Golden leaves in Phoenix Park, cosy Dublin pubs, world-famous whiskey, great food and plenty of culture autumn is a brilliant time to discover Ireland’s capital.
If you’re planning an autumn weekend in Dublin, two days gives you plenty of time to experience some of the city’s biggest attractions while also discovering neighbourhoods such as Smithfield and The Liberties.
The secret to making the most of 48 hours in Dublin is having the right base. Stay at The Hendrick Smithfield and you’ll be close to Dublin City Centre, the LUAS Red Line and attractions including Jameson Distillery Bow St., Guinness Storehouse, Collins Barracks and Phoenix Park.
Here’s our perfect 48-hour Dublin autumn itinerary.
Before You Arrive: Save 15% with Our Autumn Sale
Planning a Dublin weekend break this autumn?
For a limited time, save 15% with The Hendrick Autumn Sale when you book our flexible rate directly with us.
Stay in the heart of Smithfield and spend less time travelling and more time experiencing Dublin.
DAY 1: SMITHFIELD, WHISKEY & THE LIBERTIES
9:00 AM – Start with Breakfast at The Hendrick
A great Dublin weekend deserves a proper breakfast.
Start your morning at The Hendrick with our Full Irish Hot Breakfast Buffet, featuring traditional Irish breakfast favourites alongside continental options, fresh fruit, pastries, yoghurts, juices, tea and freshly brewed coffee.
Once you’re fuelled up, it’s time to explore and your first stop is practically on the doorstep.
10:00 AM – Explore Smithfield
Start your autumn weekend in Dublin by getting to know The Hendrick’s neighbourhood.
Smithfield combines historic Dublin with a growing collection of cafés, restaurants, bars and cultural attractions.
Walk through Smithfield Square, grab a coffee and explore the surrounding streets before heading towards one of Dublin’s most famous whiskey attractions.
Neighbouring Stoneybatter is also worth exploring if you have time, particularly if you’re looking for independent cafés, restaurants and a more local side of Dublin.
11:00 AM – Visit Jameson Distillery Bow St.
You don’t need to travel far for your first major Dublin attraction.
Located in Smithfield, Jameson Distillery Bow St. is the original home of Jameson and today operates as an immersive visitor experience.
The flagship experience takes approximately 45 minutes and includes a guided tour, comparative whiskey tasting and a Jameson signature drink.
For whiskey lovers, additional experiences including cocktail making, premium tastings and whiskey blending are also available.
It’s an especially fitting experience for an autumn day in Dublin—history, storytelling and Irish whiskey all under one roof.
12:30 PM – Lunch in Smithfield or The Liberties
After Jameson, stop for lunch before continuing your Dublin adventure.
Smithfield and nearby Stoneybatter have plenty of options, from casual cafés and sandwiches to pizza, tapas and contemporary dining.
Alternatively, start making your way towards The Liberties, one of Dublin’s most historic neighbourhoods, where the next part of your itinerary awaits.
2:00 PM – Discover the Guinness Storehouse
Next stop: Guinness Storehouse at St James’s Gate.
The classic Guinness Storehouse Experience takes around 90 minutes and guides visitors through seven immersive floors telling the story of Ireland’s most famous stout.
Learn about Arthur Guinness, brewing, advertising and the history of the brand before finishing your visit at the famous Gravity Bar, where panoramic views stretch across Dublin.
On a crisp autumn afternoon, it’s a particularly memorable way to see the city from above.
Tip: Guinness recommends booking ahead, particularly during busy periods.
4:30 PM – Add Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Still ready for more Dublin history?
Continue through The Liberties towards Teeling Whiskey Distillery.
Teeling provides another perspective on Dublin’s long whiskey-making heritage and, unlike Jameson Bow St., is a working distillery.
A visit can include learning about the whiskey-making process, the history of the Teeling family and, depending on your chosen experience, a tasting.
If visiting Jameson, Guinness and Teeling in a single day sounds a little ambitious, move Teeling to Sunday morning and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
6:00 PM – Return to The Hendrick
After a full afternoon exploring Dublin, head back to Smithfield.
Take some time to relax in your room, freshen up and get ready for the evening.
Our compact, cleverly designed bedrooms include comfortable King Koil mattresses, air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, Chromecast-enabled Smart TVs, powerful showers and Rituals toiletries—everything you need between adventures.
7:30 PM – Dinner & Drinks at Fidelity Bar & Studio
After a full day exploring Dublin, keep the evening local with dinner at Fidelity Bar & Studio, located on Queen Street in Smithfield, just a short walk from The Hendrick.
Known for its great music, relaxed atmosphere, food, craft drinks and cocktails, Fidelity is a brilliant spot to experience Smithfield’s neighbourhood nightlife without heading into the busiest parts of Dublin City Centre.
Settle in for dinner, enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere before making the short walk back to The Hendrick.
9:30 PM – Finish with a Cocktail at The Hendrick
Not ready to call it a night?
Head back to The Hendrick Bar for a final cocktail, local beer or glass of wine before heading upstairs for a well-earned night’s sleep on your King Koil mattress.
It’s the perfect end to Day 1 of your autumn weekend in Dublin.
8:30 AM – Breakfast & Coffee
Start Day 2 with breakfast and a good coffee at The Hendrick.
Today combines one of Dublin’s most beautiful outdoor spaces with some of the city’s best-known streets and cultural areas.
Bring comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof layer—Dublin’s autumn weather can change quickly.
9:30 AM – Experience Phoenix Park in Autumn
Few places showcase autumn in Dublin better than Phoenix Park.
The vast park is particularly beautiful as its tree-lined avenues change colour through September, October and November.
Take a leisurely walk, enjoy the crisp autumn air and keep an eye out for the park’s famous herd of wild fallow deer.
Phoenix Park is also home to several attractions and landmarks, making it easy to spend anything from an hour to half a day exploring.
Autumn Photography Tip
Morning light combined with colourful trees can make autumn one of the most photogenic times to visit Phoenix Park.
Remember that the deer are wild animals. Enjoy them from a respectful distance and don’t feed or approach them.
11:30 AM – Walk Back Through Dublin 7
Make your way back towards Smithfield through Dublin 7.
If you didn’t explore Stoneybatter on Day 1, now is your chance.
Stop for coffee before continuing towards the city centre.
You could also visit Collins Barracks, home to the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, particularly if Dublin’s famous autumn rain makes an appearance.
1:00 PM – Explore Dublin City Centre
Continue towards the River Liffey and Dublin City Centre.
A relaxed route could take you through:
Smithfield → River Liffey → Dublin Castle → Temple Bar → Trinity College → Grafton Street → St Stephen’s Green
This route combines many of Dublin’s most recognisable locations without requiring complicated transport connections.
1:30 PM – Dublin Castle & the Historic Quarter
Before heading into Temple Bar, spend some time around Dublin Castle and the surrounding historic streets.
Nearby you’ll also find Christ Church Cathedral and some of Dublin’s oldest streets, making this area ideal for anyone interested in the city’s history and architecture.
Autumn brings another advantage: exploring these historic streets can feel particularly atmospheric on a crisp October afternoon.
2:30 PM – Discover Temple Bar
No first Dublin weekend would be complete without seeing Temple Bar.
The neighbourhood is famous for its cobbled streets, colourful pubs, live music and energetic atmosphere.
But Temple Bar isn’t only about pubs.
Explore its streets during the afternoon and you’ll also discover cultural venues, shops, cafés and plenty of opportunities for photographs.
Stop for lunch or a drink before continuing towards Trinity College.
4:00 PM – Trinity College & Grafton Street
Walk towards Trinity College Dublin, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
From there, continue towards Grafton Street for shopping, street performers and the unmistakable buzz of Dublin City Centre.
If you still have some energy, continue towards St Stephen’s Green for another glimpse of Dublin’s autumn colours.
5:30 PM – One Last Dublin Coffee or Pint
You’ve covered a lot in 48 hours.
Before heading back to Smithfield, find somewhere cosy for a final coffee, pint or early dinner.
Or return to The Hendrick and enjoy one last drink before collecting your bags.
Why Stay in Smithfield for an Autumn Weekend in Dublin?
Smithfield is a particularly convenient base for a Dublin weekend break because it gives you easy access to both the historic west of the city and Dublin City Centre.
From The Hendrick, guests can easily explore attractions including Jameson Distillery Bow St., Collins Barracks, Phoenix Park and Guinness Storehouse, while the nearby LUAS Red Line provides connections across Dublin.
You’ll also have Smithfield and Stoneybatter’s cafés, restaurants and pubs nearby when you don’t feel like travelling into the busiest parts of the city.
What to Pack for Dublin in Autumn
Dublin’s autumn weather can be unpredictable, so packing for flexibility is key.
Bring:
- A waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers
- A light jumper or fleece
- Small umbrella
- Portable phone charger
- Small backpack or day bag
Most importantly, don’t let a little rain stop you. Dublin has an excellent combination of outdoor attractions, museums, distilleries, galleries, cafés and pubs, so it’s easy to adapt your itinerary to the weather.
Make The Hendrick Your Base for 48 Hours in Dublin
The Hendrick Smithfield puts you in a great position to experience Dublin.
Spend your morning exploring Phoenix Park, your afternoon discovering Guinness or Irish whiskey and your evening enjoying Dublin’s restaurants, pubs and culture before returning to a comfortable room in Smithfield.
Whether it’s your first visit or your latest Dublin city break, autumn offers a different way to experience the capital.
Save 15% with The Hendrick Autumn Sale
Ready for your autumn weekend in Dublin?
For a limited time, save 15% with our Autumn Sale when you book our flexible rate directly with The Hendrick.
Book direct. Stay flexible. Discover Dublin this autumn
FAQ’s
Is autumn a good time to visit Dublin?
Yes. Autumn is an excellent time for a Dublin city break, particularly if you enjoy walking, culture, museums, food and seasonal scenery. Phoenix Park and other green spaces become particularly attractive as the leaves change colour.
Is 48 hours enough for Dublin?
Yes. While there’s much more to discover, 48 hours gives first-time visitors enough time to experience several major Dublin attractions and neighbourhoods. Planning attractions by area helps you make better use of your time.
Where should I stay in Dublin for events?
Staying near Dublin city centre is ideal. The Hendrick Smithfield offers easy access to major venues and attractions.
What should I do during an autumn weekend in Dublin?
A two-day autumn itinerary can include Phoenix Park, Smithfield, Jameson Distillery Bow St., Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, Trinity College and Grafton Street.
Where is the best area to stay for a Dublin weekend break?
Smithfield is a convenient option for travellers who want to stay close to Dublin City Centre while also having attractions, restaurants, cafés and the LUAS nearby. The Hendrick Smithfield provides easy access to both the city centre and attractions west of the centre.
Is Jameson Distillery close to The Hendrick?
Yes. Jameson Distillery Bow St. is located in Smithfield, making it one of the easiest major Dublin attractions to visit when staying at The Hendrick.
Can I visit Guinness Storehouse and Teeling Whiskey Distillery on the same day?
Yes. Both attractions are located in or around The Liberties, so they can be combined into the same day’s itinerary. Allow enough time for each booked experience and for walking between attractions.
Is Phoenix Park worth visiting in autumn?
Absolutely. Phoenix Park’s extensive green spaces and tree-lined avenues make it one of Dublin’s best places for an autumn walk. Visitors may also see the park’s wild fallow deer, which should always be observed from a safe and respectful distance.
Is Temple Bar worth visiting during the day?
Yes. Visiting during the day is a good way to explore Temple Bar’s cobbled streets, cultural attractions, shops and historic surroundings before the busier evening period.
What happens if it rains during my Dublin weekend?
There’s still plenty to do. Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery Bow St., museums, galleries, shops, cafés and pubs provide excellent indoor alternatives when the weather changes