Fall in Love with Dublin: A Perfect 5-Day Autumn Escape

Sometimes the best adventures don’t require a long-haul flight—just a little spontaneity, a passion for discovery, and in my case, a very special reason to cheer. I’m heading to Dublin to watch my daughter run the marathon (proud mom moment!), and it reminded me just how perfect Dublin is for a short fall holiday. With crisp air, golden leaves in the parks, and cozy pub evenings, autumn is truly one of the best seasons to enjoy this charming capital. Add in quick, convenient flights from the eastern United States, and Dublin becomes the ideal five-day getaway filled with history, culture, and warmth.

Suggested Itinerary: 5 Days in Dublin

Day 1 After landing, I head straight to The Davenport Hotel, my personal favorite place to stay in Dublin. This elegant, beautifully restored historic building offers the perfect balance of boutique charm and modern comfort. The rooms are spacious (a rarity in European cities), the beds are heavenly, and the service is warm and attentive without being stuffy. The location is ideal—quiet, refined, and just steps from Merrion Square, the National Gallery, Trinity College, and the best of the city. It feels like a calm retreat in the middle of the action. One of my favorite travel tips: book your room for the night before you arrive. That way, your room is guaranteed to be ready when you land early in the morning, and you can freshen up or take a quick nap before heading out to explore. You’ll start your adventure feeling energized instead of jet lagged. This is a great day to wander over to Trinity College, do a little shopping on Grafton Street, have a lovely Guinness and some stew in a pub and head back to the hotel for a early night.

Day 2 Start your exploration with one of the most powerful sites in Ireland: Kilmainham Gaol. This former prison tells an emotional story of Ireland’s fight for independence, and the guided tour is exceptional. It’s haunting, fascinating, and essential to understanding Irish identity. Just across the way, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) awaits. Housed in a former 17th-century hospital, this beautiful space blends contemporary art with historic architecture, and the gardens are a peaceful place to wander.

Day 3 Dublin’s cultural scene shines at the National Gallery of Ireland, home to an impressive collection of European and Irish masterpieces. Admission is free, and it’s just a short walk from The Davenport—one more reason I adore staying there. Next, explore Dublin’s most famous churches: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s national cathedral and a soaring example of Gothic architecture, and Christ Church Cathedral, even older and home to one of Europe’s most impressive crypts. Be sure to see the cat and the rat (no spoilers - but they are very cool). For something truly unique, visit St. Michan’s Church. In its crypt, naturally mummified remains of knights lie in open coffins—a bit eerie but unforgettable, and one of Dublin’s hidden gems.

Day 4 Marathon day! I’ll be cheering on my daughter as she runs through Dublin’s scenic, energetic streets, surrounded by community pride and contagious excitement.After the race, this is the perfect time to rest and recover. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through St. Stephen’s Green or Merrion Square, do a little shopping in one of Dublin's many bookstores, relax back at The Davenport, or indulge in a hearty Irish meal. This low-key day allows tired legs to recover before travel—and ensures the marathon feels celebrated, not rushed. If you aren’t attending the marathon, Day 4 is the perfect opportunity for a day trip outside the city. Two of my favorite options are Newgrange and Powerscourt, and each offers a completely different experience. Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site older than Stonehenge and the pyramids, takes you deep into Ireland’s prehistoric past. You’ll step inside a 5,200-year-old passage tomb and learn about the remarkable engineering that aligns the chamber with the winter solstice sunrise. It’s mysterious, spiritual, and truly awe-inspiring. Powerscourt Estate, on the other hand, offers one of the most beautiful garden settings in all of Europe. Nestled in the Wicklow Mountains, it features sweeping terraces, lakes, secret gardens, and Ireland’s highest waterfall just down the road. It’s peaceful, romantic, and perfect for photography or simply breathing in the fresh countryside air. Whether you prefer ancient history or natural beauty, both options make for an unforgettable Irish day trip.

Day 5 With renewed energy, we’ll end the trip on a high note with the Guinness Storehouse tour. It’s more than just learning how beer is made—it’s an immersive experience blending history, storytelling, and innovation. The tour ends in the Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy a perfectly poured pint with panoramic views of the city. Afterward, wander through Temple Bar for music and atmosphere, then duck into one of Dublin’s historic pubs (I’m always happy to recommend local favorites off the tourist path).Finish with a memorable dinner—Dublin’s culinary scene now includes Michelin stars, creative chefs, and seasonal Irish ingredients showcased beautifully.

Dublin in the fall is pure magic. The air is crisp, the crowds are lighter, the colors are beautiful, and the pubs feel even cozier. You’ll walk cobblestone streets older than most countries and then step into a stylish café or modern gallery. You’ll hear traditional music in one pub and jazz in another. The people are warm, the history is alive, and the energy is contagious.

I’d love to plan your own five-day Dublin getaway—or a full journey through Ireland. As a certified Ireland specialist who has visited more than a dozen times, I have insider knowledge, trusted partners, and access to experiences you simply can’t book on your own. Let’s make your Irish adventure unforgettable.