Explore Dublin’s Coffee and Tea Legacy: 1700 Coffee Houses Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; mostly gentle walking over flat, paved surfaces.
Overview
Step back into 18th-century Dublin on the 1700 Coffee Houses Tour—a 90-minute walk exploring the city’s historic coffee and tea culture, ending with a tasting in the oldest shop. Discover how these lively spots shaped Irish history and social life.
1700 Coffee Houses Tour
For all ages! • 90 minutes including tea or coffee
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 90-minute journey through Dublin's rich coffee and tea culture, starting at City Hall. Explore historic streets, uncover intriguing tales from the 1700s, and enjoy a delightful tasting experience in the oldest shop in Dublin. Discover the vibrant life and influential figures that shaped this iconic city.
Anyone who enjoys tea or coffee. When booking please specify if you want a tea or coffee tasting.
Duration
90 minutes
About
We will begin at City Hall the start of coffee and tea culture in Dublin. The port was near and merchants and traders gathered to see what was happening. Our walk takes us through beautiful streets and we visit curious 1700's sites. Transport was slow and wit was quick! Dublin was a hotbed of intrigue and the Second City in the old British Empire. Yet it was difficult to find the action with censorship.
Coffee Houses were where the news was printed! Known as penny universities, centres of commerce and trade where so much of Dublin life was lived.
We will tour for an hour stopping at significant points where duels were fought, merchants traded, information was exchanged and coffee was drunk. Was there tea & chocolate? Let's find out! We will immerse ourselves in the characters such as Johnathon Swift and how he closed the curtains with the drapers.
We will learn about the people who published, public auctions and lives which were lived by the new rich of 1700's Dublin. We will see how they influenced the arts, public thinking and commerce. We will have quotes and drama to understand the players in a very different time.
This is fun and light-hearted Tour has a Coffee Tasting Experience to imagine what 1700's Dublin felt, looked, smelled and tasted. We will have a cup of coffee or tea in the oldest shop in Dublin 1670
Walking difficulty
Fairly easy, some steps all abilities welcome we will be chatting all the way
Adventure Tips
Bring comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers historic streets and cobblestones, so wear sturdy, supportive shoes.
Arrive early to secure your spot
Tours fill up quickly, so plan to arrive at City Hall 10 minutes before start time.
Check the weather forecast
Most of the tour is outdoors; dress appropriately for rain or shine.
Carry a small bottle of water
Stay hydrated during the 90-minute walk, especially in warmer seasons.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban birds like pigeons and sparrows
- Seasonal migratory songbirds often seen in city parks
History
Dublin’s coffeehouses played a vital role in 18th-century social and political life, often serving as hubs for literary circles and revolutionary discussion.
Conservation
The tour encourages sustainable tourism by promoting walking and using local businesses, helping preserve Dublin’s historic urban fabric.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Dublin
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating uneven historic streets and cobblestones.
Weather-appropriate outerwear
spring specific
Light rain jacket or umbrella
Dublin weather can change quickly, so stay dry during the open-air tour.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Hydration is key for comfort during your urban stroll.
summer specific