Dublin for a full day
 

Our ship will be in Dublin for a full day and I'd really appreciate help in planning our itinerary. What's a must see, can we do it on our own or do we need a tour company? Not sure if we dock near town, does anyone know how far the dock is from the major sites? Any help would be appreciated.

I presume you dock in Dublin port rather than at Dun Laoghaire? If you're at the port, it's not too far to the city centre, but I would probably get a taxi as there's not much in the way of public transport around there - although there may be buses that meet the boat to bring people to the centre.

I would recommend a hop-on-hop-off bus tour where you can get to a few of the main sites.

I would personally recommend -
a stroll down grafton street
a tour of trinity college & the book of kells (students do the tours - join one at the gate - there's a ticket booth there)
kilmainham gaol
and then if you have time, the Guinness Storehouse.

FYI:

http://www.northantrim.com/ballintoy.htm

By the way, I agree with Cailin about Westport - one of my fav towns in Ireland. It also has GREAT nightlife for your kids (and safe).

I was there last week!

Angela

Sorry, wrong post - don't know how I managed that!!

Angela

For one day I would definately stop first at trinity and do the tour that starts at the gate. This include entrance to the book of kells. Then I would do the Guinness tour and some shopping after and possibly head to the Oliver St John Gogherty in the late afternoon for some music and a drink. (yes its touristy but if you only have a day why not! )

You could combine the above good ideas with the Dublin hop-on, hop-off bus tour which links most of the main attractions in the city. The ticket remains valid for 24 hours.