Walk the Walls of Medieval Dublin - Private Group Tour

Our first landmark building is Dublin's City Hall. Built in the 18th century as the Royal Exchange, it later became the headquarters of Dublin Corporation, the city authority, before they relocated to Wood Quay. Today, this fine building is a multipurpose venue, hosting anything from weddings to movie shoots!

Meandering down Parliament St., we pass more historic landmarks, such as Dublin's oldest shop, the hotel that was the city's custom house in the 17th century, as well as taking a glimpse at the famous district of Temple Bar.

We now take a left turn along Essex Gate, a cobblestone street that takes its name from what was once an entrance into the medieval walled city of Dublin. We'll pass a famous theatre that was first opened in the 17th century, and a Viking longboat situated as a reminder of unwelcome visitors who arrived here in times of yore. We'll stand at Wood Quay, the site of an ancient Viking settlement, before taking a left turn up Dublin's oldest street. Like all of the street names in this vicinity, the provide us with a window into the activities that happened here in medieval times. Fishamble Street is so named for the market that was once a thriving hub. See where George Friedrich Handel first performed his Messiah and hear the macabre tale of the execution fo Darkey Kelly in the 18th Century, before arriving at the heart of the medieval city of Dublin.

We have now arrived at Christchurch Cathedral, built by the Normans in the 12th Century. We'll stroll along a cobbled walkway by the famous building as it towers over us. Stories abound and photo opportunities are a plenty here.

Crossing over Winetavern St, we find ourselves ambling through a residential area, a land use that has survived from medieval to modern times. Reaching Cook St, before us lies one of the longest and oldest stretched of the medieval city walls that remains fully intact. Passing the "Gates of Hell" we wander towards St. Audoen's Church, where services have continued uninterrupted since the 12th century. Now a visitor centre, we can pay a visit between April and October, and enter the enthralling inner world of prayer, guilds, and burials.

No visit to medieval, nor indeed modern Dublin, could be complete without a visit to its oldest pub. Established in 1198 CE, coincidentally the year the death of Ireland's last High King, Rory O'Connor, the Brazen Head takes its name from the braziers; barrels of burning fuel to heat the charred hands of its patrons, passing on cold wintry nights. Feel free to stop here for a tipple, and hear a story or two while gazing at the walls of the cavernous tavern.

Doubling back briefly, its back up hill to continue our journey, tracing the perimeter walls of the medieval city, a distinctive chunk of which awaits us on Lamb Alley. We are now venturing into the centuries old neighbourhood known as the Liberties, where we will pass the church of St. Nicholas of Myra, the once thriving Iveagh Market, and streets named after such luminaries as Dean Swift, John Dillon, and Thomas Davis, reminding us of the characters who once inhabited the area. An arched alleyway brings us to our next landmark, and competition to Christchurch Cathedral.

The rival to Christchurch Cathedral, stop off to take in the views of the majestic cathedral and gardens, where we'll trace the turbulent history from the Vikings, through to the Normans, the reformation, Oliver Cromwell, Guinness, and to the fine cathedral and gardens that we admire and enjoy today. An outdoor cafe and plentiful garden seating may tempt, if weather and time permit.

Leaving the cathedral and gardens, we loop back towards the another fully intact section of Norman walls, this time forming the southern perimeter of the medieval city. Stories and anecdotes abound at arguably Dublin's most interesting street corner, before turning to take moment to savour a city centre oasis with a rich heritage that will take your breath away. Visit the circular garden that was once the "dark pool" which gives Dublin its name. Stroll by the Garda Memorial, David & Goliath Statue, Special Olympics tribute and see and hear about the Chester Beatty Museum and Library.

Our final attraction IS Dublin Castle, the centre of government administration while Ireland was under British rule. Marvel at the juxtaposition of 18th and 12th century architecture where remnants of early Norman rule remain, at the confluence of over 700 years of Irish history! Hear the story of the great 16th century escape of the last of the Gaelic chiefs from the still fully intact Record Tower . We will pass through the courtyard and exit by City Hall to complete the tour.