2-Hour Historical Walking Tour from Dublin
Description
This is more than just a 'sightseeing tour' (but there's plenty to see) but an in-depth presentation of the main features of Irish history—the English conquest, the influences of the American and French Revolutions, the Great Hunger, the struggle for independence, the Northern Ireland Peace Process, Brexit—by a history postgraduate.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Tours leave from the Grattan statue, College Green, opposite Trinity College front gate and enter the campus where we outline its history as Ireland's oldest university (1592) & its most valuable artefact, the Book of Kells, an 8th century manuscript of the four Gospels, written in Latin.
Originally Ireland's colonial parliament, built in 1729, abolished by the Act of Union in 1800, symbolic of 'Protestant Ascendancy', particularly in the 18th century & of the period's neo-classical architecture.
Originally ear-marked for demolition, this area of narrow streets was repurposed as 'Dublin's Cultural Quarter' in the 1990s.
Wood Quay was the site of extensive archaeological excavation in the 1980s of the Viking city, who had founded the city in AD 840.
Ireland's legal headquarters, where a Civil War started in June 1922, between those who supported, and those who opposed, the Treaty of December 1921, which had brought to an end the War of Independence 1919-21.
Dublin's oldest cathedral (1030), rebuilt in stone in the 1170s by Strongbow, who was central to the original English invasion of the 1170s.
Inside is a statue of Daniel O'Connell, Dublin's first Catholic Lord Mayor (1840). He led a successful campaign for Catholic Emancipation (1829), the end of all anti-Catholic laws, hence he's known as 'The Liberator'.
Originally built by ('Bad') King John in 1204, it was the seat of British administration until 1922. Also the location of the Dubh Linn (Black Pool), from which Dublin gets its name.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(944)
I don’t often write reviews but this tour, and our guide Daragh, deserves huge praise. It was one of the best things we did during our three week trip to Ireland. The information shared was so interesting and well delivered. I will do this tour again next time I’m in Dublin!
The best walking tour we have taken. Our tour guide, Jody, was a passionate and enthusiastic guide. He provided great history information that was interesting and easy to follow. The pace of the tour was perfect. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Dublin and wanting to learn the history.
We're locals who wanted to learn a bit more about Dublin. Darragh taught us so much about Dublin and Irish history in general. He was able to answer any question anyone in the group asked of him. Great summary of big topics, lots of interesting details and some funny takes on well known historical characters. I think even those who know Irish history you'll come away with some new information.
Our guide was very informative about the city. He knew a lot about the city’s history, and made the tour both informative and interesting. .
Daragh was an excellent expert and engaging guide in this really enjoyable historical tour of Dublin. Would thoroughly recommend this tour
We had a great experience with this walking tour. It was very informative and covered a lot of sites in a short amount of time. We booked this pretty last minute and are glad we did! Our guide was very informative and shared a lot of knowledge with us.
Glad you enjoyed the tour. We don't mind last minute bookings. Our tours can be booked right up to the 11am or 3pm departure.
Wonderful walk around the highlights covering history and many significants. Jody, our guide is delighted!
Best city tour guide we’ve had. We’ve taken historical walking tours all over the world. Jody had great facts, great projection and answered questions knowledgeably. Highly recommended.
Very knowledge guide, good craic, enjoyed chatting with his guests.
Our guide Jodie is a history grad ....and it showed! His enthusiasm and interesting stories brought the tour to life. Honestly, the tour is only as good as the guide...and ours was excellent.
