christ church dublin tours

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Visiting Christ Church Cathedral

Explore one of ireland’s most historic and sacred places – christ church cathedral..

Located in the heart of Dublin city centre, Christ Church was originally a Viking church and has been welcoming pilgrims and visitors for almost 1,000 years. 

This working Anglican cathedral is an architectural masterpiece, evident from the moment you enter the magnificent Nave with its vaulted ceilings and medieval tiled floor.

Dig a little deeper to find the crypt, the city’s oldest working structure, or climb higher into our belfry and discover our world-famous bells.

Hidden treasures are waiting to be discovered around every corner: Strongbow’s final resting place, the heart of St. Laurence O’Toole, a rare copy of the Magna Carta  and our famous mummified cat and rat.

Come on a journey of discovery in the spiritual heart of Dublin city centre.

Christ Church has a number of different tours available, including a self-guided tour with our audio guides or visitor leaflet.

Or join one of our experienced tour guides on a guided tour, where you can learn about the many stories of Christ Church Cathedral – and even ring the famous bells while visiting the belfry.

Please note, these tours are only available in English and are subject to availability. Please ask at our welcome desk on arrival for the daily tour schedule. Guided tours are  not  available to book online. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Christ Church Cathedral, the spiritual heart of Dublin.

There are a range of ticket options available, including self-guided tours, combination tickets with Dublinia and group rates.

Audio Guide Tour Sample

Christ Church Cathedral is located in the heart of Dublin.

We have information on how to get here by train, Dart, Luas and car.

We warmly welcome group tours to experience our historic cathedral, as a fantastic way to spend a day out in Dublin.

Self-guided tours include admission to the crypt as well as the ‘Treasures of Christ Church’ exhibition.

There is so much to discover at Christ Church, from its rich history and musical heritage to its deep spirituality and pattern of worship.

Everyone is welcome at Christ Church Cathedral, however, as it is a medieval structure, there are some access limitations within the building.

Visitors to Christ Church Cathedral are welcome to take photographs for personal use. However, photography or filming is not permitted during services.

No commercial photography or filming is permitted within the cathedral or cathedral grounds, unless written permission has been obtained in advance from the cathedral office.

Christ Church Cathedral may be one of Dublin’s most popular visitor attractions but there is much more to see across the city. Check out our list of local things to see and do here and see VisitDublin for more great ideas.

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Christ Church Cathedral Dublin - Visitor Information

Christ church cathedral - plan your visit.

Located in the heart of Medieval Dublin, Christ Church is an iconic Dublin cathedral which has been central to Dublin for almost 1000 years. Located on Christ Church Place, this hilltop location and the cathedral's stunning architecture, make it one of the most photographed sites in Dublin. One of Dublin’s top visitor attractions, when you enter this stunning cathedral, you will be amazed by the beautiful interior and historic medieval crypt.

Explore the Crypt

The medieval crypt is a fascinating part of this historic building where visitors can discover fascinating artefacts and memorials. Follow the steps that bring you beneath the cathedral and explore the medieval crypt, the largest in Ireland. The crypt dates to the early 12th century and is the oldest structure still in use in Dublin today. The crypt houses fascinating memorials, The Treasury, the cat and the rat, an audio visual presentation, and the cathedral shop.

The Christ Church Bells

The gothic nave of the Cathedral - with its magnificent stained glass and medieval floor tiles, is a highlight of the cathedral. Climb the 86 steps up to the Belfry for one of the most spectacular views of Dublin City and learn about the culture of the bell ringers. You might even get an opportunity to ring the bells!

See the mummified ‘Cat and Rat’

A mummified cat and rat are the most unusual inhabitants of the crypt, but also the most popular! According to cathedral lore, the cat chased the rat into a 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 & Jerry.’

Christ Church Cathedral Tickets

Guarantee your admission for your preferred timeslot when you book online with Christ Church Cathedral . By purchasing a ticket, you are contributing towards the maintenance of Christ Church Cathedral and helping preserve it for future generations.

Tours of the Cathedral

Visitors to the cathedral can choose a self-guided option, or a guided tour. Guided tours take place regularly throughout the day. Ask at the front desk upon arrival for the time of the next tour. Self-guided tours include admission to the crypt and the ‘Treasures of Christ Church’ exhibition. Information leaflets are available in a range of languages.

Getting to Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is located at Christ Church Place, Dublin 8. Attractions near the Cathedral include St. Patrick's Cathedral , Chester Beatty Library, Teeling Whiskey Distillery  , and Dublinia

By Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The DoDublin Hop-On Hop-Off Tour has a designated tour stop at Christ Church Cathedral. Buy your ticket  here .  City Sightseeing Dublin , and Big Bus Tours Dublin also have stops close to the cathedral. 

From Trinity College Dublin, the Cathedral is 800m walking distance - this is a 10 minute walk approx. Temple Bar is just 5 minutes from the Cathedral (On the way, we suggest visiting the peaceful Dubh Linn Gardens on the grounds of Dublin Castle!) 

Dublin Bus have many routes passing by the Cathedral. Check Dublin Bus for more details.

There are many bike lanes around the city centre, and it is relatively easy to cycle to Christ Church Cathedral. If you're using a Dublin Bike, there is a bike stand at Christ Church Place. 

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Dublin Christ Church Cathedral entrance ticket and self-guided tour

Book your Dublin Christ Church Cathedral admission ticket and enjoy some time soaking up the history in one of Dublin's most magnificent cathedrals.

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The inside story

One of two medieval cathedrals within a stone’s throw of each, Christ Church Cathedral dates back to Dublin’s Viking times. Founded by the flamboyantly named King Sigtrygg Silkbeard, the cathedral is in what in the Middle Ages was the heart of Dublin – the centre has since moved eastwards. Buried inside this granite Gothic temple is Strongbow, the Norman warlord who began English involvement in Ireland, while the bridge linking the cathedral to the synod hall is one of Dublin’s most emblematic sights. Near the cathedral are the remains of the city walls and two churches dedicated to St Audoen – the newer one Catholic, the older one Anglican – as well as St Patrick’s Cathedral. This historic corner offers rare insights into Dublin’s past and is a must-visit.

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Christ Church Cathedral Combined Visit

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Cross over the famous Neo-Gothic archway from Dublinia to the Cathedral and journey through 1000 years of worship and history.

Christ Church Cathedral highlights include the medieval crypt, which extends under the entire cathedral. Enjoy the amazing architectural features and stone carving from the 12th century, and the leaning wall of Dublin complete your visit .

A discounted combined ticket for Dublinia and Christ Church Cathedral may only be purchased at Dublinia’s welcome desk on arrival. This combined ticket can not be bought online.

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Christ Church Cathedral Dublin – tickets, timings, discounts, what to expect

In 1038, the Viking king Sitric Silkenbeard built Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of Dublin.

The feat of having a creator with one of the coolest names in recorded history was not enough, for in the following centuries, the Anglo-Normans commissioned multiple reconstructions and expansions of this renowned structure. 

This ancient structure, the modern-day guardian of the protestant faith, has now stood for a thousand years and is the oldest operational building in the historic city of Dublin.

The Christ Church Cathedral is renowned worldwide for its architecture, burial crypt, and exhibition consisting of a 14th-century copy of the Magna Carta. 

The church is one of Dublin’s many cultural treasures, with a bell tower that has kept the time every day across centuries.

This article tells you everything you must know before booking tickets to the Christ Church Cathedral.

Top Christ Church Cathedral Dublin Tickets

# Christ Church Cathedral tickets # Christ Church Cathedral and the Jameson Distillery combo tickets # All-inclusive pass

Table of contents

What to expect at christ church cathedral , where to book tickets , how do online tickets work , christ church cathedral ticket price, christ church cathedral tickets, christ church cathedral and the jameson distillery combo tickets, how to reach , christ church cathedral timings, how long does the tour take, best time to visit, faqs about christ church cathedral.

The architectural style of Christ Church Cathedral is a captivating blend of Romanesque and Gothic elements. 

You will be left to marvel at the stunning Roman arches and stonewalls, which seamlessly transition to Gothic spires, ribbed vaults, and sumptuous stained glass windows.

Kneel at the feet of the powerful sculpture of homeless Jesus curled on a bench in the compound, recognizable only by the marks on his feet.

Step into the remarkable medieval crypt, which is believed to be the oldest surviving structure of the church. 

Bathe into the historical lore of an underground vault that has been used for centuries for multiple services such as burial ceremonies, prayer meetings, and treasury headquarters, among other things.

The prime attraction over the years has strangely been a mummified pair of “Tom and Jerry.” 

Legend has it that a cat chased a rat into the organ pipes, resulting in their joint preservation. 

The crypt is the largest of its kind in Ireland and the British Isles.

Spiral into the rich history of the space and open yourself to spiritual wisdom by tracing the steps of Middle Age pilgrims and gazing at the magnificent vaulted church ceiling. 

Delve deeper into the history and significance of the cathedral in the church museum with further insights. 

The museum displays a collection of artifacts, including the 12th-century “Christ Church Miter,” silverware across centuries, and the original copy of Ireland’s Magna Carta from the 15th century.

If you time your visits, you can witness the church choir and its rich musical tradition.

Another notable attraction at the Christ Church Cathedral Dublin is the tomb of Richard de Clare, better known as Strongbow, who was a prominent figure in the Norman invasion of Ireland. The tomb is adorned with an effigy.

This iconic landmark in Dublin is a unique opportunity to explore Ireland’s vibrant history, cultural traditions, and religious significance.

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The tickets to the Christ Church Cathedral can be booked online or at the attraction.

However, we recommend that you book online to save time and money.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointment.

Go to the online ticketing portal for Christ Church Dublin ,

select the preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets immediately.

Once you purchase tickets, they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

Show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance and walk in.

Please carry a valid ID with you.

The Christ Church cathedral ticket prices are distributed across five tiers.

The ticketed entry for adults between 18 to 64 years is set at €12.

The entry for youths between 13 to 17 years will cost them €10.

The entry for children between two and 12 years of age will cost  €4

Infants under the age of one are not charged anything.

Senior citizens above 65 can also gain access at the same price as that applicable for youths: €9.

The tickets to the Cathedral of Christ Church in Dublin will grant you access to one of the most revered and well-preserved portals to the complex history of faith and culture in the tumultuous state of Ireland.

You will gift yourself a self-guided tour through the annals of the past in a structure that is one of the pinnacles of human architectural efforts, shaped across centuries, blending all styles from Roman to Gothic along the way.

The leaflets at the church entrance and audio tours in the museum paint a breathtaking, living, breathing tale of human conflicts and faith. 

Looking at the classical, ancient artifacts and tombs gives a dawning sensation of a connection to a continuous effort alive throughout the history of humankind itself.

Make sure you collect souvenirs from the sweet little gift shop!

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (17-64 years): €1 2 Youth Ticket (13-17 years): € 10 Child Ticket (0-12 years): €4 Senior Ticket (65 and above): € 10 Infant Ticket (0-1 years): Free

Combo tickets

You cannot possibly fully immerse yourself in the grand tales of Dublin’s art, religion, architecture, commerce, and culture without taking a dip into the near-mythological culture of Irish whiskey. 

After all, the word “whiskey” is derived from the Irish word “uisce beatha” itself, which means the ‘water of life’!

So, to reinforce your swim into ancient history at the Christ Church Cathedral, a famous distillery nearby comes alive!

At just €38, you can gift yourself a combo trip to the Christ Church cathedral and the Jameson Distillery, home to the world-renowned Irish Whiskey.

In addition to your tour through the Christ Church Cathedral, this combo pass will provide you with a tour through the story, process, and taste of Jameson.

After tasting three whiskies from the formidable Jameson whiskey portfolio, you also get a complimentary drink at the JJ bar! A win-win situation, if there ever was one!

Ticket Price: €39

Save time and money! Dublin is one of the most famous cities in the world, with a rich history, unbeatable music, a flourishing art scene, and age-old stories and events of drink and merry. At just €74, you can buy an all-inclusive pass with access to 40+ attractions in Dublin, including bus tours, a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, and so much more.

The Christ Church Cathedral is located in the heart of Dublin.

Address : Christchurch Pl, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland. Get Directions.

The Dublin Christ Church Cathedral is dotted with several transit options and is well-connected with multiple bus and train lines.

The bus stations Winetavern Street and Lord Edward Street both lie nearby, only a two-minute walk away.

Two more bus stops, Patrick Street and Dublin City South, Werberg Street ,  are a three-minute walk away.

The Civic office bus stop and the Four Courts bus stop also take just about four minutes on foot to reach.

Bus lines that serve areas near Christ church cathedral are 13,145,27,39,70 and 83.

The Jervis light rail station is only seven minutes from the Christchurch Cathedral.

Put your starting point here to navigate to the Christ Church cathedral.

The area is also well connected by the taxi service.

There are plenty of parking options near the cathedral. 

The usual timings for the Christ Church Cathedral Dublin are as follows.

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 9.30 pm to 7 pm
• Tuesday and Thursday: 9.30 pm to 6 pm
• Sunday: 12.30 to 3 pm and 4.30 pm to 7 pm.

We advise you to check the online booking site for availability regarding your day of the visit, as the cathedral timings are subject to change due to weather, seasons, and events. 

Entry is restricted 45 minutes before closing time.

The choir usually performs on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

A visit to a Christ church cathedral usually takes around 45 minutes to stroll through the church and exhibition rooms.

There is no time slot restraint, so you take your time to soak in the knowledge and the atmosphere at the timeless church building, its architecture, and the audio guides provided in the crypt. 

The best time to visit the church is in the evening, an hour before the choral service, so that you can add the heavenly choir songs to your memorable experience.

Sundays are also a great time to visit, as you can witness the community and faith come together. 

However, if you like to explore historical monuments in a leisurely and peaceful way, you should avoid the rush on Sundays and public holidays!

The weather in Dublin is prone to drizzling quite often, so it is best to look at the weather forecasts before planning a visit.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Christ Church Cathedral.

Tickets for the Christ Church Cathedral are available online or at the attraction. 

There is no restriction on faith or lifestyle. All visitors are welcome.

Personal photos and videos are allowed, but professional or commercial videography or photography is forbidden.

The structure was designed in ancient times.  People with handicaps might find certain areas not accessible.

The choir usually performs at the end of the day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Sources # Christchurchcathedral.ie # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Vaibhav Raj

Vaibhav Raj is a hyper-dramatic cinema romantic, and it is his life's mission to touch all the memorable landscapes that his favorite movies breathe in, be it a meeting in Montauk from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a walk along Before Sunrise's Vienna, a hideout in In Bruges' Bruges, or frolicking across the lush Swiss landscapes of Yash Chopra. Favourite Cities: Barcelona, Kyoto, and Bruges.

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Best Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dublin (With Map)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

If you’re after a self-guided walking tour of Dublin that packs a punch, you’ve landed in the right spot.

I’ve lived in Ireland’s capital for 34 years and I’m very confident you’ll love the mini-itinerary that I’ve outlined below.

It includes a one and two day option and it takes in the main things to do in Dublin , unique sights that tourists tend to miss and some historical pubs, too.

Our free Dublin walking tour follows a clear, logical route to ensure that you make the most of your time here. Dive on in!

Table of Contents

Day 1 of our self-guided walking tour of Dublin

Click to enlarge image

The Dublin walking tour map above will give you an overview of where our route will take you over each day.

As you can see, each day has a clear route and packs in a mix of key attractions and places you hopefully won’t have heard of.

If you want a guided tour, you’ll find organised Dublin walking tours with excellent reviews right here (affiliate link).

Money saving tip: If you’re planning on visit some of the main fee-paying attractions in the city, the Dublin Pass can save you €50+

1. Molly Malone Statue

Photos via Shutterstock

Day 1 of our self-guided walking tour of Dublin kicks-off at the now-iconic Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street in the heart of the city.

The bronze statue shows Molly, a famous character from the Irish song ‘Molly Malone’, who sold ‘Cockles and Mussels’ on the streets of the capital.

The statue was erected in 1988 and it has moved a handful of times. You won’t spend long here, but it’s a nice starting point for your stroll!

2. Trinity College

Our second stop of the day is a handy 2-minute walk from the first! Trinity College is one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland .

It is a renowned educational institution and it was established in 1592. It’s also inside the grounds of Trinity that you’ll find the ancient Book of Kells .

Trinity is the oldest university in Ireland and you can take a ramble through its impressive grounds, admire its magnificent architecture and tour the wonderful Long Room Library .

It’s in the Long Room that you’ll find 200,000+ of the college’s oldest books. It’s worth booking the skip-the-line ticket here as it gets busy ( this ticket gets you access to Trinity and Dublin Castle).

Related reads: See our guides on where to stay in Dublin + the best hotels in Dublin in 2024

3. The Palace Bar

Photos via The Palace on FB

The next stop on our self-guided walking tour of Dublin is going to be a brief one (I’m not suggesting you go drinking at this stage of the day!).

While there are many old pubs in Dublin , few are as visually impressive as the Palace Bar, which you’ll find a 3-minute walk from Trinity.

This pub was built in 1823 and it stands today, many years later, as a Victorian shrine, of sorts. Admire its impressive interior, first, and then saunter inside for a nosey (you can return here later).

It’s located just inside the cobbled streets of Temple Bar , so you can have a nosey around this area, if you like.

Related reads: See our guides on the best pubs in Dublin , the best Guinness in Dublin and the best pubs with live music in Dublin

4. O’Connell Bridge

When you’re ready, take the 3-minute walk to O’Connell Bridge, which spans the murky waters of Dublin’s River Liffey.

O’Connell Bridge replaced Gandon’s Carlisle Bridge, which opened in 1794. The bridge that stands to this day opened back in 1880 and cost £70,000 to build.

It measures at 148 ft in length and 160 ft in width. Named after political leader Daniel ‘The Liberator’ O’Connell it boasts impressive features, like its impressive lanterns.

Related reads: See our guides on spending 1 day in Dublin , 2 days in Dublin and 3 days in Dublin

5. The General Post Office

Walk up the historic O’Connell Street (be careful – there are plenty of dodgy characters that hang around here) and head straight from the The General Post Office (GPO) – it’s around a 4-minute walk from the last stop.

The GPO was built during the early 19th century and it’s here that you’ll see some of the more impressive architecture in Dublin , courtesy of the buildings neoclassical design.

This building played a key part in Irish history during the Easter Rising of 1916 when it served as the rebel headquarters. You can take a tour here that’ll immerse you in the city’s past.

6. The Spire

One of the more unique places you’ll visit on this walking tour of Dublin is the Spire – it’s less than 1-minute walk from the GPO… you can’t miss it.

Also known as ‘the Monument of Light’ (along with many other colourful nicknames…), the Spire stands 394 feet tall and it was erected in 2003.

I’ll be honest – the Spire is impressive when viewed from afar, but there’s no real point of seeing it up close.

7. The Ha’penny Bridge

The next stop on our self-guided walking tour of Dublin is a 7-minute walk from the Spire and it’s arguably one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe!

The Ha’penny Bridge , officially known as the Liffey Bridge, is an iconic pedestrian bridge that spans the River Liffey that was built in 1816.

It’s name comes from the fact that you once had to pay a toll to cross the bridge. The cost was a Ha’penny and there were turnstiles at either end of the bridge.

The bridge is a little slice of ‘old-Dublin’ that still used heavily to this day. It’s believed that around 27,000 people cross it each day.

Related read: See our guide on how to get around Dublin

8. St. Michan’s Church

Photos with thanks to Jennifer Boyer

You won’t find our next stop, St. Michan’s Church , on many Dublin walking tours, however, it’s  well-worth  a visit.

It’s a 12-minute walk from the Ha’penny Bridge and it’s here that you’ll find a historic building that dates back to the 11th century.

Oh, you’ll also find crypts with mummies… yes, mummies. In fact, some of the mummies at St. Michan’s are thought to be over 400 years old.

If you’re looking for unique things to see in the capital, make sure to add this one to your self-guided walking tour of Dublin.

9. The Brazen Head

We’re off Dublin’s oldest pub, next – The Brazen Head (a 4-minute walk from St. Michan’s).

The present building that you see today dates back to 1754, local legend claims that the site has housed a tavern since 1198.

And though no documents exist to prove that, we know that there’s been a licensed alehouse here since the mid 17th-century at least (which is old enough!).

If you’re feeling peckish, this is a handy lunch-spot. It’s well worth visiting either way as this place is steeped in history .

10. Christ Church Cathedral

One of the most popular stops on this self-guided walking tour of Dublin is the stunning Christ Church Cathedral , a 6-minute walk from The Brazen Head.

Christ Church Cathedral was founded in the early 11th century under the Viking king Sitruic Silkenbeard (amazingly, that is his real name!).

Originally built as a wooden structure in 1030 with the help of an Irish priest, it was rebuilt in stone in 1172.

The current Gothic-style cathedral, with its striking architecture and impressive interior, has been standing since the 12th century.

11. Dublin Castle

Few castles in Ireland receive visitor numbers like our next stop. Dublin Castle is a 4-minute walk away and it’s here you’ll find an impressive structure that dates back over 800 years.

Originally developed as a medieval fortress under the orders of King John of England, work on Dublin Castle was started by Meiler Fitzhenry in 1204 when the city was under Norman rule following the invasion of 1169.

Constructed on elevated ground once occupied by an earlier Viking settlement, it was completed in 1230 and took on the look of a classic Norman courtyard design.

One of the most prominent parts of the castle today, the imposing Record Tower is the only surviving tower of the original Medieval fortifications.

While its rectangular battlements on the roof are actually a 19th-century addition, they look pretty convincing! 

Related read: See our guide on the best castles in Dublin

12. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Another firm favourite on this self-guided walking tour of Dublin is located a 12-minute walk from the castle.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a historic religious landmark that was founded in 1191. It’s the largest church in Ireland and it boasts Gothic architecture.

When you arrive here, take some time to saunter around the part and admire the cathedral’s exterior, before heading inside to get an eyeful of its outstanding interior.

13. The Guinness Storehouse

Photos © Diageo via Ireland’s Content Pool

Few Dublin walking tours can resist rounding off a day of strolling at The Guinness Storehouse , which is a 17-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Book your tickets in advance (self-guided or guided) and immerse yourself in the story of the most famous of the many Irish beers .

The building itself is part of the Guinness Brewery and it acts as a seven-story visitor centre that takes visitors through the history of Guinness along with how it’s made and more.

The tour finishes on the rooftop in the impressive Gravity Bar that overlooks Dublin City and beyond.

Day 2 of our self-guided walking tour of Dublin

1. St. Stephen’s Green

We’re going to kick-start day two of our self-guided walking tour of Dublin at St. Stephen’s Green , which is often referred to as the ‘Lungs of Dublin’.

You’ll find the nine hectare/22-acre park at the top of busy Grafton Street when it’s home to commemorative sculptures, extensive trees and a large pond.

It has a pretty  wild  history that few are familiar with (read more here ) and it’s a nice, calm spot to kick-start the day!

2. Leinster House

The second stop of the day takes us 4 minutes down the road to Leinster House – the epicenter of Irish politics.

This is an impressive Georgian building that dates back to the 18th century. Now, while you can take a guided tour, if you like, you’re arguably best off admiring Leinster House from afar.

Unless you’re interested in politics, that is – in that case head on in for a journey back through Ireland’s political past.

3. National Gallery of Ireland

Photo left: Cathy Wheatley. Others: James Fennell (Tourism Ireland)

The National Gallery of Ireland is a 5-minute walk from Leinster House and it’s here you’ll find one of the most popular museums in Dublin .

It’s also one of the best free things to do in Dublin when it’s raining! For visiting art enthusiasts, the National Gallery of Ireland is an absolute must.

This cultural treasure trove houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning various periods, from the Renaissance to the present.

Ireland’s artistic heritage can go overlooked by tourists and locals alike – this is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in it.

4. Merrion Square

Located in Dublin’s charming Georgian quarter, Merrion Square is a delightful mix of greenery and history (and it’s only 5 minutes from our last stop).

The square boasts finely manicured gardens that feel a far-cry from the busy city streets that lay just minutes away.

If you head for a stroll through its grounds, you’ll stumble upon impressive sculptures (including one of Oscar Wilde).

5. Irish Whiskey Museum

Photos by Brian Morrison via Failte Ireland

If you’re taking this self-guided walking tour of Dublin and it’s raining, our next stop will provide some welcome respite from the elements!

You’ll find the Irish Whiskey Museum a handy 15-minute stroll from Merrion Square and it’s here that you’ll discover the story behind the coveted Irish Whiskey .

I’ve done this tour in recent years and it offers a good mix (terrible pub intended…) of sippin’ and storytellin’.

You’ll get an insight into the history of whiskey and how it’s made and there’s also a tasting at the end.

6. Mulligan’s

© Tourism Ireland

Many Dublin walking tours take you to the busy pubs in Temple Bar . However, if you want to dodge the tourist traps, take the 6-minute walk from the Whiskey Museum to Mulligan’s.

You’ll find it on Poolbeg Street where it’s loved by locals and tourists alike for its old-worlde charm.

The pub received its license in 1782 but it operated as a Shebeen (a place where drink was sold illegally) for many years before.

The biggest compliment that I can give Mulligan’s is that walking through its doors makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Expect a lovely, traditional interior, a fine pint of Guinness and a furnishings that have stood the test of time.

7. The Custom House

The next stop on our self-guided walking tour of Dublin is the magnificent Custom House, a 4-minute walk from Mulligan’s.

This is an architectural marvel on Dublin’s waterfront and it was designed by James Gandon in the late 18th century.

The Custom House is famous for its neoclassical facade which is best admired from afar, first, before up close.

The building is now home to the Department of Housing.

8. The Famine Memorial

Dublin’s Famine Memorial is a poignant tribute to one of Ireland’s darkest chapters in history.

Located on Custom House Quay, a 4-minute walk from the Custom House, these haunting sculptures depict the devastating impact of the Great Famine in the 19th century.

The memorial serves as a solemn reminder of the suffering endured by the Irish people during that time and stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of those who lived through the tragedy.

Photo left: Eileen Coffey. Others: Ros Kavanagh (via Fáilte Ireland)

The next stop on our self-guided walking tour of Dublin is a handy 2-minute walk from The Famine Memorial.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum explores the profound impact that Irish emigrants have had across the world.

The museum is housed inside a vaulted space and stories are told via interactive exhibitions and striking displays.

You’ll need to pay into this one but it’s well-worth it (especially if it’s raining!).

10. The Jeanie Johnston

Photo left: Gareth McCormack. Others: Dylan Vaughan (via Failte Ireland)

Many Dublin walking tours omit the brilliant Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship which sits a 2-minute walk from the EPIC Museum.

The Jeanie Johnston is an impressive replica of the original ship that transported Irish emigrants to North America during the Great Famine.

The ship is a floating museum that offers an insight into the challenges faced by those Irish men and women that sought a better life across the pond.

You can take a guided tour here where you’ll be immersed in a story that shaped the very DNA of Ireland.

Dublin walking tours FAQs

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What’s a good route with free attractions?’ to ‘What unique stops should be included?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What’s a good route for a self-guided walking tour of Dublin?

If you use our Dublin walking tour map above, you’ll find a clear, logical route that takes in the city’s top sights over the course of two days. You could easily chop and change this route if needed.

Can you walk around Dublin in a day?

You can see the main sights in Dublin city in one day. If you follow the route on our Dublin walking tour map, you’ll only be walking from attraction-to-attraction for a total of 1.5 to 2 hours.

Can you walk around Dublin easily?

Yes. Dublin City is very walkable. Once you have a clear itinerary and know where you’re visiting and when, you’ll have no problem exploring the city on a self-guided walking tour of Dublin.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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