Dublin’s Delights, Sea Day Serenity, and a London Grand Finale!

Alright, fellow travel addicts, it’s time for the final chapter of our NCL Dawn Irish odyssey! After exploring the wild coasts and historic castles, our journey brought us to the vibrant capital of Ireland, a day of relaxing at sea, and a bonus city break in London. Get ready for the grand finale!

Day 10: Dublin, Ireland – Irish Countryside Charm and Glendalough’s Ancient Beauty!

Our final port of call was the lively city of Dublin, where we arrived as a tender port, eager to explore. Instead of diving straight into the city’s urban bustle, we opted for a fantastic excursion into the Irish Countryside and Glendalough, and it was truly a rich experience.

Glendalough, nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains (often called the “Garden of Ireland”), is a stunning glacial valley renowned for its early medieval monastic settlement founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century. As we stepped off the bus, we were immediately struck by the tranquility and natural beauty of the place. The site is incredibly atmospheric, with ancient ruins set against a backdrop of lush forests and two serene lakes. We explored the well-preserved round tower, a remarkable piece of early Christian architecture that stood as a bell tower and refuge. We also wandered through the ruins of St. Kevin’s Church and the cathedral, imagining the lives of the monks who lived and prayed here centuries ago. The sheer sense of history and spirituality that permeates the valley is inspiring, and the surrounding natural beauty – with walking trails around the Upper and Lower Lakes for those wanting to explore– makes it a truly peaceful escape. It was a perfect blend of history, nature, and quiet contemplation, a wonderful contrast to the bustling cities we’d visited.

After our peaceful journey through Glendalough, we returned to Dublin. Even though we spent the bulk of our day outside the city, the brief return allowed us to catch glimpses of its famous Georgian architecture and lively streets from the bus.

Day 11: Relaxing Sea Day – A Perfect Pause!

After ten incredible days of exploring new ports every single day, our eleventh day was a much-welcomed sea day! There’s something wonderfully relaxing about a day at sea. It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge, enjoy the ship’s amenities, and simply soak in the ocean air. We spent our day leisurely, enjoying a late breakfast, catching up on reading, spending time in the casino (happy to say that I left with more than I started with!) and enjoying some of the onboard entertainment. It was the ideal way to unwind after our whirlwind tour of Ireland and reflect on all the amazing memories we had made.

Day 12 & 13: Southampton Disembarkation & London’s Grand Farewell!

All good things must come to an end, and on day twelve, we disembarked the NCL Dawn back in Southampton. But our adventure wasn’t quite over yet! We had planned an excellent post-cruise extension in London before our flight home the next day.

From Southampton, we made our way to London, heading directly to a hotel conveniently located at Heathrow Airport. We then used London’s incredibly efficient Underground system to travel from the airport into the heart of the city, a truly seamless and classic London experience. The Tube whisked us right into the thick of it all!

We had a fantastic day exploring the British capital. One of our first stops was a visit to the original Twinings store on Strand. My wonderful wife is a tea lover so stepping into this historic shop, which has been selling tea since 1706, was like entering a fragrant time capsule. We admired the rows of beautifully packaged teas, learned about its fascinating history, and of course, picked up some unique blends to take home. It’s a true London institution!

I’m not one to say that anyone over-shopped while on exploring Ireland and London, but I will add that we took the opportunity while in London to pick up an additional suitcase for our flight home.

For lunch, we indulged in a quintessential British meal: fish and chips at the wonderful Windmill restaurant. There’s nothing quite like perfectly battered fish, thick-cut chips, and a side of mushy peas to satisfy your cravings. The Windmill provided a cozy and authentic setting, and it was absolutely delicious – the perfect fuel for more exploration!

We continued our day by soaking in the iconic sights, while exploring the wonderful London streets and shops where there is something exciting around every corner. Hopping on the Underground back to our hotel, it felt like the perfect way to end our trip, combining the rugged beauty of Ireland with the classic charm of London.

Finally, on day thirteen, full of incredible memories and our suitcases a little heavier with souvenirs (and tea!), we made our way back to Heathrow for our flight home. What an unforgettable journey!

Let me know when it is time for your Irish exploration and I will be happy to help make it a reality.

Travel often and Travel well my friends!