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Dublin - From Strongbow to the Georgians.
Dublin began life a a tiny riverside settlement. As the centuries passed it was colonised by the Vikings, the Normans and finally, the English. By the time of the Georgian era the population had risen to one hundred thousand people, who lived mostly between the boundaries of the Royal and Grand canals. The story of what happened in the centuries between the Norman invasion in 1167 and the end of the Georgian era in 1804 sets the scene for how Dublin became what it is today.
Meeting Point
The Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk Street.
The Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk Street.
Tour begins. We learn about the embryonic city. Hear about life 'between the two canals' and how the mythical Molly and her contemporaries played their part in the life of the Georgian city.
Dublin Castle.
The stronghold of the not quite all conquering Norman aristocracy since 1204 and then the centre of British rule in Ireland. We visit the Dyflinn Gardens & The Chester Beatty Library and discover how Dublin can lay claim to at least five different names.
St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Restored by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness (spurred on by his son-in-law). The cathedral is a medieval architectural gem in the middle of a 21st. century busy city. Was St. Patrick really here nearly 1,600 years ago ? You will know by the time this tour is complete.
St. Stephen's Green (via Jacobs Factory).
Passing by one of the 1916 revolutionary garrison sites we visit the park restored by Sir Arthur Edward Guinness in 1888 for the people of Dublin. This is truly an oasis of calm in a busy city centre.
Merrion Street.
The literary section of this tour. We discover WB Yeats and Oscar Wilde, two titans of the Irish literary world. Their private lives almost eclipse their literary ones. Learn all about them on this leg of the tour.
National Art Gallery.
Dublins finest gallery - one painting (to be revealed on the tour) encapsulates the ferocity and all encompassing power of the Norman invasion. At this location we see how and where the Norman colonisation began in 1169 and how what we have already on our visit to Dublin Castle was initiated by a band of down on their luck Norman military adventurers and an exiled Irish King.
National Art Gallery
Tour ends. At this point I make recommendations for the best eating and drinking venues within easy walking distance.
Ending Point
National Art Gallery.
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee and 3 hours of interesting things you might not know about the colonisers who occupied Ireland for 800 years.
Transportation, food and beverages.
Tour Important Information
Important message from the guide
Dublin is a busy and noisy city. For that reason, in an effort to deliver a quality experience to my guests, I start my tours between 9am and 11am.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
