Dublin: Mythology & Folklore Walking Tour with Irish Legends

Summary

Irish tales come alive on Dublin streets with stories laughter and hidden history

You’ll wander Dublin’s winding streets with a local guide, hearing Irish mythology and folklore where they actually happened. Expect laughter in Temple Bar, stories at St. Michan’s Church, quiet moments by the GPO, and small surprises along the River Liffey. Every stop feels personal — you might leave thinking differently about statues or even streetlamps.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely two minutes into Temple Bar when our guide, Aoife, stopped to chat with a man selling flowers out of a faded bucket. She asked him if he’d heard about the banshee that supposedly haunted his grandmother’s street — he just grinned and said, “Ah sure, she still does.” That set the tone. I’d expected history, but not this kind of easy banter or the way everyone here seems to have a story ready to go. The air smelled like rain on old stone and coffee drifting from somewhere close by. I kept noticing how Aoife would pause mid-sentence whenever a busker started up — like the city itself wanted in on the storytelling.

Crossing Grattan Bridge over the River Liffey, she pointed out those seahorse lamps (I’d never noticed them before) and told us why they matter in Irish mythology. It was drizzling but nobody seemed to mind; someone handed around a battered umbrella that only half-worked. We passed St. Michan’s Church — there’s something about standing outside an old church while hearing tales of crypts and rebels that makes you shiver for reasons that aren’t just the weather. I tried to pronounce “Oisin” correctly and got it wrong; Aoife laughed and said even Dubliners mess it up sometimes.

The GPO facade looked colder than usual under grey clouds, but hearing how myths shaped real events made it feel less distant somehow. There was a moment near Parnell Square where we all went quiet after a story about lost children — I’m not sure if it was respect or just letting things sink in. Anyway, I still think about that statue and how much heavier it felt after all those legends had been laid out for us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Dublin's mythology and landmarks

• Meet in Temple Bar center
• Walk through Temple Bar area
• Explore sites north and south of River Liffey
• Visit Grattan Bridge with seahorse lamps
• Stop outside St. Michan's Church and crypt
• Explore Newgate Prison and Green Street Courthouse grounds
• Stop outside GPO Witness History Visitor Centre
• Finish at Children Of Sir Statue in Parnell Square

Top questions

How long is the Dublin Mythology & Folklore Tour?

The tour covers several key sites in central Dublin during a walking route; exact duration isn’t specified but expect around 2-3 hours.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, including transportation options nearby.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is right in the centre of Temple Bar in Dublin.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What main sites are included on this walking tour?

The route includes Temple Bar, River Liffey (Grattan Bridge), St. Michan’s Church area, GPO Witness History Visitor Centre, and Parnell Square.

Does the tour include entry into any buildings?

No entry fees are mentioned; stories are shared outside key locations rather than inside them.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to all stops on the route.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour through central Dublin with stops at Temple Bar, Grattan Bridge over the River Liffey, St. Michan's Church grounds (including stories of its crypt), outside views of GPO Witness History Visitor Centre, finishing at Parnell Square — all led by a local storyteller who brings Irish mythology to life as you go.