Dublin, Ireland’s bustling, vibrant capital, is brimming with activities and adventures for history buffs, nature lovers, or those just looking to soak up some local charm. From the city’s historic laneways to the iconic Trinity College and its exquisite Book of Kells to St. Stephen’s Green–the verdant heart of the city–to the world-famous Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, there are tours for every type of visitor. So grab your walking shoes, pack your sense of adventure, and join us as we explore the top day tours that will make your trip to Dublin unforgettable.

If you’re familiar with Dublin and think we missed out on something worth seeing, drop us a line and let us know.

If you like this info, check out our 10 Great Pubs in Dublin blog post, which provides a rundown of some of the best places to drink, chat, and enjoy the craic in Ireland’s capital city.

Note: The Learn more/ Buy tickets links at the end of each description take you to a Viator tourism site where you can book a tour of the relevant attraction. OnTheGoSolo.com makes a small commission off of every booking, so by purchasing tickets in this way, you’re helping to keep our site up and running. Thanks!

In no particular order, here is our list of the Best of Dublin: Day Tours:

Walking Tours | Bus Tours | Bicycle & E-Bike Tours | Food/Drinks Tours

🚶Walking Tours

Trinity College’s Book of Kells Viewing & Dublin Castle (Exterior) Guided Tour

2 1/2-hour tours, starting from $65.12

Avoid the crowds and explore Irish history in peace on this Book of Kells and Dublin Castle exterior tour. Visit the Trinity College Library, home to the famous Book of Kells—widely considered among the most important of all Ireland’s ancient treasures. Listen as your guide brings medieval Ireland to life, shedding light on the Book of Kells’ profound historical significance. Afterward, enjoy a guided walking tour around Dublin Castle’s mighty exterior. Visit the gardens and yards, and learn of the castle’s role as court, fortress, treasury, and jail. Learn more/Buy tickets

Dublin’s Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse Guided Tour

4-hour tours, starting from $123.62

Skip the line at the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery on Bow Street for a guided tour around the complexes. Listen as your guide explains the ingredients used and learn of the complex brewing and distilling processes. Then, enjoy tastings of the beer and whiskey for which Ireland is famous before concluding the tour. Learn more/Buy tickets

Private Tour of Classic Dublin Pubs: Live Music, Beer and Nightlife

2 1/2-hour tours, starting from $140.17

Discover traditional Irish pubs and nightlife in Dublin with a private guide during this evening tour. Meet your guide for a night of live music, local flavors, and off-the-beaten-path fun. Learn about Irish food and culture during four included tastings. Move between locations on foot, and explore new neighborhoods such as Smithfield. Spend a night with the locals in Dublin during this private tour. Learn more/Buy tickets

Dublin Highlights: Guiness Storehouse, Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, & More

6-hour tours, starting from $176.59

Discover one of Dublin’s top attractions with this skip-the-line tour to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Gardens and a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Join a small group and admire beautiful statues and colorful stained-glass windows, and learn about St. Patrick—Ireland’s famous patron saint. Visit the Molly Malone statue and take in the exquisite beauty of the Book of Kells, the most important icon of Celtic art, located within Trinity College. Then, head to the Guiness brewery that dates back to the 19th century to learn about the importance of Guinness to Ireland. Learn more/Buy tickets

 Bus Tours

Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

1 1/2-hour tours, starting from $66.22

Combine a sightseeing tour of Dublin with afternoon tea served on a vintage double-decker bus. The itinerary includes famous landmarks such as the Guinness Brewery, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christchurch, Wood Quay, O’Connell Street, Trinity College, Georgian Dublin, and much more. See the sights while enjoying a cup of seasonal tea or coffee along with some delicacies. Learn more/Buy tickets

Guinness Storehouse Ticket and Big Bus Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour

1 1/2-hour tours, starting from $71.74

Maximize a short stay in Dublin with easy and efficient hop-on hop-off bus transport and fast-track access to the Guinness Storehouse. See as much of the city as possible as you pass by major attractions such as Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the Jameson Distillery, Trinity College, St Stephens Green, Christ Church Cathedral, the Molly Malone Statue, and the River Liffey. Listen to live commentary on board the open-top bus, then avoid lines at one of the capital’s most popular attractions, the Guiness Storehouse. Learn more/Buy tickets

Dublin Ghost Bus Tour

2-hour tours, starting from $38.63

Discover Dublin’s dark side on this terrifying bus tour of the city’s most sinister spots. Scour the serpentine streets for restless souls as you venture around the capital with an entertaining guide; hear tales of mystery and murder as you visit some of Dublin’s most haunted spots, listening to the spine-chilling stories associated with each eerie enclave. Get a lesson in body snatching at St Kevin’ Graveyard and and visit the haunted steps of St Audoens Church. Learn more/Buy tickets

🚴‍♂️Bicycle & E-Bike Tours

Dublin Electric Bike Tour

2 1/2-hour tours, starting from $49.67

Explore Dublin by electric bike with a knowledgeable guide, who leads you to both major city sights and off-the-beaten-path locations. This “exterior only” high-level tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Ireland’s capital city. You’ll stop in front of and be given detailed information about Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Kilmainham Gaol Museum, and Christ Church Cathedral, so you can decide which ones you want to return to later to explore in-depth. You’ll also pass by the Guiness Storehouse, though you won’t actually stop there. In all, it’s a great way to enjoy the fresh air, soak up views of this beautiful city and learn about its history and modern-day culture from the experienced guide. Learn more/Buy tickets

Private Historical and Heritage Bicycle Tour

2 1/2 to 3 1/2-hour tours, starting from $88.30

This tour is led by a qualified tour guide who was born and raised in Dublin, so you get a local perspective of not just some famous highlights, but some lesser known hidden gems too! You can choose to hear live audio commentary as you pedal along, taking in many of Dublin’s more famous attractions including Grattan Bridge, Dublin Castle, Dubh Linn Gardens, the 40 Steps, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, and Kilmainham Gaol. You’ll also pass by the War Memorial Gardens and Phoenix Park. At the conclusion of the tour, your guide will provide you with a unique video route map, complete with captioned photos, video clips and music — an ideal souvenir of your time exploring Ireland’s capital city. Learn more/Buy tickets

Food/Drinks Tours

Delicious Dublin Food Tour

3-hour tours, starting from $82.76

Discover Dublin’s burgeoning culinary culture—and visit a number of the city’s characterful eateries—on this small-group walking tour. Be sure to arrive hungry: this lunchtime tour kicks off in the late morning, and includes a number of samples. Drop by bakeries and food halls and head off the tourist trail when you visit venues that locals love. As you go, learn more about Ireland’s gastronomic history. Tours last for an average of three hours and include around 1.7 miles (approx. 3 kilometers) of walking and take place rain or shine. Please note that participants must be 18+ because some alcohol is served.
Learn more/Buy tickets

Irish Craic & Cuisine: Cooking Class & Dinner in Central Dublin

3-hour tours, starting from $107.37

Experience Irish craic and cuisine in central Dublin during this cooking class and dinner experience with a local host. Immerse yourself in Irish hospitality by cooking, dining, and socializing with Ann in Dublin. In her cozy home, assist in preparing a traditional Irish meal complete with seasonal ingredients, Irish soda bread, colcannon, and creamy Irish coffee. Connect with fellow travelers for an enjoyable evening delving into Irish cuisine, culture, and customs. Learn more/Buy tickets

Sample Menu

Starter

• Homemade Leek and Potato Soup
• Freshly made buttered Soda Bread

Main

• Traditional Beef and Guinness Casserole
• Colcannon – an Irish dish of potato and kale

Dessert

• Jameson Irish Coffee

Irish Bites, Sights, & Delights Food Trail with Jameson Visit

3-hour tours, starting from $104.83

Travelers looking to learn more about Ireland’s culture can embark on this food and drinks tour, complete with a Jamesons cocktail class. Immerse yourself in Ireland’s culinary heritage as you explore Dublin’s vibrant streets, savoring gastronomical delights and famous beverages along the way. Learn about the country’s rich history of distilling and brewing while sampling brews like Guinness and spirits like Jameson Whiskey. The tour starts at the Palace Bar, one of Dublin’s oldest pubs, then moves through Temple Bar from the Ha’penny Bridge Inn to the Church Cafe Bar and then to Capel Street before finishing up at the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street. Learn more/Buy tickets