James N.United States
Fantastic tour. Outstanding knowledge. Extremely friendly.
Choose a currency
Private tour in Dublin Cathal S
The Story of Dublin in 4 Hours - Private Walking Tour
5.0
(11) reviews
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Cathal S.
5.0
Guide rating
75
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, 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.
A relaxed, in-depth journey through Dublin told through history, legend, humour, and storytelling
Overview of your Dublin tour
Together, we’ll explore Dublin’s streets, uncovering its history through story, character, and place. From medieval lanes to grand Georgian houses, I’ll bring Dublin to life in a way that feels natural, engaging, and personal. This is the tour I recommend if you want a tour that is unhurried, immersive, and memorable. We’ll also include a short pause for coffee or refreshments along the way.
Recent Reviews
Laura T.United States
My children and I had an exceptional tour with Cathal. He was engaging, informative, warm and told excellent stories that made the history memorable. My kids were interested the whole time. He sang Irish folk songs and showed us all sorts of interesting corners of Dublin. Highly recommended for a Dublin walking tour!
Paul M.United States
Our family did a 3 hour walking tour of Dublin with Cathal. Tour was a great way to get to know the highlights of Dublin. Cathal was very informative , friendly and engaging. I would definitely recommend.
R Cynthia P.United States
Wonderful interaction, very knowledgeable, good pace, adjusted the tour to meet our requests, and just a very pleasurable time.
Anna N.United States
Our family of four spent three hours exploring Dublin with Cathal, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time together. As we walked through the inner city, he was able to provide historical context and several stories that made Dublin come alive. We saw several areas/sites we would not have known about if we had walked around on our own, and he was also able to recommend a few places for snacks and meals that we visited after the tour was complete. It was well worth our time to spend the afternoon with Cathal!
Don K.United States
Exactly what we were hoping for!
Your Dublin tour itinerary
Main Highlights May Include: Dublin Castle (exterior) For over 700 years the centre of British administration in Ireland. Christ Church Cathedral (exterior) and the Medieval Quarter Including the former Viking settlement at Wood Quay. St. Patrick's Cathedral (exterior) and Park Dublin's most dramatic looking church, and a lovely little park, built by none other than the Guinness family. Temple Bar and the Ha’penny Bridge Dublin's tourist quarter and home to the city’s first pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey. Trinity College and College Green Founded in 1592, Ireland’s oldest university. Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green The hustle and bustle of the Grafton Quarter mixed with the calm of St Stephen's Green Park. With the additional time, we may also include: Merrion Square and Oscar Wilde The National Gallery The National Museum of Archaeology If you’re short on time, the 3-hour introduction tour may be a better fit.
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
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
3Olympia Theatre, 3Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland
Meeting Location is outside the 3Olympia Theatre on Dame Street. Depending on your location and the day, we can also meet 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
City Highlights
Art And Culture
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
1081064
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Dublin best suited for?
This private tour in Dublin is perfect for travellers interested in history, storytelling, and exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a relaxed, immersive experience and want to connect with a local 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?
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
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Dublin by Cathal S.
Explore more of Dublin
The Fair City - A Private walking Tour(Nearly!) All of Dublin in 5 hoursTop Ten Things To See In Dublin ExcursionDublin to Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland - Day TripPrivate 4 hour walking tour in Dublin CityThe best of Wicklow in a day - with a private GuidePrivate Cliffs of Moher Tour from DublinCliffs of Moher & Ireland’s West Coast: Luxurious Private Day Tour from DublinThe Amazing Highlights of Dublin– 3-Hour Walking Tour Belfast, Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce CastleCliffs of Moher + Wild Atlantic WayThe Best things to do in Dublin in a full-day private tourFull Dublin City Walking Tour with Private Expert GuideGiants Causeway - Luxury Private Day Tour from DublinDublin to Belfast Full Day Private Luxury TourDo Dublin - Like a Dubliner - Half DayPrivate Driver-Guided Day Tour of Dublin🎭🚶♂️ Dublin Walking Tour – A Storytelling Journey Through the City Malahide Castle & Howth Village Tour from DublinBlarney Stone, Castle and Gardens, Rock of Cashel and Cahir CastleDublin Through the Ages - Private half-day walking TourPrivate Go-As-You-Please Walking Tour of DublinDay Tour from Dublin: Powerscourt, Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains Shore ExcursionFull-day Dublin Private driving TourDublin Sights and PintsWicklow, Glendalough, Powerscourt Gardens, The Sally Gap day tripHighlights of Dublin City - Three Hour Walking Tour🏰🧶 Medieval Kilkenny & Environs Private Tour 🌾Three Day Tour - A Taste of IrelandBlarney Castle and Cork: Luxurious Private Day Tour from DublinThe Ultimate Day in Dublin - a private walking tourPrivate 3 hour Dublin walking tourWicklow Mountains National park & GlendaloughUNESCO Newgrange - older than Pyramids & Stonehenge!Dublin Highlights Private full-day TourHowth Fishing Village and Peninsula Half Day Tour by Luxary CarBest of Wicklow from Dublin City and Dun Laoghaire Port Full day Brú na Bóinne Newgrange tour - Up to 3* GuestsSee as Much as You Can in DublinDublin Private Driving Tour (Not available from cruise ships, contact me 😊)
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.