Ready to experience the darkest and deadliest parts of Ireland’s capital? Then hop aboard Dublin’s Ghostbus Tour for a night you won’t forget.
The first of its kind, Dublin’s famous Ghostbus tour was created in 1995 by magician and paranormal storyteller, Dan O’Donoghue.
Since its debut, the tour has worked to entertain both locals and visitors alike – with the emergence of similar concepts in cities across the globe serving as a mere testament to its tremendous and continued success as one of Dublin’s most popular activities.
The Ghostbus Tour Dublin at a glance – get ready for the fright of your life
Departing from the Dublin Bus Head Office on Upper O’Connell Street, the two-hour-long tour is helmed by professional actors who brilliantly balance elements of horror with comedic relief in their detailing of some of the darkest stories of a Dublin you likely never knew existed.
The bus itself is harrowing with its winding maze-like passages, sinister Hellfire Clubroom, and haunted museum, which is kitted out with disturbing paintings, creepy dolls, and eerie puppets in glass cases – amongst other heinous delights.
In addition, there is a quirky Victorian theatre located on the upper deck, and with its blood-red curtains and ominous lighting, it wouldn’t go amiss to say that Dublin’s Ghostbus is a typical haunted house on wheels!
As you travel around the city in search of some of the most haunted sites Dublin has to offer, you will pass the Royal College of Physicians and hear the story of Dr Samuel Clossey who, reportedly fond of dissecting cadavers, was known to rob graves to indulge his fondness of experimentation.
You will also drive by the Shelbourne Hotel and learn the story of Sybil Leek, an occult author and psychic who was said to have contacted the spirit of seven-year-old Mary Masters after staying the night on the hotel’s fifth floor.
Following that, you will be taken to the location of some of Dublin’s secret horror gems beginning with the hidden city centre graveyard where you will be given a breakdown of the art of body-snatching.
You will also get the chance to enter the black gates of the ancient medieval city and visit the haunted steps of Saint Audeon’s Church – reportedly the most haunted spot in Dublin – where you might just spot the apparitions of Darkey Kelly (‘The Green Lady’) or the Lepers who are said to wander the grounds in the dead of night.
Tour-goers are actively encouraged to take photographs in this location, but beware – you never know what you might capture!
You will also get the chance to visit the crypt of Dublin Castle wherein one brave soul will become the stand-in for both a lesson and demonstration of various medieval torture devices – yikes!
Overall, the Ghostbus Tour experience – which also offers insight into Dracula’s Dublin origins – is a brilliant alternative for parties and office nights out.
So hop on… if you dare.
Additional information – location and ticket prices
Address: Dublin Bus Head Office 59 Upper, O’Connell Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 RX04, Ireland
Duration: two hours (approx.)
Age range: 14+ (due to humour and allusion to adult themes)
Under 16s are to be accompanied by an adult
There is also a Ghostbus Kids’ Tour for ages 7-14
Cost: €28 pp
Book: HERE
Pat Liddy Walking Tour – an extra tour completely free
On top of this, a ticket to the Dublin Ghostbus Tour comes with a free Pat Liddy Walking Tour (est. 2005) whereby you will explore various lesser-known parts of the city that are only accessible on foot.
On their ‘Dublin Highlights and Hidden Corners Walking Tour’, walkers will spend two hours journeying through the streets of Dublin learning all about its history.
Beginning at the Dublin Bus Head Office, the tour travels towards the 1916 Easter Rising ‘Final Act of Surrender’ site on Moore Street before visiting the likes of The Church Café, Late Bar and Restaurant, and The Italian Corner restaurant.
Next, it crosses the Millennium Bridge and onwards to Temple Bar before venturing towards City Hall and further to Dublin Castle.
The tour also visits the Creative Quarter before stopping at Grattan’s Parliament and finally ending at the grounds of Trinity College.
For more details, click HERE
So if you are looking for something a little different with a paranormal twist (plus a free additional walking tour), check out the Ghostbus Tour Dublin where things really do go bump in the night…
