Best of · HISTORY WALKING TOURS IN IRELAND
The 14 best history walking tours in Ireland you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and how much of it is on foot. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Meet opposite Trinity College for a two-hour Dublin history walk led by a history postgraduate guide. Visit Trinity, Temple Bar, Wood Quay, the Four Courts, Christ Church Cathedral, City Hall, and Dublin Castle. The Book of Kells entry is not included, and the group can reach 25 people.
“Our guide was very knowledgeable and open to questions. We learned so much about the history and culture of Ireland.”
Walk central Dublin with history graduates from Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. Expect Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, City Hall, the Medieval City, and stories linking the Potato Famine, 1916 Rising, War of Independence, and Peace Process. Guides such as Daragh, Jodie, and Colm add wit and personality.
“excellent tour for someone who has an understanding of the broad brush of Irish history and would like to know a little more about the places and personalities.”
Walk Dublin’s cobbled streets with guides linked to Paranormal Study and Investigation of Ireland. Hear the stories of Darkey Kelly, the Green Lady of St. Audoen’s, the Dolocher, and Hell, with guides such as Darragh, Lydia, Finn, and Kate bringing the city’s darker past to life.
“Our guide was very knowledgeable and had a lot of information about each stop we went to. Very personable and answered our personal questions as well. I honestly wish this tour was longer because it was so interesting!”
Start with donuts at The Rolling Donut, then walk through Dublin for churros and more treats at three local stops. Guides such as Erin, Jody, Patrick, and Niamh mix city history with friendly stories. The tour ends near the River Liffey, leaving your afternoon free.
“Great informative & enthusiastic guide Niamh. Fab doughnuts 🍩 a very pleasant afternoon wandering the streets of Dublin & experiencing some excellent delights”
Explore Cork’s city centre with local guides such as Noel, Mary O’Sullivan, Gerard, Catherine, and Aiden. Follow the buried river, see Shandon Church, the Huguenot cemetery, Elizabeth Fort, and old boathouse entrances before finishing at the English Market.
“Great historical info. Easy to keep up. Lovely town.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at the green Explore Galway kiosk in Eyre Square for a 90-minute winter walking tour through Galway’s darker past. Hear about Halloween, murders, executions, witch trials, and ghosts as guides such as Conor, Lorraine, Sean, and Nicole lead you through historic streets and alleyways.
“Fantastic! Conor made the tour educational and entertaining. He kept the attention of the group and actively engaged everyone. He is a great story teller.”
Meet Bren at Dublin Castle for a 2-hour-45-minute walking tour through the Viking and Medieval Quarter. Expect lively storytelling, Irish myths, Viking history, replica weapons, and photos in full warrior dress. The tour is in English, returns to its starting point, and may run closer to three hours.
“An authentic and engaging history of the early days of Dublin told with humour and great affection for the subject. Highly recommended for the history buffs and great fun.”
Join Pat at 83 High Street for a lively walking tour through Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile. In medieval costume, he connects castles, churches, breweries, prisons, merchants, and local legends with clear storytelling. Expect a small group, plenty of standing, and a tour that may run longer than 90 minutes.
“This tour was absolutely fascinating and incredibly accurate when we did our own research as well. Pat is a true actor and which makes for an engaging history lesson and his knowledge of past and present Kilkenney is extraordinary. We have recalled so many of his stories while we continued our trip!”
Join Kilkenny guide Nevin Cody for a 75-minute walk along the Medieval Mile. Expect castle views, old streets, local stories, magic tricks, Irish history, and plenty of jokes. The route covers just over one mile and returns to Kilkenny Castle.
“Our guide was tremendous on this very hot day. He didn’t complain once and still gave us a first rate tour. The street magic tricks were mildly amusing, but the stories and personal anecdotes were what made the tour. If you’re in Kilkenny, take the shenanigans tour!”
Meet Peter or Rob beneath the yellow umbrella by Dublin’s Spire for a two-hour English walking tour through old city streets. Hear tales of Cuchulainn, grave robbing, mummified bodies, serial killers, rats, executions, and a notorious brothel keeper. The route returns to O’Connell Street.
“Great insight and details about Dublin that aren't in the "everyday" tours”
Walk through Kilkenny with certified guide John, or request French or German, as you trace the city from St. Canice’s Cathedral and Irishtown to the Black Abbey and Kilkenny Castle. Expect clear history, amusing stories, useful sightseeing tips, and a relaxed route through the old city.
“The tour was wonderful! Very informative - I learned so much! The guide was excellent. His knowledge of the history was extraordinary!”
Walk through medieval Dublin with a private guide such as Pasquale, Conor, Ed, or Cecilia. You’ll visit the Chester Beatty Library, see Dublin Castle and three historic churches from outside, and follow Viking-era streets at an easy, flexible pace.
“We had an absolutely fantastic experience on this walking tour through Dublin. Our guide, Pasquale, was outstanding. He was warm, knowledgeable, and incredibly engaging. From the moment we met, he went out of his way to make sure the tour worked for everyone in our group, including a few younger kids. He struck the perfect balance between keeping things fun and accessible for them while still sharing in-depth historical insights that kept all the adults fascinated. We visited some truly iconic sites, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral (which we got to explore inside), Christ Church Cathedral, and Dublin Castle. Each stop was brought to life with stories, context, and a genuine…”
Follow guide Kieran through Cobh’s streets on a relaxed two-hour walk covering 16 sites linked to ambushes, safe houses, training halls, barracks, and detention centers. Hear local stories from the famine to the War of Independence, with entry to the Cobh Heritage Centre included.
“Our guide was very knowledgeable; we learned so much about Ireland's history. He was engaging. We loved and recommend this tour”
Spend two hours walking central Dublin with guide Helena, tracing Irish LGBTQ+ history from revolutionary figures and early pride protests to Dr Lydia Foy, Panti Bliss, and marriage equality. Expect a thoughtful, funny, English-language tour with stops at Liberty Hall, Trinity College, the George, and more.
“Helene was delightful! She was generous with her knowledge and very accommodating. The two hours flew by and we parted feeling we had made a friend.”
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