Port information & tips for Dublin
Dublin, the charming capital of Ireland, welcomes travelers with a perfect blend of vibrant history and modern zest for life. The city at the mouth of the Liffey impresses with its magnificent Georgian architecture, first-class museums, and warm hospitality that can be felt everywhere in the cozy alleys. In the immediate vicinity of the port area, the award-winning EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and the historic Trinity College with the world-famous Book of Kells invite you to make fascinating discoveries. Most cruise ships dock at Ocean Pier in the Alexandra Basin. From this central terminal, the city center is easily accessible in only about ten minutes thanks to regular shuttle buses or a short taxi ride, so that nothing stands in the way of an unforgettable stay.
Dublin is a well-connected cruise port located just a few kilometers from the vibrant city center. Large cruise ships usually dock at Alexandra Basin (Alexandra Quay), while smaller ships occasionally use Sir John Rogerson's Quay closer to the center. Since leaving the industrial port area on foot is often not permitted, cruise lines or the port itself generally provide shuttle buses to the city center. For "tender" embarkations, the port of Dún Laoghaire is often used, which is located south of Dublin and requires further transfer options.
Car
The Port of Dublin is excellently connected to the national road network thanks to its central location. Arrival is convenient via East Wall Road, North Wall Quay, or the Thomas Clarke Bridge. The Dublin Tunnel also provides a fast connection to the M50 and M1 motorways, which are the main arteries for travel to the north and south of the country. Short-term and long-term parking spaces are available directly at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Short-term parking costs €2.00 per hour (minimum €1.00), while long-term parking is attractive at €9.00 per day or €50.00 per week. Booking the parking space online, which is managed by APCOA, is advisable and is done using the vehicle's license plate. Some hotels in Dublin also offer special Park & Cruise packages that include an overnight stay and transfer to the port.
Train
Dublin Connolly Station is a central transport hub and only about 3 kilometers from the cruise port. From there, you can easily reach the terminal by taxi in about 5 minutes, with costs between €10 and €13. Alternatively, bus lines such as the 151 run from Sean O'Casey Bridge (near Connolly Station) to Merchants Road in just about 5 minutes for €3. The Dublin Bus Route 53 also offers connections from the city center to the port. Please note that the Luas Red Line (tram) between Connolly Station and The Point is currently temporarily suspended due to damage to the track section; however, a replacement bus service has been established. The "The Point" stop is otherwise located directly opposite the entrance to the port.
Airplane
Dublin Airport (DUB) is conveniently located about 10 to 13 kilometers north of the port and the city center. For arrivals from the DACH region, the airport is ideally connected. Numerous transfer options ensure a quick journey to the ship: Dublin Express offers direct bus connections from Terminal 2 to 3Arena Point Village & Ringsend (near the port) in just 15 to 18 minutes, costing between €1 and €12. The Airlink 747 express bus also connects Terminals 1 and 2 with the cruise port in around 25 minutes. Taxis are available at the airport and will take you to the port in about 11 to 12 minutes for €22 to €28. For a relaxed start to your cruise, especially after a long-haul flight, an overnight stay in one of the numerous hotels in Dublin the day before embarkation is recommended. Many central hotels offer excellent connections to the port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Dublin is a well-connected cruise port located just a few kilometers from the vibrant city center. Large cruise ships usually dock at Alexandra Basin (Alexandra Quay), while smaller ships occasionally use Sir John Rogerson's Quay closer to the center. Since leaving the industrial port area on foot is often not permitted, cruise lines or the port itself generally provide shuttle buses to the city center. For "tender" embarkations, the port of Dún Laoghaire is often used, which is located south of Dublin and requires further transfer options.
Car
The Port of Dublin is excellently connected to the national road network thanks to its central location. Arrival is convenient via East Wall Road, North Wall Quay, or the Thomas Clarke Bridge. The Dublin Tunnel also provides a fast connection to the M50 and M1 motorways, which are the main arteries for travel to the north and south of the country. Short-term and long-term parking spaces are available directly at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Short-term parking costs €2.00 per hour (minimum €1.00), while long-term parking is attractive at €9.00 per day or €50.00 per week. Booking the parking space online, which is managed by APCOA, is advisable and is done using the vehicle's license plate. Some hotels in Dublin also offer special Park & Cruise packages that include an overnight stay and transfer to the port.
Train
Dublin Connolly Station is a central transport hub and only about 3 kilometers from the cruise port. From there, you can easily reach the terminal by taxi in about 5 minutes, with costs between €10 and €13. Alternatively, bus lines such as the 151 run from Sean O'Casey Bridge (near Connolly Station) to Merchants Road in just about 5 minutes for €3. The Dublin Bus Route 53 also offers connections from the city center to the port. Please note that the Luas Red Line (tram) between Connolly Station and The Point is currently temporarily suspended due to damage to the track section; however, a replacement bus service has been established. The "The Point" stop is otherwise located directly opposite the entrance to the port.
Airplane
Dublin Airport (DUB) is conveniently located about 10 to 13 kilometers north of the port and the city center. For arrivals from the DACH region, the airport is ideally connected. Numerous transfer options ensure a quick journey to the ship: Dublin Express offers direct bus connections from Terminal 2 to 3Arena Point Village & Ringsend (near the port) in just 15 to 18 minutes, costing between €1 and €12. The Airlink 747 express bus also connects Terminals 1 and 2 with the cruise port in around 25 minutes. Taxis are available at the airport and will take you to the port in about 11 to 12 minutes for €22 to €28. For a relaxed start to your cruise, especially after a long-haul flight, an overnight stay in one of the numerous hotels in Dublin the day before embarkation is recommended. Many central hotels offer excellent connections to the port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Dublin is strategically located at the mouth of the Liffey and, thanks to a well-developed infrastructure, allows for a comfortable transfer into the nearby city center.
Shuttle Service
Most cruise lines provide organized shuttle buses that take you directly from the terminal to central points such as Merrion Square. This connection is convenient and ensures a smooth start to your city exploration.
LUAS (Tram)
The modern tram, known locally as LUAS, is accessible via The Point station near the port area. The Red Line connects the port district directly with the heart of Dublin and offers a fast and regular way to reach the most important sights.
Taxi
Numerous taxis are available directly at the piers for arriving guests. A ride to the old town or Trinity College usually takes only about 15 minutes and allows for direct and flexible transportation to your desired destination.
To make the most of your stay in Dublin, we recommend a combination of the historic city centre and the natural coastal sections located right on the doorstep of the harbour.
Temple Bar & Trinity College
The lively cultural quarter of Temple Bar impresses with its charming cobblestone streets and its immediate proximity to Trinity College, where the venerable library with the famous Book of Kells offers an unforgettable cultural experience.
Dollymount Strand
This extensive sandy beach on North Bull Island is located in direct proximity to the cruise terminal and, thanks to the short travel time, is the perfect place for a relaxing break by the sea with wide views over Dublin Bay.
Guinness Storehouse
As a landmark of the city, the Guinness Storehouse is an absolute must for culture lovers and also offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the entire Irish capital from its glass-walled Gravity Bar.
Trinity College and the Old Library
The venerable Trinity College is located in the heart of the city and is perfectly accessible from the port in about twenty minutes, thanks to short transfer times or the practical tram connection. The historic university houses the world-famous “Book of Kells” and the impressive Old Library, whose “Long Room” creates a magical atmosphere with its cathedral architecture and the scent of old books. After the visit, the well-kept courtyards and surrounding cafés invite you to linger and also provide the ideal starting point for a stroll through nearby Grafton Street. Ideally, book your visit for the first time slot in the morning with an online ticket to experience the library in peace and to return to the ship relaxed and on time in the early afternoon.
The return journey to the Port of Dublin can be very relaxed thanks to the excellent infrastructure. Simply plan a small time buffer for the way through the extensive port area and arrive on board punctually.
Shuttle Buses
Most cruise lines provide shuttle buses that depart from central meeting points such as Kildare Street or near Trinity College. These buses take you directly back to the terminal and, thanks to the fixed frequency, offer a very reliable way to return.
Taxi
Taxis are widespread in the city center and can be easily found at the large taxi ranks at St. Stephen's Green or O'Connell Street. Additionally, you can ask hotels to order a car so that you can reach your ship's correct berth easily and directly.
Luas Tram and Footpath
The Red Line of the Luas tram takes you comfortably to the final stop, The Point, directly at the edge of the port area. From here, the way to the ships at North Wall Quay is easy to manage on foot and is also easy to find thanks to the clear port signage.
