There simply is no better way to explore a city than on foot. Have a look at the 10 best Dublin walking tours you can do in Irish capital today below.
No matter if you are in the capital for the first, fifth or tenth time or have been living here all your life, there’s always something new to explore. And walking tours are a great way to learn more about your surroundings in an entertaining way.
We are lucky because Dublin has a huge variety of tours suitable for everyone from history buffs to disco fans, from foodies to Instagrammers and bookworms. Pack a good pair of walking shoes and find your perfect match in our list of the most incredible walking tours you can do in Dublin today!
10. A Silent Disco Adventure in Dublin – open-air disco in Dublin
You might have seen the small groups of people walking around the streets of Temple Bar with headsets, singing, clapping and dancing their hearts out. Chances are, they were part of the “Silent Disco Adventure in Dublin” – and you can join in the fun, too!
The one-hour-tour takes you around the heart of Dublin while listening to some of your favourite pop tunes at full volume. Just think of it as an open-air disco with some sightseeing on top.
If you are on a stag or hen trip or come to Dublin for a birthday celebration, they also offer private tours where you can choose the playlist.
Meet at: The Wild Duck, 17/20 Sycamore Street
When: Saturdays at 2.30 PM
How much: Adult € 14.99
More info: HERE
9. Dublin Pub Crawl – introduction to Dublin nightlife
Pubs are an essential part of Dublin life and if you are not sure where to go, this tour makes a great introduction to the capital’s nightlife scene as well as its drinking culture.
The Dublin Pub Crawl gets you VIP entry into five venues, including traditional pubs, live music venues (with Irish dancing!) and clubs as well as a couple of free shots.
It’s a great way to meet new people, both travellers and locals, while enjoying a party night out and dance until the dust of dawn. Obviously, the morning hangover is not mandatory, so it’s entirely up to you how long and wild the night will be.
In case you really get hooked on the whole thing, you can get a wristband allowing you to join unlimited pub crawls for the rest of the year.
Meet at: Bad Bobs, Temple Bar
When: Daily at 7.30 PM
How much: Adult €12
More info: HERE
8. Dublin’s Rebellion Walking Tour – tour the Easter battle sites
In April 1916, Irish rebels changed the history books forever by declaring the Emerald Isle an independent republic. The violent battle, best known as Easter Rising, saw street fights, many deaths and large parts of Dublin (and a few other cities around the country) destroyed.
On this tour, author, journalist and historian Lorcan Collins takes you to all the battle sights and explains the historical facts as well as the background of the rebellion. You will leave with a much better understanding of all the events that led to Ireland being the country we know it today.
While the tour is an obvious must-do for history buffs, Lorcan Collins is such a great storyteller you really don’t have to know all the facts and dates by heart to enjoy this two-hour-walk.
Meet at: The International Bar, 23 Wicklow Street
When: Monday to Saturday at 11.30 AM, Sunday at 1 PM
How much: Adult €15
More info: HERE
7. Tapas Walking Tour of Dublin – for fans of the Spanish dish
Tapas fans will be in awe of this 3-hour-tour giving you an intro to the local tapas scene as well as plenty of samples to try. The guided walk takes you to three restaurants around town where you can enjoy classic Spanish tapas as well as the Italian, Cuban or Moroccan spin. A glass of red or white venue is included at each venue, too.
We truly believe that food and drinks bring people together, which is why the Tapas Tour just had to make it on our list of the best walking tours you can do in Dublin today. Expect to meet both travellers and locals on this tour, all united by their passion for great food.
If you have any allergies or are on a specific diet, just let the organizers know in advance and they will do their best to accommodate you.
Meet at: You will get an email with instructions
When: Daily at 2 PM, evening tours from Sunday to Thursday at 6 PM
How much: Adult €69
More info: HERE
6. Dublin Dark Side Tour – not for the faint-hearted
This 2.5-hour-tour is not for the faint-hearted. The Dublin Dark Side Tour takes you through back alleys, graveyards and haunted buildings while listening to gruesome stories of ghosts, cannibals, serial killers and even Satan himself.
You will learn more about the dark side of Irish folklore, the history of Halloween (even though many folks think it’s American, we are proud to say it all started out in Ireland!) and the author of world-famous Dracula.
Keep your eyes and your minds open for all the creatures you might encounter: The Dublin Castle is said to be haunted with the souls of beheaded invaders while legend says a young boy called Charlie Parker secretly strolls around Olympia Theatre.
Meet at: Joy of Chá, Temple Bar
When: Daily at 5 PM
How much: Adult €12, Student €10
More info: HERE
5. Dublin Instagram Tour – discover Dublin’s hidden gems
No matter if you are an influencer with tens of thousands of followers, a hobby photographer or a rising social media star, if you like taking pictures and sharing them with the world, this is one of the most incredible walking tours you can do in Dublin today.
The guides, all Instagram enthusiasts themselves, show off the hidden gems of Dublin and how to shoot them from their very best possible angle. And if you are new to photography, they will be happy to share some camera tricks, too. When booking, you can choose your guide and check out his or her pictures to get a taste of what you will see and shoot.
Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged and be prepared to leave with tons of selfies and fun pictures filling up your Instagram feed for the days (or even weeks) to come.
Meet at: You will get an email with instructions
When: Saturdays and Sundays at 12 PM, 2 PM and 4 PM (book ahead on their website)
How much: Adult €20
More info: HERE
4. Dublin Secret Food Tour – one of the best Dublin walking tours
If you are a foodie, the Dublin Secret Food Tour is a must. Kicking off twice a day, this 4-hour-guided walk includes some of the most famous food places as well as local favourites.
The foodie adventure typically includes Irish breakfast (for the morning tour), Irish stew, whiskey sampling as well as local sweets and ice-cream. Make sure to bring a proper appetite as we guarantee you there will be a lot of food! (you will probably be stuffed for the rest of the day)
While sampling all the dishes, your guide will give you an intro on Irish food culture and local customs as well as a brief historical overview of the Emerald. They are also happy to share restaurant and pub recommendations for the rest of your stay.
Meet at: Trinity College
When: Daily at 10 AM and 2 PM (Advance booking essential)
How much: Adult €59
More info: HERE
3. Dublin Literary Pub Crawl – face-to-face with Irish literature
On this entertaining walking tour, two actors take their group on a pub crawl with a literary spin: While you enjoy a pint (or two), they re-enact scenes from some of the most famous Irish writers, including James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Brendan Behan and Seamus Heaney.
The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl is a highly entertaining way to familiarize yourself with some of the biggest authors of all times. And to spice things up a little, the actors will also give you plenty of inside info on them, including anecdotes and juicy secrets.
Inspired by Joyce and alikes, you might even come up with your own idea for a future bestseller. And even if you don’t, we guarantee the 2-hour-tour will be a craic, making this one of the best walking tours in Dublin.
Meet at: The Duke Pub, 9 Duke Street (upstairs)
When: Thursday to Sunday at 7.30 PM, from April daily at 7.30 PM
How much: Adult €14, Student €12
More info: HERE
2. Historical Walking Tour of Dublin – a kaleidoscope of Irish history
One of the best walking tours in Dublin is this history-focused, award-winning walk which gives you all the facts, dates and stories of the Emerald Isle in a nutshell.
The guides, all history graduates of Trinity College Dublin and the National University of Ireland, are literally walking history books and will happily explain all the background stories.
The Historical Walking Tour of Dublin takes roughly over two hours and covers all the most important events from the Great War to the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence, the Northern conflict and all there is to know about current Irish politics.
General and historical sights you will see on the way include Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, the House of Lords, Temple Bar, Mansion House and Grafton Street.
Meet at: Trinity College (front entrance)
When: Friday to Sunday at 11 AM, from April daily at 11 AM
How much: Adult €14, Student €12
More info: HERE
1. Sandman’s Free Tour of Dublin – highlights of the capital
Sandeman offers free walking tours all around Europe as well as New York City and Tel Aviv, so it comes with no surprise they are big in Dublin, too – and in our opinion they are definitely one of the most incredible walking tours you can do in Dublin today.
The 3-hour-walk kicks off next to the City Hall and shows off all the highlights of our capital, taking in sights such as Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Temple Bar and Christchurch Cathedral.
You will learn more about the capital’s history as well as its many famous sons and daughters (from James Joyce to U2 and Sinead O’Connor) and get glimpses into Irish culture, customs and daily life on the Emerald Isle.
While Sandman’s tour is free, tips are always appreciated. Your guide will thank you with some pub recommendations.
Meet at: Barnardo Square next to City Hall
When: Daily at 10 AM, 11 AM and 2 PM
How much: Free (tips welcome)
More info: HERE
