walking tour of dublin ireland

15 Sights in One Day | A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dublin

Dublin city centre is fairly compact and can be easily explored on foot. Knowing the Irish capital very well, I put together an itinerary for a self-guided walking tour of Dublin focusing on sights located in the city centre so you can see as much as possible in one day.

Time spent on this tour depends entirely on you. It can be completed in less than 2 hours if you plan on just getting a feel for the city. Or you can spend all day if you decide to explore further and visit some of the attractions along this walking route of Dublin .

So let’s jump right in!

Disclaimer This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

Best Online Resources to Book your Trip to Dublin

• Getting There | I would recommend Aer Lingus and Air France , two reliable and affordable airlines. If you’re travelling from the UK or France, you can also sail to Dublin with Irish Ferries and Stena Line .
• Where to Stay | You’ll find accommodation for every budget on Booking.com . Cheaper options can be found on Hostelworld .
• Things to Do | You can buy tickets, skip-the-line passes and day trips with GetYourGuide and Viator . Context Travel offers private tours led by local experts.
• Getting Around | Travel from and to Dublin airport with Aircoach or Dublin Express . Transport For Ireland free app will help you navigate the city transport network if you ever need a bus.
• Planning | Lonely Planet Dublin city guide is one of my favourite travel guides when it comes to planning a trip to the Irish capital.
• Travel Insurance | Don’t forget to buy travel insurance before visiting Dublin. Heymondo has a nifty app to help you get the assistance you need while on the go.

More Travel Resources

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dublin – PART 1

A. O’Connell Street

Start your day on  O’Connell Street . This large thoroughfare featuring statues to various Irish political leaders was in large part rebuilt after the violence of the  1916 Easter Rising . O’Connell Street has been the backdrop to several political events over the years and remains today the starting point of public protests and demonstrations.

On O’Connell Street is one of Dublin’s main landmarks: the  General Post Office . It is still a working post office today, rebuilt after its near-destruction during the 1916 events. Don’t hesitate to have a quick look inside, or why not check out its Easter Rising museum .

Also on O’Connell Street can be found the  Spire , a controversial 121-metre-high needle of stainless steel that is now one of Dublin’s most recognisable features.

B. Ha’Penny Bridge

Taking a selfie on the  Ha’Penny Bridge  is a real cliché that few can resist. It is also a real challenge. Made of cast iron, this elegant but narrow 19th century pedestrian bridge over the  River Liffey  is a Dubliners’ favourite to cross between the North and South side of the city. Also very popular with tourists, it can become congested at times.

The bridge was built in 1816 to replace rickety ferries used by pedestrians to move between the North and South bank of the river. It owes its name to the toll that people had to pay to cross the river: half a penny.

You might also be interested in: – Ireland Travel Books | The Best Guidebooks to Plan your Irish Adventure – Beyond the Cityscape | The Best Seaside Towns Near Dublin – The 4 Best Distillery Tours in Dublin To Learn About Irish Whiskey – 5 Amazing Places to Visit Near Dublin Without a Car

C. Temple Bar

Once you have crossed the Ha’Penny Bridge, head straight beneath the archway and enter  Temple Bar . The most photographed part of Dublin, Temple Bar is famous for its colourful pubs and Irish music pouring down its cobbled streets.

Often decried by locals as a tourist trap charging exorbitant prices for a pint of beer, Temple Bar is also Dublin’s cultural quarter , home to funky vintage shops, interesting art galleries, reputable restaurants and – a favourite of mine – a food market every Saturday.

D. Dublin Castle

Just across from Temple Bar is Dublin Castle . This wonderful piece of Georgian architecture is a must-see castle to visit on your first trip to Dublin . Dating from the 18th century, it replaced an earlier Norman fortress ravaged by a fire in 1684.

You won’t be allowed to enter the building without a ticket, but you can take a stroll around the Upper Yard for free and admire the Chapel Royal from outside.

At the back of the Castle can be found the Dubh Linn Gardens , a landscaped haven of peace in bustling Dublin. It is also here you’ll discover the Chester Beatty Library . No doubt one of the best art museums in Dublin, the world renowned Chester Beatty Library is also free to visit. Your chance to take a peek at rare and richly decorated Bibles and Qurans dating back centuries ago.

E. City Hall

Next to Dublin Castle is the  City Hall . Built in the 18th century, the building is a great piece of neo-classical architecture. City Hall holds temporary exhibitions and access is free.

F. Christ Church Cathedral

Five minutes away is  Christ Church , Dublin’s oldest cathedral. Extensively restored in the 1870s, it is an interesting mix of 12th-13th century architecture and Victorian Gothic features. Entrance is not free. If you decide to spend some time here, the guided tour will give you the opportunity to ring the bells in the belfry. Cheaper, you can also book a self-guided tour with audio guide (different languages available).

In the Synod Hall of the Cathedral across the bridge is  Dublinia , a museum dedicated to Viking and Medieval Dublin that commands the access to the medieval St Michael’s Tower. Entrance is with ticket only.

G. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

Located 5-10 minutes down St Patrick’s Street,  Saint Patrick’s  is Dublin’s second cathedral. Jonathan Swift, best known as the author of Gulliver’s Travels, is buried under its floor. He was Dean of the Cathedral from 1713 to 1745. Tickets must be purchased to enter the edifice.

Adjacent to the Cathedral is the picturesque  St. Patrick’s Park  created in 1901 by Sir Edward Guinness. Around the corner from the Cathedral down St. Patrick’s Close can be found the  Marsh’s Library . One of Dublin’s oldest libraries , the Marsh’s Library is a perfectly preserved 18th century library.

H. George’s Street Arcade

This walking itinerary will now take you back to the heart of the city.

One of Europe’s oldest shopping centres,  George’s Street Arcade  is a Victorian indoor market home to an eclectic range of stores, stalls and cafés. Visit its vintage shops or browse drawings from local artists. Discover the unexpected in George’s Street Arcade.

I. Powerscourt Centre

In the heart of the Creative Quarter,  Powerscourt Centre  is a beautiful townhouse elegantly transformed into a shopping centre. Discover designer and craft shops, antique Irish brooches and rings including the famous  Claddagh ring , or just take some time to relax with a coffee.

Wander through the streets of the Creative Quarter for more independent stores with locally made products and some of the best Irish craft and souvenir shops in Dublin .

J. Grafton Street

You’ve reached  Grafton Street , Dublin’s main shopping district. This pedestrian-only street is home to many high-street brands, from Vans to Victoria’s Secret. On sunny days, Grafton Street is taken over by buskers and inventive entertainers. Talented or not, that’s up to you to decide!

At Grafton Street’s far end sits  Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre . Its impressive architecture of glass and steel should convince you to have a peek inside. Across from it can be found the  Gaiety Theatre . Every summer, the Gaiety welcomes a world-renowned show: River Dance.

Feeling hungry or tired? Time to get some energy back before exploring further. Cafés and restaurants abound in Grafton Street and nearby side streets. Eat a sandwich on the go, sit on a terrace for a coffee and light bite, or enjoy comforting pub food. There’s something for every taste in and around Grafton Street.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dublin – PART 2

Now that you have rested your feet for a little while, let’s get back to our walking tour of Dublin .

A. St. Stephen’s Green

St. Stephen’s Green  is Dublin’s largest Georgian garden square and one of the most popular public parks in the city. Donated by Sir Arthur Guinness to the people of Dublin in the 19th century, St. Stephen’s Green has been a respite from the bustling city ever since.

Across from St. Stephen’s Green, you might spot a 300-year-old cemetery on Merrion Row. Established in 1693, it was the burial ground for French Huguenots in Dublin , who fled religious persecution in France.

B. Merrion Square

With elegant Georgian townhouses lined up all around it,  Merrion Square  is considered Dublin’s finest Georgian garden square. Among other notable residents, famous writers Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats lived in those desirable homes, as well as Irish political leader Daniel O’Connell.

Only open to the public since the 1960s, it is worth wandering around the garden’s well maintained alleys and manicured lawns until you bump into the great Oscar Wilde himself resting on a rock.

Behind a secured gate,  Leinster House  and the  Government Buildings  can be observed at a distance from Merrion Square. If you fancy a breath of culture along your walking tour, the  National Museum of Ireland  and the  National Gallery  both have their entrances around the corner.  If you are visiting the city on a budget, these free Dublin museums have to be on your do-list!

C. Trinity College

Enter  Trinity College  through Nassau Street. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest surviving university and its most prestigious. You can roam the grounds freely and observe the elegant architecture of its oldest buildings harmoniously arranged in squares.

Tours are available from the main entrance on College Green, though not offered all year round. If you have some spare time, visit the  Old Library  (tickets only) that hosts an exhibition of the famous  Book of Kells , an illuminated manuscript believed to date back to the 9th century. The Long Room with its spectacular vaulted ceiling is a must-see masterpiece.

D. Molly Malone

End your self-guided walking tour in front of St Andrew’s Church in St. Andrew’s Street where the statue of  Molly Malone  is now located. Molly Malone is a fictional fishmonger rendered famous by a popular song of the same name. The song has become the unofficial anthem of Dublin and ending a tour of the city without paying your respect to Molly Malone could be perceived as rude.

Guided Tours for the History Enthusiast

Self-guided tours are great. You can go at your own pace and decide where and how you want to spend your time.

But if, like me, you like learning about the history and interesting anecdotes of the place you visit, why not book a guided tour with someone knowledgeable?

Check out the recommendations below!

Where to Stay in Dublin City Centre

To make the most of your day, I recommend staying in the city centre to allow for an early start. Here are some recommendations of top-rated hotels with the perfect location:

• O’Connell Street: The Gresham
• Ha’Penny Bridge: Zanzibar Lock
• Temple Bar: The Hard Rock Hotel
• Grafton Street: The Westbury Hotel
• Merrion Square: The Alex

Click here for more options, or read the latest reviews on Tripadvisor . Dublin can be very pricey, especially in the summer months. Always book early to get the best deal.

I hope you will enjoy this self-walking tour of Dublin and you will get to see as many sights as possible in just one day. There is so much to see that you might want to come back and explore Dublin even more. Hopefully this Dublin city guide will give you more ideas of things to do during your next visit to this wonderful and lively city.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

RELATED POSTS

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Dublin.ie – https://dublin.ie/live/things-to-do/walking-tours/

Walking tours

One of the big benefits of living in Dublin is that there’s always something to do. Even a stroll through the streets can be entertaining. Thanks to the city’s compact size, rich history and beautiful built heritage, there is something to see around every corner.

Here we run through some of the best walking tours Dublin has to offer.

Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin

As an award-winning tour operator, you know you’re in safe hands with Pat Liddy . However, he isn’t just a safe bet. His love of Dublin is so infectious and his knowledge so in-depth that you’ll feel like a local afterwards. The rest of the team is just as Dublin-mad as Pat himself, so get your questions ready!

He has a selection of themed walks to choose from, covering everything from Dublin’s hidden corners to St. Patrick.

1916 Rebellion Walking Tour

As a powerful step towards independence, the 1916 Rising was one of the most significant events in modern Irish history. And the fighting largely took place on the streets of Dublin. Here, the memories – and some of the bullet holes – remain to this day.

On this walking tour, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the rebels. Author and historian Lorcan Collins will take you to the most notable sites where you’ll be able to envisage the scenes that took place over a century ago.

Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin 8

Richmond Barracks to Kilmainham Walking Tour

This walking tour starts in Richmond Barracks , where the signatories of Ireland’s Proclamation were held before being marched to their executions at Kilmainham Gaol. You’ll follow their journey through the streets of Dublin, hearing local stories and little-known facts along the way.

This tour takes a rarely explored route through the city – one which is steeped in rich political and cultural history.

Generation Tours

Offering free themed tours; the only Fables & Folklore free tour in Dublin, covering the mythology, traditions, beliefs and characters – real and fictional – that have shaped the Dublin and Ireland of today, and our newest free tour is the Musical Dublin Free Tour, led by a bona fide local musician and balladeer who plays and sings while guiding you through our rich musical heritage, how it helped create a national identity, reflected the happenings of society here through the ages, and spurred a cultural reawakening here in the 60s & 70s, as well as the present day folk revival we’re experiencing in the city today. You even learn a few songs to song along too if you like.

Dublin Free Walking Tours

Leaving twice a day from the Spire on O’Connell Street, Dublin Free Walking Tours offers an affordable introduction to some of the city’s main attractions. After meeting at the very heart of the city centre, you can either explore the north of the city or the south of the city.

The south side tour covers Trinity College, Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. If you go north, you’ll take in the Garden of Remembrance, Moore Street Market, the Spire, the Custom House and the GPO.

These walking tours are a great way for newcomers to figure out the layout of the city centre.

The General Post Office (GPO) on O’Connell Street

Historical Walking Tours of Dublin

If you want a crash course on Irish history, this is the tour for you. Over two hours, you’ll learn about everything from the Great Famine through to the Northern Ireland conflict.

All guides are history graduates from Trinity College and NUI, so you know you’re in good hands. They’ll provide tons of information, along with a little humour and plenty of entertainment.

Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

Traditionally, writers are known for being fond of a tipple. So it makes sense to learn about Dublin’s pub culture and its literary history at the same time.

On this two hour walking tour, you’ll take in some of the city’s best-known watering holes and learn about the writers who frequented them. Expect energetic actors to recite the words of beloved poets while standing in the streets that inspired them. There’s no better way to get to know Dublin.

Oscar Wilde memorial sculpture, Merrion Square

Dublin Tasting Trail

Eat your way around the city on this three hour walking tour, which stops at six or seven special eateries. Each one is carefully chosen for its delectable culinary treats.

Hailed by travel writer Pól Ó Conghaile as: “the gold standard for urban food tours in Ireland”, this is one of the best ways to sample the best dishes in Dublin.

The Icon Walk

Discover some of Temple Bar’s quieter side streets as you check out the murals of Dublin’s most beloved legends. Billed as “the greatest story ever strolled”, The Icon Walk tells the stories of William Butler Yeats, Oscar Wilde, Luke Kelly, Phil Lynott and more.

Afterwards, you can pop into the Icon Factory where you’ll find more works by the artists behind the painted murals.

The Icon Walk Dublin

Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl

Two professional musicians will be your guides as you stop by some of the city’s best-loved pubs. You’ll get to experience some live Irish music at Oliver St. John Gogarty’s, The Ha’Penny Bridge and Brannigan’s. Between venues, your guides will also serenade you with traditional songs as they share the history of Irish music with you.

Dublin Ulysses Tours

For fans of James Joyce’s masterpiece, the Dublin Ulysses Tour retraces Leopold Bloom’s path through the city. Starting at The Palace Bar and continuing on to Sweny’s Pharmacy, you’ll get to explore the historic parts of Dublin that Joyce knew so well.

During this three hour walking tour, the writer’s relationship with the city is explored and explained – well, as much as Joyce can be!

Monto Walking Tours

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, this free walking tour guides you through Dublin’s once famous red-light district – the Monto.

During a two hour stroll through Dublin’s north inner city, you’ll hear tales of murder and mystery from the brothels and tenements that once lined the streets. Since the 1970s, local historian Terry Fagan has been recording the area’s past so you won’t find a more knowledgeable tour guide.

Dublin and U2 Walking Tour

Combining U2’s and local Dublin history, our Dubliner Tour Guide, in this unique Walking Tour will take you through the places that shaped U2 and their music.

This U2 Dublin Walking tour is for you if you love Music and the history of Dublin, the hometown of all the members, and where everything started.

If you’re doing some sightseeing in Dublin, you’ll find more great attractions in our guides to the city’s museums , galleries and markets .

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Attractions in Dublin

The Big Hitters One of the biggest benefits of living in Dublin is the huge choice of world-class galleries, museums and cultural attractions located right on your doorstep. Dublin’s rich history and culture means you’ll never run out of interesting places to visit. Best of all, many of them are free. Below, we run through some of the best attractions in Dublin.

Food and drink

While the city has always been internationally known for its liquid exports, Dublin’s food scene has also come along in leaps and bounds in recent years. The delicious and reasonably priced food on offer is just one of the many perks of life in the city. For newcomers, here’s an introductory guide to food and drink in Dublin. The Dublin food scene With four Michelin-star restaurants, Dublin has its fair share of fine dining experiences. However, you don’t need to go to top-class eateries to g

As anyone who has ever been to Dublin will tell you, we’ve got a vibrant nightlife. As the sun sets on the Liffey and darkness sets in, pubs, late bars and nightclubs fill with people looking for a great night out. Bars and pubs There are around 772 pubs in Dublin, so you won’t have a hard time finding somewhere to have a jar. (That’s Dublin slang for a pint!) The city is divided into north and south by the River Liffey. Temple Bar, which is famously associ

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Self-Guided Dublin Tour

This post is a self-guided tour of Dublin that covers all the iconic sites on the city's south bank as well as some lesser-known haunts.

The tour should take approximately 1.5 hours or just a bit less than that. The walk is approximately 1.5 km (just over 1/2 a mile).

Don't forget that you can also book a pay-what-you-like live-guided tour of the city centre with us!

• Start: Viking Longboat Statue
• End: St Stephen's Green

Click the map to enlarge it or to download it to a smartphone.

GPS-Enabled Audio Tour

We also offer an audio tour of historic Dublin, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides.

Here’s a sample.

Book the Dublin audio tour .

1. Viking Longboat Statue

We’ll see a lot of monuments in the course of the walk, and this one wins the prize for the most useful.

It doubles as a bus stop. If you have it to yourself, pretending to row is a classic photo opportunity.

It surprises many visitors, but Vikings are a major part of Dublin’s story.

Initially raiders, in 841, some of them decided to settle down in Ireland, and they established towns along the coast.

2. Fishamble Street

Today, Fishamble Street is lined with modern buildings today, but its history was discovered starting in 1974 when the Dublin City Council decided to move its offices to a four-acre site here.

When archaeologists spoke up to say they’d found one of the most intact sites of its age in Europe, residents rallied around the idea of preserving it.

Those artifacts are mainly on display at the National Museum of Ireland, and the sidewalk here has little nods to them.

On the left side of the street, you can find five bronze markers with the shapes of artifacts unearthed here.

3. Handel’s Messiah

Also on the left, as the street begins to bend to the right, is a short, narrow white wall with a decorative arch.

This is the former entrance to the New Music Hall, wherein in 1742 the premiere of Handel’s Messiah was performed.

Messiah is a fixture across the English-speaking world during the Christmas season, and no less so here – except the annual tradition here happens on April 13 th , the same date as the original performance.

And since this is no longer a music venue, it takes place outside.

4. Christ Church Cathedral

There’s a lot to see on the grounds of Christ Church Cathedral – the stunning exterior, a labyrinth in the courtyard if you need somewhere to clear your head, and the interior, available to explore with either a guided or self-guided tour. 

Inside, you’ll discover impressive stained glass windows and a mosaic floor, and sacred objects from the building’s history as both a Catholic and a Protestant church.

You'll also find a tower with a world-record-setting number of bells – 19 – and a crypt with the preserved remains of a saint as well as of a mummified cat and rat.

All that inside the oldest structure still in use in Dublin.

The story of this church is long and interesting but you’ll need to learn more with the PDF and/or audio tour version.

If you’re interested in exploring inside, the church hosts services, tours, and music events.

Prayer services are held weekday mornings at 10 and evenings at 5, except on Wednesdays when they hold a choral evensong at 6. Sunday Eucharist is at 11 am.

Tours are available Thursday through Sunday, with first admission at 10 am and last admission at 4:15 pm.

Tickets are 7 Euros and fifty cents for adults with various concessions available.

The tour includes access to the bell tower and crypts, both of which involve stairs.

Tickets: https://www.mytoptickets.com/?3B041324-155D-D234-0AA684C0D2E68919

5. Dublin Castle

For more than seven centuries, Dublin Castle was the center of government in Ireland.

While there are still some older elements under the castle, most of what you can see dates from after a major fire.

It took place in the 17 th century, so the castle was rebuilt in the heyday of Dublin’s famous Georgian style of architecture.

Dublin Castle was built near the meeting of two rivers: the Liffey, where our tour started, and the Poddle, which still merges into the Liffey here, but today flows underground.

If you’d like to visit the castle, it’s open from 9:45 am to 5:45 pm daily, with final admission at 5:15 pm.

Self-guided and guided tours are available. Guided tours are an hour long and cover the State Apartments, the undercroft, and the royal chapel; tickets are 12 Euros with concessions for students, seniors, and children.

Self-guided tours offer access only to the State Apartments and exhibitions; these are 8 Euros, with the same concessions.

6. City Hall

City Hall is open to the public and free to enter.

Right through the door is a vast, impressive, echoing entrance hall with a massive dome, plus a glass elevator so you can see the whole thing from above.

All this opulence comes from the fact that when this was built in the 18 th century, it was the royal stock exchange and custom house.

But, when the city bought it in the 1850s for its current function, they added a floor mosaic with the city seal.

There’s also a rotunda, which is available to visit when it isn’t rented out for events.

And the basement is home to a small gallery with a broad exhibition of artifacts from Dublin’s history.

There’s also a café inside if you’re due to rest a while. The building is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 5:15 pm.

7. Temple Bar And The Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum

Curved St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

The area you’ve been walking through is called Temple Bar. For newcomers, the name can be confusing – it’s the name of a neighborhood, not a drinking establishment.

For the “Bar” part of the name, think sandbar rather than whiskey bar. It was named for the riverbed it borders.

Today, the bars are of the whiskey rather than the sand variety, and the neighborhood has become a place where art meets nightlife.

The highlight of the neighborhood is its live music venues, and the Irish Rock N Roll Museum was built right in the middle of the action.

Within a few blocks, you’ll find art galleries, theaters, festivals, and lots of bars, more often than not with live music.

There are lots of other things to do in Temple Bar, and it’s well worth exploring this area at more leisure.

It’s also tourist central for Dublin, so scoping things out and making plans during the daytime can save you time after nightfall.

8. Bank Bar

The Bank is a bar and restaurant today, but it started out as a bank.

If you looked inside City Hall earlier, you’ll have gotten an impression of what Irish institutions of commerce looked like in the 18 th century.

This building takes that atmosphere into the late 19 th century.

The current interior was designed in the 1890s, and it was given the stained-glass ceilings, mosaic floors, and generally over-the-top décor that would inspire confidence in investors.

All that grandeur is still there – if you’re here during open hours, you’re welcome to step inside and get a look at the place, whether or not you plan to patronize it.

And if you did decide to stay awhile, you could also see the bank vaults, which are in the basement near the restrooms.

Another treasure on offer is a full replica of the Book of Kells – the main tourist attraction of Trinity College, a couple of stops ahead.

The Bank Bar is open from 11 am to 10 pm daily.

9. Molly Malone Statue

This is Molly Malone. She’s the subject of a song called “Cockles and Mussels,” which is famous to the point of cliché among Irish people.

The title comes from the line “cockles and mussels alive, alive, oh,” which is a cry that street vendors selling mollusks actually used in the 19 th century when the song probably originated.

But its origins are mysterious, and its main character may or may not have been a real person.

Molly Malone is one of the most stereotypical Irish names you could think of.

The character, real or not, meets a tragic end.

After taking up the family business of selling seafood from a cart, she meets the song’s narrator and leaves a strong impression, but then dies of fever and haunts the streets, hawking shellfish for eternity.

And you actually can hear Molly’s voice today.

This is one of the Talking Statues of Dublin – twelve monuments that can talk to you through your phone with the help of a QR code on a plaque located nearby.

10. Irish Houses Of Parliament (Former Location)

We’ve already seen a couple of examples of transformed houses of commerce, a stock exchange turned into a city hall and a bank turned into a bar.

This is a house of parliament turned into a bank.

It was built in 1729 when Ireland was dominated by an English upper class but still had its own legislature.

Like the English Parliament, it was a bicameral or two-house parliament, with a House of Lords and a House of Commons.

They had no permanent home and met where they could, often in religious spaces or private homes, where it could be difficult to even fit all the members, much less do their work gracefully.

This building was commissioned to solve that problem.

The architect was himself a member of parliament, and he designed the first building in the world meant to serve exactly the purpose of a two-house legislature.

In 1800, the Acts of Union, passed by both the English and Irish Parliaments, formally joined the two lands into the United Kingdom.

The Irish Parliament was dissolved. Three years later, the Bank of Ireland acquired the building.

11. Trinity College

What you’re seeing now is the oldest part of Trinity’s campus, mostly consisting of 19 th -century buildings.

Trinity is the single college that makes up the University of Dublin.  Similar universities in the UK contain many colleges.

And that was the model the founders had in mind in 1592 when a Church of Ireland archbishop asked the English crown to grant land that had once belonged to a monastery for the creation of a university.

The bell tower, called the Campanile, is the centerpiece of this area – it’s from 1853, so it’s been here long enough to develop some lore.

Trinity is one of the most respected universities in the world, and its alumni can be found in many corners of the present and of history, including the Irish separatist movement.

Several Irish presidents went here, and it’s particularly known for its literary graduates.

James Joyce unsurprisingly wasn’t one of them, but Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett, Bram Stoker, and lots of others were.

And when it comes to literary significance, Trinity also has an undeniable claim to fame: the Book of Kells , located in a stunning library just a few steps away from the Campanile.

It’s the university’s main attraction for visitors, but not the only one: the campus is also home to a zoological museum (only open during the summer), a science museum, an art gallery, and a theater.

12. The Book Of Kells

If you don’t know the Book of Kells, it isn’t the kind of book you sit and read.

No one is allowed to touch it, it’s in Latin, and even if you know the language, it’s written so elaborately that it’s almost unreadable.

But the decoration is the point: the Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript.

It's a copy of the four gospels of the New Testament of the Bible written so artfully that it’s considered Ireland’s single foremost cultural artifact, and one of the greatest works of art of Europe’s Middle Ages.

The word “Kells” comes from the Abbey of Kells, which was where the book was kept for centuries and probably where at least part of it was made.

The building where it’s located is called the Old Library, built in 1712, and the part that houses the book is the Long Room, a 65-meter room that’s remarkably beautiful on its own.

It’s also home to a 15 th -century wooden harp – an instrument that was as essential at one time to Gaelic music as the fiddle is today.

This one is the basis for the harp design seen on the Irish emblem and on the logo of Guinness.

Because abbeys were wealthy, they were targets for Viking raids, and that disruption probably destroyed many works of Insular Art and ended the era of their creation.

Given how fragile the book is, its survival is remarkable, and it’s had some close scrapes.

It was stolen once, probably less for the book itself than for a jeweled cover; the cover was torn off and the book was thrown away, but somehow it was recovered.  

13. Irish Whiskey Museum

Famous as Irish whiskey may be, it’s on its way out of a dark age.

After a heyday in the 18 th and 19 th centuries, when there were many hundreds of distilling companies on the island, by 1972 the number was down to one.

That company was Irish Distillers Limited, which produces well-known brands like Jameson, and in 1988, that single company became a subsidiary of a beverage giant based in France.

But 1988 also saw the opening of the first new distillery in Ireland in many decades. And today, there are 32.

This museum opened in 2014 and tells the story of that rise and fall and rise again, going all the way back to the drink’s origins.

The word “whiskey” comes from the Irish phrase “uisce beatha,” which means “water of life” – a straight translation of the Latin “aqua vitae,” which was the medieval name for any kind of solution involving alcohol.

The museum offers tours, a whiskey blending experience, and a brunch.

Of course, it has a bar, which has around 100 whiskeys and hosts live music and other events Friday through Sunday evenings, closing at 10:30 pm.

14. Grafton Street

Grafton Street is Dublin’s most famous corridor for shopping and people watching, and from here until St. Stephen’s Green, where the street ends, it’s pedestrian-only.

The street is mostly retail, and it has a little of everything from high-end to low-end, and some of the oldest businesses here are Dublin or Irish exclusives, mostly high-end shopping.

There’s Brown Thomas, a classy Irish department store, JM Barnardo Furriers, Weir and Sons Jewelers, and James Fox Cigars and Whiskey.

The smallest local businesses are the musicians – Grafton Street is busking central for Dublin.

One other local business to keep an eye out for is Bewley’s Oriental Café, founded in 1927.

Besides a place to stop for coffee or lunch, it’s also a historic hangout for writers – James Joyce not only spent time there but mentioned it in his book Dubliners.

15. National Gallery Of Ireland

Merrion Square West, Dublin 2

The National Gallery has been one of the best places to see art in Ireland since 1854.

It’s got both a national and a continental focus, with plenty of Irish artists, but also lots of other Europeans, from medieval to modern.

The Grand Gallery in particular mixes the two – it’s a long, elegant space showing works from across Enlightenment Europe, but all with some relation to Ireland, whether by artist or subject matter or the painting’s back story.

A local favorite piece is Irish painter Frederic William Burton’s The Meeting on the Turret Stairs .

Or, for some emphatically Irish subject matter, you could find Daniel Maclise’s The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife , which depicts the cementing by marriage of the alliance between Diarmat Mac Murchada and his Norman allies.

But you can also see Vermeer and Caravaggio and Picasso, among other greats.

Admission is free for the main gallery, with admission sometimes charged for temporary shows.

Exhibitions and events: https://www.nationalgallery.ie/whats-on

16. Oscar Wilde Statue

Oscar Wilde stood out, and in a city full of statues in simple bronze or stone, so does this monument.

Artist Danny Osborne did his research, and given Wilde’s taste for overdressing and living beyond his means.

Osborne chose fitting materials: it’s made of four different stones from places as far apart as Canada and India, with bits of porcelain and bronze, plus the giant chunk of quartz he’s sprawled on, which is the only element sourced from Ireland.

He’s wearing a Trinity necktie and his wedding ring.

The female figure in his view is his wife Constance Lloyd, pregnant with one of their two sons; one of their grandchildren officiated at the unveiling of the monument.

And the male torso is meant to be Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine and drama.

Behind the flashy exterior, though, his private life was shaky.

He had a lasting relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, a young man who introduced him to London’s underground gay scene.

Wilde eventually found himself on trial for sodomy and gross indecency. He was sentenced to prison with hard labor for two years.

With all this in mind, to see what the artist had in mind for this statue, you have to look at it from both sides.

His face is split like a tragicomic mask. Viewed from the right, he’s smiling, and you can see the society man and the quick wit; the other side shows him as he emerged from prison.

Besides reading Wilde’s many words engraved on the statues, you also have another opportunity to hear this statue talk, just like the Molly Malone one; there’s a link to information in the notes.

http://www.talkingstatuesdublin.ie/

17. Leinster House

Leinster House is the home of the Oireachtas, the Irish legislature, since 1922.

As before the Acts of Union, it’s a two-house legislature, but without the distinction between nobility and non-nobility drawn under the old system, and without English names.

Today, the two houses are the Seanad, the upper house, and the Dáil, the lower house, both of which meet here.

Unlike the old Parliament House, Leinster House wasn’t built for the purpose of legislative action.

It was a private residence, finished in 1748 for a man who would eventually become the Duke of Leinster.

But in 1922, when the Oireachtas has its debut at Leinster House, closely watched by hopeful locals and curious international press, it gave them a particularly Irish welcome: the proceedings of the legislature were held in the Irish language.

Fun Fact: Leinster House was partly the basis for the United States’ White House, designed by Irish architect James Hoban.

18. National Museum Of Ireland – Archaeology

This museum covers the history of Ireland from the Stone Age to the Late Middle Ages, along with a few exhibits on the ancient Mediterranean.

The area called the Treasury shows a history of Irish art, from the Iron Age through the development of the church-influenced Insular style (including illuminated manuscripts) to the Viking-influenced style that followed.

Another show focuses on prehistoric gold ornaments made during the Bronze Age.

And another focuses on the more practical items of prehistoric life in Ireland, including a 4500-year-old boat and the island’s oldest known musical instruments.

The last of the permanent exhibitions focus on Viking life in Ireland, including relics from the elaborate burial traditions observed in the Norse religion, as well as Christian art created by those Vikings who settled and converted.

Other exhibits are shown on a temporary basis, and if you’re lucky – or unlucky, depending on how you feel about it – you may see bog bodies.

These are human remains naturally preserved in peat bogs, likely part of an ancient human sacrifice ritual.

Exhibitions: https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Exhibitions

Events: https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Events

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday and Monday, 1 - 5 pm. Admission is free, as it is at all four of the National Museum of Ireland locations.

19. The Mansion House

Through all of Dublin’s political upheaval and the game of musical chairs its governing institutions have played, this place has been unusually stable: since 1715, it’s been the official home of the Cathaoirleach, the mayor of Dublin.

It’s also been the scene of plenty of other major political moments.

In 1919, the first Dáil, or the lower house of the legislature, met here and spoke the declaration of Irish independence (there was also a centennial celebration of that event in January of 2019).

And in 1921, the Anglo-Irish Treaty, formalizing the terms of separation between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, was signed here.

And before either of those events, this was where Michael Collins, a leader of the Irish separatist movement, evaded arrest by the British military by sweeping the floor and pretending to be a janitor.

Civic ceremonies are held here today, such as when the city bestows the title of Freeman of Dublin, a high honor that comes with grazing rights on the public greens and the duty to defend the city in case of attack.

All kinds of political and cultural figures have been honored in this way, so take a moment to imagine a future siege of Dublin when the city is defended by Michael Gorbachev, Bono and the Edge, and Barack and Michelle Obama.

20. The Little Museum Of Dublin

Next to the national museums we’ve seen, this is a humble place, but it’s also a local favorite.

It’s a scrappy, homemade, self-described “people’s museum,” focused on the part of Dublin history that’s still in living memory – think more U2 paraphernalia and soccer memorabilia than illuminated manuscripts and bog bodies.

It’s also a young museum. In 2011, a call was put out to the public for objects that screamed 20 th century Dublin, and the results were arranged in three floors of a Georgian townhouse.

For Dubliners, it’s a nostalgia experience on top of being educational.

They sell a variety of tickets – for 8 Euros you can get either a roughly hour-long self-guided experience or their staple, a half-hour guided tour.

The same price gets you access to their several themed tours:

• a tour of Irish women’s history every Monday at 4 pm
• a walk of St. Stephen’s Green every day at 3:30 pm
• a tour themed around writers every day at 11:30 am
• a tour within the museum of queer Dublin history every other Saturday at 4 pm.

15 Euros gets you an all-day pass for whatever’s on the day’s schedule.

There are guided options in Irish sign and French, and there’s a free tour of the museum Wednesdays at 11 am. 

The building is also home to a project called the City of a Thousand Welcomes, which can arrange, usually with some notice, for you to meet a Dubliner, one-on-one or two-on-one. 

21. St. Stephen’s Green

As indicated at the last stop, there’s enough to see in St. Stephen’s Green to make a whole walking tour on its own.

But it’s also a good place for leisure, which may be in order by now.

The park is open 7:30 am to dusk Monday through Saturday, 9:30 am to dusk on Sundays.

From here on the northside of St. Stephen’s Green, you’re just a short walk from the lake that spans most of the park’s width.

When you reach the water, you can make a right and walk a little further to find a bridge crossing a narrow point in the lake and leading to the center of the park, where you’ll find a Victorian flower garden.

To the right from there is a garden designed for blind visitors, with plants chosen for their smell and physical texture, and to the left, in a bend in the lake, a bog garden.

The park was originally a commons used for grazing, but in the 17 th century, homes were built around it, and it became a private park for the residents.

In 1880 it became a public park, thanks to the philanthropic work of the Guinness family, the people behind Guinness beer.

One of them bought the park and paid for its renovation, and today he’s one of the many statues and monuments in the park.

During the Easter Rising, separatists seized the park, dug trenches, and fought against the British military, with a pause in the fighting so a groundskeeper could feed the ducks.

The park still shows the marks of that event: there’s a monument called the Fusilier’s Arch at the northwest entrance, which still has bullet holes in it.

And in the center of the park, opposite the bridge across the lake, is a bronze bust of Constance Markievicz, an Irish woman who fought in the Easter Rising, was the first woman elected to the British Parliament, and also served in the First Dáil and as a minister in the first government of the Republic of Ireland.

This is the end of the tour. We hope you enjoyed it. 

Free Walking Tours

Our free walking tour page lists the various pay-what-you-like walks that are available on a daily basis in English and Spanish.

These tours usually last 2.5 - 3 hours each. You can  book tours here .

Tourist Passes and Bus Tours

If you purchase a Dublin Pass or GoDublin Card , you'll get small-group guided walking tours included.

A hop-on-hop-off bus ticket will get you easy transportation around the city - directly to Dublin's most popular attractions. Audio guides and guided walks are also offered with each ticket.

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Dublin: A Walking Tour of the Main Sights

Ready to explore Dublin on foot? Follow this guide to cover the compact Irish capital and see all of the main sights without needed to hop on a guided Dublin tour.

Starting Out on O'Connell Bridge

 TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

A walking tour of Dublin, self-guided, does it need a lot of preparation and map-work? Actually, it does not, as Ireland's capital is ideal for a leisurely stroll that will take in most of the top attractions too.

Most of the best sights of Dublin are situated in a comparatively small area. To get a good impression of this lively and historic city you only need to take a walk. And you can travel light as shelter from rain and refreshments can be found virtually everywhere. The whole tour of Dublin's Fair City should take anything between two and six hours - two hours for energetic walkers and without lingering too long at any place, six hours including stops, the Trinity College tour and a pause or two in a café. So put on your walking shoes and off we go ...

Start your walk on O'Connell Bridge, the nearest equivalent of a central place Dublin can boast. Reputed to be one of the only bridge in the world that is wider than it is actually long, this is the heart of Dublin, admire the view for a few minutes, then start walking up O'Connell Street . Cross over to the central reservation and have a good look at the O'Connell Memorial with its magnificent statues full of allegory. See an angel crushing a serpent, spot the faithful Irish wolfhound and notice some bullet holes. These were caused by gunfire during the fighting in 1916 and have never been repaired.

O'Connell Street and the General Post Office

Further statues and "The Spire of Dublin" await you—the latter was erected to mark the millennium and is also known as "The Stiletto in the Ghetto."

Of the impressive buildings on O'Connell Street, the General Post Office  takes pride of place. This was the central fighting area of 1916 but has been lovingly restored - it is open to the public during daytime as it still is Dublin's GPO. Have a look around and maybe buy some commemorative stamps in the Philatelic Office. Then continue up O'Connell Street, past the trompe d'oeil Carlton Cinema and on to the Parnell Statue.

Charles Stewart Parnell is remembered more low-key than O'Connell but his monument is among the most beautiful in Dublin. Walk around it and read the names of all 32 counties ... including pre-independence "King's County" and "Queen's County". Carry on past the "Ambassador" (a former cinema converted to a rock venue) for a walk around Parnell Square. You will pass a small monument with a broken chain and an Irish inscription commemorating the founding of the nationalist Irish Volunteers in 1913 on your left.

The Garden of Remembrance and Moore Street Market

Continue towards the magnificent Presbyterian Church and reach the Garden of Remembrance . These were established to honor all the victims of the fight for Irish independence - at all times. The theme is mythical. The large pond, forming a cross, has representations of discarded bronze age weapons at its bottom. The focus of attention will almost invariably be on the massive statue showing the transformation of the "Children of Lír", an evocative and fitting memorial.

When you leave the Garden continue the walk by turning left and then left and left again, passing the historic (and still very busy) Rotunda Hospital and the low-key headquarters of Sinn Fein until you hit Parnell Street. Turn right and then left again into Moore Street , noticing how Dubliners have elevated jaywalking to an art form. Moore Street itself is a semi-pedestrian zone and a collision of Dublin old and new. Traditional street traders hawk their wares from barrows and you might jostle for a place with a horse looking for a snack. The modern ILAC-Centre is on your right, countless Asian, African and East European "supermarkets" are on your left. Smuggled tobacco and cigarettes are sold next to butchers who do a mean breakfast roll. Take some time to enjoy this truly cosmopolitan and colorful area and then take a right into Henry Street to see South Dublin's premier shopping street.

Ha'penny Bridge, Temple Bar and the Bank of Ireland

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto 

Now turn left into Liffey Street and walk down to the river of the same name. You will see the "Hags with the Bags" on your right just before having to cross the river using Ha'penny Bridge (officially "Liffey Bridge"). Dublin's most photographed river crossing was originally financed by a toll of one Halfpenny, hence the name. Today crossing is free.

On the south bank, a small (and sometimes very smelly) thoroughfare will take you straight into the "bohemian" ​ Temple Bar area, the hub of Dublin's trendy nightlife. Assuming you will make this walk during the daytime you may wonder what the fuss is all about - especially in the mornings Temple Bar is near deserted. Most of the action would be in the streets to the right - have a look and judge for yourself whether to come back later.

For now, you may well walk straight on past the looming Central Bank until you reach Dame Street. Take a left here and walk to College Green. On your left is the stately building that once was Ireland's parliament and now is the Bank of Ireland - take a look at the slightly dated security measures including small cannons. The Irish parliament is known as the only democratic representation that voted itself out of existence, effectively accepting direct British rule at the start of the 19th century.

Trinity College and Environs

TripSavvy / Kathleen Messmer

Exactly opposite to the Bank of Ireland, the entrance to Trinity College can be found - do not, under any circumstances, attempt to cross the road without using the regulated crossings. Even hardened Dubliners only attempt this in utter desperation!

After the crossing, you will want to enter the inner courtyard of Trinity College through the arch. It will be a revelation - a wide-open space with the impressive campanile at its center awaits you. The effect can be stunning, so watch out for fellow visitors stopping dead in their tracks right in front of you. Also, watch out for the more daring students trying to cycle through the narrow entrance! Immediately after coming out into the open again you will be invited to join the tour of Trinity College for a fee of € 10. As this includes the entrance fee for the library and the Book of Kells it is a worthwhile option. Should you have no time or restricted funds just have a look around the college grounds and then exit through the same gateway again.

After leaving Trinity College and turning left you will have to brave throngs of people waiting to catch a bus. On your right, you will see  a statue of Molly Malone in a very kitschy music hall style. Nearly every tourist has his or her photo taken here and some scurrilous street "performers" regularly frequent the site. Watching for a few minutes before continuing to Grafton Street can be very amusing.

Grafton Street, Stephen's Green and Merrion Row

Further on you will then find the pedestrian zone of Grafton Street, Dublin's "posh" shopping area. Do some window shopping but also have a look at the magnificent details to be found on the upper facades of the buildings themselves.

At the upper end of Grafton Street, some excellent buskers can occasionally be found performing on the streets for tips. Don't miss the life-size statue of Phil Lynott in a street to the right. The singer of "Thin Lizzy" was Ireland's rock hero long before Bono.

At the end of Grafton Street, the magnificent Stephen's Green Shopping Centre will dazzle you - the faux-Victorian metal and glass building holds dozens of shops plus a good food court and is the perfect place for a quick refresher.

Opposite the shopping center, you'll then notice the Fusilier's Arch, the grandiose entrance to Stephen's Green proper. Take a leisurely stroll through the park and also take in the surrounding areas. In the park, you will find a number of monuments, a garden dedicated to W.B.Yeats (won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923) with a cryptic piece by Henry Moore, a quaint lodge and numerous ducks on the lakes. You will also find shop assistants, office workers and students having their lunch al fresco .

Exit the park at the Wolfe Tone Memorial (commonly called "Tonehenge" for obvious reasons) in the northeast corner and then turn into Merrion Row. Here you will find the picturesque Huguenot Cemetery on your left and O'Donoghue's Pub on your right - where the seminal folk group "The Dubliners" started their rise to worldwide fame.

Merrion Square and Kildare Street

When you reach Merrion Street turn left and walk past the impressive Government Buildings, the Natural History Museum (the "Dead Zoo") and the National Gallery . You are now in the center of Georgian Dublin and near the Center of Irish politics. Merrion Square is on your right and in the northwest corner, the strange monument to Oscar Wilde is to be admired - opposite his childhood home. If you are feeling energetic take a stroll around the park, originally earmarked for construction of a cathedral. As the Catholic Church ran out of funds and steam for this project the park was presented to the citizens of Dublin. Today it hosts memorials, flowerbeds, pleasant walks and the buried remains of a bomb shelter.

From Oscar Wilde's statue carry on into Clare Street and then straight on to Leinster Street. At the corner of Kildare Street, the former Kildare Street Club can be admired - look at the curious carvings at the windows, from squirrels playing the lute to monkeys playing pool. Today the French Cultural Institute and the Heraldic Museum are based here. Walk up Kildare Street past the National Library and have a look at Leinster House and the National Museum . On a normal day, you will see protesters in front of Leinster house proclaiming worthy or simply bizarre causes. The gardai on duty seem to have seen it all and are usually visibly bored.

Dawson Street, Burgh Quay and the Custom House

Carry on up Kildare Street and at Stephen's Green take a right and then a right again down into Dawson Street. On your right Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin is seen. A palatial building with the Dublin coat-of-arms on display and frequently used for official functions.

Walking on you cross the road at the bottom of Dawson Street and then bear left, following the footpath right past Trinity College, finally taking a right onto College Street. There you have to cross the street opposite D'Olier Street. Admire the gothic Pearse Street Garda Station to your right, the romantic D'Olier-Building in front and the charming bronze sculpture showing the way to the "Screen" cinema in-between. Walk down Hawkins Street towards the Liffey, passing the faux-Tudor building of the Dublin Gasworks on your left. At the end of the street, you will find a nice memorial to a policeman who died saving the lives of Victorian workmen trapped underground.

You are now at Burgh Quay and will have to bear right to walk downstream along the Liffey. Do not worry if the Liffey seems to flow in the opposite direction, this will be just a strong tide coming in. After a short walk, you will have a splendid view of the faithfully restored Custom House on the north bank of the river. Cross over to the Northside using the modern Talbot Memorial Bridge and you will see the International Financial Services Centre on your right, dwarfing the moving Famine Memorial just beside the river.

Back to O'Connell Bridge ... or Further?

From the bridge, you might also see the replica "famine ship" Jeanie Johnston lying at berth in the redeveloped Dublin Docklands to the right. Have a closer look if you like, then head back westwards (or upstream) along the quays, passing Custom House until you come to the unashamedly ugly Liberty Hall (the Trade Union Headquarters) and turn right. Tucked away under the railway overpass and facing Liberty Hall is a memorial to James Connolly, the Irish-American socialist who fought and died with his small Irish Citizen Army in 1916.

Near the tram tracks take a left turn into Abbey Street and you will be guided towards the Abbey Theatre - Ireland's national theatre founded by W.B.Yeats. Unimposing on the outside but still putting on top-notch productions, though the scandals of O'Casey's days seem to be truly a thing of the past. Just a few yards more will bring you to O'Connell Street and O'Connell Bridge is to your left.

Your walking tour of Dublin has ended.

If you still feel energetic (maybe after a coffee and some cake) you could hop on a LUAS tram going westwards. This will take you to the Four Courts, the National Museum in Collins Barracks and on to Kilmainham Gaol. You will also be able to see the sprawling Guinness brewery and could even walk up to the Phoenix Park .

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Dublin Walking Tour: A Self-Guided Walk To Dublin, Ireland Sights

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Dublin, Ireland is home to numerous iconic sights and historic attractions – and the best way to see them is on a Dublin Walking Tour. We have devised a go-at-your-own-pace Free Self Guided Walking Tour of Dublin that features the best of the city. 

The top places to visit in Dublin are clustered together in the heart of the city center, which allows guests the opportunity to explore on foot. Travelers can use our easy-to-follow Self-Guided Dublin Walking Tour to navigate to the top sights… for free ! We even include a helpful Dublin Walking Tour Map to help you make your way.

Free Walking Tour Dublin, Ireland

Our free walking tour of Dublin is a self-guided adventure to top attractions. The walk focuses on downtown Dublin and is an easy, flat stroll through the city center. Our Dublin sightseeing tour, without any stops, should take about 2 hours at a casual pace.

How To Use Our Free Walking Tour Dublin

For each sight on our Dublin free tour, we provide a brief introduction, as well as some background information. Additionally, we include directions from one sight to the next. You will find our helpful map of Dublin tourist attractions – plus a printable Dublin, Ireland tour map –  at the end of the article. 

The route includes 15 Must-See Dublin Attractions, many of which can be entered. Some sights are free, while other require a ticket (we indicate if there is an admission fee). If you plan on entering several sights, the Dublin Pass will likely save you money and so will our article covering 50 Free Things To Do in Dublin !

Why Use Our Dublin Walking Tour Free Route

If you only have one day, this free walking tour of Dublin, Ireland will surely get you acquainted with the city, as it includes stops at all the top things to see. Visitors can complete the walk of Dublin highlights in just 2 hours, but those who are entering attractions can plan a full day of sightseeing. 

Those with 2 days in Dublin – or more – can use our Free Tour Dublin Walk on the first day of their trip to get oriented. We also offer recommendations for more things to do in Dublin at the end of the article.

Free Tours Dublin: What You Need To Know

Our Free Tour of Dublin, Ireland is as advertised: absolutely free! Visitors simply follow our step-by-step tour as outlined below to the top sights. Our self-guided tour allows travelers to experience Dublin at their own pace and enter attractions as desired.

Walking Tour Dublin: Free & Guided

Visitors will see touts for many Free Tours in Dublin that are guide-led. However, it is essential to understand that a Guided Dublin Free Walking Tour is not, in fact, free. These Free Walking Tours Dublin are tip based – and guides expect (and hopefully deserve) tips. 

While we have outlined our Best Free Walking Tour of Dublin, visitors may opt to join one of the many guided tours. There are many themed guided walks in Dublin, including historical walking tours, street art tours and Dublin food tours.  We feature a few of the highly-rated Dublin walking tours – that are guided and require a fee – at the end of the article. 

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Free Dublin  Walk to use during your trip to Ireland!

Dublin Walking Tour: 15 Sights To See

Our self-guided, free tour of Dublin begins at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Use the provided links or the downtown Dublin Map at the end of the post to navigate from sight to sight. 

#1 St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland

The first sight on our city tour of Dublin is the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It was on this site that in 450 AD St. Patrick baptized the first Irish converts. St. Patrick’s Cathedral was completed in 1191 and is the largest church in Ireland. The spire reaches 140 feet.

The cathedral is one of the top attractions in Dublin and visiting requires an entry ticket. Buy your ticket now and download it to your phone!

Map Directions from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to St. Stephen’s Green.

#2 St. Stephen’s Green

The second attraction on our Dublin, Ireland sightseeing tour is St. Stephen’s Green. The 22-acre park in the center of Dublin was created in 1664 and has been open to the public since 1880. St. Stephen’s Green features a pond, a bandstand, memorials, statues, several paths and green lawns. If you wish, you can visit the official site for more information about the park.

If there is time in your Dublin itinerary, consider having a relaxing picnic in the park. Alternatively, explore the area directly north of St. Stephen’s Green. Top attractions in the vicinity are museums (The Little Museum of Dublin, The National Museum of Ireland Archeology, The National Gallery of Ireland), the Irish parliament building (called Leinster), the historic Mansion House (the residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin) and Merrion Square Park. 

Map Directions from Saint Stephen’s Green to Grafton Street.

#3 Grafton Street

The pedestrian-only shopping district, Grafton Street, is the next stop on our tour – and one of the must-see sights in Dublin. Grafton Street leads from St. Stephen’s Green to Trinity College and features long-standing stores, recognizable brands, and historic cafes.

Sights to look for are the Brown Thomas Department Store (opened in 1849), Weir & Sons jewelry store (opened in 1869) and Bewley’s Café (opened in 1927). 

Grafton Street is also popular with street performers and musicians that entertain the passers-by. In fact, even U2’s Bono has performed on Grafton. No Dublin visit is complete without strolling the iconic street. 

Map Directions from Grafton Street to Irish Whiskey Museum.

#4 Irish Whiskey Museum

Whiskey is firmly part of Irish history. Today, distilleries dot the city landscape – each one offering their own story and tastings of their product. At the Irish Whiskey Museum, however, visitors get an unbiased version of the history of Irish whiskey…plus a chance to taste the product from several distillers. 

The Irish Whiskey Museum is conveniently located on Grafton Street – making it a popular stop on walking tours in Dublin, Ireland.

While tickets are required for the tour and tasting experiences at the Irish Whiskey Museum, visitors are free to stop in and check out the bar and shop. If you are skipping the guided tour, brush up on your Irish whiskey history . 

Map Directions from Irish Whiskey Museum to Trinity College.

#5 Dublin Trinity College

The famous Trinity College is the next stop on our Dublin walk (and it’s just across the street from the Whiskey Museum).

Established in 1592, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university and a must see in Dublin. The official name is College of the “Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin”, but is just called Trinity College for short.

Some of the college’s famous attendees are Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Samuel Becket and Courtney Love. The 47-acre campus has buildings arranged in squares around a bell tower and the library houses the Book of Kells (buy your fast-track ticket ). 

Map Directions from Trinity College to the Irish House of Parliament.

#6 Irish House of Parliament

Directly opposite the main entrance to Trinity College is the former Irish House of Parliament, and today houses the Bank of Ireland. The building is both architecturally and historically significant, which is why it is an important stop on walks around Dublin. 

Built in the mid-1700s, the Irish House of Parliament was the first ever specifically designed parliament structure, in that it featured an interior with a dual chamber – one for the House of Lords and one for the House of Commons. It’s a design that is still used today in bicameral government buildings around the world.

In the year 1800, however, it was inside the building that the parliament voted (under bribery and threat of King George III) to abolish itself in order to unite Ireland and Britain under as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. It was a relationship that only lasted 22 years. 

One odd thing to note about the building is the absence of windows. While there are places for windows, glass panes were never installed as there was a Window Tax that would have driven up the cost. 

Want to take a fun detour? Just around the corner from the House of Parliament is one of the most famous statues in Dublin – the Molly Malone Statue ( MAP ). Walk past the front of the Parliament House and turn left on Church Lane and walk about a block to find the famous Molly Malone. She is a character in an Irish song – a fishmonger by day and prostitute by night. The statue is often referred to as ‘The Tart with the Cart’ and visitors rub her bosoms for good luck. 

Map Directions from Parliament Building to O’Connell Street.

#7 O’Connell Street and The Spire

Continue your Free Dublin Walking Tour by making your way north to the O’ Connell Street Bridge. Standing on the bridge, look up the stretch of O’Connell Street as it leads north from the River Liffey. The street has been the site of massive protests, the annual St. Patrick’s Day parades, shellings during the 1916 Easter Rising and a bombing of the Nelson Pillar in 1966. 

The street is named after the influential Daniel O’Connell (who is called The Liberator for his part in the Catholic Emancipation and his efforts to repeal the 1800 Act of Union). His statue stands at the north end of the bridge.

Further along the street are many other statues featuring some of Ireland’s most celebrated figures – as well as the Spire of Dublin. Officially called Monument of Light , the Spire was built on the site of Nelson’s Pillar and reaches a height of 390 feet. The needle-like monument stands as a symbol of Dublin.

Map Directions from O’Connell Bridge to Ha’Penny Bridge.

#8 River Liffey and the Ha’Penny Bridge

The next sight on our free Dublin Tour is the River Liffey. The river runs through the center of Dublin, dividing the city into north and south. The river has been an important part of the city’s trade since the time of the Vikings. 

Several bridges span the river, including three that are designated pedestrian-only, which makes for nice walks in Dublin. The most popular footbridge is the Liffey Bridge, which dates to 1816 and is better known as the Ha’ Penny Bridge for the 1/2 pence toll once required to cross it. 

Map Directions from River Liffey to Temple Bar District.

#9 The Dublin Temple Bar District

Every Dublin itinerary should include one or two stops at a traditional pub! The energetic Temple Bar District on the south side of the river is chock-full of Irish pubs, restaurants and tourist shops – and is one of the Dublin areas most visited by tourists.

Enter the district through the Merchant’s Arch, directly across from Ha’Penny Bridge and turn right onto Temple Bar. It’s fun to simply roam, but Temple Bar Street is not to be missed! 

The Temple Bar District is one of the best places in Dublin for a Pub Crawl ( like this one! ). Several of the bars have a line-up of live music starting mid-day and going late into the night. Our favorite pubs in the district are The Temple Bar and The Quays. 

Map Directions from Temple Bar to Dame Street and the Olympia Theater.

#10 Dame Street Dublin and The Olympia Theater

The next stop on our free tour of Dublin is Dame Street, a major thoroughfare through the heart of Dublin City Centre. Lined with a mishmash of architectural styles, the street is home to numerous banking institutions, restaurants and shops. 

That said, the still-operating Olympia Theater is, perhaps, the most prominent landmark on the street. Opened in 1879, The Olympia Theater is the premier theater and concert hall in the Dublin city center. 

The stage has seen a slew of famous acts from Charlie Chaplin to Mumford & Sons. The theater underwent a major overhaul in the 1970s and the original iron and glass awning had to be completely restored after a truck crashed into it in 2004. For more about the history – and upcoming events – visit the official website . 

Map Directions from Olympia Theater to Dublin City Hall.

#11 Dublin City Hall

Built as the Royal Exchange in the mid-1800s, the building was transferred to the city government and renamed Dublin City Hall in 1850. The building is still used by the Dublin City Council today.

It is free to visit Dublin City Hall. Step inside the rotunda, where giant columns support the domed ceiling. The murals on the walls of the rotunda tell the story of Dublin’s history, which the tiled floor mosaic depicts the city’s Coat of Arms.  

Map Directions from Dublin City Hall to the Dublin Castle.

#12 Dublin Castle

Next up on our Dublin historic walking tour is the grand Dublin Castle. The Dublin Castle was built between 1208 and 1220 as the residence of viceroys.

Although the castle is now used as a conference center and event complex, the buildings of Dublin Castle represent some of the oldest architecture in the city. It remains one of the top tourist attractions in Dublin. It is free to walk on the grounds, but a ticket is required for admission inside, where they also offer tours of Dublin Castle. Get more details for you visit.

Map Directions from Dublin Castle to Christ Church Cathedral. 

#13 Christ Church Cathedral of Dublin

The Christ Church Cathedral is the next stop on our tour. One of the top attractions in Dublin, Ireland, the Christ Church Cathedral dates to Medieval times. 

The church was built around the year 1030 – making it older than St. Patrick’s and one of the best places to visit in Dublin for a history lesson. It was expanded in 1171, but most of the current structure was built between 1871 and 1878. An entry ticket is required for admission, unless you are there to pray. Visit the official Christ Church website for more information.

Map Directions from Christ Church Cathedral to John’s Lane Church. 

#14 John’s Lane Church

Although lesser-known than St. Patrick’s and Christ Church Cathedral, we think the John’s Lane Church is one of the Dublin hidden gems, which is why we include it in our free Dublin walking tour. 

The church was built on the previous site of St. John’s Hospital between 1862 and 1895. The French Gothic steeple reaches over 200 feet and is the tallest in Dublin – however, it is the colorful interior that is most striking. John’s Lane Church is one of the churches you can enter in Dublin for free.

Map Directions from John’s Lane Church to The Brazen Head Pub. 

#15 The Brazen Head

Claiming to be Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head is said to have origins dating back to the year 1198. The classic Irish pub features quaint rooms, three bars and live music. 

The traditional Brazen Head pub is a perfect place to stop for a pint at the end of a Dublin Self-Guided Walking Tour. For more information, read our article about The Brazen Head and be sure to also check out our Guide to Dublin’s Best Pubs !

MAP OF CITY CENTER DUBLIN, IRELAND

When embarking on Self Guided Walking Tours of Dublin, Ireland, a map is a must! We provided map links to each sight on our free Dublin walk, but we have a few more maps that will help you get from the first to the last stop!

Walking Route for Self Guided Tours in Dublin

Use this  link to Google for a Dublin sightseeing map that has turn-by-turn directions for our Self-Guided Walking Tour Dublin, Ireland. Note: While the map does not list every sight, the route is inclusive of all the stops on our tour.

Interactive City Center Map: Dublin, Ireland

Use this link to a Interactive Downtown Dublin Map to help route your way to the sights and attractions listed on our Self-Guided Dublin Walking Tour. 

Dublin, Ireland Self-Guided Walking Tour Map PRINTABLE

This is a printable map of Dublin. To print our Dublin, Ireland must-see map, first click on the map to enlarge it, then right-click and select Print. 

More Tours and Guided Walks in Dublin

Our above outlined free tour of Dublin is a great way to see the city. In fact, we think it is the Best Free Walking Tour Dublin that allows visitors to see the city at their own pace. 

However, visitors who want to learn more about the history of Dublin and meet fellow travelers may want to consider joining a Dublin tour guide for their walk.

The guided tours in Dublin range in price and duration – and focus on specific themes. 

Dublin Historical Walking Tour

The history of Dublin is fascinating. Join one of the easy 2-hour walking tours of Dublin that focuses on that vibrant history. Led by a local guide, participants are guided through the city while listening to the interesting facts and information that shaped Dublin. Get the details!  

Dublin Pub Crawl

When we think about things to do in Dublin, the first thing that comes to mind is drinking in pubs. We could have easily spent our days in Dublin doing nothing more than sipping pints of Guinness goodness; it really does taste better in Dublin!

However, then we would have missed out on Dublin sightseeing – and we weren’t going to visit Dublin and not see the top tourist attractions!

After a day of Dublin city sightseeing, however, visit the best pubs in Temple Bar on one of the entertaining Dublin night tours to the best bars! Book this tour!

Dublin Dark Side Walking Tour

There is a dark side to Dublin – as evidenced by gruesome stories of the past. On the Dark Dublin Tour participants will learn about the brothels and witches and the Hellfire Club while waltzing through back alleys and dark city streets. Book it…if you dare!

Ghost Tour Dublin

Join one of the Dublin guided tours to the spookiest spots in town! Learn the haunted history of Dublin on a spooky Gravedigger Ghost Tour. Note: This is a bus tour…which will give your feet a much-needed rest. Find out more!

Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

Follow in the footsteps of Ireland’s most famous writers…to the pubs, of course! On this Dublin Literary Tour, listen to stories of the great writers and learn about Dublin’s pub culture. Book the Literary Pub Crawl! 

1916 Tour Dublin

The 1916 Tour is a Dublin history tour that focuses on the events of the Uprising. The 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour includes visiting key locations, re-enactments and multi-media presentations for a unique experience. Learn more!

Pro Tip: Looking for free walking tours about the Easter Rising? Use the Self Guided Dublin Walking Tour audio guide podcast for a basic intro.

Food Tour in Dublin

Join a guide for a grazing tour of Dublin on this highly rated Food Tour. Learn about the history and local cuisine while feasting your way past city sights. Reserve your space!

Alternatively, embark on a journey to experience the contemporary food culture with the best bites at a few of the top restaurants. Get the details!

Street Art Tour Dublin

The city of Dublin has a vibrant street art scene. Visitors interested in learning more about the alternative side of Dublin can join the Street Art Tour to find off the beaten path local haunts. Book it!

Dublin Private City Tour

Those who want a personal introduction can join one of the Dublin Private Walking Tours. On this private tour, visitors get to see Dublin with the help of a local guide. Get the details!

For more themed Dublin walking tours, check out these of Dublin City Tours .  

More Fun Dublin, Ireland Tours

Once you have the lay of the land, indulge in a few essential Dublin experiences and tours.

• Visit Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse for a connoisseur tasting
• Head to the Jameson Distillery for a lesson on Irish whiskey
• Take a River Liffey cruise

Hop On Hop Off Dublin Tour Bus

Visitors interested in sightseeing without all the walking can catch a ride on one of the Dublin Bus Tours. The Dublin sightseeing bus routes make stops at (or near) all of the top attractions. The bus tickets also include other perks, like on-board commentary, discounts at top sights and a guided Dublin walking tour. 

Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus Dublin

The classic, red Hop On Hop Off Tour in Dublin has two routes that stop at 28 places of interest – plus two walking tours included in the price. Visitors can opt for a 1- or 2-Day Pass .  

Green Do Dublin Hop On Hop Off Bus

Do Dublin is another tour company that offers a Hop On Hop Off Dublin, Ireland bus service. In addition to the 24- and 48-hour bus tickets , the Dublin tour company tickets also include transportation to and from the airport, as well as use of all Dublin city bus routes – plus free admission to The Little Museum of Dublin. 

Top Tip : A Dublin City Bus Tour is also included in the Dublin Pass , which can save money on entry into sights, too!

Tours and Day Trips From Dublin, Ireland

Use the city as a base and explore Ireland on one of many Dublin day trips. Visitors can explore on their own or join one of the highly rated tours that explores the region outside of Dublin City Center.

One of our favorite getaways is a short jaunt to the coastal village of Howth. Visitors can easily plan their own Day Trip To Howth – or book a guided trip . Other simple day trips from Dublin include the beachside community of Bray and the lovely village of Malahide .

Visitors can also travel to Northern Ireland to see the city of Belfast . Again, plan the trip on your own or join a tour from Dublin of Northern Ireland and Giant’s Causeway .

Other popular day tours from Dublin include seeing the stunning Cliffs of Moher (with a stop in quaint Doolin ), Visiting Galway or making a trip to the Blarney Castle (and kissing the Blarney Stone, of course!).  

Dublin day tours are offered by many companies. Read reviews from fellow travelers to find the best Ireland tours from Dublin on Viator ! 

Looking for multi-day Ireland trips? Set out from Dublin to see Ireland highlights on a five-day tour or enjoy the sights of Ireland on a six-day trip . 

Travel Tips For Your Dublin Trip

We have just a few final tips for your trip to Dublin! Planning an Ireland trip can feel a bit overwhelming – so we are outlining the essentials below – like where to stay, how to get there and what to pack.

Also check out our 3 Day Dublin Itinerary and 7 Day Ireland Itinerary for even more things to do! If you are coming from abroad, read our advice on Planning a Trip to Europe . 

As you make your plans, you will find that staying organized is key. To stay on top of all the details, use our Printable Travel Planner , which includes 25+ pages of travel organization! 

Where To Stay in Dublin, Ireland

We think the best place to stay in Dublin, Ireland is in the center, where it is easy to access the top sights and attractions on foot.

That said, during the summer tourist season, top value hotels book up quickly – so you will want to make sure you secure Dublin accommodations in advance of your trip. Before you start your search, read our tips for Booking the Best Hotels . 

Two of the highly-rated Dublin hotels are Leonardo Dublin Christchurch and Temple Bar Inn . Budget travelers can search for Dublin Hostels – like  Garden Lane Backpackers . Finding a vacation rental through Airbnb is another option on your vacation to Ireland.

Getting To Dublin, Ireland

Dublin can be reached by plane, train, bus, or ferry. Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying, we are JetSettingFools, after all! When we do need to purchase cheap plane tickets , we start our search for the best deals on airline fares on Skyscanner . 

Flying to Dublin from the US is easy, with direct flights from DC , Philadelphia , Boston , NYC , Chicago , and SFO . Additionally, DUB is well-connected with all major European hubs like London , Frankfurt , Paris , Madrid , Lisbon and Amsterdam !

To get between destinations when flights are not possible, we usually rely on public transportation and take trains or buses. Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann provide bus transportation services in Ireland. 

We aren’t keen on driving abroad, but renting a car can often save time and money (especially when traveling with more than two people) – and having a car rental allows for greater discovery.  

Dublin Walking Tours: What You Will Need

Now that you know all about the Best Walking Tours of Dublin – plus other fun activities and essentials – it’s time to get ready for your sightseeing!

Make sure you are prepared by bringing the following items along with you. You can find all of our packing hacks  and advice on our Packing Page  – and grab your FREE packing checklist !

Travel Shoes

Although Downtown Dublin, Ireland is a very walkable, travelers will want to ensure they pack comfortable city walking shoes . I like to wear lightweight, rubber-soled shoes, like Columbia shoes or NB Trainers . Kris prefers wearing Merrell trail shoes, even in the city!

Ireland Weather Attire

The weather in Dublin is always unpredictable. It’s best to bring along a packable raincoat or travel umbrella for your free walking tour of Dublin. For those sunny moments, don’t forget sunglasses ,  sunscreen and a wide-brimmed travel hat . 

Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you will also want to have a great day bag to organize all your daily travel essentials . When we explore a city on foot, we like to wear small backpacks where we can stow our wallets, keys, map, jacket and umbrella.

Travel Camera

On walking tours of Dublin, Ireland visitors see heaps of top sights. While many travelers use their phone, we believe it is best to invest in an actual travel camera that will take high-quality photographs. We carry a Canon Rebel  with a 18-135mm lens . This DSLR is a perfect budget camera for beginner photographers – as it comes bundled with heaps of accessories and is easy to use! 

WiFi Connection

In our free Dublin Walking Tour, we include map links to get from sight to sight. However, in order to use those links, you will need a WiFi Connection . While many US cellphone providers offer temporary international data packages, they can be expensive! Instead, we recommend purchasing a WiFi Mobile Hotspot . 

Not only can we connect up to ten devices at one time (which is perfect for families or friends traveling together), but we purchase an eSIM in advance and are connected the minute we touch down off that long-haul flight . We would be lost without it – literally! That said, we still think it is also a good idea to carry a paper Dublin map and/or guidebook .

Ireland Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may help in the case of cancelled flights or lost luggage – as well as illness or injury while abroad. Consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Ireland ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

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The best walking tours in Dublin

Dublin’s lively neighbourhoods and wonderful architecture are reasons enough to encourage a visitor to lace up their shoes and hit the streets. Follow a knowledgeable guide as you learn all there is to know about the city. Choose from tours that focus on history and hidden gems to food and entertainment, or, if you’re feeling especially daring, even tours focused on true crime and haunted places! No matter what your interests are, there’s a walking tour to satisfy you.

Pat Liddy's Walking Tours of Dublin Ltd

Walking Food Tours - Dublin

1916 Rebellion Walking Tours

Historical Walking Tours Of Dublin

In our shoes walking tours.

Dalton’s Musical History Tour

A Spasso A Dublino - Italian Tour in Dublin

The Haunted History Walking Tour - Hidden Dublin Walks

Delicious Dublin Tours

Tours de Dublin en Français

Senza Meta La Dublino dei Dublinesi - Out and About- Tours in Dublin and Ireland

Yellow Umbrella Tours Ltd

Dublin Decoded Walking Tours

Tailteann Walking Tours

Howth Walking Tours

James Joyce Walking Tour

EXPLORE THE CITY

Like a local, pat liddy's walking tours.

We are proud to present to you the best walking tours in Dublin. Founded in 2004, we are an award-winning walking tour company with a host of well-trained and highly-acclaimed tour guides who want to share their passion for Dublin with you.

 We offer tours in English, French, German and Irish for individual tourists, groups, student groups, corporate tours and many more.

Every year we bring thousands of people around the city, to show them the most famous Dublin locations and to visit many areas that are often missed. We want people to be as enthusiastic about Dublin as we are, and with us you will see Dublin as it was meant to be seen, discover the treasures of the city and bring home happy memories to keep with you forever. Our guides are, without a doubt, among the best in Dublin, and are united by a passion for this city that we’ll be delighted to share with you!

PUBLIC, PRIVATE, CORPORATE & STUDENT TOURS

PRIVATE TOURS

CORPORATE TOURS

STUDENT TOURS

Testimonials.

“Traveling with Pat was fantastic. He is professional, knowledgeable, and has a great sense of humor. Highly recommend!”

John, New York

“Pat is a great tour guide. He is personable, friendly and so patient. ”

Dan, Chicago

“Greatest trip ever. Pat is a great host. Just fantastic!”

Shirley, Toronto

Office phone:

+353 1 832 9406, emergency phone:, +353 87 905 2480 , [email protected], privacy policy   cookie polic y.

Ultimate Dublin Walking Tour Map

Must see attractions using three dublin walking tour map and guide, walk 1 – top 18 attractions, using the dublin walking tour map and guide to dublin center.

• Dublin Self Guided Walking Tour Map and Guide -Walk 2 – Top 16 attractions, guide to attractions south of the River Liffey, including the Temple Bar Region , click HERE
• Dublin Walking Tour Map Walk 3 – Top 16 attractions, guide to Historic Dublin , click HERE

Use the Dublin walking tour map below to visit the attractions in Downtown central Dublin located north of the River Liffey. A complete self guided walking tour map and guide to Dublin attractions, including Monuments, Museums, and Memorials. Follow the walking route in purple below, to explore the city at your own place. Spend a few hours or two days depending on how you want to complete all three Dublin walking tours using the map of attractions. There are three separate walking tours: Tour 1- Downtown Central Dublin located north of River Liffey, Tour 2 – Temple Bar Region, St Stephens Green and Grafton Street located south of River Liffey and Tour 3 – Historic Dublin includes Dublin Corporation, Dublin City Hall (and includes parts of the Temple Bar Region)

Dublin Walking Tour and Map 1 – Start at O’Connell street, near the Charles Parnell monument. Break after national Leprechaun Museum and continue to Walk 2

Download the INTERACTIVE Dublin walking tour map HERE

Download the PDF Dublin walking tour map HERE

Start the dublin walking tour guide and map – walk 1, 1. charles stewart parnell monument .

Charles Parnell was a popular Irish politician who fell from the party ranks because of this affair and his eventual marriage to a divorced woman, Katherine O’Shea. This was frowned upon in the very Catholic community and his political party split over the “O’Shea Affair”. Tragically he died from stomach cancer four months after his marriage to Katherine. He was 45 years old

2. Sir John Gray Statue 

This is the second stop in the Dublin walking tour guide and map. Sir John Grey, Physician, Politician and Social Reformer, his statue was sculpted by Thomas Farrell out of Portland limestone which resembled marble. Erected 4 years after his death in 1879, he was the owner of the nationalist Freeman’s Journal newspaper and chairman of the Dublin Corporation Water Works Committee. He was a great supporter of Daniel O’Connell and was instrumental in bringing fresh water supply to Dublin and its suburbs in 1868. His legacy includes the Irish Church and Land Bills, his support of the Home Rule Movement and his advocacy for tenants rights

3. O’Connell Street

The next step in the Dublin walking tour guide and map is the popular O’Connell Street. In the 17th century, O’Connell Street was a narrow street called Drogheda Street, named after the Earl of Drogheda, Henry Moore. The street was widened n the late 1700s and renamed Sackville Street after Lionel Sackville, Duke of Dorset. In 1924 it was been a once again renamed as O’Connell Street after the widely popular political leader Daniel O’Connell. O’Connell St. leads to O’Connell Bridge and onto other Dublin sights such as parliament hill and Trinity College

O’Connell Street is a popular and busy throughfare and was the centre stage for many events in Irish history. It tells the story of Ireland’s history, politics and spirit through the various attractions found on the street. Eclipsed by the popular shopping street, Grafton street, O’Connell street is a must visit street in Dublin. Today it contains prominent monuments, public art and is still the centre of public celebrations, parades, protests and demonstrations and it has major bus and tram routes

Video of O’Connel Street in 1916

4. st mary’s pro-cathedral .

St Mary’s Pro-cathedral is a parish church temporarily or provisionally elevated to the status of Cathedral hence the prefix Pro-Cathedral. It was a temporary solution as the two National Cathedrals in Dublin, St Patrick’s and Christ Church, were originally catholic but now serve the minority protestant population under the Church of Ireland. The Church of Ireland took control of the Catholic St Patrick’s and Christ Church following Henry VIII break from Rome and the start of the Reformation

The Penal Laws (1607-1778) prevented Catholics from worshipping publicly and as such, they worshipped “underground”. With the repeal of the penal laws the city was left without a Catholic church to serve the majority religion. In 1803 Archbishop John Thomas Troy purchased  Lord Annesley’s townhouse in the city for the purpose of building a full Roman Catholic Cathedral. The Cathedral was opened in 1825 by the new Archbishop of Dublin, Daniel Murray and unofficially given the title of Pro-Cathedral. This title of Pro- Cathedral became official in 1886.

A symbol of Irish Nationalism, the Pro-cathedral of St Mary’s has hosted presidents, governments, foreign ambassadors and the location of some state funerals. In 2018, the Pro-Cathedral was visited by Pope Francis.  Great debates over the decades have taken place to establish a full catholic cathedral in Dublin including locations at Merrion Park or revoking the status of one of the Protestant Cathedrals back to a catholic practicing cathedral. However none of these have come to fruition as the ideas have not received support from stakeholders. Today it is commonly referred to as the “Pro” a symbol of compromise for the peaceful Irish nation

5. Use the Dublin walking tour map to the O’Connell Bridge

Originally called the Carlisle bridge, construction started in 1791 and took three years to complete. It was designed by James Gandon and named after Frederick Howard known as the Lord Carlisle, the 5th Earl of Carlisle. A popular, well used bridge connecting Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street) to Westmoreland and D’Olier street to the south. It was so popular that it needed to be replaced in the late 1800s. In 1880 the old bridge was demolished and it was replaced with a new bridge at a cost of 70,000 pounds.

Made of the same material as the original bridge, Granite and Portland Stone, it replaced the three semi circular arches with three semi elliptical arches. The bridge was named after Daniel O’Connell referred to as The Liberator of Ireland. What is unusual is that the bridge is actually wider than longer, it spans 45 m across the Liffey river and is about 50 m wide

In 2004 a couple of jokesters brothers installed a plaque on the bridge dedicating the bridge to Father Pat Noise. Father Pat Noise is a play on words in Latin “pater noster” meaning “our father”. Nobody noticed anything unusual in the plaque until May 2006. At that time the plaque came to the notice of the Dublin City Council and the jokesters owned up to their prank reveling the dedication to their father. This is an interesting spot in the Dublin walking tour guide and map as the plaque is still there

6. Carleton Cinema

Located opposite the Savoy Hotel, the cinema was built in 1936. It opened in 1938 and the first film was “The Awful Truth”. Over the years, it has played to packed houses for plays, films and concerts. The cinema was last operated by MGM and eventually closed in October 1994. The plan has been put forth to redevelop the area around the Carlton cinema with the façade of the cinema restored. It will be used as retail space and many of the buildings around the cinema will be refurbished respecting its original fabric

7. Father Theobald Mathew statue

The only statue at that time to be sculpted by a woman, Mary Redmond, it is located on, O’Connell Street and it was erected in 1892. Father Mathew, the Apostle of Temperance”, he was born in 1790 near Cashel, County Kilkenny. He was ordained as a priest to the Capuchin Order in 1814. Serving most of his life in Cork he was known for leading the temperance movement (anti-drinking) establishing Temperance Societies in every parish in the country

8. Spire of Dublin

Dublin is known for nicknaming its statues and monuments. Nickname for the Spire is Stuffy at the Liffey or Stiletto in the Ghetto. This is a popular attraction in the Dublin walking tour guide and map

A 120 m Spire erected in 2002 to replace the Nelson’s Pillar, which stood on this site for 150 years. Nelson’s pillar was a landmark and considered the center of the city. The IRA destroyed it in 1966. The base of the spire is 3ms wide and it tapers to a tip, which has a 15 cm point. It is designed so that it will sway with the high winds and there are tiny holes that allow light to pass through. The tiny holes illuminate the Spire at night. There is a feature at the tip of the Spire providing a beacon in the night sky over the capital

9. James Joyce statue 

Nickname Prick with the Stick

The James Joyce statue is just off of O’Connell street on North Earl Street near the Dublin Spire. It was sculpted by US sculptor Marjorie Fitzgibbon and erected in 1990. James Joyce was an influential poet and writer who lived most of his life abroad yet wrote of his home country. His characters resembled his family, enemies and his friends. His famous books include The Dubliners, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Finnegan’s Wake and Ulysses, which was acclaimed as the “Book of the Century” (20 th Century)

10. General Post Office (GPO)

The next stop in the Dublin walking tour guide and map is the a historic landmark, the GPO. It is a Georgian style public building built in 1814 at a cost of about £80,000, it is one of Irelands famous buildings. It was used a the headquarters of the rebels in the Easter Uprising of 1916. It was on the steps of the General Post Office that Patrick Pearse, one of the leaders of the uprising, read out the “ Proclamation of the Irish Republic ” or “Easter Proclamation”, on April 24, 1916 which proclaimed Irelands independence from Britain

The copies were printed in secret and distributed; only 30 original copies remain today. The proclamation was signed by seven signators, who were later executed for treason. The Easter proclamation is a revered Irish document and a copy is on display in the main foyer of the General Post Office

A ceremony commemorating the Easter Uprising is celebrated each year where the Easter Proclamation is read outside the GPO by an officer of the Irish Defense Forces

A museum in the basement of the General Post Office, the GPO Witness History , is dedicated to the Easter Uprising, tickets can be purchased online HERE  

 11.  James Larkin statue is the next stop on the Dublin walking tour map

An Irish trade union leader, James Larkin was also a social activist. He founded the Irish Transport & General Workers Union to support unskilled workers living in deplorable conditions. He is best known for the most bitter labour dispute of 1914 referred to as the Dublin Lockout. He lost the dispute however, he did succeed in mobilizing a large labour force that was successful in other disputes. His most famous saying was “ The great appear great because we are on our knees: Let us rise”

12.  William Smith O’Brian (Irish name: Liam Mac Gabhann O’Brien) statue

Our next stop on the Dublin walking tour map is the statute of historical, though not as well known, figure that influenced Ireland’s history. The statues and dedication to William Smith O’Brien. He was the leader of the Young Ireland movement and the second son of Sir Edward O’Brien, 4th Baronet of Dromoland Castle, in Co. Claire. William received an upper class education and studied law in Dublin and in London.

Just as influential as Daniel O’Connell, he was not as popular due to the mistrust stemming from his British accent. He led an unsuccessful rebellion at Ballingarry, County Tipperary against the British rule in 1848. He was convicted of high treason and sentenced to death by being hanged, drawn and quartered. Petitions of clemency resulted in his sentence being commuted to deportation and he spent five years in Tasmania/Van Diemen’s Land (present day Australia). He was eventually pardoned and returned to Ireland but he was never active in politics after that. The statue was sculpted by Thomas Farrell in 1870 out of Sicilian Marble

13. Daniel O’Connell Monument

Continue Dublin walking tour and use the map to this popular monument. the use of the Daniel O’Connell, born on county Kerry, he was an elected Irish political leader from County Clare, who could not take his seat in the British Parliament due to restrictions placed upon Roman Catholics. A lawyer by profession, he peacefully campaigned for catholic relief also called catholic emancipation within the British Parliamentary System. This was the removal of restrictions placed on Catholics by the Uniformity Act, the Test Acts, and the Penal Laws

The statue on O’Connell Street was unveiled on August 15, 1882 and was sculpted by John Foley. Foley died before it was completed and his assistant finished it off. The statue is known as one of families greatest and finest piece of work. The statue is in three parts; the base, the drum, above the base representing his triumphs and his statue at the top. At the base of the monument are four winged figures each representing a virtue attributed to O’Connell . These are patriotism, eloquence, fidelity and courage

On the drum, above the base, are statues representing labour and triumph. One of these is a statue of “Maid of Erin” standing on top of broken Shackle’s attesting to O’Connells being personified as a liberator. The monument is topped by a statue Daniel O’Connell pointing towards the parliament building. There are about 30 bullet holes in the monument including two to his right temple, one on the arm of Maid of Erin, one on the statue of Courage.  These bullet holes were not filled in  during restoration work on the monument, see if you can spot them all. The bullet holes were a result of the 1916 Easter Week Rising. At his feet lie a pile of books which symbolize the fight of an educated man who used his knowledge to free his people from oppressive laws and acts.

As per his wishes, upon his death his body was buried beneath a Round Tower at Dublin Glasnevin Cemetary and his heart was buried in Rome at the Saint Agatha dei Goti (known at the time as the Irish college)

14. The Famine Memorial

The next stop on the Dublin walking tour map and guide is a poignant reminder to Ireland’s past. The memorial is dedicated to those families forced to leave Ireland in the 19 th century due to the Irish Famine . The first ship called “Perseverance” sailed on St Patricks Day in 1846 from Customs House Quay in Dublin (close to the Famine Memorial)

Directions : From The Famine Memorial, walk back towards Ha’penny Bridge

15. Two Irish Ladies statue found on the Dublin walking tour map

Nickname hags with bags

The statue is located near Ha’penny Bridge on Liffey Street Lower outside of The Woollen Mills restaurant. It is a Statue of two women sitting on a bench in conversation with their shopping bags at their feet

16. Ha’penny Bridge

There is a lot of history for this attraction on the Dublin walking tour map. Before the ha’penny bridge was built, the only way to get across the river was by ferry, by boat or sharing the road with horse drawn carriages. William Walsh, a city alderman, operated a fleet of ferries for people to cross the Liffey. The ferries were old and leaky. He was given a choice by the City to either build a bridge or fix his boats. If he built a bridge, he could recoup the costs by charging a toll for 100 years and was compensated an addition £3000.

The bridge was built in May 1816, and spanned 43 meters across the Liffey river. It was 3 meters wide and built 3 meters above the river. The bridge was the only pedestrian bridge that crossed the River Liffey until the millennium bridge which opened in 1999

The Ha’penny Bridge gets its name from the toll paid to cross the bridge. The toll was discontinued in 1922; however it is till commonly referred to as the Ha’penny Bridge (pronounce HAYP-nee). Over the years, it has been known as the Metal Bridge, the Liffey, the Triangle or Iron Bridge and the Wellington Bridge. When it opened, it allowed about 450 people to cross the bridge daily, today about 30,000 people cross the bridge every day

17. National Leprechaun Museum

A fun and unique stop on the Dublin walking tour map. The Leprechauns are depicted as little green men with pots of gold; however, Irish mythology shows them as little brown men who were cobblers for fairies. The museum which opened in 2010, displays a historical chronology of the how the Leprechaun image has changed in the media over the decades

What will you see at the Leprechaun Museum ?

• A wooden replica of Giants Causeway
• A giant size room full of furniture so you are made to feel like a leprechaun
• Optical Illusions
• An illuminated map with an audio of the legends of the leprechaun
• A very funny tour guide with incredible knowledge of leprechauns

After the Dublin walking tour use the map to find Mulligans Pub – This might be a good time and location

18.  mulligans pub 1854.

Opened in 1782, they moved the location several times and its final resting place is in this location, Poolbeg Street, since 1854 when. John Mulligan sold the pub to Mick Smyth in 1932. It has stayed in the Smythe family ever since.  It has been mentioned in a James Joyce’s novel, has when been used as a filming location, entertained celebrities, media giants, the press, writers, tourists and Dubliners

Over 300 year’s old, caught in a time warp, it still has some of the original letters on the window and doors and is one of the oldest establishments in Dublin

Additional Ireland Attraction Guides:

• Getting around Ireland – Using Public Transportation in Ireland
• Cliffs of Moher – A very popular tour, a complete guide to the 16 attractions along the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk
• Doolin – A quaint popular village in County Clare. Stop overnight and walk to the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin or enjoy the many other attractions in and around Doolin
• The Ring of Kerry – A spectacular 111 mile scenic route on the Iveragh Peninsula. Start at either Kenmare or Killarney for a circular route of three hours without stops. Jaw dropping views of the Atlantic ocean, charming villages and wild sweeping mountains makes this a popular must see attraction in Ireland. Use the map and attractions for the complete self guided tour of the Ring of Kerry
• The Dingle Peninsula – It is a 30 mile long clockwise loop that takes about 4 hours to complete. The area is the bedrock of Irish culture with signs in many villages and towns indicating that Irish is the predominant language in the area. The picturesque landscape includes rolling hills, craggy shorelines and sandy beaches. The PDF map and attractions guide explores the attractions of the Dingle Peninsula
• The Ring of Beara – An 85 mile circular route, similar to Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, however it is far less travelled. In that sense, it is a better drive as there are far less cars on the road. I found the Ring of Beara far more dramatic than either the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula. It is not as popular because the tourist buses are not able to navigate the narrow roads with hairpin bends or the Healey Pass.
• Dublin Walk 1  – Top 18 Attractions, guide to  Dublin City Center , North of the River Liffey Dublin
• The Book of Kells and Trinity College in Dublin. Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland with the historic Long Room,and the old library with over 200,000 of the very old books. It is the most impressive library in the world
• In Dublin visit the Little Museum of Dublin, Grafton Street, St Stephens Green and Kilmainham Goal (the prison where many rebels from the Easter Rising were held before their execution)
• Dublin Walk 3  – Top 16 attractions, guide to  Historic Old Dublin
• Galway – Use the Galway Ireland guide for a flexible and personal tour of over 40 attractions Galway City
• Aran Islands – For a truly authentic Irish experience visit the Aran Islands. They are located at the mouth of Galway Bay. You can catch a ferry from either Doolin or Rosseeval port (Shuttle from Galway to Rosseeval ferry port)
• The Glens of Antrim – Driving route for the nine Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland. The guide includes options for public transportation, walking trails in The Glens and Game of Thrones Attractions
• Over 100 Northern Ireland Attractions – Visit over 100 attractions along the east and north coast of Ireland along the Antrim and Causeway Coastal Route. Travel by car or public transport from the Mourne Mountains to Londonderry. Includes game of thrones sites, castles and walks along the route
• The Burren – Explore the karst moonscape bedrock of The Burren located in the southwest region and close to the Cliffs of Moher. Attractions in the Burren include ancient tombs, underground caves, walks on an unusual landscape and The Burren National Park

Related Posts

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Doolin Ireland, Top attractions in Doolin

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Join Us for the Craic!

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We are Yellow Umbrella Tours. We are proud to be local and independent. Join us to experience the best of Dublin.

Best of dublin tour (southside), tips - based, everyday at 10am, 11am & 2pm at the spire (the big needle) on o'connell st..

Join us on this tour to experience the top attractions and get a feel for our charming city.

​- Trinity College – Temple Bar – Dublin Castle – Christchurch Cathedral – St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Meet beside the Spire (the big needle) in the middle of O’Connell Street.

Free Tour Dublin Highlights

Time: 10am, 11am and 2pm every day.

We offer Southside FREE walking tours several times daily. Also check out the Northside FREE walking tour at 3.00pm every...

Free Tour Northside

Time : 03.00 pm every day.

On this tour, we will visit famous locations such as The Garden of Remembrance: dedicated to those who gave their...

Tour Gratis Lado Sur

Todos los días a las 11:00.

La calidad de nuestros tours está garantizada porque se basan enteramente en las propinas. Tu guía no recibe dinero de...

Tour Gratis Lado Norte

Todos los días a las 16:00.

Misterios y Leyendas

Todos los días a las 18:00.

Callejones, leyendas, secretos, misterios… adéntrate con nosotros en el lado oscuro de Dublín para conocer su historia más desconocida.

Explore Our Most Popular Tours

Dublin Traditional Pub Tour

Everyday at 6PM at the Spire (The Big Needle) on O'Connell St.

Private Walking Tours

Want to explore the city on a personal level and from a local perspective?

Testimonials

What people say about us, southside dublin free walking tour.

Southside Tour with Peter was Fantastic. I am all about walking yours in towns and this was one of the best. It lasted about 3 hours, but I could have wandered around with Peter for a couple of more hours and not gotten bored. We got great general history of Ireland and insite to specific sites on the South Doubling tour. Highly recommend.

Absolutely recommend!

During my short trip to Dublin I decided to book a free walking tour with the Dublin Free Walking Tour – South Side. Our guide was Conor (with one ‘n’) who did a great job sharing bits of Ireland’s/Dublin’s history and present in a relatively short amount of time (one can learn a lot in 3 hours) and with some humour. I had lots of fun learning during this tour and I would 200% recommend anyone to book it. I’m sure you won’t regret it!

Great experience

Our tour lasted 2hr45 of the Southside, and was really excellent. Our tour guide gave us lots of information and was happy to answer questions, and was generally very friendly and easy to understand. It’s a contribution at the end as well, but nominally free. Would definitely recommend!

All you need to know within 2 hours

A great mixture between information, fact, cultural insights and first hand tips for pubs and restaurants. Would encourage everyone to go on a tour!

Must-do in Dublin

Had a fantastic South Side tour with Richie on Sunday morning. Very informative and funny, and we learned interesting history about Dublin. It’s three hours but time flies by! Highly recommend to anyone wanting to take a walking tour – best way to get your bearings plus learn about the buildings instead of just looking at them!

Interesting tour!

Very interesting tour about the history of the city of Dublin. Our guide Conor was dynamic and captivating! We recommend to discover the city at the beginning of your stay!

Informative and fun tours with a great guide

We did both the north and south side tours with Peter. He was absolutely fantastic and really knowledgeable, giving an insight into the city we never would have had walking round in our own. He was also really helpful in answering any questions and providing recommendations for the rest of our trip. Great experience and would definitely advise anyone visiting Dublin to book on to both tours.

Educational and fun. Highly recommended!

My hostel recommended this company to me. Incredibly knowledgeable guide for the free morning & afternoon walking tour (tour date 30.11.2021). Did not expect this level of knowledge and presentation skill from a free tour, but will definitely take a closer look at their normal tours next time I am in Dublin. I am sure they are fabulous too. Overall highly recommended!

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MUSIC & PUBS

• REVOLUTIONARY DUBLIN & 2016

DUBLIN'S 10 TASTINGS

Dublin kickstarter.

• SECRETS AND HIDDEN GEMS
• HAUNTED DUBLIN
• STREET ART, GRAFFITI, COUNTER CULTURE
• THE PERFECT PINT
• MALAHIDE CASTLE & GARDENS

Let me be your guide

As your tour guide, I’ll help you disconnect from your everyday world, so you can immerse yourself in Dublin and all it has to offer. Check out just some of my tour options below or better still call, text or whatsapp me on 00353871822493 or email me at  [email protected]  so I can create a bespoke tour option to precisely cover your interests, group size and budget.

Ruairi Keogh

MY WALKING TOURS

Experience the Dubliner’s Dublin with Ruairi and learn all about the Irish music from traditional to rock. Visit famous landmarks and pubs and listen and enjoy Irish music at its finest Enjoy Irish pub grub and drinks while lapping up the atmosphere, music and craic in Dublin’s best classic pubs.

Cost: €26pp

REVOLUTIONARY DUBLIN 

Dublin was the epicentre of the Irish struggle for Irish independence and the rising over Easter 1916 is the most important turning point. On this 3 hour tour you’ll visit some of the key places associated with the rising as well as hearing stories that you’d struggle to find in academic tomes.

Cost: €30pp

On this 3 hour tour you ‘ll visit a mix of artisan producers, market stalls, traditional pubs and restaurants sampling incredible products along the way. Everything from handmade fudge to succulent pork, fish and chips, ice-cream and of course a magnificent Guinness poured to perfection.

Cost: €99.50pp

100 minutes around the centre of Dublin that will give you all the essential information that you’ll need about Dublin, its history and must see attractions, You’ll get your bearings, get a taste of all that Dublin has to offer and end up better equipped to make the most of your time here.

Cost: €28pp  

SECRETS & HIDDEN GEMS

Want to see the best of Dublin including its secrets and hidden gems? Discover Dublin’s centre’s unique districts in a three hour tour. From it’s Viking Birthplace and it’s medieval centre, to its’ cultural centre, markets, stores and of course a fantastic Dublin pub.

HAUNTED  DUBLIN

Take 2 hours to discover Dublin’s scary tales and horrifying scandals. Visit the 40 steps where the ghost of Jonathan Swift still appears, Visit places that inspired Brahm Stoker’s Dracula and  visit one of Dublin’s oldest pub which is home to a number of ghostly spectres.

Cost: €28pp

STREET ART, GRAFFITI & COUNTER CULTURE

On this two two and a half hour tour you’ll discover Dublin’s vibrant street life, see where Graffiti transitions into art, spectacular murals and installations, cool markets and local shopping areas, coffee culture and of course craft beers.

THE PERFECT PINT & WHISKEY GALORE

Take a 3 hour wander around some of Dublin’s famous hostelries and public houses. Sample craft beers and ciders and discover what makes the “perfect pint”. Enjoy a couple of drinks in pubs frequented by artists, musicians and literary characters of the past and present

Cost: €43pp

MALAHIDE CASTLE AND GARDENS

Situated 30 minutes north of Dublin’s city centre is the picturesque seaside village of Malahide. Originally founded by the Vikings this scenic coastline enjoys beautiful beaches, landmarks, shops. Bars and restaurants.

Cost: €70pp

“Leading us through different parts of Dublin, he informed us about the city's history, geography, art, culture and even told us a few ghost stories.”

“ruairi knows his stuff, put on your walking shoes and enjoy a great morning.”.

Billy, Northern Ireland

“We had a fabulous time on our food tour with Ruairí. He took us to some really unique spots that fully showcased both the classic Irish food experience as well as Dublin's emerging foodie culture. ”

Matthew, Amsterdam

#DublinWalkingTours

Tag me on Instagram with @bd.walkingtours #staycation2021

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+353 87 255 4765

Dublin Strolls

Guided Walking Tours of Dublin City

Daily Tours: 11AM & 230PM

About Dublin Strolls - Guided walking tours of Dublin city

Discover Dublin through the eyes of a local on your guided walking tour. Join your experienced tourist guide, Dermot, to discover Dublin city on foot. We keep our group sizes small to make sure you leave loving Dublin city as much as we do!

Daily Tours at 11:00AM and 2:30PM

Take one of our most popular walking tours; learn about Medieval and Viking Dublin, seek out the grandeur of Georgian Dublin or explore the city's most famous sights on this small group walking tour of Dublin. 

We offer customised tours for individuals, families, friends and groups. Have a special interest in literature, history, music? Want to rediscover your city, or your Irish heritage? We will design a bespoke guided walking tour of Dublin city to match your interests, ensuring you have the best day out exploring Ireland's beautiful capital city. 

GEORGIAN DUBLIN, SOUTHSIDE

Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace

On this guided walking tour discover the delights of Georgian Dublin and delve into its history. Sights include: Georgian Squares, Leinster House, Huguenot Cemetery and much more

Get in touch

Queer Dublin Walking Tour

Original Dublin Walking Tour

Dublin Music Tour

Dublin Mythology & Folklore Tour

Tour gratis en Español

Free Walking Tour of Dublin

Why original dublin.

Because you’ve made it your mission to visit Dublin, and we’ve made it ours to ensure that you get more than a visit. We promise you more than just a great tour – We make our Dublin, your Dublin.

We’re Original Dublin, and our collective of accredited tour guides, writers, actors and musicians show people the beating heart of Dublin itself.  This is our hometown. We can give you a local perspective of our wonderful city. 

Winner of the 2022 Freetour.com award for ‘Most Original Tour’ & the Platinum Award for ‘Event Storytelling’ at the 2022 Eventex Awards. 

Elevate your trip with a unique Dublin Walking Tour. Book now for a stroll through Dublin City that you’ll never forget.

What Do Our Guests Say?

Keith was very knowledgeable and provided us with a lot of information about Ireland’s history.

Dan was so funny and knowledgeable. He’s also a great storyteller. Wonderful tour. You’ll really learn a lot while enjoying his sense of humor.

Increíble tour! Mucha historia y curiosidades de la ciudad! Gracias a Daniela por todo su conocimiento y por contagiarnos el interés de querer seguir conociendo sobre irlanda!

Muy linda experiencia con Daniela. Explicaciones súper claras y muy apasionada sobre la ciudad y su historia. Lo pase realmente muy bien!

Great experience, many thanks to Keith.

Daniela es fantástica. El tour es muy completo y da mucha información sobre el conector histórico. Totalmente recomendado!

Me ha encantado el tour con Daniela! Muy recomendable el tour y la experiencia inmersiva en Dublin

Daniela ha estado estupenda!!

Excelente el tour con Daniela! Muy entretenida y divertida!

Genial Daniela!

Daniel increible

Dave was absolutely brilliant, very friendly, answered each and every question with enthusiasm and had an abundance of knowledge. Clearly very passionate about what he does and was an excellent guide 10/10. Visited many historic spots and gave many recommendations for places to visit in Dublin.

HELENA'S the best!

Si buscan un tour con buena energía, con buen conocimiento y ultimada mente bien relajado, Daniela lo hace rebién! Estuvo atenta y dispuesta a responder las preguntas con honestidad y realista! Sumamente amable y lo recomiendo!!

Nuestra guía fue Marina, quien supo trasmitir sus conocimientos sobre la historia y la cultura de Dublín de forma muy amena y divertida. Sobre todo me gustó que incluyera anécdotas y consejos sobre qué vale la pena y qué no visitar. Personalmente creo que hizo un trabajo estupendo y recomiendo ir con ella a hacer los tours.

Hemos hecho el free Tour con Marina y ha sido fantástico. Muy amable, muy entretenido y dinámico. Recomendable para todo visitante de Dublín. Mercii!!!!

Un tour muy completo, pasas 3h super entretenidas aprendiendo muchos detalles sobre la cultura irlandesa, mientras visitas los monumentos más emblemáticos (y los diez minutillos para la guiness vienen de lujo). Además, si te toca con Marina, has tenido suerte, de las mejores guias que hemos tenido

dave is the best

Marina es una genia, sabe muchísimo sobre la historia de Irlanda y lo hace super interesante! Recomiendo!

Estupendo tour por Dublín donde Marina nos contó no solo la historia general, si no también las anécdotas de los lugares que visitamos. Tour ameno y muy recomendable!

Marina super amable y simpatica. Explica muy bien todo!

Verry nice guide. Learned a lot about Dublin

Very good experience, they show you a lot of things and stories from the dublin past

Muy bueno el tour con Marina , súper recomendable

Marina una crack!!!

Guida super carismatica, bellissima esperienza, consiglio!!

Super tour! One of the best free walking tours I have done. Ian was an amazing guide 👍🏻

Kieran is a perfect tour guide - straight to the point, sarcastic, dark humour and insightful. I enjoyed the tour a lot. Recommended.

Great tour guide, explaining the history, language and landmarks or Ireland in a fun and engaging way

Fantastic tour with Kieran, who offered a great balance of history, folklore, legend, knowledge, and humour. Highly recommended!

Like What You See?

Who are we.

We are Original Dublin – a local Dublin tour guide collective crafting experiences unlike any other in the city to ensure you get the best from your time in the Irish capital.

• [email protected]
• +353876874981
• 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Historical Walking Tours of Dublin

“Outstanding blend of history and humour … the original Dublin walking tour is still the best”

The Original Tour

In just two hours, this award-winning and entertaining walking tour, conducted by history professionals, explores the main features of Irish history—the English conquest, the influences of the American and French Revolutions, the Great Hunger, the struggle for independence, partition—and concludes with the Northern Ireland peace process and Ireland today post-Brexit.

Where do we go?

• ‘Grattan’s Parliament’
• Thomas Davis statue (Potato Famine)
• Temple Bar’s ‘Wall of Fame’
• Dublin Society of United Irishmen, Eustace St.
• Dublin/Dubh Linn (‘black pool’)
• Dublin Castle
• Wood Quay (Vikings)
• Four Courts
• Christ Church Cathedral

Meet our guides

Tommy Graham

Tommy (and Van Morrison) at Temple Bar’s ‘Wall of Fame’ of notable Irish rock artists. Originally a sewing factory, the red building became a recording studio in the 1990s, and more recently a music venue.

Tommy graham founded historical walking tours of dublin as an undergraduate in 1986. it is now dublin’s longest established walking tour business. he is the editor and founder (1993) of history ireland , the country’s only illustrated history magazine and convenor (since 2010) of its ‘live show’ and podcast, the history ireland hedge school . he has lectured at nyu’s tisch school of the arts dublin programme and at griffith college, and has presented newstalk radio’s ‘talking history’..

Donal Fallon

Donal at our starting point—the Grattan statue, on the College Green traffic island, opposite Trinity College front gate. Henry Grattan was MP for Dublin City, 1775-1800, in the old colonial parliament (now the Bank of Ireland) and, after its abolition by the Act of Union in 1800, an MP in Westminster.

Donal fallon, a history graduate of ucd, has been working with historical walking tours of dublin since 2010. he is one of the founders of the award-winning blog on dublin life and culture, ‘ come here to me ’ (a selection from its archive has recently been published by new island books). his recently completed ma thesis on 1930s dublin and youth criminality will be published shortly. he is a regular contributor to irish media (print and radio) on dublin’s history, society and popular culture. he is also the presenter of the popular three castles burning podcast.

Sylvie Kleinman

Sylvie at Dublin Castle, built by King John of England in 1204, and seat of English (and later British) administration in Ireland for over 700 years.

Sylvie kleinman studied history in ireland and france (she’s a native french speaker) and has long been involved in teaching, researching and public history in dublin. she’s a regular contributor to history ireland and currently its tv and radio reviewer. initially focused on ireland in the age of the american and french revolutions, she has a keen interest in the growth of irish nationalist and patriotic culture. sylvie endeavours to internationalise how we approach the past in ireland, reflects on class and gender as much as religious identity, and is very interested in dublin's history at street level..

Eoin at Christ Church, the older of Dublin’s two medieval cathedrals. Originally a wooden building, founded in 1030 by Christianized Vikings, it was rebuild in stone in the 1170s by Richard de Clare (better known as ‘Strongbow’), and again in the 1870s by a whiskey distiller, George Roe.

Eoin walsh has an ma in modern irish history from university college dublin, supervised by professor diarmaid ferriter. he specialises in the irish revolutionary period (1912-1923) and is the author of kilkenny: in times of revolution, 1900-23 . he has published history articles for various newspapers and magazines..

Cathal Brennan

Cathal outside the Irish Film Institute, Temple Bar, originally the Meeting House of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), where the black abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, addressed a public meeting in 1845 at the invitation of ‘the Liberator’, Daniel O’Connell.

Cathal brennan has a ba in history from trinity college, dublin where he specialised in early twentieth-century irish history. he also has third level qualifications in media production (marino college), tv and video production (dún laoghaire institute of art, design and technology) and research skills for tv (screen training ireland). he has worked as a researcher on who do you think you are (bbc, rté and nbc versions), the children of the revolution (rté) and the great house revival (rté). he is co-presenter (with john dorney) of the irish history story podcast.

Daragh Fitzgerald

Daragh in front of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I of England. The Grattan statue, on the College Green traffic island opposite Trinity front gate, is our starting point.

Daragh fitzgerald studied english literature and history at trinity college, dublin. he completed a postgrad there, specializing in the revolutionary period (1912-1923). he also has an interest in the great writers who have called dublin home. he currently lectures in irish history and culture at griffith college, dublin, and is the editor of ‘bookworm’ in history ireland, tommy graham founded historical walking tours of dublin as an undergraduate in 1986. it is now dublin’s longest established walking tour business. he is the editor and founder (1993) of history ireland , the country’s only illustrated history magazine and convenor (since 2010) of its ‘live show’ and podcast, the history ireland hedge school. he has lectured at nyu’s tisch school of the arts dublin programme and at griffith college, and has presented newstalk radio’s ‘talking history’., watch a little taster of the tour before you go.

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Take a walk through history

New tour for Pride month

The pride of trinity trails.

Take an immersive walking tour through Trinity’s historic campus, while learning about the university’s involvement in LGBTQ+ history.

• Trinity Trails

Take a guided tour through the grounds of Trinity College Dublin and discover the hidden gems that make Ireland’s oldest university such a special place.

Make the most out of your day in Dublin with a Book of Kells Experience & Trinity Trails bundle. This combined ticket includes a guided campus tour followed by access to the Book of Kells and Old Library, Gaia & new immersive digital experience.

Book of Kells Experience & Trinity Trails

Self-Guided Trinity Trails

Funding The Future

Proceeds from your visit are invested back into trinity college dublin..

Every visit counts. Revenue from your visit is invested back into Trinity College Dublin to support the academic mission of the University and fund development projects and conservation programmes.

Meet our Tour Guides

Testimonials

We loved hearing about Trinity from a real life student. The Museum building was the highlight!

Columbus, Ohio

Our guide was super informative and really passionate about the topics in the tour.

The tour was fascinating from start to finish. Loved our guide!

Answers to your questions

Do I have to book tickets online?

Online booking is recommended, since this is a timed experience there is no guarantee that a slot will be available on your arrival to Trinity campus.

Are tours available in other languages?

All standard tours are provided in English. Visitors can currently book private guided tours in German language. Contact us on [email protected] for more information.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

Visitors with tickets for the Book of Kells Experience & Trinity Trails Campus tour and the Trinity Trails Campus Tour will start in Front Square at the Bell Tower.

What is included in my guided tour?

Trinity Trails is an outdoor walking tour for 45 mins.

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded, except at the absolute discretion of the Visit Trinity team. For further details contact [email protected]

Are the guided and self-guided tours wheelchair accessible?

The tours follow accessible walkways across Trinity campus. Please be advised that from time to time, there may be an area that is not entirely suitable, in which case there will simply be a slight delay on route. If you have any questions regarding your visit please contact our team on [email protected]

Are there special rates for carers?

We offer a complimentary ticket for carers who accompany a visitor with a disability. To obtain a carer ticket, first book your ticket and then email [email protected] quoting your booking reference number and we will add the complimentary ticket to your booking.

Are there accessible parking facilities on campus?

Visitors with a Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (blue badge) can avail this facility, enter via Lincoln Gate and ask where best to park nearest your business meeting/activity on Campus. The Trinity maps has a list of all disabled parking bays on campus at the following link: https://www.tcd.ie/Maps/map.php

Are the guided and self-guided tours suitable for families?

Yes, the tours are suitable for families. Please advise, children must be supervised at all times.

How do I book for groups?

For bookings of 20 or more please email us directly at [email protected]. We can also arrange bespoke tours for smaller groups.

How many are in a guided tour of the campus?

The standard Trinity Trails tour can facilitate up to 25.

Is the tour included in the Go City pass?

The Book of Kells Experience & The Trinity Trails Campus tours are not included in the Go City Pass.

I am a tour guide. Can I guide groups through Trinity’s campus?

Guided tours of Trinity campus can only be conducted by Trinity Trails (Trinity’s official tour guides) and by authorised staff of the University. For more information email: [email protected]

Are there toilet facilities on campus?

Yes, the nearest accessible toilets for visitors are located:

Monday – Friday: The Arts Block (beside the Perch Café)

Saturday – Sunday: The Berkeley Library (inside the front door on the left)

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The Howth Cliff Walk: 5 Howth Walks To Try Today (With Maps + Routes)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 24, 2024

The Howth Cliff Walk aka the Howth Head Walk is arguably one of the best walks in Dublin .

Now, there are 4 different versions of this walk , each of which varies in length and difficulty, depending on your fitness levels.

The shortest trail takes around 1.5 hours while the longest (the Bog of Frogs Purple Route) takes 3 hours, and starts in Howth village .

In the guide below, you’ll find a Howth Cliff Walk map for each version of the trail along with info on where to park, the start point for each walk and more.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about the different Howth Cliff Walk routes

Photos via Shutterstock

The different versions of the Howth Cliff Walk in Dublin are relatively straightforward, once you take some time to get to know the route before  you set off. Here are some quick need-to-knows:

1. The trails

There are four long versions of this Howth walk to tackle, each of which kicks off at the DART station in Howth Village, and one shorter walk (#5) that starts from Howth Summit :

• The Black Linn loop
• The Bog of Frogs loop
• The Howth Cliff Path loop
• The Tramline Loop
• The Howth Summit Walk

2. Difficulty

If you start any of the Howth walks at the DART station, prepare for a long, steep walk . A moderate level of fitness is needed. If you fancy an easier walk with less inclines, drive or get the bus to Howth Summit and do the shorter Howth Summit Walk .

3. Walk time

If you’re wondering how long does the Howth Cliff Walk take, it varies: The Red Route is 8km/2.5 hours. The Purple Route is 12 km/3 hours. The Green Route is 6 km/2 hours. The Blue Route is 7 km/2 hours. The Howth Summit Walk takes around 1.5 hours.

So, there’s no official Howth Cliff Walk car park. Your best bet, if you’re starting the walk in the village, is to park at the harbour ( here on Google Maps). Note: the various walks in Howth are some of the most popular things to do in Dublin – if you’re driving, arrive early!

5. Getting here from Dublin City

If you want to see the Howth Cliffs and you’re staying in the city, you have two options:

• Get the DART from Connolly station (takes around 35 minutes)
• Get the bus from D’olier Street (takes up to 50 minutes)

Regardless of which Howth Head walk you tackle, care is needed . Never get too close to the cliff edge and be mindful of dressing for the weather (the cliffs are exposed, so dress appropriately).

Howth Cliff Walk maps, trails and guides to each of the five routes

If you fancy a long walk and you don’t mind walking at a reasonably steep incline for a decent chunk of time, the longer routes (trail guides below) are your best bet.

If you fancy a reasonably handy stroll that treats you to class views and that doesn’t require a whole lot of incline, the short routes (trails below) will suit you.

Route 1: The short-and-easy Howth Head Walk

OK, so I’m calling this the ‘short-and-easy ramble’ as I’ve no idea what it’s called… This is the Howth Cliff Walk that I do most frequently.

Now, you could also extend this and take a stroll down to Bailey Lighthouse, if you fancied. Take a right just after you walk in under the barrier at the car park and continue down the hill.

• Starting point : The car park at Howth summit
• Duration : 1.5 hours max (you could do it in less time if you don’t stop to soak up the views, but sure what’s the point in that
• Difficulty : Easy
• Where to park : The summit Howth Cliff Walk car park   (turn at the Summit pub)

Route 2: The Black Linn loop (aka the Red Route)

Photo via Discover Ireland

The next Howth Head walk is known as the Black Linn Loop. This is, as the name suggests, a looped walk and it follows red arrows from the DART station.

This is one of the longer Howth Walks, so make sure to bring some snacks and water with you to keep you going. 

• Starting point : DART station in Howth Village
• Finishing point : DART station in Howth Village
• Duration : 2.5 hours / 8km
• Difficulty : Moderate
• Ascent : 160 m
• Where to park : You’ll find plenty of parking near the DART station

Route 3: The Bog of Frogs loop (aka the Purple Route)

Next up is the Bog of the Frogs (what a name!) loop, aka the Purple Route. This is one of the tougher walks in Howth, and decent fitness is needed.

This Howth walk kicks off from the DART station and follows purple arrows. It takes in everything from Howth Hill and Red Rock Beach to Bailey Lighthouse and more.

This is the longest (and arguably the most challenging!) of the many different walks in Howth and takes a total of 3 hours to complete.

• Duration : 12 km / 3 hours
• Difficulty : Hard
• Ascent : 240 m

Route 4: The Howth Cliff Path loop (aka the Green Route)

Next up is the very popular Howth Head walk. As was the case with the others, you’ll start and finish this walk at the DART station.

This ramble will take you around 2 hours and you’ll be treated to mighty coastal views for a good chunk of it. Follow the green arrows from Howth village.

• Duration : 6 km / 2 hours
• Ascent : 130 m

Route 5: The Tramline Loop (aka the Blue Route)

Last but by no means least is the Howth Cliff path Tramline Loop. I’m like a broken record at this stage – this walk starts and finished at the Dart station and takes 2 hours to do.

You’ll follow the blue arrows from the village and, similar to the other strolls, you’ll be treated to class views throughout. 

• Duration : 7 km / 2 hours

What to do after the Howth hike

So, there’s plenty of things to do in Howth after you’ve polished off one of the Howth walks, from boat tours and pubs to great food and more.

1. A post-walk feed (or pint)

Photos via McNeill’s on FB

If you fancy a feed or a pint after the Howth Head Walk, you’ve your pick of cosy pubs and excellent restaurants. Here are two guides to hop into:

• 7 of the cosiest pubs in Howth
• 13 of the finest restaurants in Howth

2. Beaches galore

Although you’ll see several of the beaches in Howth over the course of the Howth hike, you won’t see them all.

Red Rock, Balscadden Bay Beach and Claremont Beach are all worth a look!

3. Tours and castles

Photos via Howth Cliff Cruises

If you want to do some more exploring after conquering one of the walks in Howth, you’ll find plenty to see and do in our guide to Howth , from Howth Castle (note: now closed) and the boat tour to Ireland’s Eye to the Hurdy Gurdy Museum and more.

FAQs about the Howth Head walk routes

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where to find a Howth Cliff Walk map to which Howth Cliff Walk car park is the most convenient.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Which is the best Howth hike?

Personally, I tend to go for the short, Howth summit walk, however, the longer Howth walks mention above are popular among locals and tourists alike.

Where is the Howth Cliff Walk car park?

This is going to vary depending on which Howth walk you tackle. Many of the ‘official’ starting points are the DART station, so aim for the parking in the harbour.

How long is the Howth Cliff Walk?

Depending on which Howth walk you go for, the walk will last between 1.5 hours and 3 hours. See the maps above for a better understanding of time.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Tuesday 29th of August 2023

If we take the DART to Howth from Dublin, is the summit car park walkable for the Howth Head walk? We will not have a car on our trip to Dublin.

Sunday 25th of June 2023

Thank you for the route maps and explanations. I am traveling to Ireland/Scotland in September and my plan is to head here first upon landing in Dublin. Exercise is supposedly good to combat jet lag. Are there any restrooms along the routes?

Keith O'Hara

Monday 26th of June 2023

Hey Pamela - the only bathrooms near the walk are in Howth Village. You'll find them just at the start of the walk down along the pier!

Saturday 28th of January 2023

Anthony Ashfield

Saturday 29th of October 2022

Keith Thanks for all the useful information might head to it tomorrow and do a loop

Sunday 21st of August 2022

Thanks for sharing the maps, really helpful. I will go next week to the purple route. I hope this “hard” is not that hard. Thank you😊!

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Excellent Driftwood tour - Vagabond Tours

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Vagabond completely surpassed my expectations. First, because the tour was impeccably planned. They... read more

This trip was amazing! So many beautiful sights and adventures and getting to share it all with my... read more

Excellent Driftwood tour

I just completed an 8 day Driftwood (part of Vagabond) tour and I highly recommend them. I’m not really a tour traveler, but we only had 11 amazing people on our trip. Our tour leader was a multi-generational sheep farmer who knew the country well. Our leader was Alan, but we sampled Danny one day when Alan was off. They are both excellent. The tour destinations were as promised, but with a couple nice extras. The hotels were all wonderful, with plentiful bathroom stops. I truly have no complaints. I had a knee injury and our substituted van was a bit high for me, but everyone was very supportive of me and my walking issue. It’s a great itinerary, and I’m sure you’d love it. I was a solo traveler and their solo-room/traveler added fee was very reasonable.

Hi there, thank you so much for your five star review. We're delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience on your Driftwood tour! Alan and Danny are both exceptional guides, and we're glad they made your journey memorable. It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed all aspects of your tour. We're sorry to hear about your knee injury but are glad that you felt supported throughout the trip. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to see you on another adventure with us soon!

The attractions were all more than attractive. They and the scenery between them conned us into taking 568 pictures. So much to see. So much to do. So much to learn. It was great! Nice balance between historic buildings and ruins, cultural experiences and natural sites. The accommodation and food options were lovely. One of our tour mates had dietary needs an was always accommodated. This was our second Vagabond tour and I would recommend you to anyone. The black cab and Derry wall guides were all good, knowledgeable and engaging. Our guide, Angela, was a gift; knowledgeable, good humored, sensitive to others, competent, efficient. Her good humor and interest in other built us into a traveling community. Her sly humor and engaging laugh inspired a number of ongoing jokes that only added to our group enjoyment. I could babble on indefinitely about how close to perfect this trip was. Thank you for letting me say how good it was.

Hi Maura, thank you so much for your kind words and fantastic five star review. It's great to hear that you enjoyed the attractions, accommodations and the food, and we're delighted that you had a great time with Angela. Thank you for joining us for a second tour, we are so happy to have you as part of the Vagabond family. We look forward to welcoming you back for your third unforgettable adventure!

We went on a six day Northern Tour with Angela as our guide. She was simply great, full of good information and forever enthusiastic. The pace was perfect, with high class hotels every night. The tour vehicle was very comfortable and the ride was smooth. We especially appreciated that the time alloted for each stop/ feature/ attraction was generally perfect. Never felt rushed, never felt bored. If every company out there was like Vagabond, life would be wonderful!

Hi there, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! It sounds like you had a great time on your 6 Day Northern Tour with Angela. She is a brilliant guide and a big part of the Vagabond team. Providing the perfect pace and comfortable accommodations is what we aim for, and we're glad to have met your expectations. Thank you for your kind words, we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

This was our second Driftwood tour and it was every bit as fantastic as the first. Andrew took us on backroads and showed us the "real Ireland". We saw some tourist spots and other places tourists seldom go! Got to know tour mates from all over the USA and one from Australia! Over all a wonderful experience. Can't wait to book our next tour!

Hi there, thank you so much for your five star review, we really appreciate it. We're delighted to hear that your second Driftwood tour was just as good as the first! Andrew is a fantastic guide, we are very lucky to have him on the team. It's wonderful that you had the opportunity to connect with fellow travellers from around the world, that is the beauty of a small group tour! Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back in the future for your next adventure.

AMAZING !! Tour Guide, Andrew, was Spectacular! My favorite was the working sheep farm. There was plenty of time to visit each of our stops.

Hi Cheryl, thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time on your tour with Andrew. It's wonderful to know that the working sheep farm was a highlight for you and that there was ample time to enjoy each stop. We appreciate your kind words and hope to see you on another tour soon!

This was a family trip and it was wonderful! Our guide, Feno's, knowledge of the country's history and his great stories made the trip an adventure! The tour included stops at many beautiful locations and interesting small towns. The lodging was selected so well also, allowing us to really feel a closeness to the area. I highly recommend this tour!

Thank you for taking the time to share your generous review of your recent tour. We are delighted you and your family had a wonderful time in Ireland. We are so incredibly lucky to have Brian Feno as a guide. His love, knowledge and passion for Ireland shine through on every tour and it is great to hear that he added to the touring experience. Thank you kindly for your recommendation. We would love to get the opportunity to welcome you back to Ireland again in the future. All the best!

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18 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages In Ireland

T he beautiful landscape of Ireland is best seen from its small towns and villages. Many are positioned in coastal areas featuring beautiful oceanfront scenery and are also surrounded by towering mountains, which makes them even more scenic. Unlike the country’s larger cities, towns and villages here are laid-back and beautiful and also have plenty of things to offer visitors. This makes them perfect for a relaxing vacation. There are so many such towns and villages in the country, but these 16 stand out as the most beautiful towns in Ireland.

UPDATE: 2023/06/30 23:23 EST BY REENA JAIN

18 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages In Ireland

This list has been updated to include two more of beautiful towns in Ireland, including Ardara and Birr, for offering visitors a range of exciting explorations and adventures to enjoy some thrills, as well as serene surroundings to connect with nature.

Ardara, Donegal

Donegal's charming Ardara is the ideal launching point for exploration for being close to a limitless number of attractions. The village, once named one of the best villages to live in Ireland, is also known for its bustling festivals and excellent food and drink scene. There are several traditional taverns and restaurants where guests can enjoy a variety of delectable cuisine as well as local beverages. From the Cup of Tae Festival (May) to the Ardara Bluegrass Festival (July), there is always something going on.

• Where: County Donegal, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Ardara: Assaranca Waterfall, Glengesh Pass, Caves of Maghera, Narin/Portnoo Beach, Malin Beg, Slieve League

Birr, Offaly

Birr is a great spot for taking a vacation from the city's bustling life for good reason. The well-preserved Georgian architecture transports visitors back in time. From appreciating the majestic architecture of Birr Castle Demesne to meandering through the gorgeous gardens and witnessing the famous Great Telescope, every experience provides insight into the town's rich history. But Birr has more to offer than history, such as live plays at Birr Theatre, horseback riding across the gently sloping countryside, photographing the Seffin Stone, and visiting the gates of St. John's Hall, known as the "Centre of Ireland."

• Where: County Offaly, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Birr: Birr Castle Demesne, Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Birr Equestrian Centre, St. John's Hall,

Sneem, Kerry

One of Ireland's smallest towns on this list, Sneem is a popular tourist destination for its breathtaking views and a wide range of fun activities like biking, hiking, sightseeing, and dining. At Blueberry Hill Farms, visitors can pet and feed farm animals, take in the picturesque surroundings, and discover how to make candles. The Way the Faeries Went is a short walk along the water dotted with miniature faerie homes and sculptures, providing visitors with beautiful photos and pleasant memories. Sneem is a great pit stop for those traveling the Ring of Kerry, offering many mystical, picturesque locations.

• Where: County Kerry, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Sneem: Bull Rock, Skellig Michael, Brushwood Studios, North Square, South Square, The Way the Faeries Went

Howth, Dublin

Howth, one of Ireland's most picturesque towns, is just 30 minutes drive from Dublin, and has a rich historical background and modern appeal. From views and experiences to countryside charm, this small Irish town has it all! While the Howth Cliff Walk Loop is a must-see for its amazing vistas, Ireland's Eye is a major draw for its breathtaking views, sandy beaches, and variety of activities, such as fishing and bird watching. There is also an 800-year-old castle that provides insight into the region's rich history.

• Where: County Dublin, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Howth: Howth Cliff Walk, Howth Castle and St. Mary’s Abbey, Ireland’s Eye, Howth Pier, Howth Market

Clifden is a charming coastal town in Galway's Connemara region with many lovely castles, sunset viewing vantage points, hiking loops, and magnificent beaches. After a long day of activities and exploration, one can unwind in one of the city's many restaurants and pubs. One of the prettiest towns in Ireland, Clifden can meet the needs of any traveler, whether looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed vacation.

• Where: County Galway, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Clifden: Connemara National Park, Derrigimlagh/Marconi walking loop, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens, Clifden Castle, Dog's Bay Beach

Dalkey is a charming fishing port and an affluent neighborhood for Dubliners. It is a medieval town renowned for its fortified castle and spectacular coastal landscapes. The presence of the vacation homes of affluent Irish people makes it referred to as the "Beverly Hills" of Dublin. Furthermore, being so close to the Irish capital makes it the ideal location for a getaway if one wants to enjoy the tranquil surroundings as well as the city's highlights.

• Where: Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County, Dublin, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Dalkey: Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, Killiney Hill Park, Dalkey Island, Coliemore Harbour, Sorrento Park, Vico Baths, White Rock Beach

Located in Cork Harbour, Cobh is the most beautiful town in Ireland with a fascinating history. From daring adventures to historical experiences and lovely trails to heart-pumping activities, it offers something for all ages and tastes. Renowned as the Titanic's final European port of call, Cobh has so much to see and do that a visitor could stay there for days without getting bored.

• Where: County Cork, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Cobh: Fota Wildlife Park, Deck of Cards, The Promenade, The Queenstown Story, Spike Island, Cobh Heritage Center

Visitors are drawn to Lismore by its magnificent historical buildings, such as the eight-hundred-year-old medieval Lismore Castle, as well as by the surrounding natural beauty of the River Blackwater and the Knockmealdown mountains. Besides historical sites, Lismore is home to many lovely eateries and bars where tourists can sample the local cuisine and beverages and experience true Irish nightlife.

• Where: County Waterford, Munster, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Lismore: Lismore Castle, Saint Carthage's Cathedra, St. Carthage's Catholic Church, Fortwilliam, Lismore Farmers & Craft Market, Cotton Library, Lismore Heritage Centre

Adare, Limerick

Adare is a small village that comes with a natural and historic appeal. Large parts of the town are covered with trees and grasses, while the town itself is lined up with colorful and thatched-roofed buildings. Walking through the streets is a must-do in this village as it takes one through the enchanting scenery it has to offer. Adare has restaurants and hotels and a couple of historic attractions like Desmond Castle, which was built in the 12th century, and the Trinitarian Abbey - the only Trinitarian monastery in Ireland built in the 13th century.

• Where: County Limerick, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Adare: Desmond Castle, Holy Trinity Abbey Church, Adare Town Park, Adare Heritage Centre, Old Trinitarian Abbey

Kinsale, County Cork

There is so much to love about Kinsale , from the beautiful natural and architectural scenery to the rich history it has accumulated throughout its existence. Famous for being a fishing town, Kinsale has seen a fierce battle and has been used as a port for a long time.

Visitors from all over the country now come to this town to enjoy a charming seaside vacation filled with fishing and food adventures. One will enjoy wandering the streets of Kinsale as it is where to find the beautifully colored buildings and numerous pubs and restaurants that serve sumptuous meals. The town is also a great place to shop, relax, or learn some interesting Irish history .

• Places To Visit In Kinsale: Town Centre, Ramparts of Charles Fort, Kinsale Museum, Kinsale Loop, Blacks Brewery, Shannon River

Allihies, Cork

A visit to Allihies is sure to be memorable as the village welcomes all visitors with incredibly natural and architectural scenery. This village is quite small and remote, but there are plenty of things that make it worth visiting. The town sits majestically on the Beara Peninsula and overlooks the scenic coast. Within the village, one will find colorful villas, outdoor bars and restaurants, and several historic sites. One historic site to visit here is the Allihies Copper Mines, as it played a major role in the development of the area. For those who want more adventure, Allihies has several amazing viewpoints from which to see the incredible scenery of the area, and it also has a sandy beach where one can relax and watch birds.

• Places To Visit In Allihies: Allihies Copper Mine Museum, Allihies Beach, Allihies Copper Mine Trail, Beara Way, Dursey Island, Sheeps Head Peninsula, Mill Cove Gallery, Mizen Head

Carlingford, Louth

Sitting at the foot of the towering Slieve Foy mountain and on the shores of Carlingford Lough, this town is one of Ireland’s finest. The town comes with a medieval view as its streets are narrow and filled with colorful buildings. Carlingford has plenty of historic structures, from castles to monasteries which visitors can spend their time exploring. It is also surrounded by beautiful green areas where one can enjoy a walk in nature. In and around the town of Carlingford, there are opportunities for horse riding, biking, and water sports such as - kite surfing, diving, and boating.

• Where: County Louth, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Carlingford: King John’s Castle, Carlingford Abbey, Taaffe’s Castle/Merchant House, The Tholsel, The Mint, Ghan House, Church of the Holy Trinity, Town Wall

Dingle, Kerry

Dingle is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the world as it sits on the Atlantic Coast and presents incredible ocean scenery and even mountain scenery. Like many other destinations in Ireland, the town also features beautifully colored houses that make it look like a painting. As a fishing town, one will find lots of opportunities to fish and enjoy some seafood here.

When it comes to infrastructure and facilities, Dingle is endowed with an abundance of pubs, restaurants, and even a distillery where one can enjoy some spirits. Besides fishing and exploring the town’s attractions, things to do in this town include - boat tours, relaxing at the beach, riding horses, diving, hiking, and taking scenic drives to nearby places.

• Places To Visit In Dingle : Inch beach, Dingle Peninsula Drive, Lios Stone Circle, Coumeenoole Beach, Slea head drive, Sybil’s Head or Ceann Sibéal, Conor pass

Dunmore East, Waterford

At Dunmore East, one will be met with beautiful seaside scenery and streets filled with unique thatched-roof buildings. The town has beautiful beaches that have sea caves, several ancient sites, restaurants, pubs, and hotels with incredible views of the sea.

Besides walking through the streets and gazing at the town’s impressive architecture, visitors to this city will have the opportunities to cliff walk, cruise the scenic ocean, relax on the beach, enjoy delicious meals with amazing views, and enjoy golfing on a cliff edge. That’s not all, however. There’s more to do in this laid-back picturesque town, and the only way to enjoy all the town has to offer is by visiting.

• Where: County Waterford, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Dunmore East: Dunmore East cliff, Councillors Strand, Ladies Cove1, Dunmore Strand, Dunmore Adventure, Tramore

Related: Top 13 Things To Know Before Visiting Ireland

Kenmare, County Kerry

Kenmare comes with a vibrant atmosphere and amazing natural scenery. From any part of the town, one will be met with views of colorful structures backdropped by towering mountains. The town has a scenic lake where one can enjoy some kayaking and fishing adventures, and it is also surrounded by lush forest areas where one can enjoy a nature walk. Visitors here will have opportunities to walk through streets lined up with beautifully colored buildings, some of which are restaurants and bars where one can enjoy some of Ireland’s delicious food and drinks.

• Places To Visit In Kenmare: Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm, Gleninchaquin Park, Old Kenmare Road, Derreen Gardens, Reenagross Park, Cromwell’s Bridge, Holy Cross Church, Verart Sculpture Garden

Cong, County Mayo

Cong is a charming and historic village endowed with a huge selection of ancient sites. With so many trees and streams around the village, visitors here will feel like they are in a fantasy land. It really feels medieval here, especially when one is visiting the town’s numerous historic attractions, one of which is Cong Abbey - a site that dates back to the 12th century and the world-famous Ashford Castle which is also a five-star hotel, by the way. Here are more castles in the country that also pass as hotels .

It may look like an abandoned little village, but Cong has hotels, bars, and pubs, and it also offers opportunities for hiking and fishing.

• Where: County Mayo, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Cong: Cong Abbey, The Quiet Man Museum, Bridge between Galway and Mayo, Cross of Cong, Cong Love Tokens, Statue of John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, Monks Fishing Hut, Cong Nature Trail

Doolin, Clare

Doolin is one village that presents the incredible coastal scenery that Ireland is known for. Like a typical settlement in Ireland, this village is also lined up with several colorful buildings, and it is particularly famous for being a place to enjoy Irish traditional music. Doolin has restaurants, bars, and historical/natural attractions to keep visitors busy. It is also close to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, and activities one can do in the area include hiking and rock climbing.

• Where: County Clare, Ireland
• Places To Visit In Doolin: Doolin Cave, Burren Scenic Drive, Aillwee Caves, Cliffs of Moher, Doonagore Castle

Related: The Wild Atlantic Way: The Ultimate Irish West Coast Road Trip

Westport, County Mayo

Located in County Mayo, Westport is one of the most beautiful towns in Ireland characterized by streets lined up with beautifully colored buildings and surrounded by towering mountains and gorgeous trees. The town has picturesque beaches as well as charming lakes that add to its scenery.

When it comes to things to do, Westport has plenty of them . If one does not want to relax on the beaches or hike in the nearby mountains, one can wander the streets of the town and patronize the bars and restaurants in it. The town also has some historic attractions one can visit, some of which include - the old stone bridge and a house known as the Westport House, which is more than 200 years old.

• Places To Visit In Westport: Westport House & Gardens, Great Western Greenway, Croagh Patrick, Pirate Adventure Park