Planning a dream trip to Ireland? Then you’ll no doubt be spending time in the country’s capital of Dublin. This fascinating city is one of the most popular cities in Europe and it’s easy to see why! Not only is it famous for being a UNESCO ‘City of Literature’, but you’ll find plenty of awesome Dublin tours you should add to your bucket list!
For those short of time, the best way to explore Dublin is by taking advantage of the city’s many tours. This way, you’ll have a local guide with you who will teach you so much about this incredible destination and its iconic landmarks. Thanks to its central location, Dublin is also a great city for day trips, so you can always head out to explore the nearby counties.
This epic guide covers the top-rated tours in Dublin that you need to be aware of. Whether you’re looking to head out on a river cruise, try the local cuisine, or explore ancient castles, there’s an option for everyone. Below, I’ve included a variety of tours, each in a different category, so you’re sure to find something to your liking. So let’s dive right in!
- Companies Providing Dublin Tours
- OVERALL TOP 5 Best Tours in Dublin
- Top-Rated 10 Best Tours in Dublin
- Best Private Tours in Dublin: Dublin Private Walking Tour
- Best Boat Tours in Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise
- History Tours in Dublin: Historical 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Dublin
- Top Food Tours Dublin: Irish Food Trail – Walking Tour of Dublin
- Fun Ghost Tours in Dublin: The Dublin Ghostbus Tour
- Whiskey Tours in Dublin: Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings
- Bike Tours in Dublin: See Dublin By Bike
- Best Day Tours from Dublin: Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin
- Pub Tours in Dublin: Generation Pub Crawl
- 14. Castle Tours from Dublin: Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin
- Best Dublin Tours Conclusion
Companies Providing Dublin Tours
There are many travel agencies out there providing tours in Dublin, but the best two by far are Get Your Guide and Viator, whose tours are featured in this article. Both of these companies have exceptional ratings on Trustpilot, excellent customer service, and offer lots of affordable tours with a very easy and simple booking experience.
Get Your Guide is one of the top options because they work with high-quality tours and offer flexible cancelation policies. This company has been providing top-notch tours and excursions all over the world for more than 12 years and is known for its highly professional and friendly tour guides.
Viator is also a safe and reliable option that provides a 24-hour flexible cancellation policy. They are part of TripAdvisor and offer 200,000+ affordable tours worldwide and multilingual customer service.
OVERALL TOP 5 Best Tours in Dublin
This hop-on hop-off bus tour offers you one of the best ways to explore Dublin. You can opt for a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket, and the bus stops at all of the city’s major attractions. This includes Trinity College, Phoenix Park, and Merrion Street. As you make your way around Dublin, you can listen to live commentary which is available in several languages. Your entrance fee to the Little Museum of Dublin is also included.
You’ll find plenty of incredible tours in Dublin, but this walking tour is one of the best options! It’s run by Finn McCools Tours and will allow you to see most of the city’s famous landmarks in one go. This includes the Daniel O’Connell statue, Trinity College, the Christchurch Cathedral, and the GPO Museum.
Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour
This 12-hour tour is one of the most popular tour options from Dublin. You’ll be exploring Northern Ireland and will get to visit several iconic locations. This includes the Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and NI’s capital – Belfast. All your transport is included and there will be live commentary onboard too. This is a great option if you’re after a tour that will sort all the logistics for you.
Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey & Galway Day Tour
This fantastic 13-hour tour is perfect for those who are short of time. Not only will you get to visit the famous Cliffs of Moher, but you’ll also explore Galway City, Kilmacduagh Abbey, and The Burren. All your transport is included, and you’ll benefit from onboard live commentary throughout your trip. Your Cliffs of Moher entrance ticket is also included, but you’ll need to pay for your own food.
Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City
For those who want to explore some of Ireland’s other awesome destinations, check out this full-day tour from Dublin. You’ll be traveling along the famous Wild Atlantic Way and will get to visit some of its iconic attractions. This includes the Cliffs of Moher, Galway City, and Burren National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass by some other sights too including Dungaire Castle and Bunratty Castle.
Top-Rated 10 Best Tours in Dublin
Best Private Tours in Dublin: Dublin Private Walking Tour
Why Take This Tour:
This awesome private walking tour is an awesome addition to any Dublin itinerary! You’ll wander through the city, and learn about its history and culture without the presence of 10-15 other people. This means you’ll have the guide’s full attention and you’ll be able to ask them any questions you may have.
This tour will take you past several of Dublin’s iconic landmarks too including Trinity College, Temple Bar, and the Molly Malone Statue. Other locations you’ll visit include the GPO Museum, Ha’penny Bridge, and Grafton Street. The only attraction you’ll need to pay for is the GPO Museum if you’d like to go in.
- Thanks to the local guide, you’ll get a unique insight into the city
- Your guide will give you insider tips on where to eat and visit
- You’ll have a more personalized experience
Best Boat Tours in Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise
Why Take This Tour:
This 45-minute sightseeing cruise will take you along the River Liffey. As you cruise along, you’ll get to marvel at Dublin’s iconic monuments from the river. This includes the famous Temple Bar, Ha’penny Bridge, and Custom House. The River Liffey is rather impressive in itself and will take you past historic neighborhoods, so make sure you take plenty of photographs.
If you’ve only got one day in Dublin then try to squeeze this tour into your itinerary! Not only will you be treated to scenic views, but you’ll get to learn about the city’s history, dating right back to the arrival of the Vikings.
- You’ll get to admire the city from a unique perspective
- On this tour, you’ll learn so much about Dublin’s history
- This river cruise is wheelchair accessible
History Tours in Dublin: Historical 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Dublin
Why Take This Tour:
There are plenty of fantastic tours in Dublin but none of them are quite like this historical walking tour! It’s the city’s longest-established walking tour as it’s been around since 1986. You’ll get to visit some of Dublin’s most important landmarks including Trinity College, the City Hall, and Temple Bar, and will learn about the city’s fascinating history along the way.
On this 2-hour tour, you’ll also get to learn about the events that have shaped Ireland as a country. This includes the Potato Famine, the War of Independence, and the 1916 Rising. Your guide will delve into the Northern Ireland Peace Process too and what that meant for the city.
- Some of the entrance fees are included
- The guides are highly educated when it comes to the city’s history
- You’ll also get to learn about some of Ireland’s most complex events
Top Food Tours Dublin: Irish Food Trail – Walking Tour of Dublin
Why Take This Tour:
If you’re looking to try some of Ireland’s best dishes, then check out this Irish Food Trail tour. The tour lasts for around three hours, and you’ll get to visit some of the city’s most popular restaurants and pubs. Your guide will also take you to some fantastic hidden gems, so you’ll be sorted for the rest of your trip when it comes to food options.
Not only will you get to sample some of the local delights, but this tour also includes wine-tasting and craft beers. As such, this food tour offers excellent value for money, so why not include it in your Dublin itinerary?
- You’ll get to sample the very best Irish cuisine
- Your local guide will give you insider tips on Dublin’s foodie scene
- The minimum drinking age for this tour is 18 so just keep that in mind
Fun Ghost Tours in Dublin: The Dublin Ghostbus Tour
Why Take This Tour:
For those after something a bit scary, then check out this Dublin Ghostbus tour. On this tour, you’ll get to learn about some of the city’s most terrifying tales, listen to ghost stories, and understand the real origins of Dracula. Bram Stoker was actually born in Dublin which is really interesting!
Along the way, you’ll visit some creepy and haunted locations including the Hellfire Clubroom, the Victorian Theatre, and St. Kevin’s Graveyard. The onboard guides are fantastic storytellers, so prepare to be thoroughly spooked during this epic tour. They’ll dive into the city’s most intriguing and gruesome tales, so make sure you’re listening carefully!
- Your guide will teach you all about Dublin’s darkest tales and histories
- You’ll benefit from a free walking tour that usually costs €20
- Unfortunately, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or children under the age of 14
Whiskey Tours in Dublin: Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings
Why Take This Tour:
Ireland is known for its whisky, and for the best experience, you’ll want to head on this Jameson Whisky Distillery Tour. You’ll be going on a guided tour of one of the world’s most famous distilleries and will get to learn all about the iconic Jameson Whisky. There are three different experiences to enjoy, and you’ll be exploring the original Bow Street buildings.
What’s great about this distillery tour is that whisky tasting and a cocktail are both included. So just make sure you don’t have to drive anywhere afterward, so you can truly enjoy the experience! At the end of the tour, you can head to the shop and even purchase a personalized bottle of whisky if you wish!
- Whisky tasting is included with the tour
- You’ll get to have a signature Jameson cocktail
- The distillery tour has a maximum capacity of 10 people so won’t feel crowded
Bike Tours in Dublin: See Dublin By Bike
Why Take This Tour:
You’ll want to check out this incredible Dublin bicycle tour if you’re looking to see a lot of the city in just a short amount of time. Your guide will take you past many of the city’s top attractions including Dublin Castle, the Guinness Brewery, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Temple Bar. You’ll also be cycling through traditional Georgian streets, so you’ll get to admire the architecture as you head past.
As you stop at the locations, your guide will delve into the history of the area. Not only that, but they’ll take you to some fantastic hidden spots including Blessington Street Basin and the Roe Distillery’s Windmill.
- You’ll get to refuel with snacks throughout the bike ride
- As Dublin is a relatively flat city, this tour won’t be challenging
- The minimum age for this tour is 14 so just keep that in mind
Best Day Tours from Dublin: Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin
Why Take This Tour:
This fantastic day trip from Dublin is undeniably one of the best options if you’re looking to get out of the city. You’ll be departing Dublin early so you can make the most of your day, and will then get to visit a variety of awesome destinations. This includes Kilkenny City (and its castle), Wicklow Mountains National Park, The Wicklow Gap, and Glendalough.
While on this tour, you’ll also get to experience a working Irish sheep farm. Here, you’ll get to watch a sheepdog demonstration and mingle with the farmer’s animals including the dogs. If you’re short of time in Ireland, then this action-packed tour is one of your best options!
- You’ll be traveling around in a luxury, air-conditioned coach
- Guided walking tours of Kilkenny Medieval City & Glendalough Monastic Site are included
- You’ll get to visit a variety of destinations in just one day
Pub Tours in Dublin: Generation Pub Crawl
Why Take This Tour:
Ireland as a country is famous for its pub scene and the capital city of Dublin is no different. For the best experience, check out this Generation Pub Crawl tour as you’ll get to visit the city’s top venues. You’re guaranteed to have a brilliant evening if you hop on this pub crawl, as you’ll get to appreciate the local culture and meet new people.
On this tour, you’ll visit five venues in total where you’ll benefit from skip-the-line entry. Along the way, you’ll listen to live Irish music, party with your new friends, and meet the locals. Don’t forget about the free drinks either!
- This tour includes free shots, a complimentary pint of Guinness, and discounts on other drinks
- Your guide will take you to Dublin’s best nightlight spots
- You need to be at least 19 years of age to participate in this tour
14. Castle Tours from Dublin: Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin
Why Take This Tour:
Ireland is full of fascinating ancient castles but one of the most popular has to be Blarney Castle. This day trip from Dublin will take you to this iconic Castle which dates back over 600 years. While here, you’ll have the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, which in turn is supposed to grant you the gift of eloquence.
On this awesome tour, you’ll also visit the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle; both of which are located in County Tipperary. As the coach takes you to these destinations, make sure you appreciate the amazing views along the way. Trust me, you’ll be blown away by the country’s beauty.
- You’ll be traveling around in a luxury, air-conditioned coach
- Entrance fees to Blarney Castle are included
- You’ll get to visit three of Ireland’s most popular attractions in one day
Best Dublin Tours Conclusion
As you can see there are so many fantastic tours in Dublin. Whether you’re looking to try the local cuisine, visit the city’s most popular attractions, or learn about Dublin’s eerie history, there’s honestly something for everyone.
The tours you choose will all depend on how much time you have in the city. If you’ve only got one day in Dublin then you’ll want to opt for short tours, so you’ve got a chance to explore some of the landmarks self-guided. For those who have longer, then why not head out of the city on a day trip or two? This way you’ll get to visit some of the most famous landmarks in Ireland!
If you’ve got any further questions about the best tours in Dublin then don’t hesitate to reach out. Simply leave a comment below, or feel free to add additional tours that you’ve experienced!
If you are planning a trip to Ireland, you will love these articles:
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- Dingle Peninsula Drive
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