Rathmines lies just south of Dublin’s Grand Canal. It is one of the oldest as well as undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and distinctive of Dublin’s old “Townships”. From its origin as the site of the fort of a medieval Norman Baron, it expanded dramatically in the mid to late 19th century, with fine redbrick Georgian-style townhouses lining its broad streets and squares, and smaller artisan workers cottages tucked away down the side streets and alleys. Since that time, and over the last 170 years, the area has provided a home for generations of students and civil servants, as well as writers, scientists, artists and revolutionaries. It boasts some of the most interesting architecture in Dublin, including a stunning art deco post office, factory and cinema, Dublin’s largest church dome, not to mention an underground river, the childhood home of James Joyce and the home of a 19th century Irish writer who has long been a household name in Japan. Rathmines was the base for a famous telescope workshop, and home to a veritable who’s who of Ireland’s revolutionary elite during the fight for Independence 1913-1922, including rebel countess Constance Markievicz and many, many more. And these are a hint of some of the content of our tour of the district.
On this tour we mix a blend of architectural, social, literary and political history, giving you an enjoyable variety of insights into this charismatic Dublin neighbourhood.
This tour is run as a public tour from 2- 4 times per year, when, like all our public tours, it’s naturally open to all. If any of these Rathmines tours are currently scheduled then they appear in the listings on our Public Tours Page. If you live in Dublin, and are primarily interested in our Public tours, then by far the best way to hear about these tours (and not to miss ’em!) is to sign up to our famous monthly newsletter.
Alternatively, we also offer and run the tour as a private activity for your own, private group, on a date of your own choosing. Please use the green button to select your date and to book your own private Rathmines tour. Thank you.
