(Small Group) Shore Tour from Dublin:Dublin Highlights and Glendalough Day Trip

Key Points

• Affordable and well-structured: Priced at $129.36 per person for approximately 8 hours.
• Small group experience: Limited to 24 guests, with luxury Mercedes vans and professional guides.
• Highlights include: Dublin city sights like Trinity College, O’Connell Street, and scenic Wicklow Mountains.
• Exclusive focus on scenic beauty and history: Visit Glendalough, explore monastic ruins, touch St. Kevin’s Cross for good luck.
• Flexible timings for cruise schedules: Tours start at 8:00 am and accommodate various ship arrival times with port pickup and drop-off.
• Quality amenities: Includes refreshment stops, free Wi-Fi, and personalized commentary, though lunch is not included.

Dublin Shore Excursion with Scenic Wicklow and Glendalough Views

This small group tour from Dublin is designed specifically for cruise passengers, combining city highlights with breathtaking countryside scenery. Priced at $129.36 per person, the tour lasts around 8 hours, making it a comprehensive yet relaxed way to see both Dublin’s urban landmarks and the Wicklow Mountains. The tour departs from Dublin Port at 8:00 am, with pickup included, and ends back at the dock about 1.5 hours before your ship’s scheduled departure.

The group size is intentionally kept small, capped at 24 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Guests travel comfortably in a luxury Mercedes van with full air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. The guide not only shares insights into the sites but also adapts the itinerary based on your cruise schedule, allowing flexibility for early departures or late arrivals.

This tour is ideal for those wanting a balance of scenic drives, historical sites, and city sightseeing without the hassle of large coach tours or independent planning. It suits travelers who prefer small groups, personalized service, and a focus on Ireland’s natural beauty and rich history.

Scenic Drive Through Wicklows Countryside and Hollywood’s Favorite Filming Location

The journey begins with a drive through County Wicklow, known as the garden of Ireland. Rolling hills, babbling brooks, and romantic glens set the scene for a picturesque ride. This area has served as the backdrop for Hollywood films like Braveheart and P.S. I Love You, highlighting its cinematic appeal.

The scenic drive offers many opportunities for photographs, with shimmering lakes and turf hills visible from the vehicle. The landscape’s beauty and tranquility are immediately apparent, making it a highlight for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. The guide shares anecdotes about the area’s significance, adding context to the stunning views.

Glendalough’s Monastic Ruins and the Legend of St. Kevin

The tour’s centerpiece is a visit to Glendalough, known as the Valley of Two Lakes. This historic site, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, features remarkably well-preserved monastic ruins, including several churches, a stone cross, and Ireland’s best-preserved round tower.

A key activity is touching St. Kevin’s Cross, a tradition said to bring marriage within a year if successful. Visitors walk among the relics, appreciating the serenity of the monastic site and the ancient stonework. The site offers a glimpse into Ireland’s early Christian history, making it a meaningful stop.

The natural beauty of Glendalough adds to the experience, with the two lakes and surrounding mountains creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection and photos. The guide offers insights into the early monastic community’s way of life, enriching the visit.

Return Journey Through Wicklow’s Majestic Mountains and Lakes

After exploring Glendalough, the return route takes travelers through Wicklows’ most striking mountain scenery. The landscape features magnificent lakes and turf hills, once used for energy in historic Ireland. The views are ideal for photography and appreciating Ireland’s landscape artistry.

The driver points out notable features along the way, emphasizing the picturesque quality of the area that has inspired filmmakers and artists for generations. The journey back to Dublin is relaxed and scenic, offering more opportunities to admire Ireland’s natural charm.

Dublin City Highlights and Grafton Street Shopping Time

Following the countryside, the tour continues with a panoramic drive around Dublin, highlighting key landmarks such as O’Connell Street, the H’Penny Bridge, Temple Bar, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The guide provides commentary on Dublin’s architectural and cultural highlights.

Guests then enjoy some free time for shopping on Grafton Street, Dublin’s premier shopping district. Grafton Street is home to traditional stores and luxury brands, providing a chance to purchase Irish arts, crafts, or souvenirs. This segment offers a relaxed break before heading back to the port.

The entire city sightseeing component is well-paced, giving visitors a taste of Dublin’s vibrant atmosphere and historic sites without feeling rushed.

Lunch and Refreshment Break Options

While lunch is not included in the tour price, there is a break for refreshments or a meal, which travelers can arrange at their own expense. The guide offers suggestions for local eateries, including the famous Hole in the Wall, where previous guests enjoyed dining with their guide.

This flexibility allows visitors to choose their preferred cuisine and pace during the day, especially helpful for those with specific dietary needs or preferences.

Professional Guides and Guest Experience

The tour features a professional, friendly guide who shares stories and insights about each site visited. Many reviews praise guides for their knowledge, entertainment skills, and the ability to customize the experience based on guest interests.

Some reviewers note that the guide’s focus on personal stories can sometimes overshadow the provided historical commentary, but overall, the guidance enhances the tour.

Transport and Comfort Features

Guests travel in a luxury Mercedes van equipped with full air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. The small group size and comfortable transport make for a relaxed day, especially compared to larger coach tours.

The pickup from the Dublin port is included, and the tour ensures timely return to prevent any inconvenience with ship departure times. This setup makes it a dependable option for cruise passengers.

Tour Flexibility and Schedule Adjustments

Because the tour is designed around cruise schedules, the start time at 8:00 am can be adjusted if ships dock later. The itinerary is flexible in cases of early or late departure, with the goal of returning at least an hour before the ship’s departure.

This adaptability helps travelers plan their day confidently, knowing the tour accommodates the logistics of cruise schedules.

Tour Reviews and Overall Quality

With a 4.0/5 rating from 18 reviews, this tour receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Many guests praise the scenic stops, guide’s friendliness, and personalized service. Some reviewers mention issues with guides talking about themselves or not accompanying guests at stops, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.

The tour offers a well-organized blend of countryside exploration and city sightseeing, making it suitable for cruise visitors who want a comprehensive yet manageable day trip.

Final Thoughts on the Dublin Highlights and Glendalough Tour

This tour provides a good balance of scenic beauty, historic sites, and Dublin city highlights in a small-group setting. The luxury transport, knowledgeable guides, and flexible schedule make it a dependable choice for cruise guests.

While some reviews highlight minor issues with guide interactions, the overall experience is positive, especially for those interested in Ireland’s natural landscapes and early Christian ruins. The absence of included lunch offers flexibility but requires guests to plan accordingly.

This tour is most enjoyable for travelers seeking a personalized, scenic, and historical overview of Dublin and Wicklow in a comfortable, small-group format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included, but there is a break for refreshments or a meal at your own expense.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 24 travelers, ensuring a small and intimate experience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 8 hours, from around 8:00 am to back at the port about 1.5 hours before ship departure.

What sights are covered in Dublin city?
Highlights include O’Connell Street, H’Penny Bridge, Temple Bar, Molly Malone Statue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, and Trinity College.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, guests ride in a luxury Mercedes van with full air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Can the itinerary be adjusted?
Yes, the tour is flexible to accommodate different cruise schedules, with timing adjustments as needed.

What is the experience like at Glendalough?
Visitors can see monastic ruins, the round tower, and St. Kevin’s Cross, with ample time to walk and explore the peaceful valley.

Are guide interactions mostly informational?
Guides provide commentary on sites and history but some reviews note that guides can occasionally focus more on personal stories.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour’s relaxed pace makes it suitable for family groups.

How do I book and cancel?
Booking can be done online with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Changes or cancellations less than 24 hours before are not refundable.