1700 Coffee Houses Tour

Step into the heart of Dublin’s rich coffee and tea heritage on this engaging walking tour that traces the origins of the city’s café culture. Beginning near City Hall, where merchants and traders once gathered, the walk takes you through charming eighteenth-century streets filled with stories of commerce, conversation, and creativity. Dublin, once the second city of the British Empire, was a lively center of intrigue, wit, and trade. Coffee houses became the social hubs of the time — known as “penny universities” — where news was shared, deals were made, and ideas were exchanged. As you stroll through historic sites where duels were fought, publications were printed, and merchants mingled, you’ll uncover how these vibrant spaces helped shape Dublin’s public life and culture.

Throughout the experience, your guide will bring history to life with colorful tales of notable figures such as Jonathan Swift and the city’s influential traders, writers, and thinkers. You’ll learn about the rise of Dublin’s wealthy class, their influence on the arts and society, and the role of coffee and tea in fueling discussion and debate. The tour concludes with a tasting experience in one of Dublin’s oldest shops, where you can savor a cup of tea or coffee and imagine the sights, sounds, and aromas of eighteenth-century Dublin. This light-hearted and immersive journey is designed for all abilities, offering an enjoyable blend of storytelling, culture, and flavor.