walking tour dublin city

Best Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dublin (With Map)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

If you’re after a self-guided walking tour of Dublin that packs a punch, you’ve landed in the right spot.

I’ve lived in Ireland’s capital for 34 years and I’m very confident you’ll love the mini-itinerary that I’ve outlined below.

It includes a one and two day option and it takes in the main things to do in Dublin , unique sights that tourists tend to miss and some historical pubs, too.

Our free Dublin walking tour follows a clear, logical route to ensure that you make the most of your time here. Dive on in!

Table of Contents

Day 1 of our self-guided walking tour of Dublin

Click to enlarge image

The Dublin walking tour map above will give you an overview of where our route will take you over each day.

As you can see, each day has a clear route and packs in a mix of key attractions and places you hopefully won’t have heard of.

If you want a guided tour, you’ll find organised Dublin walking tours with excellent reviews right here (affiliate link).

Money saving tip: If you’re planning on visit some of the main fee-paying attractions in the city, the Dublin Pass can save you €50+

1. Molly Malone Statue

Photos via Shutterstock

Day 1 of our self-guided walking tour of Dublin kicks-off at the now-iconic Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street in the heart of the city.

The bronze statue shows Molly, a famous character from the Irish song ‘Molly Malone’, who sold ‘Cockles and Mussels’ on the streets of the capital.

The statue was erected in 1988 and it has moved a handful of times. You won’t spend long here, but it’s a nice starting point for your stroll!

2. Trinity College

Our second stop of the day is a handy 2-minute walk from the first! Trinity College is one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland .

It is a renowned educational institution and it was established in 1592. It’s also inside the grounds of Trinity that you’ll find the ancient Book of Kells .

Trinity is the oldest university in Ireland and you can take a ramble through its impressive grounds, admire its magnificent architecture and tour the wonderful Long Room Library .

It’s in the Long Room that you’ll find 200,000+ of the college’s oldest books. It’s worth booking the skip-the-line ticket here as it gets busy ( this ticket gets you access to Trinity and Dublin Castle).

Related reads: See our guides on where to stay in Dublin + the best hotels in Dublin in 2024

3. The Palace Bar

Photos via The Palace on FB

The next stop on our self-guided walking tour of Dublin is going to be a brief one (I’m not suggesting you go drinking at this stage of the day!).

While there are many old pubs in Dublin , few are as visually impressive as the Palace Bar, which you’ll find a 3-minute walk from Trinity.

This pub was built in 1823 and it stands today, many years later, as a Victorian shrine, of sorts. Admire its impressive interior, first, and then saunter inside for a nosey (you can return here later).

It’s located just inside the cobbled streets of Temple Bar , so you can have a nosey around this area, if you like.

Related reads: See our guides on the best pubs in Dublin , the best Guinness in Dublin and the best pubs with live music in Dublin

4. O’Connell Bridge

When you’re ready, take the 3-minute walk to O’Connell Bridge, which spans the murky waters of Dublin’s River Liffey.

O’Connell Bridge replaced Gandon’s Carlisle Bridge, which opened in 1794. The bridge that stands to this day opened back in 1880 and cost £70,000 to build.

It measures at 148 ft in length and 160 ft in width. Named after political leader Daniel ‘The Liberator’ O’Connell it boasts impressive features, like its impressive lanterns.

Related reads: See our guides on spending 1 day in Dublin , 2 days in Dublin and 3 days in Dublin

5. The General Post Office

Walk up the historic O’Connell Street (be careful – there are plenty of dodgy characters that hang around here) and head straight from the The General Post Office (GPO) – it’s around a 4-minute walk from the last stop.

The GPO was built during the early 19th century and it’s here that you’ll see some of the more impressive architecture in Dublin , courtesy of the buildings neoclassical design.

This building played a key part in Irish history during the Easter Rising of 1916 when it served as the rebel headquarters. You can take a tour here that’ll immerse you in the city’s past.

6. The Spire

One of the more unique places you’ll visit on this walking tour of Dublin is the Spire – it’s less than 1-minute walk from the GPO… you can’t miss it.

Also known as ‘the Monument of Light’ (along with many other colourful nicknames…), the Spire stands 394 feet tall and it was erected in 2003.

I’ll be honest – the Spire is impressive when viewed from afar, but there’s no real point of seeing it up close.

7. The Ha’penny Bridge

The next stop on our self-guided walking tour of Dublin is a 7-minute walk from the Spire and it’s arguably one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe!

The Ha’penny Bridge , officially known as the Liffey Bridge, is an iconic pedestrian bridge that spans the River Liffey that was built in 1816.

It’s name comes from the fact that you once had to pay a toll to cross the bridge. The cost was a Ha’penny and there were turnstiles at either end of the bridge.

The bridge is a little slice of ‘old-Dublin’ that still used heavily to this day. It’s believed that around 27,000 people cross it each day.

Related read: See our guide on how to get around Dublin

8. St. Michan’s Church

Photos with thanks to Jennifer Boyer

You won’t find our next stop, St. Michan’s Church , on many Dublin walking tours, however, it’s  well-worth  a visit.

It’s a 12-minute walk from the Ha’penny Bridge and it’s here that you’ll find a historic building that dates back to the 11th century.

Oh, you’ll also find crypts with mummies… yes, mummies. In fact, some of the mummies at St. Michan’s are thought to be over 400 years old.

If you’re looking for unique things to see in the capital, make sure to add this one to your self-guided walking tour of Dublin.

9. The Brazen Head

We’re off Dublin’s oldest pub, next – The Brazen Head (a 4-minute walk from St. Michan’s).

The present building that you see today dates back to 1754, local legend claims that the site has housed a tavern since 1198.

And though no documents exist to prove that, we know that there’s been a licensed alehouse here since the mid 17th-century at least (which is old enough!).

If you’re feeling peckish, this is a handy lunch-spot. It’s well worth visiting either way as this place is steeped in history .

10. Christ Church Cathedral

One of the most popular stops on this self-guided walking tour of Dublin is the stunning Christ Church Cathedral , a 6-minute walk from The Brazen Head.

Christ Church Cathedral was founded in the early 11th century under the Viking king Sitruic Silkenbeard (amazingly, that is his real name!).

Originally built as a wooden structure in 1030 with the help of an Irish priest, it was rebuilt in stone in 1172.

The current Gothic-style cathedral, with its striking architecture and impressive interior, has been standing since the 12th century.

11. Dublin Castle

Few castles in Ireland receive visitor numbers like our next stop. Dublin Castle is a 4-minute walk away and it’s here you’ll find an impressive structure that dates back over 800 years.

Originally developed as a medieval fortress under the orders of King John of England, work on Dublin Castle was started by Meiler Fitzhenry in 1204 when the city was under Norman rule following the invasion of 1169.

Constructed on elevated ground once occupied by an earlier Viking settlement, it was completed in 1230 and took on the look of a classic Norman courtyard design.

One of the most prominent parts of the castle today, the imposing Record Tower is the only surviving tower of the original Medieval fortifications.

While its rectangular battlements on the roof are actually a 19th-century addition, they look pretty convincing! 

Related read: See our guide on the best castles in Dublin

12. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Another firm favourite on this self-guided walking tour of Dublin is located a 12-minute walk from the castle.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a historic religious landmark that was founded in 1191. It’s the largest church in Ireland and it boasts Gothic architecture.

When you arrive here, take some time to saunter around the part and admire the cathedral’s exterior, before heading inside to get an eyeful of its outstanding interior.

13. The Guinness Storehouse

Photos © Diageo via Ireland’s Content Pool

Few Dublin walking tours can resist rounding off a day of strolling at The Guinness Storehouse , which is a 17-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Book your tickets in advance (self-guided or guided) and immerse yourself in the story of the most famous of the many Irish beers .

The building itself is part of the Guinness Brewery and it acts as a seven-story visitor centre that takes visitors through the history of Guinness along with how it’s made and more.

The tour finishes on the rooftop in the impressive Gravity Bar that overlooks Dublin City and beyond.

Day 2 of our self-guided walking tour of Dublin

1. St. Stephen’s Green

We’re going to kick-start day two of our self-guided walking tour of Dublin at St. Stephen’s Green , which is often referred to as the ‘Lungs of Dublin’.

You’ll find the nine hectare/22-acre park at the top of busy Grafton Street when it’s home to commemorative sculptures, extensive trees and a large pond.

It has a pretty  wild  history that few are familiar with (read more here ) and it’s a nice, calm spot to kick-start the day!

2. Leinster House

The second stop of the day takes us 4 minutes down the road to Leinster House – the epicenter of Irish politics.

This is an impressive Georgian building that dates back to the 18th century. Now, while you can take a guided tour, if you like, you’re arguably best off admiring Leinster House from afar.

Unless you’re interested in politics, that is – in that case head on in for a journey back through Ireland’s political past.

3. National Gallery of Ireland

Photo left: Cathy Wheatley. Others: James Fennell (Tourism Ireland)

The National Gallery of Ireland is a 5-minute walk from Leinster House and it’s here you’ll find one of the most popular museums in Dublin .

It’s also one of the best free things to do in Dublin when it’s raining! For visiting art enthusiasts, the National Gallery of Ireland is an absolute must.

This cultural treasure trove houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning various periods, from the Renaissance to the present.

Ireland’s artistic heritage can go overlooked by tourists and locals alike – this is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in it.

4. Merrion Square

Located in Dublin’s charming Georgian quarter, Merrion Square is a delightful mix of greenery and history (and it’s only 5 minutes from our last stop).

The square boasts finely manicured gardens that feel a far-cry from the busy city streets that lay just minutes away.

If you head for a stroll through its grounds, you’ll stumble upon impressive sculptures (including one of Oscar Wilde).

5. Irish Whiskey Museum

Photos by Brian Morrison via Failte Ireland

If you’re taking this self-guided walking tour of Dublin and it’s raining, our next stop will provide some welcome respite from the elements!

You’ll find the Irish Whiskey Museum a handy 15-minute stroll from Merrion Square and it’s here that you’ll discover the story behind the coveted Irish Whiskey .

I’ve done this tour in recent years and it offers a good mix (terrible pub intended…) of sippin’ and storytellin’.

You’ll get an insight into the history of whiskey and how it’s made and there’s also a tasting at the end.

6. Mulligan’s

© Tourism Ireland

Many Dublin walking tours take you to the busy pubs in Temple Bar . However, if you want to dodge the tourist traps, take the 6-minute walk from the Whiskey Museum to Mulligan’s.

You’ll find it on Poolbeg Street where it’s loved by locals and tourists alike for its old-worlde charm.

The pub received its license in 1782 but it operated as a Shebeen (a place where drink was sold illegally) for many years before.

The biggest compliment that I can give Mulligan’s is that walking through its doors makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Expect a lovely, traditional interior, a fine pint of Guinness and a furnishings that have stood the test of time.

7. The Custom House

The next stop on our self-guided walking tour of Dublin is the magnificent Custom House, a 4-minute walk from Mulligan’s.

This is an architectural marvel on Dublin’s waterfront and it was designed by James Gandon in the late 18th century.

The Custom House is famous for its neoclassical facade which is best admired from afar, first, before up close.

The building is now home to the Department of Housing.

8. The Famine Memorial

Dublin’s Famine Memorial is a poignant tribute to one of Ireland’s darkest chapters in history.

Located on Custom House Quay, a 4-minute walk from the Custom House, these haunting sculptures depict the devastating impact of the Great Famine in the 19th century.

The memorial serves as a solemn reminder of the suffering endured by the Irish people during that time and stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of those who lived through the tragedy.

Photo left: Eileen Coffey. Others: Ros Kavanagh (via Fáilte Ireland)

The next stop on our self-guided walking tour of Dublin is a handy 2-minute walk from The Famine Memorial.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum explores the profound impact that Irish emigrants have had across the world.

The museum is housed inside a vaulted space and stories are told via interactive exhibitions and striking displays.

You’ll need to pay into this one but it’s well-worth it (especially if it’s raining!).

10. The Jeanie Johnston

Photo left: Gareth McCormack. Others: Dylan Vaughan (via Failte Ireland)

Many Dublin walking tours omit the brilliant Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship which sits a 2-minute walk from the EPIC Museum.

The Jeanie Johnston is an impressive replica of the original ship that transported Irish emigrants to North America during the Great Famine.

The ship is a floating museum that offers an insight into the challenges faced by those Irish men and women that sought a better life across the pond.

You can take a guided tour here where you’ll be immersed in a story that shaped the very DNA of Ireland.

Dublin walking tours FAQs

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What’s a good route with free attractions?’ to ‘What unique stops should be included?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What’s a good route for a self-guided walking tour of Dublin?

If you use our Dublin walking tour map above, you’ll find a clear, logical route that takes in the city’s top sights over the course of two days. You could easily chop and change this route if needed.

Can you walk around Dublin in a day?

You can see the main sights in Dublin city in one day. If you follow the route on our Dublin walking tour map, you’ll only be walking from attraction-to-attraction for a total of 1.5 to 2 hours.

Can you walk around Dublin easily?

Yes. Dublin City is very walkable. Once you have a clear itinerary and know where you’re visiting and when, you’ll have no problem exploring the city on a self-guided walking tour of Dublin.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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15 Sights in One Day | A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dublin

Dublin city centre is fairly compact and can be easily explored on foot. Knowing the Irish capital very well, I put together an itinerary for a self-guided walking tour of Dublin focusing on sights located in the city centre so you can see as much as possible in one day.

Time spent on this tour depends entirely on you. It can be completed in less than 2 hours if you plan on just getting a feel for the city. Or you can spend all day if you decide to explore further and visit some of the attractions along this walking route of Dublin .

So let’s jump right in!

Disclaimer This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

Best Online Resources to Book your Trip to Dublin

• Getting There | I would recommend Aer Lingus and Air France , two reliable and affordable airlines. If you’re travelling from the UK or France, you can also sail to Dublin with Irish Ferries and Stena Line .
• Where to Stay | You’ll find accommodation for every budget on Booking.com . Cheaper options can be found on Hostelworld .
• Things to Do | You can buy tickets, skip-the-line passes and day trips with GetYourGuide and Viator . Context Travel offers private tours led by local experts.
• Getting Around | Travel from and to Dublin airport with Aircoach or Dublin Express . Transport For Ireland free app will help you navigate the city transport network if you ever need a bus.
• Planning | Lonely Planet Dublin city guide is one of my favourite travel guides when it comes to planning a trip to the Irish capital.
• Travel Insurance | Don’t forget to buy travel insurance before visiting Dublin. Heymondo has a nifty app to help you get the assistance you need while on the go.

More Travel Resources

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dublin – PART 1

A. O’Connell Street

Start your day on  O’Connell Street . This large thoroughfare featuring statues to various Irish political leaders was in large part rebuilt after the violence of the  1916 Easter Rising . O’Connell Street has been the backdrop to several political events over the years and remains today the starting point of public protests and demonstrations.

On O’Connell Street is one of Dublin’s main landmarks: the  General Post Office . It is still a working post office today, rebuilt after its near-destruction during the 1916 events. Don’t hesitate to have a quick look inside, or why not check out its Easter Rising museum .

Also on O’Connell Street can be found the  Spire , a controversial 121-metre-high needle of stainless steel that is now one of Dublin’s most recognisable features.

B. Ha’Penny Bridge

Taking a selfie on the  Ha’Penny Bridge  is a real cliché that few can resist. It is also a real challenge. Made of cast iron, this elegant but narrow 19th century pedestrian bridge over the  River Liffey  is a Dubliners’ favourite to cross between the North and South side of the city. Also very popular with tourists, it can become congested at times.

The bridge was built in 1816 to replace rickety ferries used by pedestrians to move between the North and South bank of the river. It owes its name to the toll that people had to pay to cross the river: half a penny.

You might also be interested in: – Ireland Travel Books | The Best Guidebooks to Plan your Irish Adventure – Beyond the Cityscape | The Best Seaside Towns Near Dublin – The 4 Best Distillery Tours in Dublin To Learn About Irish Whiskey – 5 Amazing Places to Visit Near Dublin Without a Car

C. Temple Bar

Once you have crossed the Ha’Penny Bridge, head straight beneath the archway and enter  Temple Bar . The most photographed part of Dublin, Temple Bar is famous for its colourful pubs and Irish music pouring down its cobbled streets.

Often decried by locals as a tourist trap charging exorbitant prices for a pint of beer, Temple Bar is also Dublin’s cultural quarter , home to funky vintage shops, interesting art galleries, reputable restaurants and – a favourite of mine – a food market every Saturday.

D. Dublin Castle

Just across from Temple Bar is Dublin Castle . This wonderful piece of Georgian architecture is a must-see castle to visit on your first trip to Dublin . Dating from the 18th century, it replaced an earlier Norman fortress ravaged by a fire in 1684.

You won’t be allowed to enter the building without a ticket, but you can take a stroll around the Upper Yard for free and admire the Chapel Royal from outside.

At the back of the Castle can be found the Dubh Linn Gardens , a landscaped haven of peace in bustling Dublin. It is also here you’ll discover the Chester Beatty Library . No doubt one of the best art museums in Dublin, the world renowned Chester Beatty Library is also free to visit. Your chance to take a peek at rare and richly decorated Bibles and Qurans dating back centuries ago.

E. City Hall

Next to Dublin Castle is the  City Hall . Built in the 18th century, the building is a great piece of neo-classical architecture. City Hall holds temporary exhibitions and access is free.

F. Christ Church Cathedral

Five minutes away is  Christ Church , Dublin’s oldest cathedral. Extensively restored in the 1870s, it is an interesting mix of 12th-13th century architecture and Victorian Gothic features. Entrance is not free. If you decide to spend some time here, the guided tour will give you the opportunity to ring the bells in the belfry. Cheaper, you can also book a self-guided tour with audio guide (different languages available).

In the Synod Hall of the Cathedral across the bridge is  Dublinia , a museum dedicated to Viking and Medieval Dublin that commands the access to the medieval St Michael’s Tower. Entrance is with ticket only.

G. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

Located 5-10 minutes down St Patrick’s Street,  Saint Patrick’s  is Dublin’s second cathedral. Jonathan Swift, best known as the author of Gulliver’s Travels, is buried under its floor. He was Dean of the Cathedral from 1713 to 1745. Tickets must be purchased to enter the edifice.

Adjacent to the Cathedral is the picturesque  St. Patrick’s Park  created in 1901 by Sir Edward Guinness. Around the corner from the Cathedral down St. Patrick’s Close can be found the  Marsh’s Library . One of Dublin’s oldest libraries , the Marsh’s Library is a perfectly preserved 18th century library.

H. George’s Street Arcade

This walking itinerary will now take you back to the heart of the city.

One of Europe’s oldest shopping centres,  George’s Street Arcade  is a Victorian indoor market home to an eclectic range of stores, stalls and cafés. Visit its vintage shops or browse drawings from local artists. Discover the unexpected in George’s Street Arcade.

I. Powerscourt Centre

In the heart of the Creative Quarter,  Powerscourt Centre  is a beautiful townhouse elegantly transformed into a shopping centre. Discover designer and craft shops, antique Irish brooches and rings including the famous  Claddagh ring , or just take some time to relax with a coffee.

Wander through the streets of the Creative Quarter for more independent stores with locally made products and some of the best Irish craft and souvenir shops in Dublin .

J. Grafton Street

You’ve reached  Grafton Street , Dublin’s main shopping district. This pedestrian-only street is home to many high-street brands, from Vans to Victoria’s Secret. On sunny days, Grafton Street is taken over by buskers and inventive entertainers. Talented or not, that’s up to you to decide!

At Grafton Street’s far end sits  Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre . Its impressive architecture of glass and steel should convince you to have a peek inside. Across from it can be found the  Gaiety Theatre . Every summer, the Gaiety welcomes a world-renowned show: River Dance.

Feeling hungry or tired? Time to get some energy back before exploring further. Cafés and restaurants abound in Grafton Street and nearby side streets. Eat a sandwich on the go, sit on a terrace for a coffee and light bite, or enjoy comforting pub food. There’s something for every taste in and around Grafton Street.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dublin – PART 2

Now that you have rested your feet for a little while, let’s get back to our walking tour of Dublin .

A. St. Stephen’s Green

St. Stephen’s Green  is Dublin’s largest Georgian garden square and one of the most popular public parks in the city. Donated by Sir Arthur Guinness to the people of Dublin in the 19th century, St. Stephen’s Green has been a respite from the bustling city ever since.

Across from St. Stephen’s Green, you might spot a 300-year-old cemetery on Merrion Row. Established in 1693, it was the burial ground for French Huguenots in Dublin , who fled religious persecution in France.

B. Merrion Square

With elegant Georgian townhouses lined up all around it,  Merrion Square  is considered Dublin’s finest Georgian garden square. Among other notable residents, famous writers Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats lived in those desirable homes, as well as Irish political leader Daniel O’Connell.

Only open to the public since the 1960s, it is worth wandering around the garden’s well maintained alleys and manicured lawns until you bump into the great Oscar Wilde himself resting on a rock.

Behind a secured gate,  Leinster House  and the  Government Buildings  can be observed at a distance from Merrion Square. If you fancy a breath of culture along your walking tour, the  National Museum of Ireland  and the  National Gallery  both have their entrances around the corner.  If you are visiting the city on a budget, these free Dublin museums have to be on your do-list!

C. Trinity College

Enter  Trinity College  through Nassau Street. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest surviving university and its most prestigious. You can roam the grounds freely and observe the elegant architecture of its oldest buildings harmoniously arranged in squares.

Tours are available from the main entrance on College Green, though not offered all year round. If you have some spare time, visit the  Old Library  (tickets only) that hosts an exhibition of the famous  Book of Kells , an illuminated manuscript believed to date back to the 9th century. The Long Room with its spectacular vaulted ceiling is a must-see masterpiece.

D. Molly Malone

End your self-guided walking tour in front of St Andrew’s Church in St. Andrew’s Street where the statue of  Molly Malone  is now located. Molly Malone is a fictional fishmonger rendered famous by a popular song of the same name. The song has become the unofficial anthem of Dublin and ending a tour of the city without paying your respect to Molly Malone could be perceived as rude.

Guided Tours for the History Enthusiast

Self-guided tours are great. You can go at your own pace and decide where and how you want to spend your time.

But if, like me, you like learning about the history and interesting anecdotes of the place you visit, why not book a guided tour with someone knowledgeable?

Check out the recommendations below!

Where to Stay in Dublin City Centre

To make the most of your day, I recommend staying in the city centre to allow for an early start. Here are some recommendations of top-rated hotels with the perfect location:

• O’Connell Street: The Gresham
• Ha’Penny Bridge: Zanzibar Lock
• Temple Bar: The Hard Rock Hotel
• Grafton Street: The Westbury Hotel
• Merrion Square: The Alex

Click here for more options, or read the latest reviews on Tripadvisor . Dublin can be very pricey, especially in the summer months. Always book early to get the best deal.

I hope you will enjoy this self-walking tour of Dublin and you will get to see as many sights as possible in just one day. There is so much to see that you might want to come back and explore Dublin even more. Hopefully this Dublin city guide will give you more ideas of things to do during your next visit to this wonderful and lively city.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

RELATED POSTS

Top Things to Do in Temple Bar, Dublin, That Are Not Tourist Traps

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Beyond the Cityscape | The Best Seaside Towns Near Dublin

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The best walking tours in Dublin

Dublin’s lively neighbourhoods and wonderful architecture are reasons enough to encourage a visitor to lace up their shoes and hit the streets. Follow a knowledgeable guide as you learn all there is to know about the city. Choose from tours that focus on history and hidden gems to food and entertainment, or, if you’re feeling especially daring, even tours focused on true crime and haunted places! No matter what your interests are, there’s a walking tour to satisfy you.

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The Haunted History Walking Tour - Hidden Dublin Walks

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Tours de Dublin en Français

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Self-Guided Dublin Tour

This post is a self-guided tour of Dublin that covers all the iconic sites on the city's south bank as well as some lesser-known haunts.

The tour should take approximately 1.5 hours or just a bit less than that. The walk is approximately 1.5 km (just over 1/2 a mile).

Don't forget that you can also book a pay-what-you-like live-guided tour of the city centre with us!

• Start: Viking Longboat Statue
• End: St Stephen's Green

Click the map to enlarge it or to download it to a smartphone.

GPS-Enabled Audio Tour

We also offer an audio tour of historic Dublin, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides.

Here’s a sample.

Book the Dublin audio tour .

1. Viking Longboat Statue

We’ll see a lot of monuments in the course of the walk, and this one wins the prize for the most useful.

It doubles as a bus stop. If you have it to yourself, pretending to row is a classic photo opportunity.

It surprises many visitors, but Vikings are a major part of Dublin’s story.

Initially raiders, in 841, some of them decided to settle down in Ireland, and they established towns along the coast.

2. Fishamble Street

Today, Fishamble Street is lined with modern buildings today, but its history was discovered starting in 1974 when the Dublin City Council decided to move its offices to a four-acre site here.

When archaeologists spoke up to say they’d found one of the most intact sites of its age in Europe, residents rallied around the idea of preserving it.

Those artifacts are mainly on display at the National Museum of Ireland, and the sidewalk here has little nods to them.

On the left side of the street, you can find five bronze markers with the shapes of artifacts unearthed here.

3. Handel’s Messiah

Also on the left, as the street begins to bend to the right, is a short, narrow white wall with a decorative arch.

This is the former entrance to the New Music Hall, wherein in 1742 the premiere of Handel’s Messiah was performed.

Messiah is a fixture across the English-speaking world during the Christmas season, and no less so here – except the annual tradition here happens on April 13 th , the same date as the original performance.

And since this is no longer a music venue, it takes place outside.

4. Christ Church Cathedral

There’s a lot to see on the grounds of Christ Church Cathedral – the stunning exterior, a labyrinth in the courtyard if you need somewhere to clear your head, and the interior, available to explore with either a guided or self-guided tour. 

Inside, you’ll discover impressive stained glass windows and a mosaic floor, and sacred objects from the building’s history as both a Catholic and a Protestant church.

You'll also find a tower with a world-record-setting number of bells – 19 – and a crypt with the preserved remains of a saint as well as of a mummified cat and rat.

All that inside the oldest structure still in use in Dublin.

The story of this church is long and interesting but you’ll need to learn more with the PDF and/or audio tour version.

If you’re interested in exploring inside, the church hosts services, tours, and music events.

Prayer services are held weekday mornings at 10 and evenings at 5, except on Wednesdays when they hold a choral evensong at 6. Sunday Eucharist is at 11 am.

Tours are available Thursday through Sunday, with first admission at 10 am and last admission at 4:15 pm.

Tickets are 7 Euros and fifty cents for adults with various concessions available.

The tour includes access to the bell tower and crypts, both of which involve stairs.

Tickets: https://www.mytoptickets.com/?3B041324-155D-D234-0AA684C0D2E68919

5. Dublin Castle

For more than seven centuries, Dublin Castle was the center of government in Ireland.

While there are still some older elements under the castle, most of what you can see dates from after a major fire.

It took place in the 17 th century, so the castle was rebuilt in the heyday of Dublin’s famous Georgian style of architecture.

Dublin Castle was built near the meeting of two rivers: the Liffey, where our tour started, and the Poddle, which still merges into the Liffey here, but today flows underground.

If you’d like to visit the castle, it’s open from 9:45 am to 5:45 pm daily, with final admission at 5:15 pm.

Self-guided and guided tours are available. Guided tours are an hour long and cover the State Apartments, the undercroft, and the royal chapel; tickets are 12 Euros with concessions for students, seniors, and children.

Self-guided tours offer access only to the State Apartments and exhibitions; these are 8 Euros, with the same concessions.

6. City Hall

City Hall is open to the public and free to enter.

Right through the door is a vast, impressive, echoing entrance hall with a massive dome, plus a glass elevator so you can see the whole thing from above.

All this opulence comes from the fact that when this was built in the 18 th century, it was the royal stock exchange and custom house.

But, when the city bought it in the 1850s for its current function, they added a floor mosaic with the city seal.

There’s also a rotunda, which is available to visit when it isn’t rented out for events.

And the basement is home to a small gallery with a broad exhibition of artifacts from Dublin’s history.

There’s also a café inside if you’re due to rest a while. The building is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 5:15 pm.

7. Temple Bar And The Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum

Curved St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

The area you’ve been walking through is called Temple Bar. For newcomers, the name can be confusing – it’s the name of a neighborhood, not a drinking establishment.

For the “Bar” part of the name, think sandbar rather than whiskey bar. It was named for the riverbed it borders.

Today, the bars are of the whiskey rather than the sand variety, and the neighborhood has become a place where art meets nightlife.

The highlight of the neighborhood is its live music venues, and the Irish Rock N Roll Museum was built right in the middle of the action.

Within a few blocks, you’ll find art galleries, theaters, festivals, and lots of bars, more often than not with live music.

There are lots of other things to do in Temple Bar, and it’s well worth exploring this area at more leisure.

It’s also tourist central for Dublin, so scoping things out and making plans during the daytime can save you time after nightfall.

8. Bank Bar

The Bank is a bar and restaurant today, but it started out as a bank.

If you looked inside City Hall earlier, you’ll have gotten an impression of what Irish institutions of commerce looked like in the 18 th century.

This building takes that atmosphere into the late 19 th century.

The current interior was designed in the 1890s, and it was given the stained-glass ceilings, mosaic floors, and generally over-the-top décor that would inspire confidence in investors.

All that grandeur is still there – if you’re here during open hours, you’re welcome to step inside and get a look at the place, whether or not you plan to patronize it.

And if you did decide to stay awhile, you could also see the bank vaults, which are in the basement near the restrooms.

Another treasure on offer is a full replica of the Book of Kells – the main tourist attraction of Trinity College, a couple of stops ahead.

The Bank Bar is open from 11 am to 10 pm daily.

9. Molly Malone Statue

This is Molly Malone. She’s the subject of a song called “Cockles and Mussels,” which is famous to the point of cliché among Irish people.

The title comes from the line “cockles and mussels alive, alive, oh,” which is a cry that street vendors selling mollusks actually used in the 19 th century when the song probably originated.

But its origins are mysterious, and its main character may or may not have been a real person.

Molly Malone is one of the most stereotypical Irish names you could think of.

The character, real or not, meets a tragic end.

After taking up the family business of selling seafood from a cart, she meets the song’s narrator and leaves a strong impression, but then dies of fever and haunts the streets, hawking shellfish for eternity.

And you actually can hear Molly’s voice today.

This is one of the Talking Statues of Dublin – twelve monuments that can talk to you through your phone with the help of a QR code on a plaque located nearby.

10. Irish Houses Of Parliament (Former Location)

We’ve already seen a couple of examples of transformed houses of commerce, a stock exchange turned into a city hall and a bank turned into a bar.

This is a house of parliament turned into a bank.

It was built in 1729 when Ireland was dominated by an English upper class but still had its own legislature.

Like the English Parliament, it was a bicameral or two-house parliament, with a House of Lords and a House of Commons.

They had no permanent home and met where they could, often in religious spaces or private homes, where it could be difficult to even fit all the members, much less do their work gracefully.

This building was commissioned to solve that problem.

The architect was himself a member of parliament, and he designed the first building in the world meant to serve exactly the purpose of a two-house legislature.

In 1800, the Acts of Union, passed by both the English and Irish Parliaments, formally joined the two lands into the United Kingdom.

The Irish Parliament was dissolved. Three years later, the Bank of Ireland acquired the building.

11. Trinity College

What you’re seeing now is the oldest part of Trinity’s campus, mostly consisting of 19 th -century buildings.

Trinity is the single college that makes up the University of Dublin.  Similar universities in the UK contain many colleges.

And that was the model the founders had in mind in 1592 when a Church of Ireland archbishop asked the English crown to grant land that had once belonged to a monastery for the creation of a university.

The bell tower, called the Campanile, is the centerpiece of this area – it’s from 1853, so it’s been here long enough to develop some lore.

Trinity is one of the most respected universities in the world, and its alumni can be found in many corners of the present and of history, including the Irish separatist movement.

Several Irish presidents went here, and it’s particularly known for its literary graduates.

James Joyce unsurprisingly wasn’t one of them, but Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett, Bram Stoker, and lots of others were.

And when it comes to literary significance, Trinity also has an undeniable claim to fame: the Book of Kells , located in a stunning library just a few steps away from the Campanile.

It’s the university’s main attraction for visitors, but not the only one: the campus is also home to a zoological museum (only open during the summer), a science museum, an art gallery, and a theater.

12. The Book Of Kells

If you don’t know the Book of Kells, it isn’t the kind of book you sit and read.

No one is allowed to touch it, it’s in Latin, and even if you know the language, it’s written so elaborately that it’s almost unreadable.

But the decoration is the point: the Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript.

It's a copy of the four gospels of the New Testament of the Bible written so artfully that it’s considered Ireland’s single foremost cultural artifact, and one of the greatest works of art of Europe’s Middle Ages.

The word “Kells” comes from the Abbey of Kells, which was where the book was kept for centuries and probably where at least part of it was made.

The building where it’s located is called the Old Library, built in 1712, and the part that houses the book is the Long Room, a 65-meter room that’s remarkably beautiful on its own.

It’s also home to a 15 th -century wooden harp – an instrument that was as essential at one time to Gaelic music as the fiddle is today.

This one is the basis for the harp design seen on the Irish emblem and on the logo of Guinness.

Because abbeys were wealthy, they were targets for Viking raids, and that disruption probably destroyed many works of Insular Art and ended the era of their creation.

Given how fragile the book is, its survival is remarkable, and it’s had some close scrapes.

It was stolen once, probably less for the book itself than for a jeweled cover; the cover was torn off and the book was thrown away, but somehow it was recovered.  

13. Irish Whiskey Museum

Famous as Irish whiskey may be, it’s on its way out of a dark age.

After a heyday in the 18 th and 19 th centuries, when there were many hundreds of distilling companies on the island, by 1972 the number was down to one.

That company was Irish Distillers Limited, which produces well-known brands like Jameson, and in 1988, that single company became a subsidiary of a beverage giant based in France.

But 1988 also saw the opening of the first new distillery in Ireland in many decades. And today, there are 32.

This museum opened in 2014 and tells the story of that rise and fall and rise again, going all the way back to the drink’s origins.

The word “whiskey” comes from the Irish phrase “uisce beatha,” which means “water of life” – a straight translation of the Latin “aqua vitae,” which was the medieval name for any kind of solution involving alcohol.

The museum offers tours, a whiskey blending experience, and a brunch.

Of course, it has a bar, which has around 100 whiskeys and hosts live music and other events Friday through Sunday evenings, closing at 10:30 pm.

14. Grafton Street

Grafton Street is Dublin’s most famous corridor for shopping and people watching, and from here until St. Stephen’s Green, where the street ends, it’s pedestrian-only.

The street is mostly retail, and it has a little of everything from high-end to low-end, and some of the oldest businesses here are Dublin or Irish exclusives, mostly high-end shopping.

There’s Brown Thomas, a classy Irish department store, JM Barnardo Furriers, Weir and Sons Jewelers, and James Fox Cigars and Whiskey.

The smallest local businesses are the musicians – Grafton Street is busking central for Dublin.

One other local business to keep an eye out for is Bewley’s Oriental Café, founded in 1927.

Besides a place to stop for coffee or lunch, it’s also a historic hangout for writers – James Joyce not only spent time there but mentioned it in his book Dubliners.

15. National Gallery Of Ireland

Merrion Square West, Dublin 2

The National Gallery has been one of the best places to see art in Ireland since 1854.

It’s got both a national and a continental focus, with plenty of Irish artists, but also lots of other Europeans, from medieval to modern.

The Grand Gallery in particular mixes the two – it’s a long, elegant space showing works from across Enlightenment Europe, but all with some relation to Ireland, whether by artist or subject matter or the painting’s back story.

A local favorite piece is Irish painter Frederic William Burton’s The Meeting on the Turret Stairs .

Or, for some emphatically Irish subject matter, you could find Daniel Maclise’s The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife , which depicts the cementing by marriage of the alliance between Diarmat Mac Murchada and his Norman allies.

But you can also see Vermeer and Caravaggio and Picasso, among other greats.

Admission is free for the main gallery, with admission sometimes charged for temporary shows.

Exhibitions and events: https://www.nationalgallery.ie/whats-on

16. Oscar Wilde Statue

Oscar Wilde stood out, and in a city full of statues in simple bronze or stone, so does this monument.

Artist Danny Osborne did his research, and given Wilde’s taste for overdressing and living beyond his means.

Osborne chose fitting materials: it’s made of four different stones from places as far apart as Canada and India, with bits of porcelain and bronze, plus the giant chunk of quartz he’s sprawled on, which is the only element sourced from Ireland.

He’s wearing a Trinity necktie and his wedding ring.

The female figure in his view is his wife Constance Lloyd, pregnant with one of their two sons; one of their grandchildren officiated at the unveiling of the monument.

And the male torso is meant to be Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine and drama.

Behind the flashy exterior, though, his private life was shaky.

He had a lasting relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, a young man who introduced him to London’s underground gay scene.

Wilde eventually found himself on trial for sodomy and gross indecency. He was sentenced to prison with hard labor for two years.

With all this in mind, to see what the artist had in mind for this statue, you have to look at it from both sides.

His face is split like a tragicomic mask. Viewed from the right, he’s smiling, and you can see the society man and the quick wit; the other side shows him as he emerged from prison.

Besides reading Wilde’s many words engraved on the statues, you also have another opportunity to hear this statue talk, just like the Molly Malone one; there’s a link to information in the notes.

http://www.talkingstatuesdublin.ie/

17. Leinster House

Leinster House is the home of the Oireachtas, the Irish legislature, since 1922.

As before the Acts of Union, it’s a two-house legislature, but without the distinction between nobility and non-nobility drawn under the old system, and without English names.

Today, the two houses are the Seanad, the upper house, and the Dáil, the lower house, both of which meet here.

Unlike the old Parliament House, Leinster House wasn’t built for the purpose of legislative action.

It was a private residence, finished in 1748 for a man who would eventually become the Duke of Leinster.

But in 1922, when the Oireachtas has its debut at Leinster House, closely watched by hopeful locals and curious international press, it gave them a particularly Irish welcome: the proceedings of the legislature were held in the Irish language.

Fun Fact: Leinster House was partly the basis for the United States’ White House, designed by Irish architect James Hoban.

18. National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology

This museum covers the history of Ireland from the Stone Age to the Late Middle Ages, along with a few exhibits on the ancient Mediterranean.

The area called the Treasury shows a history of Irish art, from the Iron Age through the development of the church-influenced Insular style (including illuminated manuscripts) to the Viking-influenced style that followed.

Another show focuses on prehistoric gold ornaments made during the Bronze Age.

And another focuses on the more practical items of prehistoric life in Ireland, including a 4500-year-old boat and the island’s oldest known musical instruments.

The last of the permanent exhibitions focus on Viking life in Ireland, including relics from the elaborate burial traditions observed in the Norse religion, as well as Christian art created by those Vikings who settled and converted.

Other exhibits are shown on a temporary basis, and if you’re lucky – or unlucky, depending on how you feel about it – you may see bog bodies.

These are human remains naturally preserved in peat bogs, likely part of an ancient human sacrifice ritual.

Exhibitions: https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Exhibitions

Events: https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Events

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday and Monday, 1 - 5 pm. Admission is free, as it is at all four of the National Museum of Ireland locations.

19. The Mansion House

Through all of Dublin’s political upheaval and the game of musical chairs its governing institutions have played, this place has been unusually stable: since 1715, it’s been the official home of the Cathaoirleach, the mayor of Dublin.

It’s also been the scene of plenty of other major political moments.

In 1919, the first Dáil, or the lower house of the legislature, met here and spoke the declaration of Irish independence (there was also a centennial celebration of that event in January of 2019).

And in 1921, the Anglo-Irish Treaty, formalizing the terms of separation between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, was signed here.

And before either of those events, this was where Michael Collins, a leader of the Irish separatist movement, evaded arrest by the British military by sweeping the floor and pretending to be a janitor.

Civic ceremonies are held here today, such as when the city bestows the title of Freeman of Dublin, a high honor that comes with grazing rights on the public greens and the duty to defend the city in case of attack.

All kinds of political and cultural figures have been honored in this way, so take a moment to imagine a future siege of Dublin when the city is defended by Michael Gorbachev, Bono and the Edge, and Barack and Michelle Obama.

20. The Little Museum Of Dublin

Next to the national museums we’ve seen, this is a humble place, but it’s also a local favorite.

It’s a scrappy, homemade, self-described “people’s museum,” focused on the part of Dublin history that’s still in living memory – think more U2 paraphernalia and soccer memorabilia than illuminated manuscripts and bog bodies.

It’s also a young museum. In 2011, a call was put out to the public for objects that screamed 20 th century Dublin, and the results were arranged in three floors of a Georgian townhouse.

For Dubliners, it’s a nostalgia experience on top of being educational.

They sell a variety of tickets – for 8 Euros you can get either a roughly hour-long self-guided experience or their staple, a half-hour guided tour.

The same price gets you access to their several themed tours:

• a tour of Irish women’s history every Monday at 4 pm
• a walk of St. Stephen’s Green every day at 3:30 pm
• a tour themed around writers every day at 11:30 am
• a tour within the museum of queer Dublin history every other Saturday at 4 pm.

15 Euros gets you an all-day pass for whatever’s on the day’s schedule.

There are guided options in Irish sign and French, and there’s a free tour of the museum Wednesdays at 11 am. 

The building is also home to a project called the City of a Thousand Welcomes, which can arrange, usually with some notice, for you to meet a Dubliner, one-on-one or two-on-one. 

21. St. Stephen’s Green

As indicated at the last stop, there’s enough to see in St. Stephen’s Green to make a whole walking tour on its own.

But it’s also a good place for leisure, which may be in order by now.

The park is open 7:30 am to dusk Monday through Saturday, 9:30 am to dusk on Sundays.

From here on the northside of St. Stephen’s Green, you’re just a short walk from the lake that spans most of the park’s width.

When you reach the water, you can make a right and walk a little further to find a bridge crossing a narrow point in the lake and leading to the center of the park, where you’ll find a Victorian flower garden.

To the right from there is a garden designed for blind visitors, with plants chosen for their smell and physical texture, and to the left, in a bend in the lake, a bog garden.

The park was originally a commons used for grazing, but in the 17 th century, homes were built around it, and it became a private park for the residents.

In 1880 it became a public park, thanks to the philanthropic work of the Guinness family, the people behind Guinness beer.

One of them bought the park and paid for its renovation, and today he’s one of the many statues and monuments in the park.

During the Easter Rising, separatists seized the park, dug trenches, and fought against the British military, with a pause in the fighting so a groundskeeper could feed the ducks.

The park still shows the marks of that event: there’s a monument called the Fusilier’s Arch at the northwest entrance, which still has bullet holes in it.

And in the center of the park, opposite the bridge across the lake, is a bronze bust of Constance Markievicz, an Irish woman who fought in the Easter Rising, was the first woman elected to the British Parliament, and also served in the First Dáil and as a minister in the first government of the Republic of Ireland.

This is the end of the tour. We hope you enjoyed it. 

Free Walking Tours

Our free walking tour page lists the various pay-what-you-like walks that are available on a daily basis in English and Spanish.

These tours usually last 2.5 - 3 hours each. You can  book tours here .

Tourist Passes and Bus Tours

If you purchase a Dublin Pass or GoDublin Card , you'll get small-group guided walking tours included.

A hop-on-hop-off bus ticket will get you easy transportation around the city - directly to Dublin's most popular attractions. Audio guides and guided walks are also offered with each ticket.

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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Original Dublin Walking Tour Includes:

• Dublin Castle;
• Christ Church Cathedral;
• Viking Dublin;
• Temple Bar;
• Medieval Dublin;
• 1916 Easter Rising;
• Irish Revolutionary Period & Independence;
• The River Liffey;
• The Ha’Penny Bridge
• Trinity College
• Old Irish Parliament Buildings;
• Irish Language, Traditions and Customs;
• Irish Literature and culture.

Customer Reviews

Read some of our amazing reviews from visitors just like you.

Our guide Keith was a great, funny, and full of knowledge.

Kate was fantastic! I couldn't have asked for a better guide. Very knowledgeable, very nice, very accommodating, and best of all very funny and with an awesome voice. Give that girl a raise, a promotion, and a Bentley!

Kate was an awesome storyteller and guide!! We loved it!

Tour fantastique avec le highlight and secret tour avev Keith, on a bien ri !!!!

Very nice tour! The guide Keith as the best humour and we ad a really great time learning about Dublin!!

A really nice tour, by foot, of the city with an entertaining and inspiring guide (Dan) who really knew what he was talking about. I can strongly recommend this tour.

Great and interesting tour with Keith. Loved his sense of humour 🙂

On my first day in Dublin, I decided to take this tour and I am thankful I did. Our guide was informative and friendly, not only giving us a brief history of the places we passed, but also advice on where to go and eat at next. I was able to get oriented with the city, as well as learn about Ireland and its history. I recommend this tour for any new or returning travelers.

Very happy with my great tour!

Excellent walking tour with Dan. We toured the Dublin Castle, the Christ Church Cathedral, the Temple Bar District, & O’Connell Avenue. Dan was very knowledgeable & took good care of our group. We received an education on the history of Ireland from the early Vikings to Modern Contemporary culture. Dan was willing to answer all of the group’s questions & provided us with many local recommendations. Excellent introduction for our Dublin experience!

6/29/24 UPDATE: I just took this tour a second time. Alan's enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor have only increased since I too this tour a couple of years ago. Thanks for a great time!! -- Alan guided us on the Fables and Folklore tour and it was great! We walked around central Dublin, stopping at relevant places while learning about the mythology of Ireland and how it continues to inform Irish culture. Additionally we got a great feel for Dublin city through stories of real-life characters from its past. A great time! Highly recommend!

My friend, her daughter, and I took the Mythology & Folklore tour this evening! Emily was our guide. She made sure the tour was funny, engaging, and interesting. We had a wonderful time. I’m headed back to Dublin in the fall with family and will definitely book another tour through Original Dublin.

Dan was a great tour guide. He brought us throughout the city to many great spots and discussed historic facts surrounding the city.

A brilliant tour, Gemma was a great story teller and despite it pouring with rain kept the tour energetic, captivating and fun

Marina lo ha hecho muy bien. Le ha puesto muchas ganas a pesar de que éramos 6 gatos bajo la lluvia. Ha contestado todas nuestras preguntas y ha llenado de anécdotas el recorrido haciéndolo muy dinámico. Soy Belén con el gmail de mi hija que yo tengo hotmail. 🙂

Ottima esperienza con la compagnia di una guida (ROSS) brillante, competente e coinvolgente, che ci ha permesso di attraversare fisicamente e nei suoi miti Dublino e l’Irlanda!

Daniela lo ha hecho genial

Daniela, ha estado fabulosa, genial muy recomendable

Daniela es excelente guía

Daniela ha estado genial. Nos ha encantado el tour.

¡Daniela estuvo fabulosa!

Daniela mola

Five stars because it's an original and "politically-incorrect" tour which depicts the true history of Ireland and its brave and proud people, against the foreign colonialism. My guide was Berry and he is great!

Helena was a lovely tour guide for Pride and Irelands history within the LGTBQI community! Highly recommend 🙂

This tour was so fun & I learned so much about the history and “personality” of the city of Dublin! Our tour guide, Alan, was absolutely fantastic- he shared so many stories & recommendations for the city. The best walking tour of a city I have ever done!

A great way to get a crash-course introduction to Dublin and Ireland history with a very knowledgeable leader and a decent amount of humor thrown in too! We had a little one along and easy strolling route as well.

Muy bien, Marina ha sido dinámica y nos a contado tanto historias como anécdotas. El tiempo ha pasado rápido. Muchas gracias

Marina ha sido una guía fantástica. Súper recomendable para visitar Dublín con muchas dosis de historia irlandesa y unos toques de humor

Muy bueno! Y Rebecca una genia! Tour super completo, divertido y con información que te da un panorama general de Dublin e Irlanda. Gracias!

Lovely tour, really was able to learn a lot about the area in such a short period of time. Our tour guide was super funny and relatable so the experience was great.

Additional information

Joining the tour.

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour starts and show your booking confirmation to one of our guides. Look for the green umbrellas and lanyards.

Group Bookings

Groups of more than 10 people must contact us and book at least 24 hours in advance.

Getting Here

Our meeting point is at 3 Crown Alley, near Temple Bar Square in the heart of the city centre. It’s a 2 minutes walk from both Dublin Castle and Trinity College. Type Original Dublin into Google Maps or simply click on this map. Either will take you straight to us.

Who are we?

We are Original Dublin – a local Dublin tour guide collective crafting experiences unlike any other in the city to ensure you get the best from your time in the Irish capital.

• [email protected]
• +353876874981
• 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

[email protected]

+353 87 255 4765

Dublin Strolls

Guided Walking Tours of Dublin City

Daily Tours: 11AM & 230PM

About Dublin Strolls - Guided walking tours of Dublin city

Discover Dublin through the eyes of a local on your guided walking tour. Join your experienced tourist guide, Dermot, to discover Dublin city on foot. We keep our group sizes small to make sure you leave loving Dublin city as much as we do!

Daily Tours at 11:00AM and 2:30PM

Take one of our most popular walking tours; learn about Medieval and Viking Dublin, seek out the grandeur of Georgian Dublin or explore the city's most famous sights on this small group walking tour of Dublin. 

We offer customised tours for individuals, families, friends and groups. Have a special interest in literature, history, music? Want to rediscover your city, or your Irish heritage? We will design a bespoke guided walking tour of Dublin city to match your interests, ensuring you have the best day out exploring Ireland's beautiful capital city. 

GEORGIAN DUBLIN, SOUTHSIDE

Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace

On this guided walking tour discover the delights of Georgian Dublin and delve into its history. Sights include: Georgian Squares, Leinster House, Huguenot Cemetery and much more

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Jetsetting Fools

Travel Far. Discover More. Spend Less.

Dublin Walking Tour: A Self-Guided Walk to Dublin, Ireland Sights

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Dublin, Ireland is home to numerous iconic sights and historic attractions – and the best way to see them is on a Dublin Walking Tour. We have devised a go-at-your-own-pace Free Self Guided Walking Tour of Dublin that features the best of the city. 

The top places to visit in Dublin are clustered together in the heart of the city center, which allows guests the opportunity to explore on foot. Travelers can use our easy-to-follow Self-Guided Dublin Walking Tour to navigate to the top sights… for free ! We even include a helpful Dublin Walking Tour Map to help you make your way.

Free Walking Tour Dublin, Ireland

Our free walking tour of Dublin is a self-guided adventure to top attractions. The walk focuses on downtown Dublin and is an easy, flat stroll through the city center. Our Dublin sightseeing tour, without any stops, should take about 2 hours at a casual pace.

How To Use Our Free Walking Tour Dublin

For each sight on our Dublin free tour, we provide a brief introduction, as well as some background information. Additionally, we include directions from one sight to the next. You will find our helpful map of Dublin tourist attractions – plus a printable Dublin, Ireland tour map –  at the end of the article. 

The route includes 15 Must-See Dublin Attractions, many of which can be entered. Some sights are free, while other require a ticket (we indicate if there is an admission fee). If you plan on entering several sights, the Dublin Pass will likely save you money and so will our article covering 50 Free Things To Do in Dublin !

Why Use Our Dublin Walking Tour Free Route

If you only have one day, this free walking tour of Dublin, Ireland will surely get you acquainted with the city, as it includes stops at all the top things to see. Visitors can complete the walk of Dublin highlights in just 2 hours, but those who are entering attractions can plan a full day of sightseeing. 

Those with 2 days in Dublin – or more – can use our Free Tour Dublin Walk on the first day of their trip to get oriented. We also offer recommendations for more things to do in Dublin at the end of the article.

Free Tours Dublin: What You Need To Know

Our Free Tour of Dublin, Ireland is as advertised: absolutely free! Visitors simply follow our step-by-step tour as outlined below to the top sights. Our self-guided tour allows travelers to experience Dublin at their own pace and enter attractions as desired.

Walking Tour Dublin: Free & Guided

Visitors will see touts for many Free Tours in Dublin that are guide-led. However, it is essential to understand that a Guided Dublin Free Walking Tour is not, in fact, free. These Free Walking Tours Dublin are tip based – and guides expect (and hopefully deserve) tips. 

While we have outlined our Best Free Walking Tour of Dublin, visitors may opt to join one of the many guided tours. There are many themed guided walks in Dublin, including historical walking tours, street art tours and Dublin food tours.  We feature a few of the highly-rated Dublin walking tours – that are guided and require a fee – at the end of the article. 

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Free Dublin  Walk to use during your trip to Ireland!

Dublin Walking Tour: 15 Sights To See

Our self-guided, free tour of Dublin begins at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Use the provided links or the downtown Dublin Map at the end of the post to navigate from sight to sight. 

#1 St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland

The first sight on our city tour of Dublin is the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It was on this site that in 450 AD St. Patrick baptized the first Irish converts. St. Patrick’s Cathedral was completed in 1191 and is the largest church in Ireland. The spire reaches 140 feet.

The cathedral is one of the top attractions in Dublin and visiting requires an entry ticket. Buy your ticket now and download it to your phone!

Map Directions from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to St. Stephen’s Green.

#2 St. Stephen’s Green

The second attraction on our Dublin, Ireland sightseeing tour is St. Stephen’s Green. The 22-acre park in the center of Dublin was created in 1664 and has been open to the public since 1880. St. Stephen’s Green features a pond, a bandstand, memorials, statues, several paths and green lawns. If you wish, you can visit the official site for more information about the park.

If there is time in your Dublin itinerary, consider having a relaxing picnic in the park. Alternatively, explore the area directly north of St. Stephen’s Green. Top attractions in the vicinity are museums (The Little Museum of Dublin, The National Museum of Ireland Archeology, The National Gallery of Ireland), the Irish parliament building (called Leinster), the historic Mansion House (the residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin) and Merrion Square Park. 

Map Directions from Saint Stephen’s Green to Grafton Street.

#3 Grafton Street

The pedestrian-only shopping district, Grafton Street, is the next stop on our tour – and one of the must-see sights in Dublin. Grafton Street leads from St. Stephen’s Green to Trinity College and features long-standing stores, recognizable brands, and historic cafes.

Sights to look for are the Brown Thomas Department Store (opened in 1849), Weir & Sons jewelry store (opened in 1869) and Bewley’s Café (opened in 1927). 

Grafton Street is also popular with street performers and musicians that entertain the passers-by. In fact, even U2’s Bono has performed on Grafton. No Dublin visit is complete without strolling the iconic street. 

Map Directions from Grafton Street to Irish Whiskey Museum.

#4 Irish Whiskey Museum

Whiskey is firmly part of Irish history. Today, distilleries dot the city landscape – each one offering their own story and tastings of their product. At the Irish Whiskey Museum, however, visitors get an unbiased version of the history of Irish whiskey…plus a chance to taste the product from several distillers. 

The Irish Whiskey Museum is conveniently located on Grafton Street – making it a popular stop on walking tours in Dublin, Ireland.

While tickets are required for the tour and tasting experiences at the Irish Whiskey Museum, visitors are free to stop in and check out the bar and shop. If you are skipping the guided tour, brush up on your Irish whiskey history . 

Map Directions from Irish Whiskey Museum to Trinity College.

#5 Dublin Trinity College

The famous Trinity College is the next stop on our Dublin walk (and it’s just across the street from the Whiskey Museum).

Established in 1592, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university and a must see in Dublin. The official name is College of the “Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin”, but is just called Trinity College for short.

Some of the college’s famous attendees are Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Samuel Becket and Courtney Love. The 47-acre campus has buildings arranged in squares around a bell tower and the library houses the Book of Kells (buy your fast-track ticket ). 

Map Directions from Trinity College to the Irish House of Parliament.

#6 Irish House of Parliament

Directly opposite the main entrance to Trinity College is the former Irish House of Parliament, and today houses the Bank of Ireland. The building is both architecturally and historically significant, which is why it is an important stop on walks around Dublin. 

Built in the mid-1700s, the Irish House of Parliament was the first ever specifically designed parliament structure, in that it featured an interior with a dual chamber – one for the House of Lords and one for the House of Commons. It’s a design that is still used today in bicameral government buildings around the world.

In the year 1800, however, it was inside the building that the parliament voted (under bribery and threat of King George III) to abolish itself in order to unite Ireland and Britain under as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. It was a relationship that only lasted 22 years. 

One odd thing to note about the building is the absence of windows. While there are places for windows, glass panes were never installed as there was a Window Tax that would have driven up the cost. 

Want to take a fun detour? Just around the corner from the House of Parliament is one of the most famous statues in Dublin – the Molly Malone Statue ( MAP ). Walk past the front of the Parliament House and turn left on Church Lane and walk about a block to find the famous Molly Malone. She is a character in an Irish song – a fishmonger by day and prostitute by night. The statue is often referred to as ‘The Tart with the Cart’ and visitors rub her bosoms for good luck. 

Map Directions from Parliament Building to O’Connell Street.

#7 O’Connell Street and The Spire

Continue your Free Dublin Walking Tour by making your way north to the O’ Connell Street Bridge. Standing on the bridge, look up the stretch of O’Connell Street as it leads north from the River Liffey. The street has been the site of massive protests, the annual St. Patrick’s Day parades, shellings during the 1916 Easter Rising and a bombing of the Nelson Pillar in 1966. 

The street is named after the influential Daniel O’Connell (who is called The Liberator for his part in the Catholic Emancipation and his efforts to repeal the 1800 Act of Union). His statue stands at the north end of the bridge.

Further along the street are many other statues featuring some of Ireland’s most celebrated figures – as well as the Spire of Dublin. Officially called Monument of Light , the Spire was built on the site of Nelson’s Pillar and reaches a height of 390 feet. The needle-like monument stands as a symbol of Dublin.

Map Directions from O’Connell Bridge to Ha’Penny Bridge.

#8 River Liffey and the Ha’Penny Bridge

The next sight on our free Dublin Tour is the River Liffey. The river runs through the center of Dublin, dividing the city into north and south. The river has been an important part of the city’s trade since the time of the Vikings. 

Several bridges span the river, including three that are designated pedestrian-only, which makes for nice walks in Dublin. The most popular footbridge is the Liffey Bridge, which dates to 1816 and is better known as the Ha’ Penny Bridge for the 1/2 pence toll once required to cross it. 

Map Directions from River Liffey to Temple Bar District.

#9 The Dublin Temple Bar District

Every Dublin itinerary should include one or two stops at a traditional pub! The energetic Temple Bar District on the south side of the river is chock-full of Irish pubs, restaurants and tourist shops – and is one of the Dublin areas most visited by tourists.

Enter the district through the Merchant’s Arch, directly across from Ha’Penny Bridge and turn right onto Temple Bar. It’s fun to simply roam, but Temple Bar Street is not to be missed! 

The Temple Bar District is one of the best places in Dublin for a Pub Crawl ( like this one! ). Several of the bars have a line-up of live music starting mid-day and going late into the night. Our favorite pubs in the district are The Temple Bar and The Quays. 

Map Directions from Temple Bar to Dame Street and the Olympia Theater.

#10 Dame Street Dublin and The Olympia Theater

The next stop on our free tour of Dublin is Dame Street, a major thoroughfare through the heart of Dublin City Centre. Lined with a mishmash of architectural styles, the street is home to numerous banking institutions, restaurants and shops. 

That said, the still-operating Olympia Theater is, perhaps, the most prominent landmark on the street. Opened in 1879, The Olympia Theater is the premier theater and concert hall in the Dublin city center. 

The stage has seen a slew of famous acts from Charlie Chaplin to Mumford & Sons. The theater underwent a major overhaul in the 1970s and the original iron and glass awning had to be completely restored after a truck crashed into it in 2004. For more about the history – and upcoming events – visit the official website . 

Map Directions from Olympia Theater to Dublin City Hall.

#11 Dublin City Hall

Built as the Royal Exchange in the mid-1800s, the building was transferred to the city government and renamed Dublin City Hall in 1850. The building is still used by the Dublin City Council today.

It is free to visit Dublin City Hall. Step inside the rotunda, where giant columns support the domed ceiling. The murals on the walls of the rotunda tell the story of Dublin’s history, which the tiled floor mosaic depicts the city’s Coat of Arms.  

Map Directions from Dublin City Hall to the Dublin Castle.

#12 Dublin Castle

Next up on our Dublin historic walking tour is the grand Dublin Castle. The Dublin Castle was built between 1208 and 1220 as the residence of viceroys.

Although the castle is now used as a conference center and event complex, the buildings of Dublin Castle represent some of the oldest architecture in the city. It remains one of the top tourist attractions in Dublin. It is free to walk on the grounds, but a ticket is required for admission inside, where they also offer tours of Dublin Castle. Get more details for you visit.

Map Directions from Dublin Castle to Christ Church Cathedral. 

#13 Christ Church Cathedral of Dublin

The Christ Church Cathedral is the next stop on our tour. One of the top attractions in Dublin, Ireland, the Christ Church Cathedral dates to Medieval times. 

The church was built around the year 1030 – making it older than St. Patrick’s and one of the best places to visit in Dublin for a history lesson. It was expanded in 1171, but most of the current structure was built between 1871 and 1878. An entry ticket is required for admission, unless you are there to pray. Visit the official Christ Church website for more information.

Map Directions from Christ Church Cathedral to John’s Lane Church. 

#14 John’s Lane Church

Although lesser-known than St. Patrick’s and Christ Church Cathedral, we think the John’s Lane Church is one of the Dublin hidden gems, which is why we include it in our free Dublin walking tour. 

The church was built on the previous site of St. John’s Hospital between 1862 and 1895. The French Gothic steeple reaches over 200 feet and is the tallest in Dublin – however, it is the colorful interior that is most striking. John’s Lane Church is one of the churches you can enter in Dublin for free.

Map Directions from John’s Lane Church to The Brazen Head Pub. 

#15 The Brazen Head

Claiming to be Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head is said to have origins dating back to the year 1198. The classic Irish pub features quaint rooms, three bars and live music. 

The traditional Brazen Head pub is a perfect place to stop for a pint at the end of a Dublin Self-Guided Walking Tour. For more information, read our article about The Brazen Head and be sure to also check out our Guide to Dublin’s Best Pubs !

MAP OF CITY CENTER DUBLIN, IRELAND

When embarking on Self Guided Walking Tours of Dublin, Ireland, a map is a must! We provided map links to each sight on our free Dublin walk, but we have a few more maps that will help you get from the first to the last stop!

Walking Route for Self Guided Tours in Dublin

Use this Google Map for a Dublin sightseeing map that has turn-by-turn directions for our Self-Guided Walking Tour Dublin, Ireland. Note: While the map does not list every sight, the route is inclusive of all the stops on our tour.

Interactive City Center Map: Dublin, Ireland

Use this link to a Interactive Downtown Dublin Map to help route your way to the sights and attractions listed on our Self-Guided Dublin Walking Tour. 

Dublin, Ireland Self-Guided Walking Tour Map PRINTABLE

This is a printable map of Dublin. To print our Dublin, Ireland must-see map, first click on the map to enlarge it, then right-click and select Print. 

More Tours and Guided Walks in Dublin

Our above outlined free tour of Dublin is a great way to see the city. In fact, we think it is the Best Free Walking Tour Dublin that allows visitors to see the city at their own pace. 

However, visitors who want to learn more about the history of Dublin and meet fellow travelers may want to consider joining a Dublin tour guide for their walk.

The guided tours in Dublin range in price and duration – and focus on specific themes. 

Dublin Historical Walking Tour

The history of Dublin is fascinating. Join one of the easy 2-hour walking tours of Dublin that focuses on that vibrant history. Led by a local guide, participants are guided through the city while listening to the interesting facts and information that shaped Dublin. Get the details!  

Dublin Pub Crawl

When we think about things to do in Dublin, the first thing that comes to mind is drinking in pubs. We could have easily spent our days in Dublin doing nothing more than sipping pints of Guinness goodness; it really does taste better in Dublin!

However, then we would have missed out on Dublin sightseeing – and we weren’t going to visit Dublin and not see the top tourist attractions!

After a day of Dublin city sightseeing, however, visit the best pubs in Temple Bar on one of the entertaining Dublin night tours to the best bars! Book this tour!

Dublin Dark Side Walking Tour

There is a dark side to Dublin – as evidenced by gruesome stories of the past. On the Dark Dublin Tour participants will learn about the brothels and witches and the Hellfire Club while waltzing through back alleys and dark city streets. Book it…if you dare!

Ghost Tour Dublin

Join one of the Dublin guided tours to the spookiest spots in town! Learn the haunted history of Dublin on a spooky Gravedigger Ghost Tour. Note: This is a bus tour…which will give your feet a much-needed rest. Find out more!

Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

Follow in the footsteps of Ireland’s most famous writers…to the pubs, of course! On this Dublin Literary Tour, listen to stories of the great writers and learn about Dublin’s pub culture. Book the Literary Pub Crawl! 

1916 Tour Dublin

The 1916 Tour is a Dublin history tour that focuses on the events of the Uprising. The 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour includes visiting key locations, re-enactments and multi-media presentations for a unique experience. Learn more!

Pro Tip: Looking for free walking tours about the Easter Rising? Use the Self Guided Dublin Walking Tour audio guide podcast for a basic intro.

Food Tour in Dublin

Join a guide for a grazing tour of Dublin on this highly rated Food Tour. Learn about the history and local cuisine while feasting your way past city sights. Reserve your space!

Alternatively, embark on a journey to experience the contemporary food culture with the best bites at a few of the top restaurants. Get the details!

Street Art Tour Dublin

The city of Dublin has a vibrant street art scene. Visitors interested in learning more about the alternative side of Dublin can join the Street Art Tour to find off the beaten path local haunts. Book it!

Dublin Private City Tour

Those who want a personal introduction can join one of the Dublin Private Walking Tours. On this private tour, visitors get to see Dublin with the help of a local guide. Get the details!

For more themed Dublin walking tours, check out these of Dublin City Tours .  

More Fun Dublin, Ireland Tours

Once you have the lay of the land, indulge in a few essential Dublin experiences and tours.

• Visit Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse for a connoisseur tasting
• Head to the Jameson Distillery for a lesson on Irish whiskey
• Take a River Liffey cruise

Hop On Hop Off Dublin Tour Bus

Visitors interested in sightseeing without all the walking can catch a ride on one of the Dublin Bus Tours. The Dublin sightseeing bus routes make stops at (or near) all of the top attractions. The bus tickets also include other perks, like on-board commentary, discounts at top sights and a guided Dublin walking tour. 

Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus Dublin

The classic, red Hop On Hop Off Tour in Dublin has two routes that stop at 28 places of interest – plus two walking tours included in the price. Visitors can opt for a 1- or 2-Day Pass .  

Green Do Dublin Hop On Hop Off Bus

Do Dublin is another tour company that offers a Hop On Hop Off Dublin, Ireland bus service. In addition to the 24- and 48-hour bus tickets , the Dublin tour company tickets also include transportation to and from the airport, as well as use of all Dublin city bus routes – plus free admission to The Little Museum of Dublin. 

Top Tip : A Dublin City Bus Tour is also included in the Dublin Pass , which can save money on entry into sights, too!

Tours and Day Trips From Dublin, Ireland

Use the city as a base and explore Ireland on one of many Dublin day trips. Visitors can explore on their own or join one of the highly rated tours that explores the region outside of Dublin City Center.

One of our favorite getaways is a short jaunt to the coastal village of Howth. Visitors can easily plan their own Day Trip To Howth – or book a guided trip . Other simple day trips from Dublin include the beachside community of Bray and the lovely village of Malahide .

Visitors can also travel to Northern Ireland to see the city of Belfast . Again, plan the trip on your own or join a tour from Dublin of Northern Ireland and Giant’s Causeway .

Other popular day tours from Dublin include seeing the stunning Cliffs of Moher (with a stop in quaint Doolin ), Visiting Galway or making a trip to the Blarney Castle (and kissing the Blarney Stone, of course!).  

Dublin day tours are offered by many companies. Read reviews from fellow travelers to find the best Ireland tours from Dublin on Viator ! 

Looking for multi-day Ireland trips? Set out from Dublin to see Ireland highlights on a five-day tour or enjoy the sights of Ireland on a six-day trip . 

Travel Tips For Your Dublin Trip

We have just a few final tips for your trip to Dublin! Planning an Ireland trip can feel a bit overwhelming – so we are outlining the essentials below – like where to stay, how to get there and what to pack.

Also check out our 3 Day Dublin Itinerary and 7 Day Ireland Itinerary for even more things to do! If you are coming from abroad, read our advice on Planning a Trip to Europe . 

As you make your plans, you will find that staying organized is key. To stay on top of all the details, use our Printable Travel Planner , which includes 25+ pages of travel organization! 

Where To Stay in Dublin, Ireland

We think the best place to stay in Dublin, Ireland is in the center, where it is easy to access the top sights and attractions on foot.

That said, during the summer tourist season, top value hotels book up quickly – so you will want to make sure you secure Dublin accommodations in advance of your trip. Before you start your search, read our tips for Booking the Best Hotels . 

Two of the highly-rated Dublin hotels are Leonardo Dublin Christchurch and Temple Bar Inn . Budget travelers can search for Dublin Hostels – like  Garden Lane Backpackers . Finding a vacation rental through Airbnb is another option on your vacation to Ireland.

Getting To Dublin, Ireland

Dublin can be reached by plane, train, bus, or ferry. Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying, we are JetSetting Fools, after all! When we do need to purchase cheap plane tickets , we start our search for the best deals on airline fares on Skyscanner . 

Flying to Dublin from the US is easy, with direct flights from DC , Philadelphia , Boston , NYC , Chicago , and SFO . Additionally, DUB is well-connected with all major European hubs like London , Frankfurt , Paris , Madrid , Lisbon and Amsterdam !

To get between destinations when flights are not possible, we usually rely on public transportation and take trains or buses. Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann provide bus transportation services in Ireland. 

We aren’t keen on driving abroad, but renting a car can often save time and money (especially when traveling with more than two people) – and having a car rental allows for greater discovery.  

Dublin Walking Tours: What You Will Need

Now that you know all about the Best Walking Tours of Dublin – plus other fun activities and essentials – it’s time to get ready for your sightseeing!

Make sure you are prepared by bringing the following items along with you. You can find all of our hacks  and advice on our Packing Page  – and grab your FREE packing checklist !

Travel Shoes

Although Downtown Dublin, Ireland is a very walkable, travelers will want to ensure they pack comfortable city walking shoes . I like to wear lightweight, rubber-soled shoes, like Columbia shoes or NB Trainers . Kris prefers wearing Merrell trail shoes, even in the city!

Ireland Weather Attire

The weather in Dublin is always unpredictable. It’s best to bring along a packable raincoat or travel umbrella for your free walking tour of Dublin. For those sunny moments, don’t forget sunglasses ,  sunscreen and a wide-brimmed travel hat . 

Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you will also want to have a great day bag to organize all your daily travel essentials . When we explore a city on foot, we like to wear small backpacks where we can stow our wallets, keys, map, jacket and umbrella.

Travel Camera

On walking tours of Dublin, Ireland visitors see heaps of top sights. While many travelers use their phone, we believe it is best to invest in an actual travel camera that will take high-quality photographs. We carry a Canon Rebel  with a 18-135mm lens . This DSLR is a perfect budget camera for beginner photographers – as it comes bundled with heaps of accessories and is easy to use! 

WiFi Connection

In our free Dublin Walking Tour, we include map links to get from sight to sight. However, in order to use those links, you will need a WiFi Connection . While many cellphone providers offer temporary international data packages, they can be expensive! Instead, we recommend purchasing a Mobile Hotspot . 

Not only can we connect up to ten devices at one time, but we purchase an eSIM in advance and are connected the minute we touch down off that long-haul flight . We would be lost without it – literally! That said, we still think it is also a good idea to carry a paper Dublin map and/or guidebook .

Ireland Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may help in the case of cancelled flights or lost luggage – as well as illness or injury while abroad. Consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Ireland ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

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DUBLIN WALKING TOURS

Professional Guided Tours. Discover Dublin's History with Dublin City Walks

YOUR ADVENTURES BEGIN HERE

Please note that all my tours are private, bespoke and on a demand basis. I do not run public scheduled tours. Thanks.

Dublin Grand Tour

Visit the beautiful squares and find out why with over 6,000 Georgian doors, no two are the same. Walk in the footsteps of James Joyce..

Georgian Architectural Tour

Principally known as a “Georgian City” Dublin offers many building styles from medieval to modern. Whilst Palladian style architecture...

Dublin Writers Tour

Visit the beautiful Georgian squares and find out who inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. Walk in the footsteps ..

James Joyce Tour

This walk around central Dublin brings you to over 20 sites associated with Joyce and the characters he created in his books...

Museums and Galleries Tour

Dublin offers a superb selection of historical artifacts housed in The History, Decorative Arts, and Natural History Museums..

1916 Rising Tour

A walk designed to investigate and explain the traumatic events that occurred in Dublin in 1916 and beyond. Starting with the fight...

The Best Walking Tours in Dublin. Discover Dublin’s Fair city by walking.

Dublin city is perfectly suited for providing the best walking tours due to its compact size and abundance of interesting historical and cultural sites.

Every pavement stone and alleyway has over a thousand years of stories just waiting to be told. Discover famous characters and events, amazing architecture and art, our writers and their pubs.

Each walk is a bespoke experience, based on the varying interests of the participants and are all differently unique. All tours are led by Liam Greene, a native Dubliner and a qualified, experienced guide and historian. The walks are easy in pace and are enhanced with readings, pictures and lots of gentle humor.

Best walking tour in Dublin. 3 hours from €180 per group. Dublin Grand Tour includes:

Dublin Castle

Christchurch Cathedral

Halfpenny Bridge

O’Connell Street/GPO

Dublin Spire

Old Parliament Building

St. Stephens Green

Trinity College

Oscar Wilde statue

Merrion Square

Please note that other attractions such as Guinness Storehouse, Trinity Library/Book of Kells, Whiskey Distilleries, Viking Splash tours should all be pre-booked directly by the clients as demand can be high.

Member of the Independent Tour Guides of Ireland.

Liam is a member of the Independent Tour Guides Association and is a certified and fully insured tour guide with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will make your tour a memorable one.

Experience Dublin City

with Liam Greene, a native Dubliner and a qualified, experienced guide and historian.

Client’s Reviews

Liam, the walking tour guide was definitely a WOW moment, I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed our time with him.

Parker S . , Atlanta, USA.

Even though I was jetlagged Liam carefully guided me through 6 miles (I checked my Fitbit later) of Dublin in all its Christmas finery, it was great, I can’t recommend this high enough.

Breet T . , Los Angeles, USA.

I really enjoyed this tour, we had a great guide, Liam Greene. He was very informative, funny and very caring to a person who was not a quick walker as the rest of us.

Aideen O’ B., Longford, Ireland.

Liam was very informed, he had good visual aids, gave the right amount of information but also kept a good balance between facts and entertainment.

Gavin H., Edinburgh, Scotland.

Thank you Liam for sharing with us your passion for Dublin, as well as his fantastic sense of humour. We had a fantastic walking tour and would recommend it to all visiting the city.

Judy C. , Broome, Australia.

Liam our guide gave us an excellent background of the history of Dublin. We kept a good pace but had ample time to orient ourselves to the downtown area.

Dale L., South Carolina. USA.

Liam was a very good story teller, most entertaining and good company. Plenty of laughs and we enjoyed his very Irish sense of humour

Taff T. , Sydney, Australia.

Liam’s tour was the perfect balance of history, anecdotes and beautiful sights. He was extremely well informed and witty. We couldn’t think of a single question to stump him.

Genevieve W., London, England.

Send me a message.

Send me your details and I will get in touch as soon as I can. You can also try calling if you need a quicker response Thanks Liam .

Select Tour List The Grand Tour Writers Tour Georgian Architecture Tour James Joyce Tour Museum and Galleries Tour 1916 Rising Tour

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Dublin: A Walking Tour of the Main Sights

Ready to explore Dublin on foot? Follow this guide to cover the compact Irish capital and see all of the main sights without needed to hop on a guided Dublin tour.

Starting Out on O'Connell Bridge

 TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

A walking tour of Dublin, self-guided, does it need a lot of preparation and map-work? Actually, it does not, as Ireland's capital is ideal for a leisurely stroll that will take in most of the top attractions too.

Most of the best sights of Dublin are situated in a comparatively small area. To get a good impression of this lively and historic city you only need to take a walk. And you can travel light as shelter from rain and refreshments can be found virtually everywhere. The whole tour of Dublin's Fair City should take anything between two and six hours - two hours for energetic walkers and without lingering too long at any place, six hours including stops, the Trinity College tour and a pause or two in a café. So put on your walking shoes and off we go ...

Start your walk on O'Connell Bridge, the nearest equivalent of a central place Dublin can boast. Reputed to be one of the only bridge in the world that is wider than it is actually long, this is the heart of Dublin, admire the view for a few minutes, then start walking up O'Connell Street . Cross over to the central reservation and have a good look at the O'Connell Memorial with its magnificent statues full of allegory. See an angel crushing a serpent, spot the faithful Irish wolfhound and notice some bullet holes. These were caused by gunfire during the fighting in 1916 and have never been repaired.

O'Connell Street and the General Post Office

Further statues and "The Spire of Dublin" await you—the latter was erected to mark the millennium and is also known as "The Stiletto in the Ghetto."

Of the impressive buildings on O'Connell Street, the General Post Office  takes pride of place. This was the central fighting area of 1916 but has been lovingly restored - it is open to the public during daytime as it still is Dublin's GPO. Have a look around and maybe buy some commemorative stamps in the Philatelic Office. Then continue up O'Connell Street, past the trompe d'oeil Carlton Cinema and on to the Parnell Statue.

Charles Stewart Parnell is remembered more low-key than O'Connell but his monument is among the most beautiful in Dublin. Walk around it and read the names of all 32 counties ... including pre-independence "King's County" and "Queen's County". Carry on past the "Ambassador" (a former cinema converted to a rock venue) for a walk around Parnell Square. You will pass a small monument with a broken chain and an Irish inscription commemorating the founding of the nationalist Irish Volunteers in 1913 on your left.

The Garden of Remembrance and Moore Street Market

Continue towards the magnificent Presbyterian Church and reach the Garden of Remembrance . These were established to honor all the victims of the fight for Irish independence - at all times. The theme is mythical. The large pond, forming a cross, has representations of discarded bronze age weapons at its bottom. The focus of attention will almost invariably be on the massive statue showing the transformation of the "Children of Lír", an evocative and fitting memorial.

When you leave the Garden continue the walk by turning left and then left and left again, passing the historic (and still very busy) Rotunda Hospital and the low-key headquarters of Sinn Fein until you hit Parnell Street. Turn right and then left again into Moore Street , noticing how Dubliners have elevated jaywalking to an art form. Moore Street itself is a semi-pedestrian zone and a collision of Dublin old and new. Traditional street traders hawk their wares from barrows and you might jostle for a place with a horse looking for a snack. The modern ILAC-Centre is on your right, countless Asian, African and East European "supermarkets" are on your left. Smuggled tobacco and cigarettes are sold next to butchers who do a mean breakfast roll. Take some time to enjoy this truly cosmopolitan and colorful area and then take a right into Henry Street to see South Dublin's premier shopping street.

Ha'penny Bridge, Temple Bar and the Bank of Ireland

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto 

Now turn left into Liffey Street and walk down to the river of the same name. You will see the "Hags with the Bags" on your right just before having to cross the river using Ha'penny Bridge (officially "Liffey Bridge"). Dublin's most photographed river crossing was originally financed by a toll of one Halfpenny, hence the name. Today crossing is free.

On the south bank, a small (and sometimes very smelly) thoroughfare will take you straight into the "bohemian" ​ Temple Bar area, the hub of Dublin's trendy nightlife. Assuming you will make this walk during the daytime you may wonder what the fuss is all about - especially in the mornings Temple Bar is near deserted. Most of the action would be in the streets to the right - have a look and judge for yourself whether to come back later.

For now, you may well walk straight on past the looming Central Bank until you reach Dame Street. Take a left here and walk to College Green. On your left is the stately building that once was Ireland's parliament and now is the Bank of Ireland - take a look at the slightly dated security measures including small cannons. The Irish parliament is known as the only democratic representation that voted itself out of existence, effectively accepting direct British rule at the start of the 19th century.

Trinity College and Environs

TripSavvy / Kathleen Messmer

Exactly opposite to the Bank of Ireland, the entrance to Trinity College can be found - do not, under any circumstances, attempt to cross the road without using the regulated crossings. Even hardened Dubliners only attempt this in utter desperation!

After the crossing, you will want to enter the inner courtyard of Trinity College through the arch. It will be a revelation - a wide-open space with the impressive campanile at its center awaits you. The effect can be stunning, so watch out for fellow visitors stopping dead in their tracks right in front of you. Also, watch out for the more daring students trying to cycle through the narrow entrance! Immediately after coming out into the open again you will be invited to join the tour of Trinity College for a fee of € 10. As this includes the entrance fee for the library and the Book of Kells it is a worthwhile option. Should you have no time or restricted funds just have a look around the college grounds and then exit through the same gateway again.

After leaving Trinity College and turning left you will have to brave throngs of people waiting to catch a bus. On your right, you will see  a statue of Molly Malone in a very kitschy music hall style. Nearly every tourist has his or her photo taken here and some scurrilous street "performers" regularly frequent the site. Watching for a few minutes before continuing to Grafton Street can be very amusing.

Grafton Street, Stephen's Green and Merrion Row

Further on you will then find the pedestrian zone of Grafton Street, Dublin's "posh" shopping area. Do some window shopping but also have a look at the magnificent details to be found on the upper facades of the buildings themselves.

At the upper end of Grafton Street, some excellent buskers can occasionally be found performing on the streets for tips. Don't miss the life-size statue of Phil Lynott in a street to the right. The singer of "Thin Lizzy" was Ireland's rock hero long before Bono.

At the end of Grafton Street, the magnificent Stephen's Green Shopping Centre will dazzle you - the faux-Victorian metal and glass building holds dozens of shops plus a good food court and is the perfect place for a quick refresher.

Opposite the shopping center, you'll then notice the Fusilier's Arch, the grandiose entrance to Stephen's Green proper. Take a leisurely stroll through the park and also take in the surrounding areas. In the park, you will find a number of monuments, a garden dedicated to W.B.Yeats (won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923) with a cryptic piece by Henry Moore, a quaint lodge and numerous ducks on the lakes. You will also find shop assistants, office workers and students having their lunch al fresco .

Exit the park at the Wolfe Tone Memorial (commonly called "Tonehenge" for obvious reasons) in the northeast corner and then turn into Merrion Row. Here you will find the picturesque Huguenot Cemetery on your left and O'Donoghue's Pub on your right - where the seminal folk group "The Dubliners" started their rise to worldwide fame.

Merrion Square and Kildare Street

When you reach Merrion Street turn left and walk past the impressive Government Buildings, the Natural History Museum (the "Dead Zoo") and the National Gallery . You are now in the center of Georgian Dublin and near the Center of Irish politics. Merrion Square is on your right and in the northwest corner, the strange monument to Oscar Wilde is to be admired - opposite his childhood home. If you are feeling energetic take a stroll around the park, originally earmarked for construction of a cathedral. As the Catholic Church ran out of funds and steam for this project the park was presented to the citizens of Dublin. Today it hosts memorials, flowerbeds, pleasant walks and the buried remains of a bomb shelter.

From Oscar Wilde's statue carry on into Clare Street and then straight on to Leinster Street. At the corner of Kildare Street, the former Kildare Street Club can be admired - look at the curious carvings at the windows, from squirrels playing the lute to monkeys playing pool. Today the French Cultural Institute and the Heraldic Museum are based here. Walk up Kildare Street past the National Library and have a look at Leinster House and the National Museum . On a normal day, you will see protesters in front of Leinster house proclaiming worthy or simply bizarre causes. The gardai on duty seem to have seen it all and are usually visibly bored.

Dawson Street, Burgh Quay and the Custom House

Carry on up Kildare Street and at Stephen's Green take a right and then a right again down into Dawson Street. On your right Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin is seen. A palatial building with the Dublin coat-of-arms on display and frequently used for official functions.

Walking on you cross the road at the bottom of Dawson Street and then bear left, following the footpath right past Trinity College, finally taking a right onto College Street. There you have to cross the street opposite D'Olier Street. Admire the gothic Pearse Street Garda Station to your right, the romantic D'Olier-Building in front and the charming bronze sculpture showing the way to the "Screen" cinema in-between. Walk down Hawkins Street towards the Liffey, passing the faux-Tudor building of the Dublin Gasworks on your left. At the end of the street, you will find a nice memorial to a policeman who died saving the lives of Victorian workmen trapped underground.

You are now at Burgh Quay and will have to bear right to walk downstream along the Liffey. Do not worry if the Liffey seems to flow in the opposite direction, this will be just a strong tide coming in. After a short walk, you will have a splendid view of the faithfully restored Custom House on the north bank of the river. Cross over to the Northside using the modern Talbot Memorial Bridge and you will see the International Financial Services Centre on your right, dwarfing the moving Famine Memorial just beside the river.

Back to O'Connell Bridge ... or Further?

From the bridge, you might also see the replica "famine ship" Jeanie Johnston lying at berth in the redeveloped Dublin Docklands to the right. Have a closer look if you like, then head back westwards (or upstream) along the quays, passing Custom House until you come to the unashamedly ugly Liberty Hall (the Trade Union Headquarters) and turn right. Tucked away under the railway overpass and facing Liberty Hall is a memorial to James Connolly, the Irish-American socialist who fought and died with his small Irish Citizen Army in 1916.

Near the tram tracks take a left turn into Abbey Street and you will be guided towards the Abbey Theatre - Ireland's national theatre founded by W.B.Yeats. Unimposing on the outside but still putting on top-notch productions, though the scandals of O'Casey's days seem to be truly a thing of the past. Just a few yards more will bring you to O'Connell Street and O'Connell Bridge is to your left.

Your walking tour of Dublin has ended.

If you still feel energetic (maybe after a coffee and some cake) you could hop on a LUAS tram going westwards. This will take you to the Four Courts, the National Museum in Collins Barracks and on to Kilmainham Gaol. You will also be able to see the sprawling Guinness brewery and could even walk up to the Phoenix Park .

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During my short trip to Dublin I decided to book a free walking tour with the Dublin Free Walking Tour – South Side. Our guide was Conor (with one ‘n’) who did a great job sharing bits of Ireland’s/Dublin’s history and present in a relatively short amount of time (one can learn a lot in 3 hours) and with some humour. I had lots of fun learning during this tour and I would 200% recommend anyone to book it. I’m sure you won’t regret it!

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Our tour lasted 2hr45 of the Southside, and was really excellent. Our tour guide gave us lots of information and was happy to answer questions, and was generally very friendly and easy to understand. It’s a contribution at the end as well, but nominally free. Would definitely recommend!

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He incorporates as much singing and drama into his tours as possible. Cathal is always passionate and energetic when telling the stories, myths and history of Ireland and Dublin.

Cathal offers private, personable and entertaining  walking tours of Dublin  to groups and individuals from 1 up to 30 participants. Whether you are with a  Corporate Group  who need a well-earned break after a long week of meetings, a  Language School  or  College Group  looking to learn more about Dublin and see the sights, or simply  Holidaymakers  coming to experience all you can of the city in a fun and insightful way, then a tour with Cathal will suit your needs perfectly.

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Ultimate Dublin Walking Tour Map

Must see attractions using three dublin walking tour map and guide, walk 1 – top 18 attractions, using the dublin walking tour map and guide to dublin center.

• Dublin Self Guided Walking Tour Map and Guide -Walk 2 – Top 16 attractions, guide to attractions south of the River Liffey, including the Temple Bar Region , click HERE
• Dublin Walking Tour Map Walk 3 – Top 16 attractions, guide to Historic Dublin , click HERE

Use the Dublin walking tour map below to visit the attractions in Downtown central Dublin located north of the River Liffey. A complete self guided walking tour map and guide to Dublin attractions, including Monuments, Museums, and Memorials. Follow the walking route in purple below, to explore the city at your own place. Spend a few hours or two days depending on how you want to complete all three Dublin walking tours using the map of attractions. There are three separate walking tours: Tour 1- Downtown Central Dublin located north of River Liffey, Tour 2 – Temple Bar Region, St Stephens Green and Grafton Street located south of River Liffey and Tour 3 – Historic Dublin includes Dublin Corporation, Dublin City Hall (and includes parts of the Temple Bar Region)

Dublin Walking Tour and Map 1 – Start at O’Connell street, near the Charles Parnell monument. Break after national Leprechaun Museum and continue to Walk 2

Download the INTERACTIVE Dublin walking tour map HERE

Download the PDF Dublin walking tour map HERE

Start the dublin walking tour guide and map – walk 1, 1. charles stewart parnell monument .

Charles Parnell was a popular Irish politician who fell from the party ranks because of this affair and his eventual marriage to a divorced woman, Katherine O’Shea. This was frowned upon in the very Catholic community and his political party split over the “O’Shea Affair”. Tragically he died from stomach cancer four months after his marriage to Katherine. He was 45 years old

2. Sir John Gray Statue 

This is the second stop in the Dublin walking tour guide and map. Sir John Grey, Physician, Politician and Social Reformer, his statue was sculpted by Thomas Farrell out of Portland limestone which resembled marble. Erected 4 years after his death in 1879, he was the owner of the nationalist Freeman’s Journal newspaper and chairman of the Dublin Corporation Water Works Committee. He was a great supporter of Daniel O’Connell and was instrumental in bringing fresh water supply to Dublin and its suburbs in 1868. His legacy includes the Irish Church and Land Bills, his support of the Home Rule Movement and his advocacy for tenants rights

3. O’Connell Street

The next step in the Dublin walking tour guide and map is the popular O’Connell Street. In the 17th century, O’Connell Street was a narrow street called Drogheda Street, named after the Earl of Drogheda, Henry Moore. The street was widened n the late 1700s and renamed Sackville Street after Lionel Sackville, Duke of Dorset. In 1924 it was been a once again renamed as O’Connell Street after the widely popular political leader Daniel O’Connell. O’Connell St. leads to O’Connell Bridge and onto other Dublin sights such as parliament hill and Trinity College

O’Connell Street is a popular and busy throughfare and was the centre stage for many events in Irish history. It tells the story of Ireland’s history, politics and spirit through the various attractions found on the street. Eclipsed by the popular shopping street, Grafton street, O’Connell street is a must visit street in Dublin. Today it contains prominent monuments, public art and is still the centre of public celebrations, parades, protests and demonstrations and it has major bus and tram routes

Video of O’Connel Street in 1916

4. st mary’s pro-cathedral .

St Mary’s Pro-cathedral is a parish church temporarily or provisionally elevated to the status of Cathedral hence the prefix Pro-Cathedral. It was a temporary solution as the two National Cathedrals in Dublin, St Patrick’s and Christ Church, were originally catholic but now serve the minority protestant population under the Church of Ireland. The Church of Ireland took control of the Catholic St Patrick’s and Christ Church following Henry VIII break from Rome and the start of the Reformation

The Penal Laws (1607-1778) prevented Catholics from worshipping publicly and as such, they worshipped “underground”. With the repeal of the penal laws the city was left without a Catholic church to serve the majority religion. In 1803 Archbishop John Thomas Troy purchased  Lord Annesley’s townhouse in the city for the purpose of building a full Roman Catholic Cathedral. The Cathedral was opened in 1825 by the new Archbishop of Dublin, Daniel Murray and unofficially given the title of Pro-Cathedral. This title of Pro- Cathedral became official in 1886.

A symbol of Irish Nationalism, the Pro-cathedral of St Mary’s has hosted presidents, governments, foreign ambassadors and the location of some state funerals. In 2018, the Pro-Cathedral was visited by Pope Francis.  Great debates over the decades have taken place to establish a full catholic cathedral in Dublin including locations at Merrion Park or revoking the status of one of the Protestant Cathedrals back to a catholic practicing cathedral. However none of these have come to fruition as the ideas have not received support from stakeholders. Today it is commonly referred to as the “Pro” a symbol of compromise for the peaceful Irish nation

5. Use the Dublin walking tour map to the O’Connell Bridge

Originally called the Carlisle bridge, construction started in 1791 and took three years to complete. It was designed by James Gandon and named after Frederick Howard known as the Lord Carlisle, the 5th Earl of Carlisle. A popular, well used bridge connecting Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street) to Westmoreland and D’Olier street to the south. It was so popular that it needed to be replaced in the late 1800s. In 1880 the old bridge was demolished and it was replaced with a new bridge at a cost of 70,000 pounds.

Made of the same material as the original bridge, Granite and Portland Stone, it replaced the three semi circular arches with three semi elliptical arches. The bridge was named after Daniel O’Connell referred to as The Liberator of Ireland. What is unusual is that the bridge is actually wider than longer, it spans 45 m across the Liffey river and is about 50 m wide

In 2004 a couple of jokesters brothers installed a plaque on the bridge dedicating the bridge to Father Pat Noise. Father Pat Noise is a play on words in Latin “pater noster” meaning “our father”. Nobody noticed anything unusual in the plaque until May 2006. At that time the plaque came to the notice of the Dublin City Council and the jokesters owned up to their prank reveling the dedication to their father. This is an interesting spot in the Dublin walking tour guide and map as the plaque is still there

6. Carleton Cinema

Located opposite the Savoy Hotel, the cinema was built in 1936. It opened in 1938 and the first film was “The Awful Truth”. Over the years, it has played to packed houses for plays, films and concerts. The cinema was last operated by MGM and eventually closed in October 1994. The plan has been put forth to redevelop the area around the Carlton cinema with the façade of the cinema restored. It will be used as retail space and many of the buildings around the cinema will be refurbished respecting its original fabric

7. Father Theobald Mathew statue

The only statue at that time to be sculpted by a woman, Mary Redmond, it is located on, O’Connell Street and it was erected in 1892. Father Mathew, the Apostle of Temperance”, he was born in 1790 near Cashel, County Kilkenny. He was ordained as a priest to the Capuchin Order in 1814. Serving most of his life in Cork he was known for leading the temperance movement (anti-drinking) establishing Temperance Societies in every parish in the country

8. Spire of Dublin

Dublin is known for nicknaming its statues and monuments. Nickname for the Spire is Stuffy at the Liffey or Stiletto in the Ghetto. This is a popular attraction in the Dublin walking tour guide and map

A 120 m Spire erected in 2002 to replace the Nelson’s Pillar, which stood on this site for 150 years. Nelson’s pillar was a landmark and considered the center of the city. The IRA destroyed it in 1966. The base of the spire is 3ms wide and it tapers to a tip, which has a 15 cm point. It is designed so that it will sway with the high winds and there are tiny holes that allow light to pass through. The tiny holes illuminate the Spire at night. There is a feature at the tip of the Spire providing a beacon in the night sky over the capital

9. James Joyce statue 

Nickname Prick with the Stick

The James Joyce statue is just off of O’Connell street on North Earl Street near the Dublin Spire. It was sculpted by US sculptor Marjorie Fitzgibbon and erected in 1990. James Joyce was an influential poet and writer who lived most of his life abroad yet wrote of his home country. His characters resembled his family, enemies and his friends. His famous books include The Dubliners, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Finnegan’s Wake and Ulysses, which was acclaimed as the “Book of the Century” (20 th Century)

10. General Post Office (GPO)

The next stop in the Dublin walking tour guide and map is the a historic landmark, the GPO. It is a Georgian style public building built in 1814 at a cost of about £80,000, it is one of Irelands famous buildings. It was used a the headquarters of the rebels in the Easter Uprising of 1916. It was on the steps of the General Post Office that Patrick Pearse, one of the leaders of the uprising, read out the “ Proclamation of the Irish Republic ” or “Easter Proclamation”, on April 24, 1916 which proclaimed Irelands independence from Britain

The copies were printed in secret and distributed; only 30 original copies remain today. The proclamation was signed by seven signators, who were later executed for treason. The Easter proclamation is a revered Irish document and a copy is on display in the main foyer of the General Post Office

A ceremony commemorating the Easter Uprising is celebrated each year where the Easter Proclamation is read outside the GPO by an officer of the Irish Defense Forces

A museum in the basement of the General Post Office, the GPO Witness History , is dedicated to the Easter Uprising, tickets can be purchased online HERE  

 11.  James Larkin statue is the next stop on the Dublin walking tour map

An Irish trade union leader, James Larkin was also a social activist. He founded the Irish Transport & General Workers Union to support unskilled workers living in deplorable conditions. He is best known for the most bitter labour dispute of 1914 referred to as the Dublin Lockout. He lost the dispute however, he did succeed in mobilizing a large labour force that was successful in other disputes. His most famous saying was “ The great appear great because we are on our knees: Let us rise”

12.  William Smith O’Brian (Irish name: Liam Mac Gabhann O’Brien) statue

Our next stop on the Dublin walking tour map is the statute of historical, though not as well known, figure that influenced Ireland’s history. The statues and dedication to William Smith O’Brien. He was the leader of the Young Ireland movement and the second son of Sir Edward O’Brien, 4th Baronet of Dromoland Castle, in Co. Claire. William received an upper class education and studied law in Dublin and in London.

Just as influential as Daniel O’Connell, he was not as popular due to the mistrust stemming from his British accent. He led an unsuccessful rebellion at Ballingarry, County Tipperary against the British rule in 1848. He was convicted of high treason and sentenced to death by being hanged, drawn and quartered. Petitions of clemency resulted in his sentence being commuted to deportation and he spent five years in Tasmania/Van Diemen’s Land (present day Australia). He was eventually pardoned and returned to Ireland but he was never active in politics after that. The statue was sculpted by Thomas Farrell in 1870 out of Sicilian Marble

13. Daniel O’Connell Monument

Continue Dublin walking tour and use the map to this popular monument. the use of the Daniel O’Connell, born on county Kerry, he was an elected Irish political leader from County Clare, who could not take his seat in the British Parliament due to restrictions placed upon Roman Catholics. A lawyer by profession, he peacefully campaigned for catholic relief also called catholic emancipation within the British Parliamentary System. This was the removal of restrictions placed on Catholics by the Uniformity Act, the Test Acts, and the Penal Laws

The statue on O’Connell Street was unveiled on August 15, 1882 and was sculpted by John Foley. Foley died before it was completed and his assistant finished it off. The statue is known as one of families greatest and finest piece of work. The statue is in three parts; the base, the drum, above the base representing his triumphs and his statue at the top. At the base of the monument are four winged figures each representing a virtue attributed to O’Connell . These are patriotism, eloquence, fidelity and courage

On the drum, above the base, are statues representing labour and triumph. One of these is a statue of “Maid of Erin” standing on top of broken Shackle’s attesting to O’Connells being personified as a liberator. The monument is topped by a statue Daniel O’Connell pointing towards the parliament building. There are about 30 bullet holes in the monument including two to his right temple, one on the arm of Maid of Erin, one on the statue of Courage.  These bullet holes were not filled in  during restoration work on the monument, see if you can spot them all. The bullet holes were a result of the 1916 Easter Week Rising. At his feet lie a pile of books which symbolize the fight of an educated man who used his knowledge to free his people from oppressive laws and acts.

As per his wishes, upon his death his body was buried beneath a Round Tower at Dublin Glasnevin Cemetary and his heart was buried in Rome at the Saint Agatha dei Goti (known at the time as the Irish college)

14. The Famine Memorial

The next stop on the Dublin walking tour map and guide is a poignant reminder to Ireland’s past. The memorial is dedicated to those families forced to leave Ireland in the 19 th century due to the Irish Famine . The first ship called “Perseverance” sailed on St Patricks Day in 1846 from Customs House Quay in Dublin (close to the Famine Memorial)

Directions : From The Famine Memorial, walk back towards Ha’penny Bridge

15. Two Irish Ladies statue found on the Dublin walking tour map

Nickname hags with bags

The statue is located near Ha’penny Bridge on Liffey Street Lower outside of The Woollen Mills restaurant. It is a Statue of two women sitting on a bench in conversation with their shopping bags at their feet

16. Ha’penny Bridge

There is a lot of history for this attraction on the Dublin walking tour map. Before the ha’penny bridge was built, the only way to get across the river was by ferry, by boat or sharing the road with horse drawn carriages. William Walsh, a city alderman, operated a fleet of ferries for people to cross the Liffey. The ferries were old and leaky. He was given a choice by the City to either build a bridge or fix his boats. If he built a bridge, he could recoup the costs by charging a toll for 100 years and was compensated an addition £3000.

The bridge was built in May 1816, and spanned 43 meters across the Liffey river. It was 3 meters wide and built 3 meters above the river. The bridge was the only pedestrian bridge that crossed the River Liffey until the millennium bridge which opened in 1999

The Ha’penny Bridge gets its name from the toll paid to cross the bridge. The toll was discontinued in 1922; however it is till commonly referred to as the Ha’penny Bridge (pronounce HAYP-nee). Over the years, it has been known as the Metal Bridge, the Liffey, the Triangle or Iron Bridge and the Wellington Bridge. When it opened, it allowed about 450 people to cross the bridge daily, today about 30,000 people cross the bridge every day

17. National Leprechaun Museum

A fun and unique stop on the Dublin walking tour map. The Leprechauns are depicted as little green men with pots of gold; however, Irish mythology shows them as little brown men who were cobblers for fairies. The museum which opened in 2010, displays a historical chronology of the how the Leprechaun image has changed in the media over the decades

What will you see at the Leprechaun Museum ?

• A wooden replica of Giants Causeway
• A giant size room full of furniture so you are made to feel like a leprechaun
• Optical Illusions
• An illuminated map with an audio of the legends of the leprechaun
• A very funny tour guide with incredible knowledge of leprechauns

After the Dublin walking tour use the map to find Mulligans Pub – This might be a good time and location

18.  mulligans pub 1854.

Opened in 1782, they moved the location several times and its final resting place is in this location, Poolbeg Street, since 1854 when. John Mulligan sold the pub to Mick Smyth in 1932. It has stayed in the Smythe family ever since.  It has been mentioned in a James Joyce’s novel, has when been used as a filming location, entertained celebrities, media giants, the press, writers, tourists and Dubliners

Over 300 year’s old, caught in a time warp, it still has some of the original letters on the window and doors and is one of the oldest establishments in Dublin

Additional Ireland Attraction Guides:

• Getting around Ireland – Using Public Transportation in Ireland
• Cliffs of Moher – A very popular tour, a complete guide to the 16 attractions along the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk
• Doolin – A quaint popular village in County Clare. Stop overnight and walk to the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin or enjoy the many other attractions in and around Doolin
• The Ring of Kerry – A spectacular 111 mile scenic route on the Iveragh Peninsula. Start at either Kenmare or Killarney for a circular route of three hours without stops. Jaw dropping views of the Atlantic ocean, charming villages and wild sweeping mountains makes this a popular must see attraction in Ireland. Use the map and attractions for the complete self guided tour of the Ring of Kerry
• The Dingle Peninsula – It is a 30 mile long clockwise loop that takes about 4 hours to complete. The area is the bedrock of Irish culture with signs in many villages and towns indicating that Irish is the predominant language in the area. The picturesque landscape includes rolling hills, craggy shorelines and sandy beaches. The PDF map and attractions guide explores the attractions of the Dingle Peninsula
• The Ring of Beara – An 85 mile circular route, similar to Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, however it is far less travelled. In that sense, it is a better drive as there are far less cars on the road. I found the Ring of Beara far more dramatic than either the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula. It is not as popular because the tourist buses are not able to navigate the narrow roads with hairpin bends or the Healey Pass.
• Dublin Walk 1  – Top 18 Attractions, guide to  Dublin City Center , North of the River Liffey Dublin
• The Book of Kells and Trinity College in Dublin. Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland with the historic Long Room,and the old library with over 200,000 of the very old books. It is the most impressive library in the world
• In Dublin visit the Little Museum of Dublin, Grafton Street, St Stephens Green and Kilmainham Goal (the prison where many rebels from the Easter Rising were held before their execution)
• Dublin Walk 3  – Top 16 attractions, guide to  Historic Old Dublin
• Galway – Use the Galway Ireland guide for a flexible and personal tour of over 40 attractions Galway City
• Aran Islands – For a truly authentic Irish experience visit the Aran Islands. They are located at the mouth of Galway Bay. You can catch a ferry from either Doolin or Rosseeval port (Shuttle from Galway to Rosseeval ferry port)
• The Glens of Antrim – Driving route for the nine Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland. The guide includes options for public transportation, walking trails in The Glens and Game of Thrones Attractions
• Over 100 Northern Ireland Attractions – Visit over 100 attractions along the east and north coast of Ireland along the Antrim and Causeway Coastal Route. Travel by car or public transport from the Mourne Mountains to Londonderry. Includes game of thrones sites, castles and walks along the route
• The Burren – Explore the karst moonscape bedrock of The Burren located in the southwest region and close to the Cliffs of Moher. Attractions in the Burren include ancient tombs, underground caves, walks on an unusual landscape and The Burren National Park

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Home > Sightseeing Tours > The Fantastic Walking Tour of Dublin

The Fantastic Walking Tour of Dublin

From €306 - 411.

Duration: 3hrs

Price: €306 - 411

Suitable for: Those who are short of time

Suggested start time: 10am, 2pm

Tour Highlights

• Get a great overview of Dublin city centre
• Learn about over 2,000 years of Ireland’s history & culture
• Feel the character and spirit of the Irish people
• Spend the day with a charming Irish person

What to expect on this tour

• Customizable – the guide will change the itinerary to go where you want to go
• Pacing – we’ll take a break (coffee/beer/meal) every 80-90mins
• Exercise – Dublin is a very compact city so we will NOT be covering vast distances
• Communication forms – the guide will use a display folder full of photos, maps, etc. and might also sing or act
• Variety – the right mix of fun, culture and history to suit you!
• Private – no one else will be joining your group, ever.
• Professional, well-travelled, clear-spoken and personable Irish tour guide who is specialised in giving private tours and therefore is able to talk AND listen
• Lifetime memories – create wonderful and lasting memories

Tour Description

On this 3hr walking tour of the city centre, you’ll discover the main sites, become immersed in the history, and experience the life, songs and stories of ireland’s capital city..

In the courtyard of Dublin Castle , our footfalls will echo through the castle’s 800-year history. Learn about Dublin while you explore the city on foot with this private, three-hour walking tour. You’ll learn about everything from ancient culture, Irish culture to Irish Independence to with your local guide as you walk through the city.  We’ll hobble along the cobbles of Temple Bar & Trinity College catching the cadences of Irish accents cascading through the streets.  Stand by the River Liffey and tilt your nose to inhale the hops wafting from the Guinness Brewery. Marvel at the fascinating Irish (Gaelic) language.

You’ll be kept energised and engaged throughout the three hours thanks to the enthusiasm of the guide, the wide variety of the topics discussed, as well as a break for coffee to nicely punctuate the tour.

By the end of the tour, you will have learned what’s the deal with Northern Ireland, how the Irish won independence, as well as what life is like in Dublin and Ireland today, and what lies ahead for this humble nation. More importantly, however, the amazing time you have just spent laughing and learning with your new Irish friend will become fantastic memories that you will appreciate for years to come.

At the GPO on O’Connell Street, the crowds gathered for the Declaration of Irish Independenc e & the passions of poets and Irish freedom fighters throughout the centuries were born anew.

Can you feel it? Welcome to Dublin!

Dublin Castle

A crucially important site for the history of Ireland, especially since 1204 when the castle was built. From 1204 until 1922, it was the centre of British rule in Ireland and had therefore a reputation of oppression and violence. Since the keys of the castle were metaphorically AND literally handed off to the Irish in 1922, it has experienced a complete change in the minds of the Irish people. The Irish President is inaugurated here, dignitaries are welcomed and referendum results are announced here, making it into a place where, although history is still being made, the changes are positive and are creating a better Ireland.

We will not be venturing inside, but thankfully we are free to explore the grounds – the lower and upper courtyards and the Dubh Linn gardens – which is fully satisfying.

Christchurch Cathedral

Although a wooden church was built here in ca. 1030, and there was likely a pagan shrine before that, Christchurch as a stone structure began in the 1180s and has been restored and changed numerous times since. The neo-gothic architecture makes Christchurch, arguably, Dublin’s most beautiful complex. The vast crypt underneath the cathedral deserves particular attention for its size, interesting curious and the fact that it hosted a pub, distillery and… brothel (!) in the 18th century.

Trinity College

Started in 1592 as a university only for Protestants, Trinity remained an institution of resentment for Ireland’s Catholic majority up until at least 1970. Throughout the centuries, this fine university nurtured such aspiring students as Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker and Samuel Beckett , the greatest playwright of the 20th century.

A remarkable building that really gives you a sense of how wealthy Dublin was at the end of the 18th century. Often there are events taking place inside, which would preclude us from entering, but if there are not we can explore the fantastic frescoes and gold-leaf design on the rotunda.

The Ha’Penny Bridge

Built in 1816, the beautiful white cast iron bridge straddles the River Liffey. It serves as the gateway to the charming Temple Bar quarter with its narrow cobbled streets. We’ll cross over it to look up and down the river. On the north side, there’s a great opportunity for a photo.

General Post Office (G.P.O.) (O’Connell St)

It was outside this impressive building on Easter Monday when Padraig Pearse read the Declaration of Irish Independence and he, together with his 1600 comrades, led a rebellion that shook an empire. The most under-rated site in Dublin for tourists, the GPO retains all its historical potency for Dubliners and Irish people, but most tourists never learn why this should be on their top 5 list of sites to visit.

We’ll be able to stand at what was the front entrance where the proclamation was read and, possibly, venture inside to admire it’s reconstructed antique interior as well as soak up the significance of what happened on this spot and what it means to Irish people today.

Daniel O’Connell Statue (O’Connell St)

Daniel O’Connell was arguably the first man to prove to the masses that civil disobedience and peaceful resistance could be effective. A huge hero for Irish people, having secured Catholic Emancipation, he’s nick-named ‘The Liberator’ and the main street of our capital city is justifiably named after him.

We’ll explore the intricate notes of symbolism on this brilliant monument.

Old Parliament Building

Dublin was the 2nd city of the British Empire in the 18th century, and we have the subtle patriotism of the Irish-born politicians of the institution to thank. Today, Dublin’s architectural landscape is ornamented by an abundance of buildings from this period, making it look much older than Paris and London. What is now known as ‘The Bank of Ireland building’ was grand enough to serve as the architectural inspiration for the monumental British Museum in London.

This building is located in College Green, which could be regarded as the centre of the city. The entrance to Trinity College is adjacent as is famous Grafton Street.

Leinster House – Dáil Eireann – Irish Parliament

What was once the town house of the Fitzgerald family from the 1740s has, since 1922, hosted the Irish Parliament (Dáil Eireann). Much like the Old Parliament building, this parliament building also became an architectural inspiration. Its facade, as well as the floor plan for its 1st and 2nd floors, were used as blueprints for the design of the White House.

Naturally, we’ll only be able to view it from the gate, which, thankfully, gives us a more-or-less unobstructed view of the front facade.

Georgian Dublin

Dublin’s heyday was from 1729 to 1800, which roughly coincides with the reign of Kings George I to III. In the subsequent 19th century, however, money and influence abandoned Dublin. As a result, instead of constructing new buildings, the cash-strapped populace resorted to maintaining many of the fine Georgian buildings. Thanks to these circumstances, Dublin today is architecturally older than London.

Georgian architecture is characterised by symmetry, elegance and restraint (in contrast to Baroque or Rococo). The state buildings normally have neoclassical elements such as columns whereas the residential buildings have red-brick facades with famously colourful doors to distinguish them from each other.

Grafton Street

Don’t let the brands and blatant consumerism fool you, Grafton still has its charm. In fact, Grafton street is one of the last bastions of old Dublin left. Admire the flower ladies, enjoy the buskers (street musicians) as you head towards Bewleys Café, Ireland’s oldest and biggest café, built in 1927.

Saint Stephen’s Green

Gifted to the city in 1880 by a member of the Guinness family, Stephen’s Green remains much-appreciated by Dubliners today – it’s probably their favourite piece of the city. We’ll stroll through the lush verdure along the curved Victorian walkways and keep our eyes peeled for that most-rare of animals – an Irish person sunbathing!

Wolfe Tone Statue (St. Stephen’s Green)

Wolfe Tone led the rebel of 1798, which sought to free Ireland of its political, cultural and martial chains to Britain as well as introduce equal rights for Catholics, Protestants and Dissenters. Although the rebellion failed, it, and he, would become the inspiration for generations of Irish men and women to stand up against oppression, to this very day.

Northern Ireland

Find out how it came into existence and discuss the potential for it to dissolve and result in a united Ireland. We’ll be chatting about this when we’re inside siting down during one of our breaks.

The Irish Language

If the English language is a language of prose, then the Irish language is a language of poetry. An incredibly fascinating language – you’ll learn how to say ‘cheers’ in Irish. And hopefully get to properly practice it too, should we stop by a pub. Regardless, we’ll be chatting about this when we’re inside sitting down during one of our breaks.

• Entry or admission fee
• Tip or gratuity
• Food & drinks
• COVID 19 – We abide by current governmental safety guidelines. We suggest you read about Ireland’s current COVID updates on the Citizens Information website.
• There are no site entries included in this tour, but that will not limit our ability to properly explore sites like Trinity College or Dublin Castle
• Accessible for those with limited mobility, limited eyesight, wheelchairs, stroller/pram
• Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes
• Weather – Check the weather before the tour to determine if you’ll need a lightweight raincoat or not
• Further details available once you click into our booking engine linked by a button called ‘Check availability’ or ‘Book’
• Complementary tour – If you book this tour, we recommend booking any of the following tours for later in the day (or on another day) to enhance your Dublin experience: Museums Tour , Pub Tour , Food Tour, Crafts & Design
• 15+ days before : Free postponement or 80% refund (we retain 20% to cover admin costs)
• 14-8 days before : 50% refund
• 7-0 days before : 0% refund
• All cancellations must be discussed via email or phone. Booking fees are non-refundable. For more info, see our T&Cs

“They may forget what you said…but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Carl W. Buehner​

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Dublin Tour Guide offers the highest quality tours of Dublin.

We specialise in private walking tours for discerning travelers.

The Ultimate Day in Dublin

(Nearly!) All of Dublin in 5 hours

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Don’t just take our word for it. Read our reviews below.

Lots of laughter

“brought Irish history to life in terms and references that all of the family could relate to and understand. Of course, it included lots of laughter and even some Irish singing (a must). We enjoyed his company immensely. He has a great deal of knowledge to share and we all came out better educated about the history of Dublin AND Ireland, and really well entertained.”

Joey – July ’19

Very passionate

“Our tour with Garvan was a true highlight of our 8 days in Ireland. While walking and sightseeing around Dublin was our objective, Garvan gave us so much more. He essentially gave us the entire history of Ireland, but from a very passionate, deeply rooted Irish perspective. We all felt like we climbed into the mind of an Irishman for half a day to really feel the history of the people and the land. Highly recommended! Garvan was fun, personable and very thoughtful about how he wanted to share the Irish experience. He also took the time to learn something about us ahead of time and knew all of our names from the first minute of the tour. I cannot recommend him enough.”

Tom M from Chicago – May ‘18

Best Walking Tour in Years

“Prior to this tour, I had all but given up on walking tours—I’ve just been disappointed so many times by walking tours that lacked historical depth and nuance. This tour restored my faith in them. Garvan fully delivered on a superb overview of Irish history (such as one can learn it in the course of ~4 hours), replete with historical detail and nuance, and his enthusiasm for the subject matter and love of Ireland is contagious. 10/10 would recommend.”

Anna – January ’13

A fantastic tour of Dublin with Cathal

“A fantastic tour of Dublin with Cathal. We had some important visitors over from Germany on business and we had a wonderful few hours walking around Dublin on this excellent tour Highly recommended.”

Gerard K – November ’15

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Designed according to your needs, our tours are aimed at providing a private Dublin experience to you and your travel companions.

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Private Walking Tours Of Dublin

If you are planning to visit the capital, join us on an exclusive private walking tour of Dublin – visiting some of her most interesting places.  

We are Dubliners and we know this city as only the locals do. We can take you to the best historical, cultural and architectural locations. These places are not always easy to find, so let us guide you to them on a easy paced walk through the city. All our tours are private – limited to a maximum of six people. Don’t waste your valuable time in Dublin trying to find the things that interest you. Simply allow us to take you on a memorable and fun private walking tour of our favourite city.

Customised Private Tours

Most visitors come to Dublin on a short city break or as a stop off on a longer trip. If that’s the case, then we can help you to get the most from your time here in the city. We offer a selection of fantastic tours in the city centre. However, if you have any specific interests or requirements, we may be able to offer a personalised service that caters exclusively to your needs. Let us know your requirements and we will see how we can help you.

Get In Touch

Contact us using our contact form or directly on WhatsApp. Give us some details  and we will choose the tour that best suits you and your party. We are always ready for adventure, so set us the challenge and we will do our best to come up with something special for you. Our aim is to make your visit a memorable one. Read more about some of our famous tours below.

Six Of The Best Walking Tours Of Dublin

Squares, mayors & prayers.

A three hour walking tour of the Dublin 2 postal district. This area is crammed with historical, architectural and cultural places of interest.

Sharks, Parks & Larks

A two hour walking tour in the city centre. Among many other items of interest, this tour features a visit to Dublin's Victorian natural history museum.

Streets, Feats & Eats

A two hour walking tour of the Grafton street area. Discover the people and events that made these streets famous. Includes lunch in our favourite Dublin pub!

Scribes, Tribes & Bribes

A two hour walking tour which explores the literary and familial history of the Dublin 2 postal district. It also explores the corruption often found in historical Irish politics.

Gore, War & Lore

Easter 1916 - the bloodiest of all the battles takes place as the Sherwood Foresters try to reach the city centre opposed by a small group of Irish volunteers. Discover what happened on this two hour specialist tour.

Raiders, Traders & Invaders

Over 1,200 years, Dublin has been invaded and settled by the Vikings, the Normans and the English. Discover more about this subject on  our two hour tour.

Tour price is €150 for up to six people. We try to limit to a maximum of six people to ensure the quality of the tour, however we will always listen carefully to your requirements.

About Your Guide

Brendan is a fully qualified and accredited Irish National and Local Tour Guide. He came up with the walking Dublin tours idea based on his knowledge of the city and its streetscape, which he developed over many years as he made his way to and from his various city workplaces. On his many journeys he often passed visitors in the street who were having difficulty trying to find their way around the compact but complex city centre. He decided to put his decades of street wandering to good use by offering these visitors a service to guide them around the streets he loves. Walking Dublin tours was born!!

Brendan knows many of those not so obvious places that will make a visit to Dublin even more enjoyable and he can take you to these places if you join him for an easy paced walk. Brendan loves music, history, food and rugby, if you give him a chance he will happily chat with you on any of those subjects.

He is also partial to a pint or two (Guinness, of course) and he can bring you to pubs that Dublin visitors may not easily find.  So, if you want some easy going fun and entertainment – and a little history thrown in – book a private walking tour of Dublin with Brendan.

Privacy Overview

Dublin City and Temple Bar Tour with Irish Whiskey Museum

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Experience the best of Irish culture on a whiskey-themed walking tour of Dublin’s legendary Temple Bar & Old Town. Extended options: skip-the-line tickets for the public whiskey tasting tour of Irish Whiskey Museum & private transportation. Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs & interests: 2-hour: Temple Bar Tour This option includes a walking tour of the Old Town & Temple Bar. 3-hour: Temple Bar & Irish Whisky Museum This option includes tickets for a 1H public whiskey tasting tour in the Irish Whiskey Museum, & a 2H private walking tour of the Old Town & Temple Bar. 4-hour: Temple Bar, Irish Whisky Museum & Transport This option includes tickets for a 1H public whiskey tasting tour in the Irish Whiskey Museum & a 2H private walking tour of the Old Town & Temple Bar. This tour is for those who want to experience Dublin beyond its history. Discover the best things to see, eat and drink in the Old Town & Temple Bar with a fun & passionate Local Guide.

Ticket Options

3 Options Available

2H: Temple Bar Tour: $26

Duration: 2 hours: This option includes a walking tour of the Old Town and Temple BarExpert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - IRDU025.

3H:TempleBar+IrishWhiskyMuseum: $63

Duration: 3 hours: This option includes tickets for a 1-hour public whiskey tasting tour in the Irish Whiskey Museum.,: and a 2-hour private walking tour of the Old Town and Temple Bar.Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - IRDU025.

4H: Bar,IrishWhisky &Transport: $115

Duration: 4 hours: This option includes tickets for a 1-hour public whiskey tasting tour in the Irish Whiskey Museum.,: and a 2-hour private walking tour of the Old Town and Temple Bar Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - IRDU025. Pickup included

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Private transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (4-hour option only)
• 5-Star Private Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
• - the Irish Whiskey Museum (3 and 4-hour options only)
• Private Walking Tour of the Old Town, Temple Bar and the Irish Whiskey Museum -
• Interesting facts about the Irish drinking culture and whiskey
• Skip-the-line tickets for a 1-hour public whiskey tasting tour of -
• - (number of attractions depends on the selected option)

What's not Included

• Food and drinks (optional)
• Skip-the-line tickets for a 1-hour public whiskey tasting tour of Irish Whiskey Museum(in 2H option)
• Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off to your accommodation (in 2 and 3-hour options)

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
• Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. Tickets to the Irish Whiskey Museum and private transportation are not included in the 2-hour option.
• Skip-the-line tickets to the Irish Whiskey Museum are reserved for a specific time slot, so it's important to arrive at the meeting point on time. This experience includes an estimated 1-hour public whiskey tasting tour. As it is a public tour, other participants may join your group for this experience.
• If tickets for the public tour at the Irish Whiskey Museum are sold out on the day of your tour, we may replace them with tickets for a similar experience at the Jameson Distillery Bow St.
• The drinking age in Ireland is 18. Minors may be refused entry to pubs and bars and will not be offered alcoholic drinks during the 1-hour whiskey tasting tour of Irish Whiskey Museum.
• The 4-hour option includes an estimated 1-hour round-trip transfer between the meeting point and the accommodation address provided when booking. Please note that the transfer time quoted is for information purposes only and can take longer or shorter depending on the distance from your accommodation.
• We will arrange private transfers in a standard car (sedan) for groups of 1-4 people, and in a larger van or minibus for groups of 5 people and more. If you're traveling in a smaller group but want to travel in a more spacious car, we recommend booking a 5-people tour to take advantage of a larger vehicle.
• For the convenience of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests, so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well. The price will be higher if you need more than 1 guide.

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• Entertainment

Baggotonia Festival to celebrate one of the most historic streets in Dublin

Baggotonia Festival 2024 is set to light up one of Dublin 4’s most historic streets this weekend.

Celebrating the vibrant arts, culture, and community around Baggot Street Bridge, known as Baggotonia, this inaugural event promises a dynamic showcase of local talent and heritage.

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Known as a thriving Victorian neighbourhood just a stone’s throw from Dublin city centre, Baggotonia has been home to many of Ireland’s eminent poets, writers, and artists over the last century—many of whom will be celebrating as part of the upcoming festival.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baggotonia Festival (@baggotoniafestival)

Rooted in a rich legacy of writers, artists, and creatives, Baggotonia Festival’s Culture strand offers something for everyone. Highlights include plein air painting, a festival book launch, poetry readings, and oral history sessions celebrating the area’s vibrant artistic heritage.

If you’re considering visiting the area this weekend, why not check out the events around one of the city’s most prominent streets?

A number of artists will showcase their work in the Landsdowne Hotel between 1 pm and 4 pm on Saturday, September 21, alongside the ‘Film of the Festival’ which will be ‘Ghosts of Baggotonia’ by Alan Gilsenan.

Music, arts and culture

Irish painters Suzanne Keaney and Jacqui Roberts will present their collections as part of the Baggotonia celebrations.

Represented in the past by the Artcore Gallery in Toronto, Keaney has showcased her work worldwide, with private and public collections in Europe, North America, and Ireland.

Known for her oil and acrylic canvas work, she was awarded an Arts Council grant and selected as part of an open submission show curated by the Triskel Arts Centre and exhibited in Sydney, Australia .

Meanwhile, Roberts, who started her career in Munich over 40 years ago, is a National College of Art and Design (NCAD) graduate and founded The Cotton Patch Art School, Co Meath.

Her work is in private and public collections in Ireland, the U.S., and around the world. She is part of the Merrion Square Artists group, where she sells her paintings every Sunday.

Those looking for a more lively activity can stop by the Waterloo Bar, Baggot Street, on Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21, to hear traditional Irish Singers and Balladeers such as Kerry’s Jimmy Corry and Clare’s Neil Fitz, better known as the Clare & Kerry Boys.

Following the Landsdowne exhibitions, the Wilton Gallery will present CONTINUUM, a collection that unites the work of several visual artists engaged in abstraction and neo-expressionism. A community Expo will also be held at St. Mary’s Church Hall on Haddington Road.

Literary Walks and Talks

Across the weekend, a number of walks and tours celebrating Baggotonia’s colourful literary history will also take place, starting with three performance-based strolls around the area with actor Paul O’Hanrahan.

Covering themes such as ‘Canal Bank Writers and Artists’ and ‘Patrick Kavanagh’s Colourful Country,’ join Paul on his tour, celebrating the words and works of writers and artists who made Baggot Street and the Grand Canal their home and workplace.

The convivial literary jaunts will start in ‘Baggotonian style’ from The Waterloo pub on Upper Baggot Street and finish at the 51 Bar on Haddington Road.

O’Hanrahan’s three walks will take place on Friday, September 20, at 6.30 pm and Saturday, September 21, at noon and 5 pm.

Dr Margarita Cappock, art historian, will also join the celebrations with a special talk on Francis Bacon’s Baggot Street Origins between 1902 and 1998, delving into the life of the ‘bombastic’, ‘complex’, and ‘tender’ painter.

Dr Capock’s talk will give you insight into one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, who started right here in Dublin.

Walking Tours are also available, and they are 50-minute self-guided walks that explain the area’s history and tell tales of a handful of its most colourful characters.

An area anchored in rich culture, Baggotonia Festival 2024 will primarily take place on Friday, September 20, and Saturday, September 21, along Baggot Street Upper in Dublin.

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