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A unique history packed tour that combines short walks with tram rides and even includes a light lunch!

Highlights

• Unique tour of an active barracks not seen even by many Dubliners
• Multi generational personal family links to guide. Plus a free lunch. Fáilte!
• History of other 1916 and related places, GPO, Nelson's Column, Stephens Green
• A unique and history packed tour with an experienced guide!

Description

This unique tour starts with a fascinating chat about 1916,A key moment in Irish history! We'll hop aboard the LUAS for a scenic 15-minute tram journey, followed by an easy 15-minute walk to Cathal Brugha Barracks. Built between 1810-15, this isn't just a museum piece gathering dust - it's a living, breathing working barracks where you'll actually chat with active military personnel who are genuinely passionate about sharing their heritage stories. Plus, it houses the treasure trove that is the Military Archives! We'll start with a proper Irish welcome - tea or coffee in hand - while diving into the incredible artifacts on display. Then comes one of the tour's most powerful moments: we'll stand at the very site where Francis Sheehy Skeffington met his tragic end. This remarkable man was an activist, pacifist, vegetarian, and - get this - shared college corridors with literary giants James Joyce, Oliver St. John Gogarty, and Thomas Kettle. Imagine those dinner conversations! The year 1916 brought darkness to these walls when three journalists, including the peace-loving Francis, were brutally murdered right behind the barrack guardroom. It's a chilling reminder of how quickly history can turn violent. Throughout the Easter Rising and the War of Independence, British troops stationed here found themselves at the heart of Dublin's most dramatic moments. But here's where the story takes a thrilling turn - on May 17th, 1922, Irish troops stormed in and claimed the barracks as their own! It became the National Army's headquarters under the legendary Michael Collins himself. Throughout the tour a lot of history and drama will be unpacked! The barracks safeguards the Irish Military Archives and served as the original Chiefs of Staff headquarters when our nation was born. You'll even spot Michael Collins' unmistakable profile in a historic group photograph. After working up an appetite with all that history, we'll refuel with lunch in the actual mess hall, then catch the LUAS back to O'Connell Street. Feeling adventurous? There's an optional bonus round - we can continue on another LUAS line to explore yet another barracks, now a fantastic free museum. This one holds special meaning for me - it's where three generations of my family served, and where my mother took her very first breath. Talk about keeping military service in the family!

Includes

LUAS/Public Transport tickets. Pay as you go or €10 for day ticket €5 refund if you return them at end of tour, or offer it as a tip:) Or you can keep them and top them up. Use for tram unlimited normally caps at €8 per day so they will do you all day on Tram and you can top them up. Free Coffee/tea on arrival at barracks before guided Tour. There is a murder/execution site involved in this tour as well as many unique Military and historic artefacts. Free light Lunch/snack (plus tea/coffee) and you won't get to eat in similar surrounding. Free for adults. Minors pay €15 if they want one. Vegetarian/Vegan etc. must give 24 hour notice Access to places not seen even by many locals. Fully qualified National Tour Guide with experience in military and in many Dublin and national institutions. Meeting people many don't get to meet and access to places which are exclusive.

Important Information

• If you have mobility or dietary issues barracks needs to be informed in advance. Note there are two 15 minute walks. If you can not do these you may arrange to arrive by other means to meet the group at the barracks gate and the Staff there accommodate a limited number of mobility impaired. any other disability issues please inform the guide at the start. You will require tram tickets for public transport element. Your guide can assist you or you can purchase your own public transport tickets €2.60 single or €5.20 return at the tram stop or pay a €2/€4 return using LEAP. We supply a LEAP card for €10 each with €5 credit on them and you will get €5 back if you hand back the card to the guide. If you keep them you can top them up at any Train or Tram stop and they are useable on Bus Train or Tram in several cities. Note this is an Active Military Barracks and an execution site and decorum is expected.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund