Dublin with Friends — 3‑Day Fun & Vibrant Weekend
A social, fast‑paced 3‑day Dublin plan for friends who want lively pubs, active outdoor fun, great food, and live music. Summer timing (June) for long daylight, boat breezes and alfresco vibes. Group‑friendly venues, split‑cost tips and playful activities included.
Highlights
- Howth cliff walk and seafood by the harbour
- Viking Splash amphibious city tour
- Guinness Storehouse visit & Gravity Bar pint
- Live music nights at Whelan's and The Cobblestone
- Escape room challenge and lively food/drink spots
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive, soak up central Dublin: iconic sights, an easy stroll through Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green, then a group dinner and live music to kick off the trip.
Check in at a central hotel (base for the group)
Drop bags, freshen up and grab a neighbourhood map from reception. Central location makes walking to evening venues easy.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for adjoining or nearby rooms if you want doors between rooms or a shared corridor — handy for groups of 4–6.
- Leave a small cash tip for porters (if used) and request late check‑in if flights are delayed.
- Confirm where to store luggage if you arrive early or have a late departure; most central hotels can hold bags.
Late lunch / light bite at a local favourite
Relaxed group lunch to refuel — mix of Irish ingredients and shareable plates near the river.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a table for 4–6 in advance so the group can sit together without splitting across tables.
- Ask for the 'sharing' starters if you want to try a few dishes and keep costs down.
- Summer days mean outdoor seating fills fast — request a riverside or window table for photos.
Trinity College & The Book of Kells
Timed visit to see the medieval Book of Kells and walk the historic Long Room — classic Dublin culture in one stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Prebook timed tickets to avoid long queues — groups can often be seated together in the next available slot.
- Bags are restricted; carry minimal items and leave larger backpacks at the hotel to move through faster.
- Photo rules vary in the library; plan for a quick group photo beforehand near the quad for memories.
St Stephen's Green & Grafton Street stroll
A relaxed walk through the park and the nearby shopping street — great for buskers, street food and people‑watching.
Tips from local experts:
- Grafton Street is perfect for spontaneous busker performances — bring small change to tip your favourites.
- Use the park benches in St Stephen's Green for a quick rest and group photos with summer greenery behind you.
- If anyone wants souvenirs, pop into the side lanes off Grafton Street for independent shops that handle cards.
Dinner — Fade Street Social
Group‑friendly modern Irish dining with sharable plates and a lively atmosphere — ideal for a friends' dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for 4–6 and ask for a larger table on the floor to keep the group together and lively.
- Order a mix of mains and small plates to share — lower per‑person cost and more variety.
- Ask the staff about splitting the bill or getting a per‑person receipt to simplify payments.
Live music at Whelan's — end the night with gigs
Iconic live‑music venue that hosts bands every night — energetic atmosphere perfect for groups who want to dance or cheer on new acts.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the gig list in advance and prebook tickets; many nights have a modest entry fee that beats a last‑minute queue.
- Arrive early for a group spot near the stage or ask the door staff about standing areas for groups of 4+.
- If someone wants to leave early, decide a meeting point outside the venue to regroup — phone reception is usually fine here.
Day 2
Day trip to Howth for seaside cliffs, fresh seafood and harbour vibes — active cliff walk followed by market browsing. Evening: an escape room challenge and a relaxed, lively local hangout.
Breakfast at Queen of Tarts
Coffee and pastries at a beloved Dublin spot — fuel up before the day trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Share platters if you want to try more pastries without overordering.
- Summer mornings fill up — get there by 8am to secure a table for the whole group.
- Bring a small change for the till if you'd like to leave a tip for quick counter service.
Transfer: DART from Connolly to Howth (train to the coast)
Take the scenic commuter rail (DART) to Howth village — quick and cost‑effective group transfer.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy or top up a Leap Card at Connolly Station for easy DART trips and cheaper fares for groups.
- Stand together on the platform and board the same carriage — the DART is frequent in summer but can be busy at weekends.
- Bring a light layer: coastal breeze is cooler than central Dublin even in June.
Howth Cliff Walk — scenic coastal hike
A classic, dramatic cliff loop with stunning views of Dublin Bay — active and great for group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear supportive shoes; parts of the route are uneven and can be windy even on warm days.
- Plan for 2–3 hours including photo stops; bring water and small snacks — there are limited cafes on the route.
- Stick to the main paths and keep to the seaward side in small groups for the best views and safer footing.
Seafood lunch at Beshoff Bros, Howth
Fresh, casual seafood by the harbour — ideal post‑walk reward and easy on groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few large plates to share (chippers and platters are great for groups) to keep costs down.
- Outdoor harbour seating is perfect in June — ask for a table outside when you arrive.
- If you want the best value, try the daily specials or market mains rather than à la carte.
Howth Market & Harbour stroll
Browse local crafts, fresh catches and small stalls — good for souvenirs and post‑lunch wandering.
Tips from local experts:
- Bargain politely and support local makers — many stalls accept cards but have cash options too.
- Pick up small picnic items (cheese, chutneys) to snack on the return train if anyone's still peckish.
- The harbour is photogenic at golden hour — save a few minutes for group shots by the boats.
Return transfer: DART back to Dublin city
Head back to the city centre with great harbour views fading into the skyline.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the DART timetable on your phone — trains run regularly but can be packed on sunny weekends.
- Sit on the right side for best views leaving Howth; keep together as a group to avoid getting split up.
- Save some snacks or water for the train if you've been active all morning.
Coffee & chill — Bewley's Grafton Street Café
A classic Dublin café for a coffee recharge and a relaxed regroup before evening plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this stop to split bills and pool cash if you plan to prepay tickets or transfers later in the evening.
- Outdoor tables fill quickly on sunny days — snatch seating together near the windows if you can.
- If anyone needs a phone charger, ask staff — they sometimes have a communal charger for guests.
Escape room challenge — Adventure Rooms Dublin
Team puzzle fun — choose a 60–90 minute room to test cooperation and have a laugh together.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a room that fits the full party (most rooms take 4–6); it's cheaper and more fun to do one room together.
- Bring comfortable shoes and a camera for the victory photo; staff often take a fun team shot at the end.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to get the safety briefing and locker your belongings — phones are usually discouraged in rooms.
Dinner & laid‑back evening at The Bernard Shaw
A colourful, relaxed spot with pizza vans, yard seating and music — great for groups who want to linger and chat.
Tips from local experts:
- The outdoor yard is ideal for groups; get there early if you want space to spread out.
- They often work with food vans — order at the van and collect as a group to share platters.
- Keep an eye on events board for DJ nights or pop‑up gigs; summer programing is lively and social.
Day 3
Playful city morning, iconic brewery visit and afternoon shopping — finish with a trad‑music night farewell.
Viking Splash Tours — playful amphibious city tour
Fun 75‑minute city tour by road and water with costumed guides — irreverent and perfect for group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sunscreen and sunglasses for the open‑deck portions; guides often invite audience participation (embrace it!).
- Group photos on the water section are epic — pick seats together so you all get in the shot.
- Check start times and arrive 15 minutes early for safety briefing; summer tours sell out so prebook tickets.
Guinness Storehouse — Dublin's brewery experience
Self‑guided immersive tour with tasting and Gravity Bar views — cultural must‑do with a social vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Prebook the timed entry and opt for the included pint experience to avoid long lines at the bar.
- Head to the Gravity Bar at apogee time for panoramic shots — it's busiest midday, so book a midday slot or slightly after.
- Group photos inside the interactive exhibits are fun; pick a meetup spot inside for your party to reconvene.
Lunch at The Brazen Head — Ireland's oldest pub
Historic pub atmosphere and hearty Irish dishes — sociable and good for a relaxed midday meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a large table in the old bar area to enjoy the atmosphere as a group and avoid being split up.
- Try the pub classics family‑style; many mains are big enough to share between two to cut costs.
- Check if there's live folk music during lunch — perfect for ending the Storehouse energy on a local note.
Shopping & wander: George's Street Arcade
Vintage stalls, quirky gifts and independent vendors — ideal for picking up unique souvenirs together.
Tips from local experts:
- Divide and conquer: assign people to different aisles to speed up souvenir hunting and then meet for a coffee to compare finds.
- Bring small change for stalls and ask for group discounts on multiple small buys.
- Arcade aisles can be narrow — keep backpacks front‑facing to avoid snagging goods.
Pack & quick freshen at the hotel
Collect bags, freshen up and prepare for the farewell evening. Use hotel lockers or bell service if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm taxi or airport transfer times with reception if people are leaving the next morning.
- Gather receipts and split any outstanding group bills now to avoid last‑minute fiddling in the evening.
- Ask concierge for a recommended route to the evening venue; short walks are often faster than cabs in central Dublin.
Farewell trad night at The Cobblestone
Authentic Irish music in a lively, local pub — an upbeat finale with sessions that invite sing‑alongs.
Tips from local experts:
- This pub is trad‑music focused — come ready to listen, clap and maybe join a chorus; it's perfect for groups who like authentic experiences.
- Get there early for a group table; if standing, pick a corner near the door for quick access outside for phone calls or fresh air.
- Bring cash for tips and CDs from musicians; many artists sell recordings after sets and love group support.
