Ireland

Editor Picks: 5 of the Best Dublin Walking Tours

by Oliver Stallwood  |  Published July 2, 2024

With old cobbled lanes, colourful shop fronts and historical buildings, Dublin is a great place to explore on foot – here is our pick of walking tours of the city.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Dublin is the kind of city that is full of surprises – walk cobbled streets, past colourful shop fronts and old timewarp pubs, and just soak up the atmosphere of the Irish capital. Obviously, with Dublin being fairly compact compared to other European metropolises, a walking tour makes perfect sense, taking you at slow speed through the city so that you don’t miss a thing. There are plenty of excellent, affordable walking tours in Dublin to take – here is our pick of five of the best. 

Dublin: Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour

If you are new to Dublin, this is the tour you should sign up for. Featuring the main sights and some hidden secret spots, it’s a great overview of life in the Irish capital. That doesn’t mean it’s dull however, the professional, local guide whipping up some great stories about life past and present, from the Vikings to Georgian boulevards to writers, rebels and rock stars. Once you’ve had your fill of history, you may be hungry for some of Dublin’s culinary highlights – the guide can also give you advice and tips on where to eat for the rest of your trip. The tour is two hours long and is good value. From €23.00.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Dublin: Mythology and Folklore Walking Tour

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Now for something a little different. This tour delves into the myths and legends of Dublin, exploring the characters and stories that have shaped the city and Ireland as a whole. The guide is an expert in Irish folklore and knows how to brings these takes to life, explaining about everything from mythical creatures such as the banshee and púca, and telling stories about rebellions, grave robbing and revolutions. Over the two hours you’ll also get to explore Dublin away from the tourist trail, with a visit to some of the city’s lesser-known locations. Another recommended and affordable tour. From €23.00.

Book at Getyourguide.com

2-Hour Historical Walking Tour from Dublin

One of the first things worth noting about this excellent tour is the price – it’s one of the cheapest walking tours in the capital and worth every penny. The reviews speak for themselves – it has almost always five-star feedback. Unlike lesser tours, the history postgraduate guides really know their stuff, explaining everything from the English conquest to Brexit, with the kind of stories and insight that you won’t hear everywhere. The meeting point is Trinity College and the tour finishes at Dublin Castle. This is a great experience for both history buffs and anyone who wants to better understand the history of Dublin and Ireland. From €19.00.

Book at Viator.com

Dublin: Foodie Walking Tour with Local Guide

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Dublin is very much a foodie destination, with everything from decent fish and chips to exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants. This tour is about getting to know the best local cuisine in the Irish capital, as well as some history of the city thrown in as you go. You’ll visit true local spots – avoiding the usual tourists traps – stopping off for five dishes along the way. Be sure to make sure you turn up to this tour hungry. Included in this three-hour activity is the tour guide – but food and drinks are extra. From €27.50.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Walking Tour Along Dublin’s River Liffey Bridges

If you’re not really the kind of person who wants a straightforward walking tour, this guided stroll takes a different spin. The focus, loosely, is on the River Liffey bridges, which span not over the river but hundreds of years, coming in all shapes and sizes. As you walk you’ll also pass some of the city’s major landmarks, from the Guinness Brewery to Christchurch Cathedral to the Custom House, with the guide happy to explain their significance too. This is a really informative and unique way to see Dublin, away from the crowds of the city centre, and as it is a private tour you can ask lots of questions and hear about what you are interested in. Ben, the guide, is friendly and knowledgeable. From €47.06.

Book at Withlocals.com