Rebels, Vikings and Writers: 15 Dublin History Tours

1.Dublin Historical Centre Food Tour with 8 Food Tastings & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,718 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125Our pick

In about three hours, a guide leads a group of up to 12 through central Dublin for Irish coffee, warm sausage rolls, Irish cheeses, a local oyster, stew with soda bread, ice cream and other tastings. Guides such as Ann, Lee and Francesca bring city stories and useful food and sightseeing tips. The tour starts at College Green and ends near Grafton Street.

“Ann was a great guide thru the city and full of helpful advice and historical info. The food stops were outstanding and the portions were so filling and delicious! We enjoyed a wonderful day and would highly recommend this tour!”

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2.1916 Rebellion Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,605 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $27

Start at Dublin’s International Bar for a guided walk through sites tied to the 1916 Rising and the struggle around it. Lorcan Collins has led the tour since 1996, though guides can vary. Expect political context, stories, questions, and, with some guides, songs. The route changes, and the walk can run longer than its advertised two hours.

“Very very informative and interesting! You can’t get enough of it and the guides are impeccable! You learn so much and at the same time it is truly enjoyable. Highly recommend”

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3.2-Hour Historical Walking Tour from Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 875 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $22

Walk from the Grattan statue opposite Trinity College to Christ Church Cathedral with a history postgraduate guide. In about two hours, you’ll connect the Book of Kells, Temple Bar, Viking Dublin, the Four Courts, and Dublin Castle to Ireland’s political story. Guides have included Jody, Eoin, John, Daragh, and Colm. Book of Kells entry is not included.

“It was very interesting and informative. Directions on where to go next were very clear. The politics are always interesting”

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4.Historical 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 865 reviews · from $22

Walk central Dublin with an English-speaking guide who studied history at Trinity College Dublin or University College Dublin. The two-hour route takes in Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, City Hall and the Medieval City, linking landmarks to events from the Potato Famine and 1916 Rising to the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Guides such as Daragh, Colm and Jodie are known for lively storytelling.

“Tommy’s knowledge of history was evident & his passion to share. Loved his sense of humour too!”

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5.Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship Irish Famine History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 431 reviews · from $16Best value

At Dublin’s North Dock, a live English-speaking guide leads you across the Jeanie Johnston’s upper deck and into its cramped passenger quarters. Hear how the ship shifted from carrying timber to emigrants, and learn about the people who crossed the Atlantic. Guides have included Steve, Claire, Eoin, and Owen, though your guide will depend on your visit.

“Rolland was an excellent guide. I am impressed by the Jeannie Johnston!”

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6.Dublin’s Haunted History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 345 reviews · from $31

Walk from Bernardo Square beside City Hall with an English-speaking guide associated with PSI Ireland. Hear stories of Darkey Kelly, the Green Lady of St. Audoen’s, Dublin’s Hell and the Hellfire Club. Guides including Darragh, Dara, Finn, Lydia and Kate have led the tour.

“Our guide was a history teacher by day, and a guide at night. He knew a lot of history, and focused more on that than the actual haunting side of the story. We were entertained despite the cold temperatures walking around Dublin. We particularly enjoyed the story about Darky Kelly.”

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7.Deliciously Dublin: The Artisan Donut Walking & History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 329 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70

Walk about two miles through Dublin with a guide, pausing at The Rolling Donut, Sweet Churro, The Hot Donut, and Offbeat Donut Co. for breakfast doughnuts and churros. The two-hour tour mixes food with local history, in a group of up to 20. Guides have included Erin, Jody, Patrick, Niamh, and Angelica.

“My daughter and I loved this tour! Not only did we experience INCREDIBLE donuts but we learned a lot about the history of Ireland and points of interest. Jody, our tour guide, did an amazing job sharing his knowledge, passion and love of Ireland.”

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8.Hidden Dublin: Haunted History Walking Tour v2.0 2026

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 188 reviews · 1 hour 50 minutes (approx.) · from $30

At 8pm, follow a local guide from Barnardo Square through central Dublin’s darker past, with stories linked to Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, St Michan’s and Darkey Kelly. Expect cobbled lanes, grim history and ghost lore, rather than a guaranteed scare. The walk lasts about 1 hour 50 minutes and ends near the starting point.

“Hearing the historical details of downtown Dublin and the ghost stories connected with several buildings made the tour very interesting.”

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9.Walking Tour of Dublin’s Viking/Medieval Quarter with a Viking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 171 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $36

Meet near Dublin Castle for a 2-hour-45-minute walking tour of Viking and medieval Dublin, led by a guide in Viking warrior dress. Bren is the guide name most often associated with the experience. Expect stories, myths, audience participation, and a chance to pose with replica weapons. The tour returns to its starting point.

“Such a fantastic time! Our tourguide is extremely authentic, and very funny. He even appeared as an extra in The Vikings series. Really indepth knowledge.”

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10.Dublin Private Highlights & History of 1916 Easter Rising Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 154 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $135

Spend about three hours walking central Dublin with a local guide, stopping at Dublin Castle, Trinity College and Christ Church Cathedral. The private route can be tailored to your interests, with other stops varying by host. Guides such as Eamon, Keelan and Derek have led tours. A local drink or tasting is included with the Private Highlights Tour - 3h option.

“Keelan was super knowledgeable, friendly, and informative. We learned a lot and saw a lot - a much richer experience than on our own. Additionally his personal anecdotes brought an even more interesting touch to our day. 5 stars for sure!”

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11.Dublin Historical Centre Private Food Tour with 8 Food Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 152 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $429

This private Dublin food walk pairs eight tastings with local food stories over about three and a half hours. You’ll make and sample Irish coffee, try warm sausage rolls, Irish cheeses, a Flaggy Shore oyster, stew with soda bread, and more. Guides such as Karen bring local insight, and the route finishes near Grafton Street.

“Fun tour with good food. Our tour guide Karen made the whole experience! She is fantastic, knowledgeable and fun, providing lots of regional insight having grown up in Dublin … including at spots along the tour!”

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12.Interactive Living History in Dalkey Castle near Dublin City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 133 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $21

Spend about an hour at Dalkey Castle with a local guide and costumed actors who demonstrate archery, barber surgery, and medieval cooking. Your ticket also covers St Begnet’s church and graveyard, interactive heritage exhibits, a gallery celebrating 45 local writers and artists, and the castle battlements. The upper climb is steep and narrow; lower-level access is available.

“Immersive, authentic and fun. Highly recommendable. We were led through the history of Dalkey Castle while interacting with the living performance actors”

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13.Macabre History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 95 reviews · from $19

Start beside the Spire on O’Connell Street, then follow a guide through lesser-known parts of central Dublin and along both sides of the river. Stories range from Cú Chulainn’s death and grave robbing to a legless killer and a notorious brothel keeper. Guides Peter and Rob have led the walk, though assignments can vary.

“Great tour led by Peter through the streets of Dublin. It was so interesting to learn about the stories we wouldn’t have otherwise uncovered. Peter was great at acting the stories out and entertaining us.”

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14.Dublin LGBTQ Pride Historical and Cultural Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $29

Walk from Temple Bar to Dublin Castle with an English-speaking guide, tracing LGBTQ+ stories through Dublin’s landmarks, including the GPO, the Abbey Theatre, Trinity College, and the George. Guides including Helena and Deidre bring attention to people and events often left out of standard city tours. The walk lasts about two hours and costs $29.02 per person.

“We loved hearing about the LGBTQA history in Dublin. Helena did a wonderful job- very engaging and knowledgeable.”

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15.Book of Kells. Medieval Dublin Castle. 5* History & Heritage Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Walk from Trinity College to Dublin Castle with a licensed guide, stopping at the Book of Kells, the Old Library, College Green and the Molly Malone statue. The tour lasts about 2 hours 45 minutes and includes entry to Trinity’s campus and Book of Kells experience. Guides such as Sean, Michael, Marty and Noel lead groups of up to 20.

“As you enter the book of kells, there are two display boards that break down the page you will see, noting the various important symbolic components of the page. I wanted to film that but did not realize it's importance till it was too late. Sean food a good job discussed the points, but... the display panel was a deconstruction of the page and excellent to view.”

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