The Republic of Ireland’s capital is an exciting destination for any weekend away. Bursting with things to see and do, from Dublin Castle to the Guinness Storehouse, there’s something for everyone here.
But suppose you fancy doing something different during your Dublin city break. These are five unique Dublin city tours you’re sure to remember forever.
These unique tours offer a new perspective on the iconic Irish city, whether you’re visiting Dublin with friends, family, or your partner.
For a unique historical adventure in Dublin, head to Marsh’s Library, in St Patrick’s Close, just next to the St Patrick’s Cathedral. If you’re enjoying the sights of Dublin, St Patrick’s Cathedral is probably on your schedule. But its neighbouring library is often left off the tourist trail.
The library has stood since 1707 and continues welcoming visitors, tourists, and academics today. Head there from 9:30am to 5pm on Tuesdays until Fridays, or from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.
The beautifully preserved building is built in the late Renaissance and early Enlightenment style. Marsh’s is one of the last historical library buildings in Ireland that’s still used for its original purpose. Famous visitors who’ve settled in here include Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, and James Joyce.
Browse the bookshelves or enjoy exhibitions when you visit Marsh’s Library for a tour. Admission costs €5 for adults, €3 for concessions, and free for those under 18.
Ever heard of the Freemasons? Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal brotherhood globally, including prominent politicians, founders, and businessmen throughout history. The group began in the Middle Ages in Europe, initially for skilled builders. In the years since it’s evolved to call itself a social and philanthropic organisation meant to help its members lead more virtuous lives.
Freemasonry has an air of secret society about it, with passwords, rituals, and handshakes. Famous Masons include George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Winston Churchill, John Wayne, and Buzz Aldrin.
Where do the Freemasons meet? Their lavish headquarters are called Grand Lodges, and the one in Dublin happens to be the second most senior in the world. And it’s open for tours!
At 2:30pm on weekdays in June, July, and August, head to Molesworth Street near Temple Bar for a public tour of the Freemasons Grand Lodge. A €5 contribution gets you a glimpse behind the veil of this ancient society. There’s also a museum, which is free to visit on weekdays all year, providing an outline of the Masonic Fraternity throughout history.
Suppose you’re visiting Dublin with kids. In that case, a tour of the Jeanie Johnston is sure to be exciting. Tours operate from Thursday to Sunday and cost €6 for children, €12 for adults.
The Jeanie Johnston is an accurate replica of a famine ship. The Irish Potato Famine began in 1845 and lasted until 1852. It was a period of mass starvation and disease in Ireland. Potato crops failed, food prices rose, and over one million Irish people died. A million more were forced to leave the country on ships just like Jeanie Johnston.
So-called famine ships were overcrowded and unsanitary, which meant disease brought onboard spread rapidly through passengers. It’s estimated that around 100,000 people died onboard famine ships. Jeanie Johnston defied the odds, arriving in North America with no lives lost. Take the tour to learn how!
St Michan’s is a Church of Ireland church in Dublin, located on Church Street. Of course. It dates from 1095, used as a Catholic Church until the Protestant Reformation. The building as it stands today dates from 1686. What makes St Michan’s unique? Its vaults, which contain centuries-old mummified remains!
A crypt tour here takes you underneath the church, where dozens of coffins are stacked, and one mummy waits with its hand outstretched. While the church itself has changed over the years, the crypt remains untouched, preserving its corpses into mummies over time.
There are a few theories about why the bodies in the crypt have been preserved so well. Some say it’s because of the church’s limestone walls, making the basement air dry. Others argue that the church was built on a former swamp, and methane gasses seep in to preserve the bodies.
Whatever the reason, as the mummies are preserved, their coffins decay. Some have fallen apart enough to reveal an arm or a leg, while others lie open, including one that’s thought to be 800 years old.
If you enjoyed your spooky tour of the St Michan’s crypt, one of Dublin’s famous ghost tours could be for you. The city has plenty of ghoulish chapters in its history. And as the home of Dracula’s Bram Stoker, where better to enjoy a memorable ghost tour?
From classic ghost stories on Dublin’s cobbled streets to exploring churches after dark, many professional tours are available with something to suit all ages. The best Dublin ghost tours take advantage of the city’s spooky architecture, narrow lanes, and churchyards. And most of them happen at night.
Why not book a ghost bus tour, a walking tour, or a tour of Castle Dracula?
Suppose you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient hotel in Dublin. In that case, Leonardo hotels in Dublin city centre are your go-to. Our Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch and Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street are ready to host your business or leisure stay in the Republic of Ireland.
Make sure to explore our Dublin Travel Guide for even more recommendations on what to do and see in this stunning city.
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