Best Dublin Walking Tours

05/03/2025

I decided to mix it up and get the bus into town. This is Dublin's south circular road . One of the longest in the city, it runs from Islandbridge in the west,through Rialto and Dolphin's Barn to Portobello, near the centre

Work on the road commenced in 1783. It and the north circular were built long before bus traffic was an issue, (both now host multiple bus routes). Its main purpose to connect the various British barracks in the city in the event of insurrection.

04/03/2025

Working Lunch, here we go again....tools of the trade

04/03/2025

I love seeing the Daffodils arrive every year as it reminds me of my late Father, Gentleman Jim. He loved those flowers and when he passed away in March 2019 they were in full bloom. I also remember this one by Wordsworth from my school days. RIP Jim.

"I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils"

03/03/2025

Another sad post about a recently departed Dubliner. Graham was very well known and hugely liked by the Dubliners and tourists alike who visited Leo Burdocks on Crown Alley and before that, Liffey street. When not behind the counter, he'd often don the Viking garb of Burdocks mascot and take to the streets as a visual prompt to visit the iconic fish & chip shop. (By coincidence no less a celebrity than Kirk Douglas told Graham that the Viking helmet he wore was a Hollywood creation from a movie he starred in with Tony Curtis and not historically accurate) A larger than life character with a great smile and encyclopedic ability to roll call legions of celebs he'd met in his his role of Burdocks ambassador, Graham was always on hand to entertain my guests when we dropped by. I'll miss my chats with him greatly, (especially the Spurs v Everton banter), but not as much as his shell shocked colleagues and loving family to whom I can only send my deepest heartfelt condolences. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hAnam. RIP Graham

02/03/2025

I was very sad to hear that Pat ingoldsby passed away. Another icon of my childhood gone. We used to chat occasionally on Westmoreland street where he sold his books on the pavement near college Green. His sales pitch to me was typical Pat.. " this is not just a book of poetry, it's a chugger (charity mugger) repellent. If anyone stops you looking for money just ask them if they've time to listen to a poem and watch them quickly f**k off". RIP Pat.

-hat

28/02/2025

This morning's strolls took me along the coast from Sandycove to Williamstown. Not too many Dubliners know that Williamstown is the stretch between Blackrock and Booterstown probably best known for Blackrock College or Blackrock Clinic. It's also home to the Williamstown martello tower.

Britain declared war on the French in 1803, the English equally realised they were also susceptible to an attack from an invaded Ireland, and set out to nullify this potential threat. The vulnerable coastline of South County Dublin was considered by the British to be the likeliest starting point for a successful French invasion of Ireland. With the history of Irish rebellion against the yoke of unwanted British rule, together with the probability of strong French naval and military assistance to rebel Irish forces, the British authorities were wary of a united and pro-Napoleon Ireland combining with a strong France to exert a pincer pressure on Britain that might lead to a battle on two fronts. Dublin's 16 Martello towers were constructed to deal with the perceived "French & Irish threat"

26/02/2025

If you're ever curious about an Irish historical figure who's name you came across and want to research them a bit more, a good starting point is the Dictionary of Irish Biography. (Link attached) But don't take my word for it, here's what Seamus Heaney said about it …"the RIA’s Dictionary of Irish Biography is an epoch-making event in the history of Irish scholarship. It changes the state of knowledge in the twenty-first century as decidedly as the Ordnance Survey did in the nineteenth century."

25/02/2025

More than a sandwich........ Wandering through the "markets neighbourhood" this morning, I could feel the famous Ruben" calling me in. Reckoned by no less a publication than the "New Yorker" to be the best Ruben on this side of the Atlantic. If you've not had a Ruben yet, it consists of thinly sliced corned beef or pastrami, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread slathered with Russian or Thousand Island dressing. #

22/02/2025

Brian, Victoria, PJ, Peter, James & Anne were in great form when we popped into Kennedy's to lubricate our larynx after singing a few songs in the wonderful yesterday afternoon.

20/02/2025

This anonymous looking store on Capel Street is the birthplace of John Mary Pius Boland. The Boland family name is still well known to Dubliners as the family behind Boland's Mills, a venue synonymous with the 1916 rebellion. But time has dimmed the memories of Ireland’s first Olympic double medal winner.

He was the first Olympic champion in tennis at the first modern Olympics which took place in Athens in 1896.

Boland visited his friend Thrasyvoulos Manos in Athens during the Olympics, and Manos, a member of the organising committee, entered Boland in the tennis tournament to represent Great Britain and Ireland

Boland promptly won the singles tournament, defeating Friedrich Traun of Germany in the first round. Boland then entered the doubles event with Traun, the German runner whom he had defeated in the first round of the singles. Together, they won the doubles event. 

In a weird twist, first place didn't win gold in the first modern Olympics instead being awarded with a silver medal, a laurel wreath and certificate.

19/02/2025

One for the Dubliners and rock music fans. Which boy sang about "cracking up" at this bar back in the day?

19/02/2025

Blessed is he amongst women! This big crew of lovely girls and one lad are on a term ( semester) placement at Dublin Business School from Rhode island, USA. They were with me on tour at 14 Henrietta street a couple of weeks ago and their education continued today at Grogans Castle lounge.

19/02/2025

Well it's a dirty job but someone's got to do it.....

19/02/2025

Brighton next Saturday at The Dome JOIN ME: https://brightondome.org/whats-on/VEb-david-odoherty-tiny-piano-man/

18/02/2025

"What mind games are these?" Sally is incredulous ....."no way has Dad forgotten that there's a carrot stick on the blanket" she's stunned that I haven't handed it over yet despite her hypnotic stares.

18/02/2025

It's easy to miss this commemorative stone on Nassau Street, literally down the street from the Dáil ( Irish Parliament). It marks the spot where a car bomb was placed in May 1974. It was one of four car bombs that exploded without warning, visiting murder and destruction upon Dublin and Monaghan on 17 May, 1974. The loyalist attacks killed 33 people – one of them was nine months pregnant. The Troubles would rage for another two decades, but no single day would surpass its death toll. May the victims rest in peace.

13/02/2025

A great spot for traditional Irish pub grub just off Grafton Street.

Looking for a city centre bar for a get together with family or friends? Maybe you are planning a trip to Dublin this year? Join us in Sheehan’s for an unforgettable experience.

Walk-ins are always welcome but you can reserve a table by emailing [email protected]