Silversea Luxury Cruises À DUBLIN

Explore the Old World architecture, traditions and flavours of Dublin during this memorable, half-day city excursion to the Guinness Storehouse.

Dublin City Tour, Merrion Square, Dublin Castle, and Cathedrals

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour orientation drive through Dublin City. See the Old Parliament Building, Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, and Merrion Square. One of Dublin's grandest Georgian squares, Merrion Square is now the address of the National Gallery of Ireland and Irish Parliament. From here, pass by St. Stephen's Green, Dublin Castle, the Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

St. James Gate Brewery and Guinness Storehouse

Next, proceed to the Guinness Storehouse at the St. James Gate Brewery, birthplace of the world's most famous creamy stout. The brewery first saw the light of day near this spot over 250 years ago. Upon arrival, enter the Guinness Storehouse, an entertaining exhibition on the history of Guinness. During your self-guided walking tour, see, hear and smell the ingredients as they make their way through a series of vast machines and processes before becoming world-famous Guinness stout. In addition, view Guinness advertising and a showcase on how the product has been brought to market over the years with virtually every type of transportation.

Guinness Bar and Tasting, Dublin City Views and Gift Shop

Your self-guided tour of the Storehouse ends in the circular panoramic bar, which features sweeping views across the city of Dublin. Here, enjoy a complimentary sample of Guinness, just a few hundred yards from where it's made. Following your Guinness tasting, some free time is made available to browse the gift shop for Guinness-themed gifts and souvenirs. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Begin this half day heritage tour by boarding your luxury coach for a trip into Dublin, Ireland's capital city

St. Patrick's Cathedrals

Arrive at St Patrick's Cathedral and enjoy a visit to one of Ireland's oldest Churches, founded in 1191. An ancient Celtic Stone slab (preserved in St Patrick's Cathedral) is said to have marked the location of the well where St Patrick baptised converts in the 5th century. The present Cathedral building, in terms of shape and size, dates from approximately 1220 AD. This building replaced the earlier church.

Book of Kells

Depart St Patrick's Cathedral where your tour continues to Trinity College, the alma mater of distinguished alumni, including Jonathan Swift of Gulliver's Travels fame, Oscar Wilde and Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett. You will make your way to the Trinity College Library Long Room that houses 200,000-antiquarian texts, and in an adjacent room, the Book of Kells.

The lavishly illustrated medieval manuscript contains the four Gospels. The book probably dates to the early 9th century and may have been the work of monks from Iona. The scribes embellished their calligraphy with intricate Celtic designs, human figures and animals. You will view an exhibit on the production of the Book, as well as other exhibits on Ireland.

This accessible Dublin shore excursion gives you a perfect overview of this incredible, historic city. Enjoy a panoramic drive of the city including highlights such as the Guinness Store House and O'Connell Street, see the stunning St. Patrick's Cathedral, experience the ornate Trinity College Campus with the famous Book of Kells, and enjoy some free time for shopping at the popular Grafton Street in the heart of city.

Start your tour by meeting your tour guide at the Dublin cruise dock and head out on a memorable panoramic drive through the Irish capital. Along the way, you will have time to sit back, relax and enjoy the views as your tour guide narrates you through some of the very best highlights the city has to offer. You will see Georgian Dublin with beautiful traditional homes and parks, the famous Guinness Storehouse, the massive General Post Office where the infamous 1916 Rebellion began, and O'Connell Street which is the main through faire in Dublin. There will also be time to make a short stop at the glorious St. Patrick's Cathedral for an opportunity to get out of the van and enjoy the spectacular exterior of the Cathedral firsthand.

Next, you will continue to the prestigious Trinity College campus and have a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the artistically decorated medieval bible, the Book of Kells. The illuminated illustrations of the Christian Gospels dating from 800 AD are located in the magnificent 18th century Old Library building. While here, you will also have time to explore the immaculate campus grounds.

The final stop of the day will be the vibrant Grafton Street, the shopping hub of Dublin. Here, you will find a fun atmosphere, different shops for all types of tastes, street vendors and local cafes. You will have some free time to explore the area on your own, before returning to your ship.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking and is specially designed for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair or a scooter. Full time wheelchair users, are kindly requested to contact shoreconcierge@silversea.com in order to provide further details and determine if the tour is suitable for them. The tour route avoids steps and stairs. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. An accessible vehicle with a wheelchair lift or ramp will be used for transportation. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs. A minimum participation of 6 guests is required to operate the excursion at the advertised rate. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Discover the history of Ireland's genealogy, people, inventions, music, art, dance, and literature during this memorable, half-day excursion to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum.

EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum

Depart the pier and take a panoramic orientation drive through Dublin City. Along the way, pass by the Customs House, Old Parliament House, now the Bank of Ireland, and Trinity College, home of the world-renowned Book of Kells, a handwritten manuscript of the Gospels. Continue onwards towards the Georgian squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam, the National Gallery of Ireland, Government Buildings and St. Stephen's Green. At the conclusion of your city tour your guide and driver will take you on a short drive to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum.

Upon arrival, receive a brief introduction and audio-guides, and then enjoy access to the museum during a self-guided tour through its 20 visually stunning galleries. Discover the history of Ireland's genealogy, its many famous and infamous people, inventions, music, art, dance, and literature. Marvel at the building that houses this interesting exhibition, and stroll through the magnificent stone vaults dating from 1820. Whilst browsing through the galleries, take your souvenir passport that was presented to you on arrival through each gallery, and have it stamped along the way.

Irish Family History Centre and History Talk

This immersive and interactive experience takes you all the way to present day, and leaves you with the feeling that 'Every Person Is Connected' (EPIC) to Ireland. Following your self-guided tour, your knowledge of Ireland and the Irish people is further enhanced with an Irish History Talk with a local genealogy expert. Explore the display screens and interactive games with the help of your local historian and genealogy expert, and receive a complimentary, one-month subscription to FindMyPast.ie, where you can access over 100 million Irish family history records.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, two steps at the entrance to the museum and 20 steps inside the venue; an elevator is available. Walking inside the museum is at the discretion of each guest. It is suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair who can embark and disembark the via the coach steps .Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled.

The river Liffey (River of Life) flows calmly through the heart of Dublin City and was the true motivation for the historical foundation of the city. It's been used throughout the centuries for the transportation of goods. There is no better way to see and understand the Irish capital than paddling its gentle waters.

Spend a half-day enjoying Dublin's Fabulous Food Trail! Enjoy an exciting tasting and cultural walk offering an insider's look at the better known parts of Dublin - a terrific introduction to a lively part of the city. The best food and culturally 'off-the-beaten-track' experience to be had in the area, offering the opportunity to discover the hidden tastes of Dublin and be a local for the morning or afternoon!

Dublin City

Begin this exciting and delicious tour by boarding your luxury coach and travelling the short distance to Dublin City. After arriving in the city you will begin your Food Trail walk, led by a local food guide, for a gentle 2 - 2.5 hour tour through the side streets and laneways of Dublin. Enjoy the narration of your knowledgeable 'foodie' guide as the best of Irish food is showcased and explained. This walking tour will take you to some of the following places - food halls, markets, fruit and flower stalls, cheese-mongers, fishmongers, cafes, butchers and bakers. Soak in the history and culture of this charming city while enjoying delicious foods in its historic neighborhoods. Meet the proprietors some of whose families have traded in one spot for generations and those who more recently brought exciting flavours to Dublin. One of the best parts of this epicurean experience is tasting the products of the various stops along the way. After this charming tour, stop for a refreshing drink of choice in one of the city's famous pubs before re-boarding your coach and travelling the short journey back to Dublin

Explore the storybook castle of Malahide and beauty of Dublin's city centre during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion via coach and boat.

Dublin City, Malahide Castle, Rounded Towers and Turrets, Parkland

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Malahide Castle, seat of the Talbot family from 1185 until 1975. This historic castle, which sits on approximately 250 acres (about 101 hectares) of parkland and dates from the 14th century, presents a storybook appearance, with its rounded towers and turrets reaching toward a vivid blue sky.

Guided Castle Tour, Irish Period Furniture, Irish Portrait Paintings, Gardens, Free Time

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the castle. Along the way, view one of the finest collections of Irish period furniture in existence, together with a collection of Irish portrait paintings from the National Gallery. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the castle's beautiful gardens.

Howth, Boat Cruise, Dublin Bay & City Centre, Lighthouses, Bull & Lambay Islands, Clontarf

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to the quaint fishing port of Howth. Upon arrival, embark your awaiting boat and set sail on a majestic, approximately one-hour cruise along Dublin Bay en route to Dublin's city centre. From this vantage-point, see aspects of Dublin that are not possible on any other mode of transportation. Sites to be seen include the Baily and Kish lighthouses, Howth Head, Ireland's Eye and Lambay Island. In addition, take in sights such as Clontarf, the World Wildlife Reserve of Bull Island, and Poolbeg Chimneys. Your cruise concludes at Dublin Port. Upon arrival, disembark the boat and commence the short transfer back to the pier.

Your tour today will have you spend your time in the County of Wicklow, just south of Dublin. It has a great variety of scenery within its borders. It is known as the "Garden of Ireland". Central Wicklow is a mass of domed granite mountains, penetrated by deep glens and wooded valleys; it contains some of the finest scenery in Ireland.

Your destination today is Mount Usher Gardens. Laid out along the banks of the River Vartry, Mount Usher has been designed in the Robinsonian style. Trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants have been introduced from all parts of the globe and are planted in harmony with woodland and shade loving plants. Like all the great gardens of Ireland, Mount Usher offers varying pleasures at different seasons of the year. Rhododendrons in spring, a blaze of summer colour and the wistful tints of autumn, all elegantly set off by the crystal waters of the river. Mount Usher was once a working mill. It was first a tuck mill and later a corn mill. The mill used the Killiskey River, a tributary of the River Vartry, to turn its wheel. Where the main house is today, there was a small cottage with less than an acre in front of it which was used to grow potatoes.

Time to bid farewell to these beautiful gardens and return to your awaiting ship.

Accompany Ireland's finest musicians as you listen to and learn about Irish traditional music, song and dance. Visit Dublin's best traditional pubs where each of the pubs have an area reserved for the Irish pub tours. The pub tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Meet and enjoy the performances of some of Ireland's foremost traditional musicians. The friendly musicians will discuss the various tunes, instruments and history of traditional Irish music as they perform. Audiences are actively encouraged to get involved themselves, with a song or dance of their own. As the night progresses, audience members learn to play a tune on the Irish tin-whistle and learn a song or two. Some people quickly become adept to their new founds skills and it often leads to them learning Irish music after they leave the country. It's all in the spirit of a good traditional Irish music session where everyone's welcome and inclusiveness and enjoyment are key.

Savour the experience of an up close look at the "craic" in local Irish pubs before rejoining your motor coach and guide for your return drive to Dublin Port and your awaiting ship.

Malahide Village and Castle

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive through the city's northern outskirts en route to the picturesque seaside village of Malahide. Upon arrival, head for a guided tour of the 12th-century Malahide Castle. The Malahide Castle grounds span approximately 268 acres (about 108 hectares), and include a 20-acre garden with more than 5,000 species of plants. The structure boasts circular towers, a Gothic entrance porch, exquisite Irish period furniture, historical portraits, and more. Highlights of your visit includes a guided tour of the spectacular reception rooms, and a brand new interactive exhibition area on the ground floor of the castle that recounts the history of its original founder and his family.

Malahide Village, Howth Abbey, Abbey Tavern, Marina, and Fishing Harbour

Next, re-board your coach and drive through the village of Malahide, a noted yachting centre, and Portmarnock, where the world-famous Portmarnock Golf Club is located. This club was home of the Irish Open Championship for many years. Upon arrival in the quaint fishing port of Howth, stop by the 11th-century Abbey Tavern to enjoy an Irish coffee, a wonderful combination of whiskey, double cream, strong black coffee and a tablespoon of sugar. Located amidst the ancient ruins of Howth Abbey with the lovely fishing harbour and marina below, the Abbey Tavern is an ideal spot in which to relax and savour the genuine atmosphere of old Ireland. Upon entering, embrace its Old World charm, authenticity and simplicity. Blazing turf fires, original stonewalls, flagstone floors and gaslights make for a truly warm welcome.

Dollymount, Clontarf, and Dublin Bay and Mountains

Leaving the Abbey Tavern, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier. En route, pass through Dollymount and Clontarf, and take in spectacular panoramic views of Dublin Bay and the Dublin Mountains whilst driving over the summit.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.62 miles (about 1 Km), at times over inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, three steps at the entrance to Malahide Castle and 30 steps inside the venue. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled.

Discover the spectacular natural beauty, gardens and whiskey-making traditions of the Powerscourt Estate during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Dublin, Suburbs, Wicklow County and Hills, Dargle River, Powerscourt Estate

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive south through Dublin's suburbs en route to the 'Garden of Ireland', as the neighbouring county of Wicklow is known. Wicklow is a natural scenic wonderland with domed, granite mountains, purple glens, soft, rolling hills, and silvery streams rushing cool-and-clear from mountain and bog-land into the rivers of the countryside. Upon arrival, proceed for a visit to the approximately 14,000-acre (about 5,665-hectare) Powerscourt Estate, nestled in the Wicklow Hills on the Dargle River. Open to the public for over 50 years, the estate is a wonderful blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens, and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs.

History of Powerscourt, Powerscourt Gardens, Free Time, Powerscourt Distillery

During a major refurbishment in 1974, a fire broke out and left only the roofless shell of the main house. The walls of the main house, which date from the 16th century, stood as a stark reminder of the fire until 1996, when the rebuilding process began. Today, this fine house now stands proudly against the backdrop of its exquisite gardens. Some free time is provided to explore one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland, recently voted #3 in the 'World's Top Ten Gardens' by National Geographic magazine. Next, a short stroll brings you to the newly-opened Powerscourt Distillery. Surrounded by the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, guarded by the mighty Sugarloaf, enjoying a temperate coastline climate and bathed by pure spring waters, Powerscourt provides the perfect setting for distilling Irish whiskey.

Distillery Tour, Introductory Film, Distillation Process, Fercullen Irish Whiskey Tasting

Formerly the hub of all farming activity on the estate, the Old Mill House has been faithfully restored, and extended, to help accommodate the distillery's development. Steeped in history and built using local Wicklow granite, the bell that adorns the northern west wall was originally used to herald the daily lunch break to workers in distant fields. As one of the older buildings on the estate, it also boasts an ancient water mill deep in its foundations. During a guided tour of the distillery, view an introductory film and observe the distillation process, then proceed for a tasting of three Fercullen Irish whiskey, with a non-alcoholic beverage for guests under the age of 18. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore Dublin at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car or van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Dublin at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Dublin at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Dublin at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Embrace the scenic natural splendour of the Wicklow Mountains and their surrounds during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch at a private home.

Irish Countryside Drive, Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough Monastic Ruins

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to Glendalough. En route, pass by the wild heather-covered glens and tranquil landscapes for which the Irish countryside is famous. From here, travel into the green Wicklow Mountains with their rounded summits, lush valleys and the impressive 6th-century monastic ruins of Glendalough. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of these monastic ruins, followed by some free time for independent exploration.

Lunch in a Beautiful Private Home and Powerscourt Gardens

Next, re-board your coach and proceed for a fresh, homemade lunch with tea/coffee in a beautiful, private home. Owner, chef & host Anne, extends a very warm welcome into her home 'VIP style', offering delicious fayre and wonderful hospitality in beautiful period surroundings. On arrival at this country period residence you will enjoy a welcome Bellini before settling down to a delicious home-cooked lunch. After lunch, re-board your coach and continue on for a visit to the Powerscourt Gardens. The estate was originally an important strategic site for the Anglo-Normans who came to Ireland in the 12th century. By the year 1300, a castle was built and in the possession of the le Por (Power) family from which it takes its name. Today, the estate is owned by the Slazenger family.

Powerscourt Gardens, Italian and Japanese Gardens, Beech Trees and Shopping

Upon arrival, enter the estate along an avenue lined with 200-year-old beech trees. Some free time is made available to explore the superbly landscaped formal Italian and Japanese gardens at your leisure. The gardens, originally begun in the 1740s by Richard Wingfield, the Viscount Powerscourt, are set against the background of the Wicklow Hills, a truly breath-taking vista. You can also view a video on the history of the estate, and browse several small gift shops at offering high-quality linens, woollen goods, crafts, and local foodstuffs and souvenirs. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Newly-designed especially for our valued World Cruise guests, your exclusive World Cruise Collection tour begin from your ship via motor coach, travel through the beautiful Irish countryside to the Irish National Stud Farm. Along the way, your guide will provide you with background information on County Kildare's horse breeding industry which is the cornerstone of Kildare's thriving economy.

County Kildare's horse

Enjoy time at the stud farm facilities where stallions are groomed, exercised, tested and bred before stepping into the Japanese Gardens, regarded as one of the gems in Ireland's heritage. Nowhere better symbolizes all that is great about County Kildare, the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, than the stud and the month of May makes for a lovely time of year as the foaling season will be coming to an end and there will be plenty of mares and foals around. The Japanese gardens, created by Lord Wavetree at the height of the Edwardian penchant for Orientalism, contain an impressive array of trees and shrubs and take the form of an allegorical journey from the cradle to the grave, beginning with life emerging from the Gate of Oblivion, a cave, and leading to the Gateway of Eternity, a contemplative Zen rock garden. Following your time here, proceed to the famous Kildare Hotel and Country Club.

Special Lunch at the Kildare Hotel and Country Club

A highlight of your day is sure to be the special lunch on we have arranged for you at the Kildare Hotel and Country Club or the "K" Club. As you dine in the John Jefferson Smurfit Room you will be surrounded by history and the beauty of architecture. The room is located in the hotel itself which dates from 1832 and boasts a magnificent Georgian stucco ceiling, complete with ornate plasterwork and a magnificent Waterford Crystal Chandelier.

Celbridge and Castletown House

Once replenished, re-board your motor coach and drive to Celbridge and Castletown House. Castletown is the largest and most significant Palladian style country house in Ireland. The house is set amongst beautiful 18th century parklands of Celbridge, Co.Kildare. The house was built c.1722 for the speaker of the Irish House of Commons, William Conolly (1662- 1729) the designs of a number of important architects were used, notably Alessandro Gailiei, Sir Edward Lovett Pearce and later Sir William Chambers.

Following your memorable visit to Castletown, you will return to Dublin and your awaiting ship for an approx 1 hour drive

Please note: This World Cruise Collection involves a moderate amount of walking (approx. 1 km), with few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. It is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair and for guests with mobility issues .Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes and a weatherproof jacket. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled.

Our Simply Hotel selection is the perfect choice for those who want a centrally located setting from which to discover - or rediscover - the city. Rooms in these 4.5 and 5-star properties are generally Standard Double or King rooms that provide comfortable accommodations and superior service for those who wish to extend their trip with a cultural or shopping experience in some of the world's most iconic cities.

For your convenience, we can easily organize transfers between the airport and hotel or between the hotel and the pier so that you only have to decide how much or how little you wish to do.

Hotel brands that we consistently feature include Intercontinental, JW Marriott, Fairmont or the Conrad Group.

Grande Hotel is for those who want to begin or prolong their Silversea holiday - luxury accommodations, exclusive service and impeccable attention to detail in style. Grande Hotel guests appreciate the finer things in life. These properties have been chosen not only for their prime location but for their outstanding service and their exceptional quality.

For your convenience, we can easily organize transfers between the airport and hotel or between the hotel and the pier so that you only have to decide how much or how little you wish to do.

Hotel groups that are frequently featured in our program include Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Peninsula or Fairmont to name just a few.