Dublin’s Living Canvas: Northside Art Tour
Unexpected art, unforgettable stories
Murals, mosaics and much more across the northside
2 hours, €26
The northside doesn't get talked about the way the southside does, but its walls, lanes and squares boast so much worth stopping for.
This is a two-hour walk through Smithfield's murals and installations, Capel Street's overlooked details, and the layers of art hiding around O'Connell Street, guided by someone who has spent years working in Dublin's art world.
This side of the city has its own visual language, shaped by community projects, council commissions, and a fair amount of unsanctioned work along the way.
It's a full exploration of public art in every form, sculpture, architecture, murals, paste-ups, hidden decorative features and large scale installations most guided tours never reach. We'll cover ground most walking tours skip entirely, and you'll come away with a genuinely different sense of what this part of Dublin looks like.
What to Expect
A relaxed two-hour walk through sculpture, architecture and public art most people never notice is there.
The vibe:
Vivid and intriguing sights
Community-Rooted
Quietly Rewarding
Ages:
Suitable for all ages, and families are welcome! However please be mindful that the route involves approx 2.5km / 1.5 miles of walking
When:
Weekly, Saturday mornings
Please check booking availability on the calendar for confirmation
Time:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Tour Content
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We start among a cluster of public art hiding in plain sight in the main square of this part of the northside. Some big and brash, some quietly tender. The square itself has been completely reshaped in recent times too, which we’ll dig into.
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Have your noticed our often quirky lampposts? We’ll check out some particularly curious ones. We’ll also stop by Dublin’s Most Beloved Mural for a deep-dive!
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From there, we'll wind through streets near the old fruit markets, now finding a new lease of life. We'll take in the sights of Capel Street, probably Dublin's most diverse quarter, spot a dazzling mosaic, and touch on the complexity of sanctioned versus unsanctioned street art along the way. There's also the option of a short break here, for the bathroom or a hot drink (not included).
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Ireland's busiest shopping street hides more than people realise, in the buildings themselves as much as anywhere else. If there's time, we might pivot down to Moore Street for a few surprises hiding where you'd least expect them.
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Each of our tours are different. We will finish up in the O’Connell Street area. In this district, there are numerous pieces of wonderful public art. Depending on the day and the group’s interest, we’ll finish up by discussing some large scale installation art, monuments, or some more unusual light art pieces
Please note: this schedule is an outline of the normal route.
Some specific stops may change depending on the tour and the logistics on the day. If you are interested in covering a particular type of art, please get in touch in advance and we will do our best to include this.
Alternatively, you may be interested in booking a Private Tour with us for a fully tailored experience
Where to Find Us
We meet at Smithfield Luas (Tram) Stop, on the south side of Smithfield Square.
The location is a 10-15 minute walk from Temple Bar
It’s easily accessible by the tram itself, by taking the Red Line and getting off at the Smithfield stop
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.