World War II Private Guided Walking Tour of Dublin

Explore Dublin’s role during the tumultuous years of World War II on this captivating private walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll uncover the city’s unique history of neutrality and the lasting impact of "The Emergency" on Ireland’s political climate and social fabric. From the solemn Irish National War Memorial Gardens to the historic Kilmainham Gaol, each location offers a window into the complex dynamics that shaped this pivotal era. Prepare to delve deeper into the fascinating intersection of war, politics, and national identity that defined Dublin’s wartime experience.

Key Points

• This private guided walking tour explores Dublin’s role and impact during Ireland’s neutrality in World War II, known as ‘The Emergency’.
• The tour visits key sites like the Irish National War Memorial Gardens and Kilmainham Gaol to provide insights into Ireland’s complex relationship with the war.
• Guests will learn about the effects of wartime censorship, economic hardships, and the divisions within the IRA and over Irish unity during this period.
• A licensed history guide fluent in multiple languages offers in-depth commentary and a tailored experience based on the group’s interests.
• The tour is priced at $180.24 per person for a 2-hour experience and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a private guided walking experience through Dublin’s historic landmarks, providing an in-depth exploration of the city’s role during World War II.

Priced from $180.24 per person, the 2-hour tour allows visitors to discover Ireland’s neutrality and the impacts of ‘The Emergency’ declared in 1939.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now, pay later option.

Whether you’re interested in the effects on Irish unity, the IRA, or army deserters, the knowledgeable guide will provide expert commentary tailored to your pace and interests.

The tour’s intimate group size of up to 25 guests ensures an optimal experience.

Historical Context and Significance

This private Dublin walking tour explores Ireland’s neutrality during World War II and the lasting impacts of ‘The Emergency’ declared on 2 September 1939. Visitors will learn about the effects of wartime conditions on Irish unity, the Irish Republican Army, and army deserters.

Plus, the tour covers the internment, press censorship, and economic control measures implemented during this critical period in Ireland’s history.

The tour highlights:

• Ireland’s decision to remain neutral during WWII

• Impacts on Irish political unity and the IRA

• Treatment of army deserters and conscientious objectors

• Censorship of the press and media

• Economic hardships faced by the Irish people

Key Locations Visited

Visitors on this private Dublin walking tour explore key locations that illuminate Ireland’s experience during World War II, including the Irish National War Memorial Gardens, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park.

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens pay tribute to the Irish who served in World War I, providing context for Ireland’s complex relationship with war.

Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison, highlights the internment and detention of Irish Republican Army members during the conflict.

The Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park commemorates Arthur Wellesley, a key military figure, underscoring Ireland’s historical ties to the British Empire even as it navigated neutrality during the war.

Guided Experience

A licensed history guide fluent in English, German, or French leads this private tour, tailoring the experience to individual pace and interests. The expert commentary provides deep insights into Ireland’s role during ‘The Emergency’, the country’s term for neutrality during WWII.

Guests can expect to learn about:

• The impacts of WWII on Irish unity and the Irish Republican Army

• The effects of internment, press censorship, and economic control during this period

• Key historical figures like Arthur Wellesley and their significance

• The unique challenges faced by Irish army deserters

• The lasting legacy of Ireland’s neutrality and its lasting effects

This private guided experience ensures an informative and personalized exploration of Dublin’s WWII history.

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Meeting Details and Group Information

The meeting point for this private WWII walking tour of Dublin is the entrance to the Hilton Dublin Kilmainham, located on S Circular Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin, D08 XAK3, Ireland.

The tour has a maximum of 25 guests per guide to ensure an optimal experience. If your group is larger, additional costs will apply for more than one guide.

This private tour is tailored to your individual pace and interests, with expert commentary from a licensed history guide fluent in English, German, or French.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about Ireland’s role during the war, this tour promises an informative and engaging exploration of Dublin’s WWII legacy.

Neutrality and the ‘Emergency’

Ireland maintained its neutrality throughout World War II, which it officially referred to as ‘The Emergency‘ from September 1939 onward. This decision had significant impacts on the country:

It allowed Ireland to remain out of direct military conflict, but also isolated it economically and politically from its neighbors.

The Emergency brought increased press censorship, internment of suspected IRA members, and government control over the economy.

Wartime shortages and rationing led to a decline in living standards and rising tensions within Irish society.

The Emergency also exacerbated divisions between those who supported Irish unity and those who favored maintaining partition.

IRA, Army Deserters, and Unity

IRA members and army deserters played a complex role in the divisions over Irish unity during this period.

While the IRA remained opposed to British rule, some factions hoped to take advantage of the war to further their separatist agenda.

Meanwhile, Irish soldiers who deserted the British army were viewed as traitors by some, but as patriots by others.

This created tensions within the country, as debates raged over the role of the IRA and the treatment of deserters.

Ultimately, the effects of WWII exacerbated the long-standing divisions over Irish unity, with the IRA and army deserters caught up in the middle of this contentious debate.

Press Censorship and Economic Control

Alongside the divisive debates over Irish unity, the Irish government also exerted strict control over the press and the economy during the Emergency period of World War II. The government imposed censorship on news reporting, restricting the flow of information to the public. Journalists faced tight restrictions on what they could publish, and the government closely monitored the Irish media.

Plus, the government implemented economic controls, including rationing and price controls, to manage scarce resources. This allowed the government to maintain a neutral stance during the war, but also caused significant hardships for the Irish people.

Key impacts included:

• Restricted press freedom and access to information

• Rationing of essential goods and services

• Price controls and economic regulation

• Challenges to maintaining neutrality

• Hardships faced by the Irish population

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to focus on your specific interests. The private guided nature of the tour allows for a personalized experience tailored to your preferences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator offers a 10% discount for students and seniors. Discounted tickets must be booked in advance and verified with valid identification upon arrival. Additional discounts may be available through special promotions or packages.

Do You Offer Private Transportation to and From the Meeting Point?

No, private transportation to and from the meeting point is not included. However, the tour company can provide information on local transportation options for getting to the starting location if needed.

Can the Tour Be Extended Beyond the 2-Hour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended beyond the standard 2 hours. Guests can discuss with the guide at the meeting point to arrange an extended tour, which may incur additional costs based on the requested duration.

Are There Any Options for a Self-Guided Version of the Tour?

While the tour is offered as a guided experience, there are no self-guided options available. Visitors would need to explore Dublin’s WWII history independently through maps, brochures, or mobile apps if they prefer a self-directed approach.

Recap

This private guided tour provides a unique opportunity to explore Dublin’s complex role during World War II.

Visitors will gain insight into Ireland’s neutrality, the economic hardships faced, and the impact on national unity.

Led by an expert guide, the tour offers an intimate, in-depth look at this significant historical period through key sites and first-hand accounts.

It’s a must-do for those interested in understanding Dublin’s wartime experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: