Joel M.United States
Garvan does a fantastic job providing the history and culture of Dublin. All eight of us learned a ton and appreciated the way he customized the tour for our needs.
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Private tour in Dublin Garvan R
Songs & Stories tour of Dublin (Private Walking Tour)
5.0
(5) reviews
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Garvan R.
5.0
Guide rating
269
Reviews
Tours delivered
23 hrs
Avg. response time
Cead míle fáilte romhat! "A hundred thousand welcomes to you!" The fair city of Dublin is an UNESCO City of Literature, the home of famous musicians and unknown storytellers, of Irish freedom-fighters, and it's also where all pubs are born! From the GPO and Ireland's long fight for independence to Merrion Sq and Dublin's Georgian glory, from the Book of Kells and Ireland's Golden Age to Christchurch Cathedral and Dublin's Gothic Age, Dublin has so much to offer. I am an experienced, energetic, passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide of Dublin City and have given over a hundred and fifty tours of Dublin to thousands of visitors. As well as being a certified tour guide, I have B. A. Int. in Medieval Irish and Celtic Studies, so I have the legends and the facts that guide books will never have. As we walk the streets, I'll recount the stories and the histories, sing the songs, recite the poems, deliver the jokes, and tell you the banter of this charming city. You'll be hard-pressed to find anyone who can match my styles and be passionate & emotional, dramatic & theatrical, interactive and funny and epic(!) all on the same tour! So join me on a stroll through Dublin's alleys, trod the same cobbled streets as Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and Bram Stoker, smell the hops from the Guinness Brewery, view the riverscape from Ha'Penny Bridge, and just live the atmosphere of this historic, dramatic and fascinating city. And as the friendliest capital city in the world, you're sure to establish some friendships here in Dublin! Beatrice's Tour Guiding Certificate I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver. Guiding inside some attractions, e.g. Trinity Library, Dublinia, is restricted somewhat.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Garvan R.
The land of storytellers has its epics
Overview of your Dublin tour
Experience Dublin’s rich storytelling and musical heritage with a walking tour that intertwines traditional songs and ancient myths. Step into the heart of Dublin's rich cultural tapestry on this private 3-hour walking tour that weaves together the city’s legendary storytelling tradition with its vibrant musical heritage. Perfect for young families, particularly those with a love for Irish ballads, or anyone who enjoys singing, this tour offers an immersive journey into Ireland’s past and present. As you stroll through iconic sites, you’ll be treated to live performances of some of Ireland's greatest songs—both well-known and those you’ve yet to discover. From the heartache and tragedy of old ballads to the defiant spirit of revolutionary songs, you’ll experience the full emotional range that Irish music has to offer. Along the way, you’ll also hear the fascinating and quirky stories behind these songs, bringing Dublin's history and mythology to life.
Recent Reviews
Sharon O.United States
We had a wonderful walking tour with Garvan of the city of Dublin - highlighted by stories and songs! Garvan is very knowledgeable of Ireland and you can tell that he is very passionate about his homeland. He made history come alive with his stories (OK, some of them may have been slightly exaggerated - but who lets the truth interfere with a good story?!) We also learned about famous Irish musicians and had a wonderful guessing game of "Who sang this?" We only wish the tour had been longer!
Karla D.United States
What a special treat! Garvan kept us captivated from the moment we met him until we had to reluctantly say goodbye. His knowledge of Irish history and lore is limitless. Even our granddaughter was enraptured with his stories and we all thoroughly enjoyed the addition of music. Garvan even tailored our tour based on the other areas we would be traveling to later in our trip so that when we got to each of those destinations we already had a sense of place. He was exceptional in every way.
Torben A.Denmark
The most amazing experience given by an unmatched skillful guide, Garvan. It was our first trip to Ireland. We came with the impression, that the conflicts between the Irish and the English were of a religious nature. But it came to our attention that there are completely different cultural conditions behind the tensions during the years between the two peoples. We are very grateful to Garvan
David B.United States
We have used Tours By Locals for many tours and we can say with certainty that Garvan was within the top two guides we have ever used. Our day with him was magical, informative, full of songs, stories, food all delivered exactly as we had asked for it by a gentleman with fantastic depth of knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for what he does. He could teach classes on how to guide tours. Our look at Dublin was fun-filled and inspired. Thank you Garvan. You are the tops
Your Dublin tour itinerary
Highlights of the tour include: - St. Brendan’s Voyage: Discover how the Irish saint sailed west and found the ‘Land of Promise’ (North America) in the 6th century. - An Táin (The Cattle Raid): Get a brief re-telling of Ireland’s epic saga from The Ulster Cycle, dating back to 200 AD. - On Raglan Road: Hear a soulful rendition of Patrick Kavanagh’s famous poem, set to music. - Molly Malone: Sing along to Dublin’s anthem at the statue of the city’s beloved mascot, while learning her story. - The Story of St. Patrick: Uncover the legend of Ireland’s patron saint. Your guide’s vivacious performance and deep knowledge of Irish music and history will keep you engaged throughout the tour. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just love to listen, you’re invited to join in as we sing Dublin’s anthem, “Molly Malone,” together. This tour is more than just a walk—it’s an unforgettable experience of Irish culture that will leave you with a song in your heart and a story to tell.
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Transport details
Type: Walking
Tour is on foot; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
What's included
Other: Hotel meet-up (for central location)
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Souvenirs, food and drink
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation
Meeting location
Saint Stephen's Green, Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
Hotel of City Center or Meet at the Molly Malone Statue
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
History
Family
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
153478
Languages
English
FrenchActivity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Dublin best suited for?
This private tour in Dublin is perfect for young families, especially those with a love for Irish ballads, or anyone who enjoys singing. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Garvan R. for deeper insights into Dublin's rich storytelling and musical heritage.
What should I bring or wear?
Where does the tour start and end?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.