Dublin cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: For a Dublin Port call at Berth 18, Abbey Street is the central destination below, reached by tram after leaving the port and reaching The Point.

• Public transport: Luas Red Line from The Point to Abbey Street, €2.60 one way for an adult single from the stop's ticket machine, about 11 minutes on the tram; port-exit time and the walk to The Point are additional.

Prices checked 2026-09-08. Sources: Dublin Port access, Luas single tickets, Luas stop zones, Luas journey-time FAQ.

Orientation, not a walking route

Dublin Port's 2026 Yearbook, page 144, lists Berth 18 under cruise tourism and says smaller vessels can berth west of Tom Clarke Bridge, closer to the city. Use that as an explanation of the possible arrival geography, not a berth allocation for your ship.

Get the actual berth, authorised exit route and return vehicle meeting point from the ship before disembarking. The port estate handles commercial traffic; use its designated passenger route.

About this port

A Dublin day starts with confirming the arrival harbour. Dublin Port and Dún Laoghaire require different journeys into the city. This guide covers ships berthing at Dublin Port; an itinerary that specifies tendering into Dún Laoghaire needs the harbour's own rail and tender arrangements.

Once the transfer is settled, choose one part of the city and one main indoor visit. A call can lose a substantial share of its sightseeing time to getting off the ship and returning to the correct port entrance.

Getting Around

The Point is on the Luas Red Line, which runs through the city towards Tallaght and Saggart. It is useful only after you have established a permitted route from the ship or transfer drop-off; it is not a tram platform at the gangway. For the return, check the destination display so that you take a service to The Point rather than the Connolly branch.

A taxi or ship transfer can reduce the walking needed to reach public transport. Agree the correct port return location before setting out; do not rely on giving a driver only the word “terminal”.

Access note, checked 2026-09-07: the port-side footpath on East Wall Road between North Wall Quay and Sheriff Street Upper is closed for works scheduled through March 2027. Follow the port's signed diversion instead of older walking directions.

Things to Do

For an adaptable visit: the National Gallery of Ireland has entrances on Merrion Square West and Clare Street. Its collection and audio tours allow you to choose how much time to spend inside; check the gallery's visitor information for access and exhibition arrangements.

For a booked centrepiece: the Book of Kells Experience at Trinity includes the manuscript, Old Library and a digital exhibition. Leave time between disembarkation and your reservation. Trinity's current visitor information explains that most Long Room books have been removed for the Old Library redevelopment, apart from the first four bays; older photographs do not show the present arrangement (checked 2026-09-07).

Closure to account for: Chester Beatty's visitor page states that the museum is closed from 15 June through the end of December 2026 (checked 2026-09-07). Do not add it as an indoor fallback during that period.

Getting back to your ship

A taxi or ship transfer can reduce the walking needed to reach public transport. Agree the correct port return location before setting out; do not rely on giving a driver only the word “terminal”.

Practical Information

• Currency: euro (€).
• Emergency services: 112 or 999.
• Keep the ship's all-aboard time separate from the time you need to leave the city. Allow for traffic, walking to the pickup and port security.
• Buy the Luas ticket at the stop before boarding; ticket machines accept cash or card.

Frequently asked

How much is the tram from Dublin Port to the centre? The adult single from The Point to Abbey Street is €2.60 one way. Buy the ticket at the tram stop before boarding.

How long is the tram ride into central Dublin? About 11 minutes between The Point and Abbey Street. Add time to leave the ship, pass through the port and reach The Point.

Do cruise ships dock or tender in Dublin? Ships using Dublin Port berth alongside. An itinerary specifying a tender call at Dún Laoghaire uses a separate harbour and different city connections.

Where do you catch the tram back to Dublin Port? Take an eastbound Luas Red Line tram from Abbey Street with The Point on its destination display. The Connolly branch goes to a different terminus.