Shore Excursion from Dublin: Including Dublin highlights and Glendalough

If you’re planning to hop off your cruise ship in Dublin and want to see the essential sights without the hassle of organizing everything yourself, this shore excursion from Paddywagon Tours offers a solid option. It promises a full day of exploring Dublin’s top landmarks alongside the stunning landscapes of County Wicklow, especially Glendalough’s ancient monastic site. We’ve taken a good look at this tour’s features, reviews, and logistics, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

What draws us to this experience is its combination of culture and natural beauty. First, the guided visit to Glendalough with its renowned monastic ruins and legend-filled round tower is a highlight that can make history come alive. Second, the panoramic drive around Dublin, with stops at iconic spots like Trinity College and the Molly Malone statue, gives a taste of Ireland’s capital in a manageable day. However, one thing to keep in mind is the variable quality of guides and the potential for schedule hiccups—something that has cropped up in reviews.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Dublin and Wicklow in one go, especially those with limited time but eager to see both city sights and lush countryside. If you’re comfortable with a group setting and appreciate some storytelling mixed with scenic stops, this could be a good fit. But if you prefer a very personalized experience or have specific interests, you might want to consider private options or different tours.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary that includes natural scenery and historical landmarks.
• Comfortable transportation on climate-controlled coaches with WiFi.
• Flexible stops for shopping, sightseeing, and photo opportunities.
• Guided commentary providing background and legends about each site.
• Approximate 8-hour duration designed to fit within a cruise port schedule.
• Potential variability in guide quality and timing, as seen in reviews.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The Departure and First Stop: Glendalough Monastic Settlement

Your day begins early, with pickup from Dublin Port around 7:30 am—so it’s wise to be ready. The journey to Wicklow is a scenic 1.5-hour drive, and you’ll pass through the “Garden of Ireland,” famed for its rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and lush greenery. This landscape is so pretty it’s often used as a backdrop in movies like P.S. I Love You and Braveheart.

Once at Glendalough, you’ll have about an hour and a half to explore the 6th-century monastic site. The star attraction here is Ireland’s finest round tower—a medieval structure that has withstood centuries of weather and war. You’ll also see St. Kevin’s cross and learn the legends behind them. Some reviews mention that touching St. Kevin’s cross is thought to bring marriage within a year—adding a fun, folklore element to the visit.

The site’s peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for wandering around the ancient ruins, walking through the woods, or just soaking in the scenery. We loved the way the landscape surrounds the ruins, giving you a real sense of stepping back in time amid nature’s quiet embrace.

Scenic Drive Back: Mountains and Lakes

On the return trip, your guide will point out Wicklow’s spectacular mountains, lakes, and turf hills—the kind of views that clearly demonstrate why Ireland’s countryside is so celebrated. Photographers and nature lovers will especially appreciate this stretch, with many stopping for pictures of the postcard-perfect scenery.

Dublin’s Highlights and Shopping

After a hearty lunch or a quick refreshment stop, the tour resumes with a panoramic drive through Dublin. Expect to see iconic sights like O’Connell Street, the historic Ha’Penny Bridge, and the vibrant Temple Bar area. Your guide will share interesting facts—some reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and humor, while others note inconsistent commentary.

You’ll have about two hours to explore Dublin on your own, with time to visit Grafton Street for some shopping. This famous shopping street is packed with stores selling Irish arts, crafts, and souvenirs—ideal if you want to pick up a last-minute keepsake.

Ending the Day and Return to Port

The tour wraps up back at the cruise dock, ensuring you return in plenty of time before your ship departs. The entire experience runs about 8 hours, but schedule adjustments might be necessary if your ship’s timing changes or if weather conditions affect port access.

How Does It Feel in Practice?

The reviews paint a picture of a tour with some mixed experiences. Several travelers rave about their guides—highlighting their knowledge, humor, and friendliness. One reviewer mentions, “Connor was wonderful and very knowledgeable,” adding that the stops and surprises made the day memorable.

However, there are less positive reviews too. Some mention guides being disinterested or unprepared. A few travelers experienced long waits or even instances where the bus left without them—an important consideration, especially at a busy cruise port where timing can be tight.

Price-wise, at around $91.73 per person, this tour offers decent value considering the transportation, guided commentary, and access to key sites. But it’s worth noting that lunch is not included, so budget for that separately.

The small group size, capped at 58 travelers, helps keep the experience intimate enough to ask questions, but some reviews suggest that guide quality can vary significantly, impacting overall enjoyment.

Transport, Group Size, and Comfort

You’ll travel in a climate-controlled coach with WiFi, making the long drive more comfortable and connected. The vehicle’s size means you’re part of a relatively small group—good for a more personal experience, though some reviews mention that the actual group size can sometimes feel larger. The pickup directly from the port is a big plus, reducing travel stress.

Timing is crucial—most reviews highlight the importance of being punctual, especially since delays or missed connections can cause the tour to be cut short. The tour operates within a strict schedule to ensure you’re back on time, which is perfect if you’re worried about missing your ship but less ideal if you want a more relaxed pace.

The Value: Is It Worth the Cost?

At just under $92, this tour is a typical price point for a comprehensive day trip including transport, guides, and multiple stops. Considering the scenic beauty of Wicklow and the historic charm of Glendalough, many travelers find it worthwhile.

Keep in mind, the lack of included lunch means you’ll need to plan for that—either bringing snacks or budgeting extra. Some reviews suggest that the value hinges on guide quality and weather; a good guide can make all the difference, transforming this from a “just okay” day into a memorable adventure.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This excursion suits visitors who want a well-organized, guided overview of Dublin and Wicklow—and are comfortable with group travel. If you’re interested in history, scenic landscapes, and quick city stops, this tour provides a snapshot that’s hard to beat in the limited cruise port time.

However, if you prefer a more personalized or flexible experience, or are concerned about guide quality and punctuality, you might want to explore other options. It’s also good for those who enjoy learning stories and legends about Irish sites, as guides often share captivating tales.

In summary, this tour offers a solid, reasonably priced way to see some of Ireland’s highlights in a manageable day. It’s especially suited for travelers who value scenic views and historic sites, and don’t mind a group setting with some variability in guide performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families?
This tour is generally fine for travelers of most ages, especially if your family enjoys scenic landscapes and history. Children should be accompanied by an adult, and the walking at Glendalough is manageable for most.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers transportation on an air-conditioned coach, a driver-guide providing live commentary, port pickup and drop-off, and WiFi on board. Lunch is not included, so plan accordingly.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning to the port with enough time before your ship departs.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Dublin Port and ends back at the same location, making it easy to coordinate with your cruise schedule.

What if my ship docks late or leaves early?
The tour departs around 8:00 am, with some flexibility for later arrivals if your ship docks after 7:30 am. However, if your ship leaves earlier than scheduled or cancels port access, the tour provider’s policy is no refund if you miss the trip.

Can I buy souvenirs during the stop in Dublin?
Yes, you’ll have time to explore Grafton Street for shopping, so it’s a great opportunity to pick up Irish arts, crafts, and souvenirs.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the tour requires good weather, poor conditions may lead to cancellations or modifications. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is WiFi available during the tour?
Yes, WiFi is provided on the coach, so you can stay connected during the drive.

Are there any hidden costs I should know about?
Besides lunch, most other expenses are your own. Entrance fees to sites like Trinity College are not included, but Glendalough’s monastic settlement and the outdoor sites are free.

In the end, this Dublin and Wicklow tour is a dependable choice if you want to combine easy transportation, scenic views, and a taste of Irish history—all in one day. While it has its quirks and relies heavily on guide performance, many travelers leave with great memories and stunning photos. Just keep an eye on the timing and your expectations, and you’ll likely find it a worthwhile part of your Ireland adventure.