Why CityAppTour?
Explore a city in 1 day
Stories from local guides
Pause whenever you want
Affordable & flexible
Stress-free navigation with audio guidance
English guide
Dublin's literary legacy echoes through its Georgian squares and cobbled lanes, where writers like Joyce and Yeats once wandered. The city balances its Viking foundations and medieval treasures with a modern creative pulse, visible in the contrast between Trinity College's ancient library and the contemporary Docklands architecture.
These stories unfold through your headphones as you explore Dublin walking tours at your own rhythm. Local voices guide you past must-see places in Dublin while allowing you the freedom to linger at a traditional pub or duck into a gallery whenever inspiration strikes. The perfect companion for discovering Dublin without a guide.
Besides our self-guided tours Dublin, there are many other ways to discover the city. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit:
Best Time to Visit
Dublin shines from May to September when temperatures are mild and daylight extends into the evening, perfect for self-guided tours Dublin. St. Patrick's Festival in March offers a uniquely Irish experience, while December transforms the city with Christmas markets and festive lights. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the city's parks and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Getting There
Dublin Airport connects to over 190 destinations, with the Airlink Express bus or taxis providing easy access to the city center. Within Dublin, the LUAS tram system and Dublin Bus network cover most attractions, while the compact city center is perfect for walking tours. Consider the Leap Card for unlimited public transport, and remember that Dublin's bike-sharing scheme offers a pleasant way to explore the best areas in Dublin.
Opening Hours and Holidays
Most Dublin attractions open around 9:00-10:00 AM and close between 5:00-6:00 PM, with extended summer hours. Many museums offer free admission on the first Wednesday of each month. Shops typically open until 6:00 PM with late shopping on Thursdays, while pubs serve until 11:30 PM (later on weekends). Bank holidays (especially Easter and Christmas) affect opening times, so check ahead when planning Dublin sightseeing tours.
Comfort on the Go
Dublin's weather is famously changeable, so dress in layers and always carry a light raincoat regardless of the forecast. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for Dublin's cobbled streets and hills. Public water fountains are increasingly common, but carrying a reusable water bottle is recommended. Many cafés and pubs offer free WiFi and charging points if your phone needs a boost while navigating the Dublin attractions map.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Dubliners are known for their friendly banter, so don't be surprised by casual conversations with strangers. Tipping is customary (10-15%) in restaurants with table service but not required in pubs unless you're ordering food. When entering a pub, approach the bar to order rather than waiting for table service. If someone offers to buy you a drink, it's customary to reciprocate with a round later – this is called "getting your round in."
How much time should I plan for a visit to Dublin?
You should plan at least one full day to experience Dublin properly. Our self-guided tours Dublin can be completed in 2-3 hours if walked continuously, but the real joy comes from setting your own pace. Most visitors pause to sample a perfect pint of Guinness, browse the independent shops on Drury Street, or linger over coffee at one of the literary cafés where Dublin's famous writers once gathered.
What makes Dublin different from other cities in Ireland?
Dublin uniquely blends cosmopolitan energy with intimate village-like neighborhoods. Unlike other Irish cities, Dublin features extensive Georgian architecture with its distinctive colorful doors, a legacy of 18th-century prosperity. The city also boasts the highest concentration of literary pubs in the world, where famous writers like Brendan Behan and Flann O'Brien developed their craft amid lively debates.
Why choose an audio guide instead of a guided tour in Dublin?
An audio guide gives you complete freedom to explore Dublin at your own pace, without being tied to a group schedule. This is particularly valuable in Dublin, where you might want to extend your time in the atmospheric Trinity College grounds or spontaneously join a traditional music session. You'll also access hidden gems in Dublin that larger tour groups often miss, like the peaceful Iveagh Gardens or the quirky Sweny's Pharmacy from Joyce's "Ulysses."
Do I need internet while walking?
No, you don't need internet while walking with our Dublin walking tours app. Once you've downloaded the tour, everything works offline, including maps and audio. Dublin does offer good free WiFi coverage in many public spaces and most cafés, but our app ensures you won't drain your data or face connectivity issues when exploring the medieval streets where signals can sometimes weaken.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children, though it's primarily written for adults. Children from about 12 years old will enjoy the tales of Viking Dublin, the ghost stories of Christchurch Cathedral, and the rebellious history that shaped the city. Dublin is a particularly family-friendly city with interactive museums and green spaces that complement our audio stories.
Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Yes, you can easily share the Dublin sightseeing tours with your travel companions. Each person can use their own smartphone with headphones for the best experience. We offer discounts for multiple purchases, making it affordable for families or groups to enjoy the same high-quality tour together while maintaining individual control over pausing and pacing.
What else is there to do in Dublin?
Beyond our audio guide, Dublin offers numerous complementary experiences. The Little Museum of Dublin provides a charming, condensed history of the city through donated artifacts. A musical pub crawl in the evening introduces you to traditional Irish instruments and songs in authentic settings. For literature lovers, the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl combines two of the city's greatest traditions in one entertaining evening.
Is there a free tour in Dublin?
While there are free walking tours in Dublin, they operate on a tip-based model where guides expect €15-20 per person, often making them more expensive than our fixed-price audio guide. Our self-guided tours Dublin offer superior value with professionally researched content, the freedom to start anytime, and no pressure to tip or keep pace with a large group navigating the busy streets around Temple Bar.
Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of travelers passionate about sharing local stories. Our Dublin audio guides are crafted by historians and writers who know the city intimately—from the Georgian squares to the hidden medieval lanes. We believe that understanding the stories behind Dublin's landmarks creates a deeper connection to this literary city than simply checking attractions off a list.
How can I see Dublin in one day?
To see Dublin in one day, start early with our self-guided audio tour covering the historic center. Focus on quality over quantity by selecting just 2-3 major attractions to visit in depth (Trinity College and Dublin Castle are must-sees). Use lunch for authentic Irish food at a traditional pub, then spend the late afternoon exploring the creative Liberties district. End with an early evening stroll along the River Liffey to witness Dublin's beautiful bridges illuminated.
Which Dublin neighborhoods are best for food and drink?
For the best food and drink experiences, explore beyond Temple Bar to find authentic Dublin flavors. Stoneybatter offers hip cafés and craft beer pubs frequented by locals. The Camden Street area features everything from traditional Irish pubs to international cuisine. For upscale dining, the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square houses some of Dublin's finest restaurants, while the Docklands presents modern Irish cuisine with waterfront views.
When is the best time to visit Dublin pubs?
The ideal time to visit Dublin pubs is early evening (5-8pm) when you'll find the perfect balance of atmosphere and space. Traditional music sessions typically start around 9pm in pubs like O'Donoghue's and The Cobblestone. Sunday afternoons offer a more relaxed experience with many pubs hosting casual "trad sessions." For a truly local experience, visit neighborhood pubs like Mulligan's or Kehoe's midweek when Dubliners unwind after work with pints and conversation.
"Le guide audio a révélé un Dublin que je n'aurais pas trouvé par moi-même. Les histoires sur les portes géorgiennes et les rébellions du whisky m'ont fait voir au-delà des lieux touristiques évidents. Parfait pour les passionnés d'histoire qui détestent être pressés !" — Anna, Belgique
"I've visited Dublin three times before, but this self-guided tour showed me hidden corners I'd completely missed. The freedom to pause for that perfect pint of Guinness or explore a bookshop made all the difference." — Christina, UK
"As someone who gets easily distracted in group tours, this was perfect! I could replay interesting bits about Dublin's literary figures and take my time photographing the colorful doors without holding anyone up. Best €10 I spent on my trip!" — Pip, UK