Dublin’s most worthwhile shore excursions combine efficiency with authentic experiences.
The Hop-On Hop-Off Tour stands out as a practical choice, letting you customize your Dublin exploration while hitting major sites like Trinity College and the must-see Guinness Storehouse.
We love the Wicklow Mountains tours for escaping the city bustle – they showcase Ireland’s rugged landscapes and the peaceful Glendalough monastery ruins in just a day.
For those willing to splurge, private guided tours to the Cliffs of Moher or Giants Causeway provide intimate experiences and flexibility that big bus tours can’t match.
The local guides’ commentary brings Irish history and culture to life.
Let’s explore our favorite Dublin shore excursions in detail.
Key Points
- The Dublin Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket offers a scenic coastal rail trip and hop-on hop-off bus access to iconic sites for a reasonable price.
- The Shore Excursion from Dublin: Dublin Highlights and Glendalough provides a full-day tour to County Wicklow and Glendalough, including a panoramic drive around Dublin.
- The Liberty Irish Tours Dublin City & Wicklow Mountains Luxury Car Shore Excursion offers a personalized private tour experience with high ratings for guide expertise and service.
- The Giants Causeway, Belfast – Private Shore Excursion provides a private excursion from Dublin to Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway and other attractions.
- The Boyne Valley, Meath – Private Shore Excursion explores ancient sites over 5,000 years old, including Newgrange and Hill of Tara, with private transportation.
Dublin: Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket
For travelers visiting Dublin on a cruise ship, the Dublin Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the city’s top attractions.
Priced at $33.73 per person, this 1-day tour includes a scenic coastal rail trip and access to a hop-on hop-off bus service.
The tour covers iconic sites like Trinity College, Phoenix Park, and Guinness Storehouse, with the option to customize your experience.
With an overall rating of 4.2/5 and positive reviews highlighting excellent commentary and ease of use, this excursion provides great value for money.
Pre-booking is recommended to secure the best prices and offers.
Read our full review: Dublin: Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket Review
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Shore Excursion From Dublin: Including Dublin Highlights and Glendalough
This full-day shore excursion from Dublin takes visitors on a captivating journey to the stunning County Wicklow and the historic 6th-century monastic site of Glendalough.
Operated by Paddywagon Tours, the tour includes a panoramic drive around Dublin, highlighting landmarks like the Ha’Penny Bridge and Trinity College, as well as a shopping opportunity on Grafton Street.
The highlight is the visit to Glendalough’s famous round tower and St. Kevin’s monastery, offering scenic views of the region’s mountains, hills, and lakes.
While the tour generally receives positive feedback, some customers have reported issues with delays, lack of information, and problems with the pickup location.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion From Dublin: Including Dublin Highlights and Glendalough Review
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Liberty Irish Tours Dublin City & Wicklow Mountains Luxury Car Shore Excursion
Liberty Irish Tours offers a luxurious shore excursion that showcases the stunning landscapes of Dublin City and the Wicklow Mountains.
This private tour, available for groups of up to 4 people, provides a personalized and exclusive experience. With private transportation and flexibility in pickup locations, travelers can explore Dublin’s highlights and the scenic Wicklow Mountains at their own pace.
The tour is highly rated, with a 5-star review praising the guide’s expertise and excellent service. Priced at $1,020.48 per group, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a Reserve Now, Pay Later option, making it a convenient choice for shore excursions in Dublin.
Read our full review: Liberty Irish Tours Dublin City & Wicklow Mountains Luxury Car Shore Excursion Review
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Giants Causeway, Belfast – Private Shore Excursion
Travelers can embark on a private shore excursion from Dublin to Northern Ireland, where they’ll discover the iconic Giant’s Causeway, explore the historic Dunluce Castle, and enjoy a guided tour of vibrant Belfast, including a visit to the renowned Titanic exhibit.
The personalized experience with a private guide offers the opportunity to learn about Northern Ireland’s rich history and culture, while avoiding the hassles of car rental and driving.
Priced at $1,297.77 per group (up to 4), the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, fuel surcharge, parking fees, and private transportation.
Moderate physical fitness is required, and the excursion is stroller accessible but not wheelchair friendly.
Read our full review: Giants Causeway, Belfast – Private Shore Excursion Review
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Boyne Valley, Meath – Private Shore Excursion
Nestled within the verdant hills of Meath, the Boyne Valley beckons travelers on a private shore excursion to uncover the ancient wonders of Ireland.
This full-day immersive experience allows visitors to explore sites over 5,000 years old, including the iconic Newgrange and the Hill of Tara.
Along the way, they’ll discover the myths, kings, and legends that have shaped this remarkable region.
With private transportation and a professional driver, the tour offers hassle-free round-trip transfers from Dublin, along with entry to Newgrange and the Hill of Tara.
While lunch isn’t included, the opportunity to experience the beauty of Ireland within 90 minutes of Dublin makes this an enticing option for shore excursions.
Read our full review: Boyne Valley, Meath – Private Shore Excursion Review
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Glendalough, Wicklow – Private Shore Excursion
Leaving the ancient wonders of the Boyne Valley behind, the private shore excursion to Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains offers visitors a chance to enjoy the serene natural beauty and rich monastic heritage of this renowned Irish destination.
Operated by Dublin Shore Excursions, the tour provides private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, including fuel surcharge, parking fees, and tips.
While lunch isn’t included, the moderate physical fitness level required ensures visitors can explore the historic monastic site and the stunning glacial valley at their own pace.
This non-refundable excursion, booked in advance, guarantees an intimate experience with only your group participating.
Read our full review: Glendalough, Wicklow – Private Shore Excursion Review
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Cliffs of Moher, Galway – Private Shore Excursion
The private shore excursion to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway promises an unforgettable adventure along the Wild Atlantic Way.
This tour takes travelers on a journey to the iconic Cliffs of Moher viewpoint and includes a lunch stop at a pub in Doolin. Along the way, guests will enjoy the craggy coastal scenery and the stunning landscapes of Burren National Park.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 4 travelers and includes round-trip transportation from the Dublin cruise ship terminal. While tips and lunch aren’t included, the price of $1,297.77 per group offers a competitive value.
With a 5-star rating and positive reviews, this excursion is a must-see for visitors to Dublin.
Read our full review: Cliffs of Moher, Galway – Private Shore Excursion Review
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The Sum Up
Dublin offers a diverse range of shore excursions that cater to various interests. From city tours to scenic destinations like the Glendalough and Cliffs of Moher, cruisers can explore Ireland’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. These excursions provide a convenient and immersive way to make the most of a Dublin port visit, ensuring a memorable shore experience.