Dublin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

If you’re curious about Dublin’s food scene, this walking tour promises a taste of authentic Irish flavors combined with a stroll through the city’s lively streets. While we haven’t personally joined this specific experience, the consistently high ratings and rave reviews suggest it’s a solid choice for those wanting to explore Dublin’s culinary side without sacrificing sightseeing.

What really catches our eye are the knowledgeable guides and the diverse range of tasty stops, from Irish cheeses to fresh oysters and hearty stews. Plus, the small-group size — capped at 12 — means there’s room for personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere. On the flip side, it’s worth considering that menus can change based on weather and availability, so some surprises are part of the fun — or the unpredictability.

This tour’s ideal for food lovers, curious travelers, and anyone who appreciates a good story with their bites. If you’re after a way to experience Dublin beyond the usual tourist spots, while sampling some of the best local eats, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Authentic Irish flavors: Enjoy a variety of local foods, from cheeses to oysters and hearty stews.
• Expert guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and ability to weave stories into the tasting experience.
• Small groups: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized, intimate atmosphere.
• Balance of sights and bites: Explore iconic landmarks like Trinity College and Temple Bar while sampling delicious fare.
• Flexible menu: The “Secret Dish” adds an element of surprise on the day of the tour.
• Good value for the price: At around $117, you get roughly three and a half hours of guided tasting, sightseeing, and storytelling.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers quite a bit for the price. You’ll be sampling everything from Irish cheeses, pork sausage rolls, and fresh oysters to Irish stew and artisanal ice cream, along with a brownie, Irish coffee, and a couple of drinks — including local beer. It’s a tasting experience that feels substantial, often enough for a full meal, with the added bonus of a guided walk through central Dublin.

What’s not included? Sadly, hotel pickup or drop-off. Also, unless specified, food and drinks (beyond what’s listed) aren’t part of the package, so you’ll want some extra cash for anything additional.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Vice Coffee Inc

Your first stop is a trendy cafe and bar, where you’ll learn how to make an Irish coffee — a classic Dublin staple. The tour guides are friendly and knowledgeable, and you’ll get to enjoy the delicious final product. This 30-minute stop sets the tone for the day, blending coffee culture with a bit of hands-on fun.

Stop 2: 8 Essex St W

Next, a visit to a local bakery where warm sausage rolls are waiting — fresh from the oven. Plus, there’s a secret dish on the menu that keeps the experience lively and a little mysterious. This stop is also about appreciating Dublin’s craft bakery scene.

Stop 3: Sprangers Yard

Here, you’ll taste a fresh oyster from the Flaggy Shore in County Clare. This venue is described as quaint, offering a genuine seafood experience. It’s a nice break from the more hearty Irish fare, giving you a taste of the Atlantic’s bounty.

Stop 4: Temple Bar Area

A highlight, with a reserved table in Dublin’s famous Temple Bar district, where you’ll dig into traditional Irish dishes accompanied by homemade soda bread. This is a lively neighborhood, perfect for soaking in Dublin’s vibrant atmosphere while enjoying some comfort food.

Stop 5: Grafton Street

The tour wraps up with a delightful Irish ice cream, with unique flavors that add a twist to the typical dessert. This sweet ending leaves you with a memorable taste of Dublin’s local take on frozen treats.

The Guides and the Experience

From glowing reviews, guides like Ann, Colm, and Cieran are consistently highlighted for their warmth, knowledge, and sense of humor. They’re praised not just for their food choices but also for weaving in fascinating stories and local tips. Several reviews mention that guides made the experience comfortable and engaging, whether it’s through sharing history, local lore, or just good banter.

One reviewer described Ann as “an extraordinary guide,” emphasizing her friendliness and eagerness to answer questions. Others appreciated the mix of fun facts with the tastings, making the whole tour feel more like a shared discovery rather than just a food crawl.

The small group size means everyone gets attention, and guides can tailor the experience a bit if needed, which adds to the overall enjoyment and intimacy of the tour.

How Does It Value for Money?

At approximately $117, this tour offers a lot — nearly four hours of guided tastings, sightseeing, and storytelling. The variety of foods, the inclusion of drinks (Irish coffee, beer), and the chance to chat with knowledgeable guides make it a good deal for those looking for a comprehensive Dublin experience.

Compared to solo meals or self-guided explorations, this structured experience ensures you won’t miss out on hidden gems or authentic tastes. Plus, the friendly, local guides offer insights that boost the cultural value beyond just the food. Many reviews mention feeling full and satisfied, often citing the tour as “enough for a meal” with the added bonus of learning about Dublin’s history and sights.

The Flow and Pacing

The tour is designed to be relaxed, with stops roughly every 30 minutes, allowing you to savor each dish without rushing. The pacing seems well-received — some reviewers mention that the tour moves at “a good pace,” giving ample time to enjoy each tasting and take in the surroundings.

Because the itinerary and menu can change based on weather and availability, expect a few surprises along the way. The tour’s flexibility means that some elements may vary slightly, but overall, you’ll get a well-rounded taste of Dublin.

Location, Meeting Point, and Accessibility

Starting at the Henry Grattan Monument in College Green, the tour is easy to find and near public transportation, making it convenient to join. It ends on Wicklow Street, so you’re well-positioned to continue exploring Dublin afterward.

Most reviews note that travelers with moderate physical fitness will be comfortable with the walking involved, as the tour includes some city sightseeing along with the tastings. It’s not overly strenuous but involves a decent amount of walking and standing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for food fans who want to try a variety of Irish dishes — from seafood to cheeses, and hearty mains to desserts. If you like guided experiences that include storytelling and local insights, you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding.

It’s also a good pick for travelers who want a social, intimate atmosphere, thanks to the small group size. If you’re after a relaxed pace that balances eating with sightseeing, this tour hits the mark.

However, those with specific dietary restrictions might need to check in advance, as many tours aren’t able to accommodate special diets. Also, if you’re looking for a tour with transportation, this is primarily a walking experience.

The Sum Up

The Dublin Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours offers a satisfying mix of local cuisine, lively storytelling, and sightseeing. The tour’s small-group setup and knowledgeable guides create a friendly, engaging environment that makes Dublin’s food culture approachable and fun.

If you’re someone who enjoys sampling authentic dishes while exploring a vibrant city, this tour is likely to deliver. It’s particularly suited for curious travelers who appreciate a mix of history and flavors, and don’t mind walking a bit to see the sights.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more customized or flexible culinary experience, or have specific dietary needs, it’s worth reaching out to the organizers beforehand to check on options.

All in all, it’s a well-reviewed, value-packed experience that can make your Dublin trip even richer — especially if you love discovering local flavors and stories in tandem.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for anyone under 13, mainly because it includes alcohol and involves some walking. It’s best for adult travelers interested in Irish food and culture.

What’s the average duration?
The tour lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, which is a comfortable length to enjoy a variety of tastings without feeling rushed.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes Irish coffee, water or soft drinks, and local beer. Be aware that the minimum drinking age is 18.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refunded.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Henry Grattan Monument at College Green and ends on Wicklow Street, Dublin 2.

Is this tour accessible?
The tour involves walking, so travelers with moderate fitness should be comfortable. The itinerary is subject to change based on weather and availability.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Many tours are unable to accommodate special diets, but it’s best to contact the provider beforehand to see if your needs can be met.

If you’re eager to explore Dublin’s food scene with a friendly guide and a small group, this tour offers a well-rounded, tasty introduction to the city. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, it’s a fun way to enjoy local flavors while discovering some of Dublin’s best-loved spots.