Afternoon Dublin Mountain Pub Tour(small group pub crawl max 15)

The Afternoon Dublin Mountain Pub Tour by Rural Pub Tours offers a relaxed, authentic look at Irish pub culture away from the bustling city center. Priced at $79.94 per person, this 5-hour small-group experience is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a cozy and personalized atmosphere. With top-rated reviews (5.0/5 from 210 reviews) and a recommendation rate of 100%, this tour appeals most to those seeking a laid-back day, scenic views, and a taste of rural Ireland’s pub traditions. It includes round-trip transportation from central Dublin, visits to three different pubs, live Irish music, and fully guided commentary by a knowledgeable host. Food and drinks are not included, giving flexibility to enjoy local beers and pub food at your own expense.

A key feature of this tour is its focus on rural Irish pubs located in the picturesque Dublin Mountains area, making it a perfect escape from urban sightseeing. The small group size fosters friendly interaction and a more intimate experience, which is a recurring theme in positive reviews. While the tour is praised for its great guides, spectacular views, and authentic atmosphere, it requires participants to be comfortable with an easy-paced walk and some social engagement. This experience suits those who want a blend of scenic beauty, local hospitality, and lively traditional Irish music.

Key Points

• Small-group tour limited to 15 people for a more personal experience
• Price of $79.94 per person for a 5-hour journey into rural Ireland
• Round-trip transportation from central Dublin included
• Visits to 3 distinct pubs in the Dublin Mountains area
• Live Irish music at each pub, with delicious pub food available at your own expense
• Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 rating based on 210 reviews

Journey to the Dublin Mountains from the City Center

This tour departs from Cork Hill, Dublin, at 1:00 pm. From there, travelers are transported in an air-conditioned vehicle to the scenic Dublin Mountains, a region known for its lush landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. The ride itself sets the tone for a relaxing afternoon, with scenic views as the backdrop to your pub visits. The round-trip transportation ensures a stress-free outing, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the countryside without worrying about logistics.

The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving ample time to soak in the stunning scenery before arriving at the first pub. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, making it easy to plan the rest of your day in Dublin. The small group size enhances interaction, and the fully guided tour ensures you get the most out of each stop.

Exploring the Dublin Mountains Way and Local Pubs

The tour’s first stop is at the Dublin Mountains Way, a charming area where the group spends about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This stop introduces visitors to the natural beauty of the region — perfect for photo opportunities or a quick walk before heading to the pubs. The focus is on experiencing the area’s peaceful charm rather than a long hike, making it accessible to most.

Next, the group visits The Merry Ploughboy Gastro Pub, situated at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. This cozy, friendly local pub welcomes you for about 1 hour, where craft beers and traditional Irish beverages flow freely. The pub’s warm atmosphere makes it easy to connect with fellow participants, and the knowledgeable guide shares insights into Irish pub culture and local drinks.

The highlight for many is Johnnie Fox’s, a unique pub originally built as a farmhouse. Known for its diverse traditional decor and fantastic Irish music, this stop allows about 1 hour and 30 minutes for a delicious lunch paired with lively Irish tunes. This pub offers an authentic taste of rural Irish hospitality, making it a favorite among past guests.

The final pub is The Blue Light Pub, renowned for its spectacular views of Dublin Bay and surrounding areas. This approximate 1-hour stop provides a relaxing end to the tour, where visitors can enjoy great Guinness, warm fires, and breathtaking scenery. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and reflect on the day.

Live Traditional Irish Music at Each Stop

Each of the three pubs features live Irish music, a pivotal aspect that enhances the experience. The music ranges from traditional folk tunes to more lively jigs, creating an energetic yet cozy atmosphere. This aspect receives high praise in reviews, with many noting that the music adds a festive touch and deepens the sense of Irish culture.

The musicians and performances are an integral part of the pubs’ ambiance, and guides often share background stories about the tunes and the musicians. This authentic musical experience sets the tour apart from typical pub crawls, making each stop memorable.

The Guide: Knowledgeable, Friendly, and Engaging

The tour’s success is largely credited to the guide, Shane, who many reviews describe as friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. Shane’s storytelling skills, Irish music history insights, and genuine warmth contribute significantly to the tour’s positive atmosphere. Guests appreciate how Shane interacts with the group, making everyone feel included and comfortable.

Reviews highlight Shane’s ability to recommend beers suited to individual preferences, adding a personalized touch to the experience. His safety-conscious approach to driving and his local connections enhance the authenticity and enjoyment of the tour.

Enjoying Food and Drink at Your Own Expense

While the tour includes visits to pubs with live music, food and alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price. Participants are encouraged to purchase drinks and pub food during stops, which allows flexibility and the chance to try local specialties at their own pace. Many reviews praise the delicious pub food, especially at Johnnie Fox’s, where the lunch is often highlighted as a culinary highlight.

Guests should plan to budget extra for drinks, which tend to be reasonably priced at each pub. The tour’s focus remains on experiencing Irish pub culture rather than a full meal package, making it suitable for those who prefer to explore local flavors independently.

The Scenic Blue Light Pub with Dublin Bay Views

The final stop at The Blue Light Pub offers one of the most stunning vistas of the tour. Known for its spectacular views of Dublin Bay, this friendly local pub provides a perfect backdrop for relaxing with a pint after a day of exploring. The warm fires and panoramic scenery make it a favorite for unwinding and taking photos.

This pub’s location also emphasizes the tour’s theme of blending rural charm with scenic beauty, making it more than just a pub crawl — it’s an experience rooted in Ireland’s stunning landscapes.

The Benefits of a Small Group Experience

Limiting the tour to a maximum of 15 participants creates an intimate environment. Guests often comment on how this setting encourages better interactions with the guide and fellow travelers. The smaller group size also allows the guide, Shane, to tailor the experience, answer questions, and share stories more freely.

This setup contrasts with larger tours, offering a more relaxed, personal, and engaging atmosphere. Guests enjoy the ease of moving between pubs and the flexibility to spend more or less time at each location.

Practical Tips and What to Expect

Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for an outdoor setting, especially since part of the experience involves scenic views in the Dublin Mountains. The tour is designed to be easy-paced, with plenty of time to enjoy drinks, food, and music at each stop.

Since alcoholic beverages are purchased separately, travelers are encouraged to budget accordingly. The guide is attentive to safety and encourages responsible drinking. The tour runs rain or shine, so bringing rain gear on less sunny days is advised.

Ideal Audience for the Dublin Mountain Pub Tour

This experience appeals most to adults looking for a laid-back, authentic Irish pub experience with scenic views. It’s perfect for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy live music, local hospitality, and outdoor scenery. The tour suits those who appreciate small-group intimacy and wish to explore beyond Dublin’s city center.

It’s less suitable for travelers seeking a party-focused, fast-paced pub crawl** or those with mobility issues, as the stops involve some outdoor walking and seating in rustic pubs.

Final Thoughts on the Dublin Mountain Pub Tour

The Afternoon Dublin Mountain Pub Tour delivers a genuine taste of rural Irish pub life, combining scenic mountain views with traditional music and warm hospitality. The $79.94 price point offers good value, especially given the small-group setting, live music, and personalized guide experience.

While food and drinks are extra, the stops at three distinctive pubs and the spectacular scenery make this tour a memorable outing. It is best suited for adults seeking a relaxed, cultural, and scenic escape from urban Dublin.

Past guests praise the knowledgeable guides, authentic atmosphere, and the chance to meet new friends. The consistent 5.0/5 rating reflects how well this tour meets expectations. If you enjoy Ireland’s countryside, lively music, and cozy pubs, this tour should be on your list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Cork Hill, Dublin to the Dublin Mountains is included, making the journey seamless.

Can I purchase food and drinks during the stops?
Yes, food and beverages are bought separately at each pub. The tour does not include any drinks or food in the ticket price.

What is the group size limit?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring a small-group experience.

Is this tour suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine. It’s advisable to bring rain gear if the forecast predicts rain.

How long is each pub visit?
The stops are roughly 1 hour at The Merry Ploughboy and The Blue Light Pub, and 1 hour 30 minutes at Johnnie Fox’s, allowing ample time to enjoy drinks, food, and music.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of scenic mountain views, authentic rural pubs, live traditional Irish music, and personalized guiding distinguishes this experience from typical pub crawls.