1916 Rebellion Walking Tour in Dublin
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Dublin's historic streets
- Learn about the 1916 Easter Rising
- Visit key historical sites
- Hear stories from a renowned historian
- Immerse in Ireland's rich history
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour led by historian Lorcan Collins
- Visit to key historical sites from the 1916 Easter Rising
- Insightful commentary on Ireland's struggle for independence
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
This is our starting point, the famous International Bar where Lorcan Collins has been running the 1916 Tour since 1996. You are welcome to come earlier and enjoy a drink and a read of the introductory literature supplied by your guide. The tour begins with a short introduction to the build up to the revolutionary period, starting with the Great Hunger / Irish Famine of the 1840's and culminating with the 1916 Rising. This gives all participants an understanding of the events leading up to the revolution and also gives everyone a chance to ask questions and get to know the guide. We will let you know what route we are going to take, below are some of the examples of places that we typically visit but we vary the route so that the tour does not become stale but you will be happy with the various places that you get to see.
City Hall was occupied during the 1916 Rising by the Irish Citizen Army so we will stop here and talk about that aspect of Easter Week 1916.
We will visit Dublin Castle where the British administration controlled Ireland from. We will discuss it's role in the 1916 Rising and War of Independence. You might recall Dublin Castle from the Michael Collins movie.
The Four Courts was occupied by the revolutionaries in 1916 and again in the build up to the Irish Civil War in 1922. Rather than go all the way up to the building it is best seen from a bridge over the River Liffey. Here there will be a discussion on the Four Courts role in 1916 and 1922 and the intricacies of the Civil War will be explained.
There are lots of little stops along the walk but we will also stop at Daniel O'Connell's Memorial to look at the bullet holes from the Rising and explain the positions occupied by the British and the Irish in 1916.
Big Jim Larkin the Union Man from Liverpool was a great comrade of James Connolly and a true friend to the Dublin working class. We'll stop at his statue and explain his contribution to the revolutionary period.
The GPO was the HQ for the Revolutionaries in Dublin and is one of our most important stops where an explanation of the events of Easter 1916 will unfold. This is the place where PH Pearse read the Proclamation and is an integral part of the Irish national psyche - the most important and historic building in Dublin.
Depending on time we often go to Moore Street to see where the GPO Garrison made their last stand in Easter Week.
This is more colloquially known as the Old Parliament and depending on the route taken by the guide we may examine the building and it's role in Irish history and it's neighbour Trinity College. Again, we stress that we vary the route of the walking tour so it just depends on the day!
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine
- Advance booking is recommended
- Meeting point is at the GPO (General Post Office)
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Bring a bottle of water
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Traveler reviews
Really informative and entertaining
Tom was such a great tour guide, he knew his onions to say the least! Very entertaining and informative tour, really enjoyed it. Would book again next time I visit.
Great Introduction to the People and Places of 1916
Wonderful experience. Our tour guide Tom was very knowledgeable and very personable. The structure of the tour was great. Three hours went by very quickly. It was entertaining and educational. Our two young children had a great time and were very engaged throughout. If you have any interest in the Rising or the revolutionary period in Ireland, this is well worth your time and a great value for the money.
Thank you for letting us join the tour….the second time :)
I can’t say enough thanks to the tour operator. Due to my poor memory, I showed up 10 minutes late to the original tour thinking I was 5 minutes early. Tour started at 11:30am not 11:45am. Ugh!!! My wife encouraged me to contact the tour operator to see if they would let us join another time/day without paying to sign up for a new tour, and they listened. Thank you. We thoroughly appreciated the history behind the 1916 Easter Uprising especially with Tom being an excellent guide telling us what transpired. It was very inspiring to hear the stories about the fearless and selfless leaders of the Rebellion. Thank you and keep up the great work.
1916 Rebellion Walking Tour
Donal was a superb guide and his depth of knowledge on the subject was outstanding. Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Best Tour Guide of All Time
Lorcan might be the best tour guide I’ve ever met. The guy is chock full of knowledge, quick as a whip, and very funny. My spouse and I really enjoyed the perspective he brings to the tour, and his editorializing was what made the experience a resounding 5-stars. Another element to his secret sauce: he actually asks things about the tour group members, and references those things on the tour. This meant that we had touch points for connecting with each other, which made it feels less like we were a gaggle of strangers, and more like “Lorcan’s crew.” I’ll be recommending this tour for anyone who ever mentions a trip to Dublin from here till he retires. Thanks Lorcan!