Dun Laoghaire (Dublin) Port of Call
Visiting Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is an exciting adventure, especially when arriving by cruise ship. The problem is, you are not arriving on Dublin exactly. You are arriving on a tender at Dun Laoghaire. Here’s how to navigate your way to this bustling city efficiently.
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Final Thought
Dublin is a fantastic city to explore, but with limited time, being proactive and early will enhance your experience. Choose your spots wisely, and enjoy the vibrant culture and history of this amazing city!
Getting There
Tender to Shore
Tender Port: Your ship anchors offshore, requiring a tender ride to the small town of Dun Laoghaire, which takes about 20 minutes.
Walking to the Train Station: After arriving, expect a 10 to 15-minute walk to the train station through a terminal and shaded tunnel. Keep an umbrella handy for unpredictable weather!
Train to Dublin
Train Ride: The train to Dublin takes roughly 30 minutes and costs about €5 for a round trip. It’s clean and offers picturesque views along the way.
Restroom Tip: Use the restroom before leaving the platform, as facilities are located only on the ticketed track side.
Exploring Dublin
Hop On Hop Off Bus
Booking: Pre-book a hop on hop off bus tour that includes your train ticket. The main departure point is O'Connell Street.
Tour Details: The tour covers 25 stops and takes about two hours. While the upstairs seats offer better views, be prepared for crowds and tight seating downstairs.
Patience Required: Traffic can slow down the bus, so allow for extra time. The driver provides entertaining and informative commentary throughout the tour.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Given the time constraints, aim for a full rotation on the bus, then choose one area to explore. We opted for a casual stroll and lunch at a local pub—sometimes, simplicity is best! While we did not get to visit Guinness brewery, we get to try their 0 alcohol product nevertheless.
Time Management
Travel Time: Account for about one hour each way for the tender and train, plus the two hours for the bus tour.
Return Planning: We nearly missed our train back, so plan to return early, especially since many passengers will be heading back to the ship around the same time.
