Dublin’s shore excursions range from efficient city highlights to immersive countryside adventures. For a solid city overview, the guided coach tours pack the main sights into a comfortable half-day experience. The hop-on hop-off buses work great for independent types – grab a 24-hour ticket and explore at will. My favorite option is the Wicklow Mountains rail journey, where you’ll experience authentic Irish villages and dramatic landscapes away from tourist crowds. Those looking to splurge should consider private car tours, which let you customize stops and spend more time at places that interest you most. Let’s explore the specific tours we recommend for making the most of your Dublin port call.
Key Points
- Full-day Dublin and Glendalough tours offer scenic landscapes and iconic landmarks, utilizing climate-controlled coaches with driver-guides.
- Hop-on Hop-off tours provide 24-hour access to double-decker buses with live guides and audio guides in multiple languages.
- Dublin Cruise Ship Shore Excursion packages include return DART train tickets and 2-for-1 lunch offers, catering to wheelchair and stroller users.
- Wicklow Mountains, Avoca & Glendalough Rail Tour combines scenic rail and coach travel for a well-organized experience.
- Private shore excursions, such as luxury car tours, offer customizable itineraries and personalized service for small groups.
Shore Excursion From Dublin: Including Dublin Highlights and Glendalough
Often, travelers on a shore excursion from Dublin choose to explore the highlights of the city and the scenic Glendalough area.
This full-day tour includes a climate-controlled coach, driver-guide, and visits to Wicklow’s mountains, St Kevin’s monastery, and Grafton Street.
The itinerary covers the 6th-century ruins of Glendalough, a panoramic drive through Dublin, and free time for shopping and dining.
The tour departs from Dublin Port at 8 AM, with a maximum group size of 58 travelers.
While reviews are mixed, the tour offers an opportunity to see the natural beauty of County Wicklow and the iconic landmarks of Dublin.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion From Dublin: Including Dublin Highlights and Glendalough Review
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Dublin: Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket
For travelers on a Dublin cruise, the Dublin: Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket offers a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the city’s highlights.
Priced from $33.38 per person, the tour includes a return rail ticket from Dun Laoghaire to Pearse Station, allowing for a scenic 20-minute coastal journey.
With 24-hour access to a double-decker bus and live guides, visitors can hop on and off at attractions like Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, and Dublin Castle.
The tour also provides an audio guide in multiple languages.
Reviewers praise the ticket collection process and knowledgeable drivers, making this an excellent choice for cruise excursions in Dublin.
Read our full review: Dublin: Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket Review
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Dublin Cruise Ship Shore Excursion|Hop-on Hop-off & Rail Transfer
Tailored for cruise ship passengers, the Dublin Cruise Ship Shore Excursion | Hop-on Hop-off & Rail Transfer provides a comprehensive and convenient way to explore Ireland’s vibrant capital. Priced at $39.32 per person, this 90-minute tour includes a return DART train ticket, a 2-for-1 lunch offer, and access to the Little Museum of Dublin. Travelers can hop on and off the bus at their leisure, enjoying live commentary and complimentary WiFi. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and children under 15 travel for free. While some guests have reported overcrowding and difficulty finding buses, the majority praise the engaging drivers, informative commentary, and efficient service.
Read our full review: Dublin Cruise Ship Shore Excursion|Hop-on Hop-off & Rail Transfer Review
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Shore Excursion: Wicklow Mountains, Avoca & Glendalough Rail Tour
Combining rail and coach travel, the Shore Excursion: Wicklow Mountains, Avoca & Glendalough Rail Tour takes travelers on a day-long exploration of some of Ireland’s most picturesque landscapes.
Departing from Dublin Port, the tour includes transfers to and from the train and coach, allowing for a hassle-free experience.
Highlights include scenic views of the Wicklow Mountains, visits to the charming villages of Avoca and Glendalough, and the opportunity to see the Avoca weaving mill and monastic ruins.
Though the tour may alter itineraries due to operational reasons, it’s a well-organized option for those with limited time in Ireland, boasting an average rating of 4.2 from 6 customer reviews.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion: Wicklow Mountains, Avoca & Glendalough Rail Tour Review
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Liberty Irish Tours Dublin City & Wicklow Mountains Luxury Car Shore Excursion
The Liberty Irish Tours Dublin City & Wicklow Mountains Luxury Car Shore Excursion offers a private and personalized way to explore the highlights of Dublin and the scenic Wicklow Mountains during a day-long tour.
Priced at $1,009.68 for up to 4 people, the tour provides private transportation and the flexibility to customize the itinerary.
Pickup is available from airports, ports, hotels, and private accommodations. The tour operates daily from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance.
With a perfect 5-star rating from a single review, this luxury car shore excursion promises an exceptional sightseeing experience.
Read our full review: Liberty Irish Tours Dublin City & Wicklow Mountains Luxury Car Shore Excursion Review
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Cliffs of Moher, Galway – Private Shore Excursion
Designed for cruise ship passengers, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway – Private Shore Excursion offers a captivating exploration of Ireland’s dramatic coastal landscapes.
Operated by Dublin Shore Excursions, this private tour accommodates up to 4 travelers and costs $1,284.03 per group.
Highlights include the iconic Cliffs of Moher and the charming city of Galway.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, fuel surcharge, parking fees, and private transportation.
While lunch isn’t included, the experience is highly rated, with reviewers praising the personalized service and picturesque scenery, even amid inclement weather.
With moderate physical fitness required, this shore excursion provides a memorable introduction to Ireland’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Cliffs of Moher, Galway – Private Shore Excursion Review
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Dublin Shore Excursion Tour Review
Travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to Dublin can opt for the Dublin Shore Excursion: Live Guided Open-top, Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour.
This highly-rated tour offers 11 reviews with a 4.1 overall rating and includes a free guided walking tour. Featuring live commentary on the red route and recorded commentary in 8 languages, the tour provides an unlimited hop-on, hop-off experience for 24-72 hours.
Positive feedback highlights knowledgeable drivers, though some criticize infrequent bus schedules. The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With the option to reserve now and pay later, this shore excursion is an ideal choice for visitors with limited time in Dublin.
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Giants Causeway, Belfast – Private Shore Excursion
Visitors can embark on a captivating private shore excursion from Dublin to Northern Ireland, seeing the region’s geological wonders and historic treasures.
The tour highlights include the iconic Giant’s Causeway, the dramatic Dunluce Castle, and a guided exploration of Belfast, complete with a visit to the renowned Titanic exhibit.
The excursion includes an air-conditioned vehicle, fuel surcharge, parking fees, and private transportation, with the option to customize the experience by adding visits to the Dark Hedges or Carrick-a-Rede Bridge.
With a moderate physical fitness level required, this shore excursion offers an unforgettable way to discover the Northern Irish landscape and history.
Read our full review: Giants Causeway, Belfast – Private Shore Excursion Review
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Sum Up
Dublin offers a wide range of shore excursions that showcase the city’s top attractions and nearby scenic destinations. Travelers can choose from hop-on hop-off tours, rail tours to the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough, or private excursions to the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway. These excursions provide an efficient and enjoyable way to experience the best of Dublin and its surrounding regions during a cruise ship stop.