Meet your guide at Dublin cruise terminal at 8am or, if your ship docks later, 30 minutes after arrival.
Hop inside your luxury-class, air-conditioned minivan, and after hearing what’s ahead from your guide, travel southward into picturesque County Wicklow. As you wind by Wicklow’s rolling hills, babbling brooks, and romantic glens, you’ll soon understand how the area was chosen for shooting Hollywood movies such as Braveheart and P.S. I Love You.
Continue to Glendalough, a glorious valley whose name means ‘Valley of Two Lakes’ nestled in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The valley is home to two lakes and the ruins of an early monastic site.
Founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, the settlement boasts the remains of several churches, a stone cross, and Ireland’s best-preserved round tower. Stroll around the relics, admiring the round tower and stone cross, known as St. Kevin’s Cross. Be sure to try and touch hands around the cross: legend says that if you succeed, you’ll be married within the year.
Next, return to Dublin through Wicklow’s most majestic mountain scenery. Pass shimmering lakes and turf hills, whose turf was cut for energy in bygone times, and stop for photos of the epic scenery — a photographer’s dream — along the way.
After a break for lunch or refreshments (own expense), take a panoramic drive around Dublin, known as Ireland’s ‘fair city.’ Take in highlights including O'Connell Street, the Ha’penny Bridge, Temple Bar, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and pass the Molly Malone Statue, Christchurch Cathedral, and Trinity College.
Enjoy free time to shop on Grafton Street, home to Dublin’s traditional stores, before finishing with a port drop-off about 1.5 hours before any scheduled late-evening ship departure. If your ship is due to depart earlier, the itinerary will be adjusted for an earlier drop-off.
