Private Dublin Walking Tours
Discover Dublin through the stories, people and events that shaped the city.
Dublin Docent offers private walking tours for individuals, couples, families and groups. Choose from one of our historical tours below, or let us create a tour around your particular interests.
Tours are led by Paddy Dillon, a qualified National Tour Guide with a background in history and education.
Private tours from €180 for a two-hour Dublin City Highlights Tour.
Dublin City Highlights
The Essential Introduction to Dublin
Discover Dublin’s most important landmarks while uncovering the stories behind them. From Viking and medieval Dublin to Georgian elegance, revolution, independence and the modern city, this private walking tour is an ideal introduction for first-time visitors and can be tailored to your interests.
Revolutionary Dublin
1916, Independence and the Birth of Modern Ireland
Walk through the streets where Ireland’s revolutionary story unfolded. Discover the people, places and events of the 1916 Easter Rising, the War of Independence and Civil War, and explore how a revolutionary generation transformed Ireland and created a new state.
Historic Kilmainham
Rebellion, Famine and Revolution Beyond the City Centre
Explore one of Dublin’s most historically fascinating districts, away from the usual city-centre tourist routes. Discover stories of rebellion, the Great Famine, military history and revolution while visiting the historic area surrounding Kilmainham Gaol, Richmond Barracks, the Royal Hospital and the Irish National War Memorial Gardens.
Dublin Writers & Characters
The Writers, Rebels and Remarkable People Who Shaped Dublin
Meet some of the extraordinary personalities who made Dublin famous. Explore the city through the stories of writers including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats and Jonathan Swift, alongside the politicians, rebels, eccentrics and other characters who have left their mark on Dublin.
More Tours
Looking for something a little different? Dublin Docent also offers a range of specialist and themed tours, including:
The Great Irish Famine • Dark Days of Dublin • Jewish Dublin • Dublin's Churches • Hidden Gems of Dublin • Ireland Through Art • Dublin's Sporting History • Dublin's Music & Musicians • Phoenix Park
Don't see exactly what you're looking for? We can design a private tour around your particular interests.
Review by A M, January 25th, 2025"
" Paddy blew away our expectations. His knowledge of history added amazing context to our tour. From Viking history to The Troubles, Paddy did a fantastic job combining history with a compelling walking tour that showed us all of central Dublin on our 4-hour tour. I would definitely recommend Paddy to anyone looking for a rich, enlightening walking tour of Dublin" AM January 2025
Paddy was absolutely incredible. He was so engaging and learning about Irish history was so fascinating. He had my young children ages 8 and 7, completely enthralled. We learned so much from him and am so grateful that he was our guide. "
Review by S A, April 9th, 2026
" Paddy is an excellent guide: deeply knowledgeable, a great storyteller, and completely familiar with the streets and secret places of Dublin.
Review by M H, April 12th, 2025
Paddy was a wonderful guide for our Dublin City tour. We had a range of family members from 6 to 83 years old, and he kept it interesting for everyone. We especially appreciated his thoughtful and candid answers about his country, giving us many insights to go with the landmarks we visited.
Review EP August 2024
" Paddy was everything I wanted in a guide. He had prepared an itinerary that perfectly suited our interests and his explanations were clear and to the point. I loved every minute of our conversation "
Review by CS, August 20th, 2024
Paddy was an outstanding tour guide... interesting, informative, funny. This tour was the highlight of my trip to Ireland. "
Review by K N, September 9th, 2024
