4 Best Free walking tours in Dublin of 2024: My Top Picks!

Dublin is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway, well-known for its rich culture and history.

From Dublin's museums, galleries, or art venues, you'll never run out of things to do in Dublin.

Whether you're looking forward to visiting the museums or simply enjoying a pint or two of Guinness at one of the many traditional pubs, this handsome Irish capital offers something for everyone.

With so much there is to do in the city, it's hard to fit everything in your itinerary. Luckily for you, we've got just the answer. Dublin free walking tours.

Why join a walking tour in Dublin?

While there are tons of things to do in Dublin, a walking tour is amongst one of the best if you're looking to learn more about the city's past.

Dublin is enjoyably easy to explore on foot, thanks to the city's compact size. You'll find something cool to see and do around every corner. An exciting way to get to know the city is by going on a free walking tour of Dublin with a local guide. After all, visiting Dublin's landmarks could definitely be so much more exciting with an experienced tour guide telling you about its history, am I right?

On these free walking tours in Dublin, you will have an opportunity to learn everything there is to know about some of the city's most emblematic attractions.

Top 4 free walking tours in Dublin

The good news is there are many free walking tours in Dublin, each one offering something different and unique. Want to see the most iconic locations in the capital of Ireland or hear tales of murder and mystery from the brothels in the former "Red Light District"? This ultimate guide to the best free walking tours in Dublin has got you covered!

1. Discover Dublin and Hidden Gems - Unearthed Tours

With a rating of 5.0 on both Google and TripAdvisor, Unearthed tours are one of the best tour operators in Dublin. One of the company's tours is the famous Free Walking Tour of Dublin: Discover Dublin and Hidden Gems. This free walking tour is a great way to explore the most famous sites in the city, as well as a few hidden gems. Their passionate local tour guides will take you on a 2.5 hours long tour of the city, showcasing the very best the Irish capital has to offer.

What will I see on this tour? 

Travelers will have an opportunity to visit many incredible attractions ranging from historical sites and bars! Expect to see and hear stories about attractions such as O'Connell Bridge, St. Stephen's Green, Christ Church, Dublin Castle, College Green/Old House of Parliament, Trinity College, Molly Malone, and Temple Bar. 

The maximum number of guests for this tour is 7 people.

2. Dublin Free Walking Tours - Yellow Umbrella

Yellow Umbrella is a small independent tour company in Dublin. From tours for 100 people to customized tours for groups of friends and single traveler walking tours, the company really offers something for everyone. For instance, they offer a tour that includes sampling local craft beers and whiskey and getting to know the traditional pub culture. There is also a tour that revolves around Irish music and Irish writers.

Yellow Umbrella also has two free walking tours of Dublin daily. The Southside free walking tour starts at 11 am at the Spire on O'Connell Street. The guide takes you to the city's main sites on this tour. You'll be able to visit the oldest University in Ireland, Trinity College.

Visitors can also explore the Temple Bar, home to many colorful pubs. Some of the other places you will visit on this tour include Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, and St. Patrick Cathedral.

On the other hand, the North Side Free Tour focuses on the political history of the independence movement. On this tour, a local guide will take you to the Garden of Remembrance, dedicated to all people who gave their lives for Irish Freedom. You'll also be stopping by the Moore Street Market and the Custom House, a beautiful Georgian building. 

The tour begins daily and 3.30 pm.

3. The Essentials & Secrets - Generation Tours

Your guru for this free walking tour of Dublin will be Generation Tours. The longest-running Irish-owned free tour provider in Dublin, Generation Tours has been around since 2011. Judging by the number of positive reviews, this local tour provided seems to be doing just fine. This tour allows you to experience authentic Dublin through stories and local insight from their fabulous local guides.

In addition to sightseeing and learning about the history of Dublin, the tour will also take you to lesser-known spots to tell you about the oddities of Dublin. 

4. Monto Walking Tour

If you are looking for something different, we suggest booking the free Monto Walking Tour.

What's so special about this tour?

Dublin was home to the most notorious red-light district in Europe from the 1860s to the 1920s. During a 2-hour walk through inner-city Dublin, your local guide will tell you stories of mystery from the brothers in Monto. Hosted by Culture Night and Dublin's Irish Art Council, you'll be sure to learn more about Dublin's past from a new perspective.

You will also learn how this part of the city got its name, how it prospered, and how it managed to exist for so long. The tour also includes stories about the people who inhabited Monto and the last days of this neighborhood in Dublin. 

The starting point of the Monto Walking Tour is at Rosie Hackett Bridge.

Are these free tours in Dublin really free?

Unlike the paid tours offered by tour operators, the tour guides rely only on the tips they accept after the tour as a primary source of income. This ensures that your guide will try their best to offer you the best walking tour experience you're expecting.

This is why tipping is highly encouraged if you feel like you've got a great experience out of these free walking tours!

Plan your trip to Dublin with Pilot!

Regardless of which walking tours you go on, we're sure you'll have a fantastic time. 

Excited to travel to Dublin? Make sure your travel itinerary is jam packed full of fun activities to do by visiting our blog! We have tons of travel resources to help you prepare for your trip.

Speaking of preparing you for your travels, why not give out brand new travel planner Pilot a try?