Handel & his Dublin Messiah & Times

13.04.25

This is a unique walk to celebrate the first presentation of the world-renowned composer, George Frederick Handel’s immortal Messiah, which was premiered in Dublin on 13th April, 1742. The tour will take in the major places connected with Handel’s stay in Dublin and the amazing performance of his masterpiece. Our morning walk will end with the very special annual street performance of Messiah extracts (commencing 1pm).

Prices

€27 Adult

€22 Seniors/Students

€15 Children aged 12-18 years with accompanying adult

FREE Children under 12 with accompanying adult

Duration

2 hours

*Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour starts

Meeting Point

Map To Meeting Location

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Would highly recommend. Kate was extremely knowledgeable and informative but also had a great sense of humour which really engaged us. Took her up on a number of recommendations for the rest of our visit too which further enhanced our trip to Dublin.

Sara (United Kingdom)

Saturday, April, 2024

“Wonderful tour today!!! The guide, Ger was SUPER!!! Such fun!!!”
Tracey McD
20 October 2024

“This is just to tell you that we really enjoyed the walking tour last Wednesday morning (17th April).
Despite the cold and at times rainy weather, our guide James gave us such an interesting
tour, and was so generous with all the information he gave us. Please thank him from us both. It was our first trip to Dublin (indeed, to Ireland) and it has definitely made us want to return! Many thanks to you all”
J&A R
22 April 2024

“We just finished our Dublin City Tour with Jacob.
Thank you Jacob for a perfect tour and that you enriched our stay in Dublin with a lot of insights and details about IRE history.
To all: very professional team and Organisation.”
Ralph P
22 June 2024

Best Tour Guide Ever
“Absolutely one of the best tours we’ve ever taken! Kate McCartney was FABULOUS! She knows everything about Dublin and made this tour phenomenal! I can’t say enough great things about her. Make sure you ask for Kate if you take this tour.”
Wendy W, Savannah, GA
18 October 2024

Take A Closer Look

Dublin has changed a lot since the 18th century but there are still places or streets that would be somewhat recognisable to all those great composers that came to Dublin to present their operas, oratorios, choir concerts and their own solo virtuosity. These great names included Geminiani, Dubourg, Giordani, Roseingrave, Scarlatti, Handel and Arne, and they all enriched the musical landscape of the city. Where we can, we will follow in their footsteps and play examples of their work, some of which may be surprisingly familiar even if the composer’s name is not. When the tour is over, we will be right beside the spot where you can join the expectant crowd waiting to hear the annual performance of Messiah extracts from soloist, choir and orchestra on the street, right outside the where the music hall stood that was the scene for the first performance on 13 April 1742.

Why tour with us?

Discover the role 18th century Dublin played in the European Baroque musical sphere.
Visit sites associated with renowned composers, Irish, English, Italian and German among others, where we will play appropriate musical extracts.
Receive discounts at a number of Dublin’s most iconic museums and cafes/restaurants.
We only take small groups.

Places we see & pass by:

St Andrew’s Church
Former Theatre Royal
Former St Mary’s Church
Smock Alley Theatre
Site of First Messiah on Fishamble Street

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Meet Our Guides

Our knowledgeable guides offer deep insights into the culture, history, and hidden gems of Dublin. With expertise drawn from diverse backgrounds, they are provided with annual opportunities to upskill, ensuring they can confidently lead any of our diverse tours. Their enthusiasm and infectious delivery will help you get the most from your experience. Several of our guides are bilingual, and some are even multilingual, further enhancing your tour with a broader range of insights and perspectives.

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We frequently offer special tours to commemorate key events or figures in Dublin’s history. Join our mailing list to get early access & a €5 discount.