Dublin Unframed: Tv & Film Locations Tour
The Dublin locations behind the films, shows and music videos that put this city on the map
A one-of-a-kind tour across Dublin's most iconic backdrops, packed with stories and photo-ops.
2.5 Hours, €32
Dublin has a way of turning up on screen when you least expect it.
This tour traces the city's long and surprisingly varied relationship with film, television and music, taking you to the real locations behind the shots and telling the stories behind them, including the reasons Ireland keeps punching well above its weight as a filming destination and why directors from around the world keep returning to these streets.
Immersive and wide-ranging, we travel by foot and public transport across different parts of the city, taking in locations from across the decades.
From Normal People to Michael Collins, Sing Street to Bad Sisters, with U2, Dermot Kennedy and many more in the mix, these are locations most visitors walk past without a second glance.
We explore them together, with storytelling, unique insights and the kind of connections between place and culture that don't show up on any map. It's fun, wide-ranging and packs in as much depth as you'd expect from a tour twice the length.
What to Expect
Real locations, iconic stories, and a chance to step into Dublin's screen history for yourself.
The vibe:
Cinematic Secrets
Pop Culture Immersion
Behind the Scenes
Ages
Best for ages 8+
Days
Typically, Saturday and Sunday mornings. (See booking calendar at the top of the page for real time availability)
Time
10:30am - 1pm
Start point:
The Church Café & Bar
Jervis St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 YX64
Route outline
The route below gives a sense of what to expect. Every group is different, and the tour adapts accordingly
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Normal People brought these streets to international attention. We explore the real locations behind the show and the stories that make this part of the northside so distinctive on screen and off it.
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One of the most atmospheric corners of the city centre, where the layers of history are visible in the buildings themselves. It's hard not to feel like you've stepped back a century or two, and yet even that first impression only scratches the surface.
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We jump on the Luas to move comfortably across the city. Transport cost is included. Even the tram journey comes with a story - this route has its own place in Dublin's screen history, including one of the most audacious action sequences ever filmed in the city.
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One of the most filmed locations in Irish cinema. The streets and spaces around it have appeared in productions spanning decades and genres, and the area rewards a closer look than most visitors give it. We take full advantage of that.
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The Georgian squares and surrounding streets have featured in some of the most celebrated Irish films and TV productions of recent decades. Michael Collins, Bad Sisters and others chose these locations for good reason, and we go into exactly why.
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This area has inspired and featured in some of Ireland's best-loved music films, and it's not hard to see why. Quiet streets, characterful architecture and a village feel just minutes from the city centre - the kind of neighbourhood that makes cinematographers reach for their camera on instinct.
Meeting Point
The Church Café and Bar, one of the northside's most striking buildings, is where our adventure begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. You can contact us at hello@dublininsider.ie
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Originality. Fun. In-depth storytelling.
Each of our tours are designed to strike a balance between these.
The tour material is carefully researched, but you won’t feel like you’re being given a lecture by a professor.
The tours are lively and fun, but it’s not cheap entertainment. We use fun and engaging language to give a rich and nuanced look at our subject matter.
These tours are genuinely original! Unlike most off-the-beaten-path tours, these actually are that. We think it’s disrespectful to our customers to market a tour as a ‘hidden sight’ only for three other tours to be doing the same thing in the same place.
If you come on a Dublin Insider tour, you go authentically beneath the surface. It’s not a marketing tagline, it’s what we actually do.
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We offer a full 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour.
Dublin can be rainy (even in summer!) and we still run our tours. The only exception is if an official storm warning coincides with the day of the tour. We will keep you updated if this is the case (this happens only in extremely rare circumstances).
Also, we do not cancel the tour if only one person has booked onto it. We are committed to giving all our customers a fantastic tour of Dublin, this mission still applies if it’s a tour for one person!
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Our standard tours involve about 2.5km / 1.5 miles of leisurely walking with a rest stop. We love families! Our ‘Cultural Orientation Tour’ is the only tour not suitable for families with children under 18.
If you have specific mobility needs, please get in touch in advance so we can create the best tour experience for you
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Because we keep our group sizes small to ensure a great experience, we strictly require advance bookings. Spots usually fill up 3-5 days in advance, so lock in your dates early!
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Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and a water bottle is advisable. There will be a rest stop and, if it’s a small group, it’s possible to stop at a shop en route, should you need a quick refreshment.
Sunscreen and a light rain jacket (yes, both!) is a good idea too. Over the course of 2-2.5 hours, sometimes the weather can change from very sunny to a rain shower and back to sunny again.
