Dublin, Ireland Cruise Port Guide
Discover Ireland’s captivating capital on a cruise to Dublin. The city, which has Viking origins, sprawls on the banks of the River Liffey and is packed with centuries of history. Medieval castles, elegant Georgian architecture, world-class museums, and the serene beauty of the 16th-century Trinity College are all yours to discover.
Then there’s the legendary pub scene. Dubliners know how to have a good time, and you’ll be swept away in their warm welcome. The essential elements are a pint of the famous Guinness, which has been brewed here for more than 260 years; a cozy pub; and a live band. These make for good “craic,” the local term for convivial conversation and good times.
Itineraries
Top Sites & Attractions in Dublin
Temple Bar
The heart of Dublin’s pub scene, buzzing Temple Bar is a cluster of cobblestone streets on the banks of the River Liffey. The neighborhood is packed with traditional pubs hosting live bands, restaurants, and comedy clubs, and on warm summer nights, the party spills out onto the streets and continues late into the night. By day, you’ll find quirky shops to explore, as well as the magnificent Christ Church Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The impressive St. Patrick’s Cathedral is Ireland’s largest church. It’s a fine example of medieval architecture, built at the turn of the 13th century. It was carefully restored in 1864, when flying buttresses were added to reflect the fashion of the time. Inside, you can see a stone slab marking the original well where St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, was said to have performed baptisms. Don’t miss the hauntingly beautiful choir performances from Monday to Friday.
National Gallery of Ireland
Lose yourself among priceless works of art in the impressive National Gallery, which represents both Irish and international artists. There’s a Spanish section with work by Picasso, Goya, and El Greco, and a collection of Dutch and Flemish art, including a Rembrandt. Irish Impressionist Jack B. Yeats is represented with more than 30 works. A highlight for many is the Renaissance section, which features Caravaggio’s 1602 masterpiece, The Taking of Christ.
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Things to Do in Dublin
Tour the Guinness Storehouse
Dublin is inextricably linked to Guinness, and you can learn all about the legacy of the famous beer at the Guinness Storehouse, the city’s most popular attraction. There are seven floors to explore in the former fermentation plant of the St. James’s Gate Brewery, featuring everything from details of how the beer is made to some of the brand’s most iconic advertising campaigns. End your tour at the glass-enclosed Gravity Bar for tastings and 360-degree views.
Marvel at the Book of Kells
Housed in historic Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university, the Book of Kells is a breathtakingly beautiful illustrated manuscript from the ninth century containing the Four Gospels of the New Testament. It was created by monks on the remote Scottish island of Iona. After you’ve paid your respects, wander the leafy squares and elegant old buildings where famous alumni studied, including Dracula author Bram Stoker, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde.
Tour Dublin Castle
Built in 1204 on the site of an old Viking settlement, Dublin Castle was the seat of British power in Ireland for more than seven centuries. Much of the medieval structure was destroyed by fire, but the Record Tower is part of the original Norman building. A guided tour will show you the State Apartments and St. Patrick’s Hall, where all Irish presidents have been inaugurated since 1938. Illustrious guests, including Nelson Mandela, JFK, and Queen Elizabeth II, have been entertained here.
Top Food & Drink in Dublin
You’ll find plenty of seafood in Dublin, with mackerel, bass, plaice, and pollock all local catches. Fish and chips are as popular here as they are across the water in Britain, the fish dipped in a light batter, deep-fried, and served with thick-cut fries and mushy peas. Otherwise, dining in Dublin ranges from hearty pub food to high-end international cuisine.
Try Irish stew, made from beef or lamb, Guinness, gravy, and vegetables, served with creamy mashed potatoes. Boxty is a savory pancake made of grated and fried potato, sometimes topped with smoked salmon and sour cream. Dublin coddle is another comforting dish, a tasty combination of sausages, bacon, and potatoes simmered with onions. If you’re in the mood for a lavish breakfast, order a full Irish, a plate of bacon, eggs, sausage, black and white pudding, baked beans, and fried tomato with a slice of soda bread. While you’re in Ireland, sampling the famous Guinness stout is the thing to do, ideally in a cozy pub with a soundtrack of a live band.
Culture & History of Dublin
Dublin was founded by the Vikings in the ninth century and was initially called Dyflin. The settlement thrived as a trading center but was captured during an Anglo-Norman invasion in 1169-1170. It subsequently became the administrative center of English rule on the island of Ireland. A period of rapid growth ensued, with landmarks such as Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral being built. You can still see much of the fine Georgian architecture from the 18th century today.
Dublin played a central role in Ireland’s struggle for independence from Britain and the founding of the Irish Free State, later renamed Ireland in 1937. The city underwent a period of economic and urban decline in the mid-20th century, but made an impressive recovery. Today, it’s a thriving European capital—Ireland is still part of the European Union—famous for its literary connections, beautiful architecture, academic scene, and thriving tech sector.
Shopping in Dublin
Dublin’s shops are packed with quality souvenirs. Buy a hand-knitted Aran sweater, as well as scarves, blankets, Irish linen, and traditional jewelry in Celtic designs. Browse for pottery, ceramics, Newbridge silverware, and items made from green Connemara marble. Edible souvenirs include traditional Irish cheeses, bottles of whiskey, Irish teas, chocolates, candy, and assorted Guinness-branded items. The pedestrianized Grafton Street is the best place to shop, have afternoon tea, and listen to the street performers.
Transportation in Dublin
Dublin is fairly flat, so it’s pretty bike-friendly if you’re interested in renting a bike. Car rental is available, but parking and driving on the left side of the road can be a challenge for some travelers new to Ireland. To explore the compact center, try the Luas tram, which has two lines, green and red, or local buses. Taxis are widely available, as is the popular ride-hailing service, Freenow.
Reaching the city center from the cruise port at Dun Laoghaire is easy. The DART train—Dublin Area Rapid Transit—runs from the port to the center and takes just 16 minutes.
Local Currency & Tipping Customs
The euro is the local currency in Dublin. Credit cards are widely accepted, so you won’t have to rely on cash for everything. When tipping a taxi driver, leave a 10% tip or round up to the nearest bill. Tipping is appreciated in restaurants, where good service typically earns a 10% tip. Note that you’ll get the best currency exchange at bank ATMs.
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