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Dublin Culture & history

Our most recommended Dublin Culture & history

Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey & Galway Day Tour

1. Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey & Galway Day Tour

Embark on a guided day trip to discover the iconic Cliffs of Moher by bus. Visit Galway and its stunning surrounding landscape and see famous landmarks, including Dunguaire Castle and Kilmacduagh Monastery. Depart Dublin at 6:45 AM and journey through the flat open plain of the Curragh. Pass the Irish National Stud thoroughbred horse breeding facility as your guide shares a wealth of history and information. Head to the ruins of Kilmacduagh Monastery and its roundhouse—unique for the way it leans over by more than 2 feet. Spend 15-20 minutes here. Then, arrive at the Cliffs of Moher for a view of the Atlantic Ocean and explore on your own for around 1.5 hours. Go to the visitor's centre for the interactive Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience with a large multimedia screen displaying a bird's-eye view from the cliffs, and a video from the underwater caves. Next, discover the lunar landscapes of The Burren with a 15–20-minute visit and hear about the many secrets of this atypical landscape, home to the warmest ground temperature in Ireland. Arrive in the city of Galway, where you will have around 1 hour to explore on your own. Discover its old-world charm on cobblestone streets that evoke an authentic Ireland of times gone by. Then drive along the coastal route of the Wild Atlantic Way to Kinvara, passing Dunguaire Castle and the 12 Bens mountain range along the way. Return to Dublin and get dropped off at the meeting point at around 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

From Dublin: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour

2. From Dublin: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour

Embark on a guided day trip through the lush pastures of Ireland from Dublin. Tour the vast Wicklow Mountains and see the monastery of Glendalough. Lose yourself in the medieval lanes of Kilkenny. Depart from Dublin and set off on a luxury bus to Glendalough. As you journey out of the city, your guide will fill you in on many interesting facts and fun stories about Dublin. Arrive at Glendalough, considered one of the most beautiful corners of Ireland. Enjoy an optional guided tour of the monastic settlement and some free time to explore the area or relax at a local café. The more adventurous can opt to take a hike to the Upper Lake and return via a boardwalk (approx. 2.5 km). The route takes you past the Lower Lake through a stunning nature trail that leads deep into the valley and on to the Upper Lake. Continue through the Wicklow Mountains. As you drive, your guide will tell you about its geology and history. Pass through famous movie locations featured in P.S. I Love You and Braveheart. Stop for a 10-minute photo opportunity at the Wicklow Gap before a scenic ride to Kilkenny. Once you reach Kilkenny, have free time to navigate the narrow lanes and historic buildings. Admire its extraordinary castle where you can picnic, or enjoy lunch in the local pubs. Then, join an optional guided tour of the city before making your way back to Dublin.

Dublin: Fast-Track Book of Kells Ticket & Dublin Castle Tour

3. Dublin: Fast-Track Book of Kells Ticket & Dublin Castle Tour

Discover the “most precious object in the western world,” according to the 1007 Chronicles of Ulster, on a cultural fast-track easy access tour of the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin. Meet your local Dublin guide at the main entrance to Trinity College and marvel at the rich ornamentation and dense symbolism of the 8th-century Book of Kells. This is an illuminated manuscript of the 4 Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Get up close and admire one of the finest examples of medieval illumination. On the second part of this fascinating tour visit the 12th-century Dublin Castle built by King John where your professional local English-speaking guide will show you all the exterior highlights including the Castle gardens, affording you one of the best tour experiences in Ireland. From Autumn/Fall 2023, the Library at Trinity College will be closed for renovations. The 9th-century Book of Kells will still be on display.

St Patrick's Cathedral: Self-Guided Cathedral Admission

4. St Patrick's Cathedral: Self-Guided Cathedral Admission

Built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it, Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. Built in 1220, the Cathedral is today the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, hosting sung services twice daily Sunday through Friday, and also serves as a popular visitor attraction. On view are a selection of artifacts relating to Jonathan Swift, the dean of the cathedral from 1713 to 1745 and author of Gulliver’s Travels. The cathedral also features a new Discovery Space with iPads playing samples of their choir and touch screen technology illuminating the cathedral’s long history. Perhaps more than any other building in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral embodies the history and heritage of all Irish people of all backgrounds from the earliest times to the present day.  

Irish Whiskey Museum: Guided Tour and Whiskey Tasting

5. Irish Whiskey Museum: Guided Tour and Whiskey Tasting

Embark on a journey through time in a historic setting, as the intriguing tale of Irish whiskey is revealed. Learn about its rise to glory, its dramatic fall and of course, its current revival. Experience a story never told before in such a unique setting, during an hour-long interactive experience. Daily guided tours unveil the humble beginnings of Irish whiskey, when a foul tasting liquid was used to ease the woes of a troubled and poor nation. Known originally in Gaelic as uisca beatha, over time it was translated to whiskee, and then to whiskey, as it is known today. Enjoy listening to entertaining storytellers as they take you through the magical tale. At the end of the tour there’s a generous whiskey tasting led by experienced master whiskey tasters, giving you the opportunity to sample a range of excellent Irish whiskeys and learn the subtle differences between them, discovering the unique flavors locked inside.

From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher and Galway City Full-Day Trip

6. From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher and Galway City Full-Day Trip

Witness the dramatic features of the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren on a full-day guided tour of Ireland’s west coast from Dublin. Explore the vibrant city of Galway and enjoy a pub lunch in Doolin. Depart from Dublin and learn about the region from your guide as you go west. Arrive at the Cliffs of Moher and follow the cliff path to the edge for breathtaking views over the Atlantic. Breathe in the ocean wind and hear the waves crashing below you. Explore on your own for 1.5 hours. Get a bird's-eye view of the cliffs and see the underwater caves on a large multimedia screen at the interactive Visitor Centre. Continue to the charming village of Doolin for lunch in a local pub and spot the Aran Islands in the distance along the way. Stop at The Burren for 15 to 20 minutes and get photos of its otherworldly landscape. See rare orchids and admire views of the Baby Cliffs.  Then, explore the vibrant city of Galway, known for its strong tradition of Irish music, language, and dance. You will have around 1 hour to explore on your own. Finish your day with the scenic journey back to Dublin. Expect jolly commentary, anecdotes, and even some Irish music to keep you entertained on the road back to the capital.

Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

7. Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

Visit Ireland’s most famous castle on a full-day tour from Dublin. Enjoy free time to explore the city of Cork and visit Blarney Castle. Stroll in the footsteps of St Patrick at the Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Meet your guide at Paddy's Palace in Dublin and hop aboard a comfortable and climate-controlled van for a scenic drive through green fields and dairy farms of the Golden Vale of County Cork. Enjoy panoramic views of the Galtee Mountains and County Tipperary. Stop in Cork on banks of the River Lee and spend an hour of free time exploring the city at your own pace. Have the option to visit the historic English Market, or marvel at the architecture of St. Finbarre’s Cathedral. Drive on to Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Blarney Stone. It’s said that if you kiss the stone you will receive the “gift of the gab” for 7 years. Pucker up and kiss the stone or snap a picture.  Explore the castle grounds and gardens to discover the Witch's Cave. Take advantage of the tax free shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills and craft shop. Step back in time at the evocative Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Depart for Dublin on a path through the Golden Vale of County Tipperary and arrive back in the city at night. 

From Dublin: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour

8. From Dublin: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour

Set off on board a luxury, air-conditioned bus and watch Dublin's urban cityscape give way to the rolling, green hills of the Irish countryside. Drive through several areas of interest, including the Galtee Mountains and the Curragh in County Kildare, which is home to Ireland's National Stud Farm. First, arrive at Blarney Castle which is known around the world for its famous Blarney Stone. Kiss the stone and receive the “gift of the gab." Be sure to explore the rest of Blarney Castle as well as its lush grounds and woodland walks. Discover the scenic Rock Close by taking the Wishing Steps.  Depart Cork and arrive at one of Ireland’s 7 Wonders, the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. Explore the Hall of Vicars, Cormack’s Chapel, the Celtic Cathedral, the Round Tower, and the surrounding grounds filled with ancient high crosses. Admire one of Ireland’s oldest Romanesque wall paintings inside this world-famous historical landmark. For your final stop of the day, visit one of Ireland's largest and best-preserved castles, Cahir Castle. The Castle was built in the 13th century, to house the Butler family. Built as a defensive castle it still boasts a lot of the original structure. Afterward, return to Dublin city center to complete your tour.

Dublin: Kilkenny, Wicklow, & Glendalough with Sheepdog trail

9. Dublin: Kilkenny, Wicklow, & Glendalough with Sheepdog trail

Admire the tower of Glendalough, the wild beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, and the medieval city of Kilkenny on a full-day guided tour from Dublin. Depart from Dublin and make your way directly to Kilkenny, a town that was once the medieval capital of Ireland. Enjoy walking down the cobbled streets and visit the Black Abbey and the Cathedral of Saint Canice. After that, travel through the Wicklow Mountains to your next stop. Visit the monastic site of Glendalough. Hollywood Blockbusters like ‘P.S. I Love You’ and ‘Braveheart’ have been filmed here. Explore the area renowned for its ruins, magnificent lakes, and waterfalls. Finally, head over to a sheepdog farm and watch a sheepdog herd with his master. Look at the Border Collies using a tactic called “The Eye” on sheep. Witness a shepherd and his dog at work and watch how they herd a flock of sheep.

Irish Whiskey Museum: Whiskey Blending Experience

10. Irish Whiskey Museum: Whiskey Blending Experience

Enter the Irish Whiskey Museum in Dublin for a fully guided tour and interactive tasting experience. Learn the origins of Irish whiskey and its rise to glory and dramatic fall before the current revival of the industry. Listen to wonderful stories told by entertaining guides as they take you back through the ages of Irish whiskey. See a unique collection of Irish whiskey memorabilia that dates back to the 1800s, mixed with a modern twist. This is one memory you are sure to savor. After your 45-minute tour, relax over 4 types of Irish whiskey in the modern tasting bar. Listen to a master blender's explanations about everything you need to know about producing and tasting whiskey.  Put your knowledge into practice and become a master blender yourself! Spend time crafting and sampling your own unique blend of Irish whiskey, and take home a personalized miniature bottle as a keepsake.

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What people are saying about Dublin

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 12,310 reviews

Gina and Goran are a dynamic duo! Gina provided excellent information along the way covering everything from Irish folklore to Irleand's history to landmarks to festivals in the area to places to eat! She had an amazing sense of humor and even got the bus to sing along to a song (obviously not required, but how can you say no to such an amazing tour guide?) On our trip we visited the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and a few photo opportunities along the way. This was, by far, better than I could have expected! I highly recommend booking a tour with her specifically!! Goran was an excellent driver also! No swaying on the crazy Irish roads (I am easy to get car sick and had no issues). I highly recommend these two for your next tour of Ireland!

Such an inspirational and enriching experience! Since the moment we started the trip we were given interesting details of the history of Ireland and the most popular Irish tales. We were delighted with this perfect playlist of folkloric and recent Irish music. All the information given in each stop was super useful. And I think the timing was perfect. The collection and drop point were great and centric. Our driver JP and PJ the guide, were incredibly nice! I wish I was half as skillful driving my automatic 3 doors car as he is driving a bus.

Even in the winter, it was a wonderful trip. It's a looooong trip but worth the time. Bring some snacks and water, just in case.

Sylvie was amazing, best walking tour we’ve ever been on, made our trip to Dublin!

Amazing experience thanks to CJ our guide and JP our driver.