Dublin Castle5 min
This spot was once where the original Viking fortifications stood. It’s the high point of the city, making it easy to defend and giving it a clear view of the surrounding area. So when the English King John decided to build a castle in 1204, he picked the same spot. It was constructed as a motte and bailey, basically a main building on a hill surrounded by a defensive wall with a large courtyard and smaller buildings inside.
Note: The tour is over 2.9 miles long, with more than 41 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours per tour to complete.
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Molly Malone Statue5 min
The song is simple and catchy, and it’s been popular ever since it was first published in the 1800s. The version we know today made its first appearance in a book of music hall songs printed in Boston, though it was definitely sung before then.
City HallPass by
This gorgeous white stone building to our left is Dublin’s city hall, a beautiful example of Georgian architecture. In this style, balance is king. That’s why this hall is so symmetrical. Those classical pillars out front are another iconic characteristic of Georgian buildings.
Saint Patrick's CathedralPass by
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is part of a long history of holy buildings that have stood at this same spot. The first reference to a church here is from the year 890, more than eleven hundred years ago. Around 800 years ago, the wooden church built here was rebuilt with stone by the Normans. It was also elevated to the status of cathedral and dedicated to "God, our Blessed Lady Mary and St Patrick" in March of 1191.
Irish Whiskey MuseumPass by
Whiskey has been an Irish staple since the 12th century. The name comes from the Irish phrase “uisge beatha,” which means “water of life.” This museum explores the long history of one of the world’s most popular spirits, and even gives visitors the chance to blend their own bottle.
O'Connell BridgePass by
We’re on O’Connell Bridge, crossing over the river Liffey. It was this river which first drew the Vikings to settle in this spot, as it promised plentiful food and easy transportation. In Dublin’s early days, the settlement only existed on the south side of the river.
The O'Connell Monument5 min
The big statue on our left is a monument to Daniel O’Connell, also known as The Liberator. O’Connell hailed from Ireland and studied law in London. But during his time in Britain, he didn’t forget his roots. He was a staunch advocate of Irish independence.
The Spire5 min
The spire was built on the former site of Nelson’s Pillar, an English monument. The Pillar was 134 feet of granite with a statue of Horatio Nelson on top, a famous English military leader. As you might imagine, the Irish didn’t relish having an English military man looming over them day and night.
An Post General Post Office5 min
On April 24th, 1916, 400 men armed with rifles, pistols, and shotguns stormed into this post office. They raised flags of the Irish Republic and one stood outside to read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic aloud to shocked onlookers.
James Joyce Statue5 min
The bronze sculpture of a man with a coat and cane is none other than James Joyce, one of Ireland’s most famous writers. His novel Ulysses is considered to be a masterpiece and a cornerstone of modern literature, but he was also a poet and a playwright.
Abbey Theatre5 min
The street stands at the Abbey Theatre, one of Ireland’s most famous performance venues. It opened in 1904, and in over a century of operation, it’s been an incubator for many of Ireland’s most beloved playwrights. Famous poet W.B. Yeats was one of the founders of the theater, and when he set out to define the Abbey’s goals, he wrote:
“We hope to find in Ireland an uncorrupted & imaginative audience trained to listen by its passion for oratory ... & that freedom to experiment which is not found in the theatres of England, & without which no new movement in art or literature can succeed."
5 min
The Custom House is ahead on our left. Keep walking until you’re standing in front of the main entrance in the middle of the building.
As you look up at the facade, you might notice that some areas of the stone seem to be a darker color than the rest. That’s because the Custom House had to have major repairs after starring in one of the IRA’s military actions.
Pass by
the Irish Emigration Museum. They keep the stories of Irish emigrants alive, and highlight Irish contributions to world history, from old-school Hollywood heartthrobs to polar explorers. They’ve got displays on everything from famous pirate Anne Bonny to former American Presidents.
The Jeanie Johnston: An Irish Famine StoryPass by
Over to the left you should be able to see a beautiful old-fashioned ship, which might look a little out of place in modern Dublin. That’s a replica of the Jeanie Johnson, a three-masted barque that was built in Canada as a cargo vessel.
Pass by
This impressive church dates all the way back to 1670, although it’s been rebuilt a couple of times since then. Most recently, Dubliners needed to rebuild it in 1860 after a terrible fire destroyed the building.
Pass by
That impressive building with the tall windows and a cupola on top is the Davenport, one of Dublin’s most iconic hotels. The building itself was originally constructed as a church in 1863. It served as a worship space for over a hundred years.
Oscar Wilde HousePass by
The house coming up on the corner on our left is the childhood home of Oscar Wilde, one of the great Irish writers. Wilde was a poet, playwright, and novelist, but also a sought-after party guest. With an iconic sense of style and a sharp sense of humor, he was one of the most famous personalities in 1890s London. He once wrote:
“There is only one thing worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”
National Gallery of IrelandPass by
The National Gallery of Ireland. This beautiful museum was founded in 1854, and houses art from the 14th Century to the present day. It boasts a wide range of Irish art, but also works from artists across the world, from Caravaggio to Monet. Feel free to stop in for a visit if art’s your thing.
Trinity College DublinPass by
During most of its history, this wasn’t exactly what one would call an Irish university. As the most prestigious university in Ireland, it was attended almost exclusively by the upper crust of Dublin society. That meant British Protestants. In fact, in the 1700s and 1800s, Catholics were barred from receiving scholarships from the institution and couldn’t become professors.
