Songwriter Tours - Stars, Stories and Songs on the Streets of Dub

At this famous Irish Statue you will find out the about the story behind this traditional Irish song and also some surprising origins of its creation. You will also learn a little about some famous artists who have covered this song live - and we will even give you a few lines of the song itself!

As we stroll through the charm of George's Street Arcade we share the location of where the famous Oscar Winning Irish Song, Falling Slowly, was first recorded. You will discover the charming story of how Glen Hansard, a busker from Dublin and his co-writer Marketa Irglova, found themselves walking up the red carpet at the Oscars Ceremony at Hollywood and how they brought home an Oscar for winning Song. This uplifting fairytale story from the film Once, will charm and uplift you.

At the Luke Kelly Statue we invite you to learn a little more about this Irish folk legend. One of the co-founders of The Dubliners, Luke's memory, his incredible voice and melodic influence is still celebrated in festivals today. His versions of Irish folk songs such as 'The town I loved so well', 'Whiskey in the Jar', 'Scorn not his simplicity' 'Raglan Road' are songs that will echo through Irish folk scene for many years to come. We share his story, his songs and his humour as well as some songs by The Dubliners.

We share a little history about the Gaiety and explore the pavement of handprints that are outside the theatre, from Opera legend Pavarotti to comedian Billy Connolly to Hollywood Star, Gabriel Byrne this laneway of handprints are a wonderful way of discovering the stars and stories that lie on the streets of Dublin.

At this iconic statue of Phil Lynott sculpted by Paul Daly we share the rise of one of the first famous International Rock Bands, Thin Lizzy. Lead singer Phil was a sensitive, charismatic and talented writer who with his band toured in the USA opening shows for Queen. His rock version of 'Whiskey in the Jar' became a top 10 UK hit and his song 'The Boys are back in town' are just one of the famous songs that were revered by stars such as Bob Geldof and lead singer from U2, Bono.

After listening to buskers on the famous buzz of Grafton Street we take in the silence and stroll through St. Stephens Green, where we stop for a song and listen to a track or two from the journey so far. It is a moment to listen to a Street Song live, but overlooking the gorgeous lake and natural environment of St. Stephens Green.

This bar is almost like a museum and celebration of The Dubliners, with photos and memories of the times when they played live at this famous Dublin Bar. We stop to relax and admire the stories the walls that this famous bar tell Live music is often played here and sometimes we are lucky enough to listen to a song live and if the thirst is upon you we rest for a small drink of your choice before we take to the streets again.

As we stroll across Merrion Square we bring you to the location where U2 closed off a street for the video creation of 'Sweetest Thing,' a song that was recorded as Bono's apology song to Ali for forgetting her birthday. The video has some very famous Irish guests as well as a very interesting ending all to be revealed at this location. We also walk across to the Oscar Wilde Statue, where there is a wonderful and colourful photo opportunity at this stunning statue that brings together 3 different stones from 3 different continents!

We stroll through the grounds of Trinity and bring you to the bronzed globe with a sphere within a sphere created by Ornaldo Pomodorro in 1982-83, as it is such a unusual bronzed masterpiece, we also reveal a little about the very famous artists and singers who performed at the Trinity Ball including U2 10 years prior to their Joshua Tree Tour.

After all the strolling across Dublin City you can sit down, relax and enjoy your very own 'Whiskey in the Jar'! With a tasting of 3 varieties of whiskey we bring you a flavour called The Busker Whiskey, so you not only listen to buskers on the streets but you get to taste The Busker Whiskey at the end of a wonderful afternoon of story and song! This is your time to sit back, relax and enjoy the unique and famous flavours of The Irish Whiskey Museum, a wonderful attraction within the very centre of the city.