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Private Guided Walking Tour in Dublin

5.0

8 Ratings

Dublin Tourist Information Centre Barnardo Square

Explore Dublin's rich history on a private guided walking tour. Discover medieval landmarks, hear captivating stories, and receive a unique video route map souvenir.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

City Hall - Our first landmark is Dublin’s City Hall. Originally built in the 18th century as the Royal Exchange, it later became the headquarters of Dublin Corporation before they moved to Wood Quay. Today, this elegant building serves multiple purposes, hosting events from weddings to film shoots!
Temple Bar - As we wander down Parliament St., we encounter more historic sites, including Dublin’s oldest shop, a hotel that once served as the city’s custom house in the 17th century, and a glimpse of the famous Temple Bar district.
Fishamble Street - Turning left onto Essex Gate, a cobblestone street named after an entrance to medieval Dublin, we pass a renowned theatre from the 17th century and a Viking longboat, a reminder of past invaders. At Wood Quay, the site of an ancient Viking settlement, we turn left onto Dublin’s oldest street. The street names here reflect medieval activities. Fishamble Street was once a bustling market. See where George Friedrich Handel first performed his Messiah and hear the grim tale of Darkey Kelly’s 18th-century execution before arriving at the heart of medieval Dublin.
Christ Church Cathedral - We arrive at Christ Church Cathedral, built by the Normans in the 12th century. Walking along a cobbled path by this towering structure, we find many stories and photo opportunities.
St. Audoen’s Church - Crossing Winetavern St., we enter a residential area that has persisted from medieval times. On Cook St., we see one of the longest and oldest intact stretches of the medieval city walls. Passing the “Gates of Hell,” we reach St. Audoen’s Church, where services have continued since the 12th century. Now a visitor center, it is open from April to October, offering a glimpse into its history of prayer, guilds, and burials.
The Brazen Head - No visit to Dublin, medieval or modern, is complete without stopping at its oldest pub. Established in 1198 CE, the year of Ireland’s last High King Rory O’Connor’s death, the Brazen Head is named after braziers used to warm patrons’ hands on cold nights. Stop here for a drink and hear stories while admiring the tavern’s historic walls.
The Liberties - Doubling back, we head uphill to continue our journey along the medieval city walls, reaching Lamb Alley. We enter the historic Liberties neighborhood, passing St. Nicholas of Myra Church, the once-bustling Iveagh Market, and streets named after figures like Dean Swift, John Dillon, and Thomas Davis. An arched alleyway leads us to our next landmark, a rival to Christ Church Cathedral.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral - Rivaling Christ Church Cathedral, this majestic cathedral and its gardens offer a glimpse into Dublin’s turbulent history, from the Vikings to the Normans, the Reformation, Oliver Cromwell, Guinness, and the present day. An outdoor café and garden seating provide a relaxing spot if time and weather allow.
Dubh Linn Gardens - Leaving the cathedral, we loop back to another intact section of Norman walls, forming the southern perimeter of medieval Dublin. At a fascinating street corner, we pause to enjoy a city center oasis with a rich heritage. Visit the circular garden that was once the “dark pool” giving Dublin its name. See the Garda Memorial, David & Goliath Statue, Special Olympics tribute, and learn about the Chester Beatty Museum and Library.
Dublin Castle - Our final stop is Dublin Castle, the center of government during British rule. Admire the blend of 18th and 12th-century architecture, with remnants of early Norman rule and over 700 years of Irish history. Hear about the great 16th-century escape of the last Gaelic chiefs from the intact Record Tower. We conclude the tour by passing through the courtyard and exiting by City Hall.

What's Included

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

What's Not Included

Snacks
Gratuities

Additional Information

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!

Walking time for the attractions is already included in the total duration time

Location

Dublin Tourist Information Centre Barnardo Square

Palace Street

Meet at the entrance to the tourist information centre on Barnardo Square, Dame St, Dublin 2

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

5.0

(8 Ratings)

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1 star

Shannonbv464ol

Jun 9, 2024

Walking tour of Dublin - We had a great afternoon with Ben as we wandered through the streets of Dublin. He was full of history and stories of his city - knowledge that he shared with all of us. He set a good pace for our varied group and gave us time to wander at The Book of Kells while being close by to answer any questions. His love of Dublin and Ireland shone out throughout the tour.