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The best bus tours in Dublin

Go sightseeing in Dublin on a city bus tour, and see all the landmarks in one day.

If you’re short on time, a bus tour is a great way to see Dublin. You can tick off all the major sights in one fell swoop, without your step counter going through the roof.

Whether you want to pack in as much as you can, or simply see the sights from the comfort of a double decker bus, these tours will show you the best of Dublin.

• 1 . Hop On Hop Off Tour by DoDublin Tours
• 2 . Big Bus Dublin
• 3 . City Sightseeing
• 4 . Vintage Tea Trips
• 5 . What to see in Dublin

Seeing the city by bus means you don’t need to decide between visiting Kilmainham Gaol or the Phoenix Park , because you can do it all in one day, hopping on and off at your leisure. Better still, you’ll often be accompanied by a tour guide who can point out the local hotspots as you sail on past.

It's also a cost-effective way to see the city, particularly if tickets to museums or other attractions are thrown into the mix. As a general rule, you can expect to pay around €30 for a 24-hour hop on, hop off tour, or around €35 for a two-day ticket. On most of the tours, at least one child goes free per adult, making family tours even better value.

But bus tours aren’t just for seeing the city. Nearby attractions are also at your fingertips, on tours that take you all around Ireland without you having to hire a car or navigate public transport. You can head off to places like the Cliffs of Moher or the Giant's Causeway and be back in the city by nightfall.

Hop On Hop Off Tour by DoDublin Tours

You’ll spot these bright green buses all over the city. Their hop on, hop off tours take in all the major sights, including the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum . But they also stop off at the smaller attractions, like Teeling Whiskey Distillery in the Liberties and Marsh’s Library , right next to St Patrick’s Cathedral . A ticket also includes entry to the Little Museum of Dublin and a Pat Liddy's walking tour . Buses depart from O’Connell Street regularly.

Guinness Storehouse

If you want to get out of the city, they also run tours south to Wicklow and Glendalough, or north up to Belfast and the Causeway Coast. They also offer a Ghostbus tour of Dublin, where you’ll visit a medieval vault and a city graveyard, accompanied by some fairly theatrical characters. While their original tour is most definitely not for kids, they’ve now created a version for children aged between 7-14.  

Big Bus Dublin

This bus tour takes in 25 stops around Dublin, with a guide pointing out all the sights of the city, or a pre-recorded commentary available in eight languages. As well as all the locations set in the middle of the city, the tours head out to Dublin Zoo in the Phoenix Park, as well as Kilmainham Gaol and Richmond Barracks . Even if you don’t hop off and explore those sights, the trip will give you a broader sense of Dublin’s geography away from the city centre. The regular tours kick off from O’Connell Street, check Big Bus Tours Dublin for up-to-date departure times.

All tickets include a walking tour, and there’s free Wi-Fi on the bus, too — so you can plot out your next move, or post a video of the on-board singalongs to Instagram. They also offer a night tour , so you can see all the landmarks illuminated after dark, like the lights of St Patrick’s Cathedral or the buildings that line the River Liffey. There’s also a deluxe package available, which includes the hop on, hop off ticket for three days, a night tour and a half day coastal tour to the fishing village of Howth .  

City Sightseeing

There are more than 30 stops on the City Sightseeing hop on, hop off tour, including Jeanie Johnston , a replica famine ship on the River Liffey, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham. Buses run every hour, departing from Trinity College.

As well as the included stops in the city, you can get picked up in the morning from bus stops around Ballsbridge, which is handy if you’re staying in that neighbourhood and want to see the more central sights without getting separate transport into town. 

They also offer a river cruise along the Liffey, giving you a unique perspective of the city from the water. Starting at Bachelor’s Walk, you’ll sail under O’Connell Bridge and past the 18th-century Custom House, all the way to the glass and steel architecture of the Docklands. 

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

Vintage tea trips.

This isn’t a traditional bus tour. Instead of hopping off at various spots, you’ll stay on the vintage bus for the duration of your journey, passing the highlights of the city as you tuck into afternoon tea accompanied by the sounds of 1950s jazz. You’ll see sights like Trinity College, the Phoenix Park and Christ Church Cathedral , with freshly made sandwiches, desserts and pastries on the table in front of you.

What to see in Dublin

Planning your hop off points? Our guide to the great things to see in Dublin will get you started, with most of them included on the bus tours above.

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Hop On Hop Off Dublin - Bus Tours

Experience the best of the capital city of Ireland with your hop-on hop-off Dublin tour. Choose from a range of Dublin hop-on hop-off bus tickets and discover the city at your own pace. Explore the culture and vibrance of the city and visit some of the iconic stops like the Irish Whiskey Museum, Dublin Castle, Writers Museum, Guinness Brewery, Temple Bar and many more. The city that wakes up early offers some top-rated Dublin bus tour combinations at compelling prices. It’s what to do in Dublin!

Dublin Sightseeing Bus Tours

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Experience Dublin in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Explore the Emerald Isle during your hop-on hop-off Dublin city tours. With your tickets, you don’t need to trouble yourself about how to get around the city. The bus tours are super-flexible, and they make plenty of stops at the top attractions, so you can choose which places you would like to see. Check out the Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, and much more!

You can choose from top curated experiences and hop on Big Bus Dublin, Do Dublin, or more. You can even pair a hop-on hop-off with a free museum visit and a walking tour. Otherwise, why not opt for a tour that includes meal deals, a free walking tour, drinks, and more! And for those wanting to avail themselves of a great deal, you can try a DoDublin Card or a Dublin Pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book the hop-on hop-off dublin sightseeing tour.

June to August is the peak season in Dublin when the weather is pleasantly warm and festivities fill the air. However, the city is packed with tourists in the summer season. You can also visit Dublin in late spring to balance out the crowds. Plus, you can secure great deals on sightseeing and accommodation.

Q: What are the key attractions covered in the Dublin hop-on hop-off tour?

Major attractions covered in Dublin open bus tour include the Irish Whiskey Museum, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle, The Dublin Liberties Distillery, Kilmainham Gaol, Phoenix Park, Writers Museum, Irish Museum of Modern Art, National Museum of Ireland, Teelings Distillery, and Temple Bar.

Q: Is Dublin hop-on hop-off worth it?

Dublin hop-on hop-off bus tour covers all major attractions of the city with strategically placed stops. Add to that, you can also combine your sightseeing bus tour with a River Cruise or The Guinness Storehouse Experience. These tours also include free guided walking tours and immersive audio commentary about Dublin’s Viking history. You can enjoy live commentary in several languages such as English, German, French, Spanish, Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, and Russian to ensure that you don’t miss a thing.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various hop-on hop-off tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops and timings change frequently.

Q: Where do I exchange my Dublin Bus tour voucher or paper ticket?

Other hop on hop off destinations.

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 Dublin Bus

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Dublin's No.1 Sightseeing Tour Company

DoDublin is the No.1 rated Dublin Bus Tour on TripAdvisor

For a vacation you'll never forget!

DoDublin are the top tour company in Ireland's capital city. We show more people around Dublin than anybody else, and we've been No.1 since 1988.

• Friendliest guides - with an encyclopedic knowledge of the city they love.
• We offer fantastic value and 1 Child U15 Goes Free.
• Buses arrive every 20-30 minutes (in Summer, every 30-60 minutes in Winter)
• Buy online before you arrive and present voucher on your phone!

Take our Hop on Hop off tour of the city, try a Day Trip on our famous double decker buses.. We have the biggest fleet of sightseeing buses and higher frequency for our city tour than any other bus company in Ireland, with the most dedicated and passionate tour guides behind the wheel!

Ireland is one of Europe's top vacation destinations and it's easy to see why.

• The Irish scenery is simply breath-taking - from its ancient cities to its wonderful green countryside.
• Céad Míle Fáilte (or one hundred thousand welcomes) On vacation it's often the people you meet who leave the biggest impression, and the Irish are famous for their warm and friendly nature.
• Ireland is a country that is steeped in history with medieval castles, Georgian splendour, and prehistoric monuments to be found around every turn!
• Ireland's culture and arts are famous throughout the world, from their music, writers and poets, ancient folklore and they're wit.
• Modern Ireland is renowned as a travel destination for its great food, top quality hotels and accommodation and excellent customer service and value for money.

Green is the colour that is synonymous with Ireland. City's throughout the world "go green" each year (in Chicago they even dye the river) to help celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Well DoDublin are green all year round, and if you're in Dublin city you're never far away from a Green DoDublin Bus. Hop on board and we'll help you DoDublin, like a Dubliner!

For Dublin’s fastest, most frequent and best valued airport transfers book through the Airlink Express Airport Transfer Hub

Take Dublin’s No.1 city sightseeing tour on open top bus.

24 Hour & 48 Hour tickets available helping visitors truly discover Dublin.

One original route covering the city’s must-see attractions.

Buy tickets for all of Dublin's top tourist attractions;

Includes EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum,

Christ Church Cathedral, Teelings Whiskey Distillery

and much more!

Venture outside Dublin city for the day.

See world famous landmarks and breath-taking landscapes including the Cliffs of Moher, Glendalough and the Titanic exhibition.

Experience traditional Irish culture and craic in popular cities like Belfast, Galway, Kilkenny and more.

 Dublin Bus

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Dublin's Best Tours

Dodublin like a dubliner.

Dublin Sightseeing have been showing visitors around Dublin for over 35 years and we know the city better than anyone.

Airlink Express now provides tickets for Dublin's best airport transfers services Dublin Express and Aircoach. Visit the Airlink Express Airport Transfer Page  to purchase tickets for Dublin's fastest and most frequent airport bus now.

Visit The Guinness Storehouse, take a whiskey tour to one of the city's top distilleries or take a Day Trip from Dublin visiting some of Ireland's top destinations.

Voted No.1 Bus Tour on Tripadvisor

Dublin's Hop-on Hop-off tour is the best way to see Dublin City.

Running every 20-30 minutes departing from O'Connell Street.

Take a trip to the darker side of Dublin on board the world's first Ghostbus Tour. Ghostbus has been a favourite among Dubliners and visiters alike for over 20 years. It's a 2 hour fright-fest featuring our specially designed haunted house on wheels.

Take a Day Tour from Dublin and visit some of Ireland's most famous and idyllic locations.

Tours available to the Cliffs of Moher, The Giants Causeway, Kilkenny, Glendalough and many more!

DoDublin's Airlink Express service provides the most extensive range of Dublin Airport transfers available. Take the Airport bus, rent a mini-bus or Chauffeur Driven Car.

The Ghostbus Kids Tour is back on the streets of Dublin as Dublin's spookiest children's attraction.

Full of interactive fun games and much more with a professional actor & children's entertainer.

Perfect for school tours & birthday party's!

Some City Tour Highlights...

Guinness storehouse.

The Guinness Storehouse is the most popular stop on the DoDublin sightseeing tour and is loved by vistors to the city and Dubliner's alike. The St James' Gate Brewery was founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness and the company still hold a 9000 year lease over the property. The storehouse explains the history of the world reknowned porter and while there why not enjoy a pint yourself. The 360 degree 7th floor Gravity Bar offers incredible views of the city as well. With an estimated near 1.5million visitors per year the home of the black stuff is definitely a stop we highely recommend paying a visit to. Click the link above to book your tickets now!

Dublin Whiskey Distillery Tours

Visit Dublin's selection of world-class whiskey distilleries, all located in the heart of the city. Choose between Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Pearse Lyons Distillery, and the Irish Whiskey Museum. Discover Dublin’s premiere destinations for whiskey fans and for anyone with an interest in Dublin’s rich Irish Whiskey heritage. Join in on guided tours of the distilleries and learn about the processes from distilling to dram! All tours include tasting sessions during each visit.

Day Tours from Dublin

Get out of the city for a day on a bus Day Tour with one of our partner companies. You can visit the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, the Giants Causeway and Belfast, Kilkenny city and the home of Waterford Crystal or take the famous Game of Thrones tour visiting the most famous locations from the iconic television series. The choice is yours!

THE 10 BEST Dublin Bus Tours

Bus tours in dublin.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Wild Atlantic and Galway Tour

2. Dublin to Northern Ireland incl. Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway

3. Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Guide and Little Museum Entry

4. Blarney Castle Day Tour from Dublin Including Rock of Cashel & Cork City

5. Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin

6. Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges and Belfast

7. Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full Day Guided Tour

8. Castles and Whiskey Tour

9. Big Bus Dublin Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Tour with Live Guide

10. Sustainable Dublin to Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway by Rail

11. Titanic Belfast Experience,Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle Day Trip from Dublin

12. Dublin to Wicklow and Glendalough Guided Tours with Horse Riding

13. Dublin to Newgrange, Bru Na Boinne, Monasterboice Monastic Site

14. Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Burren & Galway Day Tour From Dublin

15. Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle, Cobh Cathedral by Train and Coach

16. Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic entrance fee

17. Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Dublin: Including The Wild Atlantic Way

18. Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Half Day Morning Tour from Dublin

19. Guinness Storehouse Ticket and Big Bus Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour

20. Dublin Ghost Bus Tour with Professional Actors

21. The National Gallery of Ireland Dublin Private Tour, Tickets

22. Giant's Causeway Day Tour from Dublin

23. Blarney, Rock of Cashel & Cahir Castles Day Tour From Dublin

24. Howth Coastal Half-Day Bus Tour from Dublin with Live Guide

25. Dublin Cruise Ship Shore Excursion|Hop-on Hop-off & Rail Transfer

26. Celtic Boyne Valley & Ancient Sites Day Tour From Dublin

27. Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Afternoon Tour from Dublin

28. Game of Thrones - Winterfell Trek from Dublin

29. Sustainable Ring of Kerry Rail Tour from Dublin

30. Cliffs of Moher and Galway City Day Tour from Dublin

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The dirtiest Toliets ever - Heuston Station

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• Heuston Station

The dirtiest Toliets ever

I am a bus driver and I was finished at Heuston this evening. I had a call of nature. So I decided to use the facility's. To say I was shocked at the men's Toilets in the station. There was tissues well at least I hoped they were left on the floor by the uranls. The smell was horrible I almost got sick. The last time I smelt something as bad as what was in the Toilets was when I was on a farm. How often do the toilets get cleaned because the staff aren't doing a good job at all. I'd rather piss in a bottle then use the toilets in that station.

Doesn't have the beauty of Liege or Valencia, nor the abundance of shops and restaurants like cologne, but it's pretty good station serving the west and south west. The trains run mostly on time, the staff are friendly.

I have limited mobility, the staff were absolutely amazing, helped me as it was my first ever train journey in Ireland

Efficient with public bathrooms and several cafes. You can also buy snacks and drinks for the road. I recommend booking online ahead of time, if you can. My husband and I paid 136 euro total from Dublin to Killarney and back again. You'll get an email with your ticket collection number. Head in the front, find a ticket machine, and follow the prompts. Easy. Then keep your eye on the big board for when the platform number of your train is announced. Usually the platform number is announced 20-30 minutes before the posted departure time. Once you know the number, head to the turnstiles. Stick your ticket in the slot and DON'T FORGET TO TAKE IT BACK. Then head through, board, and find your seat. Signs label each car, as well as the booked seats. Ours were marked with our ticket collection number, not our names. Someone does come around checking tickets. There are bathrooms, WiFi, charging ports, and snacks for sale on board. There are a variety of seating options. Booking online got us a pair of comfy seats with a table, window view, and overhead luggage storage. There are also spots to store larger luggage at the ends of the cars. Stops are announced well ahead of time and you'll have a bit of time to hop off. Still, I wouldn't drag your feet too much.

Very nice station and easy to use. You can book your train tickets 90 days in advance with Irish Rail. They email you a conformation number which you enter into an automated machine at the station and it prints your tickets. There is also an information booth at the station. When you get reserved tickets, your name will be digitally displayed above your seat. The station has a nice bar, several places to eat and a convenience store. Very pleasant way to travel around Ireland. Tickets are inexpensive and the trains are comfortable and clean.

My taxi dropped me at the gates to platform 5a and I needed to go to platform 2. I decided to go through the gates at platform 5a and walk around but I was chased by a worker that had disgraceful manners. Proceeded to raise his voice telling me to “go the other f***ing way” and “you can’t go this f***ing way” etc. when I asked what the problem was I was told : “you’re the f***ing problem” and proceeded to call me names. Absolutely dreadful way to speak to a customer, or anyone for that matter. P.s. when I got to the other side after going the long way around, I discovered that I absolutely could have gone the way I was going and I asked another employee what the problem was with going that way and he said he had no idea what the problem was. Hope that guy manages to find inner peace lmao

Brucewatch: Bruce Springsteen says ‘Dublin, we love you’ ahead of Croke Park concert

Where is bruce springsteen with a few days left in ireland, you never know where the boss will turn up.

Bruce Springsteen at McGrattans Bar, off Baggot Street, Dublin, on Saturday. Photograph: Instagram/@springsteen

Ireland is thoroughly in the thrall of The Boss, with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band almost finished their four-date Irish tour. They played at Boucher Road in Belfast on Thursday, May 9th, Nowlan Park in Kilkenny on Sunday, May 12th and Cork’s Park Uí Chaoimh on Thursday, May 16th. Next up is Sunday’s grand finale at Dublin’s Croke Park .

Here’s where the star has been spotted so far duing his Irish tour?

Ahead of the final concert of his Irish tour at Croke Park , Springsteen posted a video of himself outside McGrattans Bar, off Baggott Street, in Dublin city centre, on Saturday evening. The star posted on Instagram , saying “Dublin, we love you” and telling fans heading to Croke Park he will “rock them into the ground”.

It is not clear if he or members of the band had a drink in the bar. Last year Springsteen was spotted enjoying a drink in the Long Hall pub, on South Great George’s Street, in the city centre.

Bruce Springsteen promoter apologises to fans stuck in queues as Croke Park concert began

‘What a night of pure joy’ – Bruce Springsteen fans give their verdict on ‘corker’ Croke Park gig

In pictures: Bruce Springsteen rocks Croke Park on a sunny Sunday evening

Bruce Springsteen in Croke Park review: Blockbuster performance closes Irish tour on an emotion-filled evening

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen)

The Boss must think Christmas comes to Ireland in May, because as per a request on a sign, Springsteen broke into Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town on Thursday night in Cork.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aiken Promotions (@aikenpromotions)

[  Bruce Springsteen concert in Kilkenny: Tell us your verdict  ]

Springsteen has gone to Leo Burdock’s flagship fish and chip shop in Christchurch twice in the last few days – once last Friday, and once on Wednesday. The classic Dublin takeaway has previously referred to The Boss as a regular, and we are beginning to think they are right.

@springsteen the legend, The Boss has come back again for some delicious fish and chips @dublinlive_ @lovindublin @98fmdublin @dublinsfm104 @rtetoday @officialspin1038 Posted by Leo Burdock on  Wednesday, May 15, 2024

@springsteen the boss has landed at our flagship#christchurch@leoburdockireland Posted by Leo Burdock on  Friday, May 10, 2024

In a comment on their Facebook post in response to queries asking what The Boss’s order is, Burdock’s said: “I believe fresh cod and goujons but his all time favourite is lemon sole.”

The classic Dublin takeaway has also hosted the likes of U2 and Tom Cruise.

Springsteen shared a heartwarming moment with a young fan at his Belfast gig on Thursday night.

The Boss walked down to the crowd mid-show during the song Hungry Heart, and gifted Farrah Lavery from Aghagallon, Co Antrim, who was at her first concert, one of his guitar picks, before embracing her in a hug, which her father joined.

The girl was one of about 40,000 attendees at the concert with her parents and brother, and was sitting on her father’s shoulders when Springsteen approached her with the gift.

Who’s our Lucky Girl 😍 Help us find her 🙌🏼 @springsteen #Belfast #Springsteen pic.twitter.com/CVV8yPtsa9 — Aiken Promotions (@aikenpromotions) May 9, 2024

Farrah wore an “I Heart Bruce” T-shirt and had a sign requesting Sherry Darling, which as her mother Michelle Lavery said, “only real fans would know”.

“We play that song every single day on the way to school and we get ready for the day ahead and it keeps us in a good mood,” Lavery said. Springsteen has accompanied the mother of two throughout her life, in good times and in bad, she said.

But when her daughter told her she was going to make a sign to request the song, she did not expect Bruce to see it.

“He [Bruce] was a few songs in, he was in good form, but he made a beeline just over the stage to our side,” Lavery said. “He stopped a bit in front of us and then he kept looking at her and singing to her, and then he made his way over to her with his hands held out”.

“He talked to her, rather than singing to her, and she was singing back, and he said, ‘Can I have a hug?’”

The family went home with not only Springsteen’s guitar pick, but the setlist from the night too. They also said they were planning to go to Kilkenny to see The Boss in Nowlan Park on Sunday.

[  Bruce Springsteen in Belfast: Fans give their verdicts - ‘I would follow Bruce around the world if I could’ The Boss has kicked off his four-date Irish tour in style and the fans have spoken  ]

“Springsteen has been such a major part of her life, and I’m so glad for her, she’s so lucky, it’s just brilliant,” Lavery said. “How could her mother not be proud?”

“I’m so glad I made the decision to take her,” she said, “it turned out to be probably the greatest experience certainly of her life, but of mine too. I’m so proud to be able to look at something that meant so much to me and share it with my children.”

Bruce Springsteen and fan Stephen Coulter (55), from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. Photograph: Stephen Coulter

Earlier in the week, eagle-eyed fan Stephen Coulter had a not-so chance meeting with The Boss outside the Culloden hotel, where the performer is staying. He spoke to The Irish Times while he queued for Springsteen’s Boucher Road concert on Thursday night.

“I knew there’d be a private jet coming from Cardiff into Belfast so I just kept an eye on flight tracker and normally when he plays Belfast he always stays in the Culloden so I just kept an eye on the flight and took my chance there,” Coulter said.

[  Bruce Springsteen in Belfast: can I still buy tickets, how to get to Boucher Fields, set lists, weather forecast and more  ]

“There was a member of the entourage there – he’s obviously there to make sure everybody was ready for him coming – so he just told me to stand just in a certain spot, told me not to move, then the cavalcade [arrived].”

The Culloden, located in Holywood on the edge of Belfast. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty

“Bruce was the first one off the bus and more or less came straight walking up and I’d a Born to Run album and asked him would he sign it, he signed it and I got an emotional selfie with him, should we say,” Coulter laughed.

“It happened so quick – it’s over and done with in minutes so you’ve a load of questions you’re going to ask but you get the essentials done, the photograph and the autograph.”

Stephen Coulter's copy of Born to Run signed by Bruce Springsteen. Photograph: Stephen Coulter

It was 55-year-old Coulter’s first time meeting Springsteen, having first seen him in concert in 1985 in Slane when he was 16, “so I’ve been following him for a while”, he said.

“The album’s already away to get framed, I haven’t got it back yet but hopefully it’ll be worth looking at; it’ll get pride of place somewhere in the house.”

The Culloden Estate and Spa is a five-star resort hotel in the leafy Holywood suburb of Belfast. The hotel overlooks Belfast Lough and the Co Antrim coastline, with 12 acres of secluded gardens and woodland – offering The Boss some privacy.

The Irish Times is firmly on Brucewatch, so if you’ve spotted him out and about, let us know.

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Ellen O’Donoghue

Ellen O'Donoghue is an Irish Times journalist

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Traveling Ireland by bus. With a dozen banjo players. And jokes. What could be better?

Ireland – The conference room at the Old Ground Hotel was crowded with newly assembled musicians and traveling tourists - and 17-year-old musician Flynn Whitmore was a bit nervous. One of the most respected tenor banjo players in Ireland, Enda Scahill , had just played a finger-flying, knee-bobbing jig with other well-known traditional Irish musicians at the meet-and-greet session and Scahill invited the music students to leave their seats and come up and play.

“I didn’t want to play,” said Whitmore. “But … Enda told me to get my banjo. So, I did.”

That first day, we were strangers. But just a few days later, Whitmore would venture out onto a jagged fang of the Cliffs of Moher, hundreds of feet above the sea spray of the Atlantic Ocean, to draw notes out of his four-string in the whipping wind while the rest of us tourists and newfound fans marveled at how much his confidence had grown.

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This was no ordinary bus tour through Ireland. This was a mashup of a dozen banjo-playing musicians of all levels and abilities, mixed in with an audience of music-loving tourists, all packing together the same bus to explore the Emerald Isle together, one note, Guinness and Irish joke at a time.

'I hear the biggest city in Ireland is growing. It’s Dublin.'

So how did I end up on this bus − swaying and bobbing through the narrow lanes that separate endless farms of sheep and cows − with a dozen banjo players?

Wild Atlantic Music Tours is a travel company that provides the uncommon experience of exploring Ireland with star musicians leading the way, quite literally on the same bus with tourists. Sometimes it’s a fiddler or a guitarist . Sometimes it’s a band . The point is to experience Ireland through its best storytellers and musicians, and to observe and appreciate the history of this mystical country through the music. Wild Atlantic Music Tours takes its buses to big cities like Galway as well as remote villages with little more than a church, a soccer pitch and a pub. Guides Eddie King and Robert Hanrahan are like Irish cousins showing us the best places to eat, drink and tune out our worries with a harp, a bodhrán and a banjo.

This particular Wild Atlantic Music Tour − in October, 2023 − was the first of its kind featuring Scahill, the former front man for the popular CeltGrass band We Banjo 3 which, during its decade-long run, drew thousands of fans to its performances at Milwaukee Irish Fest . Scahill had experience in these tours, going on them with We Banjo 3 years ago; last year, he was ready to do one on his own, especially for other banjo players and music-minded tourists.

I don’t play the banjo. And I didn’t know anyone − other than Scahill, a little bit. But I was determined to go. In 2016 my cousin invited me to visit Irish Fest for the first time and I joined her, mortified, in the fifth row at the Harley-Davidson stage of a We Banjo 3 concert, embarrassed to make eye contact with the performers. This was not my scene. I listen to hip-hop, K-pop, dance, R&B. Banjos? I was sure I'd hate it.

But We Banjo 3 just brought so much energy to the stage and their versatility between cover and original music was unlike anything I'd ever heard before. Their sound was big and pure and danceable and I loved them, and so did Milwaukee, and Wisconsin − so much so that in 2018 I wrote two stories about We Banjo 3, and that’s when I first talked to Scahill.

More: Milwaukee's Irish Fest feels like home for Galway's We Banjo 3

More: Irish Fest regular We Banjo 3 uses music to shine a light on mental health

Right before the pandemic I took one of those DNA tests that confirmed my German-Polish Milwaukee South Side roots, but there was a surprise: Holy eejit, I’m Irish, too! Not a lot, but I vowed to embrace the shamrock enthusiastically. In 2023, with We Banjo 3 on hiatus, Scahill had focused on his solo work, his Irish music podcast Inside the Banjoverse and a new passion. He started teaching banjo-playing students all over the world on his banjo-lesson Patreon account . A Wild Atlantic Music Tour just made sense (and he's doing another right now).

That bus took us all along the middle-west coast of Ireland, with visits to the Aran Islands, Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, the Burren and the international and charming city of Galway. We learned to walk with the sun for good luck at the temple on the Inis Oirr, that County Clare is the home of traditional Irish music, that Doolin has both pine and palm trees, that the Burren in spring has both Alpine and Mediterranean flowers , and that and some scenes from The Banshees of Inisherin were shot in a perfect tiny old smokehouse with a low roof and uneven floors.

'He’s Scottish - he’s not allowed to ask for water at a bar. They’ll take his passport.'

We tourists came from all over and so did the banjo students: Ireland, Scotland, the U.S. Young Flynn, whom we all adopted, is from Australia. And yet even with all the beauty of exploring Ireland's patchwork green countryside and pursuing the end of every rainbow, incredibly, Scahill managed to get more than a dozen performers to join our musical motley crew on tour. They are all renowned musicians who left us mesmerized:

Mark Donnellan (fiddle), Brian Donnellan (concertina), Aodán Coyne (guitar and vocals); Micheal Ó hAlmhain (whistle), Eoin O'Neill (bouzouki), Manus Maguire (fiddle); Sorcha Costello (fiddle), Diarmuid Ó Meachair (melodeon, accordion); Christy Barry (flute, spoons), James Devitt (fiddle); John Carty (fiddle, banjo), Fredda Hatton (harp, concertina), Julie Langan (fiddle); Liz Kane (fiddle), Mirella Murray (piano, accordion); Brian McGrath (banjo), Mick Conneely (fiddle), Damien Quinn (bodhran).

These musicians, along with the bus tour banjo students, played master classes in the morning, or sets in the afternoon at pubs, or full concerts at night. Some were private concerts just for us; others drew packed crowds, like at the Crane Bar . That meant that music filled several hours of the day. And every session got better than the last as the group got more comfortable playing in public and playing together.

'Do you know how to have $1 million after 10 years playing the banjo? Start with $2 million.'

We got history lessons, too, on the music and the instruments. Barry explained that jigs were different than barn dances and peasant music, that music and dancing were the religion of their grandparents and that musicians played for the dancers.

“That’s what got your energy up was the dancing,” said Barry, brilliant blue eyes shining.

Ireland’s Young Musician of the year in 2022, Diarmuid Ó Meachair grew up with Irish as his first language and sang an Irish language song about a man who loves drink alcohol. Sorcha Costello brought the crowd to a standstill with her fiddle, and a massive line of new fans formed to buy both of their CDs, just to support these young talented people and music. (Never mind that most of us customers don’t own a CD player.)

And on the cross routes in between the pubs and sites, bus life on Wild Atlantic Music was never boring or confining, and the guides never dragged out a ride, as most were between 1-2 hours. In fact, the bus provided stress-free downtime to hear Enda, Rob and Eddie outdo each other with Irish stories and Dad jokes, or just close the eyes and rest. The view of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world's longest coastal drives, must be seen in person; no camera will ever do it justice.

We were all moved by the tour, the history, the culture, the love of a country that has taken in 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. But it might have changed one young man's life.

'Tá áthas orm' - means, 'I am happy,' in Irish

Do you believe in destiny? Whitmore is Australian, but his parents chose to name him Flynn, an Irish name; they gave him the middle name, Mackenzie, which is Scottish. Crazier still, it was just a few years ago that Flynn took up banjo − in rebellion. His mom Bronwyn was determined to make music part of his education. The Woodford Folk Festival is a 45-minute drive from their home, and she plays the harp; dad plays the digeridoo.

So, Flynn’s first choice was drums. “Mum said, 'something with notes,'” said Flynn.

Flynn’s second choice was electric guitar. “'Something acoustic,' said mum."

“Funnily enough, I then picked ‘banjo’ − just because I knew we wouldn't be able to find a banjo teacher. It was a complete joke,” said Flynn.

But the scarcity of Irish traditional music in Australia wasn't a problem. After seeing The East Pointers at Woodford, Flynn came across Scahill’s banjo video lessons on Patreon and took off with it. His talent, drive and enthusiasm for the music became apparent within minutes of meeting young Flynn. Everyone on tour was telling Flynn he’ll be performing on stages in no time.

But playing 'Mouse in the Kitchen' with new friends on tour is one thing for Flynn. When Whitmore met Carty , he was awestruck.

“I didn’t want to whip out my banjo − I just respect him so much.”

Whitmore was content to play as much as he wanted, but also sit back and appreciate the music as a fan, too.

'I tried work. But I found it took up the whole day'

Scahill wanted his bus tour to be a one-of-a-kind experience. After he endured the pandemic, which shut down We Banjo 3's touring for more than a year, he had had enough of that (like the rest of us). His home country of Ireland is a treasure and being here is a privilege. So, more than anything, Scahill wanted his banjo students, who play songs with titles and lyrics that reference Irish cities, towns and people, to come with him, tour Ireland, and actually play in those towns, and meet those people.

“When they come to Ireland, and are playing with the best musicians in the country, the whole purpose of the tour is immersive and it's inclusive,” said Scahill. “You don’t have to be at a 'level'; or worry if you’re not good, or enough you’ll get pushed aside.”

It doesn't mean he's grooming professionals, necessarily. He wanted immersion, and that goes both ways. Scahill started performing – on stage – at the age of 10 and his career has taken him on months-long tours all over the world, often to sold-out theaters or packed festivals. With all his musical connections, he was sure to invite guest musicians to join the tour, and the students, because he knew they would have fun playing with, and embracing, banjo students students and hobbyists. There's not much room for ego on this bus.

Perhaps the best part of the tour was listening to Scahill talk about the challenges of being a musician, of dealing with success, and fallouts; of dealing with critics, and comparisons. He's achieved a lot in his career, but also seems bolstered by getting back to the roots of music, by teaching others how to play. A side benefit was for the other tourists like me, who don't play, but now better appreciate the banjo and the music overall.

Maybe young Flynn will be on stage one day; maybe not.

“I want him to figure it out himself, which he will,” said Scahill.

But Flynn's passion for the banjo, for being around music-minded people, for hiking in Ireland's woods − and crawling out on its precarious cliffs − rekindled the wanderlust in all of us.

Lori Nickel is a sports columnist with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Traveling Ireland by bus. With a dozen banjo players. And jokes. What could be better?

Everything you need to know ahead of Bruce Springsteen's Croke Park gig

It's been a year since Bruce Springsteen played three incredible nights in the RDS in Dublin but for fans who are ready to go Dancing In The Dark again... there's one more chance to see him live!

The Boss has already played in Belfast, Kilkenny, and Cork as part of his 2024 European Stadium Tour and he's got one more stop to go as he's a final show in Dublin on Sunday, May 19.

Bruce shared a message for fans coming to the gig from outside McGrattans Pub in the city centre on Saturday night, saying: 'Dublin, we love you! And we're coming tomorrow night to rock you into the ground!'

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen)

Sounds like it's going to be some show... and for fans heading to the gig in Dublin, here's everything you need to know from the setlist to the start time.

Time and date

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will play Croke Park in Dublin on Sunday, May 19.

The 74-year-old will take to the stage at 7pm sharp. Fans have been warned that there is no support act so are advised to arrive at the venue with plenty of time before the show.

Gates for the gig at Croke Park will open at 5pm and Bruce will take to the stage at 7pm. The set lasts about three hours so it should finish up by 10.30pm.

There are a handful of tickets still available on Ticketmaster , starting at €146 for Croke Park.

Fans have been advised they must download their tickets from their Ticketmaster account to their iPhone wallet or Google Pay wallet in advance of the concert. Screenshots or printouts of digital tickets will not be accepted.

Ticketmaster is the official and only legitimate ticket seller for this event and fans have been warned not to buy from bogus ticket sellers or from unofficial sources.

If you're wondering what to expect The Boss to perform at his Irish concert dates, here is the setlist for the three-hour show:

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band setlist: So Young and in Love Lonesome Day No Surrender Prove It All Night Darlington County Ghosts Better Days The Promised Land Spirit in the Night Hungry Heart If I Was the Priest My City of Ruins Nightshift The River Last Man Standing Backstreets Because the Night She's the One Wrecking Ball The Rising Badlands Thunder Road

Encore: Born in the USA Born to Run Bobby Jean Dancing in the Dark Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out Twist and Shout

Second encore: I'll See You in My Dreams

No Under 14s will be allowed entry to the standing/pitch area and will only be permitted in seating areas. All under 16s must be accompanied by a person aged over 18.

Fans going to the Croke Park concert have also been strongly encouraged to use public transport. Bus, Rail, DART and LUAS transport options can all bring you within walking distance of the venue.

There is no parking available on the streets in the immediate vicinity of Croke Park as it is situated in a residential area with resident-only parking and illegally parked cars will be clamped or towed away.

Concert goers have been asked not to bring a bag unless it is absolutely necessary and people without bags will be fast-tracked.

If you must bring a bag it needs to be less than A4 size. No bags larger than A4 size will be allowed into the venue. Bags under A4 size will be searched which will result in queueing.

Banned items

No seating of any kind, no umbrellas, and no bags over A4 size will be admitted. The other usual stuff won't be permitted within the grounds such as alcohol, selfie sticks and flares. See a full list here .

What to wear

This is an outdoor event and as well all know, Ireland has its fair share of rain and cool wind, so keep an eye on the weather forecast prior to concert and dress accordingly.

Met Eireann has forecast a mostly dry day for Dublin on Sunday with sunny spells and temperatures of up to 21 degrees. However, you might still want to bring a raincoat just in case as there's just a chance of one or two showers this afternoon and evening.

Hopefully it stays dry for the concert!

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