Dublin in 1 Day for Friends - Dublin Castle (Lower & Upper Courtyards)
In Collaboration with Unearthed Tours Dublin. Updated on February 7, 2026.
An atmospheric walking tour through Dublin's darker past: torture at Dublin Castle, brothels and witches in the old city, grave-robbing, Jonathan Swift tales and a chilling finish in Smithfield. Designed for friends who enjoy lively storytelling, spooky history and an easy 2-hour stroll through central Dublin.
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
- Dublin Castle (Lower & Upper Courtyards)
- St Patrick’s Cathedral grounds & Jonathan Swift stories
- Christ Church hidden history
- St Audoen's / Corn Market grave-robbing tales
- St Michan’s grim legends
- Finale story in Smithfield Square
Itinerary
Day 1
One-window evening plan centred on the official Dark Dublin guided walking tour (2 hours). Meeting point is Barnardo Square (next to City Hall) 15 minutes before the tour start. The schedule follows the tour's agendaItems—each stop is a short storytelling moment with walking between sites. Optional post-tour drinks nearby.
Meet at Barnardo Square (next to City Hall) — pre-tour check-in
Gather with your group and guide at Barnardo Square. Guide will do a quick intro, collect names, and set expectations before the walk begins. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time to guarantee your spot.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early to grab a group photo in front of City Hall’s red-brick façade — it’s a popular shot for the group chat.
- October evenings are chilly—bring a light waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for cobbles.
- If you're running late, text the booking contact immediately (phone or email provided at booking) — meeting point is a small square and easy to spot.
Dublin Castle — Lower Courtyard: tortures & punishments (outside)
Guide describes the darker uses of Dublin Castle’s courtyards: instruments of punishment, public fear and why parts of the site earned grim nicknames. Note: the tour discusses the castle’s history from the courtyard only — entry to the castle interior is not included.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand to the side of the main paths so your group can hear the guide without blocking passers-by.
- Lower Courtyard is open-air; bring a scarf for the breeze on autumn evenings.
- If you want to explore the castle further later, the Chester Beatty Library (on the castle complex) is great for a quieter follow-up—check opening hours separately.
Dark Dublin stories — (cannibalism & extremes) — citywide tale stop
A short, chilling storytelling moment covering the most macabre anecdotes from Dublin’s past, including tales of cannibalism and extreme survival stories — delivered where the guide can gather the group and set the tone for the rest of the walk.
Tips from local experts:
- This segment is all story — perfect for fans of true-crime style narration. Lean in to hear the full detail.
- If you’re filming for social, keep clips short (and discreet) — the guide sometimes invites reactions but avoids prolonged filming.
- If someone in your group is squeamish, this is the place to step slightly back or ask for a toned-down summary from the guide.
St Patrick’s Cathedral grounds — Jonathan Swift & churchyard stories (outside)
On the cathedral grounds the guide recounts Jonathan Swift’s connections to Dublin and darker local legends rooted in the surrounding neighbourhood. Note: tour stays in the grounds and does not enter the cathedral interior.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand near the outer railings for the best acoustics — the guide will point out specific landmarks tied to Swift.
- There’s usually a light breeze around the cathedral in October — gloves help for longer storytelling stops.
- If you want photos of the cathedral, try the west front for dramatic evening shots as daylight fades.
Christ Church area — hidden histories and church secrets (outside)
A close look around Christchurch Place where the guide reveals lesser-known stories behind the extraordinary medieval church (the tour does not enter Christ Church itself).
Tips from local experts:
- Christchurch Place gets busy with pedestrians — keep close to the guide to avoid losing the group.
- The pavement is cobbled and uneven in places; be ready to step carefully and skip high heels.
- If you’re interested in the cathedral interior later, it’s a short detour — but the evening tour focuses on outside narratives and folklore.
Corn Market / St Audoen's area — grave-robbing & the Black Pig attacks
At Corn Market near High Street the guide explains the grim world of body-snatching, grave-robbing gangs and the violent episodes that shaped local lore. Tour remains in public spaces outside any churches.
Tips from local experts:
- Corn Market is tight and atmospheric — form a semicircle so everyone can hear and take photos.
- There are good local cafés a minute away if someone needs a restroom or a quick warm drink after this darker segment.
- If you enjoy macabre details, ask the guide about contemporary literary references — they often link the tales to Irish writers.
St Michan’s Church area — Billy in the Bowl & more recent dark events (outside)
Guide covers St Michan’s chilling stories (including the Billy in the Bowl tale) and some more recent local incidents as you pass Church St Lower. The tour does not enter the church.
Tips from local experts:
- This area has narrow streets — keep an eye on group spacing when the guide is speaking to avoid blocking the route.
- St Michan’s is known for its vaults — if the group wants a deeper visit later, the church runs timed entries (separate ticket).
- Autumn evenings can be quiet here; it’s a good spot to ask the guide for recommendations on late-night pub food nearby.
Finish in Smithfield Square — final murderer story & Q&A (public square)
The tour concludes in Smithfield Square with a memorable closing story about a local murderer and a chance for questions, photos and to chat with the guide. This is the official end point; many groups choose to continue for drinks nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- Smithfield is lively after 19:30 — it’s a friendly spot to continue the evening with the group.
- If you’re staying for drinks, The Cobblestone and several craft-beer pubs are a short walk away — they welcome groups and live music later in the week.
- Ask your guide for local food recommendations — they often point out great late-night karaokes and live-music pubs that suit groups of friends.
Optional: Post-tour drinks at The Cobblestone (Smithfield) — social meetup
Optional group drinks and live-music vibes at The Cobblestone — a local favourite for traditional music and friendly crowds. Recommended for groups wanting to debrief the tour over a pint. This is optional and not part of the guided tour.
Tips from local experts:
- The Cobblestone is a popular live-music venue — arrive early to get seating for a larger group, especially on weekends.
- Card payments are accepted, but having a few euros cash helps for quick rounds or tips for musicians.
- If you prefer craft beer, ask the bar staff for local brewery recommendations — Smithfield has several nearby taprooms worth visiting afterwards.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 9 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Experience, Culture, Outdoor, Nightlife |
