Your Dublin layover.
Planned in minutes.

Attraction stop (50 mins)

Our first pub is one of only two pubs in the Temple Bar area that aren't full of tourists. A great traditional Irish music pub with an impressive beer and whiskey selection, and great staff to boot! If you haven't dined, this first stop is a great place to have a meal. Just tell us in advance so we can reserve a table!

Attraction stop (15 mins)

Visting the campus. If you want to visit the Old Library and Book of Kells, please book our 5hr tour '(Nearly!) All of Dublin in 5 hours'. Access to the campus is limited to groups of 8 or fewer unless tickets for the Old Library are purchased in advance (these are Trinity's rules).

Attraction stop (15 mins)

Although on this tour we will only visit more offbeat traditional pubs, we will pass by Temple bar – the heart or Dublin's nightlife. Stroll the cobbled streets of the famous Temple Bar area. Your guide will show you the real local spots (street art, bohemian shops) and hidden gems of what is a overty touristy area.

Attraction stop (20 mins)

We will explore the grounds of Dublin Castle (upper and lower courtyards, Chapel Royal, Dubh Linn Gardens) without needing to explore any interiors, which can only be availed of through an official Dublin Castle tour

Attraction stop (15 mins)

Along with St Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church is a remarkable example of Dublin's medieval religious architecture. We'll be visiting the exterior only.

Attraction stop (10 mins)

Rounding the corner an up the cobblestoned Castle Street, we enter the upper courtyard of Dublin Castle, the nerve centre of power and centre of government administration in Ireland for more than 700 years from the Anglo Norman conquest to the end of was under British rule in 1922. While taking a brief break from commentary in compliance with local regulations, you can take some keepsake photos as you Marvel at the juxtaposition of 18th and 12th century architecture where remnants of early Norman rule remain. As we exit the courtyard, you'll listen to the story of the great 16th century escape of the last of the Gaelic chiefs from the still fully intact Record Tower, and learn about the famous 19th century writer who once worked here.

Attraction stop (10 mins)

Proceeding to the rear of the castle, we visit the circular garden that was once the "dark pool" which gives Dublin its name. Here, we will pass such stored landmarks as the Garda Memorial, David & Goliath Statue, the Coachouse, the Special Olympics tribute and the Chester Beatty Museum and Library. Located where once was the black pool (Dubh Linn) from which Dublin gets its name, you'll here stories spanning the medieval Viking times right up to the present day. There is an opportunity here for comfort and refreshment breaks, picture taking, and perhaps making a note to return at another time to delve deeper into free admission exhibits here.

Attraction stop (10 mins)

Our first fully intact section of Norman walls, this time forming the southern perimeter of the medieval city. Stories and anecdotes abound at arguably Dublin's most interesting street corner. Orientate yourself with the creative maps of the medieval walls engraved into the stone pillar mounted metal plates, and gaze along our first intact section of the original walls forming part of the outer perimeter of Medieval Dublin. We'll stand beneath the plaque bearing the name of Jonathan Swift, the famous 18th century writer, philanthropist and Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral who was born close to this spot. We are now in an area once known as Little Italy, having been home to many Italian migrants on the 19th century. You'll hear some peculiar anecdotes about mis-translated street names and suffragette protests.

Attraction stop (10 mins)

The rival to Christchurch Cathedral, stop off to take in the views of the majestic cathedral and gardens, where we'll trace the turbulent history from the Vikings, through to the Normans, the reformation, Oliver Cromwell, Guinness, and to the fine cathedral and gardens that we admire and enjoy today. An outdoor cafe and plentiful garden seating may tempt, if weather and time permit.