Private Shore Excursions
We have provided many tours for those arriving into Dublin by cruise ship and our office is situated in the newly developed Docklands Area adjacent to Dublin Port. There is so much to see in Dublin and the surrounding areas and we can guarantee that you will see the maximum amount possible in the time available to you on-shore.
We usually suggest a tour that combines a mixture of countryside and city or coast and city so as to try and incorporate all that is good about Ireland and Dublin into your tour. We can of course offer a city only or a countryside only itinerary as outlined on our website (i.e. Dublin, Wicklow or the Boyne Valley). A sample of a mixture of city and countryside or coast and countryside or city only could be something like the following but we can customise the tours to suit your interests.
Option A
You would leave the city via the coastal road along Dublin Bay before heading inland to beautiful County Wicklow to visit Powerscourt House and Gardens which are set in the heart of the wild Wicklow countryside. From there you would return into Dublin to take a tour of some of the highlights of Dublin. You would take a tour of St Patrick’s Cathedral before going to Trinity College to take a tour of the college and to visit the famous Book of Kells exhibition. You would stop for lunch at a traditional Dublin pub or at a restaurant.
Option B
You would take a tour of some of the highlights of Dublin. You would start with Medieval and Viking Dublin including a visit to Dublin Castle and a guided tour of St Patrick’s Cathedral. Then you would go to Trinity College to take a tour of the college and to visit the famous Book of Kells exhibition.
You would then leave the city by travelling north along Dublin Bay to visit the seaside village of Howth to have a fresh seafood lunch by the pier or in a local pub. You would then travel further along the coast to visit Malahide Castle before returning to your ship.
Option C
You would take a tour of some of the highlights of Dublin. You would start with Medieval and Viking Dublin including a visit to Dublin Castle and a guided tour of St Patrick's Cathedral. Then you would go to Trinity College to take a tour of the college and to visit the famous Book of Kells exhibition. This would be followed by a quick driving tour of Georgian Dublin from the 18th and 19th centuries to see the garden squares, the grand houses with their famous coloured doors and the fine public buildings of that era.
You would have lunch in a traditional Dublin pub or restaurant before going to visit the famous Guinness Storehouse. If there is time remaining you would finish off with a driving tour of the Phoenix Park before returning to your ship.
The itineraries are dependent on the time available to you in port. Rest assured you will see the maximum amount possible in the time available.
We are happy to facilitate those who use the Cruise Critic message boards to gather companions to share their tour. We are happy to say that we have received favourable mention from previous clients on the Cruise Critic forums. We collect all our clients directly from their ship. All our tours can be fully customised to suit your interests and needs.
Due to the high demand we get from cruise ships arriving into Dublin we only have mini-vans available that take up to 6 people. At €450 for a full-day tour (8 hours, entrance fees not included) the cost may be prohibitive for 2 people. If this was the case we could offer to put you on a tour list and to accommodate you with another couple or two if that would be acceptable. If not we could offer you a chauffeur car service for 2 in a Mercedes-Benz sedan limousine at €350 for the day. Your driver would be knowledgeable and experienced at giving tours but would not be a qualified tour guide. In either case you would be collected from and returned to your ship.
Further Afield: Private Tours of Ireland
Even though Ireland is a small country there are an incredible amount of fantastic places and sites to visit. If you are going to be based in Dublin and want to see a bit more of Ireland then we can arrange such a tour for you. There are many fabulous places to visit. Here are a few we like although they are only a small sample of what is on offer on an Ireland tour. Here is an example of a possible day tour itinerary.
Kilkenny
The medieval city of Kilkenny is just under two hours from Dublin. It is a charming place with the excellent Kilkenny Castle at its heart. Carefully restored over many years it affords the visitor to see how the great and the good lived in splendour. Across the road are the Kilkenny Design Centre and The National Craft Centre. Both are housed in the Castle Yard, the former stables of Kilkenny Castle.
St Canice's Cathedral, an Anglo-Norman cathedral from the 13th century, is also an excellent site worth visiting. The grounds also contain an iconic symbol of Ireland, a Round Tower. The brave among you can take the chance to climb the 121 ladder steps to take in some spectacular views from the top. It is a rare opportunity and a unique experience.
Waterford
Founded in the 9th century by the Vikings it is the oldest city in Ireland. As such it has a long and interesting history. Visit the oldest medieval building in Ireland, Reginald's Tower or the excellent Museum of Treasures. The main attraction in Waterford is of course the world famous House of Waterford Crystal with a factory tour and their retail store.
Dunmore East
Dunmore is a perfect example of all that is good about Ireland. A small fishing port and village on the rugged southern Irish coast, it is quaint, relaxed and picturesque. Small coves, cliffs, pubs, traditional thatched cottages, seafood by the water. You get the picture. A fabulous spot and representative of many such places dotted around Ireland.
Driving Services
Tour Dublin also offers drive only services. Airport transfers, concert/sporting event collect and return, conferences and weddings. Please contact us for further information.
