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(Nearly!) All of Dublin in 5 hours (Private Walking Tour)
5.0
190 Ratings
Dublin
Experience the best of Dublin in just 5 hours with this in-depth walking tour. Discover the city’s history, culture, and architecture while enjoying coffee and lunch breaks. Optional visit to the Old Library of Trinity College for the Book of Kells.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Trinity College Dublin - Visiting the campus. To see the Old Library and Book of Kells, book our 5-hour tour ‘(Nearly!) All of Dublin in 5 hours’. Campus access is limited to groups of 8 or fewer unless Old Library tickets are purchased in advance (per Trinity’s rules). Founded in 1592 as a Protestant university, Trinity was a source of resentment for Ireland’s Catholic majority until at least 1970. Over the centuries, it has nurtured notable students like Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett, the greatest playwright of the 20th century.
- The Book of Kells & Old Library - Coordinate with your guide to book tickets in advance.
- Temple Bar - Stroll through the cobbled streets of the famous Temple Bar area. Your guide will show you local spots (street art, bohemian shops) and hidden gems in this overly touristy area.
- Dublin Castle - Explore the grounds of Dublin Castle (upper and lower courtyards, Chapel Royal, Dubh Linn Gardens) without needing to enter any interiors, which require an official Dublin Castle tour.
- Christ Church Cathedral - Visiting the exterior. Christ Church Cathedral and/or St Patrick’s Cathedral. Although a wooden church was built here around 1030, and there was likely a pagan shrine before that, the stone structure of Christchurch began in the 1180s and has been restored and altered many times since. The neo-gothic architecture makes Christchurch arguably Dublin’s most beautiful complex. The vast crypt beneath the cathedral deserves particular attention for its size, interesting curiosities, and the fact that it hosted a pub, distillery, and brothel in the 18th century.
- Ha’penny Bridge - Cross the famous Ha’Penny Bridge, one of Dublin’s icons. Look up the river towards the Guinness Brewery (you might catch the aroma of hops boiling) or down the river towards the Custom House and the modern Docklands area. Or simply stop to observe the lovers’ locks.
- National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology - Closed on Mondays. On this tour, we have time to visit EITHER the National Museum (free entry) or the Book of Kells (paid entry). Coordinate with your guide after booking. We suggest booking this tour and our Museums tour for a great Dublin plan.
- Leinster House - Leinster House.
- The O’Connell Monument - Daniel O’Connell was arguably the first man to prove that civil disobedience and peaceful resistance could be effective. A huge hero for Irish people, having secured Catholic Emancipation, he’s nicknamed ‘The Liberator’ and the main street of our capital city is justifiably named after him.
- Bank of Ireland - Old Parliament Building. Dublin was the second 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 adorned with buildings from this period, making it look much older than Paris and London.
- St Stephens 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 favorite part of the city. We’ll stroll through the lush greenery along the curved Victorian walkways and keep an eye out for the rare sight of an Irish person sunbathing!
- 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. Admire the flower ladies, enjoy the buskers (street musicians) as you head towards Bewleys Café, Ireland’s oldest and largest café, built in 1927.
- An Post General Post Office - It was outside this impressive building on Easter Monday that Padraig Pearse read the Declaration of Irish Independence and, together with his 1600 comrades, led a rebellion that shook an empire. The most underrated site in Dublin for tourists, the GPO retains all its historical significance for Dubliners and Irish people, but most tourists never learn why this should be on their top 5 list of sites to visit.
- City Hall - One of the key locations of the 1916 Easter Rising and an example of Dublin’s 18th-century architecture. We can enter the building as long as there is not a private event occurring.
What's Included
- Experienced and qualified Irish tour guide
- Hotel meet-up for central location
- Private tour tailored for your group
What's Not Included
- Food & Drink
- Gratuities
- Entry tickets
Additional Information
This comprehensive, yet unhurried, walking tour encapsulates Dublin’s key and lesser-known attractions. Get immersed in history, culture, architecture, Irish society, language, literature, and humor as we stroll around the beautiful city.
The tour can be customized to your preferences.
Rest and refuel with a coffee break and a lunch break that will aptly complement your Dublin exploration.
Time flies with five hours seeming short!
Optional:
- A guided tour of the Old Library of Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Please be aware that choosing this option means the National Museum of History and Archaeology has to be dropped from the itinerary. The National Museum of History and Archaeology is closed on Mondays.
- An admission fee is charged for the Book of Kells (for both adults and children), which can be bought on location.
Location
Dublin City South, Kildare Street
Outside the National Museum of Archaeology & History
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(190 Ratings)
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Fearless37608729823
Aug 19, 2024
Amazing day with John - John’s tour was great! So many interesting stops. John had many interesting facts to share with us. So glad we booked with him! We would definitely recommend this tour with John to anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
482inezf
Aug 11, 2024
Walking tour of Dublin. Important historical sites. - John was very knowledgeable on all the history of the city and was a great guide. He was friendly, informative and knew the important historical information. We now have a much better understanding of the history of Dublin and the important sites of the city. He was willing to be flexible with stops and answered all our questions.
I would highly recommend him as a guide!
M. Inez Fraser
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O6975fvdaniell
Aug 2, 2024
Eamon O’Sullivan is the best! - Eamon O’Sullivan was the best! We have used many tour guides over the years and Eamon was, hands down, the very best. His attention to detail and local knowledge was stupendous. Showed us many nuggets only locals would know. Do not hesitate booking the lad. Thanks a million Eamon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kpneward
Jul 25, 2024
Fantastic historical tour of Dublin - If you are looking to gain a better understanding of what it means to be Irish, Garvan is your man. His knowledge of Irish history and his ability to bring it to life made this one of our favorite tours in what is now one of our favorite countries.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Canadianguy01
Jul 22, 2024
Best walking tour we've done - Did the walking tour with Eamonn who was the most knowledgeable guide we've ever had (we've done private walking tours in London, Barcelona, Vienna, etc.). Eamonn completely customized the tour according to our preferences and was flexible during the tour for changes. Great communication before the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kpneward
Jul 17, 2024
Learn what it means to be Irish - Garvan could not be any more authentic or knowledgeable. We learned so much about what it means to be Irish through the lens of history. We highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dotg702
Jul 14, 2024
Eamon is very cool. - My guy was phenomenal. Wonderful political history of revolutionary Ireland. Very cool and down with transgender women also. Also he rolls a killer smoke.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johana_p
Jul 13, 2024
Dublin day - Austin was such a delightful guide. I let him know my mom didn’t speak English so I would translate everything for her so he took his time explaining while also being patient. He captured great pics of our adventure and made our tour very enjoyable. We look forward to returning and booking future tours.
Review provided by Viator
Susanhy7346sb
Jul 11, 2024
Dublin in a day - John was an amazing guide Met us at the hotel on time and gave us a wonderful historical tour of Dublin We saw many of the “must sees”. He has a great sense of humor and is very personable Highly recommend this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goplaces825129
Jul 11, 2024
Ask for Seamus! - Seamus was amazing. A deep knowledge of history. Great tour! I’d go again for sure. We walked all around and really feel like I know Dublin now.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
