1916 Rebellion Walking Tour: Historical Journey Through Revolutionary Dublin
4.9
1,218 Ratings
Dublin
Experience a historical journey through revolutionary Dublin on the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour. Uncover the sites of the Easter Rising, War of Independence, and Irish Civil War. Educational, interactive, and no prior knowledge required.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Our journey begins at the renowned International Bar, which has been the starting point of the 1916 Tour, conducted by Lorcan Collins, since 1996. You’re invited to arrive early, enjoy a beverage, and browse the informative literature provided by your guide. The tour commences with a brief overview of the events leading up to the revolutionary period, starting from the Great Hunger / Irish Famine in the 1840’s and culminating with the 1916 Rising, offering all participants a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances preceding the revolution. This also presents an opportunity for attendees to ask queries and familiarize themselves with the guide.

We’ll inform you of the course we plan to follow, and although we rotate the route to keep the tour fresh, rest assured that you’ll be satisfied with the various locations we visit. Here are some spots we commonly explore:

  • The City Hall, a site occupied during the 1916 Rising by the Irish Citizen Army, is a place where we halt to discuss the happenings of Easter Week 1916.
  • Dublin Castle, from where the British administration governed Ireland, is another pitstop on our tour. We’ll discuss its implications during the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence. You might recognize it from the Michael Collins film.
  • We also drop by The Four Courts, a building seized by revolutionaries in 1916 and again in 1922, during the Irish Civil War. The best views and discussions regarding its role in 1916 and 1922 and the complexities of the Civil War can be experienced from a bridge spanning the River Liffey.
  • We make several small stops on our walk, one of them being Daniel O’Connell’s Memorial where we observe bullet marks from the Rising and discuss the positions held by the British and Irish in 1916.
  • A halt at the statue of ‘Big Jim Larkin’, the Union Man from Liverpool and a comrade of James Connolly, gives an insight into his contributions during the revolutionary period.
  • A primary stop on our journey is the GPO, which served as the Revolutionaries’ headquarters in Dublin. Stories of the critical events that transpired during Easter 1916 unfold here, making it a key part of Irish national consciousness and the most historic building in Dublin.
  • Time permitting, we often venture to Moore Street to witness the location of GPO Garrison’s final stand during Easter Week.
  • Popularly known as the Old Parliament, this building, and its neighbor, Trinity College, might be the object of our scrutiny depending on the guide’s chosen route. However, we emphasize that the tour’s route is not fixed and can vary with each day!
What's Included
  • Expert tour guide included.
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Additional Information

Lorcan Collins, a distinguished author, historian and native of Dublin, brought the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour into existence in 1996. The engaging two-hour walk commences every day at The International Bar where attendees are gifted a 1916 Proclamation replica and informative printed materials. The itinerary commences with a succinct summary of the events leading up to the dramatic 1916 Easter Rising, later guiding participants to landmarks from the revolutionary age including the General Post Office, City Hall and Dublin Castle. A reflection on the War of Independence, the period between 1919-21 when Michael Collins fought for Irish sovereignty, and the Irish Civil War (1922-23) is also part of the main itinerary. This tour, designed both for its educational value and interactive fun, doesn’t necessitate any previous understanding of the happenings it details.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
23 Wicklow St
Wicklow Street
The International Bar is our starting point. It's a very small Bar so you will easily spot your guide and if not, ask at the Bar.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(1218 Ratings)
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Penny_r
Jun 22, 2024
Great Tour - Lorcan was an amazing person who made sure everyone felt included in the experience. His good sense of humor mixed well with his informative teaching style.
Review provided by Viator
Thomas_h
Jun 22, 2024
Great Stuff - Informative as well as entertaining. Very descriptive and in depth. Would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Ireland.
Review provided by Viator
Rachaelrf9896fn
Jun 21, 2024
Up the ‘ra! - Lorcan led us on a fascinating and educational tour. He also did a wonderful job of keeping my 16 year old son entertained and engaged. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ray1231
Jun 21, 2024
Interesting history of Dublin political history - The 1916 Rebellion Tour was very informative. Lorcan kept the whole group engaged as he took us through the history of Ireland and it's struggles with Britan. My family and I enjoyed his candid depiction of the events as they took place. It was beneficial to see where in Dublin events happened.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
868aprild
Jun 20, 2024
Walk thru history with humor and facts! - What a great time with Lorcan! His humor, historical facts and good nature made the walking tour fun and informative. He has such a passion for his country and the fight that shaped the country. Don't miss this experience!
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Daniel_t
Jun 19, 2024
Very informative and entertaining - We had a great tour. The guide, Faolan (sp?) was fantastic and even sang a a bit. Very informative and a great couple of hours. Highly recommended this tour to anyone who is interested in the 1916 Rebellion. Left off at the GPO and there is a museum in the GPO we would also recommend as it ties in nicely.
Review provided by Viator
Frederick_w
Jun 16, 2024
Visiting the Wicklow mountains - Brian, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and brought the places we visited to life. The van was clean and comfortable. He gave us time to explore on our own and met us promptly to take us to the next destination. It was an enjoyable day.
Review provided by Viator
Erin_g
Jun 15, 2024
History tour - Great experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and professional. It was a great tour to learn more about Irish history.
Review provided by Viator
Kevin_d
Jun 15, 2024
Irish 1916 history must do - Great guide and tour that gives you insight into the history of the 1916 rebellion. Lorcan knows his history and is passionate about it. Easy walk. Highly recommend it
Review provided by Viator
Timky2120mn
Jun 14, 2024
Thank you from Australia! - Highly recommend! Lorcan's passionate knowledge of the events and members involved is inspiring, funny and incredibly engaging! He also made a point to chat to everyone between stops. A stand up lad. 10 stars, up the ra!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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