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Luxury Private Cruise Ship Excursion from Dublin
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From €925 per person
If your cruise ship is docked in Dublin and you want to make the most of the day, this private excursion covers a lot of ground - buzzing city streets and quiet mountain valleys, all in one trip. You travel in a luxury Mercedes, your guide meets you right at the port gate, and you’re back in time to reboard.
The route takes you out to Wicklow’s Glendalough and the mountains, then back along the coast through Dalkey village, and finally into Dublin city for the afternoon.
Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains (90 min) - You’ll visit Glendalough, the valley of two lakes and its ancient monastic settlement. From the monastery you can walk up to the two lakes along the “Champagne walk” - a beautiful trail through moss-covered trees and streams. The route continues through Wicklow National Park with stops for photos, including at Lough Tay, the lake known locally as the “Guinness lake” for its striking dark waters.
Wicklow Mountain Drive (included in the above) - As you wind through the mountains, your guide shares stories of the films and TV series shot here, including Braveheart and Vikings.
Dalkey Village (90 min) - You’ll drive along the coast to Dalkey, a charming village overlooking the bay. Known locally as “little Naples” for its dramatic clifftop homes, it’s a lovely place to wander - galleries, cafes, and the 13th-century Dalkey Castle all within easy reach.
Dublin City (180 min) - In the afternoon you’ll arrive in Dublin for a guided walk through the highlights - Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College, and Merrion Square, one of the city’s oldest squares dating to 1777. There’s free time for shopping, a wander, or a pint in one of the iconic pubs before heading back to the ship.
Your guide will be waiting outside the cruise terminal gate with a sign when you disembark. Just follow the path from the ship to the exit and you’ll spot them.
Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, infant seats are available, and service animals are welcome. Suitable for all fitness levels. Conducted in English.
This is a private tour.
Glendalough is one of those places that earns the journey. The monastic settlement in the valley of two lakes was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and survived Viking raids before eventually falling into ruin in the 14th century. The round tower, the stone churches, and the setting itself - ringed by wooded hills and with the lakes visible from the ruins - make it one of the most atmospheric sites in Ireland. You don’t need any particular interest in medieval history to feel that.
Lough Tay really does look like a Guinness pint. The dark waters of Lough Tay against the white quartz sand beach at one end creates a striking visual that’s genuinely as striking as it sounds. The viewpoint on the road above the lake is a short stop but well worth it. The surrounding Wicklow mountains landscape is remote and wild in a way that the area around Dublin city doesn’t prepare you for.
Dalkey punches above its weight. This small coastal village on the south side of Dublin has a history of famous residents - Maeve Binchy, Neil Jordan, Bono, and Van Morrison have all called it home at various points. The village itself has a pleasant main street, independent cafes and restaurants, and the 13th-century Dalkey Castle (a tower house, rather than a grand castle) right in the centre. It’s one of those places Dubliners talk about with a certain fondness.
Three hours in Dublin city is enough for the highlights. The afternoon section of this tour covers Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College, and Merrion Square - a good sweep of the most significant stops in a manageable timeframe. There’s also free time built in, so if you’d rather spend 30 minutes in a pub on Dame Street than queue to see the Book of Kells, that’s entirely your call.
Your guide tracks the ship’s schedule. Because this tour is designed specifically for cruise passengers, your guide is experienced in making sure the day runs to time and you’re back at the port before departure. That said, it’s always worth knowing your ship’s all-aboard time and mentioning it at the start of the day, just so everyone’s on the same page.