Dublin North Side Free Walking Tour
O'Connell Street, the GPO and the Dublin most visitors miss
While most visitors stick to the cobbles south of the Liffey, this tour stays north and digs into the side of Dublin that shaped modern Ireland. It starts at The Spire and walks the length of O'Connell Street, past the General Post Office, headquarters of the 1916 Easter Rising and still pockmarked with bullet holes from the fighting, and the row of monuments to Daniel O'Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell and other figures who built the case for Irish independence.
From there the walk opens into Georgian Dublin's red-brick terraces and elegant fanlight doorways, a side of the city built for wealthy merchants in the 18th century and largely overlooked by first-time visitors. It's a shorter walk and pairs well with a south-side tour, filling in the half of Dublin's history the postcards tend to leave out.
Tour highlights
- The Spire
- O'Connell Street monuments
- General Post Office (GPO)
- 1916 Easter Rising sites
- Georgian Dublin architecture
- Parnell Square
Meeting point
This tour is free — there's no charge to join. At the end, tip your guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. 100% of tips go directly to them.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dublin North Side Free Walking Tour really free?
Yes — there is no ticket and no upfront cost. You reserve a free spot, join the tour, and at the end tip your guide whatever you feel it was worth. Most travelers tip the equivalent of €10–20 per person, but the amount is entirely up to you.
Where does the Dublin North Side Free Walking Tour start?
The tour meets at The Spire (The Spire). Look for the guide with the FreeTour sign; the exact meeting point is confirmed in your booking.
How long is the tour, and what languages is it in?
It lasts around 2h and is guided in English. Groups are capped at about 6 people so the experience stays personal. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
