Private tour in Dublin Jim B
5.0
(32) reviews
4 hours
1
4 hours
1
Jim B.
5.0
Guide rating
33
Reviews
Tours delivered
11 hrs
Avg. response time
Hello folks, I would be delighted to guide you around Dublin (the Hibernian Metropolis) and share with you, what I have learned about this beautiful, fascinating and friendly city. I retired from the rat race 9 years ago, I now spend my time travelling with my wife and family, reading, studying, walking my dog and guiding visitors around Ireland's capital city. Tour guiding is not work for me, it is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours chatting with and meeting people from all over the world. I specialise in walking tours and I focus on the history, art, literature and culture of our capital city. I limit the amount of tours I do to a couple each week. This way I can tailor a very personal tour for you and deliver a quality experience every time. Whether you want to hear about our ancient Celtic history, Viking connections, or our turbulent history with our neighbours in Scotland, Wales and England, or our great writers, poets and artists I can design a tour to your taste and preferences. I am continually studying and updating my knowledge and I am currently attending Trinity College Dublin to study in depth early Irish history. I also spend time in the reading rooms of our beautiful National Library searching for little nuggets of information and stories that will entertain my guests. My approach is laid back and relaxed. There will never be pressure on time and we can always incorporate a stop to have a coffee or something stronger if you prefer. Dublin is known for it's many beautiful old pubs and also has a vibrant coffee and food scene to be savoured. Many of my guests accompany me to one my favourite Dublin pubs after the tour, where the craic (fun) can continue and you can sample the best drinks in the world, Guinness and Irish whiskey or whatever takes your fancy. I look forward to hopefully meeting you when you visit the beautiful Emerald Isle. Slán Jim. I have studied history for many years and I have attended Trinity College Dublin to further my education. I qualified and learned my craft under Dublin's best known guide, artist and historian, Pat Liddy. I also have a Lord Mayor's award in local history, where I researched extensively our Viking history. I am a native Dubliner (Dub) and I have spent all my life living and working in this great city. I love showing visitors and guests around my town. There are no tourists here, just friends we haven't met yet. I do not provide tours by car or bus. We can however use a taxi at your own expense.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jim B.
I have lived and worked in Dublin all my life and I have a lifetime of memories and stories to share. I have studied mainstream history and also local history for many years. The Irish are great storytellers and my family are no exception! Some of our greatest writers and poets, such as Joyce, Swift, Yeats, Heaney, Wilde, Beckett, Stoker, Shaw, O Casey and Behan, followed in the great tradition of Irish storytelling. Come with me on a tour and you will hear about our Celtic and Viking past, the great literature, music and art we have produced as well as the turbulent relationship we have had with our closest neighbours. You will also hear about some of the great men and women who fought for our freedom through the many centuries of oppression and occupation. Dublin is my home and my favourite city. I met my wife here and we raised our children here. I can't wait to guide you around 'me jewel and darlin' Dublin! ☘
Jim Byrne is without a doubt I was knowledgeable Irish history professors that I’ve ever encountered. His anecdotal approach to teaching is very effective and easy to follow. You pay special attention to my grandchildren and made them feel like they were very welcome. He was fantastic.
Excellent tour. Very informative and interesting. Everyone in our group loved the tour and said it was one of the highlights of our trip.
Jim is a real gift to touring in Dublin. He's a story teller and his stories, based on factual history, give life to the highlights of this particular tour. I found his commentary and stories that described Johnathan Swift , author of the satirical Gulliver's Travels, as also a staunch defender of the Irish Protestant Church, Rector of St. Patrick's Church and Irish Patriot, a little known but important part of Irish history. There were more historical jewels like this that Jim revealed to us on this tour.
Jim was probably the best tour guide we've ever had. His knowledge, good humor and genuine interest in all he shared with us made it the highlight of our trip to Dublin. We booked this on the first day of our week in Dublin which we recommend because everything we learned from Jim made the rest of our trip better!
Jim was a great guide!! We really enjoyed our time with him. He is fun and friendly, and so knowledgeable! The pace was great. He knows the historical details and had great stories to personalize them. Even before we arrived, Jim had suggestions for restaurants and things to do. We would highly recommend touring with him! We definitely would call him again if we are lucky enough to return to Dublin.
My husband and I had a wonderful time with Jim. He is an historian and we love history. Jim regaled us with great stories at every stop. And he even knew the best place for my husband to find a vest and newsboy cap. I think we were lucky to have Jim as our guide!
Meet at the National Art Gallery Merrion Square or at your Hotel if you prefer. We will then visit: -Merrion Square and see the Home of Oscar Wilde -The Gallery to see 3 historic Irish paintings -College Green Old Parliament Building - Dublin Castle, we will walk through the gardens of Dublin Castle As Ireland has the Presidency of the EU for 6 months from July 1st 2026, access to Dublin Castle will be limited from May 5th until December 31st. - Trinity College, we will visit the grounds of Trinity College - Christchurch Cathedral, we will view the Cathedral from the outside. -Viking Dublin - Temple Bar. We will walk through this famous area making 3 shorts stops - Saint Patrick's Cathedral and park - Tour will finish in the Grafton St area I will take you along Dublin's streets broad and narrow, made famous by our many great writers including, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, George Bernard Shaw, Patrick Kavanagh and many more. * This itinerary can be customized. Please contact me.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
This is a walking tour. Please bring comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing depending on the weather. In Ireland this means, an umbrella, sunglasses, a hat, a rain jacket and sun lotion.
National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Ireland
ByGuide: If you are unfamiliar with Dublin, meeting at your hotel is advisable. However if you prefer to meet at another location we can certainly do that.
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4 hours
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