Hit your 10,000 steps (or more) with these 10 walking tours in Dublin.
Traveling to a new city is one of the most enjoyable ways to rack up those 10,000 steps while soaking in the sights and sounds around you. Dublin is a city begging to be explored on foot.
Cobblestone streets, charming pubs, and history around every corner – it’s a walker’s paradise. With each step, you’re exercising and creating memories that will stay with you long after your trip ends.
I’ve spent weeks researching and trying out the best walking tours in the city, from literary legends to spooky ghost stories. Trust me, you’ll be hooked. Keep reading to discover my top picks and get ready to fall in love with Dublin, one step at a time.
1. 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour
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Website: http://www.1916rising.com/
Address: International Bar, 23 Wicklow St, Dublin 2, D02 VH59, Ireland
Contact details: +353868583847
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
If you’re ever in Dublin, you’ve got to check out the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour. You’ll wander through the streets of Dublin, and there with you is Lorcan Collins—a knowledgeable and super-engaging historian.
The Easter Rising was a pivotal moment for Ireland, and Lorcan dives deep into the stories of the brave rebels who stood up against British rule in 1916. Over two hours, he shares tales that make you feel the weight of their struggles and sacrifices.
You get to visit some of the most iconic places, like the General Post Office (GPO), which played a crucial role during the Rising. Then there’s Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol, Moore Street, Dublin Castle, and Liberty Hall.
| Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes! You’ll be walking quite a bit, and trust me, you want to be able to focus on the stories rather than your aching feet. |
2. Historical Walking Tours of Dublin
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Website: http://www.dublintourguide.ie/
Address: Studio 9, 9 N Great George’s St, Rotunda, Dublin, D07 XV26, Ireland
Contact details: +353863044433
Operating hours: 7 AM–8 PM
If you want to connect with Dublin’s rich history, you must check out the Historical Walking Tours of Dublin. Trust me, this isn’t just a boring stroll through the city; it feels like a lively seminar on the street.
The guides are history grads from Trinity College, and they have a knack for bringing the past to life. As you walk, they share fascinating stories and insights that might just blow your mind.
You’ll spend about two hours exploring the significant events that shaped Ireland. The tour usually kicks off at Trinity College, where you’ll learn about its importance and visit places like Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, and City Hall.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring a light jacket or umbrella. Dublin weather can be unpredictable, but a little drizzle won’t dampen your spirit when exploring this fascinating place! |
3. Richmond Barracks to Kilmainham Tour
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Website: http://www.richmondbarracks.ie/
Address: St Michael’s Estate, Inchicore, Dublin, D08 YY05, Ireland
Contact details: +35315242532
Operating hours: 10 AM–5 PM
Richmond Barracks to Kilmainham Tour is like a walking walkthrough of time in Dublin. You start at Richmond Barracks, a place bursting with military history, and let me tell you, it’s not just a bunch of dry facts.
This is where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were court-martialed, and you can trace the steps they took before their sad fate at Kilmainham Gaol. As we walk, the stories you hear about bravery, poetry, and local heroes.
You’ll hear about events like the 1913 lock-out and even touch upon the Spanish Civil War. And let’s not forget the fascinating characters like the Sham Squire or some of the local poets whose words have woven themselves into the fabric of Irish culture.
| Pro tip: The tour lasts about an hour and 15 minutes, and you’ll want to soak up every moment without worrying about sore feet. Plus, dress for the weather since it’s an outdoor experience—Dublin can be unpredictable! |
4. Delicious Dublin Food Tour
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Website: http://www.deliciousdublintours.com/
Operating hours: 10 AM–6 PM
The Delicious Dublin Food Tour is not just about food; it’s like diving into the heart and soul of Dublin. Your journey starts with some of the city’s top eateries, and trust me, and you’re in for a treat with local delicacies and artisan shops sprinkled along the way.
As you stroll through iconic spots like Trinity College and the charming Georgian streets, you’ll taste potato cakes, Dublin Coddle, and even some wild ice cream flavors that might surprise you!
The itinerary is crafted to highlight both beloved favorites and those hidden gems that make Dublin special. Honestly, it’s a 3-hour culinary journey you won’t forget. You’ll leave with a full belly and a deeper appreciation for Dublin’s vibrant culinary landscape.
| Pro tip: Remember, the tour lasts 3 hours, so try everything in moderation to still enjoy the taste of all the food presented to you. |
5. Dublin Literary Pub Crawl
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Website: http://www.dublinpubcrawl.com/
Address: 9 Duke St, Dublin, D02 NR76, Ireland
Contact details: +35316705602
Operating hours: 10 AM–10 PM
The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl offers a cool mix of literature, history, and the amazing pub culture that Dublin is famous for. It all kicks off at the Duke Pub, and let me tell you, the local actors who lead the tour are fantastic!
As you wander through the city, you dive deep into the worlds of literary giants like James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. It’s like walking through a living story, and you get to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Dublin’s pubs.
The tour is about two hours long, and you’ll hit up some of the most iconic pubs with real historical significance in Dublin’s literary past. There’s even a fun literary quiz with prizes, which is a nice touch!
| Pro tip: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes! It gives you more freedom to immerse yourself in the storytelling and fully join in on spontaneous pub banter! |
6. Dublin Ulysses Tour
Website: www.dublinulyssestours.com
Dublin Ulysses Tour is a must if you’re a fan of James Joyce or just curious about Dublin’s rich literary history! The tour starts with a friendly chat that sets the mood, making you feel like you’re diving into Joyce’s world.
There’s the James Joyce Statue on North Earl Street, which is such a cool photo op! And then, you stand in front of No. 7 Eccles Street, where the character Leopold Bloom lived.
One of my favorite stops was Sweny’s Pharmacy. It’s this charming little place where they hold daily Joycean readings. And then there’s the National Library, a spot Bloom used to frequent. Just being there gives you a sense of the man and his city.
| Pro tip: Bring a copy of Ulysses or download an audiobook version to listen to excerpts as you walk. This adds a whole new layer to the experience, allowing you to connect the text with its real-life settings and making Joyce’s words come alive right before your eyes! |
7. Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl
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Website: http://www.musicalpubcrawl.com/
Address: The Ha’penny Bridge Inn, 42 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 Y103, Ireland
Contact details: +35314758345
The Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl brings the music to life and shares fascinating stories about its history. You’ll be wandering through some of the city’s most beloved pubs, and trust me, they’re not just any pubs.
These spots, like The Ha’penny Bridge Inn and Flanagan’s Speakeasy Bar, are bursting with character and charm. Each has its cozy vibe, perfect for kicking back and enjoying the tunes.
What I appreciate about this tour is that it’s all about the music and our connections. You get to soak in the melodies that have shaped Irish culture without the pressure to drink too much.
| Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking between pubs. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than sore feet when trying to enjoy a night filled with music and laughter. |
8. The Icon Walk
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Website: http://www.iconfactorydublin.com/
Address: Aston Pl, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Contact details: +353862024533
The Icon Walk in Dublin will have you wandering through the streets of Temple Bar. You’ll come across stunning murals honoring legendary figures like William Butler Yeats and Oscar Wilde, not to mention some local rock icons like Luke Kelly and Phil Lynott.
And the spots you visit? They’re iconic. Each alleyway is bursting with color and creativity, decorated with murals that tell the stories of poets, writers, and musicians who shaped our culture. It’s a feast for the eyes and the imagination!
Whether you’re an art buff, a literature nerd, or just someone looking for a unique way to explore Dublin, this tour hits home. You get to connect with the city in such a meaningful way.
| Pro tip: Remember to bring your camera! The stunning murals provide fantastic photo opportunities you’ll want to capture and share. |
9. Dublin Mythology and Folklore Tour
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Website: http://www.generationtours.com/dublin
Address: 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D01 C3N0, Ireland
Contact details: +353831171197
Operating hours: 11 AM–10 PM
If you’re even a little bit into stories—especially those that give you chills or make you giggle—you’ve got to check out Dublin’s Mythology and Folklore Tour. This amazing two-hour walking adventure pulls you into the heart of Irish culture.
You start at The Old Storehouse pub, and let me tell you, the guides are super passionate about what they do. They’ve got these spine-tingling tales up their sleeves featuring the likes of the Banshee and Leprechaun.
You’ll wander through Temple Bar, along the River Liffey, and even check out the Garden of Remembrance. Each place is rich with lore, showing how these myths have woven themselves into Dublin’s landmarks and vibe.
| Pro tip: They keep the group size cozy—only up to 25 people—so you can connect with the guide and fellow explorers. It’s an intimate experience about unraveling Dublin’s rich narrative. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it! |
10. Monto Walking Tours
Website: http://www.bestdublinwalkingtours.com/
Contact details: +353871822493
Operating hours: 8 AM–11:30 PM
The Monto Walking Tour is a journey through a part of the city that was once its infamous red-light district. The area, known as Monto, has a wild history that’s both captivating and sometimes haunting.
Imagine spending two hours wandering the streets, guided by Terry Fagan, a local historian who seems to know every hidden story about this place. He’s been researching the history for decades, and trust me, he has incredible tales to share.
You’ll hear about everything from murder mysteries to the daily lives of those who lived in the tenements and brothels that populated these streets. It’s like stepping back in time and feeling the pulse of a vibrant yet troubled community.
| Pro tip: Watch out for the infamous brothels or the overcrowded tenements—everything here has a narrative worth sharing. |