Private Guided Walking Tour in Dublin

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140 to 210 minutes (approx.)

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Overview

Dublin is not only a vibrant city, but it is also steeped in a long history dating to Viking times and before. This walking tour, led by a local "Dub" and qualified guide, will bring to life the medieval city, where you will discover interesting facts and hear fascinating stories right where they happened. As you go, your guide will point out useful landmarks and answer any questions you have. Subject to opening times (Apr - Oct), you will visit a medieval church where there has been services continuously for more then 800 years, included for free as part of the tour.

As a unique point of difference, your guide can also provide you with a unique video route map, complete with captioned photos, video clips and music, sent to you after the tour via a secure personalised link as souvenir to share with friends and family and for memories to cherish!

What's Included

Entrance to medieval church and visitor centre (subject to opening times)
Live commentary with a qualified local guide

Snacks Snacks, refreshments, drinks are not included
Gratuities

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Palace Street
Dublin 2, D02 T277, Ireland

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

City Hall (Pass By)

Our first landmark building is Dublin's City Hall. Built in the 18th century as the Royal Exchange, it later became the headquarters of Dublin Corporation, the city authority, before they relocated to Wood Quay. Today, this fine building is a multipurpose venue, hosting anything from weddings to movie shoots!

Temple Bar (Pass By)

Meandering down Parliament St., we pass more historic landmarks, such as Dublin's oldest shop, the hotel that was the city's custom house in the 17th century, as well as taking a glimpse at the famous district of Temple Bar.

Fishamble Street (Pass By)

We now take a left turn along Essex Gate, a cobblestone street that takes its name from what was once an entrance into the medieval walled city of Dublin. We'll pass a famous theatre that was first opened in the 17th century, and a Viking longboat situated as a reminder of unwelcome visitors who arrived here in times of yore. We'll stand at Wood Quay, the site of an ancient Viking settlement, before taking a left turn up Dublin's oldest street. Like all of the street names in this vicinity, the provide us with a window into the activities that happened here in medieval times. Fishamble Street is so named for the market that was once a thriving hub. See where George Friedrich Handel first performed his Messiah and hear the macabre tale of the execution fo Darkey Kelly in the 18th Century, before arriving at the heart of the medieval city of Dublin.

Christ Church Cathedral (Pass By)

We have now arrived at Christchurch Cathedral, built by the Normans in the 12th Century. We'll stroll along a cobbled walkway by the famous building as it towers over us. Stories abound and photo opportunities are a plenty here.

St. Audoen's Church

Crossing over Winetavern St, we find ourselves ambling through a residential area, a land use that has survived from medieval to modern times. Reaching Cook St, before us lies one of the longest and oldest stretched of the medieval city walls that remains fully intact. Passing the "Gates of Hell" we wander towards St. Audoen's Church, where services have continued uninterrupted since the 12th century. Now a visitor centre, we can pay a visit between April and October, and enter the enthralling inner world of prayer, guilds, and burials.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Brazen Head

No visit to medieval, nor indeed modern Dublin, could be complete without a visit to its oldest pub. Established in 1198 CE, coincidentally the year the death of Ireland's last High King, Rory O'Connor, the Brazen Head takes its name from the braziers; barrels of burning fuel to heat the charred hands of its patrons, passing on cold wintry nights. Feel free to stop here for a tipple, and hear a story or two while gazing at the walls of the cavernous tavern.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Liberties (Pass By)

Doubling back briefly, its back up hill to continue our journey, tracing the perimeter walls of the medieval city, a distinctive chunk of which awaits us on Lamb Alley. We are now venturing into the centuries old neighbourhood known as the Liberties, where we will pass the church of St. Nicholas of Myra, the once thriving Iveagh Market, and streets named after such luminaries as Dean Swift, John Dillon, and Thomas Davis, reminding us of the characters who once inhabited the area. An arched alleyway brings us to our next landmark, and competition to Christchurch Cathedral.

Saint Patrick's Cathedral

The rival to Christchurch Cathedral, stop off to take in the views of the majestic cathedral and gardens, where we'll trace the turbulent history from the Vikings, through to the Normans, the reformation, Oliver Cromwell, Guinness, and to the fine cathedral and gardens that we admire and enjoy today. An outdoor cafe and plentiful garden seating may tempt, if weather and time permit.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dubh Linn Gardens

Leaving the cathedral and gardens, we loop back towards the another fully intact section of Norman walls, this time forming the southern perimeter of the medieval city. Stories and anecdotes abound at arguably Dublin's most interesting street corner, before turning to take moment to savour a city centre oasis with a rich heritage that will take your breath away. Visit the circular garden that was once the "dark pool" which gives Dublin its name. Stroll by the Garda Memorial, David & Goliath Statue, Special Olympics tribute and see and hear about the Chester Beatty Museum and Library.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dublin Castle

Our final attraction IS Dublin Castle, the centre of government administration while Ireland was under British rule. Marvel at the juxtaposition of 18th and 12th century architecture where remnants of early Norman rule remain, at the confluence of over 700 years of Irish history! Hear the story of the great 16th century escape of the last of the Gaelic chiefs from the still fully intact Record Tower . We will pass through the courtyard and exit by City Hall to complete the tour.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Walking time for the attractions is already included in the total duration time

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Guided Walking Tour in Dublin?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (IST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025