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(936)
I’d give 10 stars if I could. So illuminating! Owen’s energy and love of history was inspiring. Ireland is lucky to have him speaking on her behalf. Made me fall deeper in love with Ireland!
We don't mind 10-star reviews! Delighted that you enjoyed Eoin's tour.
Fantastic tour from Colm who regaled us with stories and songs. He fits a lot in in 2 hours and gives a great historical overview of Dublin with recommendations at the end. Loved it.
It was one of those misty, drizzly mornings in Dublin and Eoin greeted us with a smile told us we had time to go get some coffee at Butler’s, which was a great recommendation on a rainy day. And then for the next two hours, we traveled through Irish history as we walked the streets of Dublin. He answered all the questions and there was a really inquisitive lady from Newfoundland, who asked a lot of questions and made a lot of comments. He was nothing but warm and friendly, and it was clear that he loved his native country and wanted us to appreciate all the changes it has been through since it began. He also talked about Modern Ireland, and the changes that have occurred since it became a republic and the change in status of women and religion. He recognized all of that in a sensitive way. We highly recommend this tour and this guide! A wonderful way to get a view of the city and its history as we only had two days here…
Jody was a very friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable guide who gave an amazing summary of some history around the city. While you dont go into any sites, just being able to be led around and gain some info about the city that we never learned before was a really great way to start our trip to Ireland. We just went back to the sites we wanted to see more of afterwards with our new gained fun facts!
Excellent tour and better guide!! Went with five 20 year olds who said the time flew, it was that good!
Tour was not wholly as advertised. Gilbert was knowledgeable but somewhat awkward.. Check facts re: previous window tax
We don't have a guide named Gilbert (or any name close), so I think you've posted in the wrong place.
Excellent tour. Highly recommended. Small crowd. Very interactive.
'Interactive'? That's exactly what we are!
Excellent experience! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and had very good communication skills.
An excellent introduction to the history of Dublin. Our guide Colm even sang related songs! A must for anyone visiting this wonderful city.
A fascinating introduction to the history of Dublin - with folk song interludes! The time flew by. Will be doing it again next year with my family. Thanks Colm.
