Rich Medieval and literary history meet varied dining and a trendy social scene in the cool urban village that is Dublin.
Cobbled streets and castle walls hug Victorian and Georgian houses, complemented by dramatic modern architecture and artistic design.
Quick-witted, sociable characters fuel traditional Irish pubs as historic theatres showcase literary talent and local ‘musos’ rock live music venues. Prep your palette for a charming cocktail of clubs and culture, history and hospitality, and savour a taste of diverse, delightfully hip Dublin.
Orientation
The River Liffey separates Dublin into Northside and Southside neighbourhoods – the latter being more upmarket and expensive. Leafy banks hug the Grand and Royal Canals that run east and west.
Easy to navigate by foot, the city is dotted with Georgian squares and Victorian parks, such as Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park, one of the largest designed landscapes in a European city.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour
Dublin
Explore Dublin’s gruesome stories of murder, torture, cannibalism, grave robbing, brothels, proposals to eat young children, unearthly worship and much more!
We start our journey at Dublin Castle, where we will explore the torture of the past, speak of priest hunters and unearth why the upper courtyard was nicknamed the Devil’s Half Acre but behind the beautiful architecture is a brutal past.
From here we’ll take the side streets to hear stories of cannibalism and of proposals to eat babies.
As we delve further into Dublin’s dark past, we’ll enter an area once known as Hell. Uncover stories of brothels, witches, and the infamous Hellfire Club.
Passing by the old city walls we’ll learn of grave robbing, The Black Pig, and finish with the very unusual case of a strangler and killer with no legs.
Join us on this 2-hour walking tour as we weave our way through the city streets and back alleys to uncover Dublin’s Dark past.
90 Minute Dublin Walking tour and Sightseeing tips
Dublin
Discover the real Dublin with this highly rated companies newest walking tour of Irelands capital.
We take you on a journey through the cobbled streets of Dublin’s past and present. Providing a fantastic introduction to Dublin.
From its birth in 988AD by Viking settlers to Dublin being this fantastic tourist destination and world renowned capitol it is today, this tour has it all!
Learn about some of Irelands greatest and world renowned writers, our heritage and even why you should be drinking Irish whiskey instead of other brands.
Put you finger on Dublin’s pulse with the best tour company in Ireland as we revel you with insights and tidbits only known to locals.
A big part of this tour is to keep it short and entertaining., but also to give you lots of sightseeing ideas for after the tour. This way you get the best of both worlds
This tour is a combination of the good and bad – it’s everything that makes Dublin the city it is today!See less
DoDublin Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour with Live Guide
Dublin
Unlock Dublin and make your own sightseeing itinerary with a 24 or 48 hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket in Dublin. Use your ticket to explore 25 well-placed stops around town. Listen to live commentary as you ride and hop on and off whenever and wherever you please. See landmarks such as Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse and St Stephen’s Green. Complimentary admission to the Little Museum of Dublin are included with the ticket.
*Kids Go Free - One Child Under 15 travels free with each adult.
Explore Dublin in your own time with a 24, 48 or 72 hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour! You’ll discover everything this wonderful city has to offer, including the Guinness Storehouse, Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin Zoo, Christchurch Cathedral, The Irish Whiskey Museum, City Hall and many other remarkable landmarks! You’ll see all of these sights from the open-top deck, which gives you a stunning 360 degree perspective of your surroundings. Or simply hop off the double-decker bus whenever you please, to take a closer look at things. There’s also an on-board audio tour commentary provided in 8 languages, so you can engage with Dublin’s history as you cruise around. This tour has many perks, including discounted entry at the Irish Whiskey Museum and a free walking tour, making your sightseeing experience even more immersive & 2 Kids (aged 4-12) go free with every paying adult!
Explore Dublin by bike with our experienced and friendly guides. Enjoy a unique eco-friendly tour of our amazing city. Our tour is a great way to find your way around Dublin at a nice relaxed pace, while at the same time covering a lot of ground! Discover Viking & Norman Dublin. See where the Lords & Ladies lived in Georgian Dublin. Hear about the many rebellions that took place and the heroes that led them. Discover where famous writers like James Joyce and Jonathan Swift lived and wrote. Find out where St. Valentine's heart is and where Dracula was written. Hear about Dublin's famous musicians such as U2, The Dubliners, Sinead O'Connor and much, much more
The tour is around 2.5 hours long and suitable for cyclists of all ages and experience. We will supply you with helmets and reflective belts. Dress for the weather!
Discover the rich history, the folklore, the great buildings, the unique atmosphere of Dublin, with a guided bike tour. Get a sense of the city’s energy, its history, culture and wit; its distinguished citizens – from Joyce to Bono. This tour uncovers Dublin’s charm. There are no hills and the pace is relaxed.
Participants must be competent cyclists. We also insist that hi-vis bibs and helmets are worn. It is a condition of participating in the tour.
Too lazy to take a hike? Hop on a bike here with us at the Lazy Bike Tours. Enjoy a fully-guided tour with a local guide on one of our top of the range e-bikes. Your guides are all local to the city and are full of interesting facts as well as some great stories about Dublin and the locations we stop at. Tours last for around two hours and we provide everything you need to make this a fun and enjoyable tour.
Enjoy gorgeous afternoon tea as we take a trip through the city taking in the Phoenix Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church, Wood Quay, O’Connell Street, Trinity College, Georgian Dublin, St. Stephens Green and more.
The History of Dublin With Locals: 1916 Easter Rising PRIVATE Tour
Dublin
It’s the history that made the city today. During this private tour, it’s time to discover Dublin through the 1916 Easter Rising.
Embark on a storytelling journey that will keep you entertained while at the same time giving you insights you can’t find in a history book.
Delve deep into the subject with highlights and landmarks like General Post Office GPO, Garden of Remembrance, and Collins Barracks. Connect their relevance to this historical event and the effects it had from past to present in Dublin. Thanks to your local guide, it will be as if you just took a trip back in time!
Withlocals History City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local products and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
Best of Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems With Locals Private Tour
Dublin
This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Dublin from a unique perspective! Get to know Dublin on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all!
Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Dublin at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like The Christ Church, Dublin Castle, Trinity College and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included.
Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.
Welcome to the great old city of Dublin! Now, this is the tour for seeing Dublin. If you only do one touristy activity in Dublin, make it the Fantastic Walking Tour of Dublin.
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.
In the courtyard of Dublin Castle, our footfalls will echo through the castle’s 800-year history. At the GPO on O’Connell Street, the crowds gathered for the Declaration of Irish Independence & the passions of poets and Irish freedom fighters throughout the centuries were born anew.
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.
WELCOME TO DUBLIN!
Full Coverage Dublin PRIVATE City Tour With Locals
Dublin
Checkmark from your travel bucket list the main spots of the city on an extended tour of Dublin and get to know the city like the back of your hand. All you have to do is trust your local guide, they got you and will show the best of their city.
Your local guide has a jam-packed itinerary full of history, culture, stories, and sights. See must-sees of the city, plus get current recommendations about local hot spots, family-owned eateries, and up-and-coming districts of Dublin you must pay a visit. Yes, this tour is the city guide that will help you enjoy Dublin in the best way possible.
Withlocals Full Coverage City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
Relax in a comfortable vehicle while admiring Dublin's fair city on this private full-day tour including a pickup from anywhere in Dublin. You will visit sights such as the Guinness Store House, Trinity College, St Patrick Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol, Malahide Castle, Howth village and Summit, The Jeanie Johnson and the Phoenix Park among other sights of interest Dublin has to offer. You have the freedom to choose when to stop for photo opportunities and continue on your journey as you wish, while your driving guide helps you make the most out of your day. Expect to spend about 8 hours on your journey.
Some attractions require pre-booking (Book of kells, Kilmainham Goal). Please let us know via messaging if you are sure you'll want to visit inside these attractions as we can help you book the correct times to ensure you get the best out of your day with us.
Dublin’s weather is temperamental but May to August offer the best weather (usually!), during which time outdoors activities are encouraged and locals are at their most sociable. Weekend markets, festivals and coastal villages spring to life during the summer months too.
The busiest weekend is St Patrick’s Festival in March, attracting crowds from around the world. Rugby is a popular sport and national rugby matches feature at weekends from October to March. Arts and cultural events, and Dublin’s hectic nightlife, pack a lively social schedule year-round.
Getting there and away
Regular buses run from the airport directly into Dublin, but metered taxi is the fastest (30 minutes) and easiest way to reach the city centre, taking routes that avoid traffic.
Getting around
Dublin is uniquely compact so the best way to get around and experience the city to the full is to walk. New bike lanes invite you to use a super-convenient Dublin bike scheme, providing cheap-to-rent bikes at 40 stations around the city. There’s also a light rail system, or LUAS, that is the fastest way to travel north and south of the centre. Avoid renting a car as traffic is heavy.
Where to stay
The most exclusive hotels and guest houses are typically located on the more exclusive south side of the River Liffey. Grafton Street, Merrion Row and Baggot Street are dotted with four- and five-star hotels and guest houses, all within walking distance of lively nightlife haunts. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or not, Dublin is such a compact city that these areas form good bases for a complete city experience. Groups congregate in the touristy Temple Bar area and while this is a bustling hub, it’s not where locals hang out.
Where to eat or drink
There are distinct areas for dining and partying. Temple Bar offers round-the-clock fun but it’s touristy, while the network of George’s, Wicklow, Exchequer and South William Streets are where locals prefer to hang out in trendy bars. Grafton and George’s Street and Merrion Row are lined with fine-dining restaurants while Wexford and Leeson Streets offer late-night pubs and clubs – all within walking distance of the city centre.
Where to shop
Grafton and Wicklow Streets are the jewels in Dublin’s shopping crown, lined with upmarket boutiques, cafés and department stores, including Brown Thomas, Westbury and Powerscourt Malls.
Alternative boutiques, vintage shopping and arcades line the side streets between Grafton and George’s Street.
Weekend markets showcase local fashion, crafts and produce in Temple Bar. St Stephen’s Green or Dundrum – a 15-minute LUAS (light rail) trip – both offer a high-street shopping mall experience.
Linen, tweed, Celtic jewellery and hand-made musical instruments are some of the top buys in Dublin.
