Dublin Cruise Port

Our tour was perhaps a little out of the ordinary. When we disembarked from our cruise ship (Celebrity Infinity) we could not locate the tour operator. We were expecting a coach or minivan and searched the dock with increasing anxiety. Finally we made contact with a smartly dressed driver holding a small sign with the expected words on it. It turned out that we were the only two ticket holders for this "group" tour so the local tour company had assigned us a tour driver/guide and a Mercedes car. Our driver, Shaun, could not have been nicer and simply offered to take us anywhere at all, but we stuck with the advertised itinerary, driving first to the Powerscourt Gardens. To our great surprise there were no large tour groups there and we spent a couple of hours strolling the gardens in cool but pleasant weather. Spring flowers were on gorgeous display and the Japanese garden was magnificent. Once we were done, we called the driver's mobile number and he came and picked us up. We toured the Wicklow mountains, stopped at the Avoca woolen shop and had a pub lunch at an almost deserted pub in a small village. The tour of the city of Dublin was extensive and informative. Our driver offered to drop us anywhere and return later to pick us up but by this time we were feeling ready to return to the ship. The crowds and the traffic in Dublin were not as enjoyable to us as the serenity of Powerscourt and its more rural surroundings. A thoroughly enjoyable day. We were most appreciative that that the tour operator still laid on a tour for us when they could have just as easily canceled and returned our money. My only minor criticism is that the "local" contact phone numbers provided in the confirmation were not local to Ireland but were UK numbers and for some reason I could not get through to either of them on my UK mobile phone.

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: Powerscourt Gardens and Dublin City Tour

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and an excellent communicator. We enjoyed the tour immensely.

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: Historical Walking Tour including Trinity College

When we arrived at stop 1, there was a bus stopped. We were told there would be another bus coming in 5 minutes and to line up behind the one that was stopped. After 10 minutes the bus that was supposed to show up didn't come and we were then asked to get on the first bus that was already there. The seats on this old bus were so crammed together, I couldn't get my knees in behind the seat ahead.
We got off at the Guinness Storehouse and toured the facility. It was excellent. When finished, we came out and waited over half an hour for the next bus to arrive. People were already waiting ahead of us. In the meantime, 5 green hop-on-hop-off busses attended the stop. There was at least 50 people waiting when we finally got on. Most didn't get on. We were lucky to have been among the first 6 to get on. I don't think my wife and I got our money's worth. We had used Viator previously in other cities without problems and this is why we chose it. Refunds?? - donaldmatthews@rogers.com

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Not worth booking in advance as one has to organize oneself to get to town and there are different companies doing the hop-on hop-off. When booking in advance one has to go with the red buses.

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Please refer to enquiry number 4954279 to which I am still awaiting a reply.

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

I learned a lot from the drivers. They were very informative.

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Great Tour!! The way the Guiness storehouse has presented everything is very modern and far better then I thought it would be. I would most definatley recommend this tour.But would recommend putting a good few hours by for its as there is a lot to see and you wouldnt want to rush yourself!

The best part is the free pint(which I didnt like) and the view from the Bar at the top is amazing!. The day was a beautiful clear day and managed to see all round Dublin!

When we left St James there are Horse and carriages outside and we had a ride in one- was great!!

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: Skip the Line Guinness Storehouse Entrance Ticket

The guide was very knowledgeable and went over and above anything we expected to make it a memorable tour. I would highly recommend the tour to Powerscourt and Wicklow Mtns.

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Excellent! Our guide was knowledgable (VERY!), personable, and an excellent guide. We thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent with him , and are so glad we found Viator!!!!!

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: Historical Walking Tour including Trinity College

It was very effective. The driver was knowledgeable.

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Great visit. It was very easy entering the Storehouse. Highly recommend purchasing in advance!

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: Skip the Line Guinness Storehouse Entrance Ticket

Great deal! No lines and a guaranteed great time!

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: Skip the Line Guinness Storehouse Entrance Ticket

Very, very informed guide. A previous Trinity College graduate. More of a history of Ireland and Dublin than any comments about buildings, etc. Mostly a story of the wrongs done to Ireland by the UK. Got it early on but over 3 hours got a little old. Due to circumstances were not able to enter any of the buildings.

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: Historical Walking Tour including Trinity College

in a word, Great! I could have sat in a room and listened to Donnel all day. Our guide has a love and passion for the city and the Irish that was clearly evident by the pride he took in the tour. This is the experience that every tourist is seeking.

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: Historical Walking Tour including Trinity College

Excellent tour. Beautiful city. Great live commentaries by driver.

Doing what: Dublin Shore Excursion: City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour