Dublin Self-Guided Walking Tour

Dublin, Ireland is home to numerous iconic sights, and the best way to see them is on a Dublin Walking Tour! We have devised a go-at-your-own-pace Free Self Guided Walking Tour of Dublin that features the best of the city. 

The top places to visit in Dublin are clustered together, which allows guests the opportunity to explore on foot.

Travelers can use our easy-to-follow route to navigate to the top sights…for free! We even include a helpful Dublin Walking Tour Map to help you make your way.

 

Free Self Guided Walking Tour Dublin

This walk focuses on downtown Dublin, Ireland and is an easy, flat stroll through the city center. Our Dublin sightseeing tour, without any stops, should take about 2 hours at a casual pace.

The route includes 15 Must-See Dublin Attractions, many of which can be entered. Some are free, while others require a ticket (we indicate if there is an admission fee).

If you plan on entering several sights, the Dublin Pass will likely save you money and so will our article covering 50 Free Things To Do in Dublin!

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Free Dublin Walk to use during your Trip to Ireland!

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Dublin Walking Tour: 15 Sights To See

Our self-guided, free tour of Dublin begins at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Use the provided map links or the downtown Dublin Map at the end to navigate from one place to the next.

 

#1 St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland

The first sight on our city tour of Dublin is the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It was on this site in 450 AD St. Patrick baptized the first Irish converts.

The cathedral was completed in 1191 and is the largest church in Ireland, with the spire reaching 140 feet.

As one of the top attractions in Dublin, visits require an entry ticket. Buy your ticket in advance and download it to your phone!

Directions from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to St. Stephen’s Green.

 

#2 St. Stephen’s Green

The second attraction on our Dublin, Ireland sightseeing tour is St. Stephen’s Green. The 22-acre park in the center of Dublin was created in 1664 and has been open to the public since 1880.

St. Stephen’s Green features a pond, a bandstand, memorials, statues, several paths and green lawns. 

If there is time in your Dublin Itinerary, consider having a relaxing picnic here. Alternatively, explore the area directly north of St. Stephen’s Green.

Top attractions in the vicinity are the Little Museum of Dublin, the National Museum of Ireland Archeology, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

The Irish parliament building (called Leinster), the historic Mansion House (the residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin) and Merrion Square Park are also near by.

Directions from Saint Stephen’s Green to Grafton Street.

 

#3 Grafton Street

A pedestrian-only shopping district, Grafton Street, is the next stop on our tour – and one of the must-see sights in Dublin.

Grafton leads from St. Stephen’s Green to Trinity College and features long-standing stores, recognizable brands, and historic cafes.

Sights to look for are the Brown Thomas Department Store (opened in 1849), Weir & Sons jewelry store (open since 1869) and Bewley’s Café (opened in 1927). 

Grafton Street is also popular with street performers and musicians that entertain the passers-by. Even U2’s Bono has performed on Grafton! 

Directions from Grafton Street to Irish Whiskey Museum.

 

#4 Irish Whiskey Museum

Whiskey is firmly part of Irish history. Today, distilleries dot the Dublin cityscape – each one offering a story along with tastings of their product.

At the Irish Whiskey Museum, however, visitors get an unbiased version of the history of Irish whiskey…plus a chance to get a taste from several distillers!

The venue is conveniently located on Grafton Street – making it a popular stop on walking tours in Dublin, Ireland.

While tickets are required for the tour and tasting experiences, visitors are free to stop in and check out the bar and shop. 

Directions from Irish Whiskey Museum to Trinity College.

 

#5 Dublin Trinity College

The famous Trinity College is the next stop on our Dublin walk. Established in 1592, Trinity is Ireland’s oldest university and a must see in Dublin.

The official name is “The Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin”, but just called Trinity College for short.

Some of the institution’s famous attendees include Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Samuel Becket and Courtney Love.

The 47-acre campus has buildings arranged in squares around a bell tower and the library houses the Book of Kells. If you wish to enter, buy your fast-track ticket in advance! 

Map Directions from Trinity College to the Irish House of Parliament.

 

#6 Irish House of Parliament

Directly opposite the main entrance to Trinity College is the former Irish House of Parliament, and today houses the Bank of Ireland.

The building is both architecturally and historically significant, which is why it is an important stop on walks around Dublin. 

Built in the mid-1700s, it was the first ever specifically designed parliament structure, in that it featured an interior with a dual chamber. One for the House of Lords and one for the House of Commons.

In 1800, it was here that parliament voted (under bribery and threat of King George III) to abolish itself in order to unite as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. It was a relationship that only lasted 22 years. 

One odd thing to note about the building is the absence of windows. While there are places for them, glass panes were never installed. This was due to a ‘window tax’ that would have driven up the cost!

Up for a fun detour? Great! Just around the corner is the famous Molly Malone Statue (MAP).

She is a character in an Irish folk song – a fishmonger by day and prostitute by night. Often referred to as ‘The Tart with the Cart’, visitors rub her bosoms for good luck. 

Directions from Parliament Building to O’Connell Street.

 

#7 O’Connell Street and The Spire

Continue your Free Dublin Walking Tour by making your way north to the O’ Connell Street Bridge. Standing on the bridge, look up the stretch of O’Connell Street that leads north from the River Liffey.

The street has been the site of protests, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, battles during the 1916 Easter Rising and a bombing of the Nelson Pillar in 1966. 

The street is named after Daniel O’Connell. He’s known as The Liberator for his part in the Catholic Emancipation and his efforts to repeal the 1800 Act of Union. His statue stands at the north end of the bridge.

Further along the street are many other statues featuring some of Ireland’s most celebrated figures – as well as the Spire of Dublin.

Officially called Monument of Light, the Spire was built on the site of Nelson’s Pillar and reaches a height of 390 feet. The needle-like monument stands as a symbol of Dublin.

Directions from O’Connell Bridge to Ha’Penny Bridge.

 

#8 River Liffey and the Ha’Penny Bridge

The next sight on our free Dublin Tour is the River Liffey. The waterway runs through the center of Dublin, dividing the city into north and south. 

Several bridges span the Liffey, including three that are pedestrian-only, which makes for nice walks in Dublin.

The most popular footbridge is the Liffey Bridge, which dates to 1816 and is better known as the Ha’ Penny Bridge for the 1/2 pence toll once required to cross it. 

Directions from River Liffey to Temple Bar District.

 

#9 Dublin Temple Bar District

Every Dublin, Ireland vacation should include a few stops at a traditional pub! The energetic Temple Bar District is chock-full of Irish pubs, restaurants and tourist shops.

Enter the neighborhood through the Merchant’s Arch, directly across from Ha’Penny Bridge and turn right onto Temple Bar. While it’s fun to simply roam, Temple Bar Street is not to be missed! 

Naturally, this is the prime place in Dublin for a Pub Crawl (like this one). Several of the bars have live music starting mid-day and going late into the night.

Our favorite Dublin Pubs in the area are the namesake Temple Bar and The Quays. 

Directions from Temple Bar to Dame Street and the Olympia Theater.

 

#10 Dame Street Dublin and The Olympia Theater

The next stop is Dame Street, a major thoroughfare through the heart of Dublin City Centre. Lined with a mishmash of architectural styles, it’s home to numerous restaurants and shops. 

That said, the Olympia Theater is the most prominent landmark on the street. Opened in 1879, the venue is the premier theater and concert hall in the city.

The stage has seen a slew of famous acts from Charlie Chaplin to Mumford & Sons. The theater underwent a major overhaul in the 1970s and the original iron and glass awning was completely restored after a truck crashed into it in 2004.

Directions from Olympia Theater to Dublin City Hall.

 

#11 Dublin City Hall

Built as the Royal Exchange in the mid-1800s, the building was transferred to the city government and renamed Dublin City Hall in 1850. 

It’s free to visit, so step inside the rotunda and view the giant columns that support the domed ceiling.

The murals on the walls tell the story of Dublin’s history, while the tiled floor mosaic depicts the city’s Coat of Arms.  

Directions from Dublin City Hall to the Dublin Castle.

 

#12 Dublin Castle

Next up on our Dublin historic walking tour is the grand Dublin Castle. Built between 1208 and 1220, it was the residence of viceroys.

Although now used as a conference center and event complex, the buildings of Dublin Castle represent some of the oldest architecture in the city. It also remains one of the top tourist attractions in Dublin.

It’s free to walk on the grounds, but a ticket is required for admission inside, where they also offer guided tours.

Directions from Dublin Castle to Christ Church Cathedral. 

 

#13 Christ Church Cathedral of Dublin

The next stop on our tour is the Christ Church Cathedral dates to Medieval times. Built around 1030 – making it older than St. Patrick’s – it’s one of the best places to visit in Dublin for a history lesson.

It was expanded in 1171, but most of the current structure was constructed between 1871 and 1878.

An entry ticket is required for admission, unless you are there to pray. Check the official website for more information and to plan your visit.

Directions from Christ Church Cathedral to John’s Lane Church. 

 

#14 John’s Lane Church

Although lesser-known than St. Patrick’s and Christ Church Cathedral, we feel John’s Lane Church is a Dublin hidden gem!

It was built on the previous site of St. John’s Hospital between 1862 and 1895. The French Gothic steeple reaches over 200 feet and is the tallest in Dublin.

However, it was the colorful interior that we found to be the most striking. Plus, it free to enter!

Directions from John’s Lane Church to The Brazen Head Pub. 

 

#15 The Brazen Head

Claiming to be Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head is said to have origins dating back to 1198. The classic Irish pub features quaint rooms, three bars and live music. 

The traditional Brazen Head pub is a perfect place to stop for a pint at the end of a Dublin Self-Guided Walking Tour.

For more information, read our complete article about The Brazen Head and why you should go there on a Sunday!

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Tourist Map of Dublin, Ireland

When embarking on Self Guided Walking Tours of Dublin, a map is a must! Use this Google Map for a Dublin sightseeing map with turn-by-turn directions.

 

Interactive City Center Map of Dublin, Ireland

Use this map to route yourself in real time to the sights listed on our Self-Guided Dublin Walking Tour. 

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More Tours and Guided Walks in Dublin

Our above outlined free tour of Dublin is a great way to see the city. In fact, we believe it is the Best Free Walking Tour Dublin because allows visitors to see the city at their own pace. 

However, those who want to learn more about Dublin and meet fellow travelers may want to consider joining a Dublin tour guide for their walk.

 

Dublin Historical Walking Tour

Join an easy 2-hour walking tour of Dublin that focuses on that vibrant history. Led by a local guide, participants are taken through the city while listening to interesting facts and information that shaped Dublin. Get the details! 

 

Dublin Pub Crawl

Honestly, when we think about things to do in Dublin, the first thing that comes to mind is drinking in pubs. Admittedly, that’s an easy way to completely miss out on really great Dublin things to see!

So, after a day of Dublin city sightseeing, visit fantastically fun pubs on an entertaining Dublin Night Tour.

 

Dublin Dark Side Walking Tour

There is a dark side to Dublin – as evidenced by gruesome stories of the past. On the Dark Dublin Tour participants will learn about the brothels, witches and the Hellfire Club while waltzing through back alleys…if you dare!

 

Ghost Tour Dublin

Join one of the Dublin guided tours to the spookiest spots in town! Learn the haunted history of Dublin on a spooky Gravedigger Ghost Tour. This is a bus tour…which will give your feet a much-needed rest!

 

1916 Tour Dublin

The 1916 Tour focuses on the events of the Uprising. The 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour includes visiting key locations, re-enactments and multi-media presentations for a unique experience. 

 

Food Tour in Dublin

Join a guide for a grazing tour of Dublin on this highly rated Food Tour. Learn about history and local cuisine while feasting your way around town.

Alternatively, embark on a journey to experience the contemporary food culture with the best bites at a few of the top restaurants. Get the details!

 

Dublin Street Art Tour

The city of Dublin has a vibrant urban art scene. Visitors interested in learning more about the alternative side of Dublin can join this Street Art Tour to find off the beaten path haunts.

 

Dublin Private City Tour

Those who want a personal introduction can join a Dublin Private Walking Tour. On this exclusive excursion, visitors get to see Dublin with the help of a knowledgeable and attentive guide.

 

More Fun Dublin, Ireland Tours

• Visit the Guinness Storehouse for a connoisseur tasting
• Head to the Jameson Distillery for a lesson on Irish whiskey
• Take a River Liffey Cruise

 

Hop On Hop Off Dublin Tour Bus

The classic, red Hop On Hop Off Tour in Dublin has two routes that stop at 28 places of interest. Visitors can opt for a 1- or 2-Day Pass and two walking tours are included in the price! 

Do Dublin is another tour company that offers a Hop On Hop Off services. In addition to the 24- and 48-hour Bus Tickets, entry into the Little Museum of Dublin is included with purchase.

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Day Trips From Dublin, Ireland 

One of our favorite getaway is a short jaunt to the coastal village of Howth. Visitors can easily plan their own Day Trip To Howth – or book a tour.

Other simple day trips from Dublin include the beachside community of Bray and the lovely village of Malahide.

Visitors can also travel to Northern Ireland to see the city of Belfast. Again, plan the trip on your own or join a tour from Dublin of Northern Ireland and Giant’s Causeway.

Other popular day tours from Dublin include seeing the stunning Cliffs of Moher (with a stop in quaint Doolin), Visiting Galway or making a trip to the Blarney Castle (and kissing the Blarney Stone, of course!).  

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Travel Tips For Your Dublin Trip

As we make our travel plans, we find that organization is key. To stay on top of all the details of your vacation, use our 26 page Printable Travel Planner!

 

Where To Stay in Dublin, Ireland

We believe the best place to stay is in the city center, where it’s easy to access the top sights and attractions on foot.

That said, during the summer tourist season, top value hotels book up quickly. You will want to make sure you secure Dublin accommodations well in advance. Before you start your search, read our tips for Booking the Best Hotels. 

Two highly-rated Dublin hotels are Leonardo Dublin Christchurch and Temple Bar Inn. Budget travelers can search for Dublin Hostels – like Garden Lane Backpackers. Finding a vacation rental through Airbnb is another option on your vacation to Ireland.

 

Getting To Dublin, Ireland

Dublin can be reached by plane, train, bus, or ferry. Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying, we are JetSetting Fools, after all! 

Flying to Dublin from the US is easy, with direct flights from DC, Philadelphia, Boston, NYC, Chicago, and SFO. Additionally, DUB is well-connected with all major European hubs like London, Frankfurt, Paris, Madrid, Lisbon and Amsterdam!

When we need to purchase cheap plane tickets, we start our search for the best deals on fares at Skyscanner. 

 

Dublin Walking Tours: What You Will Need

Make sure you are prepared by bringing the following items along with you. You can read all of our hacks and go ahead and also grab your FREE packing checklist!

 

Travel Shoes

Although Downtown Dublin, Ireland is a very walkable, travelers will want to ensure they pack comfortable walking shoes. I like to wear lightweight trainers by New Balance and Kris prefers Merrell trail shoes.

 

Ireland Weather Attire

The weather in Dublin is always unpredictable. It’s best to bring along a packable raincoat or travel umbrella on your free walking tour of Dublin.

For those sunny summer moments, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed travel hat. 

 

Day Pack

Whether you prefer a backpack or a suitcase, you will also want a great day bag to organize all your daily travel essentials. When we explore a city on foot, we wear these small backpacks.

 

Travel Camera

On walking tours of Dublin, Ireland visitors see heaps of top sights. While many travelers use their phone, we believe it is best to invest in an actual travel camera.

We carry a Canon Rebel fitted with a 18-135mm lens. This DSLR is a perfect budget camera for beginner photographers and the kit comes with loads of accessories!

 

Ireland Travel Insurance

Trip insurance may help in the case of cancelled flights or lost luggage – as well as illness or injury while abroad. If you haven’t already obtained coverage, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

 

Start planning your trip to Ireland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

 

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