5 Walking Tours That Will Teach You All You Need To Know About 1916

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Being an Irish tourist is not something that we, as Irish people, do all that well.

And in a country of such rich culture, history and witty tour guides, there’s really no excuse.

So, get yourself stuck into the Centenary celebrations and sign yourself up to a 1916 themed walking tour of the city.

You’ll be surprised at how much you remember from Fifth Class history, as well as how often you pass truly significant buildings everyday, without even noticing. If you manage to make it to any of the tours listed below, you’re doing pretty bloody well.

1. Dublin 1916 Rebel Walking Tour

This tour kicks off at the Sinn Féin bookshop at 58 Parnell Square. It’s 90 minutes long and takes in the events leading up to, and following, the Rising – something not all tours get into.

In particular, it offers a wonderful account of Ireland’s political history, including the rise of the IRA and Sinn Féin.

More information here.

2. 1916 Rebellion Tour

Dublin’s original 1916 walking tour, founded in 1996, is definitely one of the best tours of the city. Fronted by the two authors of The Easter Rising – A Guide to Dublin in 1916, this tour runs from March to October and consists of two hours full to the brim with insightful history.

You can book right here.

3. 1916 and Independence Tour

This is a private walking tour, and is pricier than the rest, but it also gives you three to four hours of unbridled attention from your own personal tour guide, who will take professional photos for you at each of the landmarks.

Among the stop-off points included are the Rebel Headquarters of The 1916 Rising, the Garden Of Remembrance, Collins’ Barracks Museum and the site that marked the beginning of the Irish Civil War.

Book now, here.

4. Dublin 4 Historic 1916 Walking Tours

This tour offers a different perspective than others, given that it’s located just a little bit out from the city centre.

Kicking off beside Beggars Bush Pub on the Haddington Road in D4, it runs from Monday to Saturday at 11.30am. Priced at just €6 (€4 for seniors and students), it’s amazing value for a 90-minute trip down memory lane.

5. Historical Walking Tours of Dublin

This award-winning tour is a more generalised look at our city’s history but it does touch on a huge amount of 1916 facts, figures and background information. Hosted by Trinity history graduates, it lasts just over two hours long.

The group also offers a private tour entitled ‘Revolutionary Dublin: 1913-23’, in which you can find out more about the life and times of Ireland before, during and after the Rising itself.

Book or find more info here.