar, to standing on the cliffs of Howth, discovering the Book of Kells, visiting historic institutions, and listening to live music at the hostel, the trip had been full of different experiences.
Soon I was on my flight back to Paris, carrying my luggage and, more importantly, a collection of memories from Ireland.
My Dublin experience
Three days may not seem like a long time to explore a city, but Dublin showed me that a short journey can still be incredibly rewarding.
What I enjoyed most was the variety. Dublin offered historic streets and modern city life, peaceful riverside walks and lively neighborhoods, ancient heritage and contemporary art. The trip also gave me the opportunity to leave the city for a day and experience the dramatic beauty of Ireland’s coastline in Howth.
For me, travelling is not simply about visiting famous places. It is about experiencing a destination: walking its streets, trying its food, listening to its music, discovering its history, and creating memories along the way.
Dublin was a three-day chapter in my travel story, but it left memories that will stay with me for much longer.
If you go: small tips
- Wear comfortable shoes. Most of Dublin is best explored on foot, and the Howth cliff trail is uneven in places.
- Pack a light layer. The coast can be windy and the weather changes quickly.
- Book the Book of Kells ahead. Tickets for popular attractions are easier to secure in advance.
- Leave your evenings open. Live music, whether at a pub or a hostel, was one of my favourite parts of the trip.
Dublin in three days
| Destination | Dublin, Ireland |
|---|---|
| Starting point | Paris, France |
| Duration | 3 days |
| Stay | Jacobs Inn Hostel |
| Day trip | Howth Village & Cliffs |
| Cultural highlights | Trinity College, Book of Kells, National Library, National Museum of Ireland |
| Historic highlight | St. Patrick’s Cathedral |
| Art | National Museum of Modern Art |
| Evening experience | Live music at the hostel |
| Food highlight | Fish & chips in Howth |







