Dublin Shore Excursion – Glendalough and city centre
This Glendalough and Dublin tour is specifically designed for people travelling to Ireland by ship. The excursion picks you up from within walking distance of the dock and it drops you off at the same place before your ship departs. Hop on our comfortable coach and see Ireland while we do all the planning and organizing for you. This Dublin and Glendalough monastic site tour also brings you to the Wicklow Mountains, which are often referred to as the “Garden or Ireland”. Keep reading to find out more about this incredible Ireland shore excursion! If you’re staying for a few days, you may like to check out our range of Dublin tours instead.
The Wicklow Mountains
After being collected from your ship’s docking point, you will travel to the Wicklow Mountains, all the while learning about Irish history and legends from your knowledgeable tour guide. The Wicklow Mountains are often affectionately referred to as “The Garden of Ireland” because of their staggering natural beauty. Expect to see a beautiful array of plant life and to see some of Ireland’s most impressive vistas and you won’t be disappointed. You can also visit the Wicklow Mountains as part of our Glendalough, Wicklow, and Kilkenny tour from Dublin.
Tour of the Glendalough Monastic Site
This is one of the most popular destinations in Ireland, and it has more than earned its acclaim and attention. Glendalough means “Valley of the Two Lakes” in Gaelic, the Irish language, and the journey through the Wicklow Mountains, between these two lakes, is guaranteed to dazzle you. You can look forward to majestic scenery of both the mountains and the lakes. At our stop in Glendalough, you will have time to explore both the monastic settlements and the awe-inspiring lakes.
The Monastery at Glendalough
The sacred monastic city was founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century. Since then, the whole place flourished, despite repeated Viking raids throughout the years, until the English destroyed it in 1938. Yet, the pilgrims kept coming, especially on St. Kevin’s Day. Walk around the ruins and see the Round Tower, Kissing Gate, and St. Kevin’s Cross. This is one of the most magical places in Ireland and one of the best excursion tours to go on if you only have a day or two in Ireland as part of your cruise.
Walking the Lakesides of Glendalough
Don’t forget to spend some of your time at Glendalough strolling along the coasts of the area’s incredible lakes. If you follow the hiking trail through the forest, apart from the breath-taking scenery, you will also be able to see many different species of animals, such as otters, stoats and badgers. It’s a great idea to save part of your visit to Glendalough for admiring the natural environment surrounding the historic monastic site. And if breath-taking natural views are what you’re looking for on your visit to Ireland, check out our Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin.
Visiting Dublin — Last Stop on Excursion
After the Wicklow stop, we will bring you back to Dublin city centre. On the way, our guide suggestion what you can do and see along the way, telling you a brief history of our country. You will have some free time to explore the cobbled streets, visit the infamous Temple Bar, walk around Trinity College, or do some shopping in Dublin’s vibrant high street. At the end of the tour, we will take you back to your ship in good time, before it leaves.
**Please note that all times are approximate. The locations might be visited in a different order, depends on traffic and weather. If you have any questions about this shore excursion tour of Glendalough and Dublin, please feel free to get in touch. Make the most of your short stay in Ireland with one of our excursions!
Pick up
Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port. Pick up time (usually 30 – 60 minutes after ship docking time) depends on the ship and Dublin harbour’s arrangement. You will receive an email from us few days before your arrival date with details.
Drop off
Returns to original departure point, before ship leaves
Things to note:
- Not suitable for people with limited mobility. A fair bit of walking involved.
- Not suitable for children under 10. If your child is very used to travelling, please book 1 seat per child and bring your own child seat.