Rats for Tots

We begin our adventure on Cows Lane, stepping back into the fascinating medieval world of Dublin. Here, we uncover the story of Strongbow, the Norman conqueror of Ireland, and question whether he was truly a hero, a conqueror, or simply a name borrowed by a modern cider brand. Along the way, we meet Princess Aoife of Leinster and ponder whether her marriage to Strongbow was a tale of romance or royal strategy arranged by her ambitious father. As we wander toward the ancient city wall, we search for the first of several hidden wall markers, symbols that reveal what it meant to live inside or outside the city’s boundaries during medieval times. Our journey leads us to the sunken tower of Princess Isolde, where mystery and legend intertwine, and then to the lively Fishamble Street, once known as Dublin’s fishiest corner, where we uncover the story of Molly Malone, the rebel whose spirit still lingers in song and story.

The past comes alive beneath our feet as we hunt for ground markers and explore their meanings, each one connecting us to centuries of Dublin’s history. At Wood Quay, once the bustling heart of Viking Dublin, we test our wits with playful games inspired by Norse life and justice, discovering how the Vikings settled disputes in their famous courts known as a Thing. As the walk continues to Cook Street, we step inside the old city walls where mock duels or thumb wars bring medieval conflict to life in a lighthearted way. We reflect on the grim arrival of the Black Death and compare it with modern challenges, asking what truly tested Dublin’s resilience. The tour ends on a joyful note as we play musical instruments in the park and, if time allows, explore the medieval guilds and the everyday lives of the people who shaped the city through food, craft, and community.