Guide #25226
Céad míle fáilte go mBaile Átha Cliath! Or, welcome to Dublin, for short. Some of you may be on your laethanta saoire: your days of freedom. I'm Cathal (pronounced KAH-hul), an Irish name meaning 'battler'. My surname Sheahan means 'of peace'. Together, Cathal Sheahan make me a walking contradiction, as I'm a 'battler of peace'. I'm a private guide with a real passion for bringing Dublin's history and stories to life. I joined Toursbylocals in 2022, but I've spent over a decade guiding visitors through this city, sharing its history, culture, and stories with people from all over the world. Along the way, we'll explore Dublin's ancient and recent history, and I'll regale you with tales from the Battle of Clontarf and the 1916 Rising, along with the odd Irish folk song and a nod to some of our famous writers: Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift, and others. Born in Dublin and raised in rural County Kerry, I grew up in a world where storytelling was part of everyday life: tales of emigration, rebellion, landlords, fairies, and ghosts. When I later returned to Dublin for university, it felt like stepping onto the stage where so many of those stories had unfolded. My background includes Philosophy, Archaeology, and German. Philosophy helps me find the underlying truth behind events, Archaeology helps me approach stories with the patience and precision of a scientist, and studying German (and living in Germany) helped me see my own history with an international outlook. I also work professionally as an actor. That naturally shapes the way I guide. I bring the city to life through story, voice, atmosphere, and lively conversation. I also enjoy singing, and will add the odd folk song to my tours. My tours are relaxed, engaging, and personal. Whether it's your first time in Dublin or you want to go deeper, I aim to help you experience the city with humour, insight, and a real sense of adventure. Dublin has a story around every corner, and I'd be delighted to share it with you. Whatever brings you to Dublin, I'd love to help you make the most of your time here. So please get in touch, and let's start planning your tour. Cathal
Dublin

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Replied from the guide, Cathal S.
September 2026Thanks for the five stars Kimberly. All the best, Cathal
We landed in Dublin and Cathal met us at our hotel. He personalized our tour with a combination of his suggestions and our preferences of places we wanted to see. The tour was relaxed but covered everything on our agenda and more. Cathal has great knowledge of the history of Ireland and Dublin. Everywhere we went we learned interesting information. He is very easy to talk...
Replied from the guide, Cathal S.
September 2026Hi Marc, Thank you for the great review. It was a pleasure to meet you both and I'm so glad you enjoyed my tour so much. I hope you also enjoyed the rest of your time in Dublin. All the best, Cathal
What a wonderful way to start our stay in Dublin. Cathal provided the perfect balance of history and fun as we explored the city. I especially appreciated his sharing of his own experience growing up in Ireland and helping us appreciate the changes (positive and negative) in his country. The pride he has in Ireland is so evident and his appreciation and talent for story...
Replied from the guide, Cathal S.
August 2026Hi Melinda and John, Thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed my tour and my storytelling. It was a pleasure to meet you both and to hear your stories too. All the best, Cathal
Fantastic tour. Outstanding knowledge. Extremely friendly.
Replied from the guide, Cathal S.
August 2026Hi James, Thank you for your great review and five stars. I'm glad you thought my tour was fantastic. It was my pleasure to guide you and your family around this interesting city of ours. All the best, Cathal