Historic Dublin
The essential introduction to the city, from Viking Dublin to the present day.
- Trinity College
- Dublin Castle
- Christ Church Cathedral
- Temple Bar
- The Ha'penny Bridge
Free walking tours of Dublin
See the Real Dublin with a Local Guide
Walk through a thousand years of history with Simon. The tour is free to book. At the end, you tip what you think it was worth.
- 2 to 3 hours on foot
- Small groups, 20 people max
- Pick a date that suits you
Planning a trip? You can book weeks or months ahead.
How it works
Free to Book. Pay What It Was Worth.
Request your tour
Choose a tour, a date and your group size. It takes a minute and costs nothing.
Simon confirms
Simon emails you within 24 hours with your start time and the exact meeting point.
Walk, then tip
Enjoy the tour. At the end, give whatever you feel it was worth. There's no minimum.
Tours
Choose Your Walk
Each tour has its own route, start and finish point. Simon sends you the meeting point when he confirms your booking.
Rebels & Revolution
The story of the 1916 Easter Rising and the fight for Irish independence, told on the streets where it happened.
- The GPO, O'Connell Street
- The Spire
- Garden of Remembrance
- Dublin Castle
- City Hall
Georgian Dublin
Elegant squares, famous doors, Oscar Wilde and the busiest shopping street in the city.
- Grafton Street
- St Stephen's Green
- Merrion Square
- Leinster House
- The Georgian doors
What you'll see
Dublin's Main Attractions
The landmarks every visitor should see, and the stories behind them.
Trinity College
Ireland's oldest university, founded in 1592, and home to the Book of Kells.
Dublin Castle
The seat of British rule in Ireland for over 700 years, handed over in 1922.
Christ Church Cathedral
Founded around 1030 by Dublin's Viking king, with a medieval crypt below.
Temple Bar
Cobbled lanes, live music and the city's liveliest pubs.
The Ha'penny Bridge
Built in 1816. Crossing it once cost half a penny.
The GPO
Headquarters of the 1916 Easter Rising. You can still see bullet marks on the columns.
St Stephen's Green
A Victorian park in the heart of the city, full of statues and stories.
Grafton Street
Dublin's famous shopping street, known for its buskers and Molly Malone.
Your guide
Hi, I'm Simon
I'm a Dubliner and a Fáilte Ireland Approved National Tour Guide, registered with Approved Tour Guides Ireland (ATGI). I love showing visitors my city: the famous landmarks, the hidden corners and the stories you won't find in a guidebook.
My tours cover the whole story, from Viking and medieval Dublin through the 1916 Rising to the modern city. This year alone, guests have left me over 80 five-star reviews on Tripadvisor, Google and Viator.
Before guiding, I spent a lifetime speaking to groups of every size. So you get a guide who is easy to hear, easy to follow and happy to answer any question.
Come for the history, stay for the stories. I'll see you on the streets of Dublin.
Simon O'Connor
Reviews
What Guests Say About Simon
Simon has earned over 80 five-star reviews this year on Tripadvisor, Google and Viator. Here are a few from Google.
"Simon was outstanding. Between his historical knowledge and personal narrative I felt like I'd lived in the city for years."
"Simon was the best tour guide! He did a great job at teaching us about the history while also making the tour fun. 10/10 recommend."
"Our tour guide Simon was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, patient, and just amazing in giving us the historical context and fun facts during the entire tour."
"Wonderful! Simon is a great, engaging tour guide. We had a lovely experience visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, and Dublin Castle."
"Simon was INCREDIBLE! He gave amazing commentary and unique storytelling throughout the history of Dublin."
"A great experience with Simon our tour guide! He even helped arrange a taxi to the pier at Dun Laoghaire. We couldn't have asked for more. Thank you!"
Book your free tour
Request a Date
Tell Simon when you'd like to go. He'll confirm by email within 24 hours with your start time and meeting point.
Questions
Good to Know
Is the tour really free?
Yes. Booking costs nothing and there's no fee on the day. At the end of the tour, you tip Simon whatever you think the tour was worth. That's how free walking tours work.
How much should I tip?
It's entirely up to you. There's no minimum.
Can I tip by card?
Yes. You can tip in cash (euro) or by card, whichever suits you.
Where does the tour start?
Each tour starts at a different spot in the city centre. Simon sends you the exact meeting point when he confirms your booking.
What if it rains?
This is Ireland, so tours go ahead rain or shine. Bring a jacket and comfortable shoes.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Children are welcome, and tours can be adjusted for families.
How far ahead can I book?
As far ahead as you like. Many visitors book before they fly to Ireland.
What if I need to cancel?
Just reply to Simon's confirmation email to let him know, so he can offer your place to someone else.