Grafton Street

Explore the library history of Dublin, a city that has produced many famous writers and poets over the centuries – see where they took their inspiration on this private, off-the-beaten-path walking tour.

On your private walking tour, you will:

• Start at the James Joyce Statue, a tribute to one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers;
• Learn about the lives of other famous Irish writers who have called Dublin home - including William Butler Yeats, James Joyce, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett;
• Stop in at the legendary Bewley's on Grafton Street, a very old grand café, where James Joyce, Patrick Kavanagh, Samuel Beckett and Sean O’Casey all visited;
• Pop into several pubs throughout Dublin, where noted literary greats used to hang out for a pint, like Toners – favoured by WB Yeats, and the Dave Byrnes Pub, where Joyce spent time and which appears in his major work Ulysses;
• Admire the abstract statue of William Butler Yeats by Henry Moore in St Stephen's Green, a prominent literary figure of the 20th century; 
• Visit several historic bookshops throughout the city, where you will be able to shop for books by Irish greats, such as Ulysses and Sweny’s Pharmacy;
• End your tour in Merrion Square, home to a statue honouring Oscar Wilde and his former residence.

Ireland, the Emerald Isle, is famed for its lush green landscapes, while its capital, Dublin, is celebrated for its elegant architecture and rich literary heritage. It is no coincidence that this vibrant city has produced some of the world’s most influential writers.

On your private walking tour of Dublin, you’ll explore the places that shaped the lives and works of literary greats such as James Joyce, W. B. Yeats, Oscar Wilde, and Bram Stoker. Recognised by UNESCO as a City of Literature, Dublin offers a unique blend of history, storytelling, and culture woven into its streets, libraries, and historic venues.

Your journey begins at the James Joyce Statue, a tribute to one of Ireland’s most celebrated authors. From here, you will cross the River Liffey and continue through the city’s literary heart, visiting (if open) the Chester Beatty Library, home to an extraordinary collection of manuscripts and rare books.

Stroll along Grafton Street to the historic Bewley's Grafton Street, a long-standing meeting place for Dublin’s literary minds, before stopping at the Ulysses Rare Books, where you can browse an exceptional collection of rare and antiquarian books. Along the way, you will pass iconic literary haunts such as Davy Byrne’s Pub, immortalised in Ulysses, and Neary’s, both steeped in Dublin’s storytelling tradition. In St Stephen’s Green, you’ll encounter a statue of W. B. Yeats, before continuing past the Museum of Literature Ireland (external visit), dedicated to the country’s literary legacy.

You will also stop by Toners Pub, a favourite of Yeats, and the charming Sweny’s Pharmacy, famously featured in Ulysses and still a haven for book lovers today.

Your tour concludes in Merrion Square, where you’ll find the colourful statue of Oscar Wilde and end outside his former home, bringing your literary journey through Dublin full circle. From Nobel Prize winners like Yeats and Samuel Beckett to beloved figures like Joyce, Dublin’s streets are filled with stories waiting to be discovered.

Immerse yourself in the authentic Irish pub culture and discover traditional and friendly places where locals enjoy Irish music, sports, and homemade food while enjoying a pint of Guinness.

On this Irish Pub Culture Walking Tour, you will: 

• Visit 3 traditional Irish pubs in Dublin with your private guide;
• Sample local beers, craft beers, and ciders;
• Discover the literary and political connections of some of the most famous pubs in Dublin;
• Hear live traditional Irish music for an authentic Irish Pub Culture experience;
• Learn about Ireland’s most famous beer, Guinness, and the family legacy which carries on today.

Get better acquainted with the culture, history and stories of the Irish capital whilst having a drink in some of the best pubs in Dublin! 

Dublin is where pubs were born, each with its unique atmosphere and long and varied history. Their authenticity has given Irish pubs a reputation for being fun, friendly and welcoming all over the world, but they quintessentially belong to Dublin. There is no other such suitable place to sip on a pint of Guinness. This tour is a mixture of novelty, history, literature, music and humour!

Venture to Dublin's true hidden gems --including the pubs which contributed most to the city's unique character. Not only will you learn how to savour a pint of beer, but also follow in the footsteps of Irish literary giants, seeing the haunts frequented by the likes of James Joyce. 

You will also learn how to properly enjoy a Guinness while learning about the rich cultural heritage which led to its creation. And remember, most importantly: you should only drink your Guinness when you can see a clear division between the white foam and the dark beer. If the beer in your glass still looks murky and brown, your Guinness isn't ready yet! 

Please note: Due to varying age restrictions in pubs, this tour is suitable for those 18 and over. No children are allowed on this tour. If you wish to go on a pub tour where you may also bring children, please be in touch with our team.