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Dublin, Ireland

Grafton Street, Dublin

Introduction

Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and home to Guinness beer and pub culture.

Where You're Docked

Smaller liners can come up the river Liffey close to the city centre while the larger vessels berth in Alexandra Quay, located 2 kms/1.5 miles east from the city centre. Large ships tend to use Ocean Pier. A new terminal is currently planned at Cruise 18 Pier closest to East Link Bridge and 3Arena (previously O2). Shuttle buses are usually provided dropping off on Kildare St beside Trinity College.

It is a pleasant but long walk (2.5km/30 mins) along the riverside into the city with some interesting sights including The Custom House and Famine Memorial. The Point Luas (light rail/tram) station opened in Dec 2009 on the north side of 3arena providing a more convenient option to get downtown. See Local Transportation section below.

Dun Laoghaire 12km southeast of Dublin is also used as a tender pier with a plan to build a cruise terminal in that location. http://dlharbour.ie/visit-us/cruise/

The official cruise schedule is available at the port authority website. http://www.dublinport.ie/information-centre/cruise-liners/

Money and Tipping

Ireland's currency is the Euro (EUR). A small tip (5-10%) is appreciated when dining in restaurants or taking a taxi.

Local Transportation

Dublin has a large bus network and the streets are filled with double decker buses. Most sites are within walking distance of the city center. Short distance bus rides are €2.15 cash. Dublin Transit uses a contactless payment system called the Leap Card which can be purchased for a €5 refundable deposit with min €5 top up. These are available at convenience stores including Spar and newsagents and they can also refund your card deposit when returned. A day rate can only be obtained with a Leap card which caps the daily rate to €7 (Mar 2019) A single trip fare is reduced to €1.55 when using Leap. http://www.dublinbus.ie http://www.leapcard.ie

The separately operated light rail/tram network, Luas (pronounced loo-iss), has expanded making it more convenient for tourists. You can take the red line from The Point station near the cruise piers just north of the arena to Abbey St station by O'Connell St. Fares are distance based and the Leap card is accepted. For this journey, the fare is €2.80 adult one way, €4.80 return, €7 daily cap (Jan 2019). If you continue further west to James's Station, you will be relatively close to the Guinness Storehouse. http://www.luas.ie/

Dublin Bus also operates a Hop On-Hop Off bus service. https://www.dublinsightseeing.ie/

If you want to bike, Dublin Bikes is a bikeshare service with a station near 3arena by the river. You will have to buy a 3-day pass (€5 with 30 min free, 2hrs for €1.50, Mar 2019) but the automated kiosks only accept chip and pin credit cards. Be aware traffic drives on the left. http://www.dublinbikes.ie/

Hotels

Search hotels in Dublin here

Sights (prices updated Mar 2019)

• Guinness Storehouse - This old brewery building has a self-guided tour on the history of Guinness beer and how beer is made. Enjoy a free pint and the view from the Gravity Bar with your admission. Entry €23 (discounts if pre-purchased online). Take the Luas to James's Station, or bus 123 from O'Connell or Dame Street (every 8-10 min). http://www.guinness-storehouse.com
• Christ Church Cathedral - Located on Christchurh Pl. Entry €7. http://www.christchurchdublin.ie
• Kilmainham Gaol - One of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe 3.5km from the city center and a top tourist attraction. Several bus routes to get to the area. A route which stops directly in front is the 69 bus. You can catch it on Fleet St (at the corner of D'Olier St). Or walk north from Suir Road Luas station. Entry €8 guided tour with timed tickets. http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/dublin/kilmainhamgaol/
• Trinity College - Take a peek from Grafton Street. Tours available for €14 (discounts for pre-purchased online tickets) includes Old Library and Book of Kells. https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells/
• Old Library and Book of Kells - A popular attraction located inside Trinity College. Entry fee €6 . http://www.tcd.ie/Library/bookofkells/
• St Patrick's Cathedral - Entry €7. http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie
• National Museum of Ireland - Take a quick peek at the bog bodies (left section, ground floor when you enter) before returning to your ship by shuttle on Kildare St. Free entry.

Shopping & Restaurants

The main shopping streets are Grafton and O'Connell and the surrounding streets. There are pubs and restaurants clustered in the Temple Bar area but you can find an Irish pub on almost any street. There is a Tesco supermarket on Fleet St in Temple Bar. St Stephens Green Shopping Center is at the south end of Grafton St and Parnell Centre is on Parnell St. Be sure to try a fresh pint of Guinness. Grab a chicken filet roll available at most convenience stores and supermarkets with lunch counters.

Internet

Restaurants and cafes may provide free wifi for customers.

Post Offices

There is a post office across from Saint Andrews Church near Grafton Street and another one on O'Connell St by the spire.

Been Here Before

Take the DART suburban train from Tara St Station to Howth and do the cliff walk around the head. You can do a full loop around the head or a partial loop on the east side. http://www.fingaldublin.ie/interior-pages/activities-attractions-amp-conference/activities/walking-cycling/howth-coastal-path/

Maps (right-click to save)

Weather

Dublin Weather Forecast

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