(Small Group) Shore Tour from Dublin:Dublin Highlights and Glendalough Day Trip

Planning a day in Dublin while on a cruise or just visiting the Irish capital? This small-group tour offers a mix of city sights and breathtaking countryside, highlighting Ireland’s natural beauty and historic charm. From rolling Wicklow hills to ancient monastic ruins, it’s an experience designed to balance guided insights with free time for your own exploration.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the luxury Mercedes van creates a comfortable and stylish ride. Second, the guide’s local knowledge shines through, making the scenery, stories, and recommendations more meaningful. Lastly, the combination of city highlights and scenic views offers incredible value—especially if you want to make the most of limited time ashore. A possible downside? Some reviewers mention inconsistent guiding styles, so if you’re craving a highly detailed historical narration, this might not be your perfect fit.

This tour is ideal for cruise passengers or visitors with limited time who want a well-rounded taste of Dublin and Wicklow without the hassle of navigating on their own. If you enjoy scenic landscapes, historic ruins, and cozy small-group vibes, this trip might just be the highlight of your Ireland visit.

Key Points

• Comfortable luxury transport: Travel in style with a Mercedes van equipped with WiFi and climate control.
• Flexible timing: Tour duration adapts to your ship’s schedule, ensuring timely return.
• Authentic Irish scenery: Experience Wicklow’s rolling hills, lakes, and glens that have starred in Hollywood movies.
• Historic site visit: Walk around Glendalough, founded by St. Kevin, with its well-preserved round tower and monastic ruins.
• City highlights: Drive through Dublin’s iconic sights including Trinity College, O’Connell Street, and the Ha’penny Bridge.
• Small group benefits: Enjoy a more intimate setting that allows for personal interaction and flexibility.

The Itinerary in Depth

Meeting and Departure

Your adventure begins at Dublin Port, where a friendly guide will greet you with a sign reading “Elegant Irish Tours.” Expect to meet your group around 8:00 am, or 30 minutes later if your ship arrives later. The small group size—no more than 24 travelers—means you’re not lost in a crowd and can enjoy personalized attention.

Scenic Drive Through Wicklow

Once aboard your Mercedes van, you’ll set off into County Wicklow, famously known as “the garden of Ireland.” The scenery here is what postcards are made of—green rolling hills, tranquil brooks, and sweeping valleys. Reviewers note that the views here are worth the trip alone. One guest commented, “The countryside was beautiful, and the mountains made for perfect photo stops.” The landscape has also been a backdrop for movies like Braveheart and P.S. I Love You, adding a cinematic edge to the scenery.

Glendalough Monastic Site

The highlight of the day is probably the stop at Glendalough, a valley famed for its monastic ruins and stunning lakes. Founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, it boasts Ireland’s most intact round tower, stone cross, and several ancient churches. Visitors frequently comment on the serenity of the site and its historical significance. One reviewer shared, “Touching hands around St. Kevin’s Cross might bring good luck and love—legend says you’ll be married within the year if you succeed.”

While walking around the site, expect to see well-preserved ruins and absorb the peaceful atmosphere. Reviewers also appreciated the chance to explore independently, with one mentioning, “The guide gave us a brief overview, but we enjoyed wandering at our own pace.” The ruins are at once humbling and inspiring, and many travelers find Glendalough a place they’ll remember long after the trip.

Return Journey with Panoramic Views

On the way back to Dublin, the scenery continues to impress. You’ll pass lakes and turf hills, the latter having historically been a source of energy for Irish households. Multiple reviews mention how photogenic this part of the drive is, with one guest describing it as a “picture postcard scene.” The driver will sometimes make brief stops for photos, ensuring you don’t miss these natural wonders.

Dublin City Drive and Free Time

After re-entering Dublin, the coach provides a panoramic view of the city’s highlights including O’Connell Street, Temple Bar, and the Molly Malone statue. You’ll also pass by St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, and Trinity College, giving you a quick taste of Dublin’s urban charm.

Depending on your schedule, there may be free time for shopping on Grafton Street, a lively pedestrian area lined with both high-end boutiques and traditional Irish stores. Reviewers have enjoyed this relaxed shopping stroll, often commenting on the lively street performers and local artisans.

End of Tour and Drop-off

The tour wraps up approximately 1.5 hours before your ship’s departure, with a drop-off back at Dublin Port. If your departure is earlier or later than expected, the schedule adjusts accordingly, ensuring you’re back in plenty of time.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a luxury Mercedes van adds a touch of class and comfort, making the long drive more enjoyable. The vehicle offers full air-conditioning and WiFi, which many travelers appreciated, especially for sharing photos or catching up on messages. The small-group size means less noise and more personalized interaction, an aspect many reviewers valued highly.

Price and Value

At around $129.36 per person, this tour offers a decent balance between cost and experience. The inclusion of port pickup and drop-off, plus the luxury transport, enhances its appeal. While lunch is not included, you’ll have opportunities for refreshments and can choose from various local eateries during the free time. Guests frequently mention that the stops, especially Glendalough, justify the price, given the quality of scenery and the knowledgeable guides.

Guides and Guest Experience

Most reviews praise the guides, with many describing them as friendly, well-versed, and flexible. For example, one reviewer named Kevin as “fantastic” and another called Wayne “informative and funny.” However, some guests felt the guides could be more thorough—one noted that the guide spent half an hour talking about himself and provided only brief site explanations. This inconsistency highlights the importance of managing expectations—some guides excel at storytelling, others more at logistics.

Flexibility and Suitability

Travelers with cruise schedules will appreciate the flexible timing, as the tour is designed to return well before ship departure. The small group size makes this trip ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed and personalized experience, rather than a large bus crowd. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a blend of scenic beauty and cultural highlights.

Final Thoughts

This Dublin Highlights and Glendalough Day Trip offers a well-rounded taste of Ireland—combining city sights with stunning countryside views. The luxury transport, intimate group setting, and knowledgeable guides ensure a comfortable and engaging experience. The stops at Glendalough and Wicklow are especially memorable, providing picture-perfect scenery and intriguing history.

While some reviews mention variability in guiding quality, the overall experience remains positive, particularly for those looking to maximize their limited time ashore. The value lies not just in the sights but in the convenience of door-to-door service, the scenic drives, and the chance to explore Ireland’s natural and historical treasures with an expert at your side.

This tour suits travelers who want a manageable, scenic day that balances sightseeing with personal comfort. If you’re after an authentic, relaxed adventure that showcases Ireland’s best landscapes and historic sites, this trip will serve you well.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable if I arrive later or have a different ship schedule?
Yes, the tour starts 30 minutes after your ship’s arrival or at 8:00 am, whichever is later. The itinerary adjusts to ensure you’re back at the port at least 1 hour before your departure.

Does the tour include a guide or driver?
You’ll be riding in a luxury Mercedes van with a professional guide who provides commentary. Some reviews note that the guide’s style varies—some are very knowledgeable, others less so, but they all aim to provide a pleasant experience.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transport in a luxury van, WiFi, air conditioning, and port pickup and drop-off. Lunch or refreshments are not included, but there are stops for food and drinks.

How big are the groups?
The tour is limited to 24 travelers, making it more intimate than large bus tours. This allows for more flexibility and personal attention from the guide.

Can I shop or explore on my own during free time?
Yes, the tour includes free time in Dublin, notably on Grafton Street, where you can browse shops or enjoy a coffee. You’re encouraged to use this time as you wish.

What are the main highlights I’ll see?
Expect a scenic drive through Wicklow, a visit to Glendalough’s monastic ruins, and a panoramic city tour featuring top sights like Trinity College, O’Connell Street, and the Ha’penny Bridge.

This tour offers a practical and scenic way to experience Dublin and Wicklow comfortably. Perfect for cruise travelers or those short on time, it balances natural beauty with historic charm in an approachable, small-group setting.