Dublin on a cruise stop: a self-guided city game from the port

Yes, if you head into town soon after arrival. Larger ships berth at Alexandra Quay in Dublin Port, about 2 km from the city centre, where a compulsory shuttle bus takes you to No. 2 Branch Road. From there a taxi reaches O'Connell Street in about 15 minutes, or the Luas Red Line gets you to the hunt start at the Parnell Monument in about 40 minutes door to door. The hunt takes about 3 hours over 4.7 km.

From Alexandra Quay to the Parnell Monument

1. At Alexandra Quay you may not walk out of the working port: take the compulsory shuttle bus to No. 2 Branch Road, a ride of a few minutes. Many cruise lines also run their own shuttle into the city. If your ship uses berth 18 (North Quay Extension), you can walk out through the blue gates onto East Wall Road.
2. Quickest: take a taxi from No. 2 Branch Road or East Wall Road to O'Connell Street, about 15 minutes, and walk to the Parnell Monument at its north end.
3. By tram: walk to The Point Luas stop (about 17 minutes from No. 2 Branch Road, 9 minutes from berth 18), ride the Red Line towards the city to Abbey Street, then walk up O'Connell Street to the Parnell Monument. Allow about 40 minutes door to door.
4. If your ship calls at Dún Laoghaire instead, it anchors and tenders you ashore. Take the DART from the station near the harbour to Tara Street or Pearse, about 20 minutes, then walk about 15 minutes north across the Liffey to O'Connell Street.

A Dublin port day, hour by hour

1. 0:00Off the ship, port shuttle to No. 2 Branch Road, then a taxi or the Luas into town.
2. 0:45Start the hunt at the Parnell Monument, then The Spire and O'Connell Bridge.
3. 1:45Across the Liffey to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin City Hall and St Patrick's Cathedral.
4. 2:45On to Fusiliers' Arch at St Stephen's Green and the National Museum.
5. 3:45Finish at the Whiskey Museum near Trinity College, then a taxi or the Luas back to the port.
6. 4:45Through the port shuttle and on board at least 1 hour before all-aboard time; allow more if you tendered at Dún Laoghaire.

Tips for Dublin when time is short

• You cannot walk out of the Alexandra Quay berths, so allow time for the port shuttle on the way back too.
• Check before the day whether your ship berths at Dublin Port or calls at Dún Laoghaire, as the way into town is completely different.
• If your ship tenders at Dún Laoghaire, allow extra time for the tender queue in both directions.
• The route is flat but long, about 4.7 km, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a rain jacket.
• The hunt crosses the river and ends near Trinity College and Grafton Street, a good area for a late lunch before you head back.

Why a self-guided game works on a port day

• You start when you step off the ship, not at a fixed tour time, and nobody waits for a group.
• Everyone in your party can follow on their own phone with one booking reference.
• You can stop for lunch or a swim and carry on later, and end the game whenever you need to head back.
• Google Maps guides you from stop to stop, and the game needs no entry tickets.

Dublin cruise stop: questions

Pick your Dublin game

Port and transport details checked in November 2026. Docking positions and timetables change, so always check your ship’s all-aboard time and your cruise line’s port information before you set off.