image above, Arran, speaking on a recent tour of the National Gallery of Ireland. Photo by Trevor O’Reilly.
Upcoming Tours and events in May and June 2026
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Opening your Eyes to a World of Art, and hidden Meaning
Art Tours with Arran, at the National Gallery of Ireland.
Two art tours now available.
THURSDAY, 28 May, 2.15PM -4PM
French Art at the National Gallery of Ireland,
Explore French Art from the pioneering early Renaissance School of Avignon in the mid-1450s to the Impressionists of the late-1800s. 450 years of French Art.
Encounters with some of the great paintings from the history of French art, with works by Jacques-Louis David, Francois Gerard, Claude Monet and others.
Along the way we’ll meet some of the most amazing, sometimes unexpected figures from French, and European history.
A unique, private tour, with Arran Henderson.
Tickets €23.50 pp, tickets, available here.
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THURSDAY, 28 May, 6PM -7.45PM
How to Read a Painting, a very special, evening-time tour at the National Gallery of Ireland
exploring symbolism, and how to recognize different saints and stories in Renaissance and old master paintings, at the National Gallery of Ireland.
Learn how how to “read” understand and appreciate old master paintings better, with this enjoyable, informal, and accessible “workshop”. This is a a second available date, for this unique private tour with Arran Henderson Book this tour, for the evening of THURSDAY 28th May at 6,15PM. Tickets available here.
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Special Dates for our special Bloom’s Day tours,
two new dates, available June 2026 only
Joyce’s Puzzle Walk: to cross Dublin: without passing a Pub
available weekend date: SAT 13 JUNE 11AM, and TUES 16 JUNE (Blooms -Day) also 11AM
An epic historical and architectural walking tour, diagonally across all of central Dublin, Dublin, SE to NW from Saint Stephen Green to Arbour Hill and Stoneybatter! Led by Arran Henderson of Dublin Decoded Tours.
Solving a puzzle posed by Leopold Bloom in James Joyce’s Ulysses, our task on this walking tour is to cross central Dublin without passing a pub. This route brings us past many interesting buildings and we will use the occasion as an excuse to enjoy Dublin with fresh eyes. Old prisons, banks. Post offices and a plethora of historic churches lie along our route, but we may also duck and dive, down many lanes and side-streets, to avoid passing the pubs!
This walk is available on two dates, SAT 13 JUNE 11AM, and TUES 16 JUNE (BLOOMSDAY) also 11AM. Places should be reserved in advance please. The ticket price of €21.50 includes a sound kit for each guest, giving you perfect sound for Arran’s live commentary, and allowing you to walk at your own pace. Tickets for either (both) of the two dates may be booked here.
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WEDNESDAY 24TH JUNE 11AM our new Bord Gáis Theatre to Cooper’s Cross,walking tour.
On this trip around both sides of the River Liffey quays, we will explore an amazing diversity of history and architecture, including engineering, transport and infrastructure history, old railways yards and former hotels, the great 18th century Georgian Customs House of James Gandon, the old 19tb century dockers church of Dublin, and much, much more besides.
Then as we swing East again on the Northern side of the river Liffey, we will discover Dublin’s newest major art space, at the International Center for the Image, an exciting new library and gallery space for contemporary photography, located in new premises within the brand-new Coopers Cross neighborhood of Dublin, an area of new parks, paths and playgrounds.
Unmissable. This walk is from 11AM (sharp)n on Wednesday 24th June. Your admission includes the use of a “whisper set” for the tour, we rent these for you and provide them to every guest at no charge.
Tickets available here
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SATURDAY 27TH JUNE 11AM A walking tour from Percy Place to Ballsbridge and the RDS
explore the Fitzwilliam estate in D4
From the Huband Bridge on Percy Place, to Ballsbridge and the Royal Dublin Society.
A fascinating exploration of Percy Place and Northhumberland Road, Mary’s Road, and the old Pembroke Estate, up to the Ballsbridge bridge that gives this area its name. Some of our featured highlights include the old School House, 1916 history at Mount Street Bridge, some hidden estate-workers houses and their secret garden, the lesser-known history behind the 1960s America Embassy.
Plus, the greatest writer to ever work at the Pembroke Library and the origins (and the prisoners) of the old Pembroke Townhall.
Overall, expect a mix of architectural delights, alongside literary, social and revolutionary history, on this enjoyable stroll through leafy Dublin 4.
This walk is from 11AM (sharp) on Saturday 27th June. Your admission includes the use of a “whisper set” for the tour, we rent these for you and then provide them to every guest at no charge. Tickets for this Ballsbridge tour, are here.
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End of Currently listed / currently scheduled Public Tours for May-June 2026.
However, remember that Private Tours – meaning tour for your own group, on dates of your own choosing – are always available, year around. Prices from €250 for your entire group (or €300 on weekends) Just use the green Book Now button on our website, without obligation to explore tour options, see our availability, available tours plus your date and price options. Then come and enjoy your own, private version, of the best walking tours in Dublin.
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Are you missing out on Dublin Decoded public walks, tours, talks and events?
Dublin Decoded public tours frequently sell out!
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Images below, Claude Monet (1840–1926) Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sailboat, 1874 Photo © National Gallery of Ireland; Arran speaking at the National Gallery of Ireland; the Huband Bridge, on the Grand Canal, part of our Grand Canal II Tour, in a painting by artist Gerard Byrne; Annunciation, by French artists Jacques Yverni, c1450 part of our tours at the National Gallery of Ireland; map of Arran’s “How to Cross Dublin Without Passing a Pub” tour, available Sat 13 and Tuesday 16th, in June (only).
