Virgin Voyages' guide to Dublin, Ireland
A vibrant city of cobblestoned streets, world-class stouts and cozy pubs mixed with world-class museums, literary legends and a Michelin-starred food scene, Dublin, Ireland is a place of charm, craic, and character just waiting to be explored.
Sláinte to the Irish Capital
The capital of the sprawling green hills of Ireland, Dublin’s old-world charm, dynamic modern spirit and picturesque surroundings offer a uniquely Irish experience full of surprises, pub-lined streets, eclectic history – and of course, Guinness. Cradled on Ireland’s eastern shore, where the River Liffey flows into the Irish Sea, Dublin was originally founded as a Viking settlement in the 9th century with traces still found in iconic landmarks like the Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral.
History, literature and architecture buffs alike revel in the world-renowned Trinity College Library, whose antique book-filled soaring wooden shelves setting is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Visit Grafton Street, the shopping center of the city featuring high-end boutiques, street vendors, pop-up performances and everything in between. After shopping, relax at nearby St. Stephen’s Green – an oasis of manicured gardens and lively duck ponds just perfect for a picnic. Of course, no trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, a multi-story museum with panoramic city views and the freshest pour you’ll ever have. Plus, with one of the best food-and-drink scenes in the world, you could literally spend your entire day here restaurant-and-pub hopping and still barely make a dent in all the iconic eateries there are here.
Shore Excursions
Discover Dublin
Guinness, Gardens & Galleries.
A Guided Guinness Story
Discover the ingredients, procedures and labor-intensive processes that go into crafting a pint of the "black stuff" on this tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Have a STOUTie experience, where you'll get your own selfie imprinted on the foam of a Guinness, and enjoy a tasting at the "Gravity" bar with a view of Dublin.
Ballyknocken House & Glendalough
Explore County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland thanks to the mass of domed granite mountains penetrated by deep glens and wooded valleys. Then take a guided tour of the 6th-century monastic ruins of Glendalough, before re-boarding the coach for Ballyknocken Country House farm and cookery school -- one of Ireland’s leading centers of cuisine. Watch as a chef demonstrates how to make traditional Irish scones, and enjoy your own scones with warm coffee or tea.
Dublin Coast & Irish Traditions
Drive along the rugged coastline of South County Dublin, visiting some of the area's most scenic highlights. You'll start with the 14th-century Malahide Castle, home to Irish portrait paintings from the National Gallery. After exploring Malahide Castle you will rejoin the coach for a scenic drive through Malahide, Portmarnock and Howth. Enjoy a traditional Irish lunch at the 11th-century Abbey Tavern.
More Shore Things for your wishlist...
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Leave feeling well fed – and well read
In 2010 Dublin was officially named a UNESCO City of Literature!
Known around the world as one of the most fun cities in Europe, Dublin will never disappoint. With a history dating back over a thousand years, the evidence of this country’s eclectic past is present all over its charming avenues. Visit Grafton Street, the heart of Dublin, for unparalleled shopping and street entertainment, head over to Temple Bar, arguably the most famous bar in Ireland, walk the book-ladened walls of Trinity College or take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse to feel like you’ve won Willy Wonka’s golden ticket.
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