@WhereinDublinPlanning to explore Dublin but not sure where to start booking your tours? You’re not alone, Dublin is packed with incredible tour options, from cozy walking experiences to full-day adventures around Ireland’s countryside. Whether you’re here for the history, the pubs, or the stories (and trust me, there are plenty), finding the right place to book your tours can make all the difference.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need, trusted booking spots, local advice, and the best tours worth checking out. Based on my overall experience and countless conversations with travelers and locals, this list highlights not just where to book but how to make the most out of your time in Dublin.
Why You Should Book a Tour in Dublin
Before jumping into where to book, let’s be honest, Dublin has layers. The city might look compact, but behind every corner is a story, a song, or a pint of Guinness waiting to be shared. Booking a guided tour gives you something Google Maps can’t: context, laughter, and local flavor.
Tours help you connect with Dublin in a personal way, the way locals live it every day. You’ll discover small alleys you’d never notice alone, hear Irish tales that make you laugh out loud, and learn bits of history that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Plus, tours save time. Instead of figuring out transportation or entry times, you let experts handle it while you just soak up the moment.
Where to Book Tours in Dublin
Let’s get to the good stuff. Below are the top places — both online and on-site — where you can easily book Dublin tours. Each has its perks depending on your travel style, budget, and how spontaneous you are.
1. Dublin Visitor Centre (O’Connell Street & Grafton Street)
If you like booking in person, this is the best place to start. Dublin Visitor Centres are scattered in convenient city spots — mainly O’Connell Street and Grafton Street.
Why book here:
Friendly staff who know everything about Dublin’s current tours.
You can get physical maps, local recommendations, and combo tickets (like Hop-On Hop-Off + Guinness Storehouse).
They offer same-day bookings — perfect if you’re deciding last minute.
Top tours you can book here:
Dublin City Sightseeing Bus
Cliffs of Moher and Galway Day Trip
Irish Whiskey Museum Guided Tour
Dublin Castle and Trinity College Walking Tour
You’ll walk out with printed tickets, directions, and a smile — it’s that kind of place.
2. GetYourGuide – Dublin Tours Online
If you prefer planning online before you land, GetYourGuide is a traveler’s favorite. It lists hundreds of Dublin-based experiences with verified reviews.
What makes it great:
Instant booking confirmation.
You can cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance.
Each tour has honest photos and user ratings.
Popular tours on GetYourGuide:
Guinness Storehouse Experience
Dublin Ghostbus Tour (for those who love spooky stories)
Day trip to the Giant’s Causeway
Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough adventure
From my own personal experience, GetYourGuide’s refund and support system is reliable. If you’re unsure about dates or the weather, this is a smart way to book without stress.
3. Viator – Dublin Experiences by TripAdvisor
Viator is another solid option if you want tours with verified reviews. The platform connects you with local guides and established tour companies.
What you’ll love:
You can filter by duration, price, or theme.
Tours are backed by TripAdvisor’s review system.
They often feature bundle deals, especially for multiple-day trips.
Example tours on Viator:
Kilmainham Gaol & Dublin History Tour
Irish Pub Crawl with Live Music
Titanic and Belfast Day Tour from Dublin
Howth Coastal Walk & Seafood Lunch
Viator tends to work well for travelers who like comparing tour options before committing.
4. Tourist Kiosks Around Temple Bar and St. Stephen’s Green
Sometimes the old-school method works best — you walk up, chat, and book right on the spot. Around Temple Bar, O’Connell Bridge, and St. Stephen’s Green, you’ll find small kiosks selling local tours.
Why these kiosks are handy:
They offer discounts on same-day tours.
You can get advice from locals who’ve actually been on the tours.
Ideal for flexible travelers who decide plans after breakfast.
Tip: Always check if the tour company name matches what’s printed on your receipt. Keep a photo of your ticket or confirmation message just in case.
5. TourRadar – Multi-Day Dublin and Ireland Tours
If your plan extends beyond Dublin, TourRadar is the site for you. It specializes in multi-day experiences that start in Dublin but go far beyond — think the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, or Northern Ireland.
What makes it ideal:
Transparent itinerary and hotel info.
Group or private options available.
Works well for travelers planning road trips or longer stays.
Popular itineraries:
5-Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour
3-Day Northern Ireland Tour
7-Day Ireland Highlights (Dublin, Galway, Cork, and more)
This is where you find those deeper, story-filled trips that go beyond quick sightseeing.
6. Local Tour Companies with Offices in Dublin
Some of the best tour companies still operate with walk-in offices. These are perfect if you want direct contact and local insight.
a. Paddywagon Tours (Lower Gardiner Street)
A favorite for day trips from Dublin. Their bright green buses are hard to miss.
What they offer:
Affordable group tours.
Friendly guides known for humor and storytelling.
Trips to Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, and Belfast.
b. Wild Rover Tours (O’Connell Street)
If you want something a bit more polished, Wild Rover is an award-winning company known for comfort and expert guides.
Top tours:
Belfast & Giant’s Causeway
Cliffs of Moher with Burren stop
Kilkenny and Wicklow Mountains
Their tours are perfect for travelers who like learning and relaxing at the same time.
c. DoDublin Tours (Head Office – O’Connell Street)
You can’t talk about Dublin tours without mentioning DoDublin. They’ve been around for decades, running the iconic green Hop-On Hop-Off buses.
What to expect:
Unlimited 24 or 48-hour bus tickets.
Free entry to some attractions.
Combo options for airport transfer + city tour.
7. Dublin Free Walking Tours
If you’re on a budget (or just love spontaneous adventures), free walking tours are a gem. You’ll see guides holding colorful umbrellas around Trinity College or Dame Street.
Why these are worth it:
You pay what you want at the end — based on your satisfaction.
Local guides share authentic stories, jokes, and hidden details.
You can join without booking days in advance.
Popular companies offering these:
Dublin Free Walking Tour
Yellow Umbrella Tours
Generation Tours
You can usually join by just showing up 10–15 minutes early.
8. Hostel and Hotel Desks
Even if you’re not staying in one, most hostels and hotels in Dublin have tour desks. They partner with local companies and often include small discounts or pickup services.
Why they’re great:
Staff can recommend tours based on your interests.
You can book instantly without online hassle.
Pickup locations are often right at your hotel door.
Places like Generator Hostel, Kinlay House, and The Morgan Hotel have reliable tour partnerships.
9. Airbnb Experiences in Dublin
Want something personal or creative? Airbnb Experiences offers unique local-led tours that go beyond the usual.
You can find:
Irish cooking classes in cozy homes.
Storytelling evenings with local musicians.
Hidden bar tours across the city.
Photography walks along the River Liffey.
These experiences are perfect if you want to connect with locals rather than large groups.
Types of Tours You Can Book in Dublin
To help you choose, here’s a quick look at the main types of tours Dublin offers — and where to find the best ones.
1. Historical and Cultural Tours
Ireland’s capital is built on stories. You can explore the Easter Rising sites, Dublin Castle, or Kilmainham Gaol. These tours give a deep dive into the city’s past, making history come alive.
Top picks:
1916 Rebellion Walking Tour
Dublin Castle and Trinity College Tour
Kilmainham Gaol Guided Visit
You can book these through DoDublin, GetYourGuide, or local kiosks near Trinity College.
2. Food and Whiskey Tours
If you enjoy local flavors, Dublin has amazing food and drink tours. Expect hearty dishes, creamy pints, and stories that pair perfectly with Irish whiskey.
Popular choices:
Irish Whiskey Museum Tasting Tour
Dublin Foodie Walking Tour
Guinness Storehouse VIP Experience
Bookable via Viator or directly at each venue’s site.
3. Day Trips from Dublin
You can see Ireland’s beauty without leaving from another city. Dublin is the perfect base for day tours to cliffs, castles, and countryside villages.
Best destinations:
Cliffs of Moher
Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough
Belfast & Giant’s Causeway
Kilkenny City
Most of these depart early morning and return by evening — great if you’re short on time.
4. Pub Crawls and Night Tours
Want to feel Dublin’s nightlife? Pub tours are legendary. You’ll hop through traditional pubs, listen to live music, and maybe even join a sing-along.
Best for:
Meeting new friends.
Trying local beers and whiskeys.
Experiencing real Irish humor.
Popular ones:
Dublin Literary Pub Crawl
Generation Pub Crawl
Traditional Irish Music Tour
You can book these directly at hostels or through GetYourGuide.
5. Ghost and Mystery Tours
Dublin’s old streets hide eerie stories. For something different, take a ghost bus or night walking tour.
Top picks:
Dublin Ghostbus Tour
Haunted History Walk
Gravedigger Ghost Tour
These are fun, a little spooky, and filled with Irish humor.
Tips for Booking Tours in Dublin
Booking a tour isn’t complicated, but a few smart tips can help you get the best experience:
Book early for weekends or holidays. Dublin gets busy fast, especially in summer.
Compare prices across sites. Sometimes the same tour is cheaper on GetYourGuide than Viator.
Read reviews carefully. Focus on comments about guide quality and group size.
Bring cash for tips. Most guides rely on them, especially for free tours.
Wear comfortable shoes. Dublin tours often include walking — cobblestones aren’t kind to thin soles.
Check weather updates. Always bring a light rain jacket, no matter the season.
Ask for combo deals. Many kiosks and visitor centers offer multi-tour discounts.
The Best Time to Book Dublin Tours
The best time depends on what you want to see.
Spring (March–May): Great for walking tours and mild weather.
Summer (June–August): Most tours run daily, but crowds are bigger — book in advance.
Autumn (September–October): Fewer tourists and cheaper prices.
Winter (November–February): Ghost tours, whiskey tastings, and indoor experiences shine during these months.
Final Thoughts
Dublin is one of those cities that feels familiar the moment you arrive — but the real magic unfolds when you explore it through local eyes. Booking a tour, whether it’s a casual walking experience or a countryside day trip, turns a simple visit into an unforgettable story.
Based on my overall experience, the best tours are the ones where the guide’s passion shines through — whether they’re telling ancient legends, sharing music, or handing you your first proper Irish pint.
So, before you wander off on your own, stop by a visitor center, open an app, or chat with a local tour operator. Dublin has a story waiting for you — all you need to do is book it.
