Dark Dublin Walking Tour: Torture, Murder & Mystery
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Uncover the darker stories Dublin has to offer on this guided tour through the city's sinister side. This experience explores murder, torture, grave robbing, brothels and the unsettling beliefs that once shaped life in the Irish capital.
Our journey begins at Dublin Castle, where beneath the architecture lies a brutal past of punishment and fear. Discover the tools of torture once used here, hear about priest hunters, and learn why the Upper Courtyard earned the nickname the Devil’s Half Acre.
Venturing deeper into the old city, we enter an area once known as Hell. We explore Dublin’s world of brothels, witches, dark rituals and the infamous Hellfire Club.
This walking tour of Dublin offers a unique way to explore the city’s history through its cobbled streets and churches. Ideal for people looking for dark history and an authentic local experience.
As one of the most popular dark history tours in Dublin, spaces regularly fill in advance. Booking ahead ensures you do not miss out!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Barnardo Square on Dame Street is the meeting Point. The small square is next to City Hall opposite the Olympia Theatre. The guides are visibile with purple umbrellas.
Dublin Castle
Our guides will spend some time in the Lower Courtyard of Dublin Castle exploring the tortures of the past. The Tour Guide will venture to the Upper Courtyard of the Castle and talk about the Devil's Half Acre *Tour does not enter Dublin Castle
What‘s Included
Eco-friendly
Small groups
In-person guide
Private transportation
Dinner
Options
Dark Dublin Walking Tour: Torture, Murder & Mystery
Reviews
2,237 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ciaran was a great tour...
Daisy H,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ciaran was a great tour guide! Very knowledgeable, interesting and engaging. We were told lots of stories about the dark side of Dublin's history. He was also lovely to chat to and answered all our questions. Highly recommend!
Great night!
37heatherm,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00All three of us enjoyed our tour with Ciaran. He was knowledgeable and very engaging. Definitely would recommend this for folks coming into Dublin who are looking for something a bit unique.
Excellent
Wayne B,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour really recommend it. Tour guide was excellent and so enthusiastic and kept that for the whole tour you could tell he enjoyed her job.
The tour was amazing,...
Snorri B,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was amazing, Stephen (or Steven sorry) was an absolute legend and a great guide. Would recommend to everyone
It's worth digging this one up.
nathanvC4515UH,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kieran (the Irish dude) was an amazing guide. He said he does a lot of research and it shows. He came well-prepared with a lot of knowledge and variety in his historical stories. He has a clear voice, so it was easy to follow. I'd highly recommend the Dark Dublin Tour. Though not for the faint of heart and children, it's a lil gem if you are into the more macabre. Cheers, A Belgian dude ;)
Just book it.
O8288CAchrisa,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, wow, wow. This was a brilliant your. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Would thoroughly recommend to everyone. Hopefully I revisit Ireland so I can book the other tour. A credit to the tourism industry.
A delightfully spooky experience!!
evepE1473CJ,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kim was our guide for the night, she really made it. We had such a great time, learned a good bit of Dublin history in an entertaining and digestible way. Would 100% recommend the evening tour and popping to some pubs after :)
Stephen made the trip
Wanderer44380716367,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stephen Bradley (guide) was absolutely fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed this trip and would highly recommend to all. Thanks again Stephen
Totally recommended for a new perspective on Dublin
frand0b,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went with a friend and met Michaela and G for the tour. It was well paced with both anacdotal and factual stories about multiple locations within Dublin. The personal touches really made it, including pub recommendations, suggestions on other sites, and what to read if you wanted to continue researching. Also vibe checks for gore and general comfort for some topics. The tour is about two hours, isn't over any difficult terrain (as a dyspraxic) other than the cobbles, it is worth noting that you don't have access to the spots you visit, just the exterior.
Great way to spend two hours
nicholasmG9177BS,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Kim for a guide, she was great gas. Told some really dark stories with enough context to give them some value. She was funny and interactive, the walk was well paced and took us through Dublin Castle and St Patrick's - meaning we could tick them off our walking list anyway! Really solid way to spend two hours before finding a pub, a pint, and having a chat about all the sinister stories. Kim should consider authoring a book about 'Dolocher' - I couldn't find one in the book stores when I looked in the days after the tour.
From €24.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Unearthed Tours