hidden tours dublin

9 of the Best Ghost Tours in Dublin to Spook You Senseless

Are you looking for the best ghost tours in Dublin?

I’ve compiled a list of the best Dublin ghost tours that are sure to get your heckles rising, goosebumps bumping and senses spooked.

With my list, you don’t need to endlessly trawl through other websites trying to decide which one to do. I’ve made it super easy for you to choose the ideal tour for you.

Dublin is an old city with a varied past and some of its stories are littered with tales of murder, torture, and blood-curdling screams.

In this article, you’ll discover

• The best ghost tours Dublin has to offer.
• Ghost tours that are suitable for children.
• A combination of walking ghost tours and ghost bus tours of Dublin.

*This post contains affiliate links, which may include Amazon affiliate links. To read more about affiliate links, please visit my Disclosure Policy page.

So, if you want to learn about the dark side of Dublin, learn about some of its past murderous inhabitants, or want a fun way to discover more of the city, you’re going to love this list of some of the fun Dublin ghost tours available to visitors.

Don’t have time to read the full article?

No worries. The best ghost tour in Dublin is the Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour with over 1400 5-star reviews !

9 Hidden Dublin: Northside Ghost Walk Tour

Best ghost tours in dublin.

As an old city, Dublin has a long past, and with that comes some surprising and horrifying tales of mystery, murder, and ghosts galore.

Although you might be choosing to visit Dublin for its top tourist attractions, taking a ghost tour of the city will allow you to not only explore the city but to learn about a side of the Irish capital that many visitors do not get.

This list includes tours that are ghost walks in Dublin, ghost tours of Dublin by bus, and even one that is specifically tailored for kids and families.

1 Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour

⏱️ Tour Time : 2 hours | ⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 stars | 👻 Book Now

If you are looking for the most highly-rated ghost tours in Dublin, then the Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour is the one for you!

Guide was very knowledgeable and gave a great history of some of the darker parts of Dublin’s past! Would recommend for anyone visiting the area who is interested in these aspects. Megan – Read more reviews

On the Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour , you’ll take a 2-hour journey that will take you from Dublin castle, where you’ll learn about the disturbing tortures of the past, before moving on to an area once known as ‘Hell’.

During your walking ghost tour, Dublin’s dark past comes to light through the side streets that have brutal histories.

You’ll hear stories of murder and torture, grave robbing and cannibalism, and more. You’ll hear the echoes of Dublin’s eerie history with every step.

The Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour has a 5-star rating from over 1400 reviewers, making it one of Dublin’s most popular ghost tours.

This small group tour will ensure you get an intimate and engaging experience, as you sightsee beyond the typical city centre attractions, exploring hidden gems in areas like Smithfield.

The Dark Dublin Tour begins at 5.30pm at Dublin Castle and ends at Smithfield Square. The group has a maximum capacity of 25 people and is stroller and wheelchair accessible.

So, if you are looking for the ghost walking tour Dublin has to offer visitors, book your spot on this tour today!

2 The Dublin Ghostbus Tour

⏱️ Tour Time : 2 hours | ⭐ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 stars | 👻 Book Now

If you don’t want to be traipsing around Dublin in the dark, then why not book a ghost bus tour in Dublin?

The Dublin Ghostbus Tour is the perfect alternative to a ghost walking tour while still being hugely enjoyable.

Wonderful guides, very informative and an all around good time.. we saw parts of Dublin we never knew about and lagged along the way Stan – Read more reviews

During a 2-hour thrilling ride, you can hear tales of mystery and murder as you journey through some of Dublin’s most haunted places on the Dublin Ghostbus Tour .

Entertaining local guides will bring you on a spooky journey through Dublin’s gruesome past while visiting some of the city’s haunted sites.

Starting on O’Connell Street, you will make your way to St Audoen’s Church where you’ll get a demonstration of medical torture implements before getting back on the bus and ending at St Kevin’s Church and graveyard, where you will get a lesson in body snatching!

The Dublin Ghostbus Tour is one of the best ghost tours in Dublin and makes for an easy, yet entertaining way to discover the city’s more sinister side.

Note that this tour is only suitable for those aged 14 and up, with a maximum of 30 people, and a late 9.30pm start. Remember, dress for the outdoors and be aware it’s not wheelchair accessible.

So, if you are on the lookout for a great ghost bus Dublin tour, the Dublin Ghostbus Tour is the one to choose. Secure your spot today.

3 Dublin Ghostbus Kids Tour

⏱️ Tour Time : 1 hour | ⭐ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 stars | 👻 Book Now

If you are looking for ghost tours in Dublin, Ireland that are suited to families and children, then the Dublin Ghostbus Kids Tour is the ideal tour to take.

Brilliant kids loved it wanna go again they thought Damien was funny too and Francis was good driver! Brian – Read more reviews

The Dublin Ghostbus Kids Tour is a 1-hour and 15-minute spooky ride in which kids and their families can discover educational stories of Dublin’s darker side while playing fun, interactive games with your host, Dr Ghastly.

The on-board storyteller keeps the scares to a minimum for children while keeping the journey super fun.

Designed for children between the ages of 7 and 14 (older kids are still welcomed with open arms), the tour starts and ends on O’Connell Street and has two start times, 1pm or 3pm.

Note that the bus is not wheelchair accessible. The tour also has a maximum of 38 participants.

So, if you are visiting the Irish capital with kids and are looking for the best ghost bus tour Dublin has to offer families, then the Dublin Ghostbus Kids Tour is the one you need to book

4 Mythological & Folklore Tour

⏱️ Tour time : 2 hours | ⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 stars | 👻 Book Now

Are you looking for a non-scary ghost tour in Dublin? Then get your tickets for the Mythological and Folklore Tour in Dublin today.

Well done Emily. T’was a great tour. Loved every minute. Was amazed at all the knowledge and history. Even bought a book to look further into it. Garry – Read more reviews

Step into a world of Irish myths and legends with Dublin’s Mythological and Folklore Tour .

This 2-hour walking tour of Dublin is a great non-scary option for those who scare easily.

Journey through Dublin’s tales of mythology and folklore as you make your way from Temple Bar to the Garden of Remembrance. Along the way, you’ll visit landmarks such as St Michael’s Church and the GPO Museum, while gaining insights into the history of Dublin and how it ties in with the mythology of Ireland .

The Mythological and Folklore Tour is both stroller and wheelchair accessible, with a maximum of 25 guests, and begins at 5pm.

So, if you fancy an alternative ghost tour of Dublin, secure your place on the Mythological and Folklore Tour .

5 Legends, Ghosts and Ghouls Walking Tour Dublin

⏱️ Tour Time : 1.5 hours | ⭐ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 stars | 👻 Book Now

A great ghost tour in Dublin to take is the Legends, Ghosts and Ghouls Walking Tour of Dublin .

The tour guide was amazing, he made the experience for us, informative and funny. Well worth doing. Gonna have to look for the crown jewels… Paul – Read more reviews

The Legends, Ghosts and Ghouls Walking Tour is a great 1.5-hour exploration of Dublin’s ghostly past.

This small group tour takes place after 4pm to set a spooky mood.

Your guide will bring you from Merrion Square, past St Stephen’s Green, Molly Malone, and ending at Christ Church Place. During your eerie walking tour, expect lots of tales some of which have a 200-year-old past.

The Legends, Ghosts and Ghouls Walking Tour starts at 4pm and has a maximum of 10 guests. The tour is stroller accessible but not accessible for wheelchair users.

If you are looking for a small-group ghost tour in Dublin, then join the Legends, Ghosts and Ghouls Walking Tour in Dublin on your next visit.

6 Dublin’s Private Horror Walking Tour

Looking to book one of the best ghost tours in Dublin that is completely private? Then book your family or group of friends on Dublin’s Private Horror Walking Tour today.

It was a very exciting walking tour which took you to places you never would have experienced otherwise. The guide was amazing. Would definitely recommend for everyone who likes true crime! Kristina – Read more reviews

On Dublin’s Private Ho rror Walking Tour, you and your group get a privately guided tour through Dublin’s laneways, streets, and buildings while discovering the gruesome history associated with them.

Stories of grim deaths that included stabbings, beatings, torture, and murder highlight the historical horrors that happened on the streets of Dublin long ago.

Dublin’s Private Horror Walking Tour is a private tour for up to 10 people and is an adults-only tour.

A moderate fitness level is required and no pregnant women or people with back problems or heart problems are permitted on the tour. The tour is wheelchair accessible and has a choice of three start times: 2pm, 5pm or 8pm.

The tour begins and ends on O’Connell Street and visits places such as Broadstone, Capel Street, and Wolfe Tone Park.

So, if you are looking for a private ghost walking tour of Dublin, this tour is the one for you and your travel companions.

7 2-Hour Macabre Dublin Walking Tour

Looking to visit some lesser-known streets of Dublin on a ghostly tour of Dublin? Then the 2-Hour Macabre Dublin Walking Tour is ideal.

I would highly recommend this tour conducted by Rob for anyone coming to Dublin! Rob is a natural storyteller with a great talent for sharing Dublins past and placing it in a modern perspective. The tour helps to contextualise different eras of Dublins history in a fresh, detailed, and easy to understand way. The tour is new and will definitely be one I’ll be recommending to friends and family. Mark – Read more reviews

Get the sinister, lesser-known streets of Dublin revealed to you on the 2-Hour Macabre Dublin Walking Tour .

Hear stories of torture, executions, and serial killers who are part of Dublin’s dark history from your knowledgeable guide.

The 2-Hour Macabre Dublin Walking Tour brings you on a journey from the GPO on O’Connell Street, through Wolfe Tone Park, and past a Viking enclave ending at St Michan’s Church with its mummified corpses.

This ghost tour of Dublin allows a maximum of 25 guests and is wheelchair accessible. The tour starts at 6pm.

So, if you like the sound of the highly-rated 2-Hour Macabre Dublin Walking Tour , book your place today.

8 Horror Hike

⏱️ Tour Time : 3 hours | ⭐ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 stars | 👻 Book Now

Looking for Dublin ghost tours that aren’t in the city centre? Then look no further than the Horror Hike tour.

All in all, this was one of the best tours we’ve done in our fair city and outside and for us it was a case of full marks. Great value, great guides and the driver was super nice and informative. Christy – Read more reviews

The Horror Hike is a Dublin ghost tour that takes you out of the city to the Dublin Mountains’ Hellfire Club, a place I was terrified of growing up in Dublin.

The tour lasts 3 hours and guests can expect to feel supernatural sensations at the ruins.

This unique, immersive tour for small groups of no more than 20 departs from St Audeon’s on Cook Street and heads for the Dublin Mountains. There, guests will hike 20 minutes uphill to the ruins of the Hellfire Club where you will get a tour while discovering why this site terrifies some Dubliners like me.

The Horror Hike combines outdoor adventure, breathtaking views, and eerie storytelling away from the busy city centre.

This is an adults-only tour that requires people to have a moderate fitness level for the 20-minute hike and departs at sunset (time may vary depending on the time of year).

So, if you are looking for a different Dublin ghost tour that lets you escape the city centre, the Horror Hike is the one for you.

If you want to learn about Dublin ghost stories from the Northside of the city, then the Hidden Dublin: Northside Ghost Walk Tour is one you should join.

Loved this tour our guide made it so enjoyable with the dark stories we expected but also keeping it fun and making us laugh! Ashley – Read more reviews

Discover the haunted history of Dublin’s northside on a 2-hour walking ghost tour of Dublin.

This tour will take you through a former Viking enclave, you’ll visit the spine-chilling St Mary’s Abbey, and Hendrick Streets, the sites of Dublin’s former more haunted houses.

The tour ends at Dublin’s oldest pub , The Brazen Head, where your guide will share the horrifying story of Lord Norbury, the infamous and sadistic ‘Hanging Judge’ who presided over the trial of Robert Emmet, an Irish rebel leader who fought for Irish independence at the end of the 18 th century.

The tour is suitable for those aged 10 and over with those under 18 accompanied by an adult and is wheelchair accessible. The tour can accommodate a maximum of 55 people and starts at 8pm from the Church Bar on Mary Street.

So, if you want to discover the northside of Dublin’s dark side, join the Hidden Dublin: Northside Ghost Walk Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ghost Tours in Dublin

Do you have a burning question about the best ghost tours Dublin, Ireland has to offer? Take a look to see if it is answered here. If not, pop me an email and I’ll answer it directly as well as add it here for other readers.

There are two types of ghost tours in Dublin. Walking ghost tours and ghost bus tours of Dublin. During both, you will tour the city, either on foot or by bus, while learning about the ghosts of Dublin and its dark past from knowledgeable local tour guides.

Generally, ghost tours in Dublin last around 2 hours. Some are a little shorter such as the Dublin Ghostbus Kids tour, while some last longer such as the Horror Hike to the Hellfire Club.

The highest-rated ghost tour of Dublin is the Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour which has a 5-star rating from over 1450 reviews.

No, not all Dublin ghost tours are designed to be scary. Most will have chilling tales of murder, torture and other macabre deaths but the Mythological and Folklore Tour is a non-scary tour of Dublin that combines Dublin’s history with Irish mythology and is a non-scary alternative to traditional ghost tours of Dublin.

Some tours are wheelchair accessible, while some are not. You should check the details of each tour highlighted in this article to find out if it is suitable for wheelchair users.

Some of the ghost tours outlined in this article are adults-only while others will allow older kids. There is a dedicated Dublin Ghostbus Kids Tour designed for kids from the age of 7.

Wrapping Up Dublin’s Best Ghost Tours

This article has highlighted some of the best ghost tours in Dublin.

The tours include popular, highly rated ghost tours, private tours, and even one designed for families with children from the ages of 7 so they don’t miss out.

Each will share ghastly tales of Dublin’s sinister past while showing you a side to the city you might not get otherwise.

Are you brave enough to take a ghost tour of Dublin?

More Dublin Tour Ideas

• Private Walking Tour of Dublin with AB Tours Review
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• Best Cliffs of Moher Tours from Dublin
• Best Whiskey Tours of Dublin

by Cath Jordan

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Discover dublin & hidden gems - unearthed tours dublin.

We are a Dublin based Walking Tour company provided by local guides. The guides we work with have a passion for the history of Ireland and are dedicated in showing you the true Dublin.

• No minimum number of attendees No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
• Free booking and cancellation Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
• Accepts electronic payment This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Come and join Unearthed Tours Dublin in unearthing the history of Dublin and leaving no trace behind! Our passionate, small business is working hard to help show you the real Dublin, giving you the history, the hidden bits and the need to see’s! Our Tips-based Free Walking Tour of Dublin is a great way to start off exploring the city, 2.5 hours of visiting the most iconic locations in the capital , but also showing you the hidden gems too . We'll discover the places you need to visit to tick off your bucket list, but allow you to discover local Dublin as well! Dive into the tour that will explore 12,000 years of Dublin’s captivating and enthralling history.

What better way to discover the fascinating past of Dublin than on a guided tour with a native, local expert.

What will we see? We will stop outside of:

• St. Stephen’s Green
• Trinity College
• College Green/Old House of Parliament
• Molly Malone
• O’Connell Bridge
• Christ Church
• Dublin Castle
• Dubh Linn Gardens  

Our tour begins at the Wolfe Tone Sculpture at the entrance of St Stephen's Green opposite The Shelbourne Hotel. Join us today and discover Dublin with a local!

What will we visit on this tour?

Our Tour begins at the Wolfe Tone Sculpture, at the entrance of St Stephen's Green opposite the Shelbourne Hotel. Look out for the purple umbrella!

Here we open the tour with a brief introduction to what we will visit. We will cover some statues such as Wolfe Tone & The Famine and speak of Women’s History, Irish Rebellions or The 1916 Uprising.

We will venture inside the park checking out more of Dublins rebellion past & Famine history, taking in the views of one of the cities most beautiful parks.

Here we visit Irish Parliament and dive into what makes the Republic of Ireland today, both politically and geographically.

We take a stop outside Trinity College, moving further into Dublins cultural history. We talk about how Trinity serves as a standing landmark in Dublin’s past.

Standing at the very central of College Green we take the views of Grafton Street, Dame Street, Trinity College and the Bank of Ireland. Here the guides will cover more on how the British Empire and the stand against them shaped Ireland today.

We take a stop at the statue of Molly Malone. A cultural icon of the city and a great local legend.

Changing it up to some more modern and cultural information we weave our way through the cobbled streets checking out local pubs, shops, street art and the iconic Temple Bar.

We dive even further back into Dublin’s past and talk about the founding of the city, the Vikings and take in the views and breathtaking outside architecture of Christchurch Cathedral.

Dublin Castle is one of the most visited places in Dublin. Here we talk about the handover of power from the British Empire and discuss what Dublin Castle does for the city today.

We finish up our tour at the Castle Gardens, Dubh Linn. Here we will discuss more on the Vikings, modern day Ireland and take a few moments to grab those picture perfect poses in an amazing picturesque setting.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price , instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

Tour opinions (3535)

The tour was really fun and a great way to learn lots and fast about Ireland and Dublin. The guide was friendly and happy to address questions. I highly recommend the tour!

We did the Dublin Unearthed Tour with Tara. It was the perfect start to our stay in Dublin and she gave us lots of recommendations along the way. I would highly recommend.

The highlight of our time in Dublin! Kieran made the history do interesting and even kept the teenagers interested throughout the tour. Highly recommended!

Who is this tour for?

What should you know, others cities to visit after dublin, where are you traveling to.

Live Adventure Travel contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

33+ HIDDEN GEMS IN DUBLIN – That not even locals know about!

Dublin is a fantastic city to explore for the first time. You have those iconic attractions, such as the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, and the Book of Kells. And while they are all wonderful places to visit, they also have ALOT in common. And that is crowds, lots and lots of crowds.

So, as an Irish girl born and bred, I thought it was only right for me to show you how to explore our capital city like a local. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the top hidden gems in Dublin, all worth adding to your Ireland bucket list.

I’m not going to lie, it took me a minute or two to think about what is considered ‘off the beaten path’.

Yes, I may know about it, but how many others do? That’s when I came up with the idea to write a list of my favourite unusual things to do in Dublin.

This guide will walk you through some of the top Dublin hidden gems, some are located right inside the city walls, while others involve a little bit of light travel.

So, if you have planned an extended trip to Dublin or are looking to spice up your weekend in Ireland’s capital city. Look no further, because this post will give you the in’s and out’s of some of the best Dublin off the beaten path experiences and locations.

Before you visit Ireland, here’s some quick recommendations… 🏨 Looking for somewhere to stay? Then take a look at Booking.com 🚌 Seeking a sense of adventure? Then book day tours and activities with GetYourGuide or Viator 🏥 Wan’t to keep yourself insured as you travel? Then I recommend SafetyWing . 🚘 Planning a road trip? Then check out RentalCars.com 📸 Don’t want to forget the memories? Then this camera is for you! 📞 Want to stay connected? Airalo has the best e-sim deals.

Unusual Things to do in Dublin 

Ireland may be a small country but it’s capital sure packs a punch when it comes to hidden gems of offer. Let’s kick off this post with some of the most unusual things to do in Dublin. I’m talking strange, unique, and well, damn right cool. These are parts of the city that often go unnoticed, activities that both locals and tourists often miss.

1. The Hungry Tree, King’s Inn Park, Dublin, Ireland

There are many secret Dublin attractions, some are man-made and some were created by nature itself.

The first gem is a rather unusual one. It is located in Kings Inn park on the Northside of the city. And in that park, lies a tree…but…it’s not just any old tree. It’s a rather famish tree for that matter.

Yes, that’s right. The tree is starting to grow over a park bench, ultimately eating away the bench’s existence.

This secret Dublin spot is becoming increasingly popular and with the hungry tree becoming a famous addition to many’s Instagram feeds. If you ask me, this is one of the top hidden gems in Ireland . It’s just so really strange, yet wonderful thing to see!

2. Dublin Under Sail

Easily one of the best things to do in Dublin is take on Dublin Bay with Dublin Under Sail .

An experience like no other. Hop on board the Brian Boru for an opportunity to see Ireland’s Capital from a whole different perspective.

The experience lasts 3 hours in total, passengers will learn what it is like to sail a tall ship. They can decide to get involved in the running of the ship or just sit back and relax with a cuppa while enjoying the scenic views of the Dublin coastline.

If you are looking for something unique to do while in Dublin this is a great option.

Check Out my Youtube Video for a Better Idea of the Experience

3. Oscar Wilde Statue , Merrion Square, Dublin, Ireland

Next on the list is the Oscar Wilde Statue in Merrion Square only a short walk from Grafton Street.

Oscar Wilde was a famous Irish Poet who wrote some amazing pieces throughout the 1880’s. In the 1890’s, he later went on to write one of London’s most popular playwrights, writing plays like ‘the importance of being Earnest’ and ‘Salome’.

The park in which the Statue ordinates is also a beautiful place to explore and is truly an off the beaten path Dublin location in it’s own right. The best part about the park is it is quite and tranquil, yet still within the grounds of the city centre.

Also, those interested in Irish litriture may want to checkout the ‘ Dublin Literary Pub Crawl ‘ learn about Ireland’s famous writers all while relaxing with a ice cold pint.

🏆 MOST UNIQUE TOUR

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dublin Literary Pub Crawl ✔️ Guided walking tour ✔️ Local actors to four Dublin pubs ✔️ Literary Quiz

4. Go Kayaking down the River Liffey

Another unusual thing to do in Dublin is Kayak down the River Liffey.

Wait! Hear me out…. the first time I heard about this idea I was a little bit sceptical. The Liffey isn’t exactly my dream place to kayak, but I can assure you, you do not get wet in the process.

City Kayaking offers a range of experiences from one-hour rentals, city tours and my personal favourite the music under the bridge tour.

In the music under the bridge tour , you spend 2 hours kayaking to each bridge along the River Liffey.

At each stop, you will be greeted by some brilliant live performances and we Irish are known for our musical talents. It’s one of my favourite things to do in Dublin as it is well and truly a unique experience.

5. The Doors of Dublin, Merrion Square, Dublin, Ireland

Taking the internet by storm recently is the ‘ Doors of Dublin’ phenomenon. Many of these famous doors can be found right next to the Oscar Wilde Statue in Merrion Square.

The square features some of Dublin’s most iconic Georgian houses where most doors are painted a vibrant colour or have a unique and unusual design to them. These doors can also be found in the likes of Fitzwilliam Square and on Baggot Street.

The phenomenon is becoming so popular that it even has its own dedicated Instagram account and a hashtag.

However, it is still not one of the top things to include in a Dublin itinerary making it perfect for those looking for something unusual to do in the city.

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6. Have a look at the Ancient Huguenot Cemetery

Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Huguenot Cemetery offers a distinctive glimpse into Dublin’s intriguing history.

This hidden gem should be on your list as it is like taking a journey back in time, as the cemetery is the final resting place for members of the Huguenot community who fled religious persecution in France during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The carefully preserved tombstones, inscribed with old French surnames, are poignant reminders of the city’s multicultural past.

This cemetery, though small and easy to miss, provides a unique perspective on Dublin’s history seldom found in standard tour routes.

Now, while it is not possible to walk inside, it is a cool place to walk by and stop for a moment.On the left wall, there is a plaque with the names of those buried in the cemetery.

7. Hike up the Dublin’s Spooky Hellfire Club Ruins

The Hellfire Club is one of the most off the beaten path places to visit in Dublin.

The old house ruins are located on the foot of Montpellier Hill. But…there is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to the Hellfire club. Like many old buildings, the club is subject to some old Irish myths and legend.

Some even believed that the house was burnt down by the devil leaving it in its ruined state that we see today. Besides being one of the freakiest places in Dublin, the hellfire club is the ideal place for a picnic while watching the sunset. It is also home to phenomenal views of Dublin city and beyond.

The hellfire club is located in the Dublin Mountain, so the weather at times can be unpredictable, I advise checking out my packing guide to make sure you are prepared 😉

Unique things to do in Dublin

Now, I want to bring your attention to some of the most unique things to do in the city. These are experiences that are often overlooked including some of the most breathtaking views, thrilling experiences and underrated attractions.

8. Smithfield Tower

Smithfield Tower, one of Dublin’s best kept secrets and it is located just a 10 minute walk from the city centre.

This Dublin Hidden Gem will have you climbing up 200+ steps however the epic view of Dublin City from the top is well and truly worth the climb.

The skinny observation deck offers 360 views of Ireland’s capital city and is the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Tickets into the observation deck only cost five euros and there are no lifts so you must be prepared to climb.

You can purchase tickets from the  Generator Hostel  located beside the tower. If you are looking for more cheap or free things to do in the city please check out my  Free Dublin Attractions Guide .

9. Walk Along the Croke Park Skyline

We Irish are proud of our heritage, and there is nothing we enjoy more than a good olde banter over a game of GAA. Croke park is our national stadium for our iconic sports, Gaelic Football, Hurling and Camogie.

But…getting the opportunity to see a Gaelic Game unfold is not the only way to experience Croke Park. Unknown to many local’s is the Croke Park Skyline Tour.

The experience brings visitors 17-stories high, and allows them to walk along the stadiums skyline. Throughout the experience, you will see some breathtaking 360 views of the Dublin Skyline and even have the ability to look down into the stadiums playing fields.

On the tour, you are equipped with a harness and a tour guide. This is an experience not to be missed and certainly one of the best unique things to do in Dublin.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to add the Croke Park Skyline tour to your Adrenaline Junkie Bucket List.

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10. The Croke Park Stadium and Museum Tour

Ok, so if soaring 17 stories above the ground is not your cup of tea.

Don’t fret. It is still possible to experience and learn all about the Gaelic Games by taking the Croke Park Stadium and Museum tour.

The tour will tell visitors all there is to know about our three national sports, Gaelic, Hurling and Camogie.

Croke Park is also famous for hosting musical acts such as U2, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, One Directions and Pharrell Williams. The stadium can hold over 82 thousand people at a time.

The Croke Park Tour costs €14 per person and is FREE for those who hold a Dublin Pass .

11. Design your own Cheesecake at Mad Egg

More and more Mad Egg restaurants are popping up over Dublin and it’s a good thing too because local’s are becoming obsessed with designing their own cheesecakes.

So, if you are looking to feed your sweet tooth and want to do it in a cool and unique way. Head on in to Mad Egg for a full filled experience.

Topping choices include Milk, White or Dark Chocolate. The Choice of Roasted Hazelnuts, Peanut Butter Pieces, Oreo Crumbs, Honeycomb Nuggets, Smashed Maltesers, Kinder Bueno or Daim Pieces. And Finally the sticky stuff, Nutella or Caramel.

Also, while your there, give the love me loco chicken a try. It’s Delish <3

12. Skiing in Ireland. Who Knew?

Now, this is something I am almost certain you didn’t know about. You can ski in Dublin?!

Ok, so it’s not the alps, not even close, and we certainly do not get the same level of snow … but it is a cool thing to do in Dublin if you’re looking for something a tad bit different.

Ski club Ireland hosts the only dry slopes in Ireland (located in Kilternan ).

It will set you back 30 euros for a 3-hour practice session, however, that also includes all rentals. It’s a great deal if you ask me.

But, I will warn you it is harder to get the hang of compared to fresh snow. Let’s just say, I laughed a lot the first time I visited.

For an extra bonus, the top of the highest slope offers a stunning view of the Irish coast line <3

13. Check Out Dublin’s Street Art Scene

Throughout the recent year’s, the Dublin street art scene is thriving with murals popping up all over the city.

If you want to get a little off the beaten path in Dublin why not join in on a FREE alternative Dublin walking tour .

The tour leaves everyday at 11am and ticks off some of the top Dublin hidden gems. Including the top street art murals in the city.

The tour also covers, emerging Dublin scenes, some of Dublin’s best kept secrets, the Art and Music History, Cool Bars, Cafes, Markets, some Cheap Eats and some good old Insider’s Knowledge.

Tours that are Off the Beaten Track in Dublin

Now, let’s take a look at some fun and underrated tours that you can take while visiting Dublin. As I mentioned, Dublin has it’s typical tourist attractions, such as the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College but there is so much more to this little city than meets the eye. I’m talking about the surrounding coastlines, mountains and scenery. Oh! and I’d advise that you are familiar with Ireland tipping etiquette before booking your tours.

Local Tip for Ireland Travel… 🚌 There are a range of things to see and do in Ireland that might surprise you. When booking tours or activities I highly recommend shopping around for what’s out there. I tend to use either GetYourGuide or Viators to see fun and unique things I can take part in that I wouldn’t otherwise know about.

14. Get a Boat out to Ireland’s Eye

Ireland’s Eye is a remote Island off the Irish coast near a Dublin fishing village, Howth.

The island is the perfect place for wildlife spotting opportunities. Explorers can see seabirds, Sea Gulls and mannnny seals.

I took my first trip to the Island back in 2012 and that day there was a swarm of birds flying about. It was super cool to see.

A trip around the Island cost €15 per adults whereas a trip onto the island costs €20. A visit to Ireland’s Eye is a truly unique thing to do in Dublin.

After enjoying a trip out to Ireland’s eye, return back to the mainland for a stroll along one of Ireland’s Best Cliff Walks , Howth Head.

🏆 IRELAND’S EYE TOUR

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Boat Tour Around Ireland’s Eye ✔️ 1 hour boat tour ✔️ English Commentary ✔️ Raw Scenic Views

15. Dublin Mountain Pub Tour

There is more to Dublin than just the city. In fact, on the south side of the county lies the Dublin Mountains.

Or hills if you want to compare them to the mountains in other European countries , such as Italy or France.

And while the mountains are a beautiful spot to spend the day, they can be quite difficult to reach, especially without a car.

However, there is a drink/food tour that takes you on a little pub crawl around the Dublin Mountains, stopping in the three highest pubs in Dublin.

There, you can spend the evening sipping an ice-cold Guinness, eating some traditional foods, and listening to live music with an incredible view. What more could you ask for?

🏆 DUBLIN MOUNTAIN PUB CRAWL

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ DUBLIN MOUNTAIN PUB CRAWL ✔️ Transportation to Doolin ✔️ Bout Trip to Inis Oír ✔️ Sail Beneath the Cliffs of Moher

16. Hike with a local

Ireland is known for it’s famous Cliffs of Moher but what many people don’t realise is that Dublin is a coastal city, which means it is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery.

One of my favourite places is the fisherman town of Howth, which is a popular spot for locals to go for an evening walk, watch the sunset, or grab some fish and chips.

It is also home to one of Ireland’s most beautiful cliffs, and all be it they are not the highest in the country , they are still pretty mighty.

You can even hike the cliffs alongside local guides, Mark and Missy. They bring a small group of people around the area 3 of 4 times a weeks.

Here you can learn about the cliffs history, landscapes, and scenery.

And believe me, the scenery is to die for!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ HOWTH CLIFF WALK WITH LOCALS ✔️ Guided Tour ✔️ Stop at hidden gems ✔️ One alcoholic pint

17. Horse Riding in Glendalough

If you are looking for a reason to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then why not book a horseback riding tour of Wicklow?

Spend the day checking out some of the most incredible landscapes, such as Glendalough, Sallys Gap, and Guinness Lake.

You will also have a 1 hour and 30 minutes horseback riding session where you ride through the lush green landscapes of the park.

Really get to understand why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle.

The tour includes live commentary, a local guide, and transfers to and from the city.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ HORSE RIDING IN WICKLOW NP ✔️ Transportation to Doolin ✔️ Bout Trip to Inis Oír ✔️ Sail Beneath the Cliffs of Moher

18. Traditional Irish Music Show

Experience a traditional Irish meal, music, and dance during an evening performance at Dublin’s Belvedere.

Prepare yourself for an endless evening of fun as skilled Irish folk musicians and dancers perform reels, jigs, and dances.

Enjoy a pint of Guinness, indulge in some delicious traditional Irish culture, and perhaps even try your hand at Irish dancing by going up on stage.

You will experience it all, from the ‘old style’ traditional solo Irish Dance to the familiar jigs and reels, the synchronised precision, and heart racing rhythms that characterise what Irish dancing has become today. 

This nighttime experience is a great evening for a group of friends, families and couples.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Traditional Irish Music Show ✔️ Learn some Irish Dance ✔️ Live Performances

7 Dublin Hidden Gems You Probably Never Heard of

Ireland has MANY tourist attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Giants Causeway that is well known across the world. But…right in the capital there is a range of unique things to do in Dublin are typically not featured in the guidebooks. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if locals in the city even knew they existed.

19. Sweny’s Pharmacy, Merrion Square, Dublin, Ireland

Ok, so continuing with the Merrion Square theme, the next on the list for secrets of Dublin is Sweny’s Pharmacy.

But…wait, it’s not actually a Pharmacy…well not anymore, that is.

This hidden gem is somewhat of an iconic spot, as it was mentioned in the famous Irish author James Joyce’s book ‘Ulysses’.

Now, the old pharmacy serves as a vintage book and craft store.

Still, it is a pretty sweet gem for those who love literature and the talent of James Joyce.

20. Go for a Peaceful Stroll in the Iveagh Gardens

Ok, so right in the heart of Dublin lies the lesser known Iveagh Gardens. The park is only a short walk from the extremely popular and busy St. Stephens Green Park.

The Iveagh Gardens is a great place to go if you want to have a little relaxation time while on your travels in Dublin.

The park is small but very rarely busy, making it the perfect hidden gem to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

For those of you who are wondering, the word ‘Iveagh’ is pronounced as ‘Ivy’. What can I say…the Irish language is a complicated one.

21. Winding Stair Bookshop

Visit one of Ireland’s oldest surviving independent bookshop, the Winding Stair . The colourful bookshop is home to both new and second hand books all sold at exceptional value.

The credit themselves in stocking some more ‘unusual books’ that are not normally stocked in larger chain bookstores.

They have a wide range of genres ranging from ‘fiction, poetry, drama, current affairs, gardening, cookery, art and design, humour, non-fiction and a children’s section’.

But…not only is the bookshop truly unique in its own right. It also serves a multipurpose with the restaurant’s next store serving under the same name. It’s the best of both world’s.

22. Find Rory Gallagher’s Corner in Temple Bar

Ireland is known for it’s musicians, and one of the places you often see our talented buskers play is in the Temple Bar area.

So, our next hidden gem in Dublin is in the perfect location.

Go wandering around the streets of temple bar in search for Rory’s Corner.

Once you find it, look up. You will find an exact replica of the 1916 Fender Strarocaster Guitar owned by Rory Gallagher himself. Rory was an Irish musician believed to be the best blues guitarists in the world. Rory passed in 1995 and the memorial was created in 2006.

23. Go to Tara Street for the Best View of the Custom House

Possibly, one of the most stunning buildings in all of Dublin is the Custom House.

It is located in the heart of Dublin City and at certain times of the day the 18th century building reflects onto the River Liffey.

The best spot to take a picture of the Custom House is from Tara Street. I’d suggest going in early in the morning for the picture perfect reflection.

The building is also lit up at night making this the perfect spot for some night time photography of Dublin.

24. Reflect at the Famine Memorial in North Dock, Dublin

The Famine Memorials located on the North Docklands was made back 1997 by Dublin sculptor Rowan Gillespie.

The memorial pays tribute to over 1 million people who died during the Irish famine.

The famine had a huge impact on the Irish and our population dropped by nearly 25%.

Due to those who died from starvation and those who emigrated abroad.

We as a country have still not recovered from this devestating history, so much so that the population is still too this day less than the pre famine days.

So, this next one, is something even I didn’t know anything about until recently. I was strolling the streets of temple bar with my camera in one hand and my phone in the other and when I bent down to get a reflection puddle shot, a man stopped me to ask what I was doing. He presumed I was a tourist, and if I am being honest I don’t blame him, I was rocking the tourist look that day. He told me to check out the National Photographic Archive. And…boy am I glad I did.

The National Photographic Archive is a FREE exhibition that showcases the archived collections of the National Library of Ireland. It is a great place to learn about the troubles of Ireland. I 100% recommend you pop in, even if it is only for 10 minutes or so.

Non Touristy Things to do in Dublin

For the final section of this post I want to show you some of the best non touristy things to do in Dublin. Let’s explore the city like a local, from the mostbest sunset locations, walks and experiences.

26. Catch the Sunset in Howth

Another fantastic thing to do in Howth is catch the sun go down over the water. There are many wonderful sunset locations in Dublin but I think Howth is my personal favourite.

Howth is also a popular place to go on a day trip from Dublin . While, the coastal town is still located in County Dublin.

The beautiful surroundings and having access to one of the best Cliff walks in Ireland makes visitors feel as if they left the city far behind.

It is the only place in the Capital where the sunsets on the water. Head out onto the pier and walk toward the Howth lighthouse. There you will have the perfect view of the sky changing from day to night.

It is easy to reach Howth via the DART train or a local taxi (although Dublin is expensive so I wouldn’t advise this)

27. Spend the day exploring Kiliney Hill and the surrounding area

Kiliney Hill is possibly one of my favourite walks in Dublin . The easy going uphill walk offers outstanding views from the top. With panoramic views of the Dublin seaside to the left and an outstanding view of the Wicklow mountains to the right.

It is possible to spend hours sitting there, admiring the view and watching the world go by.

After spending a few hours on the hill, why not go for a dip in the ocean at another amazing hidden gem in Dublin, the Vico Bathing Place. Or otherwise known as the ‘Dublin baths’.

If you are looking to discover some more hidden walks in Dublin, consider visiting Ticknock for an epic view of the city.

28. Go back in Time at the Stella in Rathmines

Get ready to go back in time with the Stella Movie Theatre in Rathmines. The old movie theatre has been restored to ‘reflect the glamour and glitz of the 1920’s for an entire new generation of movie-goers’.

This is honestly such a unique movie experience to enjoy while in Dublin. The seats represent a 1920 style lounge chairs that visitors can lie back and cuddle into as the movie plays.

The theatre is also kitted with a cushioned foot stool, a blanket and a side table for all your movie snacks and drinks.

Movie goers can order a range of food and drink, which are brought out your seats when ready.

29. War Memorial Gardens at the Phoenix Park

Next on the list is the National War Memorial Garden’s located beside the Phoenix Park in Dublin.

This stunning garden is a tribute to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who lost their lives in ‘the Great War, 1914–1918’.

It is a beautiful garden that has two identical flower bed sections that lay side by side of each other.

The Memorial garden is not super known and is a great place to visit and pay respect to the lives lost.

It’s also a great starting point for those wanting to explore the Phonix park.

All, while doing a completely non touristy thing to do in Dublin.

30. Visit Ireland’s Presidents House the ‘Aras an Uachtarain’

The ‘Aras an Uachtarain’ is the official residence of the President of Ireland. Michael D the Irish president kindly allows members of the public to take a tour of the residence. And the best thing about it is it doesn’t cost a dime. Yes, that’s right it’s 100% FREE. And possibly one of the best FREE Things to do in Dublin.

The tours are delivered by the Office of Public Works and allows visitors to view the main reception and state rooms of Áras an Uachtaráin.

The tour takes around an hour to complete and are available most Saturdays throughout the year. For those interested in taking part in the tour, tickets are sold on first come first served basis from the Phoenix park visitor centre.

31. Go Deer Spotting in the Phoenix Park

A visit to the Phoenix Park is a must on any Ireland itinerary , but did you know that the park is home to over 400 deer? Yep, that’s right, 400 HUNDRED :O

If you plan on visiting the park during your trip to Dublin be sure to keep an eye out for the herd. They tend to stick together and I have seen them a handful of times hanging out by the Pope’s cross.

With that being said it is extremely hard to find the deer on foot, so consider renting a car or bike to cover more ground. After all, the deer are free to roam the 707 hectares park.

If you so happen to come across a park warden, ask if they could point you in the right direction.

*It is important to note that feeding the deer human food is prohibited. In the photo above, I was holding leaves and the deer came over towards me*

32. Use Dublin Bikes to Travel Around the City

Did you know that it is FREE to use Dublin bikes?

Yes, that’s right! Riders can avail of a 30-minute FREE cycle session once they return the bike before the time is up.

They can then pick up another bike and start the timer all over again.

Just be mindful that to avail of this service, riders must register and put in their credit card details, just in case they go over the 30-minute limit. And, it is so important to know the rules of the road in Ireland before deciding to rife one of these bikes. I can not stress that enough.

33. The VCC (Speak Easy)

One truly unique thing to do in Dublin is visit one of the cities many speak easy’s. My favourite is the VCC in Temple Bar. You HAVE to book and enter through an unassuming door. I felt like I was transported back in time.

The decor is gorgeous and the atmosphere is cosy and intimate. It’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a romantic date night. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable about their craft, and they take great care in selecting only the freshest and highest quality ingredients for their cocktails.

I loved trying their unique drinks and was blown away by the creativity and attention to detail that went into each one.

So if you’re looking for a truly special bar experience in Dublin, don’t miss the Vintage Cocktail Club.

34. The Gap Mountain Biking

I recently went mountain biking in The Gap and to be honest I can not believe it’s not more well-known! Although it’s not technically located in Dublin, it’s only a short drive away in Wicklow, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.

The trails are well-maintained and offer a great mix of easy and challenging routes, so there’s something for everyone. As you cycle out of the forest you are presented with Epic views of the Wicklow mountains and beyond. That was my favourite part!

It is also quite reasonably priced, they offer a range of options from rentals and guided tours.

The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable, and they’re happy to help with anything you need. I had an amazing time at The Gap and can’t wait to go back again soon!

Hidden Gems in Dublin Map

Thanks for reading!

I hope you enjoyed this post and have an amazing time on your trip to Ireland. If you need any help with your planning feel free to message me on Instagram or Facebook 🙂

Like this the top Dublin Hidden Gems? Well, why not pin it on Pinterest?

Disclaimer: I was invited by the Dublin Undersail and Dublin City Kayaking as a guest to enjoy the experience. As always all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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13 Hidden Gems in Dublin To Visit To See a Less Touristy Side of the City!

Categories Europe , Ireland

Dublin is a popular city for a city break and a stop on a wider trip around Ireland ! There are many famous Dublin attractions like Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, St Stephens Green and the Guinness Tour but what if you’ve been to Dublin before and now want to see a different part of the city? Or you want to see Dublin like a local?

In this post I give you hidden gems in Dublin to visit that will take you to secret spots in Dublin like secret gardens, coastal walks and lively and local pubs!

In order to appreciate some of these unusual things to do in Dublin and unique things to do in Dublin you will have to travel out of Dublin city centre a little bit but thanks to good public transport in Dublin it is easy to do that and makes seeing these hidden places in Dublin easy!

Hidden Gems in Dublin

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here:

1. Iveagh Gardens

Right in the heart of Dublin, only a few minutes walk from the well-known Stephen’s Green lies the Iveagh Gardens. This park is not only one of Dublin’s best parks but is undoubtedly also one of the top hidden gems in Dublin! In fact, it has even earned itself the nickname of being Dublin’s “Secret Garden” .

Nestled behind high walls with many buildings bordering its outside perimeter, the actual existence of the park is unknown to many and is a difficult place to locate if you do not know exactly where to look. This keeps the visitor numbers low, even on the most glorious of days!

The easiest way to access the park is via Clonmel Street , although there are other entrances on Hatch Street and behind the National Concert Hall on Earlsfort Terrace. Once inside, visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beautifully landscaped features, many of which originally date back to the 19th century.

One of the most spectacular, and perhaps unexpected, features in this park is the tall waterfall, which contains 32 stones, one from each of the counties in Ireland. The sound of running water over the stones creates a strong sense of tranquillity in the park. There are many other sculpted fountains to admire along the pathways, as well as a yew maze, woodlands, rockeries and archery grounds . The garden is particularly stunning in summer when the roses in the rosarium are in full bloom, especially around the month of June.

Suggested by: Let’s Go Ireland

• For more of my Dublin and Ireland Posts see:
• 5 Best Pubs in Dublin for Live Music and a Good Craic!
• 10 Places You MUST Visit on The West Coast of Ireland!
• Helpful Tips For Your Ireland Road Trip When Travelling From Overseas!

2. Dublin Doors In and Around Fitzwilliam Square

The beautiful Georgian doors of Dublin are one of the capital’s most mesmerizing and photographed features. In the ten years that I’ve lived in Dublin, I’ve taken many pictures of Dublin and Dublin’s doors are definitely one of my most frequent subjects.

If you know where to look, you’ll find bright and uplifting colours, intricate brickwork, flowers and ivy that are absolutely irresistible, and fanlights (the semi-circular glass top to the door) that range from understated to ostentatious. Some of Dublin’s doors are adorned with stained glass panels.

Where can you find the Georgian doors of Dublin? Tourists tend to focus on the area around St. Stephen’s Green . This post is about hidden gems in Dublin so I’m going to tell you about my favourite spots to photograph doors from a local.

Fitzwilliam Square in Dublin is about a 10-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Green and is a great starting point for a door-focused photo walk in Dublin. Do a loop around the square and then walk down Leeson Street toward the Grand Canal taking pictures of the doors that catch your eye along the way. Cross the canal and continue on Leeson Street. From here, you could walk down Leeson Street all the way to Donnybrook. You could turn on Waterloo Rd. toward Baggot St. and St. Mary’s Road (my absolute favourite residential street for posh Dublin doors).

You could also turn on Appian Way and head to Ranelagh or Rathmines where your door-sploration continues. The roads intersecting Leeson Street feature some of the most photogenic doors in Dublin. Have a wander in this area and see where the day takes you. You won’t regret it!

Suggested by: Sidewalk Safari

3. Teeling Whiskey Distillery

A hidden gem in Dublin and a must-visit when visiting Dublin is the  Teeling Whiskey Distillery . Located in the Liberties region of Dublin, is it close to the centre of the city and a great place to step away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a drink or lunch and then take their tour.

Teeling Whiskey is the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years . In terms of location, it can be found a short walk from the Guinness Storehouse (you can visit both in the same day). You should book a tour in advance, as they are popular.

The tour begins with the history of Dublin whiskey. There are some excellent displays and the tour guides are very knowledgeable. The whole manufacturing process is then shown to you, including the mash room, fermenters, copper stills (each one named after the owner’s daughters). You are shown the warehouse full of maturing casks.

The fun bit is that you then go to a tasting room to sample the whiskey and a whiskey-based cocktail. You tour a working distillery in action , with employees going about their day-to-day duties, stopping to explain to you what they are doing, so for one of the fun and tasty hidden gems in Dublin, head here!

Suggested by: PackThePJs

4. The Dodder Rhino

The River Dodder is a tributary of the Liffey River that runs through Dublin and situated beside the river near Classon’s Bridge you will spot one of Dublin’s ancient pubs The historic Dropping Well.  The Dropping Well , whose origins date back to the Great Famine of  Ireland  was licensed as a community morgue in “Black 47”.

As you pass over Classon’s Bridge to get to the pub you may just happen to notice a life-sized bronze rhino standing in the middle of the river. The rhino is not only life-sized but it is cast in intricate detail and is incredibly realistic .

To this day though nobody seems to know where the rhino came from or who sculpted it and if the pub owners know they are not saying. The rhino appeared in the river in 2002 and although the pub proprietors won’t speak of who installed the rhino they did run a competition to name their new “pet”.

In typical Dublin fashion, the naming included  “Rhino O’Neal”, in honour of the film actor,  along with “The Plodder in the Dodder”, “The Milltown Muddler” and “The Dodder Spike” so be sure to head to this hidden gem in Dublin on your trip to say hi!

Suggested by: XYU and Beyond

5. Brú na Bóinne

Brú na Bóinne is found in Meath County around 45 minutes outside of Dublin on a bend in the Boyne River – and is one of the most incredible places I have ever visited and is one of the top hidden gems in Dublin and near Dublin.

It contains one of the world’s most fascinating geological landscapes spanning back to the stone age , consisting of the large Megalithic Passage Tombs of Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth as well as around 90 other sites. The associated archaeological history of these sites is called the “Boyne civilization,” and they have all been protected by UNESCO since 1993.

I would never have known to go here, except a few local friends decided to take me and I just can’t believe this place is not more famous. Even they admitted they had not been since school trips as children.

Punctuated by some 40 satellite tombs , Brú Na Bóinne forms a mortuary landscape considered to have important ritual relevance , though later use saw temples built here during the Iron Age, and again in the early Christian and medieval times. The area is still mostly agricultural and is rich in tales from ancient Ireland history. Currently, Brú na Bóinne is the most excellent and most significant (known) collection of prehistoric megalithic art in Europe, and should not be missed when you visit Ireland.

Only  Skara Brae’s ancient beauty in Scotland  is perhaps comparable in terms of overlooked history. Still, even that cannot compare to the spiritual feeling that will wash over you at this site, especially in the Newgrange Stone Age passage tomb . This is one of the top unusual things to do in Dublin!

Suggested by: Inspired by Maps

6. Howth Cliff Walk

To escape busy Dublin and a get a cool breath of fresh air (especially necessary after a night at Temple Bar), one of the best ways to see a different side to Dublin is to take the Howth Cliff Walk. It may not be the best-known attraction in the city but if you have  2 days in Dublin  or longer, you’ll have plenty of time to see the top tourist attractions along with these hidden gems in Dublin and unique things to do in Dublin too.

Howth Cliff Walk is a leisurely two-hour walk with stunning views over the ocean the whole time. If you’re visiting Ireland and only seeing Dublin, it’s perfect to get a feel for the landscape and coastline of the island. 

To begin the walk, catch bus number 31a to Howth Railway Station departing from Busáras Bus Station in central Dublin. This takes 30 minutes and costs €3.30 each way. First, along the walk, you will visit a charming harbour before beginning your walk around the ‘Nose of Howth ’. From Howth Summit, you will have the best, unrivalled views over the water. You can even continue further to Baily Lighthouse which juts out on a photo-worthy peninsular.

After you have taken the 6km loop , you can finish the excursion in the gorgeous village of Howth . Eat some goodies at Howth Market held on weekends or relax in one of the charming tea shops.

Suggested by: Where Goes Rose

7. Killiney Hill

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the City then Killiney is the place for you. Killiney is located just a short 30 minute DART ride from Dublin City Centre and is home to beautiful beaches, iconic swimming spots and peaceful walks.

Killiney is most definitely one of Dublin’s lesser-known seaside towns among tourists which is why I have included it as one of the hidden gems in Dublin, however, that does not stop locals from venturing out for a visit on the weekends.

For those of you looking to do something a little unusual while visiting Dublin, I’d highly recommend taking a stroll up Killiney Hill. Here, you will be presented with a breathtaking 360 views of both Dublin and County Wicklow. It is by far one of the best walks in Dublin .

The walk can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to complete depending on your starting point, on the way you will come across the Obelisk, the Pyramid of Dublin and the main viewing point. The terrain isn’t overly difficult, however, the walk does ascend rather quickly so be prepared to be a little breathless!

The summit of the hill is a lovely place to have a picnic, there are even some hidden turn off points with a view if you are looking somewhere a little quiet to relax. 

After the walk, if you are feeling brave you could even try to go for a swim in the Irish sea . Just be prepared to scream a few times as your body adjusts to the temperature. Nonetheless, Killiney is the perfect place to enjoy a day by the ocean.

Suggested by: Live Adventure Travel

8. The Celt Pub

Visiting the pubs in Dublin for live music is a must-do Dublin activity, but many of the pubs and bars are now only visited by tourists due to how popular they have become, how busy they are, and how expensive the drinks are!

The Temple Bar in Dublin is a good example of this and although it is worth a visit, I really urge you to visit a pub in Dublin that is popular with locals too for a more authentic Irish experience.

We stumbled upon The Celt which is in the North part of the city and this is one of the true hidden gems in Dublin to visit for traditional live music every night and hearty Irish pub food!

I really recommend going to this Dublin pub if you want to experience a more local side of the city and a Dublin hidden gem!

Suggested by: The Wandering Quinn

9. Johnnie Fox’s Pub

Deep in the Dublin Mountains amongst rolling green hills, you’ll find the most lively Irish pub nestled away .

From the outside, you’d never know just how much fun lies behind the door. The pub is full of character with low ceilings, old farming tools and cosy snugs, you’ll almost always see an open fire at Johnnie Fox’s Pub . 

The smell of burning wood and amazing food that feeds the soul is the first thing that hits you as you walk through the door! Once you’ve had a drink and some food, it’s most likely you’ll be up and Irish dancing in no time. The entertainment at Johnnie Fox’s is always traditional and lively, to say the least. It’s the perfect setting for this awesome Dublin hideaway. 

Suggested by: Travel Mad Mum

10. Merrion Square Park

This lovely Georgian garden square in Dublin dates from the late 1700s.  One of the city’s finest parks , it is lined with stately red-brick Georgian townhouses on three sides.  Government buildings, the Natural History Museum, and the National Gallery now line the fourth side.

The square acted as a private park for the homeowners in this fashionable area , where poet, novelist, and satirist Oscar Wilde once lived at #1, and poet W. B. Yeats at #82.  In 1930, the Roman Catholic Church purchased it as a cathedral site, however that never happened and in 1974 it became a public park. 

Though in the early 19th century the park was enclosed by iron railings, a homeowner’s key is no longer needed to enter.  The park is filled with contoured grass areas and sunken curved paths , and noteworthy features include many sculptures (including a colourful one of Oscar Wilde), a collection of old Dublin lamp posts, a central floral garden, a heather garden, and a playground.

Most recently, the National Memorial to Members of the Defence Forces was added at one of the park entrances.  Designed by artist Brian King, it is a small Canova-style pyramid made of granite slabs and glass panels.  Within it are four Defence Forces personnel cast in bronze and representing the Air Corps, Army, and permanent and reserve Naval Service.  Built-in memory of all the people who lost their lives in service to their country, the pyramid shape is reference to burial, the dead, and it also brings to mind an army tent.

Suggested by: Travels with Carole

11. Zaytoon Restaurant Dublin

While there are a number of amazing attractions in Dublin, the  restaurants of Dublin  turned out to be some of the best hidden gems in Dublin I found.

One that stands out above all others was recommended by a local – Zaytoon, which is a Persian food restaurant in the heart of the Temple Bar District, among other locations. It quickly became our favourite restaurant that we returned to twice during our week and a half long trip!

Try the doner meals, which come with roasted meat of your choice, served with various veggies and sauces on a freshly baked Taftoon bread. They also have a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Visit Zaytoon for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night meal after a pub crawl around the Temple Bat District as they’re open until 4:00 am or 5:00 am depending on the day.

If you want a break from Irish stews, Zaytoon will not let you down!

Suggested by: Periodic Adventures

12. Samuel Beckett Bridge

The Samuel Beckett Bridge is a  must-see bridge  when visiting Dublin. Built in 2009, this cable-stayed bridge crosses the River Liffey connecting Guild Street with Sir John Rogerson’s Quay.

Santiago Calatrava, the Spanish architect behind this masterpiece, designed the bridge to represent an Irish harp (the country’s national symbol) lying on its edge. The beautiful bridge bears the namesake of Samuel Beckett, an Irish novelist who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969. It has 4 auto-lanes, 2 pedestrian lanes, and is supported by 31 cables.

At a total cost of €60 million, the steel structure of the bridge was manufactured in Rotterdam by the same Dutch company that manufactured the London Eye. 

In addition to the fact that it is a photography paradise , the bridge has some cool moves too. It rotates horizontally (vs raising vertically like most bridges) up to 90 degrees to allow ships to pass! I highly recommend trying to see this in action as well as photographing the bridge during the day and at night.

Suggested by: Trimm Travels

13. Glasnevin Cemetery

 If you’re looking for hidden gems in Dublin, then you definitely don’t want to miss Glasnevin Cemetery.  Originating in 1832 , Glasnevin is a now a historic cemetery and museum that is well worth visiting.

Home to historical monuments and the resting place for many notable Irish figures, including Michael Collins, the famous nationalist . You could spend hours just roaming around the cemetery viewing the historical gravesites. While doing so you will notice many of the noteworthy Celtic Crosses marking the graves of many here. This is one of the many free things to do in Dublin and Glasnevin definitely shouldn’t be missed.

Suggested by: That Texas Couple

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• Destinations
• Tours in Dublin

Free City Tour - Discover Dublin & Hidden Gems

Overview of the tour in Dublin

Join us on this 2.5-hour tour as we bring alive the rich and contrasting history of our beautiful city, taking in not only the major sites, but also the hidden gems and unique stories. We’ll begin at picturesque St. Stephens’ Green, where surrounded by the beauty of the park and the splendor of the Georgian Architecture, we will begin an overview of Ireland’s past and lay the foundations for the rest of the tour. ​From here we will head towards the iconic Trinity College, to the riveting statue of Molly Malone, and on to the heart of the city, the River Liffey where we discover rebellions of the past. Weaving our way through the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar, we enter a new Dublin, full of music, culture, and history.​ A short stroll away we will take the sights at Christ Church, dating back to the 11th Century, with its fascinating history. ​We will finish the tour at Dublin Castle. No better setting than the former seat of British rule in Ireland, here we unearth how the Republic of Ireland came to be.

This activity includes:

• Christ Church Cathedral
• Dublin Castle
• Leinster House
• Temple Bar Inn
• St Stephen's Green
• Dubh Linn Garden
• Molly Malone Statue
• Bank of Ireland
• Women's history
• Modern Dublin

Meeting point

Wolfe Tone Sculpture, St Stephen's Green

Our start point is at the Wolfe Tone Sculpture at the back entrance of St Stephen's Green opposite The Shelbourne Hotel. The guide will have a purple umbrella and a purple name badge.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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• Dublin Coastal Hike & Pints
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Experience Ireland Like a Local

Welcome to hidden howth experiences.

Hidden Howth Experiences creates unique, imaginative and once in a lifetime Experiences for guests from all over the world.

Each Experience is designed to give you an insight into what it is like to be a native of the emerald Isle and are delivered in a fun & charismatic way, that is sure to be the highlight of your trip and the envy of your friends.

Lead guides Mark & Missy are born & bred Ireland, with a gift for storytelling and a huge passion for Irish History, Culture, Nature & the Myths & Legends you have come to associate with the Emerald Isle.

“We don’t want you to Tour Ireland, We want you to Experience it The Way the Irish Do!!”

• Popular Tours

Leave the City behind, as we carve our journey through time, combining History, Nature, Culture and rugged Coastline to bring The Irish Spirit Alive! Experience the real Ireland the way the locals do!

Join us on an a Culinary Experience that will delight all of your senses in this Magical Fishing Village – famous for the freshest Seafood in Ireland and amazing range of unique Craft Beers!

We will take you off the beaten track to explore Ireland’s Ancient East. Learn about the Viking & Norman Invasions and the Hidden Myths & Legends that you’ve come to associate with the Emerald Isle

Corporate days can be boring, or awesome. We provide Inspirational outdoor team building days that are enjoyable, sociable and inclusive. Let us take you on an exciting Adventure in beautiful Howth

• Language Schools

Howth Peninsula offers a wealth of opportunity for language schools, student & university groups looking to add some outdoor activities to their itinerary. Discover & Learn on a unique Coastal Excursion

Read More  »

Discover Howth App

Gift vouchers, virtual tours, irish village, history, culture & craic.

This is not your standard historical experience – it is fully interactive, with loads of great Stories, Views, Chat, Quizzes, Irish Music, Scary Stories, Culture & Irish Craic. Leave behind what you thought you knew and join this adventure of Irish Fun Facts, One Liners & Anecdotes!!

Portfolio URL:

https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/hiddenhowthexperiences/items/556305/?full-items=yes&flow=no

Discover Dublin’s Hidden Past & Present

With the aid of HD videos we will create a magical adventure through the streets of Dublin, stopping along the way to take in the best sites, as well as the off the beaten track Hidden Gems. You will become immersed in Irish History and Culture as we discuss the many Rebellions, the Great Hunger & More!!

https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/hiddenhowthexperiences/items/556310/?full-items=yes&flow=no

Saints & Sinners, The Awesome Irish Game

How well do you think you know the Irish? Well buckle up for a Culture shock, as we take you through all things Irish on our Saints & Sinners Game!! Through unique storytelling and insane Quizzes & Games your Team/ Family will have a chance to bond and laugh together at the crazy Antics of the Irish through the years.

https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/hiddenhowthexperiences/items/556308/?full-items=yes&flow=no

Testimonials

Customer Reviews

“This was the greatest way to see Howth in Ireland! Even in November, it’s a beautiful hike. We saw rainbows and Missy is the cutest little furry tour helper ever! Mark has so much knowledge, great storytelling and is the perfect company to have for this experience. Best thing of all, he makes a video for you to take home that documents your distance walked with photos and videos of the journey. Definitely worth the price!”

“If you’re visiting Dublin, this is an experience you CAN’T miss. Mark + Missy are the highlight of my entire trip! It was so wonderful exploring the coast while meeting new friends and drinking a cold pint at the end of a stunning hike. I highly recommend this Airbnb Experience ( If you like seafood, I highly recommend the Craft Beer & Seafood Trail With Mark & Missy as well ) Can’t wait to come back to Ireland!! Thanks a million Mark + Missy”

“Mark and co-host Missy really brought the Irish village of Howth alive! My wife and I loved the views and the history. The main highlights for me were the cliffs, the seals and having Missy as a co-host. The beer at the end of a nice hike was the cherry on top. If you are visiting Howth, don’t miss this tour especially if you are a dog lover!!!”

“What an amazing day with Mark & Missy. Missy is a dog full of character and soul matching equally with Mark’s story telling. A truly unforgettable experience that really highlights what Ireland and more specifically what Howth is about. This experience is definitely a must do for anyone visiting Dublin since its just a short 30 minute train ride from the city centre. The views were mind blowing and really makes you understand why its called the Emerald island.”

“Wow wow wow! Such a great experience! Mark was so knowledgeable of the area and his dog Missy was the best navigator. I think I smiled most of the walk around Howth. I loved hearing about the history of the area and the views are spectacular! Mark even made a little video that I can look back on showing the whole hike with pictures. This hike really exceeded my expectations! So many beautiful views in this coastal town! We had perfect weather to the point that I go t a little sunburnt! haha highly recommend this if you want a day out of the hustle and bustle of the city and just enjoy some coastal winds and views!”

“We had an amazing afternoon with Mark, who is one of the friendliest and most charismatic people I’ve ever known. And God we’re stuffed! The food was absolutely amazing in every place we visited and it was great to try local beers, too! I simply can’t recommend this experience enough, it’s 300% worth a try.”

“Mark and Missy are a dynamic couple that kept us in a good mood throughout the tour. We got the opportunity to see some seals and amazing cliffs. Unforgettable experience and very warm and knowledgeable hosts. Howth is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland and this tour will guide you through the best part.”

““DO IT” If you are looking for something to do and you come across this tour DO IT. What an amazing experience Mark knows his stuff and he’s a very cool person the tour was amazing the location is beautiful, the people are nice. The food and the beers yessssss – DO IT. The next time we good back to Ireland we have to spend a day or two in Howth. The people the food and the beers……my wife said it was the best tour she ever did so far.. it’s going to be hard to find a better tour than Mark. Thank you much for the great birthday gift to my wife. Antonio and Ashley. ????”

Updates from Missy & Mark

Hidden howth experiences featured in let’s travel ireland guide.

Mark started using a new App called Relive a few years ago to give Guests on the Dublin Coastal Hike & Pints Experience a free momento video of their journey Read More

The Perfect Team Building Day On Out a Dublin Coastal Adventure

Paws and play: the world’s best selling virtual tour, join missy the dog on the ultimate howth adventure, hhe wins microbusiness award for website innovator 2023.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news! Hidden Howth Experiences has been honored with the prestigious Microbusiness Award (https://irishmicrobusinessawards.ie/) for Website Innovation in 2023. This recognition marks a significant... Read More

Tripadvisor Best Of The Best Awards

Woof! Hi everyone, its Missy the Puppy the head of marketing Hidden Howth Experiences! Today, we are thrilled to share some remarkable news that has left us beaming and wagging... Read More

St Patrick Visits Dublin

Mark decided to leave me behind and head to Dublin for promotional Photos for our new Online Experience – Saints & Sinners, the Official St Patricks Day Game. Of course,... Read More

Launching 2 New Virtual Tours

Following on from the Success of the Irish Village, History, Culture & Craic Virtual Experience, we have decided to Launch 2 new Virtual Tours. Read More

New Video Momento of Each Tour

Mark’s new gadget (360 camera).

After months of planning and videoing all over Howth Village and Howth Cliff Walk – Mark looks set to launch his Virtual Howth Village and Cliff Walk Tour. Read More

Launching the Virtual Howth Village & Cliff Walk Tour

Mark is in the news.

Missing foreign travel? Don’t fret, there are Hidden gems here at home Read More

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Join the Unearthed Tours Free Walking Tour of Dublin - Discover Dublin & Hidden Gems

Céad míle fáilte

One hundred thousand welcomes, come and join us in unearthing the history of dublin and leaving no trace behind our passionate, local tour guides are working hard to help rebuild dublin and showcase the very best this fantastic city has to offer. our free walking tour of dublin is a great way to start off exploring the city, 2.5 hours of visiting the most iconic locations in the capital, but also showing you the hidden gems too. we'll discover the places you need to visit to tick off your bucket list, but give you the opportunity to discover local dublin as well #supportlocalbusiness   #leavenotrace   #freetourdublin.

Starts at Barnardo Square on Dame Street!

Check out what we do.

Dark Dublin Tour

Free Tour Of Dublin

Women of Ireland Tour

Private Tours

What are our guests saying.

We had the most amazing time exploring the wonderful city of Dublin with our great guide Kieron. His story telling was incredible. I felt like we had seen the whole city within the 2 hours with more places to explore through recommendations. He answered all questions and told us about Ireland’s great history in a quick fire bite size but also very detailed way. We really enjoyed it and it is definitely a trip highlight. Thank you again for your informative, funny and friendly tour. Keep up the amazing work!

Jamie Wilson

Look out for the purple umbrellas  outside the Wolfe Tone Sculpture, at the entrance of St Stephens Green opposite The Shelbourne Hotel, for the Discover Dublin & Hidden Gems Free Walking Tour!

Discover dublin.

Local Dublin

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Experience the best of Dublin with Withlocals

Find the perfect private tour

Select one of our local experts

Enjoy Dublin like a local

Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Think hidden gems, insider stories, and all the local vibes. Ready to find your private tour of Dublin? Your adventure-packed day is just one click away!

Top 5 tours in Dublin

Make your stay in Dublin complete with these things to do

1 Highlights & Hidden Gems of Dublin

2 City Kickstart Tour: Dublin

3 The 10 Tastings of Dublin

4 The History of Dublin: 1916 Easter Rising Tour

5 Full Coverage Dublin City Tour

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Private tours with locals in Dublin

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Dublin has to offer

Highlights & Hidden Gems of Dublin

City kickstart tour: dublin, the 10 tastings of dublin, the history of dublin: 1916 easter rising tour, full coverage dublin city tour, city discovery: howth day trip, classic irish pubs tour: live music, beer & nightlife, city escape: wicklow mountains day trip, explore dublin with our incredible locals.

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Dublin with locals

City Escape: Glendalough Day Trip

City escape: moher day trip, walking tour along dublin's river liffey bridges, find experiences by category.

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• City highlights tours 5
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• Food tours 2

Travelers love our locals

What other guests say about our tours and locals

Hidden Gems Uncovered

"Eamon was a marvelous companion during our brief time in Dublin. Friendly, considerate to us travelers “of a certain age,” a font of information, and a raconteur without equal. What a brilliant introduction to the Irish capital!"

All the Dublin highlights!

"David was a great tour guide, showing us all the Dublin highlights. He was very knowledgeable about Irish history and made sure that he took us to all of the important historical sites. We asked so many questions but he was happy to answer them and give special insights. Would totally recommend booking David for Dublin tour! "

Nothing beats a private tour!

"This was our first time using WithLocals. It was recommended to us by a co-worker who had a great experience in Isreal. This was also our first time booking private tours instead of sitting in the back of a tour bus! OMG! So much better and so worth it! We originally booked a day trip to the Cliffs of Mohr. However, communication with our tour guide, Marius, in the days prior to our arrival, we soon realized that, due to our cruise port, we would have spent 3 hours one-way in the car to see the epic cliffs and not much else. We were maily interested in seeing the beatiful scenery of Ireland. So, Maruis suggested (and created) a completely custom itinerary that crammed so many amazing places into our tour. I am so glad he suggested the alternative. We were at Powerscourt Gardens when they opened and literally had the enourmous space to ourselves. We spent time at Powerscourt Waterfall, Glendalough, Glenmackness Waterfall, Guinness Lake and picked wild blueberries in the Wiklow Mountains at the very bridge that was used in the film P.S. I Love You! Marius, thoughtfully emptied a small plastic tub of gum into a napkin so that we had something to put the blueberries in. And they were amazing on our pancakes the next morning on the ship! He took us to the Heather Wicklow Restaurant where we treated him to lunch (Best Corned Beef I've ever had). Maruis was so genuine and fun to be with that he became an instant friend that we hope to stay in contact with. We did 8 tours over the twelve days we were in the British Isles and our time with Maruis was hands-down one of our favorites! "

"Derek was knowledgeable engaging and very accommodating. Really enjoyed our tour and learned much history. He adapted the tour to our special interests. Highly Recommended! "

Review about David

"Our tour with David was wonderful! He is a wealth of knowledge about all things Dublin. David is really personable and kept us engaged and entertained with the history of the city and stories of locals who helped shape that history. He spent extra time with us and also went out of his way to send us restaurant and museum recommendations after the tour. I highly recommend booking a tour with David!"

Eamon was knowledgeable and friendly!

"We had a great 2-hour introduction tour of Dublin with Eamon. We let him know we were interested in learning about the history and he took that to heart. We learned so much in a short period of time. It was also great to meet a local and get the inside scoop on places to go! Would highly recommend Eamon. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. "

Super Storyteller!

"Eamon brought Irish history to life - extremely informative, enthusiastic and very engaging. Couldnt imagine a better Withlocals experience!"

If you only have one day not worth it

"Marius was great. Very friendly. Very willing to adjust things for our likes. However it is a very very long drive to get to the Cliffs ( close to 4 hours) so once there you have very little time to see anything. With only 8 hours booked for this tour your actual time at the Cliffs is very short ( 45 minutes). The scenery along the way is quite beautiful there and back. And as I said Marius was wonderful If you have but one day to leave Dublin and see something more of Ireland ask Marius to recommend a different trip unless you are really set on seeing the Cliffs "

Fantastic & Delicious!

"We had a blast with Ruairi on the Dublin Food tour. He was funny and engaging. My tour averse young adults even enjoyed themselves. I appreciated that he wove the food and history together, along with some fun personal stories. We had a great time and finished not being able to imagine eating again! "

Learned so much about Dublin

"Derek was a great guide and during our three hour walk with him around Dublin we learned so much about this wonderful city. He is very knowledgeable about the history of Dublin and Ireland and a really nice guy. "

Enjoy the Best of the Dublin Like a Local

Private & personalized tours in dublin with a local.

When you hit the road and land in a new city like Dublin, there's an exciting way to dive into its soul: personalized local tours. Forget the typical touristy routes – these tours are like having a local friend show you around all the cool spots.

Imagine having someone who lives and breathes Dublin spill its secrets. That's what local guides bring to the table. They know the hidden alleys, the best bites, and stories that never made it to the guidebooks. Whether you're into munching through food tours, wandering the city's streets, or going off the beaten path, a local guide hooks you up with a private tour that's authentically Dublin.

The best part? These tours are all about you. No herding in big groups or rushing through places you're not interested in. With private tours, you're the boss. Whether it's snapping pics at iconic landmarks, diving into history, or checking out the art scene, the tour is tuned to your vibes at your tempo.

But it doesn't stop at city limits. Day trips let you escape the urban jungle and explore nearby wonders. And if you're just setting foot in Dublin, kickstart tours give you a taste of everything. Think of it as a crash course in Dublin awesomeness, guided by a local who knows the city like the back of their hand.

So, next time you're in Dublin, ditch the ordinary. Grab a local tour and unlock the city's real magic – the stories, flavors, and places that make it uniquely Dublin. Get ready to explore like a local!

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• Day Trips in Dublin
• Food Tours in Dublin
• Sports & Leisure in Dublin
• Wildlife & Nature Experience in Dublin
• Walking Tours in Dublin
• Car Tours in Dublin
• Bike Tours in Dublin
• Short Tours in Dublin
• Half day Tours in Dublin
• Full day Tours in Dublin
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• Things To Do Tomorrow in Dublin
• Tours in Dublin

Tour de Mitología y Folclore

Queer Dublin Walking Tour

Original Dublin Walking Tour

Dublin Music Tour

Dublin Mythology & Folklore Tour

Tour gratis en Español

Free Walking Tour of Dublin

Why original dublin.

Because you’ve made it your mission to visit Dublin, and we’ve made it ours to ensure that you get more than a visit. We promise you more than just a great tour – We make our Dublin, your Dublin.

We’re Original Dublin, and our collective of accredited tour guides, writers, actors and musicians show people the beating heart of Dublin itself.  This is our hometown. We can give you a local perspective of our wonderful city. 

Winner of the 2022 Freetour.com award for ‘Most Original Tour’ & the Platinum Award for ‘Event Storytelling’ at the 2022 Eventex Awards. 

Elevate your trip with a unique Dublin Walking Tour. Book now for a stroll through Dublin City that you’ll never forget.

What Do Our Guests Say?

Our guide Keith was a great, funny, and full of knowledge.

Kate was fantastic! I couldn't have asked for a better guide. Very knowledgeable, very nice, very accommodating, and best of all very funny and with an awesome voice. Give that girl a raise, a promotion, and a Bentley!

Kate was an awesome storyteller and guide!! We loved it!

Tour fantastique avec le highlight and secret tour avev Keith, on a bien ri !!!!

Very nice tour! The guide Keith as the best humour and we ad a really great time learning about Dublin!!

A really nice tour, by foot, of the city with an entertaining and inspiring guide (Dan) who really knew what he was talking about. I can strongly recommend this tour.

Great and interesting tour with Keith. Loved his sense of humour 🙂

On my first day in Dublin, I decided to take this tour and I am thankful I did. Our guide was informative and friendly, not only giving us a brief history of the places we passed, but also advice on where to go and eat at next. I was able to get oriented with the city, as well as learn about Ireland and its history. I recommend this tour for any new or returning travelers.

Very happy with my great tour!

Excellent walking tour with Dan. We toured the Dublin Castle, the Christ Church Cathedral, the Temple Bar District, & O’Connell Avenue. Dan was very knowledgeable & took good care of our group. We received an education on the history of Ireland from the early Vikings to Modern Contemporary culture. Dan was willing to answer all of the group’s questions & provided us with many local recommendations. Excellent introduction for our Dublin experience!

6/29/24 UPDATE: I just took this tour a second time. Alan's enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor have only increased since I too this tour a couple of years ago. Thanks for a great time!! -- Alan guided us on the Fables and Folklore tour and it was great! We walked around central Dublin, stopping at relevant places while learning about the mythology of Ireland and how it continues to inform Irish culture. Additionally we got a great feel for Dublin city through stories of real-life characters from its past. A great time! Highly recommend!

My friend, her daughter, and I took the Mythology & Folklore tour this evening! Emily was our guide. She made sure the tour was funny, engaging, and interesting. We had a wonderful time. I’m headed back to Dublin in the fall with family and will definitely book another tour through Original Dublin.

Dan was a great tour guide. He brought us throughout the city to many great spots and discussed historic facts surrounding the city.

A brilliant tour, Gemma was a great story teller and despite it pouring with rain kept the tour energetic, captivating and fun

Marina lo ha hecho muy bien. Le ha puesto muchas ganas a pesar de que éramos 6 gatos bajo la lluvia. Ha contestado todas nuestras preguntas y ha llenado de anécdotas el recorrido haciéndolo muy dinámico. Soy Belén con el gmail de mi hija que yo tengo hotmail. 🙂

Ottima esperienza con la compagnia di una guida (ROSS) brillante, competente e coinvolgente, che ci ha permesso di attraversare fisicamente e nei suoi miti Dublino e l’Irlanda!

Daniela lo ha hecho genial

Daniela, ha estado fabulosa, genial muy recomendable

Daniela es excelente guía

Daniela ha estado genial. Nos ha encantado el tour.

¡Daniela estuvo fabulosa!

Daniela mola

Five stars because it's an original and "politically-incorrect" tour which depicts the true history of Ireland and its brave and proud people, against the foreign colonialism. My guide was Berry and he is great!

Helena was a lovely tour guide for Pride and Irelands history within the LGTBQI community! Highly recommend 🙂

This tour was so fun & I learned so much about the history and “personality” of the city of Dublin! Our tour guide, Alan, was absolutely fantastic- he shared so many stories & recommendations for the city. The best walking tour of a city I have ever done!

A great way to get a crash-course introduction to Dublin and Ireland history with a very knowledgeable leader and a decent amount of humor thrown in too! We had a little one along and easy strolling route as well.

Muy bien, Marina ha sido dinámica y nos a contado tanto historias como anécdotas. El tiempo ha pasado rápido. Muchas gracias

Marina ha sido una guía fantástica. Súper recomendable para visitar Dublín con muchas dosis de historia irlandesa y unos toques de humor

Muy bueno! Y Rebecca una genia! Tour super completo, divertido y con información que te da un panorama general de Dublin e Irlanda. Gracias!

Lovely tour, really was able to learn a lot about the area in such a short period of time. Our tour guide was super funny and relatable so the experience was great.

Like What You See?

Who are we.

We are Original Dublin – a local Dublin tour guide collective crafting experiences unlike any other in the city to ensure you get the best from your time in the Irish capital.

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• 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2