Making the most of Dun Laoghaire (Dublin)
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
When an itinerary describes Dublin as a 'Tendered' port, the call is likely to be at Dun Laoghaire rather than Dublin port. Dun Laoghaire Harbour is 8 miles from Dublin city centre.
Large ships now tender at Dun Laoghaire.
The DART station is a few minutes on foot from the port terminal. For central Dublin, leave the train at Pearse Street, beside Trinity College in the Heart of Dublin, according to where you wish to go. The journey from Dun Laoghaire takes approximately 20 mins, and the DART runs every 15 minutes.
A combined train and Hop on/off bus ticket at €37 per person is probably the best deal.
A taxi from Dun Laoghaire to Dublin costs about €25-€35.
A printable map to bring with you.
Most passengers travel directly into Dublin.
Dublin, Ireland's capital, occupies the broad valley of the River Liffey around Dublin Bay. Its coastline sweeps from Howth's rocky brow in the north to Dalkey headland in the south, under the shelter of the Wicklow Hills.
Dublin's imposing public buildings are accompanied by a particularly rich legacy of 18th-century architecture, including Georgian mansions, wide streets and spacious squares. It also offers fashionable shopping centres and varied cultural and sporting entertainment.
Phoenix Park, on Dublin's western side, is the best known of the city's many public parks. It began as priory land before becoming a royal deer park in the 17th century, and it is now home to the Irish President and the US ambassador to Ireland. The National Gallery occupies the west wing of Leinster House and contains over 2000 paintings.
Irish antiquities at the National Museum span the Stone Age to medieval times. Highlights include the eighth-century Ardagh Chalice and Tara Brooch, as well as the 12th-century Cross of Cong. One room covers the Easter Rising and War of Independence.
Further museums include the Dublin Civic Museum, Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, National Library of Ireland and Royal Irish Academy Library. Trinity College Library holds the eighth-century Book of Kells and Ireland's finest collection of early illuminated manuscripts.
The city's best-known landmark is Trinity College, founded by Elizabeth I in 1591. It is recognised for its cobbled stone quadrangles and imposing grey college buildings.
Dublin Castle stands on high ground west of Dame Street; it was the centre of British administration from the 12th century until the 1920s. Christ Church Cathedral, one of the city's finest historic buildings, is at the end of Lord Edward Street.
Getting around
The open-top Hop on and off bus calls at all the main visitor sights, and you may leave and rejoin as often as you like. Its very funny drivers make it a good way to understand Dublin's layout. Leave the train at Tara Street station to collect the green HoHo bus at stop 1 outside the Dublin Bus office on O'Connell Street. From Pearce Street Station, walk towards the National Gallery and join there.
Dun Laoghaire station sells 30 Euro tickets that cover the train and Dublin's green Hop on/off bus.
Food and shopping
Shopping choices include hand-woven tweed, hand-crocheted woollens and cotton goods, sheepskin articles, gold and silver jewellery, Aran knitwear, linen, pottery, Irish crystal and basketry.
Discover the origins of Dublin's most famous drinks at the Guinness Brewery and Irish Distillery, both open to visitors. Dublin's pubs are celebrated around the world.
Money
The Republic of Ireland is in the Eurozone, making the Euro (symbol: €) the local currency, as in many European Union countries. Stand Alone Cash machines (ATMs) are widespread in every town and city, while credit cards are accepted at 90% of outlets. Irish ATMs generally do not charge a fee, though your bank may charge one.
Staying connected
English is spoken everywhere, although Irish (Gaeilge) is the first official language.
Free WiFi is available throughout Dun Laoghaire.
Opening Hours and
Offices operate 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Shops are generally open 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, until 8pm on Thursday; Saturday: 9am to 6pm; Sunday: Limited Hours. Pubs open 10.30am to 11.30pm from Monday to Thursday, closing at 12.30am Friday and Saturday; Sunday hours are 12.30 to 11.30pm. Pubs close on Christmas Day and Good Friday.