Book a Behind-the-Scenes Bus Tour of Dublin Port
30 April 2025
Discover the operations in the hardworking heart of Dublin, with our 2025 bus tour season.
Dublin Port is Ireland’s busiest port, handling €165 billion worth of freight and 1.6 million passengers annually. This unique bus tour offers visitors an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the vital operations that keep Dublin City – and our country – connected to the world, ensuring Irish goods reach global markets and essential imports arrive on our shores.
From towering container ships to bustling freight terminals, you’ll uncover the hidden histories, landmarks, and rich heritage that have shaped the port and Dublin City over the past 300 years. Learn how Dublin Port supports local communities, protects Dublin Bay’s biosphere, and plays a crucial role in Ireland’s economic success.
Whether you’re interested in history, a curious local, or simply love discovering how things work, this tour will change the way you see Dublin.
Tour Details
- Dates: Wednesdays in May and June
- Duration: Approx. 60 minutes
- Meeting Point: The Substation, East Wall & Alexandra Road, D01H4C6 Google Map Link
- Tour Type: Guided bus tour (no walking required)
- Parking: No parking available – please cycle or use public transport
- Points: The Substation, Ocean Pier (Restricted Area), Oil Zone, Greenway Discovery Point 2, Ferry Terminals, Ro-Ro / Lo-Lo Terminals, Brexit Lands.
- Stops: Passengers will alight the bus at point four on the tour at Discovery Point 2 of the Greenway and also at point five at ferry Terminal 1.
- Languages: English, Irish and Spanish – All tours will be given in English, but there is an option to attend an Irish or Spanish only tour on 18th June.
Please note: There is no parking available at the Substation. We encourage visitors to cycle or use public transport. The nearest parking options are the Euro Car Parks or the Gibson Hotel car park at the Point Village. If travelling by public transport the closest Red Line Luas stop is at the Point, approximately a 10-minute walk to the Substation.
Schools or Charitable Group Bookings
If you are interested in making a booking for a school or charitable group, please apply for our free tour spaces by completing this form: Expression of Interest Form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Tour Description
1. The Substation
The tour begins with a short introduction at the historic Substation, providing an overview of Dublin Port’s history, operations, and its role in Dublin’s development. The Substation is built over the original East Wall, a seawall constructed in 1728 to reclaim the North Lotts area. During restoration works, the remains of the wall were uncovered and preserved under glass, allowing visitors to view this significant piece of Dublin’s maritime history. This wall served as the land boundary marking the end of the city until the late 1800s.
2. Ocean Pier (Restricted Area)
The tour will go down Alexandra Road and into the North Port Common User which is a restricted operational area. Visitors will see one of Dublin Port’s busiest and most crucial operational areas of the port where €165 billion worth of imports and exports pass through here each year. A variety of large cargo vessels berth in Ocean Pier everyday including container ships, car carriers and bulk vessels. Due to safety and security reasons passengers must remain on the bus for this element of the tour.
3. The Oil Zone
The Oil Zone is a crucial area within Dublin Port where 65% of Ireland’s processed petroleum arrives and is dedicated to the import, storage, and distribution of petroleum products. The operations in this area are vital to Ireland’s energy supply, and the facilities are subject to stringent safety and environmental regulations. Visitors will learn about the infrastructure and operations that ensure the safe management of these critical resources, including essential fuel for Dublin Airport.
4. Greenway – Discovery Point 2
The tour will make a stop at Discovery Point 2 along the Dublin Port Greenway; 2km of glorious walking and cycleways overlooking the beautiful UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere. This stop offers visitors an opportunity to explore a scenic and informative path for cyclists and pedestrians, showcasing Dublin Port’s ongoing efforts to integrate public access with its operations. At Discovery Point 2, visitors will gain insights into the port’s environmental initiatives and learn about the role of sustainable development in shaping the future of Dublin Port and its surrounding areas.
5. Ferry Terminals
The Ferry Terminals are central to Dublin Port’s connectivity with the UK and Europe and welcome some 1.6 million passengers each year. Here, ferries carrying passengers, vehicles, and freight arrive and depart for key destinations like Holyhead, Wales, France and the Isle of Mann. The tour will make a stop at Terminal 1 and explore the importance of the ferry terminals to Dublin Port’s passenger traffic, the logistics involved in ferry operations, and the port’s development plans to accommodate growing demand.
6. Cargo Terminals and State Services
Dublin Port hosts a variety of terminals that support the flow of goods and services. Some terminals are dedicated to state services, including customs checks and inspections for regulated goods, while others handle roll-on/roll-off (Ro/Ro) cargo, such as vehicles and freight. These terminals are crucial to the smooth operation of the port, ensuring that both local and international trade runs efficiently, supporting Ireland’s connectivity to global markets.