Posted: 8/21/2023 | August 21st, 2023
I love Dublin. As a writer, how could I not? This is a city once home to iconic Nobel laureates like George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, and Samuel Beckett. It’s the perfect place for cozy cafes and writing.
Dublin is home to the rambunctious Temple Bar, Trinity College (and the famous Book of Kells), the Guinness factory, and a wide array of museums, attractions, and experiences.
Dublin has plenty of walking tours too. There are dozens of options available. Walking tours are one of my favorite ways to get to see a city. I do them whenever I go.
I’ve compiled a list of the best walking tours in Dublin. These are the tours I take when I visit and can’t recommend them enough.
Best Overall Tour
Take Walks
Take Walks is my go-to tour company. Their tours are always fun, educational, and insightful. They use expert guides and get you into places where no other tours go. They have a lot of tours but their Dublin in a Day tour covers the major highlights, including the Book of Kells, the Guinness Brewery, and Dublin Castle. It’s the perfect introduction to the city.
Best Free Tour
Dublin Free Walking Tour
If you’re on a budget, Dublin Free Walking Tours has a free and locally-run daily tour. It covers all the highlights and provides a solid introduction to the city. You’ll see Trinity Church, Temple Bar, the castle, and more. Tours last around three hours. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
While those may be the best free and paid tours in the city, Dublin has a lot more to offer — no matter your interests. Here are four other insightful and educational tours in the city!
1. Devour Food Tours
If you’re a foodie like me, don’t miss Devour’s Pubs, Grub, and History tour. This three-hour tour takes you to four historic pubs around Dublin where you’ll enjoy Irish beers, whiskeys, and enough food for a light meal. You’ll also get to visit a pub that pours one of the best Guinness pints in the city. The tour is suitable for vegetarians too.
Tours from 89 EUR.
2. Letz Go City Tours
Letz Go runs three different tours in Dublin, but their in-depth Dublin Castle & Book of Kells tour is their most popular (and my favorite). It lasts 2.5 hours and you’ll get to see the 1200-year-old Book of Kells up close and learn about its unique symbolism and medieval ornamentation. After, you’ll explore the grounds and gardens of Dublin Castle, the former seat of British rule in Ireland (which lasted until 1922). It’s a good option for history buffs.
They also offer a half-day tour to the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson’s Whiskey Distillery as well as a Guinness Storehouse & Book of Kells tour that combines a stop at two of Dublin’s most sought-after sights.
Tours from 63 EUR.
3. Generation Pub Crawl
If you’re looking to take in Dublin’s nightlife and pub scene, this pub crawl can help you do just that. Generation Pub Crawl runs lively pub crawls in a few party cities around Europe, including Dublin. On their tour, you’ll get skip-the-line entry to five venues, including VIP entry into Copper Face Jacks (a nightclub). A few free drinks (including a Guinness) are included too. If you’re a young or a solo traveler looking to have fun and meet people while you go out on the town, this is the perfect tour for you.
Tours from 14 EUR.
4. Original Dublin
Original Dublin offers a standard “city highlights” tour that covers the main sights (and a few hidden gems), but they also have two really unique tours for after you seen the main sights. First is their Mythology and Folklore tour, which visits lesser-known sights and learn about mythical creatures in Irish folklore.
They also offer a Musical Walking tour. On this tour, you’ll be guided around by a local musician to learn about Dublin’s famous musical heritage. You’ll get to hear (and sing) traditional folk ballads. It’s an energetic and interactive tour that’s super fun.
Tours from 22 EUR.
Walking tours are my favorite way to explore a city. I think they can really deepen your understanding of a destination. And Dublin has a lot of history and culture to learn. Be sure to use one of the above companies on your next trip!
Book Your Trip to Dublin: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Dublin?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Dublin for even more planning tips!
