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Dublin Culture & history

Our most recommended Dublin Culture & history

From Dublin: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour

1. 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.

St Patrick's Cathedral: Self-Guided Cathedral Admission

2. 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.  

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.

Dublin: Boyne Valley with Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne Entry

4. Dublin: Boyne Valley with Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne Entry

The Boyne Valley and the Boyne River extend through the counties of Meath and Louth in the east of Ireland to the sea at Drogheda. Explore this historically important and wonderfully scenic area on a guided tour from Dublin. This tour includes your entrance fee and skip the queue at Newgrange Monument and Bru Na Boinne. Discover the sites and monuments in this area that date back over 5,000 years.  Learn about the story of Ireland and the Irish people that can be traced back in this valley to the first Neolithic settlers and their megalithic tombs and to the Celts and their pagan beliefs. Continue to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre for about 1.5 hours. The Battle of the Boyne in 1690 was the deciding battle not just for the ruling class in Ireland but also in Britain and Europe. It explains the troubles of Northern Ireland and why it is celebrated each year on July 12th by the Loyalist community. Uncover the story of the battle that would eventually lead to displacement of Irish Celts and their culture throughout the Island of Ireland. It was also a battle for the Throne of England between the catholic King James II and the Protestant King of Holland (William of Orange). Finally, reach Monasterboice for a half hour stop. Head to the “monastery of Buithe,” a 5th century monastic site founded by St Buithe which includes two churches built in the 14th century and a Round Tower from the 10th century, but it is most famous for its Celtic High Crosses. Admire the round tower which is about 28 meters tall, and is in very good condition. It was likely built shortly after 968 and damaged in a fire in 1098. The three high crosses date from the 10th century and form part of the scriptural group (showing biblical scenes). Take in the 5.5-metre Muiredach's High Cross that is regarded as the finest high cross in the whole of Ireland. It features Biblical Carvings from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.It is named after an abbot, Muiredach mac Domhnaill, who died in 923. Relax on the drive back to Dublin at around 5:30 PM.

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.

Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

6. 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. 

Dublin: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum Entrance Ticket

7. Dublin: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum Entrance Ticket

Explore the emigration history of Ireland at the world's first fully digital museum in Dublin, winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2019, 2020, and 2021. Learn how 10 million people have left the island over the centuries through the amazing exhibitions at the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Follow the dramatic story of how the people of Ireland have left home to settle around the globe, and how they changed the world along the way. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure and discovery the world has ever known as you explore the 20 state-of-the-art galleries. Located in the CHQ building in the historic docklands, the museum brings these amazing stories to life in a unique and spectacular way. Experience this digital and interactive award-winning technology and receive a souvenir passport to take home at the end of your visit.

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.

Christ Church Cathedral Entrance Ticket & Self-Guided Tour

9. Christ Church Cathedral Entrance Ticket & Self-Guided Tour

Journey back in time by almost 1,000 years as you enter Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. Built circa 1028, the sacred monument is perfectly located in the heart of the city's medieval center and features a beautiful interior and the largest crypt in Ireland. Constructed in the early 12th century, and the oldest structure still in use in Dublin today, the crypt is home to some fascinating memorials and curiosities. Look at the treasury, and see the mummified cat and rat. According to cathedral lore, the cat chased the rat into the pipe of an organ and both became stuck. They are mentioned by James Joyce in "Finnegans Wake" and are known locally - with typical Dublin wit - as "Tom and Jerry." Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who beat a path to the church in the Middle Ages. Learn about the important collection of relics in the church. Admire the stained glass windows and medieval floor tiles of the nave. 

Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges & Titanic Guided Tour

10. Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges & Titanic Guided Tour

With an early start in Dublin this tour is designed to take you to the best locations in Northern Ireland to ensure with the limited time you have that you will make the most of the day ahead. Enjoy a relaxed journey and listen to the stories and history from the guide as we take you on an adventure you will never forget. The first stop of the day is at the Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO world heritage site is truly a view to behold. With Thousand of interlocking basalt columns spreading across the coastline you will discover how the strange rock formation was formed thousands of years ago due to a volcanic eruption. Or maybe it is the legend Finn McCool himself that created the rock formation as he battled with the Scottish Giant? Dunluce castle is just around the corner. Spend 10 min here taking in the views from the Atlantic Ocean and hear the waves crash against the rocks. Experience the castle from a spectacular angle. Situated on the sheer cliff edge the ruins are truly majestic and have a lot of history and myths locked up in the walls. A perfect spot for a memorable photograph! As we travel through the Glens of Antrim we will visit the Dark Hedges. Made famous (Not that it was needed) by the hit TV series “ Game of Thrones” as the Kings road you will have the opportunity to walk along the avenue of Beech trees. Planted over 200 years ago as a stunning entrance to James Stuart’s new house it still lives on and still impress visitors today. Reaching Belfast we have one last stop and definitely another highlight of the day. The world renowned Belfast Titanic Exhibition extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition. From special effects, rides, full-scale reconstructions and interactive features you will explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day in the Ocean Exploration Centre. With the entrance ticket included in the price of the tour this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this attraction. When time allows we will stop in Belfast city to have a quick break before heading back to Dublin, where you will be home in good time to have a great night out to finish a great day out!

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What people are saying about Dublin

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 12,310 reviews

Such a great day seeing & learning about the history of Dublin, Glendalough & Kilkenny. Pat our guide was the best! Super knowledgeable and also very personable. He made the day that much better! And thank you Arnas for getting us to and from safely!

It was briliantThe tourist guide was impressive as he told the history.The atmosphere on the bus, the Irish music and the scenery were all wonderfull.Thank you it was a wonderful ,exited day

It was a worthwhile tour for the price. The guide had a lot of knowledge and I enjoyed listening to the story.

The Tour was perfect, Thanks to our Guide Pat & our busdriver Aghnus ^^

A very knowledgeable guide who was enthusiastic about whiskey.