Stephanie S.
We had a fantastic time with Cathal. What a wonderful guide! He covers a lot of ground without making you feel rushed or overwhelmed. He’s an excellent storyteller with a great sense of humor. We loved this tour and highly recommend it.
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Private tour in Dublin Cathal S
The Book of Kells and Dublin Highlights Walking Tour
5.0
(4) reviews
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 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 1-4 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
Cathal S.
5.0
Guide rating
81
Reviews
Tours delivered
2 hrs
Avg. response time
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
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Cathal S.
Visit Ireland's most famous manuscript, then personalise the rest of your tour with your local storyteller guide.
Overview of your Dublin tour
Discover the world-famous Book of Kells and the historic grounds of Trinity College before exploring Dublin in a way that suits your interests. We begin with an immersive visit to Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university, where we'll uncover over 400 years of history before entering the Book of Kells exhibition to discover one of the world's greatest medieval masterpieces. We'll also visit the magnificent Long Room of the Old Library (currently undergoing restoration). After Trinity, the tour becomes your own. Whether you'd like to wander through the medieval streets around Dublin Castle, explore Temple Bar, visit St Patrick's Cathedral or Christ Church Cathedral, stroll along Grafton Street, discover Georgian Dublin, learn about Ireland's revolutionary history, hear myths and legends, or simply enjoy hidden corners that most visitors miss, we'll tailor the remainder of the experience to your interests.
Recent Reviews
Ellen G.
We had an amazing tour of Dublin with Cathal -- he was fantastic! He was very knowledgable and provided a wonderful orientation to the city. He was also quite charming, sharing anecdotes with a bit of history, literature, and music mixed in for good measure. While we only spent one day with him, he gave us great tips for excursions outside of Dublin. Highly recommend a tour with Cathal to any Dublin visitors!
Rebecca B.United States
Cathal was so interesting and knew lots of "behind the scenes" stories-as well as great local spots to visit! We were introduced to a fabulous archeological museum as well as the National Gallery, where he gave great descriptions of several pieces! Our main interest was the Book of Kells and we were excited that we got to see so much more.
Your Dublin tour itinerary
Suggested itinerary Hour 1 - Trinity College - Book of Kells Experience - Long Room Library Hours 2–3 (Choose what interests you most) - Dublin Castle - Dubh Linn Gardens - Temple Bar - Christ Church Cathedral - St Patrick's Cathedral - Molly Malone - Grafton Street - Georgian Dublin - Hidden lanes and local recommendations - Irish myths and legends - Revolutionary history - Literary Dublin - Traditional music and pub recommendations
Want to customize this tour?
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.
Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking tour
What's included
Private Guide
Tickets: Book of Kells and Old Library Entrance Fee
Food Drinks Snacks
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Meeting Location is at the Moly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street, or at the Oscar Wilde Memorial on Merrion Square. I can also meet at your hotel, if it is centrally located.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
Art And Culture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1310974
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
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 history enthusiasts, literature lovers, and anyone interested in exploring the cultural highlights of the city. It's also suitable for families with children and travellers with mobility needs, as it is both kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible. With the flexibility to tailor the experience, it's ideal for those who want to connect with a local guide for deeper insights.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Dublin be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?
What languages is this tour offered in?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 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 1-4 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.