Dublin City and Howth Excursion – Ship to Shore

If you’re visiting Dublin with a cruise, chances are you’ll want a way to see the city without the hassle of navigating on your own. The Dublin City and Howth Excursion offered by Finn McCools Tours is a popular choice, especially because it combines the essentials—history, culture, and local flavors—into a well-organized day. We’ve looked into what this tour offers, and here’s a detailed look to help you decide if it’s right for your trip.

What immediately caught our attention are the guided sightseeing tour of Dublin and the opportunity to taste famous Irish whiskey and Guinness. We also appreciate the flexibility of exploring Howth at your own pace, along with the convenient pickup and drop-off directly from the ship. One thing to consider, however, is that this tour requires a moderate physical activity level and is quite full, so it’s best suited to those comfortable with walking and a packed schedule. If you love a good mix of city sights, local drinks, and scenic coastlines, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Full-day adventure combining Dublin highlights and Howth’s scenic beauty
• Guided bus tour with commentary about Dublin’s history and culture
• Opportunity to sample Guinness and Irish whiskey at renowned distilleries
• Flexible time in Howth for dining or walking along the cliffs
• Well-organized logistics with pickup from the port
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness and an appreciation for Irish traditions

What to Expect from the Dublin City and Howth Excursion

This tour offers a rundown of Dublin’s most iconic sights, balanced with a scenic escape to Howth, a charming fishing village just outside the city. It’s designed to give you a taste of Ireland’s famous drinks, historic landmarks, and coastal views, all within a manageable day.

The Itinerary in Detail

Guinness Storehouse

Your journey begins at the Guinness Storehouse, founded way back in 1759 by Arthur Guinness. This is Dublin’s top visitor attraction—and for good reason. You’ll spend roughly 1 hour 30 minutes here, exploring the brewing process, the history behind Ireland’s most famous stout, and ending with a visit to the Gravity Bar for a complimentary pint with panoramic views of Dublin. It’s a must-see for beer lovers and offers a fun, engaging insight into Irish brewing tradition.

Panoramic Dublin Bus Tour & Landmark Pass-By

Next, your bus takes you on a guided overview of Dublin, passing by key landmarks like Temple Bar, Christ Church Cathedral, and the GPO Museum. While you won’t get off at all these sites, the commentary and photo opportunities make the drive informative and scenic. It’s a good way to get a sense of the city’s layout and history without the stress of walking between spots.

Howth Head & Coastal Walks

After the city tour, you head out to Howth, a picture-perfect village known for its dramatic cliffs and seafood. You’ll get around 45 minutes here, and the tour offers the flexibility to relax with a meal or take a walk along the cliffs of Howth Head. The scenery is stunning, and it’s a favorite for those wanting a breather from city sightseeing. The reviews suggest that many visitors appreciate this part of the tour for its relaxed pace and beautiful views.

Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Back in Dublin, the highlight for whiskey enthusiasts is the Jameson Distillery. Here, you’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes discovering what makes Irish whiskey so popular around the world. Of course, sampling a “wee tipple” or three is part of the fun—an experience that both novice and seasoned whiskey fans tend to enjoy. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the tasting both educational and enjoyable.

Logistics and Practicalities

This tour is priced at $115.95 per person, which, considering the inclusions of guided transportation, whiskey and Guinness tastings, and entry fees, provides good value. The group size is capped at 53 travelers, and the tour operates rain or shine, so packing an umbrella or rain jacket is wise.

You’ll be picked up directly from your cruise ship’s docking point at 7:00 am, making it convenient and hassle-free. The duration is approximately 7 to 9 hours, so expect a full day of activity. It’s recommended for those with moderate physical fitness, as walking and some uneven surfaces at Howth are involved.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour covers the driver/guide, port pickup and drop-off, and entry to the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. However, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to budget for meals or snacks in Howth or Dublin.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews are glowing, with an overall perfect score of 5 out of 5 from two recent reviews. Travelers rave about knowledgeable guides and safe driving, with one reviewer stating, “Quiggs and Saleh are the best! I can’t recommend them enough.” Another shared how much their 7-year-old son enjoyed the experience, highlighting the fun and family-friendly vibe.

The Pros and Cons

The Upsides

• Well-organized with port pickup, making logistics simple
• The guided commentary enriches your understanding of Dublin’s history and culture
• Sampling Irish whiskey and Guinness adds a fun, authentic touch
• Flexible time in Howth allows personal exploration or a leisurely meal
• Good value considering the transportation, tastings, and site entries

The Drawbacks

• The schedule can feel a bit packed, especially if you prefer more relaxed sightseeing
• Some may find the walking at Howth challenging if mobility is an issue
• Food and drinks outside of tastings are not included, so expect extra costs if you want a full meal
• The tour is popular and booked far in advance; last-minute plans might be difficult

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Dublin, including its famous drinks, and scenic coastlines—all packed into one day. It’s ideal if you enjoy guided tours, appreciate cultural experiences like whiskey tasting, and don’t mind a full schedule. Families with older children who can handle walking and a busy day might also find it a good fit. If your main goal is to relax or explore at your own pace, this might feel a bit rushed.

Final Thoughts

The Dublin City and Howth Excursion offers a well-rounded glimpse into Ireland’s capital, balanced with a scenic visit to a classic fishing village. With knowledgeable guides, authentic whiskey and Guinness tastings, and a chance to see Dublin’s key landmarks from a comfortable bus, it’s a practical choice for cruise visitors wanting to make the most of their limited time ashore.

You’ll love the ease of pickup, the stories from your guide, and the chance to sip a Guinness with a view. Just remember, it’s a busy day—so if you prefer slow, unstructured exploration, you might want to consider other options. But for those who love an engaging, culturally rich, and fun-filled day, this tour hits many of the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While children are allowed with adult supervision, the tour involves walking and some uneven surfaces at Howth, so it’s better suited for older kids or those comfortable with a moderate pace.

What is the start time and how do I meet the guide?
The tour begins at 7:00 am with pickup directly from your cruise ship’s docking point, making it very convenient for shore excursions.

What’s included in the tour price?
Your fee covers the driver/guide, port pickup and drop-off, and entry to the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. Food and drinks outside those tastings are not included.

How long is the total tour?
Expect about 7 to 9 hours, so be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and exploration.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Since the tour operates in all weather conditions, dress appropriately for the weather—layers, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Are there any physical activity considerations?
Yes, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, as walking is involved at sites like Howth.

What’s the value like for the price?
Considering the guided tours, tastings, and convenient logistics, most find this offers good value, especially for a structured day in Dublin.

Is this a good way to see Dublin if I’m on a cruise?
Absolutely. It’s designed for cruise passengers with port pickup and drop-off, making it easy to fit into a tight schedule while still experiencing key highlights.