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Tour of Dublin City Art Galleries Highlights

Inspire your team with a city rich in art, story, and soul.
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What to Expect
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Discover a new side of Dublin

A Creative Walk You’ll Never Forget

The National Gallery on Merrion Square holds the Irish national collection of art. This tour takes you through the highlights of the national collection housed in the recently refurbished gallery that was originally founded in 1854, making it one of Europe’s earliest public art galleries. The tour reveals the fascinating stories behind historical paintings depicting monumental moments in Irish history as well as the story of how, what is perhaps the jewel in the Gallery’s crown, The Taking of Christ by Caravaggio was hidden in plain sight for hundreds of years. Other stories include how paintings stolen not once but twice have now finally, found a safe haven in the National Gallery. There is a stunning room dedicated to the very distinctive work of Jack B. Yeats. Ireland’s favourite painting which is on view for only three hours a week, is the perfect reason for a return visit, should it not be on view during our tour. This tour promises to be full of interesting, little known stories for all the family and will give you the opportunity to experience this space and its priceless contents, which have belonged to the people of Ireland for more than 157 years. I have no doubt you will find the National Gallery is all the more relevant and relatable today than ever it was.

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What You’ll see

What’s Included?

  • Private expert guide bringing insight into street art, music, and Irish culture
  • A curated route featuring major murals and secret stencils across city hotspots
  • Stories on how street art evolves—balancing public expression, protest, and commercial culture
  • Optional customisations for tours with special needs or group focus
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Highlights of Your Tour

On this tour you will learn the story of the brief but extraordinary life of Mr Hugh Lane, a legendary Edwardian art dealer and philanthropist and his vision to build this very personal collection of art and an art gallery for Dublin. Hugh Lane died tragically on board the torpedoed ship, the “Lusitania” in 1915, en route to New York but his legacy lives on in what is now Dublin City’s Hugh Lane Gallery in Parnell Square. The tour will take you through the Gallery to see the highlights which include Lane’s magnificent collection of Impressionist paintings as well as a fine collection of the stained glass artist Harry Clarke’s work and Francis Bacon’s studio. There is a lovely restaurant/ coffee shop in the basement of the gallery which is the ideal place to stay on afterwards with your group and enjoy the bookshop there too.

  • Walk a 5km route through Temple Bar, Portobello, and hidden laneways
  • Learn about the ongoing tension between street art, tagging, and city regulation
  • Explore Dublin’s dynamic street art scene—from murals to stencils and stickers
  • See work by both local and international artists in context
  • Hear how Irish history, music, and literature influence public art
  • Perfect for photographers, creatives, and anyone with a curious eye
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“Just a fabulous guide – the sort you hope you’ll get!”

“I’ve done street art tours around the world, and this one was one of my absolute favorites. Some of this is because of the intersection of street art in Dublin with the rich music and literature culture here, and some of it was Nicola, who is just a fabulous guide- the sort you hope you’ll get but can never be sure when you sign up for these experiences!”

Ben, Chicago USA

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“An eye-opener even for someone who lives in the city.”

Nicola’s Dublin Street Art tour was that rare thing: an eye-opener even for someone who lives in the city. I found my mind was unlocked about a whole unknown culture and politics that it’s easy to miss or ignore but is all around us. Informed and infectiously passionate, Nicola leads a lively group in an interactive celebration of the underground, fresh and entertaining but also edifying.

Michael, Dublin

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“Witty Dublin Secrets: Nicola’s October 2020 Tour”

Nicola designed a fabulous themed tour for us during October 2020. Masked up and togged out, we paid homage to some forgotten gems of our beloved city. We visited some old haunts and made some new discoveries that we will definitely revisit. It was a treat to see Dublin through Nicola’s witty, creative and storyful lense. Dublin born and raised, I still felt like I was sharing its secrets. The time zipped by but the memory of a special shared experience lingers.

Dee, Dublin

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“September Tour with Nicola: Education, Exercise & Picnic”

I booked a tour with Nicola at Artful tours for my book club in September during the more relaxed phase of Covid time. We really enjoyed the tour – it combined history/education with fun and exercise. We walked and talked our way around the city centre. Nicola imparts her vast knowledge with ease and good humour. We ended with a picnic in Stephen’s Green. Highly recommend Artful tours as a great experience. We loved feeling like tourists in our home-town. Will definitely pick a new theme and do another tour soon.

Aisling, Dublin

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“Outdoor Street Art Fun with Nicola – Dublin Made New”

I loved this street art tour with Nicola — she’s fun, enthusiastic and deeply knowledgeable about Dublin’s vibrant murals. In these unusual times, it was wonderful to enjoy something outside that felt safe and fresh. I even plan to bring my nieces on the Spanish-language version when they start their school Spanish! Thanks for a fantastic day out. Lisa, Wexford
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Why Choose This Tour?

Locally Led

Your private guide brings insider knowledge from Dublin’s creative community.

Hidden Corners

Explore iconic works and tucked-away surprises across 5km of expressive streets.

Tailored for You

Perfect for visitors, teams, or creatives—just tell us your pace and priorities.

Meeting Point

Ready to Discover Dublin Like Never Before?

Whether you’re a street art enthusiast, curious traveler, or local looking to see the city through a new lens, this creative walk offers an unforgettable experience.
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Artists in safety vests paint a colorful mural on a street utility box, enhancing urban landscape with vibrant art.
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Artists in safety vests paint a colorful mural on a street utility box, enhancing urban landscape with vibrant art.