Best Dublin Tours
From guided walking tours and sightseeing excursions to day trips and everything in between, find your perfect adventure in Dublin.
If you're planning a visit to Ireland, you'll want to see some of Dublin's top attractions.
One of the best ways to learn about a new destination and see some of its iconic landmarks is to take a guided tour.
Dublin is a popular European city that has a tour for everyone's needs and interests.
So, what are the best tours in Dublin? Let's find out.
Popular Dublin Tour Types
Before diving into it, we want to outline what are the most popular tour types in Dublin.
Most visitors start with classic walking tours that range from historical tours to hidden gems or myths and legends.
These tours are popular among first-time visitors who have just arrived and want to get familiar with the city.
Another huge category is beer and whiskey-tasting tours, which are extremely popular in the capital city of Ireland.
As Dublin is a big city with a diverse culture, food tours are popular as well.
Sightseeing tours are ideal for visitors who don't want to navigate the city on their own but want to see every major attraction Dublin has to offer.
Lastly, we can't fail to mention day tours from Dublin.
This tour type is perfect for those who want to stay in Dublin but want to explore some of the most iconic places outside the city.
Recommended Dublin Tours
It's difficult to go wrong with any of the guided tours described below.
If you ask us what we consider three essential tours in Dublin, our list would include the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Historical Walking Tour, and Book of Kells Tour.
Plus, we would strongly recommend the Cliffs of Moher Day Trip.
Dublin Pass
Keep in mind that some of the selected tours are included in the Dublin Pass.
This sightseeing pass gives free access to over 35 city's top attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse or Hop-on Hop-off Bus.
Depending on what you want to see, it can be a great bargain that saves a lot of money, especially if you want to explore many paid attractions.
Walking Tours
No matter how many days you plan to spend in Dublin, an informative walking tour is always a great way to start your vacation.
The knowledgeable guides know every corner of the city and are often great entertainers with typical Irish humor.
A Dublin Historical Walking Tour offers a great way to immerse yourself in the city's rich past and unravel its fascinating history through your guide's stories.
You will also see famous places such as Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, City Hall, and the Medieval City along the way.
Alternatively, you can learn about Dublin's Mythology and Folklore or discover Dublin's Highlights and Hidden Gems.
If you're visiting Ireland on a budget, consider taking a free walking tour. Most good hostels offer a free walking tour, so just ask at the front desk what they offer. Just remember that a small tip is appreciated.
Bike Tour
Despite the first impression, Dublin is trying to be a bike-friendly city. Dublin is mostly flat, and there are good cycling routes, meaning getting around on a bike is really easy.
If you need to stretch your legs, combine your sightseeing with a bit of exercise by taking a Dublin Bike Tour.
Grab a bike and ride along some of Dublin's most iconic attractions with a local guide who will share tons of interesting information and fun stories along the way.
Simply put, you will discover the best of Dublin in a relatively short amount of time. An E-Bike Dublin Tour is also available if you want to make your life a bit easier.
Self-Guided Tour
In our opinion, Dublin is a very tourist-friendly city. It's easy to get around Dublin on foot, public transport is affordable and reliable, and there are tons of amazing places to see.
On top of that, Dublin is safe to visit, which is essential in having a stress-free trip.
If you're a budget traveler, why not explore the city on your own?
In this case, make sure to read our comprehensive Dublin Travel Guide, which includes all essential information for first-time visitors.
On top of that, check out this post on free things to do in Dublin that includes great tips for those traveling on a super tight budget.
Dublin Food Tour
There is a lot to see in Dublin. If you're a foodie or stay in the town a little longer, consider taking a popular Dublin Food Tour.
Depending on the tour you choose, you will get a chance to taste traditional Irish cuisine, learn about the local culinary scene, try authentic street food, peek inside food shops, explore the market, sample craft beers, and visit some of the popular local restaurants.
One of the best things we like about this type of tour is that it's not just about the food. You will experience Dublin's unique atmosphere, discover hidden gems, and learn more about Irish culture and history.
If you think regular food tours are boring, what about this Dublin Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip?
Where to Stay in Dublin
With so much history and beautiful sights, Dublin is a great destination for all types of visitors.
Accommodation ranges from simple B&Bs and affordable hostels to modern mid-range chain hotels and 5-star luxury establishments set inside historic buildings.
Most of the best hotels in Dublin are located within the city center, making the task of finding an ideal hotel easy.
Budget | Jacobs Inn Hostel - Located opposite Connoly Station, this affordable hostel is a great choice for budget-minded travelers. It has modern private rooms and dormitories with pods, lockers in the rooms, clean facilities, and friendly staff.
Mid-range | Wren Urban Nest - Located only a short walk from Trinity College, this hotel boasts modern rooms, an amazing breakfast, a beautiful design, a boutique feel, and a convenient location.
Luxury | The Fitzwilliam Hotel - This stylish hotel is a popular choice among travelers seeking luxurious accommodation. It's located in the city center and has everything you need for a truly exceptional stay.
Book of Kells Tour
Housed in a small museum in Trinity College, the Book of Kells is Ireland's one of the most valuable treasures.
Book of Kells is an ancient manuscript consisting of the four Gospels and featuring intricate illustrations. It's believed that the illuminated manuscript was created around 800 CE.
This museum is easy to visit on your own, but the narrated guided tours bring the past back to life.
Don't forget that the stunning Long Room is included in a visit. This old library is home to some nice sculptures of famous scholars and more than 200,000 books.
The most popular Book of Kells Tour also includes Dublin Castle, the former seat of British Administration in Ireland.
By the way, you can also take a Trinity College tour that is often narrated by local students.
You will learn about the history, architecture, campus, and some of the most famous students who attended this university.
Hop-On Hop-Off Dublin Tour
For travelers pressed for time, a hop-on hop-off tour is a great way to see some of the city's most popular sights and landmarks.
Catching a ride on the traditional double-decker bus is especially fun on a warm sunny day when you can just sit back and enjoy some of Dublin's most famous attractions.
This well-rated Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour features the most comprehensive route with about 25 stops at all the major attractions every tourist should see on their first visit to Dublin.
Expect to see Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, The Irish Emigration Museum, Phoenix Park, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and much more.
The most popular tour companies usually offer 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour bus tickets.
River Liffey Sightseeing Tour
Dublin river cruises are less popular than walking tours and other organized experiences. However, they offer a unique way to explore Ireland's capital.
River Liffey has always played an important role in Dublin's history, stretching from the first Viking raiders and early settlers to modern-day citizens and even tourists.
The most popular River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise is surprisingly fairly short but gets right to the point.
The boat trip is concise, informative, and relatively affordable. You will learn interesting, fun facts and see some of the most iconic landmarks along the way.
Guinness Storehouse Tour
From all the Dublin tours, excursions, and day trips on this list, Guinness Storehouse is a must-do. This iconic brewery produces one of the most famous beers in the world and is pretty much on every Dublin itinerary.
The company was founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759. It is located in central Dublin in the old fermentation plant in the St. James's Gate Brewery.
Guinness Storehouse can be easily explored on a self-guided tour at your own pace. You will learn about the brewing process and brewery history and have the classic stout beet at the Gravity Bar.
If you're a beer fan, the brewery offers a few more types of guided tours.
Booking a tour or ticket can often be a spontaneous decision. Guinness Storehouse is an exception.
Booking your Guinness Storehouse Tour in advance is recommended. The tickets sell out fast every day, and you will be able to choose the next available slot.
Dublin Pub Crawl
Dublin offers a wide choice of traditional pubs and bars, which you can easily explore on your own. However, joining a pub crawl may be a great idea if you're looking for a fun and memorable night out in Dublin.
Pub crawls offer one of the best ways to explore the thriving pub scene and vibrant nightlife. And Dublin is no exception.
The most popular Dublin Pub Crawls take place in the famous Temple Bar, a small neighborhood by the River Liffey. On a single night, you will visit some of the most popular bars and pubs within this area.
In a nutshell, you will familiarize yourself with the selection of local drinks, soak in the atmosphere, and explore new establishments.
However, the main goal is socializing and meeting new friends during the evening. That's why pub crawls are so popular among solo travelers and are often organized by hostels.
It's recommended that you should try to drink responsibly when doing a pub crawl, at least if you want to leave with lasting memories.
Jameson Whiskey Distillery
Founded in 1780 by John Jameson, the distillery on Bow Street is today one of the most popular attractions in Dublin.
Jameson is by far the most famous and biggest whiskey producer in Ireland, and their tours provide a fantastic insight into the world of whiskey and the company's history.
The most popular tour is the regular James Distillery Experience, though you can also take more specialized tours such as Secret Whiskey Tasting or Jameson Black Barrel Bottle Your Own.
If you want to learn about different brands, choose between Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Pearse Lyons Distillery, Roe and Co, and the Irish Whiskey Museum.
By the way, the whiskey is produced in Cork's Midleton Distillery, which you can visit as well!
Here you will find tips on the best whiskey tours in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Cliffs of Moher
While it may be tempting to spend your entire holiday in Dublin, the choices do not end there.
Ireland is a relatively small country. You can drive to the other side of the island and back in one day and visit some stunning locations along the way. It's going to be a long day, but it's totally doable.
Cliffs of Moher is a fine example of a long but unforgettable day trip from Dublin. These majestic cliffs protecting the west coast and towering about 200 meters above the Atlantic Ocean are one of Ireland's top attractions.
While you can rent a car in Dublin and see the cliffs on your own, taking a tour is much more convenient.
This extremely popular and well-rated Cliffs of Moher Tour also includes Kilmacduagh Abbey and Galway.
There is obviously so much more to see around Dublin, with some places being just a short drive from the city. Some of the best day tours from Dublin are the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Powerscourt, or Bru na Boinne.
Northern Ireland Tour
There is one more place you should consider exploring when staying in Dublin. Yes, we're talking about Ireland's northern neighbor.
Our epic Ireland road trip itinerary includes Northern Ireland, but not every traveler has time to drive around the whole island.
For those pressed for time, Northern Ireland is another great tip for a day tour from Dublin. Again, you will spend the whole day on the road, but it's well worth the effort.
When taking a Northern Ireland Tour, you will get a chance to see remarkable places such as Giants Causeway, the Dark Hedges, or Dunluce Castle.
If everything goes smoothly, you should have enough time to make a stop at Belfast, where you can also visit the Titanic Experience.
Similar to Cliffs of Moher, you can get there by car independently. Given the amount of time you spend on the road, organized trips are the way to go.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
