Dublin Bespoke Tours

Séamus O’Flaherty

Take a walking tour of the great city of Dublin. Discover this capital city, learn about its history and development, and its central role in the evolving history of Ireland: its flourishing moments as well as its darker periods.

I am a graduate in History from University College Dublin and have studied History of Art at Trinity College Dublin. I have also studied abroad including at Johns Hopkins University, Bologna Center, and at the École Nationale d'Administration (ÉNA) Paris. I am a qualified tour guide and a member of the Association of Tour Guides of Ireland.

Tour options

Dublin Bespoke Tours can be created or adapted to meet your individual or group interests. Alternatively, choose from one of the following six tours.

Ireland Through the Eyes of the Artist

Irish Art in the National Gallery of Ireland

Embark on a journey through Ireland’s evolving history and culture with a private walking tour: Ireland Through the Eyes of the Artist. Immerse yourself in the stories behind remarkable artworks in the Irish section of the National Gallery of Ireland, where the paintings reflect insights into Ireland’s evolving political, social and economic landscape, as well as stylistic developments. Discover how artists captured the essence of their times, and responded to the nation’s changing identity. An opportunity to understand Ireland, not just through the lens of history, but through the eyes of those who lived it.

Tour highlights

• National Gallery of Ireland – Introduction
• Introduction of easel painting into Ireland
• 18th Century; Arcadia and the Landed Estate
• 19th Century Political and Social Representation
• Evolution in Irish art, both style and genre, against the broader European background
• National identity – perceptions and representation
• Modernism
• The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife (1854) – Daniel Maclise

Length of Tour: 2 hours

Walking Medieval Dublin

St Audoen’s Church, Viking Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle

Step back in time and uncover the secrets of medieval Dublin. Wander through its streets and hear the tales of Vikings, monks and merchants who shaped the city’s past. Visit iconic landmarks, St Audoen’s Church, oldest functioning city parish church and influential Guild Chapel, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle and the remnants of the old city walls. Feel history come alive as you discover how Dublin grew from a humble Viking settlement to a thriving hub, and capital.

Tour highlights

• St Audoen’s Church – Medieval Parish Church and Guild Chapel
• Remnants of City Walls and Riverfront Gate
• Viking City Layout and Excavation Findings
• Christ Church Cathedral – Established by the Vikings in 1030
• St Patrick’s Cathedral – A Cathedral Outside the Walls
• Medieval Suburbia – Monastic and Other Settlements beyond the Walls
• Dubhlinn Gardens – 1st Dublin Viking Settlement
• Dublin Castle – Centre of English Power in Ireland, 1204 – 1922

Length of Tour: 3 hours

Irish History and Heritage

National Museum of Ireland and National Gallery of Ireland

Immerse yourself in Ireland’s rich history and culture with a private guided tour of the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland. In the National Museum follow the emergence of habitation in Ireland, and discover early treasures from the pre Celtic and Celtic past. In the National Gallery discover paintings reflecting insights into Ireland’s evolving political, social and economic landscape: Ireland, not just through the lens of history, but through the eyes of those who lived it.

Tour highlights

National Museum - Introduction
• Neolithic – Early settlement and the Megalithic Tombs
• Bronze Age – A Renaissance in Gold
• The Celts and La Tène Art
• Irish Insular Art – Ardagh Chalice and Tara BroochNational Gallery – Introduction
• Arcadia – Art of the 18th century
• 19th Century, Political and Social Representation
• National Identity – perceptions and representation
• Modernism – The role of Women
• Daniel Maclise – The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife

Length of Tour: 3 hours

World of the Book of Kells

National Museum of Ireland and Trinity College

Step back in time on this captivating tour: the Book of Kells and its Artistic and Monastic Context. Beginning in the National Museum discover treasures of early Christian Ireland and follow the stylistic evolution of Celtic Art; a style which would reach its apogee in the 8th century Ardagh Chalice (National Museum) and Book of Kells (Trinity College). In Trinity College explore the technical and artistic background to the manuscript's creation, as well as the extraordinary history of its survival.

Tour highlights

National Museum of Ireland – Introduction
• Monasticism in Ireland – Glendalough
• La Tène Art in Ireland – The Broighter Hoard
• The Ardagh Chalice and The Tara Brooch
• Reliquaries, Shrines and CroziersTrinity College Dublin – Introduction
• Creation of the Book of Kells
• Old Library and the Book of Kells
• The Long Room - 18th century library

Length of Tour: 3 hours

Collections of the National Gallery of Ireland

National Gallery of Ireland

Uncover the rich history of Irish and European art with a private guided tour of the National Gallery of Ireland. Take a fascinating journey through the collections, highlighting iconic works that shaped the nation’s cultural identity.

Tour highlights

National Gallery – IntroductionIrish Art
• Arcadia – Art of the 18th century
• 19th Century, Political and Social Representation
• National Identity – perceptions and representation
• Jack B Yeats – Mapping the 20th century
• Daniel Maclise, The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife - NationhoodEuropean Art
• The Renaissance - Titian, Anguissola, El Greco
• Caravaggio – The Taking of Christ
• Velázquez and Murillo – The Baroque
• Vermeer and Metsu – Dutch Golden Age
• Impressionism and After – van Gogh, Monet, Morisot, Picasso

Length of Tour: 2.5 hours

Walking Introduction to Dublin and Ireland

Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, Georgian Dublin

Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Dublin, Ireland’s capital. From the medieval grandeur of Christ Church Cathedral, where the Viking ruins meet stunning Gothic architecture, to historic Dublin Castle, witness to the rise and fall of empire, then Temple Bar, where culture and nightlife collide, and, finally, the tranquil and elegant squares of Georgian Dublin. Bring past and present to life.

Tour highlights

• Christ Church Cathedral – Viking Dublin – external tour
• Medieval City Walls
• Dublin Castle – Centre of English Power in Ireland – external tour
• Temple Bar – Culture and Nightlife
• Trinity College – Ireland’s Oldest University, founded 1592
• Old Parliament Building – 1st purpose-built Parliament in Europe
• St Stephen’s Green - Georgian Dublin and 1916 Rising
• Merrion Square and Oscar Wilde – An Oasis of Calm

Length of Tour: 3 hours

Book your bespoke tour

To request one of the tours or organise a bespoke tour please submit your request on the form below. Once any tour is confirmed payment can be made via PayPal