Small-group walks with local historians—hidden stories behind Dublin’s Georgian squares.
- Small groups (max 12) for a personal experience
- Explore Merrion Square & Fitzwilliam Square with expert local guides
- Hear the stories of landlords, tenants, writers and politicians behind Georgian doors
Join Dublin Walking for the Georgian Dublin Walking Tour, an immersive walk through Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Square and the surrounding Georgian streets on Dublin’s south side. This compact area holds some of the best preserved 18th century townhouses in Europe, and shows how Dublin once hoped to rival London and Paris.
Over 1.5 hours your local guide will lead you along quiet, mostly flat streets and squares that many visitors never reach. You will see rows of red brick houses, fanlight windows and famous Georgian doors, and hear how landlords, tenants, writers and politicians all shaped this part of the city.
The tour is kept to small groups and a relaxed pace, so you can ask questions, take photos and really look at what is around you. By the end you will know where Georgian Dublin is, why it matters, and have a few new places to return to later in your trip.
What to expect on this 1.5 hour walking tour
We begin near Merrion Square with a short welcome and a simple map of how Georgian Dublin developed. From there we follow a gentle loop through the square and nearby streets, stopping often to look at details like doorways, ironwork, brick patterns and old street names.
Your guide will mix wider history with small, human stories, so you are never stuck in dates and names. You will hear about ambitious developers, wealthy families, servants, artists and the decline and rescue of these houses in the 20th century. No background knowledge is needed. The route is designed to be easy to follow and easy to enjoy.
Tour highlights
- See Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square, two of Dublin’s best preserved Georgian squares
- Walk the so called Georgian Mile, lined with red brick townhouses and famous doors
- Learn how 18th century Dublin was planned, built and later divided and restored
- Hear stories of landlords, tenants, servants, writers and politicians who lived here
- Spot smaller details most people miss, from fanlights and door knockers to old street markers
- Get tips on nearby museums, cafés and parks to visit after the tour
Itinerary – where we go on the Georgian Dublin Walking Tour
The exact route can change slightly depending on the group, weather and events in the area, but a typical Georgian Dublin Walking Tour includes stops at:
Stop 1: Merrion Square
We start in Merrion Square, surrounded by elegant red brick houses on three sides and a city park in the centre. Here your guide explains how this area was laid out, who it was built for and how to read a Georgian façade. It is also where we talk about the famous residents who once lived around the square.
Stop 2: Fitzwilliam Street and the Georgian Mile
From Merrion Square we walk towards Fitzwilliam Street and the so called Georgian Mile. Here we focus on the long terrace of houses, the repeated patterns in windows and doors, and the social life of the people inside them. You will hear how fashion, status and money all shaped these façades.
Stop 3: Fitzwilliam Square and surrounding streets
At Fitzwilliam Square we see a quieter, more private square and talk about how these houses moved through boom, decline and restoration. Nearby side streets let us look at mews lanes and back buildings that show how servants and tradespeople fitted into the picture. We also look at how modern Dublin has adapted these houses to new uses.
Stop 4: Government Buildings area
Depending on the day, we may also pass near Government Buildings and the National Gallery. Here we connect Georgian architecture to later political history, independence and the changing use of these grand spaces. It is a good moment to compare old and new Dublin.
Practical information
- Duration: approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes)
- Distance: around 2 to 2.5 km on foot
- Group size: maximum 12 guests (small group feel)
- Pace: relaxed, with regular stops for photos and questions
- Meeting point: Merrion Square, near the Oscar Wilde statue (full details in your confirmation email)
- End point: usually close to Fitzwilliam Square or back at Merrion Square, a short walk from buses and the Luas Green Line
- Language: tour led in English
- Accessibility: mostly flat pavements, some uneven surfaces and kerbs. Step free route can be arranged if we know in advance
- What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, weather appropriate clothing, water. An umbrella or light raincoat is useful in Dublin
- Age suitability: adults and older children who enjoy walking and listening to stories
What’s included
- Guided walking tour of the Georgian district around Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square
- Local guide with a strong knowledge of Dublin history and architecture
- Small group size for easier hearing, photos and interaction
- Short breaks for questions, photos and quick rests
- Suggestions for nearby museums, galleries, cafés and parks to visit after the tour
What’s not included
- Food and drinks
- Transport to and from the meeting point
- Entry tickets to any paid attractions we pass
- Tips for your guide (optional, at your discretion)
Who this tour is perfect for
- Visitors who want to see more than the usual city centre photo stops
- People who like architecture, design and learning how a city was planned
- History fans who enjoy clear, story driven explanations rather than long lists of dates
- Solo travellers, couples and friends who are happy to walk and ask questions
Not ideal for:
- Anyone who prefers a fast paced or vehicle based tour
- Very young children who may not enjoy 90 minutes of walking and listening
- Large groups bigger than 12 (contact us for a private or custom tour instead)
Meeting point and how to get there
We meet outside the Oscar Wilde statue inside Merrion Square Park, close to the junction of Merrion Square North and Merrion Square West. Your confirmation email will include a map and a photo of the exact meeting point.
Public transport: Several bus routes stop around Merrion Square, and the Luas Green Line stops at St Stephen’s Green, about a 10 minute walk away.
Taxis and ride share: Ask the driver for Merrion Square and the Oscar Wilde statue. Your guide will be waiting nearby with a Dublin Walking lanyard or sign.
Frequently asked questions
How much walking is involved?
We cover about 2 to 2.5 km over 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace, with frequent stops. Most people who are comfortable walking around a city find it manageable.
What happens if it rains?
Tours run in most weather conditions, so please dress for the Dublin forecast. A light raincoat, layers and comfortable shoes are usually enough. In the rare case of very severe weather we will contact you to rebook or refund.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The Georgian Dublin Walking Tour is aimed at adults and older children who enjoy walking and listening to stories. There is no strict age limit, but the content and pace may not suit very young kids.
Is the route accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
Much of the route is flat, but there can be uneven pavements and some kerbs. If you use a wheelchair or stroller, please let us know when booking so we can advise and, where possible, adjust the route.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Places are limited to keep the group small, and popular dates can fill up. Booking in advance guarantees your place and allows us to send you full meeting point details.
Ready to join the Georgian Dublin Walking Tour?
If you would like to see a quieter, more elegant side of Dublin and understand why these red brick terraces and colourful doors matter, the Georgian Dublin Walking Tour is a simple way to do it.
Check dates and secure your place using the booking button or form on this page. If you have any questions before you book, just contact us and we will be happy to help.