The 1916 Rising, War of Independence and Civil War

Hello, my name is Antoin and I am a native of Dublin. I have been giving tours for approximately three years. Why be a Tour Guide? Being a guide gives you the opportunity of meeting people from all over the world. It is an education in itself listening to people's journeys as they recount in some instances, a longing to visit their ancestor's place of origin. It may be a first visit for others to experience a city and country that is becoming ever more popular. Some people remark about the strange game we play called Hurling (the fastest field game in the world) that they may have seen on TV while others are fascinated by the fact that we have street signs in two languages, Irish and English. My life-long interest is history and politics. Dublin as it is constructed displays the various periods in our history that resonates still today with our past. Having carried out a lot of research on the city I am reminded in no small way of the hugely interesting and historical city that I come from. Having unearthed some of the wealth of material bequeathed to us, I like equally to test my ability to construct an interpretation of how best to reflect what it means to me by cobbling together a collection of my thoughts. This I utilise in several of my tours and have penned several pieces which reflect my thoughts and what the particular object is saying to me. The other great tradition that we have here is Traditional music. I used play with a 'Trad' band so I know one or two haunts as they say to whet your appetite. For the food connoisseur and if time allows you have to try the 'Dublin Coddle' if you are in town. I acquired the taste as a young lad myself growing up but I'm afraid I can't give you the recipe as my Mum guarded it jealously and wouldn't part with it. I always try to communicate with my audience by way of bringing a sense of humour where appropriate to my tours. Combined with my interest in poetry for which as a nation we are never in short supply as some of the greatest names in this field came from Ireland, I like in a very basic way to carry on in this tradition. I also like to use the Irish language where possible to bring the visitor a more authentic feeling in their visit to our city. Some people might say that we don't have the sophistication of Paris, Vienna or Rome when it comes to architecture. A walk through Dublin gives testament to the fact that buildings such as: The Customs House, The General Post Office, The Old Parliament Building , St. Patrick's Cathedral and , Trinity College for example, show the wealth and creativity of these fine edifices of architectural splendour that we have inherited. It's an easy city to navigate and it would be my absolute pleasure to show it to you, warts and all as they say. I sing, recite my own poetry and like to tell stories. Throw in a bit of history combined with some Dublin wit, should result in an enjoyable tour. It is your holiday (vacation) or short visit and it is our objective to make your visit to our city an enjoyable one. As Joyce said, "When I die, Dublin will be written in my heart. " In 2019 I received Level 6 Certification in addition to the National Guide Badge in Tour Guiding. In 2017 I obtained Level 5 Certification in Tour Guiding In 2016. attended Trinity College, Dublin for a course in the Dutch language to Intermediate level. In 2015 I obtained a BA (Hons) in International Relations at Dublin City University. I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver. I also provide step-on guide tours.