no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicola Brady

Dublin has been designated as a UNESCO City of Literature. It’s the birthplace of James Joyce, and Nobel Prize for Literature winners William Butler, Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett, and home to some of Literature’s greatest minds. Hence this two-hour crash course in Irish literature and history.

Educational, sociable and thoroughly entertaining, the actors/guides summarise the history of the most illustrious Dublin pubs, acting out literary passages by Joyce, Beckett, Oscar Wilde and Seamus Heaney. The ‘pub crawl’ evening tour option includes, of course, the added bonus of pub stops along the way. For non-pubbers, there’s a day walk alternative.

Combining street theatre with the ‘craic’ that makes Dublin pubs world-famous, it’s no wonder this was listed among the world’s best 50 walks by the Sunday Times.

Price from: £12
Minimum age: 13
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours 20 mins

Getting there & doing it

The tour meeting point is at the Duke pub, between Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green. It’s a good idea to start the tour on a full stomach – food is available at the Duke, assuming you arrive early. There is also food at the second pub but you’ll only have time for a snack with your drink. The crawl lasts about 2.5 hours.

Dress for the outdoors and bring rain gear as Dublin weather is unpredictable and parts of this tour are under the stars (or clouds), including a walk around Trinity College. Book ahead via the website.

When to do it

The pub crawl starts at 7.30pm. Between April and October, it runs daily; between November and March on Thursday and Sunday only. The ‘Lit Walk’ is on Monday mornings.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

Dublin

Immerse yourself in Dublin's rich literary heritage and enjoy a few pints along the way on a literary pub crawl through Dublin. This walking...

€15 | Rating 4.68 / 5 [1054 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Shelbourne Hotel

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[0.4 miles]

Taste old world glamour and socialise with Dublin’s glitterati at the city’s most iconic hotel.

Official star rating:

The Merrion Hotel

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[0.6 miles]

Old-world glamour and romanticism linger at this luxury, 5-star hotel just steps from Merrion Square in the city centre.

Official star rating:

Wilder Townhouse

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[1.1 miles]

Set in a Georgian townhouse, this hotel is all about eclectic style in a blissfully peaceful corner of the city.

Official star rating:

Dylan Hotel

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[1.4 miles]

A gorgeous boutique hotel that oozes style, blending bold design with superior service and a fun vibe.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dublin

County Dublin, Ireland

Medieval history, literature, art and culture marry epic nightlife and dining in a charming urban village.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Trinity College Dublin

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[0.3 miles]

Birthplace of Oscar Wilde, and originally built in 1592, Trinity College is Dublin’s hallowed seat of learning, and home to the world-famous Book of Kells.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Guinness Storehouse

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[1.9 miles]

Dublin is the birthplace of the legendary pint of Guinness – Ireland’s national drink. This fun and interactive museum tells the story…

Best for ages: 18+ | £15

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

A festive Brown Thomas department store entrance with All Aboard signage and clock
Experience

Brown Thomas

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[0.1 miles]

Dublin’s equivalent of Fortnum & Mason, this elegant department store first opened its doors in 1849 and remains the city’s go-to place for designer brands.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Outdoor seating in the central atrium of a beautiful historic building
Experience

Powerscourt Townhouse Centre

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[0.2 miles]

A chic mix of speciality shops, art galleries and restaurants housed in an atmospheric, 18th-century Georgian mansion that retains many of its period features. Centrally located, just off Grafton Street.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Irish Whiskey Museum
Experience

Irish Whiskey Museum

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[0.3 miles]

Take an expert-led guided tour and discover the origins of Irish Whiskey, how it has developed through the ages, the secrets of how to make it, and the leading Irish Whiskey brands. Tours end, of course, with a tasting.

Best for ages: 18+ | £17

Website >
Overview >
Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre
Experience

Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[0.3 miles]

Known locally as ‘the wedding cake’ this architecturally interesting Shopping Centre looks like a traditional paddle-steamer from the outside, with glass and ornate white iron work used throughout to create a historic look (in spite of it being built in the 1980s).

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >