Private Dublin City Panorama

Dublin City is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and sits on a splendid bay at the mouth of the River Liffey with the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains rising from its southern suburbs. It is internationally noted for its writers, Georgian architecture, witty natives and the production of Guinness! Since its beginning as an ecclesiastical settlement it has over time been a key Viking raiding and trading base, a Norman stronghold, second city of the British Empire and capital of an independent state. On the Dublin City tour, you will view all the main sights of the capital including the Phoenix Park, O'Connell Street, Georgian Dublin, Merrion Square, and Dublin Castle. You will see the exterior of the impressive St. Patrick's Cathedral situated in the heart of old Dublin. The cathedral is the national cathedral of Ireland and it is also the largest cathedral in the country. The grounds where the cathedral is built, was the place where St. Patrick is said to have baptized the pagans to Christianity in the 5th century and there has been a cathedral on this site ever since. The cathedral was badly damaged during the Cromwellian invasion in Ireland in the 12th century and it was refurbished by the Guinness family in the 19th century. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's' Travels was Dean of the cathedral for 32 years and his remains are buried within the cathedral. You will also have approximately 30 minutes for sightseeing on your own or a little shopping. You will then be returned to the cruise pier. Guests wishing to stay downtown longer will be responsible for their own transportation back to the pier at their own expense. Most ships dock at the Alexandra Quay, approximately 20 to 25 minutes taxi ride from the downtown area.