On a Cruise to Dublin? What to See and Do
What to see and do in Dublin during a cruise stopover in the Cruising Journal tips.
Whether you’re a beer lover, an architecture enthusiast, a ghost hunter or just a loyal fan of Game of Thrones, Dublin is the perfect destination for both a quick weekend trip as well as a long, leisurely adventure in which you can explore the area at your own pace.
Not everyone knows that Dublin can be enjoyed comfortably while on a cruise. Whether you want to reach the city by boat as part of a cruise or directly from the island, Dublin offers several options to explore it. This article will delve into the fascinating artistic, social, historical and legendary facets of Dublin.
Discovering Dublin by Boat
Dublin is an easily accessible city, and most people chose to drive there or fly in. However, for those who want to enjoy the city from a unique perspective, Dublin can also be reached by boat. Several companies offer cruises around Ireland, such as Eagle-Eye Tours, and many cruises are dedicated to discovering the entire British Isles, such as Rol Cruise. For other lines, such as MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises, Dublin is just one stop in long European tours that visit multiple countries.
If you prefer to focus on Dublin alone and want the opportunity to see all of the most important places of interest, don’t miss the Dublin Discovered Boat Tour, available 7 days a week between 10:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., which will take you on a tour of the city along the waters of River Liffey. Just get on board and let yourself be carried away from Bachelors Walk to the O’Connell Bridge and along the port, where you can admire the beautiful contrast between modern and Georgian architecture.
Ghost Bus Tour
If you are intrigued by mystery and ghosts and are always looking for a thrill, Dublin will not disappoint. The Ghost Bus Tour will take you to the spookiest parts of the city with an expert guide who will recount the legends of the historic buildings and the stories of the ghosts who live there. You’ll leave this tour with more information on body snatching than you probably expected, but this experience is sure to be unforgettable!
Brewing Interests
Ireland is known for its beer and spirits and is an ideal destination for liquor enthusiasts. If you want to treat yourself to an evening of fun in Dublin’s pubs, the options are endless.
You could start with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where the world’s largest pint – seven storeys tall, to be exact – awaits you. During your visit, you can also learn about how this famous Irish beer is brewed, taste some of the best products Guinness has to offer and finally enjoy a refreshing pint in the fantastic Gravity Bar on the seventh floor of the Storehouse.
If you’re looking for something stronger, the Jameson Distillery offers a guided tour of the distillery, where you can learn about its history while tasting some of the delicious Irish Whiskeys.
For a more folkloristic and lively evening, there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned “pub crawl,” where you can grab a pint while you listen to some traditional Irish music. With the Musical Pub Crawl, for example, two musicians will accompany you to some of the best pubs in Dublin, giving you your own travelling concert while you explore the history of these pubs.
Winter is here
If you, too, were disappointed with the finale of Game of Thrones, visiting Dublin would give you the opportunity to imagine a new ending specifically tailored for you.
From Dublin, you can depart by bus for a guided tour through Northern Ireland to visit the magnificent locations where Game of Thrones was filmed, such as Winterfell, the forest where the Starks found the Direwolves, and even Robb’s war camp. This tour will let you spend your day in a medieval fantasy where the imagination has no limits or boundaries.
Ireland has a rich cultural history that has been developing since prehistoric times. The current societal structure of the region contrasts the quiet and folkloristic life of farmers and breeders with that of the hectic and stimulating big cities. Now that you have all the information you need, you just have to make your choice. Don’t forget to leave a comment or review on Cruising Journal about your experience in Ireland!