Dublin in 1 Day for Friends - Introduction at Barnardo Square beside City Hall
In Collaboration with Unearthed Tours Dublin. Updated on February 10, 2026.
A two-hour guided walking tour through Dublin's darker past: torture at Dublin Castle, grave robbing, witches, brothels, and infamous local murders. Meet in Barnardo Square and finish in Smithfield Square.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Unearthed Tours Dublin, inspired by the tour Dark Dublin: Torture, Murder & Mystery. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Introduction at Barnardo Square beside City Hall
- Torture and punishment tales in the Lower & Upper Courtyards of Dublin Castle
- Stories around St Patrick's Cathedral and Jonathan Swift
- Christ Church, Cornmarket, St Michan’s area and a final tale in Smithfield Square
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening walking tour covering the listed dark-history stops. Total duration 2 hours.
Meet at Barnardo Square (City Hall, Dame Street)
Gathering and safety briefing. Guide introductions and overview of the route and content warnings before the walk begins.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early to find the group beside City Hall at Barnardo Square (look for the guide).
- This is an outdoor meeting point—bring a light jacket in cooler months and a rain jacket if rain is forecast.
- Keep a charged phone and enable location if you need to rejoin the group later; public toilets are available nearby at Dame Street venues.
Lower Courtyard, Dublin Castle – tools of torture
Guided discussion in the Lower Courtyard about punishment, torture and the castle’s darker administrative history. Tour does not enter paid interiors.
Tips from local experts:
- The Lower Courtyard is an open area with cobbles—wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for standing on uneven surfaces.
- Photography is allowed in the courtyards but the tour does not include entry to paid interior exhibits of Dublin Castle.
- Expect close standing-group storytelling; keep personal items secure and be mindful of other visitors passing through.
Upper Courtyard (Devil’s Half Acre)
Short walk to the Upper Courtyard to hear why parts of the castle earned the grim nickname and more on public punishments.
Tips from local experts:
- There are short walking sections between courtyards—allow a few minutes to move as a group.
- The guide will reference architectural features—step back from edges and follow the guide’s positioning for the best view.
- If you have mobility concerns, mention this to the guide at meeting so they can position you where steps are minimal.
Cannibalism and macabre tales (city-centre stop)
A short street-side story stop in the old city where the guide covers notorious tales of cannibalism and extreme crimes tied to Dublin’s past.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a storytelling stop on public streets—stand comfortably off the main pedestrian line to avoid blocking foot traffic.
- Content is graphic in places; discretion is advised for younger or sensitive participants.
- Light from nearby street lamps may be limited—bring a small torch or use your phone light if needed when moving between stops.
St Patrick's Cathedral grounds – Jonathan Swift & related stories
Explore the church grounds while the guide recounts Jonathan Swift’s connections and local dark-history anecdotes. Tour does not enter the cathedral interior.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop takes place on the cathedral grounds; respect signage and stay on permitted paths—no interior entry is included.
- There may be groups or services—be prepared to move or lower voices if required.
- Public seating is limited; bring a small foldable seat cushion if you prefer to sit during storytelling.
Christ Church (outside) – hidden church history
Outside visit to Christ Church Cathedral area where the guide outlines hidden or lesser-known stories tied to the cathedral; tour does not enter the interior.
Tips from local experts:
- The discussion occurs outside the cathedral—follow the guide’s direction for the best viewing points without entering paid areas.
- Cobblestones and small step-ups are common near the cathedral—mind your footing when moving around.
- If you’d like to explore the cathedral interior afterward, plan separate time; this tour does not include interior access.
Cornmarket / High Street – grave robbing & the Black Pig
Street-side stop near Cornmarket to hear about grave robbing, the Black Pig, and other grim episodes tied to Dublin’s medieval streets.
Tips from local experts:
- This is an outdoor urban stop in a busy pedestrian area—keep personal items close and be aware of passing cyclists.
- The guide may refer to street-level features—stand where you can see the guide without blocking the flow of pedestrians.
- If you need to step aside during the story for a phone call or smoke break, do so quietly and rejoin at the next walking segment.
Church St Lower / St Michan's area – Billy in the Bowl & later dark events
Short stop in the Church Street/ St Michan’s neighbourhood to cover local legends including 'Billy in the Bowl' and more recent true-crime entries. Tour does not enter St Michan's Church.
Tips from local experts:
- This stretch includes narrow streets—keep a close eye on group members and follow the guide’s walking pace.
- The guide will reference exterior church features only—no interior access is included.
- If you prefer not to hear graphic modern crime details, let the guide know at the start; they can offer a shorter summary.
Finish at Smithfield Square – final murderer story & Q&A
Concluding the tour in Smithfield Square with the guide’s final dramatic story about a local murderer, plus time for questions and local recommendations.
Tips from local experts:
- Smithfield Square is an open public space—after the tour you can remain in the square or ask the guide for nearby pubs and transport options.
- Public transport links (LUAS & buses) are within walking distance—check real-time schedules for onward journeys.
- If you need directions to nearby eateries or transport after the tour, ask the guide during the Q&A; they can point out immediate options.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 9 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Culture, Outdoor |
