Ireland’s most popular cruise destination, Dublin sees nearly two million cruise and ferry passengers come through its port each year. A UNESCO City of Literature since 2010, it is also a very green city, boasting more green space per square kilometer than any other European capital. With a thousand years of history behind it, Dublin truly has something to offer everyone, from historic churches and theatrers to trendy boutiques and lively pubs.

How to get to Dublin

Once you have docked in Dublin, you can take bus #35 or a taxi for the 10 minute ride into the city. A taxi will likely cost around 15-20 Euros one way.

One Day in Dublin

Once in the heart of the city, get your bearings by taking a stroll along the River Liffey which cuts through the center of town. Don’t miss the Ha’penny Bridge, which is one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks.
Then head to the triangle bordered by O’Connell Bridge, St. Stephen’s Green and Christchurch Cathedral. Here, you will find some of the top sights in Dublin. Stop at the Cathedral and check out the large crypt, which is Dublin’s oldest building. From there, move on to Trinity College, whose alumni include Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker. You can either follow a self-guided tour or join a student-led tour of the college.

Next, make your way to Dublin Castle, built in 1204 by King John.  The castle served as the seat of British rule in Ireland for over 700 years. Guided tours take you through the royal apartments and include a stop to see the foundations of the Norman tower. Ireland’s largest church, the 13th century St. Patrick’s  Cathedral, is also a must-see before taking a break for lunch – and perhaps a pint of Guinness!

Dublin has a variety of museums to keep you busy all afternoon. The National Gallery features artwork from many European masters, as well as a gallery dedicated to Ireland’s own Jack Yeats. The National Museum shows off historical treasures ranging from Stone Age artifacts to medieval jewelry while the Dublin Writers Museum displays memorabilia from some of Ireland’s greatest authors. Three additional museums are devoted to author James Joyce.

Theater buffs should try to check out the famous Abbey Theater and the historic Gate Theater and of course, a visit to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Guinness or a tour of the Old Jameson Distillery.

Dublin’s port doesn’t offer much in the way of facilities so you will likely want to move on to the city center right away. English is the primary language spoken in Ireland and the currency is the Euro. ATMs are widely available throughout the city.