Dublin, Ireland
Trinity College and the Book of Kells, a proper pint at the Guinness Storehouse and Georgian streets made for wandering. Here’s how to make one day ashore count.
A British Isles classic
Dublin sits on the River Liffey where it meets Dublin Bay, and almost everything first-time visitors want to see is packed into a walkable center: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, two medieval cathedrals, St Stephen’s Green and the pubs and music of Temple Bar. The Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson distillery are a short way west of the center.
The first thing to know is where your ship arrives, because the day looks different from the city docks than from Dún Laoghaire. After that, the choice is the city itself or the countryside, with Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains, Howth and Malahide Castle all within reach. Below are the cruise line favorites, the highlights to know if you’d rather explore at your own pace and the details that keep the day easy.
Which pier you’ll dock at
Your ship either docks at Dublin Port or anchors in the bay and tenders guests into Dún Laoghaire. Your itinerary will say which; confirm it a few days before you arrive.
Dublin Port
Ships berth at Alexandra Quay and Ocean Pier, inside Ireland’s busiest freight port, about two miles east of the center. You can’t walk out through the working docks, so your cruise line will explain the options for getting into the city. Once you’re there, the main sights are close together.
Used by: Holland America, MSC, Oceania, Princess and Viking.
Dún Laoghaire by tender
Many ships anchor in Scotsman’s Bay and tender guests into Dún Laoghaire Harbour, a Victorian harbor town about seven miles south of the city center. Allow extra time for tenders, especially in the morning. The town itself has a seafront, long granite piers and cafés a short walk from the landing.
Used by: Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, Regent, Viking and Windstar.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late, which matters when you start out in the bay or in the docks.
- Dublin city highlights. A guided drive and walk past Trinity College, Georgian squares, Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral, often with time inside to see the Book of Kells.
- Guinness Storehouse. Seven floors on the history of Ireland’s famous stout, ending with a pint and 360-degree views at the Gravity Bar. It’s the Dublin request we hear most, and it’s often combined with a city tour.
- Glendalough & Wicklow. Mountain scenery, two glacial lakes and a sixth-century monastic site with a round tower, about an hour south of the city. A long, rewarding day.
- Howth or Malahide. The fishing village and cliff paths of Howth, or the 800-year-old Malahide Castle and its gardens, both on the coast north of the city. Good half-day choices.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
Trinity College & the Book of Kells
Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592, with the illuminated ninth-century Book of Kells on display. Entry costs extra and timed tickets sell out in summer, so book ahead.
Medieval Dublin
Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral and St Patrick’s Cathedral sit close together on the old city’s high ground. Each is worth an hour, and each charges admission.
Grafton Street & Temple Bar
Shopping on pedestrian Grafton Street, a break in St Stephen’s Green, then the cobbled lanes, pubs and traditional music of Temple Bar across from the Ha’penny Bridge.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. If you book independently, plan to be back at the ship an hour before all-aboard. Ships do leave without late guests.
- Know your arrival point. “Dublin” on an itinerary can mean the city docks or the anchorage off Dún Laoghaire, and plans are quite different for each. Your ship’s daily planner will confirm it.
- Book timed tickets early. The Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Gaol run on timed entry and often sell out on busy summer days.
- Tender days take longer. At Dún Laoghaire, guests on ship-sold tours usually go ashore first. When guests ask us about booking timed tickets on their own for a tender day, we suggest leaving plenty of slack, because getting ashore can run late.
- Mobility needs? Some lines flag Dún Laoghaire as having limited wheelchair access because of the tenders. Tell your advisor when you book. Our accessibility specialist can help arrange the right support.
Sailing to Dublin
British Isles and Northern Europe itineraries call here from April to October, often round trip from Southampton, Dover or Amsterdam, plus some transatlantic sailings.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
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