What is a "must see" in Dublin?

You may stop by the Gaol on the way out of town on your Ireland tour and your tour will probably end up at the Book of Kells after the walking tour. I enjoyed a day trip to Newgrange and then the next day really got a lot out of the National Museum of Ireland having seen Newgrange and Hill of Tara the day before.

Just stay in Dublin and enjoy a pub or two.. Take the hop on hop off bus and see what the sights are in Dublin. I would not suggest you day trip out of town. since you only are there for two days.walk through Temple Bar and be leisure. Slainte!!!

The Gaol is our favorite place in Dublin. Not sure what about it fascinates us so but have been there twice and feel it is a not to be missed place.

Are you taking the 8-day Heart of Ireland or the 14-day Best of Ireland tour? Neither tour will visit Kilmainham Gaol as a group this year, since they're not taking group bookings during the construction, and the area that we usually visit is closed. The shorter tour will visit Brú na Bóinne archaeology site, but the longer one does not, so reserving a day tour out to that site could be a good option for you. Also, Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum is another option for learning about the same era of history that you would see at the Gaol.

Yes, Kilmainham Goal is definitely worth the trip if the construction will allow it. You mentioned the Book of Kells and that, IMO, is definitely a must. If you just want to kick back and relax, put a picnic lunch together and head for St Stephen's Green. Afterward check out the markets on Grafton St.

I second the recommendation for a visit to st. Stephens Green. Also, a visit to Oscar Wilde's statue. I would also Visit Bewleys on Grafton St. To see the stain glass windows of Harry Clarke. Just walking around Dublin is. "Must see."

Kilmainham Gaol was certainly the high point in Dublin for us. Our tour guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about the Gaol and about the period in which it was used, most notably during the Easter Rising. Arrive 30-60 minutes before the Gaol opens! We did not see the Book of Kells but I have heard people say that the wait can be a couple of hours, and if that were the case then with two days I'd skip it. Perhaps arriving there early will free up time for you.

The very fine Archaeology Museum, which features Gallagh Man, a "bog man" found near Galway after some 2000 years, is loaded with all manner of Irish history, it's quite a place. There is also the Natural History Museum, nearby.

As has been said, just hanging out in St Stephen's Green is a pleasure-try not to cram too much into that two days, you'll need your energy for the tour.

Here's photos of our time in Ireland, including the Gaol, the Green, and Museums; what a lovely country, we loved it there:

http://thecedarchest.smugmug.com/Sample-Gallery/

Kilmainham Gaol was on my list, but when I got there, there were no tickets left for the day. They do not sell tickets in advance. So get there early and be prepared to wait. You could end up at 10 a.m. getting a ticket for a noon entry. If you have a long wait, or for lunch after your visit, pop in at the Patriot's Pub on the corner.

I loved the archaeology museum - lots of exceptional things to see and it's free. Dublinia is across the street from Christ Church Cathedral and there's a combined ticket. It's a hands-on museum about the Viking history of Ireland. Fun and interesting.

In the evenings, there is good theatre at the Abbey and the Gate. One of my faves was the Literary Pub Crawl led by two actors.

I enjoyed pub-crawling in Temple Bar afternoons and evenings - lots of live music, many genres.

I like these famine statues as a part of a walking tour, they are right on the river liffey and its a free stop.....

http://anchorhousedublin.com/dublin_guide/the-convention-centre-dublin/potatofamine/

I would also say visit Kilmainham Gaol if construction allows, the Book of Kells is also a must, and I really enjoyed the natural history museum. While getting to a couple of these places you can wander through Temple Bar, Grafton St. and St. Stephen's Green.

The Palace Bar on Fleet Street is much more sedate than anything you'll find in Temple Bar. The back room is a national treasure.

The Book of Kells is rather dimly lit and not really that impressive. Do take a student-lead tour of Trinity College and head to the Buttery for an inexpensive lunch.

The Natural History Museum is fun and free, as is the National Museum.

Bewley's also gets my endorsement. The food is lovely in Dublin, everywhere you go.

If you haven't booked your hotel yet, let me recommend the Ariel House. It's the #5 hotel in the city, but reasonably priced. The breakfasts are legendary.

The Hop On/Hop Off bus is worth the fee because you will easily see the whole city, and if you buy your tickets in advance you get two day's travel plus a walking tour.

Have fun.

Oh, yes, get some tickets to the Gate Theatre. Forgot to mention that.

Guinness Storehouse! A friend and I visted Dublin a few years ago and did the Hop on Hop off bus tour. We got off at the storehouse and did the self guided walk through tour. It's very informative and has a lot of information reguarding the brewing of Guinness as well as tons of advertising memorabilia (don't forget to enjoy a pint at the top in the Gravity Bar). We also enjoyed the Gaol (and guided tour there). We visited Saint Patricks Cathedral as well and enjoyed that. I also agree with previous posters that taking time to enjoy people watching and a pint in a pub is fun.