I was recently invited by Nashville International Airport to join Aer Lingus on its inaugural Dublin (DUB) to Nashville (BNA) flight.
The experience was so much fun, especially the parties before and after the flight, which involved live country music, fun photo ops, and more.
Photo by Mike Dodge/Daily Drop
But I also had the pleasure of spending a few days exploring Dublin and venturing into the Irish countryside.
Whether you’re booking this new route from Nashville or hopping across the pond from somewhere else, here are some ideas for how to make the most of three days in Ireland.
The City Center
Photo by Leonid Andronov
Everyone’s first stop in Dublin is, without a doubt, Temple Bar. And in case you’ve never been, this is more than just a bar (though it’s also that).
Temple Bar is an entire neighborhood filled with cobblestone streets, bars, cafes, restaurants, and more, located right in the center of the city.
Photo by Mike Dodge/Daily Drop
That’s probably the most well-known spot in Dublin, but there are plenty of other things to see.
Just a short walk from Temple Bar is Trinity College, which has a beautiful campus and famously houses the Book of Kells, one of the most famous medieval manuscripts in the world. Even if you’re not a history buff, the Long Room Library alone is worth the visit — it’s like stepping onto the set of Harry Potter.
Photo by Mike Dodge/Daily Drop
If you’re into beer (or just want a killer view of the city), head to The Guinness Storehouse. It’s a super fun experience where you can learn about the history of Guinness, drink some Guinness, and… drink more Guinness.
And yes, while I didn’t drink it, they do offer a 0.0% alcohol version!
Photo by Mike Dodge/Daily Drop
My favorite experience in Dublin was actually the blending class at the Jameson Distillery.
Photo by Mike Dodge/Daily Drop
I’m not a big whiskey guy, but it was so much fun to learn about whiskey and even make my own special blend.
Because I was in Dublin for the inaugural flight to Nashville, I named my personal whiskey blend accordingly.
Photo by Mike Dodge/Daily Drop
The Irish Countryside
Ireland’s magic isn’t limited to the city.
It’s also easy to get outside of Dublin and see the gorgeous Irish countryside.
During my visit, I took a full-day tour from Dublin to see the Cliffs of Moher and Galway on the opposite side of the country.
Photo by Mike Dodge/Daily Drop
It was a long day, but totally doable as a day trip if you’re short on time. You can book tours like this on apps like Getyourguide and Viator.
Plus, if you use a card that earns Capital One miles to pay for it, you can even use points to pay for these tours at a rate of one cent per point.
The Food Scene
Dublin is also a surprisingly good food city. I didn’t have a single bad meal (okay, maybe one… but that was more of a vibes issue than a food issue — note to self: skip the romantic riverboat dinner cruise when flying solo).
Here are some highlights:
Bambino – New York–style pizza that’s worth the line around the block
Mongolian Barbecue – Unique and good if you’re VERY hungry
Handsome Burger – For Nashville-style hot chicken with an Irish twist
The Brazen Head – Ireland’s oldest pub (established in 1198!)
Any café serving a Full Irish Breakfast – Because you’ll need it after a night out
Photo by Mike Dodge/Daily Drop
Bottom Line
Look, Ireland is a big place that you could spend weeks exploring. From quaint fishing villages and windswept cliffs to historic castles and cozy pubs, there are unique cultural experiences tucked away in various corners of the island.
But if you’ve only got three days, you can absolutely get a taste of both Dublin and the countryside without feeling rushed.
Whether you’re hopping on that new Aer Lingus flight from Nashville or heading there from somewhere else, Ireland’s charm is waiting — along with a fresh pint of Guinness and maybe your very own custom whiskey blend.
