Hafen
Dublin

Dublin, Ireland's capital, has a wealth of attractions. It is a city steeped in history, tragic and glorious, with haunting memories of great patriots, statesmen, scientists and scholars. There are spacious streets, fine buildings and friendly people. Few capitals are so beautifully situated. Dublin Bay forms a sweeping crescent from the Hill of Howth to Dalkey. A salt wind blows into the heart of the city, and the slopes of the Wicklow Hills seem to rise at the end of every street in the southern suburbs.

Dublin is so compact a city it has been described as a capital in miniature. The most conspicuous reminders of Georgian Dublin are the beautiful squares and terraces. Many of the buildings still have their original features, including doorknockers, fanlights and wrought iron balconies, which you’ll see. Your panoramic sightseeing tour will show you the many faces of Dublin.

You will stop to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral. Built in honor of Ireland's patron saint in 1190, it is not only the largest church in Ireland, but is also said to be one of the earliest Christian sites in Ireland where St. Patrick baptized converts. Buried inside is Jonathan Swift, author and former dean of the cathedral.

Explore the city center of Ireland’s capital on your own with no schedule to follow, which will allow you the freedom to visit the attractions that sound most intriguing. You will be dropped off in the heart of Dublin, a wonderfully compact and historical area where most of the buildings are a mix of 18th-century Georgian and 19th-century Victorian styles. You will be free to meander wherever you wish, but you might consider landmarks such as Dublin Castle and Trinity College, whose library holds the medieval Book of Kells, the hand-illuminated manuscript of the Gospels that is more than 1,000 years old. You may also wish to see Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland. It was constructed in the 13th century on a site where Saint Patrick supposedly baptized converts. Art lovers will surely be enamored by the extraordinary collection of works in the National Gallery of Ireland.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend 2.5 hours exploring Dublin independently and at your own pace.
• Maximize your time by focusing on the attractions most suited to your interests.
• Explore landmarks such as Dublin Castle or ask a local for suggestions off the beaten path.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Take the undeniably, charming capital city of Dublin, the serenity of the Irish countryside and combine them with the picturesque setting of Glendalough’s monastic ruins for an extraordinary introduction into Ireland’s many faces. After a scenic drive through the city, you’ll head south, traveling into the green and uncrowded Wicklow Mountains with their rounded healthy summits, pretty valleys and the impressive monastic remains of Glendalough. You’ll then travel further into County Wicklow, which richly deserves the title "Garden of Ireland."

A short stop is made at the Avoca Woolen Mill, where the colors in the woven products reflect the beauty of the area and where you’ll have some time for shopping. You'll then travel to the important, early Christian site of Glendalough, which has overwhelmed people with its peace and isolation for many centuries. This most romantic of monastic sites was one of Ireland’s greatest pilgrimage centers up to the middle of the 19th century. You’ll then enjoy lunch served at a small country hotel situated amidst the delightful countryside. Return through the Wicklow Hills, with more magnificent scenery to enjoy as you head back towards Dublin.

Enjoy sightseeing, local attractions, shopping, museums, art galleries, restaurants and much more, as this tour allows you to experience Dublin at your own pace and according to your own interests. Raise a glass at Temple Bar, visit the home of Guinness, or wander the impressive gardens at Stephen’s Green; the choice is yours! You will also enjoy free Wi-Fi and Big Bus app showing location of all buses, stops and points of interest.

Journey through Dublin of old and new with over 15 stops to hop off and explore. The open top bus provides fantastic views as you enjoy the fun and entertaining audio tour with a choice of 8 languages. Your tour ticket is valid for the entire day; simply hop off at any designated stop that takes your fancy or remain onboard to relax and see it all.

Once you have seen it, done it, and selfied, simply re-join the tour as buses arrive to each designated stop every 15 to 30 minutes. Tour also includes transfer to and from Dun Laoghair (approx 45 minutes) to the City Center where you will board the hop on hop off bus.

Tour Timing is at the guest’s discretion.

• Red Route: 90 minutes in duration. Frequency of buses is every 15 TO 30 minutes.

Take a brief panoramic drive through the charming capital city of Dublin, then enjoy the serenity of the Irish countryside, combining them with the picturesque setting of Glendalough’s monastic ruins. You'll head south to the green Wicklow Mountains, and into County Wicklow, which richly deserves the title "Garden of Ireland." The county has everything that is thought Irish, in its landscape and rich history and culture. In the middle of this peaceful countryside you'll come to magical Glendalough.

Famed for its beautiful scenery and historic monuments, it has been a center for pilgrims and visitors from the time of the founding of its monastery by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The monastic settlement expanded and flourished for many years before being destroyed in the 16th century. The buildings which survived probably date from between the 8th and 12th centuries. Upon arrival, you’ll watch an introductory video which sets the story of this unique monastic site. It’s an enclave of holiness set amongst the wilderness. Following your visit to Glendalough, you'll return through the Wicklow Hills, with more magnificent scenery to enjoy as you head back towards Dublin.

Travel to the outskirts of Dublin and enjoy the delightful rural countryside taking you south to the Powerscourt Estate, a haven of peace and quiet. Upon arrival, you’ll drive along the elegant avenue of stately beech trees. In 1974 a traumatic fire destroyed the interior of Powerscourt House and today the building is partially restored. You can take an independent stroll around the small exhibition which traces the evolution of the estate and its owners. The gardens here are probably the finest in Ireland, both for their design and dramatic setting, at the foot of Great Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Though the house was gutted by a fire, the splendid gardens, maintained with meticulous care, can still be enjoyed. You may stroll nearby at your leisure admiring the open views, or venture further into the landscaped gardens. What makes the gardens at Powerscourt so remarkable is their grandeur of scale, combined with great delicacy and refinement of detail. It's a magnificent example of an aristocratic garden planned with taste, knowledge and imagination. You’ll have time to browse in the excellent range of small quality gift shops here. Your return drive will take you through the Dublin suburbs.

Head south towards County Wicklow, for a rich and diverse alternative to the urban atmosphere of Ireland’s capital. You’ll see that the County’s reputation as the "Garden of Ireland" is well deserved. Continue with your scenic drive as you head to Powerscourt, one of the world’s great gardens situated at the foot of the Sugar Loaf Mountain.

The splendid gardens are maintained with meticulous care. You may stroll nearby at your leisure admiring the open views, or venture further into the landscaped gardens. What makes the gardens at Powerscourt so remarkable is their grandeur of scale, combined with great delicacy and refinement of detail. The 18th century house, which was gutted by fire in 1974, has an innovative new use, incorporating an array of specialty shops selling fine Irish sourced articles and a terrace restaurant overlooking the garden. You’ll have time to browse in the excellent range of small quality gift shops or enjoy a cup of coffee and sample the delicious food, freshly prepared in-house each day.

You'll then head back towards the capital for an orientation drive and the opportunity to explore part of the city at your own pace or shop in Dublin’s city center. Ireland is known the world over for its hand made products and fine craftsmanship and Dublin is a one-stop source for the country’s best wares. As the city is so compact, most of the shopping areas are located within about a 20 minute walk. Lunch is not included on this tour, but there will be ample opportunity for you to grab a bite either at Powerscourt or back in Dublin. Why not enjoy a typical pub meal and a pint of Guinness at an old, charming pub?

Visit The Guinness Storehouse located at the St. James’s Gate Brewery, the birthplace of the world’s most famous creamy stout. Upon arrival, set off on a self-guided tour of this vast Museum for everything Guinness. You’ll be `introduced` to Arthur Guinness, and as your visit progresses, you will find out how the drink that carries his name has travelled around the world. In the brewing section, you see, hear and smell the ingredients as they make their way through a series of vast machines and fascinating processes.

Another section of the museum will describe how Guinness has been advertised over the years and you’ll `visit` this famous drink at home and abroad. Just about every type of transport has been used to carry Guinness around the world and getting the product to market. Your self-guided tour ends in the circular panoramic bar from where you can enjoy splendid views out across the city of Dublin whilst enjoying a sample of the `black stuff`. Here, you’ll taste the drink at its best, just a few hundred yards from where it is actually made. Making your way to the ground floor, there is time to browse in the shop where you’ll find an exciting and wide variety of Guinness designed gifts.

Ireland’s capital has a wealth of attractions, most within easy distance of each other. This walking tour will show you the highlights of an area, which remained virtually undeveloped until the founding of Trinity College in 1592. The mid-18th century saw the beginnings of a construction boom. During this time, magnificent public buildings such as, the Old Library at Trinity College, Leinster House and the Bank of Ireland were built. However, as you’ll see, the most conspicuous reminders of Georgian Dublin are the beautiful squares and terraces around Merrion Square.

Arriving to the city center, you’ll start your walk from Merrion Square. For generations Dublin’s pubs have been at the center of its social life, and the meeting place for some of its greatest writers and wits. They are famous the world over for their friendly spirit of ‘craic’ – the Irish word for a good time. One of its charms is that each pub has a very special character. Following your walk, you’ll stop off at one of the city center’s typical pubs to enjoy a drink in the companionable dark of the historic snug, or in the brassy mirrored brilliance of the public bar. At the end of the pub visit, you may have some free time to venture out for a brief walk through the grounds of Trinity College before returning to your coach.

Explore the Old World architecture, traditions and flavours of Dublin during this memorable, half-day city excursion to the Guinness Storehouse.

Dublin City Tour, Merrion Square, Dublin Castle, and Cathedrals

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour orientation drive through Dublin City. See the Old Parliament Building, Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, and Merrion Square. One of Dublin's grandest Georgian squares, Merrion Square is now the address of the National Gallery of Ireland and Irish Parliament. From here, pass by St. Stephen's Green, Dublin Castle, the Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

St. James Gate Brewery and Guinness Storehouse

Next, proceed to the Guinness Storehouse at the St. James Gate Brewery, birthplace of the world's most famous creamy stout. The brewery first saw the light of day near this spot over 250 years ago. Upon arrival, enter the Guinness Storehouse, an entertaining exhibition on the history of Guinness. During your self-guided walking tour, see, hear and smell the ingredients as they make their way through a series of vast machines and processes before becoming world-famous Guinness stout. In addition, view Guinness advertising and a showcase on how the product has been brought to market over the years with virtually every type of transportation.

Guinness Bar and Tasting, Dublin City Views and Gift Shop

Your self-guided tour of the Storehouse ends in the circular panoramic bar, which features sweeping views across the city of Dublin. Here, enjoy a complimentary sample of Guinness, just a few hundred yards from where it's made. Following your Guinness tasting, some free time is made available to browse the gift shop for Guinness-themed gifts and souvenirs. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Depart the port for a scenic, narrated drive passing the main sights on the way to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Dublin City Sights

En route, you will see the city's major sights, such as St. Stephen's Green, the River Liffey, the main river in Dublin and the city's Georgian District, including Merrion Square. You will also pass the Custom House and view its elegant 18th-century Georgian architecture.

St Patrick's Cathedral

Arrive at St Patrick's Cathedral and enjoy a visit to one of Ireland's oldest Churches, founded in 1191. An ancient Celtic Stone slab (preserved in St Patrick's Cathedral) is said to have marked the location of the well where St Patrick baptized converts in the 5th century. The present Cathedral building, in terms of shape and size, dates from approximately 1220 AD. This building replaced the earlier church.

Time at Leisure

Depart St Patrick's Cathedral and continue your tour to the heart of the city Centre where you will enjoy free time. Your coach will drop you near in Dublin City Centre, where you will have free time to explore the city. Take this time to maybe browse the nearby Grafton Street stores for gifts and souvenirs, pop into a local pub for a drink or perhaps independently.

Your tour concludes with a relaxing drive to the pier.

Depart the port for a scenic, narrated drive passing city’s main sights on the way to St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Arrive at St Patrick's Cathedral and enjoy a visit to one of Ireland's oldest Churches, founded in 1191.  An ancient Celtic Stone slab (preserved in St Patrick's Cathedral) is said to have marked the location of the well where St Patrick baptized converts in the 5th century.  The present Cathedral building, in terms of shape and size, dates from approximately 1220 AD. This building replaced the earlier church.

Afterwards, enjoy some time in the city center before getting back to the pier.

Discover the history of Ireland's genealogy, people, inventions, music, art, dance, and literature during this memorable, half-day excursion to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum.

EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum

Depart the pier and take a panoramic orientation drive through Dublin City. Along the way, pass by the Customs House, Old Parliament House, now the Bank of Ireland, and Trinity College, home of the world-renowned Book of Kells, a handwritten manuscript of the Gospels. Continue onwards towards the Georgian squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam, the National Gallery of Ireland, Government Buildings and St. Stephen's Green. At the conclusion of your city tour your guide and driver will take you on a short drive to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum.

Self-guided Tour

Upon arrival, receive a brief introduction and audio-guides, and then enjoy access to the museum during a self-guided tour through its 20 visually stunning galleries. Discover the history of Ireland's genealogy, its many famous and infamous people, inventions, music, art, dance, and literature. Marvel at the building that houses this interesting exhibition, and stroll through the magnificent stone vaults dating from 1820. Whilst browsing through the galleries, take your souvenir passport that was presented to you on arrival through each gallery, and have it stamped along the way.

Irish Family History Centre and History Talk

This immersive and interactive experience takes you all the way to present day, and leaves you with the feeling that 'Every Person Is Connected' (EPIC) to Ireland. Following your self-guided tour, your knowledge of Ireland and the Irish people is further enhanced with an Irish History Talk with a local expert. Explore the display screens and interactive games with the help of your local historian and genealogy expert, and receive a complimentary, one-month subscription to FindMyPast.ie, where you can access over 100 million Irish family history records.

Depart the pier towards Howth Village. Driving over the hills, you will enjoy wonderful views of Dublin Bay and the Dublin Mountains.

Howth Castle Cooking Experience

Once in the village, you'll enjoy a hand-on/interactive cooking experience in Howth Castle. You will roll up their sleeves and work together to get the food prepared under the guidance of a professional chef/s in the original, 18th century Georgian Castle kitchen. Learn, relax and have fun preparing select recipes. To wrap up each 'Hands On' experience, you will sit down in the stunning, recently refurbished Butler's Room to savour what you have created.

With Howth Harbor at the castle's doorstep, the talented and knowledgeable chefs always source locally for the best and freshest fish and shellfish, also seeking out local farmers for the finest organic produce and striving always to offer the most flavourful ingredients for the guests to work with.

Malahide Village and Castle

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive through the city's northern outskirts en route to the picturesque seaside village of Malahide. Upon arrival, head for a guided tour of the 12th-century Malahide Castle. The Malahide Castle grounds span approximately 268 acres (about 108 hectares), and include a 20-acre garden with more than 5,000 species of plants. The structure boasts circular towers, a Gothic entrance porch, exquisite Irish period furniture, historical portraits, and more. Highlights of your visit includes a guided tour of the spectacular reception rooms, and a brand new interactive exhibition area on the ground floor of the castle that recounts the history of its original founder and his family.

Next, re-board your coach and drive through the village of Malahide, a noted yachting centre, and Portmarnock, where the world-famous Portmarnock Golf Club is located. This club was home of the Irish Open Championship for many years. Upon arrival in the quaint fishing port of Howth, stop by the 11th-century Abbey Tavern to enjoy an Irish coffee, a wonderful combination of whiskey, double cream, strong black coffee and a tablespoon of sugar. Located amidst the ancient ruins of Howth Abbey with the lovely fishing harbour and marina below, the Abbey Tavern is an ideal spot in which to relax and savour the genuine atmosphere of old Ireland. Upon entering, embrace its Old World charm, authenticity and simplicity. Blazing turf fires, original stonewalls, flagstone floors and gaslights make for a truly warm welcome.

Leaving the Abbey Tavern, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier. En route, pass through Dollymount and Clontarf, and take in spectacular panoramic views of Dublin Bay and the Dublin Mountains whilst driving over the summit.

Discover the spectacular natural beauty, gardens and whiskey-making traditions of the Powerscourt Estate during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Dublin, Suburbs, Wicklow County and Hills, Dargle River, Powerscourt Estate

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive south through Dublin's suburbs en route to the 'Garden of Ireland', as the neighbouring county of Wicklow is known. Wicklow is a natural scenic wonderland with domed, granite mountains, purple glens, soft, rolling hills, and silvery streams rushing cool-and-clear from mountain and bog-land into the rivers of the countryside. Upon arrival, proceed for a visit to the approximately 14,000-acre (about 5,665-hectare) Powerscourt Estate, nestled in the Wicklow Hills on the Dargle River. Open to the public for over 50 years, the estate is a wonderful blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens, and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs.

History of Powerscourt, Powerscourt Gardens, Free Time, Powerscourt Distillery

During a major refurbishment in 1974, a fire broke out and left only the roofless shell of the main house. The walls of the main house, which date from the 16th century, stood as a stark reminder of the fire until 1996, when the rebuilding process began. Today, this fine house now stands proudly against the backdrop of its exquisite gardens. Some free time is provided to explore one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland, recently voted #3 in the 'World's Top Ten Gardens' by National Geographic magazine. Next, a short stroll brings you to the newly-opened Powerscourt Distillery. Surrounded by the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, guarded by the mighty Sugarloaf, enjoying a temperate coastline climate and bathed by pure spring waters, Powerscourt provides the perfect setting for distilling Irish whiskey.

Distillery Tour, Introductory Film, Distillation Process, Fercullen Irish Whiskey Tasting

Formerly the hub of all farming activity on the estate, the Old Mill House has been faithfully restored, and extended, to help accommodate the distillery's development. Steeped in history and built using local Wicklow granite, the bell that adorns the northern west wall was originally used to herald the daily lunch break to workers in distant fields. As one of the older buildings on the estate, it also boasts an ancient water mill deep in its foundations. During a guided tour of the distillery, view an introductory film and observe the distillation process, then proceed for a tasting of three Fercullen Irish whiskey, with a non-alcoholic beverage for guests under the age of 18. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore Dublin at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car or van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Dublin at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Dublin at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Dublin at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover the history of Ireland's genealogy, people, inventions, music, art, dance, and literature during this memorable, half-day excursion to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum.

Dublin city drive

Depart the pier and take a panoramic orientation drive through Dublin City. Along the way, pass by the Customs House, Old Parliament House, now the Bank of Ireland, and Trinity College, home of the world-renowned Book of Kells, a handwritten manuscript of the Gospels. Continue onwards towards the Georgian squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam, the National Gallery of Ireland, Government Buildings and St. Stephen's Green. At the conclusion of your city tour, your guide and driver will take you on a short drive to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum.

EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum

Upon arrival, receive a brief introduction and audio-guides, and then enjoy access to the museum during a self-guided tour through its 20 visually stunning galleries. Discover the history of Ireland's genealogy, its many famous and infamous people, inventions, music, art, dance, and literature. Marvel at the building that houses this interesting exhibition, and stroll through the magnificent stone vaults dating from 1820. Whilst browsing through the galleries, take your souvenir passport that was presented to you on arrival through each gallery, and have it stamped along the way.

Irish Family History Centre and History Talk

This immersive and interactive experience takes you all the way to present day, and leaves you with the feeling that 'Every Person Is Connected' (EPIC) to Ireland. Following your self-guided tour, your knowledge of Ireland and the Irish people is further enhanced with an Irish History Talk with a local expert. Explore the display screens and interactive games with the help of your local historian and genealogy expert, and receive a complimentary, one-month subscription to FindMyPast.ie, where you can access over 100 million Irish family history records.