Location & Transportation
Large ships dock at Alexandra Quay, an industrial area about 1.5 km from the city center. Your cruise line may offer a shuttle service into town, though note that foot passengers are transported by a dedicated port bus free of charge. For smaller ships, vessels may navigate right up the River Liffey into central Dublin.
Here are some handy tips:
- If your itinerary lists Dublin as a "Tendered" port, you might be stopping at Dun Laoghaire instead of Dublin Port. Always double-check your cruise schedule.
- Taxi fares to town are roughly €12.50. If your cruise line charges around €10 for their shuttle, a taxi might be more cost-effective—especially for small groups.
- From Ocean Pier 33 it’s about a 30-minute walk to the center, with the nearest Luas (tram) stop about 17 minutes away (1.4 km). Alternatively, from berth 18, The Point tram stop is just a 9-minute walk (750 meters).
- For exploring the city at your own pace, hop on the open top buses waiting on O'Connell Street.
Nearest Airport
Dublin Airport is located approximately 10 km north of the city center. Regular bus and taxi services make it easy to reach Dublin’s attractions and the cruise port.
Nearby Lodging
Dublin offers a wide array of lodging options. From historic boutique hotels right in the city center to modern chains around the Temple Bar district, you’ll find comfortable choices to suit every budget. Notable options include The Westin Dublin and The Shelbourne Hotel—both great for a restful night after a day of exploring.
Sightseeing
Dublin is a city that marries history with modern vibrancy. Wandering along the River Liffey, you’ll discover beautiful Georgian architecture, spacious public squares, and lush parks.
Must-see sights include:
- Trinity College & Book of Kells: Step into history with a visit to the storied Trinity College Library, home to the ancient Book of Kells.
- Dublin Castle & Christ Church Cathedral: Enjoy a blend of medieval and Georgian architecture while exploring Ireland’s past.
- St. Patrick's Cathedral: One of Dublin’s most revered landmarks with stunning Gothic features.
- Phoenix Park: One of the largest walled city parks in Europe, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
- Temple Bar: Bustling with life, its narrow cobbled streets are lined with traditional pubs, lively music, and cultural events.
Museums
Dublin’s museums offer insights into Ireland’s rich history and culture:
- The National Museum of Ireland: Showcases artifacts from the Stone Age to medieval times, including the famed Ardagh Chalice and Cross of Cong.
- National Gallery of Ireland: Houses an impressive collection of over 2000 paintings.
- Trinity College Library: View the Book of Kells and other medieval manuscripts.
- Other noteworthy spots include the Dublin Civic Museum, the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, and collections housed in the National Library of Ireland.
Tours & Excursions
There’s plenty to do on a day in Dublin:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: A great way to get acquainted with the layout of the city. Check out services like the Dublin City Sightseeing Bus Tour.
- Guided Walking Tours: Explore the historic streets, learn local legends, and discover hidden gems in neighborhoods like Temple Bar and around Trinity College.
- Brewery & Distillery Visits: No trip to Dublin is complete without a tour of the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, where you can learn about Ireland’s famed beverages.
- Cultural Excursions: Consider a visit to Dublin Castle or stroll through the vibrant street art areas around the city center.
Shopping
Dublin is a shopper’s delight with charming streets and modern centers:
- Grafton Street: This bustling pedestrianized street is perfect for picking up souvenirs, high-street fashion, and local crafts.
- Look out for Irish specialties like hand-woven tweed, Aran knitwear, and Celtic jewelry.
- Explore local markets and boutiques that offer unique artisan products.
Dining
Dublin’s culinary scene caters to all tastes:
- Enjoy traditional Irish fare in historic pubs where you can savor dishes like Irish stew, coddle, and boxty.
- For a contemporary twist, head to restaurants in the Temple Bar area or around the city center featuring farm-to-table ingredients.
- Don’t miss the chance to pair your meal with a perfectly poured pint of Guinness or sample creative cocktails in one of Dublin’s trendy bistros.
Culture & Local Events
Dublin embraces its rich cultural heritage with year-round events and a lively local scene.
Local Events
- St. Patrick’s Festival (mid-March): Join in the citywide celebrations filled with parades, street performances, and traditional music.
- Other Festivals & Street Performances: Throughout the year, events such as literary festivals, music sessions, and art fairs enliven the streets—especially in the Temple Bar area.
- Opening Hours & Holiday Tips:
- Shops generally open from 9am to 6pm on weekdays (with extended hours on Thursdays) and maintain limited hours on Sundays.
- Pubs typically open around 10:30am on weekdays and can stay lively until late; note that some may close on holidays like Christmas Day and Good Friday.
- Currency & Communication:
- As part of the Eurozone, Ireland uses the Euro (€). Although credit cards are widely accepted, it’s handy to have a bit of cash for smaller vendors.
- English is the primary language, and while Irish (Gaeilge) is also an official language, you’ll hear English everywhere.
Safety & Awareness
- Stay Alert: Like many major cities, Dublin’s busy tourist spots can attract pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
- Emergency Services: In case of an emergency, dial 112.