Dublin is one of Ireland’s most remarkable cities and is undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest tourist destinations. This quaint capital city is famous for quite a few compelling reasons, one being the Game of Thrones set of The Seven Kingdoms. Dublin is also a world-renowned literature site and has birthed great names in literature, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, and W.B. Yeats.
This humble city is adorned with fantastic historical architecture that propels you into an idyllic setting and enhances your desire to experience more of this infectious environment. One way to truly immerse yourself in the lively culture of this liberal town is on a Dublin bay cruise. The famous Dublin boat trips are an exceptional experience of the ancient transportation methods that the old settlers of Dublin city used.
We can pleasantly guarantee that these boat trips are the finest and most memorable parts of experiencing this exhilarating Viking settlement.
Highlights:
Know before you book:
The Dublin bay tours are an essential guide to experiencing all that these vast Irish landscapes have to offer while enjoying the fresh breeze of the water. There are various tours that cater to the specific landmarks of Irish castles and monasteries. There are also those great scenic drives that embark on a carefree sail along the city.
Among the iconic landmarks you’re bound to see on these Dublin cruises are the Cliffs of Moher, Wicklow county garden, St. Kevin’s monastery, Ha’penny Bridge, and Dublin Docklands. The guided tour of these iconic establishments is sure to enthrall and enrich your sense of Irish history and tradition.
There’s also the option to partake in other adventurous activities like surfing and sea-kayaking. The less eccentric tourists could enjoy some scenic mountain views and explore the local pubs.
There are always some cheerful Dubliners to encounter along your boat trip across Dublin bay. These Irish locals are full of humor and hospitality and won’t hesitate to welcome fellow visitors and make them feel right at home.
Dublin Cruise Prices 2024
Boat tours in Dublin cost about as little as $18 USD (16 EURO) and can reach up to $95 USD (85 EURO) for a single-day trip. These prices mostly depend on the type of boat tour you’re keen on experiencing, the number of locations you’re touring, and the duration of the individual Dublin bay boat trips.
Dublin Bay Cruises Opening & Closing Times
Boat trips in Dublin vary in their opening and closing times according to the type of tour they offer and the area in which they’re operating.
The earliest that you can expect a boat tour is 7:30/8 am, and the latest that you can find an operating cruise is 6/6:30 pm.
Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8 am – 6 pm
Best Time To Go On Dublin Bay Cruises
Dublin’s consistent and mild weather forecasts make it an ideal tourist destination to visit all year round. However, the winters tend to bring a downpour of rain, which isn’t perfect when scheduling a boat cruise.
Here are a few more details of what to consider when planning the best times to experience a Dublin boat tour.
- Time of Year: The secret to a successful boat cruise lies in having good, sunny weather. The ideal times for sunny weather in Dublin are from late June to early September.
- Time of Week: Weekdays are usually preferred over weekends because it’s a quieter trip. You’ll get to immerse yourself in the tour without distracting views of busy streets and seemingly loud outdoor activities.
- Time of Day: The best time for a boat tour would be late mornings (around 9 am – 11 am) or late afternoons (around 3 pm – 5 pm). The air is slightly warmer but still cool enough to enjoy a lovely day out on the water.
Dublin Boat Tour Options
The Dublin bay cruises come in many forms and cater to every tourist’s need to explore this marvelous city. There are quick tours around the main city that highlight the essential icons and landmarks that the city was built on. There are also detailed excursions that journey far and wide into the countryside realms of Dublin’s ancestry.
Shore Excursion from Dublin: Including Dublin Highlights and Glendalough
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This full-day boat tour includes an excursion into the grasslands of County Wicklow, including Glendalough. Here, you get to experience ancient living with the help of a tour guide who theatrically explains all the exhilarating facts about the remarkable artifacts hidden between these mountainous views.
The tour includes iconic landmarks such as the Ha’Penny Bridge, Trinity College, and 6th-century St Kevin’s monastery in Glendalough. One of your pit stops on this tour is Grafton Street. This little terrace has plenty of souvenir shops to browse while admiring the fresh smell of country living.
What we liked: Stunning views of the mountainous regions and glassy lakes.
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Live commentary on board
- Driver/guide
- Lunch
- Gratuities
The tour begins promptly at 8 am, so its important to be there at least 30 minutes prior. Glendalough is quite a rocky place, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes as you walk around the area.
Check Price & BookCliffs of Moher Premium Tour with Boat Cruise
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This premium boat cruise takes you on a journey from the heart of Dublin to County Clare to view one of the most popular landmarks in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher. This expedition includes both prospects of viewing the cliffs from the comfort of the cruise line, and an impromptu hike up to the clifftop.
This enchanting guide is an adventurer’s dream, and making your way up to the clifftop for views of the Irish landscape is an indescribable experience. Finding rest and refuge at the Caherconnell Stone Fort is another noteworthy experience on this enchanting expedition.
What we liked: The thrilling hike up to the Clifftop of Moher.
- An adventurous hike
- Live commentary on board
- Air-conditioned boat
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
It’s important to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the departure time. The tour begins promptly at 7:15 am and will likely run for the entire day, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothing and a pair of hiking shoes.
Check Price & BookDublin: Music Under the Bridges Kayaking Tour
This two-hour kayaking tour around Liffey River is one unique experience that’s not to be missed. The tour allows you to glide across the heart of Dublin at your own pace and explore as far and wide as your eyes can see.
The bonus of this tour is the live band that accompanies you on your journey and cheerfully sings you theme songs to your iconic expedition around Dublin city. There’s plenty of singing, laughing, and horsing around from the lively audience that marvels at its raw and talented musicians.
What we liked: Lively band, pleasant views, and engaging audience.
- Private concerts on the water
- Waterproof top and bottoms
- Paddle and life jacket
- Snacks and drinks
- Transportation to or from your accommodation
The kayak tour is a pretty wet activity so a towel and a change of clothes is important. You also need to arrive at the designated meeting point at least 10-15 early so that you can be briefed about safety precautions and handed your protective gear.
Check Price & BookDiscover Dublin By Boat: See Dublin from the River Liffey
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This short 45-minute tour across the Liffey River is an experience that emphasizes value for money. During this tour, you’re guided through the Dublin history of the first Viking settlers and how they paved their way through the centuries that followed.
You’re guided through the craftsmanship of the ancient architectural landmarks and how the buildings have changed and evolved over time. Here, you get to breathe in the scenic views of Dublin city and enrich your mind with all the history that these hidden gems possess.
On your journey, you’ll find icons including Dublin’s Royal and Grand Canals, Gandon’s masterpiece Custom House, and the Spire in O’Connell Street.
What we liked: Great for if you don’t want a full-day tour of the city.
- River cruise
- Guided tour
- Lunch
- Gratuities
It’s important to note that the available booking days may change on any given day. The availability of the cruise is highly dependent on the number of bookings per day and the weather conditions, so you might have to make alternative arrangements should any of these instances occur.
Check Price & BookSpecification: Dublin Boat Tour | Best Dublin Bay Cruises in 2024
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William –
Was booked on line and informed of a change of departure location the day before. Boat arrived on time and sailing time was punctual. No issues. COVID measures were in place but made to feel very welcome and safe by guide and captain.Boat was adapted to ensure social distancing although there was only a family of 4 and myself on board..Difficult times for these attractions!!
Adrian –
The embarkation point has changed from that indicated on the e-ticket. This was a problem caused by the third party booking agent that we bought our tickets through. This also caused us some discomfort as we had to high-tail it from Bachelors Walk Walkway to Sean O’Casey Bridge to make it in time. John and Jerry (think that’s right) were very good though and Held the launch until we got there. The boat trip was lovely and the stories were very educational and entertaining at the same time. Worth the money. Thanks guys.
Journey576813 –
We were expecting a green Paddy wagon bus and had been waiting at the cruise terminal for some time as all the other buses had arrived, some had loaded and left. Finally a black van showed up and the driver said we were going with him. Seven Canadians loaded in, took off through Dublin, driver got a call, he was missing a passenger, returned to port, passenger had changed mind, driver not very communicative as a guide, big rush on highway, started raining, visibility poor, we did get to spend time at the monastery as rain had let up, back on road always rushing, it was not enjoyable, weather didn't help. He did drop us at a very expensive Pub for a late lunch. We wouldn't recommend him as a guide.
William_S –
Our Paddy Wagon tour bus was totally visible from our ship. Booked independent of our ship at 1/2 price. John, our native Dubliner driver/guide was OUTSTANDING. Entertained us with Dublin facts, stories, poems, and songs. The day was terrific and will use off ship tours again!! John was very willing to accommodate our groups boarding requests too, no angst about meeting the ship.