Dublin Pass : Frolicking in Dublin

For Mr Bs 30th birthday I bought us a trip to Dublin, he had been to Ireland a few times but we hadn't been exploring the Emerald Isle together before, and Dublin was new to him as well, so woo city break! When we were planning what to do, a friend recommended getting a Dublin Pass and when we looked it up we decided it was definitely the cheapest option for seeing the main sights of the town and our coach from the airport was also covered. There are 1,2,3 or 6 day options available, we went with 3 days for €63.90 as it was on sale, the regular price is €71. This was ordered from www.dublinpass.com and picked up when we landed at Dublin airport. 

I will cover each attraction we used in a little section with the non Dublin Pass price and then do a separate post for our non Dublin Pass activities :

Jameson Whiskey Distillery €15

This was the first attraction we visited due to the convienient location to our accommodation. I cannot recommend this tour enough, I am not a huge whiskey drinker but I enjoy a tipple. The tour was engaging to me and the more die hard fans in our tour group. You are on a guided tour through the stages of whiskey making and what makes Jameson's different to other whiskeys. I really enjoyed this and would recommend it to all visitors of Dublin. There really is something for everyone. The tour ends with a whiskey tasting, comparing brands so be warned if you get there early as you could have lit my breath afterwards! At the very end of the tour you can exchange part of your ticket for a free drink of either a straight Jameson's or a coctail if you prefer, a perfect taste of Dublin. 

Guinness Storehouse €18

Now of course we visited the Guiness storehouse, it's almost expected of a visiter to Dublin! In contrast to the Jameson's visit  this is a self directed tour which I think works with how much information you choose to take in as there is so much, the Guiness covers the making of Guiness but also the branding and incorporation of Guiness into Dublin life. The tour also allows you to learn to pour the perfect pint of Guiness which is done in small groups. This was definitely  the highlight of the tour but if your prefer not to pour then you can go straight to the sky bar where you can claim a free Guiness and admire the panoramic view of Dublin.  

Wax Museum Plus €12

In truth we only visited the wax museum as it was included in the pass and was in a convent location. It wasn't great. I think that maybe if you had children or if you were Irish (so you might recognise more of the people) then you might get more from the experience. The part about old Irish legends was quite enjoyable, but I found most of the waxworks to be very dated. I'm glad it was included as I would have been very disappointed if I had paid entry. My advice would be pay and go the Leprechaun Museum, so much better and fun for all the family!  

Aquazone & Aquatic Centre €14 

This was Mr Bs choice. We didn't anticipate how far from town it would be, resulting in an hour long bus ride each way. Tip : And in the afternoon one of the bus stops being in service and you could end up waiting there like a total plum, so yeah, don't do that.

This was really just ok. It has an Olympic pool which is quite a sight to see. And you have to wear a swim cap, I found that a bit weird. The pool has a lazy river and some flumes, but if I went back I wouldn't go there again. For the time it took to get there it just wasn't worth it.

Dublinia €8.50

In contrast, I highly recommend this especially as a family activity but I enjoyed it either way. This looks at the Vikings landing in Dublin and the impact at the time and beyond. It's an interactive self directed tour suitable for all ages. The staff were very friendly and it culminates in a beautiful view of Dublin. Tip : At the end of the tour when you exit through the cathedral you may notice a bench with a statute of a sleeping homeless man. This is a representation of Jesus, and had a poignancy of him being left unnoticed by all the passers by. 

Joanie Johnson Tallship & Famine Museum €9

I would also strongly recommend the tall ship. This is a guided tour on a matter that I knew very little about. Our tour guide was a man named Paul and he was wonderfully engaging and clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the subject. I don't wish to spoil what is a very interesting experience so I will leave this with just a strong recommendation to visit, it is suitable for all ages.

There are many other attractions covered but this was what we wanted to do and generally had the most convent locations. By using the Dublin Pass we spent €63.90 rather than €76.50 months entry to attractions and €6 airport transfer (total €82.50, saving €18.60. As well as saving the money it also works as fast pass entry to the attractions which was especially useful in the likes of the Guinness factory which was a very busy attraction. 

I was very impressed with the price and efficiency of the Dunlin Pass and have already recommended it to a friend who is due to visit Dublin soon. I would also generally recommend a trip to Dublin, a wonderful city with the most friendliest of people! The company also do passes for other city breaks and as I've always intended to visit Paris one day, I will definitely  be looking into a Paris Pass!