Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is generally regarded as a friendly, welcoming and pleasant tourist destination. However, the city does have a hidden dark side, with an intriguing history tracing back more than a thousand years. Many visitors claim to have experienced spine-chilling sensations when they went on a Dublin Castle tour, which is built on the site of an ancient viking settlement.
The city is widely regarded by fans of the supernatural as one of the world’s most haunted destinations. Many well-known ghostly figures, fictional characters, and spooky tales can be found in the local folklore.
For any traveler interested in the macabre and supernatural, a Dublin haunted city tour is an unmissable experience.
Highlights:
- Learn the grisly tale of Dracula and his creator, Dublin-born Bram Stoker
- Visit Croppie’s Acre, a memorial park built on an alleged mass burial ground
- Explore Saint Stephen’s Green, a historic garden where over two-hundred executions are presumed to have taken place in the 1800s
Know before you book:
- Expect some crowds, particularly during the summer tourist season (June to August)
- Not all tours are family-friendly
- Most tours take place late at night
Description:
The history of Dublin spans through many significant time periods. Its mix of Medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architecture adds a mysterious and mystical atmosphere to the city.
From the notorious Vikings, to imperial British rule, and Ireland gaining independence in 1922, many gruesome events have taken place in the city over the centuries.
Many believe that centuries of violence, brutality, and deadly battles have left an otherworldly impression on the city. With the many ghost tours on offer, you can experience the mystical ambience and possibly have a supernatural encounter yourself.
Dublin Ghost Tour Prices 2024
With a wide variety of dark Dublin tours on offer, there is sure to be something to fit everyone’s budget and personal preferences. Tours start as low as €4 ($5), and exclusive private tours can reach up to €180 ($214). Certain tours offer discounted rates for students and senior citizens.
Compare tour options and prices across the ticket providers below:
Dublin Ghost Tour Times
Dublin haunted city tours are a popular attraction that is hosted throughout the year. Each tour will have its own time, with most starting after dusk. The majority of tours fall within the below schedule:
Monday – Saturday: Between 06:00 pm and 12:00 am
Sunday: Between 06:00 pm and 10:00
Best Time to Go on a Dublin Ghost Tour:
Dark Dublin attracts many horror and history aficionados throughout the year. Here are some tips to choose the best time for your tour:
- Time of year: During the autumn months (September to November) ghost tours experience a surge in popularity as Halloween approaches. This is a great time to visit if you enjoy crowds and celebrations. If you are not a fan of crowds, spring and summer months (March to August) are also a good choice.
- Time of week: Mondays to Thursdays, tours are usually not as crowded as over the weekend. This will, again, depend on your personal preference.
Dublin Ghost Tour Options
Whether you are interested in paranormal encounters, ghost stories, haunted houses, dark history, or true crime, there is sure to be a tour that will peak your interest.
Explore some of the most popular Dublin haunted city tours below.
Dublin’s Haunted History Walking Tour
During this spooky night-time adventure, you will stroll through mysterious cobblestoned alleyways and hear many stories of Dublin’s macabre past.
One of the most fascinating tales you will hear on this tour is that of Madam Darkey Kelly, who was accused of being a witch and was burned at the stake. Her soul is said to be wandering the streets surrounding the location of her brothel, looking for revenge.
What we liked: This night-time walk is a great way to explore the sights of the city in a unique way.
- Expert local tour guide
- Access to hidden locations
- Fascinating stories
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
On this one-and-a-half hour walking tour of Dublin, you will experience the sense that not all characters from the town’s grisly past have crossed over into the afterlife. It is an eerie yet entertaining tour that is sure to give you chills and goosebumps.
Check Price & BookThe Dublin Ghost Bus Tour
The famous Dublin ghost bus is one of the most unique and entertaining ways to explore the city at night. Guided by an entertaining narrator, you can immerse yourself in the macabre history of the haunted Irish capital.
What we liked: The interior of the bus is decorated and has special lighting and props to create a spooky atmosphere.
- On-board narration and entertainment by expert storyteller
- Stops at hidden macabre sites for exploration
- Wheelchair access
- Not suitable for children
- Food and drinks
If you feel the need to relax and unwind after your spooky bus tour, you can always enjoy a pint on a tour of the Guinness Storehouse.
Check Price & BookNorthside Ghost Walking Tour in Dublin
In this tour, the dark, unsolved secrets and historical eras in a range of old, unusual tourist destinations are revealed. You will venture through some of Dublin’s most notoriously haunted streets. Your expert guide points out historical structures and shares supernatural incidents that happened through the years.
For those interested in Norse mythology, the tour also includes a walk through Oxmantown, a medieval settlement from the twelfth century. Here, you can explore the history of ancient Viking enclaves, and possibly encounter one of the many spirits that are rumored to dwell in the area.
What we liked: Informative stories related to Dublin’s history are interspersed throughout the tour.
- Captivating live tour guide
- Access to two notorious haunted houses
- Stops at popular destinations, such as Croppie’s Acre
- Access to the interior of certain destinations
- Pick-up and drop-off
Among other local legends, you will learn about the infamous Scaldbrother, a sixteenth century robber whose spirit is said to wander through Dublin’s city center during Halloween. This tour combines history and folklore in an informative and entertaining manner.
Check Price & BookLegends, Ghosts, and Ghouls Walking Tour Dublin
This tour will guide you through the bizarre and amazing occurrences of bygone eras while revealing ghosts and tales from Dublin’s past. A local guide will take you on a nighttime stroll past famous statues and structures, while sharing folktales and ghost stories.
The tour also includes a stop at the luxurious five-star Shelbourne Hotel, although many of its guests are not aware of its haunted history. The hotel dates back to 1824, and even today visitors say that they experience unsettling sensations and often hear strange sounds at night.
What we liked: Great variety of destinations with thrilling story-telling.
- Entry tickets
- Six intriguing destinations
- Entertaining and knowledgeable guide
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Food and drinks
Another scenic, yet scary, stop on the tour is Merrion Square, a beautiful public park dating back to Georgian times. It is said that many souls of fallen soldiers who perished in the Irish Rebellion of 1916 walk the grounds at night in search of their long-lost lovers.
Check Price & BookDublin Historic Ghost Tour
This exclusive private tour allows you to explore Dublin’s shadowy side with your own chosen group. You’ll learn about the city’s eerie past and hear tales of ghosts and otherworldly creatures that can only be experienced at night.
A private guide will take you to intriguing locations such as Saint Audoen’s Church. Here, you can take a midnight stroll through the spooky cemetery with magnificent tombstones and mausoleums. It is said that an eighteenth century Baron, his wife, and their dog are buried here, and that you can hear the dog howling at the moon during the night.
What we liked: The tour includes a visit to 3Olympia Theatre, where it is said the ghost of Shakespeare roams.
- Professional local guide
- Admission tickets to all attractions
- Additional extras can be requested
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Visits to locations such as a haunted castle, prison, church, and theater are also included. You’ll also hear from your guide about historical paranormal research and official supernatural investigations in Ireland.
Check Price & Book
Attributes
Accessible: Most tours are not wheelchair accessible
Duration: Tours range between one-and-a-half to four hours
Inclusions: Admission tickets to attractions are included in most tours
Exclusions: Some tours exclude access to the interior of certain sites
Meals: Not included
Pick-up: Not included
Suited for: Most travelers
Ratings: 8/10
Value for money: 8
Fun: 9
Level of activity: 7
Specification: Dublin Haunted City Tour | Options, Tickets & Times 2024
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Michael_A –
We’ve taken haunted tours around the US and London and this was THE BEST OF ALL ! The tour guide was brilliant, the tour bus was incredible, and we were genuinely startled and entertained. We told people about it the next day. Thank you for a GREAT TIME !
Cynthia_E –
Callum was very friendly and knowledgeable. He wove his ghostly tales with interesting areas of Dublin. Not particularly scared. Note: it is a long walking tour. If you are at all tired from walking all day, you may want to save your energy. It was quite a long walk back to our hotel.
GetYourGuide traveler –
Been on this type of excursion before and this was ok with good actors and the bus was a decent setting. Overall reasonable for the monies paid. It did however turn up very late without a word of apology or explanation so loses some scoring. Stories were ok but thought with Dublin’s history there may have been a little more.
Iveta_D –
Knowledge of our guide Calum. Very interesting story teller. Living in Ireland it was my first Dublin walk tour with my friends from America. Enjoyed every minute of the tour. Very big thanks to Calum. At the young age he is great ambassador of city and your company.