Dublin was one of the ports on our British Isles cruise, with the ship anchoring in Dun Laoghaire and passengers tendered ashore.
We arrived early in the morning after a calm overnight sail from Cork — always a good start to the day.
Getting Into the City
Disembarking by tender took about 20 minutes, though there was a slight delay due to the swell — definitely an experience getting on and off the boat!
From the harbour, everything was straightforward. A short walk took me to the train station, and for just €5 return, I was in central Dublin in no time.
Exploring Dublin
It was my first time in Dublin, so I was keen to see as much as possible.
I ended up joining forces with a Chinese couple I’d met on the cruise, which made the day even more enjoyable. The husband turned out to be an excellent guide, and together we covered many of the city’s highlights — including Trinity College, Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, and the famous Ha’penny Bridge.
The city felt compact, easy to navigate, and full of character.
A Relaxed Moment
One of my favourite parts of the day was simply sitting in a quiet garden near Trinity College, enjoying a bit of sunshine and people-watching.
Sometimes, those slower moments are just as memorable as the sightseeing.
Temple Bar… Really?
Of course, I made my way to Temple Bar — one of Dublin’s most famous spots.
But I have to admit… I wasn’t quite sure what all the fuss was about!
I walked up and down the street a few times, expecting something more, but perhaps I missed the magic. I’m sure someone will tell me what I overlooked.
Final Thoughts
After just a few hours in Dublin, I couldn’t help but feel that I’d only scratched the surface.
It’s a city with so much culture, history, and personality — and one that deserves more than a quick visit.
So yes… Dublin is firmly back on my list for a proper city break.
