Dublin Highlights & Whiskey Tasting Shore Excursion

This Dublin shore excursion includes a driving tour of the city's most famous monuments, then the chance to learn about and taste one of Dublin's finest exports, Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Your private guide meets you at the pier and starts with a driving tour past the main sights, including the Doors of Dublin, the River Liffey, the Custom House, O'Connell Street, the GPO (General Post Office), the Four Courts, and Georgian Dublin, including Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Square, St. Stephen's Green, and Leinster House (National Parliament Building).

After the city driving tour, you visit the Old Jameson Distillery in the Smithfield area of Dublin. The visit is more than a tour: it walks you through the story of John Jameson & Son, from history to atmosphere to taste. You'll learn how three simple ingredients, water, barley and yeast, are transformed into the smooth golden spirit that has always been Jameson Irish Whiskey, and finish with a guided tasting.

At the end of the tour you are brought back to the pier.

Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required).

What's Included

Included

• Pick up from Port or Hotel in Dublin
• Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
• Private Vehicle with Driver-Guide for 2-6 people
• Private Vehicle w/ Driver & a Licensed English Speaking Guide for 7 or more people
• Included Visits- Old Jameson Distillery with Tasting

Not Included

• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
• Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
• Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

• 1
  30 Minutes

  Drive to Dublin
• 2
  1 Hour

  Dublin Driving Tour
• 3
  2 Hours

  Visit Old Jameson Distillery
• 4
  30 Minutes

  Return to the pier

Resources

Dublin Port. Official port site with terminal locations and cruise berth information. Official Website

Visit Dublin. Official Dublin tourism site for general trip planning. Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the whiskey tasting include?

A guided visit through the Old Jameson Distillery's history and production process, finishing with a tasting.

Where is the Old Jameson Distillery located?

In the Smithfield area of Dublin, a short drive from the city center.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?

Yes. The distillery tour itself covers history and production; the tasting is optional to enjoy.

How long is this tour?

4 hours round trip from the Dublin cruise port, making it a good fit for a shorter port day.

Also Available:

›Highlights of Dublin - Dublin shore excursion from Dublin cruise port - private guided visit to the famous Doors of Dublin, the River Liffey, the Customs House, O'Connell Street, the GPO (General Post office), the Four Courts with a licensed English-speaking guide.

›Best of Dublin - Dublin shore excursion from Dublin cruise port - private guided visit to the famous Doors of Dublin, the River Liffey, the Customs House, O'Connell with a licensed English-speaking guide.

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Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

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Travel Tips for our Clients

Green hills and shamrocks, good luck or leprechauns, what comes to your mind when you picture the Emerald Isle? The River Liffey runs through Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. The weather can be sunny, rainy, breezy or all of the above, maybe even simultaneously The beauty of the land and the history of the buildings are still eclipsed by the friendly nature of the Irish people.

Top Sights in Dublin

Dublin Castle- The Vikings had selected the original site for this structure while “visiting” in the 13th Century. Throughout the years it has functioned in roles as varied as a military fortress and a court of law, a prison and a treasury. Currently, its capacity has been for state receptions and Presidential inaugurations.

The City Gaol- Guided tours are given through this large unoccupied jail. Its long history (1795 –1924) has seen the leaders of several of Ireland’s rebellions imprisoned here. Fourteen members of the Easter Rising of 1916 were executed here. A detailed audio-visual presentation provides insight into one of the darker facets of Irish history.

National Museum at Kildare Street- Originally opened in 1890, the collections contained within these walls include examples of Celtic and Medieval artifacts such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. Other displays showcase prehistoric Ireland, the Invasions of the Vikings, and the Road to Independence, among others.

Guinness Storehouse- In 1759 Arthur Guinness opened a brewery on a street known as St. James’ Gate, just a few minutes from Dublin’s City Center. Today, the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland encourages visitors to explore a process of brewing and marketing one of the most recognizable symbols and exports of the Emerald Isle. Small bubbles slowly sinking into a pint of black stout is the reward that awaits all those who choose to partake at the end of the tour.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral- A wooden church was first built on this site in the fifth century. The cathedral was built in 1213 and is named after the patron saint of Ireland. A well on the grounds is reported to be where he baptized his first converts to Christianity. The Choir School was founded in 1432 and students sing accompaniment for most daily services. Of a curious note, a door is displayed with a large, jagged hole hacked into it. It was through this hole that two Norman Earls shook hands to settle a quarrel, thus inspiring the saying, “…to chance your arm…”

Christchurch Cathedral- The principal cathedral for the Protestant faith in Ireland is located just a few hundred yards from St. Patrick’s. Founded in 1038, and renovated several times since, some of the walls date back to the 12th Century. Just beside the Cathedral is the multimedia presentation celebrating Dublin’s medieval heritage: Dublinia. Complete with a reconstructed archaeological dig and interactive displays, this provides visitors with some of the challenges facing the inhabitants of Dublin from that era.

Trinity College- The oldest university in Ireland, has been educating students and enthralling visitors since 1592. One of the biggest draws, for the tourists, is the Book of Kells. This manuscript contains a Latin text of the four gospels and was beautifully decorated by Irish monks in the year 800 A.D.

General Post Office- Built in 1815 this stalwart building was the site of much bloodshed in the 1916 Easter Rising. Bullet marks can still be seen in the front pillars. Several of the leaders of that revolt were executed in Kilmainham Gaol. Reopened in 1929, the General Post Office once again offers a wide range of services, bullets not typically among them.

O’Connell Street / Phoenix Park- These pedestrian-friendly expanses, allow for numerous opportunities to observe the wildlife. As the widest street on the island, pedestrians and shoppers alike will wander the center median of O’Connell Street. The 17th Century Ashton Castle is the visitor center for Phoenix Park. This three-mile length of forested hills and outdoor space has been the location of the Dublin Zoo since 1830. With numerous monuments and memorials, bikers and picnickers might also spot one of the members of the herd of deer, which also inhabit this park.