Dublin is a compact city that is great to explore on foot – there are loads of affordable and free tours too.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Dublin is a vibrant city that is filled with history. Turn any corner and you’ll uncover something new, whether its a hidden bar of yesteryear, an upmarket boutique, cosmopolitan coffee shop or a cutting edge art gallery. What makes the capital of Ireland and the country’s biggest city a bit different however is its fairly compact size, meaning you can explore a lot of the main attractions on foot. It’s a city really well suited to walking tours, with many expert guides available to show you the well-known must-sees and the hidden gems. Here are the best free and affordable walking tours in Dublin.
Dublin: Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour
This is a top-rated tour from Original Dublin, a tried and tested company with accredited guides. On this good value two-hour tour you’ll learn about the history of the city as you pass by landmarks such as Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, Trinity College, plus other stops. It’s a fun tour and all about getting to know Dublin’s famous faces too, from writers and rebels to rock stars and rogues, all accompanied by thrilling and captivating stories. There’s also some great tips on where to eat, drink, see live music and even pick up some souvenirs. From €23.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Dublin: 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
This has to be one of the cheapest tours of Dublin out there but it’s also highly rated and packed with fun. A knowledgeable guide takes you around the most important places in the city, including the main monuments like Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and Christchurch, while explaining their history and sharing interesting anecdotes. You’ll also experience the more casual side of Dublin, the famous Temple Bar, where Dubliners and visitors enjoy pints while listening to live music. The tour ends at one of the city’s most important monuments, Dublin Castle, which has witnessed Vikings, soldiers, and kings in its time. From €15.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Dublin’s Haunted History Walking Tour
For something a bit spookier check out this haunted walking tour. You’ll hear the stories of Dublin’s ghosts and ghouls, as well as the more grizzly aspects of Dublin’s history. This is a good tour for something different although a lot of the Dublin landmarks are included – just with a ghostly twist. It’s a two-hour tour and really interesting, with tales that you are unlikely to hear anywhere else. Walk through the eerie cobblestone streets with expert tour guides – associated with PSI Ireland (Paranormal Study and Investigation) – to find out what lurks beneath the everyday in Dublin. From €22.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Highlights of Dublin Tour
The Yellow Umbrella Tours are a free tour in Dublin – noticeable by, you guessed it, the yellow umbrellas the guides use – and a great way to see the city. The tour is tips based, so see it more as ‘pay what you want’ and decide what to pay the guide at the end. Of course, if you enjoyed it a decent tip is the right move. The Highlights tour is on everyday and takes in Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland; Temple Bar, the pub centre of Dublin; Dublin Castle; Christchurch Cathedral; and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. These tours are famous for their cheery guides who will tell you everything you need to know. Free.
Book at Dublinfreewalkingtour.ie
Food on Foot Tour: Dublin Walking Tour
Two things that definitely go together: food and walking. Burn off the calories as you explore with this great foodie walking tour of Dublin, which also takes in the city’s history and culture too. It’s affordable and fun, with a guide who takes you around Dublin showing the best places to eat, as well as sharing top insider tips of where to get special delicacies and hard-to-find grub. It’s worth noting that this is not a series of stops with food tasting included, instead it’s about giving you the information you need to make choices for what to eat during the excursion, as well as later on in your trip. From €27.50.
Book at Viator.com
By Oliver Stallwood