Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
“Obedientia Civium, Urbis Felicitas” Have you ever wondered what the words under the Three Castles Burning mean? Dublin has a long and rich criminal culture that goes all the way back to the vikings who first gave the city its modern name. If you have a love of history and gallows’ humour, then this is the tour for you!
On our two-hour walk we will explore crimes from Georgian to Modern Dublin, giving context for how criminality influenced the city’s history, and was itself shaped by that history in turn. From Tiger Kidnappings to Heart Heists, come and hear the tale of Dublin’s dark deeds…
Our tour has over 100 excellent reviews online and is ranked in the top tours on Trip Advisor.
TOPICS
- Tiger Kidnappings
- 2009 BoI Heist
- Trinity College Murders
- Graverobbers
- Molly Malone and Dublin’s Red Light District
- Punishments and Torture
- Irish Crown Jewels Heist
- Veronica Guerin
- James David & the Chester Beatty
- Heart of St. Laurence
- Debtor’s Prisons
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Walking Tour
Bank of Ireland
Hear the tale of Ireland's biggest hesist and the tiger kidnapping behind it.
Trinity College Dublin
Delve into the old murders of Trinity and how the murderers were punished
54 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Paul W,
May 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was a great tour. Liam our guide was really open and enthusiastic and told his stories with great vim and humour. Great stories. Extremely enjoyable way of seeing city
Emily P,
Sep 24, 2024
- Review from Viator
The Dublin True Crime Tour was a thrilling experience, made even better by the small group size. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in getting to know each of us, making the experience feel personal and engaging. He expertly told chilling tales of notorious crimes, unsolved mysteries, and historic executions, bringing Dublin's dark history to life. With well-paced stops at key landmarks, the tour offered a fascinating glimpse into the city’s criminal past. Perfect for true crime fans seeking a more personal, interactive experience. Highly recommended!
Carol W,
Sep 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
Sadly, I felt our tour guide was not feeling in the best of health, which was unfortunate. Also, I anticipated hearing about mayhem, murders and poisonings that occurred in the Victorian era — not contemporary. Maybe I misread the tour description.
Esme F,
Sep 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
I was disappointed, the tour guide seemed distracted and confused, he would start to tell a story, then say that he had forgotten a piece of the story, making it disjointed. I found that he chatted into his chest making it difficult to understand.
michaelar938,
Jul 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
This tour was SO GOOD! I've been living in Dublin for years and have been on loads of tours. This was by far the best and most unique. Joe, our guide, had obviously researched the hell out of the content and had a personal interest in the more esoteric side of Irish history and culture. So instead of getting the same, surface level stories you get on other tours (which are a great starting point) you see a deeper side of Dublin. My friends and I will definitely be going on more Alternative Dublin tours!
doirdub,
Apr 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Liam was an excellent tour guide. Enjoyed listening to his stories and hidden tales of Dublin crime. Highly recommend this tour!



Joseph N,
Feb 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
The overall tour was small as it was off season, but it was a lot of fun. Good stories, a friendly tour guide who answered all the questions, and the weather held!
superwomanDublin,
Jan 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We booked this tour as apart of Dry January. The worst part about a January festival is how cold it is! But I can't blame anyone for that. The tour was great. Liam was oud guide and I found him charming, knowledgeable and funny. The historical element of the tour was really appreciated as my partner was worried it would be a bit too close to home for any living family members of modern crimes. We have no issues in recommending this to people and have already done so! Thanks so much
ali hsane2017,
Dec 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
I did two tours with this group, and they were both awesome. Even though they were free, they were just as good as paid ones. I'm definitely signing up for more tours in the next few months!
658davec,
Dec 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had the free walking tour with Conor on a blowy/drizzly Saturday morning. Great experience seeing parts of Dublin we would never have found. Informative, irreverent and funny - would highly recommend. Thanks Conor!
Operated by Alternative Dublin