viking river tour dublin

See Dublin differently

An unmissable experience

Roar your way through Dublin City in a unique Land and Water experience provided by one of Ireland’s most unique sightseeing experiences.

Let Viking Splash Tours take you around Dublin on one of our WW2 amphibious DUKWs. Our guides provide a fun, informative and unforgettable experience for all ages and groups taking in our cathedrals, Georgian Dublin and much more before splashing into the Grand Canal basin for a short cruise by the iconic U2 studios.

Voted as one of Dublin’s best tours, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Please note; children under 3 years old are not permitted on the tour.

All bookings can be made online by clicking BOOK NOW!

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for all Tour Information.

Departure Point

Frequently asked questions.

St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2- D02 N960

There are 28 seats on each DUKW, and every Viking must have their own seat.

No, seats are not allocated. It is a first come first serve basis.

YES! It does go on the water.

You are free to disembark the DUKW for the water section, then reboard.

Only if it is raining!

Poncho’s can be purchased at St Stephen’s Green – Adults and Children’s sizes available. They are €2 per Poncho.

No.  Dress for the weather. Do not bring your own life jacket as we must insist that you wear one of ours.

Approximately every half an hour from Stephens Green during high season. (High Season is Jun-Sept)

Booking is advised as seats are limited and we are, after all, one of Dublin’s most famous and best loved tours.

One hour and fifteen minutes is what we aim for – this will vary depending on city traffic.

You will be charged the full price of your tickets with no refund.  We do ask customers to be at our departure point 15 minutes prior to departure. 

We spend approximately 15-20 minutes in the Grand Canal Docks.

Children under 3 years are not permitted on our tour for safety reasons. 

Come on board and find out!

The vehicles we use are called ‘Dukws’.  They were built during World War II as amphibious trucks to carry soldiers and equipment to aid the war effort.

No – unfortunately we cannot provide toilet facilities at our departure point nor on our vehicles.

No.  No.  No.

The DUKW is not Wheelchair accessible.  However, a wheelchair can be stored at the rear of the vehicle if the passenger has enough mobility to board the vehicle, via the back steps.

Yes – so long as the buggy or pram is collapsible it can be folded up and put behind the back seats on board. Limited to two buggies per tour.

Unfortunately not! 

Not at present.

Yes you can! Once you are mobile, and can wear a life vest on the water.

We will facilitate a change of date 48 hours prior to your tour, depending on our availability.

Head office: Unit 5, Knockmitten Lane, Dublin 12, D12 HD68

[email protected]

00353 1 224 3852

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Viking Splash Dublin

• Family friendly

Let Viking Splash Dublin, in Dublin City, show you the wonderful sites and scenes of the capital city from a DUKW. First built by General Motors during World War II, a DUKW is an amphibious six wheel drive vehicle shaped like a boat. They were once used for transporting goods and troops over land and water.

The Viking Splash Dublin tour ensures you not only hear about Viking Dublin, but also see historic sites including, St Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedrals, Trinity College Dublin and Georgian Dublin. The climax of the tour sees the DUKWs splash into the water at the Grand Canal basin for a short cruise, passing by the recording studios of U2. The Viking Splash Dublin tour guides provide a fun, informative, engaging and unforgettable tour experience.

Group tour bookings are also welcome. Children under three are not permitted on a Viking Splash Dublin tour.

Viking Splash Tours

• Explore Dublin, land and water, on a restored World War II amphibious vehicle
• Gasp as your “duck” drives into the water and transforms into a boat
• See top Dublin attractions, including the castle and two cathedrals 
• Roar like a Viking and wear comical Viking-style helmets
• See itinerary
• Rain Poncho
• Viking Helmet
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks
• Stephen's Green Nth, stop 790, Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland Our exciting Dublin tours depart from Stephen’s Green North close to Grafton Street. Keep an eye out for the Viking Splash Tours bus stop on St. Stephen’s Green North located opposite the Cliff Townhouse. Tour ends at the original departure point.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• IMPORTANT: You are requested to select either morning or afternoon departure and check your confirmation details for exact departure time
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Tour not suitable for children under 3 years
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Stephen's Green Nth, stop 790 Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland Our exciting Dublin tours depart from Stephen’s Green North close to Grafton Street. Keep an eye out for the Viking Splash Tours bus stop on St. Stephen’s Green North located opposite the Cliff Townhouse. Tour ends at the original departure point. See address & details
• Pass by St Stephens Green The Liberties Saint Patrick's Cathedral Christ Church Cathedral Four Courts River Liffey The O'Connell Monument The Spire Ha'penny Bridge O'Connell Street Trinity College Dublin Huguenot Cemetery Grand Canal Dock
• You'll return to the starting point

• jojor610 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Simple Dublin exploration The tourist guide is enjoyable and entertaining. However, it appears that there is more emphasis on land-based exploration than on water-based activities. Simply strolling around the dockland, which one might expect to be a tour highlight, can be somewhat dull. Read more Written 14 May 2024
• GrandTour38449616663 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great crack Brilliant tour, highly recommend! Laughed my way round Dublin and into the Liffey! Guide excellent very informative, perfect end to our stay in Dublin! Read more Written 14 May 2024
• ClaudiusLarson 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Top of the pops He could might as well had been a stand upper - one of those you would love to experience again and again. Vinnie is the man. A perfect last event of an astonishing weekend in Dublin. Read more Written 13 May 2024
• staceysX5850WX 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles all ages loved this! Great family outing with kids. Even in the rain, our guide was hilarious and everyone throughly enjoyed this event. Humor intertwined with history is the best way to see a city. would highly recommend! Read more Written 13 May 2024
• Happiness13715641630 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles TAKE THIS TOUR!! SO much fun!! Right away our tour guide Kenny, went around the vehicle and personally welcomed each group that joined our tour. He respectfully made sure the rules were clear, and then proceeded to start the tour in a fun, interactive, and informative way. We had a great time, learned quite a few interesting facts about Dublin. Once the tor was over he even helped us with a fantastic dinner recommendation! Read more Written 13 May 2024
• K6430CKsarahs 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Gas craic Great fun for all ages, tour guide was absolutely HILARIOUS!! We were a mixed age group & and everyone enjoyed thoroughly! Read more Written 13 May 2024
• Blakes1984 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent value great trip Our tour guide Chris was absolutely brilliant Extremely knowledgeable man with a fantastic sense of humour to go with it . Well worth the money Read more Written 13 May 2024
• Freedom11723974991 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles VikingSplash One of the best excursions in Dublin. Our guide Cera was so knowledgeable and explained the history, pointed out famous landmarks with full explanations. She was funny, made us laugh all through the ride. Loved the splash and water ride. Expected to get wet, but did not. I strongly recommend this excursion to anyone in Dublin. Read more Written 13 May 2024
• benjV7942YH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome tour! :) This is a fantastic and hilarious tour of Dublin, I highly recommend going, you won't be disappointed, none stop laughs! :) Read more Written 13 May 2024
• emq2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must have Tour Best Tour ever. Thanks to Tourguide Kenny and Driver/Captain Peter. Funtastic Storyteller. Like his humor. Roar Viking from Germany. Read more Written 12 May 2024
• marcomE8160GV 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must do in Dublin Well, that was terrific! Our guide Kenny and the driver Peter did an excellent Job. We had so much fun roaring at pedestrians, listening to Kenny's (probably most true) stories about Dublin and being an Attraction ourselves! Go on board if you visit Dublin. Greetings from the German Vikings :) Read more Written 12 May 2024
• SamanthaS1723 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good for all ages Was better than expected the guide Vinnie was very funny made the whole experience even better didn’t stop laughing the entire time Read more Written 12 May 2024
• nataliesW664YA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A great experience full of laughs and interesting facts about Dublin. We had a great time on the Viking splash tour. We are from Dublin and it is something we said we always wanted to do with the kids. Our driver Vinny was so funny and had loads of nuggets of very interesting information about Dublin. Got off the tour with a better appreciation for our city and it was money well spent. Read more Written 12 May 2024
• LouiseandBryan 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant tour Brilliant tour highly recommend Kenny was the tour guide he was so funny and very interactive definitely do it again was such a fun way to spend a sunny day 😀 Read more Written 12 May 2024
• clairetV564AA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Recommend for sure ! Must do Vinny made the trip he was so funny such a good experience learning about Dublin but in a fun way ! Highly recommend to go with this driver. Read more Written 12 May 2024

More to explore in Dublin

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Viking Splash Tours provided by Viking Splash Tours

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Viking Splash tour

• price 2 of 4

Time Out says

A thrilling, educational, and amphibious ride through the south of Dublin

The 75-minute Viking Splash Tour delivers an overview of many major city sights, like Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and several government buildings. Guides also reveal what the city was like during Viking, Medieval, and Georgian periods with a nearly constant flow of historical information, local folklore, and wisecracks. Keep in mind you’ll be wearing a plastic Viking helmet and shouting to pedestrians during much of the drive. The tour’s true highlight, though, comes when your vehicle (a World War II DUKW) splashes into the water at the Grand Canal Docklands for the aquatic portion of the programme.

Time Out tip: The vehicle’s roof cover only reaches twenty of the twenty-eight seats, so choose your spot wisely in case of rain or sunburn. They do distribute rain ponchos on tours with inclement weather. Viking requests participants convene at the meeting point 15 minutes before their scheduled tour. That’s St. Stephen’s Green North, opposite the Dawson Street junction. You will be mocked if you’re the last one to show up.

Nearby: Peruke & Periwig: For creative cocktails and simple bar snacks in a gilded Victorian lounge Little Museum of Dublin: For an educational and entertaining look into Irish life in the twentieth century Sun Bear: For freshly made gelato with vegan flavour options

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Sidewalk Safari | Part-time Travel Blog

9 great things to see, do, and eat on a viking tour of dublin.

About This Dublin City Itinerary

Dublin's viking past in brief.

• Breakfast Choices in Dublin City
• Bear Market
• Coffeeangel
• Take a Viking Splash tour
• Lunch at Brasserie Sixty6
• Explore Dublinia, a museum dedicated to Dublin's Viking history
• Look for the mummified cat and the mouse in Christchurch Cathedral
• Look for artifacts around Dublin City Council
• Listen to music while sipping a pint at Darkey Kelly's
• Dinner at 777
• Experience a night out on Dame Lane

Dublin's Viking Past Detailed Itinerary

Viking Tour of Dublin Map

Guide to Sidewalk Safari Dublin City Itineraries

Leisurely : no need to get up super-early to start this itinerary which is always good if you experienced a little too much of dublin's famous craic the night before. take your time exploring the sights on these itineraries or take detours that you discover on your own in the process of following my suggestions. intermediate : you should be able to comfortably fit in the activities recommended even if you don't get an early start. there is a fair amount of walking involved in these itineraries to get from place to place. ambitious : lots to see plus a lot of walking. make sure to get an early start or you won't make it to everything on the list. the perfect formula for a day out in dublin city includes: breakfast/coffee, morning activities, lunch, afternoon activities, a pub stop, dinner, and evening fun., did you enjoy this post about taking a viking tour of dublin sharing is caring....

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Vikings in Ireland: Epic 3-Day Itinerary Along Ireland’s Stunning East Coast

With the huge success of the History channel’s Vikings series and the growing interest in Viking culture, Ireland is embracing and celebrating its Viking past with a new annual festival, VikingFest! Here is a detailed festival guide and itinerary to the best Viking sites in Ireland.

Over Easter 2018 audiences at live performances erupted and heritage museums flooded with visitors keen to learn more about Ireland’s Viking past. This year marked the beginning of a new European initiative called Follow the Vikings roadshow , a dramatic stage show which celebrates the Viking history in each location it visits.

Following in the footsteps of the Vikings who once dominated the shores of Ireland, I spent the Easter break between Waterford and Dublin, where the roadshow expanded to include a larger festival, VikingFest. These two cities were aptly chosen for their long Viking history.

Hosted by Dublinia, a heritage museum dedicated to Viking and Medieval Dublin, VikingFest celebrates the cultural and historical impact the Vikings had along Ireland’s Ancient East coast. The Follow the Vikings roadshow was the major drawcard of the festival, closing out 3 days of festivities with a grand finale performance.

While I’ve always been interested in the Vikings, I’ve never actually learned much about them (Vikings is not something we learn in Australian schools :P) which meant my knowledge was pretty dismal. Enter 3 weeks of binge-watching the Vikings  TV series before departing for Dublin. I know, I know, it’s not completely historically accurate, but it’s a good start!

After three days spent between two major Viking cities, learning the history of Vikings in Ireland, visiting museums, experiencing a virtual reality Viking adventure, watching a live stage performance, and seeing the location where the Vikings first landed outside Dublin, what I learned extended far beyond the fearsome warriors we generally understand them to be. Instead, I discovered how complex and fascinating the Vikings and their culture were. I was so taken with their culture that I even bought a book about them! ?

3-Day Tour of Viking Ireland

Whether you’re a local in search of a new way to explore your homeland or a fan of the Vikings series, this detailed 3-day itinerary to Vikings in Ireland will show you a unique side of the country to discover.

Of course, I recommend timing your trip to coincide with Easter weekend to make the most of the special events running as part of the festival. If that’s not an option, it’s worth noting that all museums and national parks mentioned in this itinerary are open all year round. Booyah!

But first,…

Who were the Vikings?

The Vikings were a group of people who originated in what is now modern-day Denmark , Sweden, and Norway. They were seafarers who raided and traded their way around northern, central, eastern and western Europe during the late 8th to late 11th centuries. As raiders, traders, explorers, and colonisers, they made significant social, cultural and economic contributions to the places in which they settled.

The reason for the beginning of the Viking expansion from Scandinavia is debated but the most likely explanation is that the early raids were aimed primarily at the acquisition of wealth in order to maintain and increase the status of the raiders back home within their own society. The Vikings who first attacked Ireland were mostly Norwegian while those who landed in Britain were usually Danish . 

Monasteries and churches were prime targets to raid due to their wealth and isolation from the secular world. Those located in coastal regions or on navigable rivers were easy targets for Viking raiders.

Viking timeline at Dublinia, Dublin

What does ‘Viking’ mean?

The Vikings didn’t call themselves Vikings, nor were they part of a unified group. Instead, they were made up of a series of chieftain-led tribes that would often fight against each other.

In the areas they travelled to, they became known as “Norsemen which literally means, “north-men:. It wasn’t until later that the term “Vikings” was used, which meant “piracy” or “freebooting voyage” in Old Norse.

The Vikings themselves didn’t use this word, they called themselves Ostmen or Austmen, meaning East-men.

Now that you’re a bit more clued up about the Vikings, here’s everything you need to know about exploring the unique side of Ireland’s Ancient East coast with my 3-Day Viking tour itinerary from Dublin to Waterford.

Map of Ireland’s East Coast Itinerary

Want to know where you’ll be going? Take a look at the detailed map below.

Tip: For a larger view of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner. If the icon is hidden and you’re viewing this on your phone, go to landscape mode. Technology, eh?

Going to Ireland? Get my free Irish travel phrase guide

Day 1: Good Friday – Discovering Viking Dublin (Blue Pins)

First stop, Dublin!

Dublin is the perfect spot to kick off this Viking adventure because for almost three centuries the Vikings ruled here, making it of the most important trading cities in the Nordic world.

In the 820s and 830s,  Vikings raided the Dublin area and built a settlement here in 841. It’s first foreign king was Olaf the White, from Norway.

Naturally, I had to find out where the name Dublin came from. Turns out, Dublin literally means ‘black pool’. In Irish , dubh means ‘black’ and linn is ‘pool.’ Originally, this term was the name of a lake, Dubh Linn, which ran into the River Liffey and was used by the Vikings to moor their ships during the winter months to prevent their boats from drying out.

Now back to the itinerary!

To get more acquainted with the Vikings, a visit to Dublinia marks the first essential stop on this adventure. It’s here that I had an entertaining introduction to Viking and Medieval Dublin.

While I love the idea of museums, I quickly get bored if there is more to read than to see. I need a mix. If you’re like me then you’ll love Dublinia. This heritage museum doesn’t rely on lengthy descriptions, instead, it brings to life Dublin’s Viking and Medieval past with interactive installations and live actors showing you everything from how weapons were crafted to  Viking life in their longhouses.

Dublinia is located in a section of the beautiful Christ Church Cathedral which lies on the cusp between medieval and modern Dublin.

After learning about the Vikings on the first floor, head up to the second floor which documents Medieval Dublin. By this point, you’ll be wondering how they managed to connect all the dots and piece together such a detailed history.

That’s what the top floor is for!

The third floor is dedicated to seeing how archaeologists work to excavate areas where Vikings settled. There is a great display which shows how far down they need to dig to reach these Viking artifacts.

To top off the experience, take the 96-step climb up St Michael’s Tower, where the 17th-century viewing platform offers unparalleled city views.

After Dublinia, it’s time to head south to Waterford. Along the way, we stopped at Fallons , a lovely restaurant in Kildare, just 45 minutes outside Dublin. I got this super tasty and filling pumpkin and mozzarella risotto.

From here it’s another 70 minutes to Waterford, where you’ll be staying the night. P.S Accommodation details are at the bottom of this post.

Waterford City’s Viking Triangle

After a total journey time of 90 minutes, you’ll arrive in Waterford.

Waterford, or Vadrafjord (Old Norse: Veðrafjǫrðr) as the Vikings named it, is Ireland’s oldest city and was a powerful city in medieval Ireland. It is also the only city in Ireland with a Viking-derived place name. In fact, since I started learning Norwegian , I discovered that over 5,000 Old Norse words entered English. 

Norwegian Vikings established a port here around 914 which was later enclosed by city walls in the 13th century.

The historic heart of Waterford city is the Viking Triangle, so named because of the shape of the original Viking settlement. It’s here you’ll find three exquisite museums dedicated to telling the story of Ireland’s Viking and Medieval history.

King of the Vikings VR Experience

But first, this Viking tour is about to go next level with a visit to King of the Vikings .

It’s hard to describe a virtual reality experience, but for 30 minutes you’ll be transported through Waterford’s history alongside Viking warlords. All of this takes place inside a reconstructed Viking house. Sound good? Make sure you book ahead as space is limited to 8 people at a time.

With some time before dinner, get to know the city by wandering around its quaint streets. Pop inside Christ Church Cathedral , take a guided tour of the Waterford Crystal factory or stretch those legs and cross the bridge for a unique perspective of this charming city.

View of Waterford and Christ Church Cathedral

For dinner, you can’t go past the local favourite, The Reg . Whether you fancy a quiet dinner or a bit of dancing, The Reg is made up of 5 bars each with its own unique offering. We ate in the dimly-lit luxurious Strongbow Room, which commemorates the marriage of Strongbow and Aoife in 1168 in Waterford City.

Day 2: Easter Saturday – Reginald’s Tower and Viking Museum (Green Pins)

After breakfast, make a beeline to Waterford’s iconic monument…

Reginald’s Tower

Sitting at the apex of the Viking’s triangular settlement by the River Suir, is the famous Reginald’s Tower , Ireland’s oldest civic building that has been in use for over 800 years.

The Vikings built the first tower on this site which was then rebuilt by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. It wasn’t until the 15th century that the top two floors were added.

The tower is named after Reginald (funny that), who in 917 went on to install a kinsman in Dublin before going on to capture York (Jorvik) in England, which was a great Viking city in the world at the time. Reginald then went on to call himself King of Waterford and King of York. So, he’s a pretty important guy around these parts.

Today, the tower is home to an exhibition on Waterford’s Viking settlement. After circling up its narrow staircase, each level showcases precious objects including plunder trade goods, delicate gold and silver brooches, metalwork tools, and medieval tally sticks.

Waterford Medieval Museum

Much of Ireland’s history is buried below ground, which is why Waterford Medieval Museum is so impressive. Built around two medieval chambers, the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault, the museum houses a magnificent collection of artefacts that must be seen.

We received a guided tour with Eamon McEneaney, Director of Waterford Museum of Treasures who took us back in time as we saw the stunning Heavens’ Embroidered Cloths, Waterford’s cloth-of-gold 15th-century vestments, the 4-metre-long Great Charter Roll of Waterford (1373), and Henry VIII’s hat!

Click below to listen to Eamon himself talk about the Viking Festival.

If that wasn’t enough, the museum has won numerous awards for its tribute to medieval life in Waterford.

After finishing up at the museum, check out the Viking action in the streets as part of the VikingFest before heading back to Dublin.

The festival reaches its peak as the Follow the Vikings roadshow kicks off tonight in Dublins’s historic Wood Quay amphitheater.

Before attending the 9:45 pm show, we stopped by Brasserie 66 for dinner. Using locally sourced ingredients, everything here is cooked to order. The wall of China plates is a nice touch to this already stylish restaurant.

Follow the Vikings Roadshow

Knowing that this was the grand finale and main event of the Festival, I was super excited to see this travelling Viking performance which includes actors from all over continental Europe and Scandinavia.

The show opened with a procession of Viking fire-blowers on stilts who riled up the crowd as they yelled as they beat large drums.

The performance changed gear as 15-odd actors came on stage to recount the life of the Icelandic warrior poet Egill Skallagrímsson, a story documented in the Icelandic Sagas.

The narrative follows Egill’s journey to York, England, where after a series of rows with the King of York (a descendant of King Reginald of Waterford) was sentenced to be executed. Instead of accepting his fate, Egill makes a deal with the King that if he can write an epic poem about the King’s heroism that he would be set free…No spoiler here!

The performance took place outdoors on a chilly Dublin evening which added to the experience, especially during the sequence where Egill is crossing the stormy seas.

If you miss the Follow the Viking Roadshow in Dublin on Sunday, the show heads south to perform in Waterford on Easter Monday before continuing to Europe and Scandinavia.

Day 3: Easter Sunday – From Viking Series Locations to The Book of Kells (Pink Pins)

Today, things get a bit more scenic.

We’ll visit the location where the Vikings first landed outside Dublin before passing through the stunning countryside of County Wicklow to visit two locations seen in the ‘Vikings’ series.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour

After leaving Dublin heading south towards County Wicklow, make a stop at Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Take a stroll to the end of the 1.5km pier for a view of Howth. The is where the Vikings first invaded in 819. Its name, Hǫfuð in Old Norse is said to mean ‘head’ in English.

Powerscourt Waterfall

From the pier, it’s a lovely 40-minute drive to Powerscourt Waterfall winding through the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.

Not to brag or anything, but Wicklow is home to the largest national park in Ireland, the biggest forest land, the highest waterfall, the biggest man-made lake and the source of the River Liffey in Dublin.

Vikings fans, this is your time to geek out. Powerscourt waterfall is used various times in the first season of Vikings and can be seen as the crew prepare for their first voyage in Floki’s new longboats.

It also just happens to be Ireland’s highest waterfall I mentioned earlier. Sitting 121 meters (398 ft) up, she’s a beauty.

Next up, is Lough Tay, aka Kattegat.

With some serious green-screening to make it look like the shores of a fjord in southern Norway, Lough Tay is the home of the Ragnar Lothbrok in Vikings.

Located on private property, Lough Tay cannot be visited without permission but you can get this awesome view from above.

Head back to Dublin for lunch at  Café en Seine, a Parisian chic restaurant just moments away from our next stop.

National Museum of Ireland

Your next museum experience takes you took the permanent Viking Ireland Exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland  in Dublin.

This beautiful museum welcomes you inside under a huge dome before leading you into a large hall where you’ll see dazzling displays of medieval jewellery.

Head up to the first floor for the Viking exhibition for surviving objects from the Viking age including swords, axes, and ninth-century Viking skeleton! No pictures here, you’ll have to go see for yourself!

Book of Kells and The Long Room Library

No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, the Book of Kells . This 9th-century book is famous for its lavish and artistic Celtic and Christian iconography.

It is believed the Book of Kells was created around 800 AD by Christian monks on Scotland’s, Isle of Iona. The book is made up of the four gospels, hand-transcribed on vellum. Its name comes from the monastery at Kells in County Meath where the monks took refuge after a Viking raid. The manuscript remained here for centuries before eventually being sent to Trinity College in 1661 for safekeeping.

After visiting the Book of Kells, take the stairs up to the first floor.

Lined with marble busts of famous writers and philosophers, is the magnificent Long Room Library featuring 200,000 of the library’s oldest books in oak bookcases. Take your time here and be sure to seek out the 15th-century wooden harp, the emblem of Ireland.

The Book of Kells and the library get crazy busy. To avoid the crowds and the seriously long queue that wraps around the courtyard, I recommend taking an  early access tour so you can enjoy both the book and the library in peace.

As the trip comes to a close, have your final feast overlooking Ha’penny Bridge at Woollen Mills . Built over four floors with a rooftop terrace and its own bakery, this is a great spot to close out your Viking tour of Ireland.

Want more? Watch my full vlog here

Accommodation, where to stay in waterford.

Overlooking the River Suir, I stayed at the family-run Dooley’s Hotel . My bed was larger than my bedroom back in London! On arrival, there were even two fresh welcome brownies on the table next to the window overlooking the river. (Don’t mind if I do). Check here for the latest prices and other hotel options .

Where to Stay in Dublin

I was forewarned that hotels in Dublin are spacious rooms were scarce, nonetheless, the cash was splashed for 2 nights at The Morrison Hotel . In a prime central location with just a short walk from Temple Bar and Ha’penny Bridge, this hotel has all the luxuries you could want. From a warm cookie on arrival, made to order berry-compote pancakes at breakfast (they were delicious) and stylish modern rooms, the premium price for this hotel is well worth it. Check here for the latest prices and other hotel options.

For an alternative accommodation option, I would recommend renting out an apartment or room through Airbnb . If it’s your first time get US$65 OFF here or get £50 OFF your first stay here , when you sign up using my unique reader referral link.

Getting Around

Dublin and Waterford are both very walkable cities so I wouldn’t worry about taking public transport. For travelling between cities and visiting County Wicklow, I highly recommend getting a rental car. This means you’re on your own time and won’t be rushed in places where you want to spend more time. Who knows, you may want to have a picnic at Powerscourt Waterfall.  Compare car rental options here.

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If you’re spending more time in Ireland, Ireland Before You Die is an amazing resource. It’s Ireland’s biggest independent tourism site and is run by the super lovely and proud Irishman, Stevie.

This post is brought to you by Tourism Ireland, who hosted me in full on this trip and my expenses including meals, two nights’ accommodation in Dublin and one night in Waterford, and round-trip airfare from London.  All opinions, as always, are my own.

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My experience of ‘Vikings’ so far has been the tv series! I had never imagined that Ireland would have such an affinity with Viking history – it will definitely be on our list of things to experience when we visit Ireland. Thank you for such a thorough and interesting article. ?

Thanks Michelle 🙂 Yes, Ireland are definitely embracing their past which I think is great. It’s awesome seeing the younger generation get involved and take a real interest in the Vikings thanks to the Vikings series and festivals like this 🙂

Never thought about Ireland’s Viking history, sounds so interesting. Thanks for a great itinerary

My pleasure, thanks so much Mariette 🙂

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Dublin – Viking Splash Tours of Dublin

Family Attractions , Kids & Teens Activities In Dublin , Party Venues , School Tours

Viking Splash Tours

Viking Splash Tours Dublin have been entertaining and educating adults and kids alike, native and foreign for the last ten years with their unique fun tour of Dublin. For family sight- seeing with a difference, book yourself and your family a seat on the Viking Splash Tour.  You will see Dublin as you have never seen it before and be guided by a tour guide unlike any you are likely to have met before either.

You will be taken around Dublin, not on a bus but on an amphibious vehicle called a Dukw. A what? Yes a Dukw – Pronounced ‘duck’ it is an authentic World War Two American land to sea vehicle which was built by the General Motor Corporation. These Dukws played a huge role in landing Allied Troops on the Beaches of Normandy during the D Day landings. Originally there were approximately 22,000 of these work-horse vehicles in service with the American forces, but only a few hundred have survived ’til today. And you and your family could take a trip on one. Living history before you ever see Dublin at all.

Nowadays in Dublin these Dukws have been pressed into service as unique tour vehicles and for some reason are ‘piloted’ by Vikings. Hence the Viking Splash Tour.

Although the Viking Splash Tour is all about having a bit of fun as you tour the city, it is important to note that the vehicles are all licensed by the Dept of Marine and Transport and all guides and drivers are fully qualified and experienced.

For tickets, groups, and private hire enquiries please email  [email protected]

•  You can also book over the phone on (01) 2243852. Bookings are advised at all times to avoid disappointment
• You must take note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable to other tour times or dates.

Please mention Familyfun.ie when Booking

Viking Splash Tours Departure

Viking Splash Tours Departure Times

• Tours begin from 10am daily and run approximately every half hour to 90 minutes. During weekends and high season, tours will run more frequently.

Viking Splash Tours operate seven days a week during high season.

Viking Splash Tours last 1 hour and  15 minutes.

Please call (01) 2243852 to confirm tour times as they operate more frequently during the high season and less frequently during the low season.

Family Fun Tip:- All departure times are subject to change and they always advise to book in advance.

The Vikings

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Viking Splash Tours

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Join Viking Splash Tours on a thrilling tour around the main sights of Dublin City - by land and water!

Let the Vikings show you the sites and scenes of the capital city from a World War II amphibious vehicle – all whilst our Viking guides deliver an informative, entertaining and engaging commentary, ensuring all are captivated on this thrilling tour!

Ticket Prices

There’s no better way to explore the beautiful and historic city of Dublin than on board a Viking themed City Splash Tour! Take in the stunning vistas like never before on an epic voyage across land and water all in one thrilling and entertaining tour. Let the locals show you around, all Viking Splash tour guides are from the area and offer unique insight into the little known aspects of the mysterious city.

The road section of the tour takes you deep into the heart of the city, immersing passengers in both Celtic culture and comical craic! Some of the fascinating landmarks which you will take in include historic sites such as Viking Dublin and Saint Patricks Cathedral as well as stunning views of Dublin culture and natural environment. 

The climax of this epic adventure comes when the vehicle launches into the Grand Canal basin with a supreme splash! From the rare vantage point on the whispering waters of the blissful basin you will experience Dublin unlike on any other tour! From here you can take in the marvellous city landmarks including the harbour and the South Dublin docklands. It’s sure to be a wildly entertaining experience which you’ll never forget!

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Contact Details

The Viking Splash Tours Crew of Savage Miscreants RGI House 18 Mill Street Dublin 8 Ireland

T : +353 1 707 6000

W : http://www.vikingsplash.com

My friends back home told me this was a must do when you are in Dublin.They we're so right.It was pouring rain but we didn't care because we had our ponchos and most importantly!! Our viking helmets.The guide was hilarious,he knew how to entertain the kids and us adults felt like kids,especially when we would scream out the occasional Viking roar at the people on the street.All in all,great family fun,would highly recommend.

A fantastic trip full of laughter and so much fun. Our tour guide/ driver Kevin should be on the stage. His ad-libbing was second to none and was interspersed with interesting facts. His talents know no bounds and made the trip even more enjoyable. Our children were with us so the jokes were kept tongue in cheek but just as hilarious. Kevin's interaction with the people on the streets was genius and there were some fantastic sports there too. I would highly recommend it to natives and tourists alike.

I've been to Dublin a few times before but we decided to embrace our tourist side and take this tour. I want to go back and do it all over again! We laughed the entire time and still find ourselves randomly chuckling remembering parts. Not the most educational tour but we did actually learn more than we did on several other trips throughout the country and had a WAY better time. Ask for one of the rides with Kevin! We wish he led all of our tours! Definitely book your tickets in advance, they often sell out.

City Splash Tours

City Splash Tours, C/O RGI Equity House Upper Ormonde Quay Dublin 7, Ireland

Tel: +353 (0) 15242540

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Your Viking Adventure

Step back 1,200 years and join the vikings on a replica viking ship. cruise up the river shannon to lough ree or down river to the monastic settlement and round towers of clonmacnoise whilst hearing live commentary on viking hoards, the beauty of the river, its flora, fauna, bird and fish life. fun and excitement for all the family..

Step back 1,200 years and join the Vikings on a replica Viking Ship. Cruise up the River Shannon to Lough Ree or down river to the monastic settlement and round towers of Clonmacnoise.

Daily Lough Ree Cruise

Adult €20 | Child €10 | Family* €60 Tickets can be purchased onboard

Cruise to Clonmacnoise

Adult €30 | Child €15 | Family* €100 Tickets can be purchased onboard

Sailing Season

Easter – Halloween

Main Departure Point

Athlone Castle, The Quay, N37 V593

Dog Friendly

Our Lough Ree Cruise is Dog Friendly

*A family ticket is for 2 adults and up to 5 children

Fun and informative

“As a family of six we went on the Viking Boat Trip and it was a great family experience. It was a very relaxing, informative and enjoyable trip with beautiful scenery. The kids purchased their Viking hats and swords and had great fun playing with their swords.”

A hidden history tour

“Michael gave a very informative talk as we travelled on the river into the lake. There was just the right amount of history and local nature to make it a very interesting morning. I learned things about the Shannon that I didn’t know before. The complimentary coffee warmed us up on a chilly morning.”

“ Great captain who makes the voyage fun for children and really interesting for adults. Why Vikings? Because Lough Ree was once the base for these, who raided monasteries around the area, including Clonmacnoise, and buried their treasure trove on Hare Island on the lake. Five stars.”

Viking Tours from the Hodson Bay 

“Had some time during a visit to the Hodson Bay hotel on Lough Ree so we took the Viking Tours boat down to Athlone. Well worth the trip, plan to do the longer tour down to Clonmacnoise.”

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Viking Trails of Ireland Tour

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Discover Viking Ireland for yourself on this six night tour of Ireland.

6 Night Viking Tour of Ireland

Discover how the Vikings influenced the development of the modern Ireland that we know today.

7 Night Viking Tour of Ireland

This 8 night/9 day tour of Ireland will take you through Ireland’s Viking heritage beginning in the city of Dublin where our Viking history can easily be seen.

8 Night Viking Tour of Ireland

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Introduction

When we think of the Vikings in Ireland it is common to think of ruthless murderers and plunderers and while this may have been true to some extent, the Vikings deserve credit for shaping the Ireland that we enjoy today. In Scandinavia the Vikings were fishermen and farmers and their expert ship building skills eventually allowed them to travel further afield, initially as invaders and later as traders. The Vikings brought Ireland’s first towns which later evolved into the great Irish cities that you can visit today, namely Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Wexford and Cork. They introduced coinage, trade and many of the words still in use in the Irish language today.  

Our Viking Tour series will allow you to explore Viking Heritage in Ireland as well as allowing you to explore the scenic beauty of many of our most famous attractions. Choose from Self-Drive tours where you will be able to keep to your own time schedule or a private chauffeured tour where you can experience Ireland with your very own personal driver. Our drivers are highly experienced and informed guides that will make your Ireland vacation the trip of a lifetime!

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Viking Tour of Ireland | 8 Day Self-Drive

For at least 1400 years, up to the ninth century, the civilization of Ireland remained uniformly Celtic. Then, in the year 795, came the first of the Viking attacks, on Lambay Island in Dublin Bay. This was the beginning of more than two centuries of attack and invasion which had a devastating effect on Ireland, and on the Irish monasteries in particular.

For over 100 years the Vikings consolidated and extended their power through unremitting aggression. Although their political power declined rapidly after this, as a people the Vikings were soon thoroughly absorbed into the religious and political life of the country, adopting the Irish language and Irish customs, intermarrying and intermingling. Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Cork and Limerick all began as Viking settlements, and, even after their absorption into the Gaelic culture, the commercial interests of the newcomers kept them centered in these areas.

• Wicklow Mountains where Vikings TV show is filmed
• Reginald’s Tower
• Christchurch Cathedral
• Dunmore Cave
• Viking River Cruise & Clonmacnoise
• Viking Splash Tours

Inclusions & Extras

Accommodation.

• Granville Hotel- Waterford (2)
• The Imperial – Cork (2)
• Sheraton – Athlone (1)
• Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lane – Dublin  (2)

Breakfast each morning except day of arrival

Hertz manual compact car with unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection (TP), value added tax (VAT), third party liability and location service charge (LSC)

Other Inclusions

• Travel wallet, luggage tags and driving map.
• Expert travel assistance throughout.

Optional Extras

• Visitor Attractions
• Room Upgrades
• Car Upgrade
• Chauffeur Driver

Price is per person based on double occupancy during low season and is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Day 1: Wicklow Mountains & Waterford

This morning leave Dublin to see the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains. In these Wicklow Mountains, the History Channel’s Tv show Vikings is filmed almost exclusively. The Powerscourt Estate and the areas around Lough Dan and Lough Tay are especially spectacular. Continue Glendalough and walk through the site to see its round tower, church ruins and Celtic crosses.

On Christmas night in the year 835 the pagan Vikings raided the monastery of St. Kevin at Glendalough. The Vikings would have carried out the raids on Christmas night in the expectation that the valuable relics of the monasteries would be on display and in the hope of capturing large numbers of prisoners that could be sold as slaves. Continue your drive south to Waterford  and visit Reginald’s Tower, first built by the Vikings in 914 it formed an apex of the triangular settlemt known to this day as the Viking Triangle. After dinner, take a walking tour around the narrow streets of the historic city. Overnight in The Granville Waterford

Day 2: Viking Triangle

Today you will take a day tour of Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny. First head north to Kilkenny and explore the town, visiting its famous castle. Slightly north of Kilkenny is Dunmore Cave. Stopping to pick up some litter, the story goes, a guide at Dunmore Cave discovered a treasure trove of silver coins, ingots, bracelets, bronze buckles and rare silk. Some of the hoard remains on view at the cave’s visitor centre today – alongside details of a darker legend. Bones discovered in the inner recesses of the cave may be evidence of a terrible Viking massacre here in 928AD. Next you can head out to Wexford enjoying the drive and maybe picking up some strawberries along the way. Routes connecting Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford make for some great driving trips, ranging from the cities themselves to all the rivers, beaches, festivals, castles and cafés in-between.  Overnight in The Granville Waterford

Day 3: Cork City

Today you will continue along the coast to Cork city. The city has a more peaceful Viking history. The Monastery which once stood there was attacked a number of times but the Vikings and monastic community eventually managed to coexist peacefully and through the Vikings seafaring and trading abilities. They intermarried with native Irish and established Cork as an important trading center. Not a lot of Viking Cork remains but that was its origin. Just outside Cork you will find and kiss the famous Blarney Stone in order to receive the “Gift of Eloquence”. If that is not your thing, move to Cobh – the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic. This is where the last 123 passengers boarded the supposedly unsinkable luxury liner and there are some great tours you can take including Titanic Experience and a wonderful walking tour. Cobh was also the point of emigration for millions dreaming of a better life during and after the Great Famine. Overnight in The Imperial Hotel, Cork

Day 4: West Cork

Today you will travel along the famed Cork coastline through charming little towns of Skibereen and Clonakilty. It might be nice to see Kinsale from the sea. A local fisherman will share his local knowledge with you on a tour in his boat The Spirit of Kinsale – taking you out across the Harbour, past the Charles Fort and right to the Atlantic’s edge. It’ll only take an hour. From there take your scenic drive around West Cork, venture out on Mizen Head to Ireland’s most southerly point. The Beara Peninsula is especially pretty and is a great alternative to the Ring of Kerry. Overnight in The Imperial Hotel, Cork

Day 5: Rock of Cashel & Viking River Cruise

Leave Cork this morning for the geographical heart of Ireland, Athlone. Your first stop is the Rock of Cashel. Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. Next you will go to Birr where you can stop for lunch. Be sure to take a walk around the grounds of Birr Castle while you are there. Continue on your journey to Athlone where you can embark on a Viking themed river cruise and see Athlone Castle. Overnight in Sheraton Hotel, Athlone

Day 6 & 7: Viking Splash Tour & Dublin

Leave Athlone this morning and make your way to Dublin where you will leave your car and rely on public transport. If you didn’t take the Viking river cruise in Athlone (and even if you did), take a Viking Splash Tour of Dublin to get to know the city by land and by water. For the rest of the trip, use the open-top bus tour. Hop on and off at any attractions that you may be interested in, which include the big ones like Guinness, Jameson, and Trinity College where the Book of Kells is housed, but also Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison now museum, Glasnevin Cemetery, featuring a who’s who of modern Irish history including Daniel O’ Connell, Michael Collins, Éamon de Valera, and over a million other stories, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the national cathedral for the Church of Ireland. Overnight in Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lane

Day 8: Return Home

Make your way from your hotel to Dublin Airport where you will return your rental car and fly home.

We are more than happy to include a flight quote separately to your package so that you can decide if you would like to book with us or on your own.  While booking flights can seem straight-forward, there are often hidden fees or classes of service that do not include seat assignments, meals or checked bags. We have been booking flights since 1985 and know the best routings and have great contracts that mean we often have better prices than what you will see online.

In Ireland, we generally try to book hotels that are at a 4 star level or higher. In some situations, we will book some 3 star or B&B properties but we do require them to be at a certain standard. We try to ensure a member of the team have stayed at each property in recent years or that we have done a site inspection.

Planning Deposits

Your first vacation quote, and up to two revisions, for trips of 9 or fewer days, and 45 days in advance of travel, are complimentary. If an itinerary requires further revisions subsequent to this, we will require a non-refundable deposit of $75 per person in order to continue.

If you are requesting a quote for a vacation that is 10 days in length, or with travel dates within 45 days, or to a non-core destination, a deposit of $75 per person will be required in order for us to begin working on your proposal.

Planning deposits can then be put towards the cost of the trip should you decide to proceed with the booking.

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Viking Splash Tours

• Explore Dublin, land and water, on a restored World War II amphibious vehicle
• Gasp as your “duck” drives into the water and transforms into a boat
• See top Dublin attractions, including the castle and two cathedrals 
• Roar like a Viking and wear comical Viking-style helmets
• See itinerary
• Rain Poncho
• Viking Helmet
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks
• Stephen's Green Nth, stop 790, Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland Our exciting Dublin tours depart from Stephen’s Green North close to Grafton Street. Keep an eye out for the Viking Splash Tours bus stop on St. Stephen’s Green North located opposite the Cliff Townhouse. Tour ends at the original departure point.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• IMPORTANT: You are requested to select either morning or afternoon departure and check your confirmation details for exact departure time
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Tour not suitable for children under 3 years
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Stephen's Green Nth, stop 790 Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland Our exciting Dublin tours depart from Stephen’s Green North close to Grafton Street. Keep an eye out for the Viking Splash Tours bus stop on St. Stephen’s Green North located opposite the Cliff Townhouse. Tour ends at the original departure point. See address & details
• Pass by St Stephens Green The Liberties Saint Patrick's Cathedral Christ Church Cathedral Four Courts River Liffey The O'Connell Monument The Spire Ha'penny Bridge O'Connell Street Trinity College Dublin Huguenot Cemetery Grand Canal Dock
• You'll return to the starting point

• jojor610 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Simple Dublin exploration The tourist guide is enjoyable and entertaining. However, it appears that there is more emphasis on land-based exploration than on water-based activities. Simply strolling around the dockland, which one might expect to be a tour highlight, can be somewhat dull. Read more Written 14 May 2024
• GrandTour38449616663 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great crack Brilliant tour, highly recommend! Laughed my way round Dublin and into the Liffey! Guide excellent very informative, perfect end to our stay in Dublin! Read more Written 14 May 2024
• ClaudiusLarson 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Top of the pops He could might as well had been a stand upper - one of those you would love to experience again and again. Vinnie is the man. A perfect last event of an astonishing weekend in Dublin. Read more Written 13 May 2024
• staceysX5850WX 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles all ages loved this! Great family outing with kids. Even in the rain, our guide was hilarious and everyone throughly enjoyed this event. Humor intertwined with history is the best way to see a city. would highly recommend! Read more Written 13 May 2024
• Happiness13715641630 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles TAKE THIS TOUR!! SO much fun!! Right away our tour guide Kenny, went around the vehicle and personally welcomed each group that joined our tour. He respectfully made sure the rules were clear, and then proceeded to start the tour in a fun, interactive, and informative way. We had a great time, learned quite a few interesting facts about Dublin. Once the tor was over he even helped us with a fantastic dinner recommendation! Read more Written 13 May 2024
• K6430CKsarahs 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Gas craic Great fun for all ages, tour guide was absolutely HILARIOUS!! We were a mixed age group & and everyone enjoyed thoroughly! Read more Written 13 May 2024
• Blakes1984 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent value great trip Our tour guide Chris was absolutely brilliant Extremely knowledgeable man with a fantastic sense of humour to go with it . Well worth the money Read more Written 13 May 2024
• Freedom11723974991 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles VikingSplash One of the best excursions in Dublin. Our guide Cera was so knowledgeable and explained the history, pointed out famous landmarks with full explanations. She was funny, made us laugh all through the ride. Loved the splash and water ride. Expected to get wet, but did not. I strongly recommend this excursion to anyone in Dublin. Read more Written 13 May 2024
• benjV7942YH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome tour! :) This is a fantastic and hilarious tour of Dublin, I highly recommend going, you won't be disappointed, none stop laughs! :) Read more Written 13 May 2024
• emq2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must have Tour Best Tour ever. Thanks to Tourguide Kenny and Driver/Captain Peter. Funtastic Storyteller. Like his humor. Roar Viking from Germany. Read more Written 12 May 2024
• marcomE8160GV 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must do in Dublin Well, that was terrific! Our guide Kenny and the driver Peter did an excellent Job. We had so much fun roaring at pedestrians, listening to Kenny's (probably most true) stories about Dublin and being an Attraction ourselves! Go on board if you visit Dublin. Greetings from the German Vikings :) Read more Written 12 May 2024
• SamanthaS1723 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good for all ages Was better than expected the guide Vinnie was very funny made the whole experience even better didn’t stop laughing the entire time Read more Written 12 May 2024
• nataliesW664YA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A great experience full of laughs and interesting facts about Dublin. We had a great time on the Viking splash tour. We are from Dublin and it is something we said we always wanted to do with the kids. Our driver Vinny was so funny and had loads of nuggets of very interesting information about Dublin. Got off the tour with a better appreciation for our city and it was money well spent. Read more Written 12 May 2024
• LouiseandBryan 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant tour Brilliant tour highly recommend Kenny was the tour guide he was so funny and very interactive definitely do it again was such a fun way to spend a sunny day 😀 Read more Written 12 May 2024
• clairetV564AA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Recommend for sure ! Must do Vinny made the trip he was so funny such a good experience learning about Dublin but in a fun way ! Highly recommend to go with this driver. Read more Written 12 May 2024

More to explore in Dublin

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Viking Splash Tours provided by Viking Splash Tours

14 surprising things to know about Viking River Cruises in 2024 - First time European River Cruiser tips

A s someone who prides herself on being more of a traveler than a tourist, I have been one to avoid cruises. I had the belief that you don’t get to experience the destination, as you are mostly on a ship, but I hadn’t been exposed to the world of European river cruises . Let me explain why a river cruise is a perfect way to immerse yourself in a European destination. 

A floating hotel where you only unpack once, waking up in a new city almost daily, with pre-arranged tours that are included? As a first time European river cruiser, these are all things you can expect. This complete guide (from a Viking river cruise)will tell you everything you need to know. 

1. you won’t experience sea sickness on a river cruise.

It never even felt like we were moving when we were on the ship. It was calm and serene. So if you have an trepidation about cruising, a European river cruise should be on your list to try.

2. There are no inside staterooms on European River cruises

This is a standard among various river cruise lines. Ships are smaller with about three levels or under 200 rooms. To elaborate on staterooms, any river cruise has at least a window, so you’ll have a view outside. We sailed on the Viking Hermod in France . With 3 levels, level 2 and 3 all have balconies. However, you should know that a balcony may often have times where it is butted up against another ship while the ship docks. So seriously consider if this is worth the paying more for a balcony. 

3. Shore excursions are included daily with most river cruises and Viking’s were exceptional.

The tour guides are knowledgeable and able to provide a thorough history of the the towns we visited. On Viking, the daily shore excursions mainly gave us a feel for the town we were visiting. There are other optional tours you can pay for, but even if you just do the included tours, you will get a feel for the city.  We did two of the optional tours: the Aqueduct tour and a Medieval town. Both were great but we thought the Aqueduct was quite extraordinary. The two tours for the two of us totaled $366. 

4. Viking river cruise stateroom bathrooms are incredible

I even hear they’ve won awards for their bathrooms and I am not surprised. Here’s why: they are geniuses at making the most out of the space they have to work with. There is shelving in the bathrooms, meaning both passengers, can each put their (bathroom kit, makeup bag), whatever you call it on the shelf. Here’s the best part: bathrooms have heated floors. Can you imagine that on a cruise ship??!! Plus the showers are angled and allow for more shower space than you think. Doors open in both directions making it super easy to get in and out. 

5. Drink packages on a river cruise -are they necessary?

It depends. Many cruise ships nickel and dime you if you don’t get a pre-purchased drink package. On our Viking river cruise and most other river cruise lines, they’ll automatically provide beer and wine with lunch or dinner. We noticed at breakfast champagne is free flowing to have your own mimosa or champagne by itself. At lunch dinner you have a choice or white or red wine and a selection of beers. But if you want something special like a Rose or Chianti you will need to pay for it. 

If you want another kind of wine or cocktail you’ll pay for it. OR you can buy their Silver Spirits Beverage package and order from a selection of wine or cocktails whenever you like. I would definitely get this if you like cocktails. The package is about $20 per person per day, which is a lot less than ocean cruises charge. They have many top shelf liquors available like Patron, Bombay Sapphire, etc. So you can order these anytime afternoon until about 10 pm. Plus the beverage package comes with a minibar in your room which gets refreshed daily. 

6. How many restaurants are on a river cruise in Europe?

Usually just one. Meal times are also a set time, so if you were out all day and want to eat at 5 pm, you won’t be able to. Usually breakfast begins at 6 am and ends around 10 am. Here you can choose from a hearty buffet of scrambled eggs, breads, fruits, yogurt, sausage, bacon, cured meats and more. Or order a la carte an omelette, French Toast, Pancakes or more. Lunch seems to be planned around shore excursions and was served as early as 12:15 and as late as 1:15. Dinner is nightly at 7:15 pm. Doors to the restaurant open 15 minutes before dinner so arrive on time if you want your choice of seating, especially outdoors, which has limited tables. Lunch and dinner is a 3-course meal. More on that below. 

7. Dress is casual at dinner on a river cruise

No need to dress up. I packed a different outfit for dinners at night, but I really didn’t need all those clothes. I could have worn jeans most days for excursions and swapped to pants at dinner. In fact one evening I even kept my jeans on at dinner. 

8. Viking river cruises are Adults only

This is my favorite thing about this cruise line! You must be 18 years or older to cruise with Viking. I for one, applaud this. Too many opulent vacation destinations can be spoiled by bratty kids who are undisciplined. We saw several groups generational travel, which seems like a fantastic idea. 

Check out our river cruise going under a bridge on the Rhine river.

9. Getting on and off the ship on a European River cruise is as easy a taking a few steps

Rather than long lines to get on and off, I could go from my stateroom to the street in about 2 minutes. This included scanning my card to get off. So it is super easy as Christina Ernst, owner of VIP Alpine Tours travel agency puts it, “If you forget something in your stateroom, it is easy to run back and get it on a River Cruise. More and more of my clients, even those in their 40s are opting for a river cruise because it’s a terrific way to see Europe.”

10. The food is elevated on a Viking river cruise

Because they don’t have to prepare a meal for thousands, but a few hundred, the food can be made with delicious options. We really loved the Coq Au Vin and the Halibut another night, desserts were also spectcular

Choose between a chef’s recommendation based on the region you are visiting or a traditional menu that is more akin to the American palette with items like steak, hamburgers and hot dogs. Their hot dog was the bomb by the way!

They grow their own herbs to use in dishes and drinks for guest on board. This makes a difference. When I ordered a Gin Basil Smash, I could smell the basil when the bartender plucked it from the fridge to muddle into my drink. Even other passengers could smell it and it piqued their interest in what I was having. From then on, the bartenders knew my drink, and with basically a head nod they would bring it to me. That would never happen on a huge ocean cruise. 

11. Safety is abundant on a Viking river cruise or most any European river Cruise

As a woman, I might feel intimidated to find myself in a new city and set off exploring on my own. However, with Viking you are good because they immerse you into the city you are in, even if they are there for only a day. We had at least one if not two shore excursions INCLUDED per day in our trip. And the guides are well versed on the are and are part of Viking. I also loved how the kitchen staff works well to bring out meals quickly so you don’t miss out on making your excursion. 

12. Wifi is free on board and included with your river cruise purchase.

However, you only have 2 connections per room. This is usually adequate for most passengers, but if you have two cell phones and a laptop, one will be disconnected. Also there’s no connection to Netflix or other streaming services. They do have several movies available on demand, but don’t be expecting a large library of movies.

13. You don’t have to bring adapters on a Viking river cruise

This was a huge plus. Bedrooms have both European plugs and American (220 and 110 voltage) plugs. Plus we even had a plug for USB. Wish we had more but, hey, I’ll settle for one as it makes life easier. I mean, how great it is NOT to have to worry about your charging ports? 

14. You’ll go through many locks on a European River cruise

This is quite an interesting process. The purpose of locks is to make sure the water is level. Some are not too deep, while others can be super deep. You’ll enter into a tight space (there are mere inches in between the sides and you can reach out and touch them) with metal on both sides. The ship stays in place while water is added or depleted.  I believe the deepest we experienced on our Viking Cruise in 2023 was 20 feet. 

FAQs – European river cruise / Viking river cruise (2023)

Watch my videos from my viking cruise in 2023 here.

What should I pack for a river cruise in 2023?

Pack at least one jacket and scarf. I would recommend a jacket with a hood. We went on an open air train ride and the hood helped keep my face ad head warm. The scarf will definitely help you feel warmer on those cooler days. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking on a lot of cobblestone streets. The key is layers. For a 7-day river cruise 2-3 pairs of jeans, a couple casual dresses and one or two dressier pants would be fine. 

How many restaurants are on a river cruise ship?

Usually just one. This means meal times must be adhered to. Breakfast is the most generous of time allowed as you can dine between 6 and 10. However, at lunch they may run out of certain things. One of the things we loved though, was the 24 hour a day coffee machine where we could get a cappuccino, latte, espresso or just regular coffee! 

Do you have to dress up for dinner on a river cruise?

No, it is quite casual. They recommend wearing slacks and nicer shoes or casual dresses for women. I think of it like a business casual recommendation. Though a couple days into our river cruise many were wearing shorts and jeans at dinner. 

Can I wear jeans on a Viking river cruise to dinner?

Although it isn’t encouraged, we saw several people wearing jeans and sneakers at dinner. Probably not a great idea on the first evening, but it is more understandable after a day’s excursion later on in the cruise. 

Should I get a balcony room on a river cruise? What are my options? 

That depends. As stated earlier, there are no inside staterooms on river cruises. So, even the least expensive room will still have a window. Then there is something called the French Balcony on a river cruise. This means you’ll get something like a sliding glass door but you won’t be able to sit out there. Lastly is the veranda which comes with a small table and chairs. 

Is there are gym on the river cruise? Is there are pool on board?

Some cruise lines offer a small pool or hot tub, but you won’t find the large pools with slides or zip lines over them like on an ocean cruise. Our Viking cruise did not have either. Leave your workout clothes at home because other than a walking track on top, there was no gym on our river cruise.

Do I need to pack an adapter for a Viking River cruise? 

No, you don’t need to pack an adapter as they have 110v plus in the rooms! 

What is the average age of a guest on a European river cruise? 

While they skew older, (I would say most guests were over 65), there were several younger couples and friends traveling together on our Viking Cruise. I think this is changing as more and more younger people want to really see the place they are traveling vs. party on a ship. 

To find out more about Viking river cruises visit their site .

With my first river cruise under my belt, I am hooked. I love the stress free transportation Viking offered, unpacking one time but still visiting so many towns with a knowledgeable guide. What’s not to love about a river cruise?

The post 14 surprising things to know about Viking River Cruises in 2023 – First time European River Cruiser tips appeared first on Roamilicious .

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Icon of the seas: the best dining, amenities and more on royal caribbean's new ship.

This family-friendly megaship features plenty of activities, entertainment and restaurants.

Icon of the Seas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Key Takeaways

• Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, with 18 passenger-accessible decks, eight different neighborhoods and 2,805 staterooms.
• Think of Icon of the Seas as an all-in-one adventure vacation contained on a ship. Young families and energetic travelers will enjoy it most.
• Itineraries originate from Miami , sail to destinations around the Caribbean and include a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island , Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you have any degree of interest in traveling or cruising, chances are you've heard the buzz around Icon of the Seas. Another record-breaking ship by Royal Caribbean International , Icon of the Seas debuted on Jan. 27, 2024, as the largest cruise ship in the world. It is epic in every sense, featuring 18 cruiser-accessible decks and stretching 1,196 feet from bow to stern.

With greatest-of-all-time soccer player Lionel Messi as the ship's godfather, the Icon of the Seas is truly iconic. Messi brought the entire Inter Miami team along for the opening ceremony and the big reveal of the team's new Royal Caribbean-sponsored jerseys. I was fortunate enough to attend this star-studded ceremony as part of the press preview sailing in the days leading up to the ship's grand debut to the public. It was everything I thought it would be and more, and nobody could have been more appropriate than Messi to send this ship on her maiden voyage.

Boarding a ship of this size can seem overwhelming, but not when you understand the layout. Icon of the Seas is broken up into eight distinct neighborhoods: AquaDome, Central Park, Thrill Island, Chill Island, Royal Promenade, The Hideaway, Suite Neighborhood and Surfside, a neighborhood built for young families looking for nonstop fun and kid-approved eats and treats.

In addition to these public areas, there are 2,805 staterooms spread across 12 decks. Icon of the Seas' capacity maxes out at 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members, but with the plethora of public spaces and variety of things to do and see, you can choose your own adventure without encountering more crowds than you want to.

Find your perfect cruise

Skye Sherman

Icon of the Seas itinerary

During its inaugural 2024-2025 cruising season, Icon of the Seas offers seven-night eastern or western Caribbean adventures from Miami, stopping at a variety of tropical destinations. All sailings include a stop at Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas . Other destinations include Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis ; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico .

During the 2025-2026 cruising season, new destinations will include Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Labadee, Haiti; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (part of the U.S. Virgin Islands ). All sailings will originate from Miami.

No matter your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you'll visit beautiful places – but you can expect to feel torn about spending any time off the ship, because it's just that jampacked with things to do.

Who should sail on Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas appeals not so much to a demographic as to a psychographic; you're going to need to be someone who likes to live life in all caps. Royal Caribbean set out to create "the world's best vacation" contained on a ship, so Icon of the Seas is for anyone who would enjoy the combination of a beach trip, a resort stay, a water park adventure and island-hopping.

Fun-loving travelers and families with kids of varying ages will do best on this ship; it feels a little bit like Disney World with over-the-top everything and a truly massive sprawl. Older travelers who prefer a more quiet, refined experience may want to opt for a less kid-friendly ship. Still, even couples without children will find plenty of fun adult-friendly things to do and romantic places to tuck in.

The Royal Promenade can be quite loud and buzzy, but simply relocating to another onboard neighborhood can completely shift the vibe. Also, keep in mind that the ship really is huge, and walking from end to end can be a hike, so those with limited mobility or endurance might want to look into a smaller ship.

Icon of the Seas prices are high in its opening season, but cruisers with big dreams and small budgets can expect rates to drop by the time the next ship in the series debuts.

The stateroom

With a ship this overstimulating, it's imperative that your stateroom is a haven. Luckily, Icon of the Seas offers peaceful rooms, many of which feature ocean or Central Park neighborhood views. Cruise ship accommodations are stereotypically compact – even cramped – but the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in Icon of the Seas' cabins (with the exception of the windowless interior rooms) lend an airy, open feel. The cabin layouts are also optimized to provide the maximum amount of storage, floor space and comfort.

Stateroom decor is mildly nautical- and tropical-themed, with calming hues that mimic the scenery outside your window (think blues, beiges and whites). High-tech elements include smart TVs, LED mirrors and the ability to control many aspects of your room from an app.

My husband and I stayed in an Ocean View Large Balcony Stateroom, a 204-square-foot refuge from the hustle and bustle of the ship (the balcony adds another 65 to 70 square feet). This room type can sleep up to four people with a sofa bed for one or two; the room also features twin beds that convert to a king bed for couples.

My husband is 6 feet, 3 inches tall, and we were comfortable in our room, even though our quarters included a large bed, a bathroom, a sofa and a desk. We loved sitting on our private balcony and watching the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean flow by.

If money is no object, the Ultimate Family Townhouse – an over-the-top eight-guest, three-story pad with a private whirlpool on the balcony, three bathrooms, a slide that connects the second and main levels, an in-suite cinema, a dining room and a kitchenette – looks epic. But keep in mind, it costs nearly $100,000 for the week.

The Sunset Corner Suites (about one-fifth of the cost of the Ultimate Family Townhouse, but still expensive) are also pretty sweet, with a wraparound balcony and a bed facing the sea.

Luckily, not all rooms break the bank; with four main stateroom categories (suite, balcony, ocean view and inside) and 28 subcategories, there's something for everyone.

Best amenities on Icon of the Seas

It's almost impossible to run out of things to do aboard Icon of the Seas.

For thrill-seekers, the largest water park at sea – Category 6 – features the Frightening Bolt (the tallest waterslide on a ship) and the Pressure Drop (the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise vessel).

If you've tired of the seven swimming pools, six waterslides, laser tag, mini-golf, rock climbing wall, escape room, sports courts, outdoor decks, theater, spa and all-day programming, simply take a stroll down the Royal Promenade for Las Vegas -style people-watching. The Royal Promenade has 15 restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as a Starbucks that seems to have a line no matter what time you go. The neighborhood feels a bit like a shopping mall … if a shopping mall had floor-to-ceiling ocean views made possible by the world's largest kinetic art sculpture.

The Pearl, a feat of engineering, is one of the most unique aspects of the ship's design. This art piece is actually a load-bearing structure supporting three decks, but it looks and feels like an interactive art experience designed solely for the enjoyment of guests. The multisensory immersive structure has 3,000 kinetic panels and moody ever-changing lighting. It is one of the first things guests will see when they walk on board, as it stretches from the Royal Promenade up to Central Park.

My husband and I spent most of our time at the FlowRider surf simulator – his favorite amenity – but we made sure to leave time for Taylor Swift trivia at Spotlight Karaoke and the superhuman stunts of the Aqua Theater show, a must on any Icon of the Seas voyage. The ship even has a massive ice arena called Absolute Zero for ice skating (the 20-minute sessions are complimentary) and impressive shows.

We also loved lounging in The Overlook Bar & Pods, an area at the very front of the ship (behind the AquaDome) that features two levels of floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows. It felt airy and open, which can't be said about many cruise ship interiors.

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Best dining venues on Icon of the Seas

There are more dining options aboard Icon of the Seas than you can fit in on a seven-night cruise – but you can give it the old college try. Thirteen of the dining venues are complimentary, while 14 are specialty restaurants (which cost extra; fees vary). There are also 18 bars and lounges.

The best meal we experienced on the ship was at the Chops Grille specialty eatery. When we spotted Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty and a group of bigwigs at a table next to us, we knew we were in the right place. We loved sitting outside and enjoying the breezes of Central Park while we chowed down, but you can eat indoors for an elegant steakhouse experience and a view of the open kitchen and butcher's display, which shows off specialty cuts like high-grade wagyu and bone-in tomahawks.

While I'd never turn down a swanky steak dinner, grabbing quick poolside bites at El Loco Fresh and indulging in some food hall-style grazing at AquaDome Market were equally enjoyable. We also had no complaints eating several meals at Windjammer, the classic complimentary cruise ship buffet.

Even though we don't have children, we stopped into Surfside Bites for a very kid-friendly meal, complete with soft serve ice cream cones from Sprinkles (because no cruise is complete without soft serve). We didn't try anything from the open-air, lemonade stand-inspired Lemon Post bar, but its menu of cocktails and mocktails looked delicious.

And since you're on vacation, be sure to check out the milkshake bar Desserted, where the sugary creations are as photo-worthy as they are decadent. They're worth the upcharge.

Best excursions on Icon of the Seas

Depending on what's on your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you may be able to book activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, tropical jungle adventures, visits to Mayan ruins, volcano hikes, rainforest zip lining, relaxing beach days or cultural immersion tours.

Note that Royal Caribbean features the same options on many of its other Caribbean cruises; none of the excursions on offer are exclusive to Icon of the Seas.

Because our press preview sailing only visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, we did not experience any of the shore excursions. Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas was plenty of fun, even though we didn't plan anything in advance.

If we had made plans, we would have liked to check out the Up, Up and Away tethered hot air balloon, which wasn't running that day, and the overwater cabanas at Coco Beach Club, which were all booked. Thrill Waterpark (which features the tallest waterslide in North America), Oasis Lagoon (the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean) and the adults-only Hideaway Beach are other highlights of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Overall impressions of Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean seems to be focused on superlatives. It has the biggest, best, tallest, largest and most of everything – especially when it comes to Icon of the Seas. If you like jampacked, adventurous vacations that squeeze a lot of adventure and relaxation into one memorable week, Icon of the Seas is probably for you.

While I love seeing Royal Caribbean push the limits of what cruises can be, the ship may almost be too big for some. It's an all-out Vegas-esque vessel that feels more like a floating city; you will probably forget (more than once) that you're not on dry land.

That's not necessarily a bad thing – if Icon of the Seas looks fun to you, it probably will be – but my husband and I tend to gravitate more toward authentic, immersive, on-the-ground cultural experiences when we travel. While Icon of the Seas is a lot of things, it's not that. We had a fantastic time and have already started planning a future Royal Caribbean cruise with a group of friends and family, but we also sympathize with the anticruisers of the world. Vacationing does not a traveler make.

Still, the shows are entertaining, the service is attentive, the music is jamming, and the architecture and design are incredibly impressive. I have no real complaints and suspect that most cruisers will have the time of their lives on Icon of the Seas – exactly as the minds at Royal Caribbean envisioned when they dreamed up this iconic ship.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Skye Sherman has been cruising since childhood, when her parents took her on her first cruise through the Caribbean. She has sailed various ocean cruise lines, gone off the grid for a six-day riverboat expedition deep into the Amazon River and even planned a European river cruise with 48 of her closest family and friends. She's a fourth-generation Floridian and hopes to visit every country in the world during her lifetime. She covers travel and lifestyle topics for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival
• The Largest Cruise Ships in the World
• The Best New Cruise Ships
• The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises

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