Turtle Bunbury’s Dublin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from a Celebrated Author

Discover Dublin’s story through Turtle Bunbury’s Dublin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour, available for $7.99 per person. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes and offers an engaging way to explore a key section of Ireland’s capital at your own pace. The route includes notable stops from St Stephen’s Green to Parliament Square, passing historical sites, cultural landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy learning about Dublin’s past without the constraints of a group, as it provides lifetime access via the VoiceMap app for Android and iOS and works offline.

While the guide covers a wide array of intriguing characters and events, a notable detail is that Trinity College is currently closed until August 10th, 2020, due to coronavirus restrictions. If it happens to be shut during your visit, the tour recommends relaxing nearby in one of Dublin’s many pubs and listening to the rest of the narration in comfort. This flexibility makes the tour accessible and adaptable, perfect for independent explorers who appreciate self-paced sightseeing.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: Priced at just $7.99 with lifetime access.
• Self-guided convenience: Designed for solo exploration, with easy navigation through maps and geodata.
• Engaging content: Narrated by Turtle Bunbury, a celebrated author and historian, with stories about notable figures like Wolfe Tone and Paddy Hitler.
• Dynamic stops: Includes famous landmarks such as Oscar Wilde’s statue, Merrion Square, and the Museum Building.
• Accessible experience: No need for transportation or entrance fees to attractions, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Cultural richness: Learn about Vikings-turned-Normans, French fighters for Ireland, and Irish figures in Mexico history.

Starting Point at St Stephen’s Green and the Memorial

The tour begins at Edward Delaney’s Famine Memorial near St Stephen’s Green. This prominent public sculpture offers a powerful visual introduction to Dublin’s history of hardship. From here, the narrative guides you through some of Dublin’s most recognizable sites, setting a tone of resilience and storytelling.

Passing the Historic Hugenot Cemetery

One of the early stops is the Hugenot Cemetery, a reminder of Dublin’s diverse cultural past. The tour briefly passes by this site, giving insight into the city’s history of religious and cultural communities, without requiring a long detour.

Walking Past O’Donoghue’s and the Merrion Hotel

The route takes you past O’Donoghue’s pub, famous for its literary connections and lively atmosphere. Nearby is the Merrion Hotel, a hub for visitors and locals alike, situated in elegant surroundings. These stops add a touch of Dublin’s social history, blending architecture with stories of past patrons and notable guests.

The Department of the Taoiseach and National Museum of Ireland

Next, the tour passes the Department of the Taoiseach, the Irish Prime Minister’s office, symbolizing the country’s political heart, and the National Museum of Ireland, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s cultural artifacts. While not entering the museums, you gain contextual knowledge from the narration about these significant institutions.

Leinster House and the Playground

Leinster House, seat of the Irish Parliament, is featured prominently, illustrating Ireland’s government history. Nearby, a playground provides a lively contrast, representing Dublin’s family-friendly side. The walk balances political history with community life.

The Oscar Wilde Statue and Wilde’s Childhood Home

A brief stop at the Oscar Wilde statue highlights Dublin’s literary heritage. The route also passes by Oscar Wilde’s house, offering a personal touch to the city’s cultural fabric, connecting past writers with modern visitors.

The Pharmacy and Kennedy’s Pub

The tour then passes a pharmacy, hinting at Dublin’s medical history, before moving to Kennedy’s Pub, a cozy spot that evokes local pub culture and storytelling traditions. These stops add flavor and local color to the tour.

Inside College Grounds and the Museum Building

Although Trinity College is currently closed, the tour still passes through its college grounds, giving a sense of the academic atmosphere. Nearby, the Museum Building stands as a testament to Dublin’s educational legacy, framing the city’s scholarly pursuits.

The Berkeley Library and the Book of Kells

Outside the Berkeley Library, the narration mentions the Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s most famous manuscripts. While the Book of Kells itself is temporarily closed, the mention underscores Dublin’s rich manuscript tradition and artistic achievements.

Parliament Square and Final Stop

The tour concludes at Parliament Square, tying together Dublin’s political and historical narrative. The route’s final stop offers a reflective end, encouraging exploration of the city’s ongoing story.

Practical Logistics and Accessibility

This self-guided tour is easy to access via the VoiceMap app, available for Android and iOS, and provides offline access to all content, maps, and geodata. The meeting point is near St Stephen’s Green, and the tour runs daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM. Since it is a private activity, only your group participates, allowing for a personalized experience.

Travelers should note that no tickets or entrance fees are included, so visiting attractions like Trinity College or the Book of Kells requires separate admission. The tour is suitable for most visitors, with no specific physical requirements mentioned, making it accessible to a broad audience.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What makes Turtle Bunbury’s Dublin stand out is its blend of historical storytelling by a renowned author and the flexibility of self-guided exploration. The narration covers a diverse array of characters and events, from Vikings to Irish expatriates, enriching your understanding of Dublin’s layered past.

The tour’s emphasis on famous landmarks combined with local anecdotes creates an engaging, informative experience that is easy to follow, thanks to its logical presentation and accurate maps. The moderate duration makes it ideal for a relaxed afternoon or a quick overview, especially if combined with visits to nearby attractions.

Limitations and Considerations

A key consideration is that certain sites like Trinity College and the Book of Kells are temporarily closed, which might disappoint those eager to see these treasures firsthand. However, the tour compensates with rich narration about the sites and surrounding history, and it encourages relaxing at nearby pubs if needed.

The absence of included tickets or transportation means that participants should plan for any additional admission costs and logistics. The non-refundable policy underscores the importance of checking opening hours and site closures in advance.

Final Thoughts on Turtle Bunbury’s Dublin Self-Guided Tour

For anyone interested in Dublin’s history, culture, and landmarks, this tour offers a cost-effective, flexible, and engaging way to explore a compact but fascinating part of the city. The narration by Turtle Bunbury adds a personal and authoritative touch, making history accessible and lively.

The tour is especially suitable for those who appreciate self-paced sightseeing and want insights without the pressure of a group. Even with some sites temporarily closed, the tour’s variety of stops, from literary statues to political landmarks, ensures a well-rounded experience. It’s a wise choice for visitors who prefer to combine walking with storytelling, all for less than $8.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon exploration.

What is the price of this tour?
It costs $7.99 per person with lifetime access.

Do I need to buy tickets for attractions along the route?
Yes, attractions like Trinity College and the Book of Kells require separate admission, as they are not included in the tour.

Can I do this tour offline?
Yes, the VoiceMap app provides offline access to the entire narration, maps, and geodata.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins near Edward Delaney’s Famine Memorial at St Stephen’s Green.

Is this tour suitable for children or groups?
Since it is a private tour, only your group participates. It is accessible for most people, with no noted physical restrictions.

What should I do if Trinity College is closed?
The tour recommends relaxing at a nearby pub and listening to the narration, as the guide still offers comprehensive historical context.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
While specific accessibility details are not provided, the route primarily involves walking through central Dublin streets and parks, which are generally accessible.

Are food and drinks included?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks, but stops at pubs like Kennedy’s are nearby for refreshments.

What sets this tour apart from others?
The combination of expert narration by Turtle Bunbury and the self-guided format offers a personalized, flexible way to connect with Dublin’s history at an affordable price.