Dublin: Private 1916 Easter Rising Tour & City Highlights

Summary

Walk Dublin’s streets where history lingers in every stone

You’ll walk Dublin’s streets with a local guide who brings history alive through small details — bullet holes at the GPO, stories at Trinity College, and laughter over a local treat. Expect moments of quiet reflection mixed with warmth and real conversation as you explore landmarks like Christ Church Cathedral and Dublin Castle.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way our guide Aoife paused outside the General Post Office — not for a speech, but just to let us listen. There’s a weird hush on O’Connell Street if you stand still long enough, like the city remembers what happened there in 1916 even if everyone else is rushing past with shopping bags. She pointed out bullet holes I’d never have spotted on my own. For some reason, that made it all feel closer — not just old news from a textbook.

We wandered down towards Trinity College after that (the rain had stopped by then, which felt like luck). The campus was full of students laughing and dodging bikes, but Aoife told us about the old Georgian buildings and how the Book of Kells is hidden away inside. I tried to imagine being a student here with all that history under your feet. At Christ Church Cathedral, she let us touch the stone walls — cold and rough from almost a thousand years of weather. I always thought churches would smell musty but this one was more like candle wax and something earthy.

Honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a tour about rebellion and war. But Aoife knew stories about regular people too — she even shared her favorite spot for tea (we ended up trying something sweet and crumbly; don’t ask me what it was called). It wasn’t all heavy or serious. Even Dublin Castle felt less stiff when she joked about King John being “the bad guy from Robin Hood.”

I still think about standing on O’Connell Bridge at the end, watching buses cross as dusk settled over the river. The city looked ordinary again but felt different somehow — like I’d borrowed someone else’s memories for an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Dublin's historic landmarks

• Visit Dublin Castle
• See Trinity College Dublin
• Tour Christ Church Cathedral
• Pass by O’Connell Bridge
• Pass by General Post Office (GPO)

Top questions

Is this Dublin Easter Rising tour private?

Yes, this is a private tour with just you and your local guide.

Which landmarks are included in this Dublin city tour?

The tour covers General Post Office (GPO), O’Connell Bridge, Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College Dublin, and Dublin Castle.

Does this tour include any food or drink?

If you book the 3-hour option, a local drink or tasting is included during your tour.

How long does the private highlights & history tour last?

The main option lasts around 3 hours.

Is public transportation nearby for this Dublin walking tour?

Yes, there are public transportation options available close to the starting point.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

Travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness as it involves walking between sites.

Are group sizes small on this Easter Rising tour?

This is a fully private experience—no big groups or crowds.

Who leads this Dublin city highlights tour?

A knowledgeable local guide leads each private tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a private walking tour led by a local guide through key sites like Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and the General Post Office. If you book the 3-hour option, you’ll also enjoy a local drink or tasting along the way before finishing near central transport links in Dublin’s heart.