Enjoy a variety of stops along the way on your tour through Dublin, Ohio. Indoor or outdoor, vintage or trendy, we have something that accommodates everyone!
Our group tours are unique because we offer a variety of programs to explore during your time in Dublin, Ohio. All things Irish inspired, these programs help bring in the experience!
Be sure to check out all the Irish activities Dublin offers groups to infuse some Irish Attitude into your visit.
Irish Dance 101- What's a reel? How did Irish step dancing evolve into the celebrated "Riverdance" style recognized today? Visit one of the foremost Irish dance schools in North America and meet a professional Irish dance instructor (who danced with Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance). Learn the answers to these questions while watching costumed dancers engage in fancy footwork. ($5/person; 25 person minimum - VIP)
Driving Tour of Dublin - Discover little-known secrets about our emerald city while relaxing on the coach during this step-on driving tour. How did Dublin get its' name? What is the "Field of Corn"? Who was "Leatherlips"? We'll offer some rich history, funny tales, and even a ghost story! (Note: Step-on tours are COMPLIMENTARY for groups staying in one of Dublin's 17 hotels and working with Visit Dublin! - VIP) *$50 fee if not in a Dublin hotel.
Irish Penny Whistle Class - Learn a little history about the Penny Whistle- or Irish flute. Try a few notes, then attempt a simple tune! Everyone goes home with their own Penny Whistle, good memories, and a newfound appreciation for this fun little instrument. ($13/whistle; instructor works for tips - VIP)
Irish Fairy Door Trail - Discover 11 magical Irish fairy doors while wandering the quaint shops of the historic district. Search for fairy names while experiencing sweet shops, boutiques and more. Find all the names and redeem your free t-shirt! ($6/person; VIP)
Wake Me When It's Over - Visit with Cait Seo Rua, the daughter-in-law of "Pat Murphy" who is the guest of honor at an old-style Irish Wake. She will guide you through the customs and folkways of this curious and disappearing three-day tradition as it would have been circa 1898. ($75/program - VIP)
The Ancient Saints of Ireland- "In Downpatrick three saints one grace do fill: Patrick, Brigid, and Columcille." Two were former slaves, all were miracle workers, and one was even master of the Loch Ness monster- St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Columba (Columcille), the patron saints of Ireland. Hear author Cindy Thomson tell stories about their lives and legends- and learn how to weave a St. Brigid's cross to take home. ($150/program OR $200 to make a St. Brigid's Cross)
Ireland's High Crosses - Author Cindy Thomson shares the symbolism and historical significance of several of Ireland’s high crosses. From telling Biblical stories to marking boundaries, at least 60 of these ancient, seemingly mysterious, monuments stand today. She will also share a short fictional story she wrote about the significance of the high cross. ($150/program - VIP)
Enjoy the full Irish experience with one of these rentable entertainers to keep up the Irish flare during a meal or even while crafting at one of your stops along the way. The entertainers keep up the Irish Attitude and give you and your group an experience of a lifetime!
VIP = Very Irish Experience
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium- The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was made famous by director emeritus "Jungle Jack" Hanna's memorable appearances on the David Letterman Show and Good Morning America. The Zoo rests on hundreds of acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats and includes the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark and Safari Golf Club. The Zoo features nine world regions representing over 700 species and is one of the only three facilities outside of Florida to exhibit and rehabilitate the endangered West Indian manatee. (Kids: $16.99, Adults: $21.99, Seniors: $16.99)
Phoenix Bats- Picture yourself as a Major League baseball player when you tour the ONLY professionally approved bat maker in Ohio! In just two minutes, see a tube of wood turned into a game bat suitable for a big leaguer. ($10/person, includes mini-bat; can have shamrock engraved - VIP) Get Details.
Shopping in Historic Dublin- Stroll through the quaint shops (many of which are Irish approved businesses!) in Historic Downtown Dublin where many buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether it is clothing, jewelry, sweets, or authentic Irish gear, everyone is guaranteed a great souvenir. Dublin CVB can provide walking maps and coupon books (free - VIP).
Dublin Arts Center and Gallery- View rotating artwork exhibits in an elegant French-eclectic style building that was constructed in 1941 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Fletcher Coffman Homestead- This Civil War era, brick house and adjoining farm buildings typify American farm life of the 1800s. Built around 1862, the two-story house has been restored to interpret the lifestyle and tastes of a middle-class farm family of that area. Available by appointment.
Cookie or Cupcake Decorating- Local wedding cake designer offers a 1-hour, hands-on guided instruction and demonstration for 4-cookies or 4-cupcakes decorated by the guest in a seasonal or Irish theme. Box provided to take to share your masterpieces with friends and family. ($15/person - VIP)
Celtic Creations Painting Workshop- Get your creature juices flowing under the instruction of a local artist. Feel like a true artist while learning painting techniques to create your own art piece with a bit of Irish flare. This isn't your typical paint-by-numbers class! ($20/ wine glass painting, $35/ canvas painting, $45/ canvas painting with wine and hors d'oeuvres; groups with over 25 guests must be off-site - VIP)
Penn & Beech- In this hands-on experience, participants will embrace the smells of spring and Ireland as they visit The Candle Lab (Worthington location) and pour their own long-burning, higher-quality candle using soy wax, cotton paper wicks, and pure fragrance oils. Select from a variety of fragrances and create a lovely candle with a customized label to take home or give as a gift. ($15-22/candle depending on candle size)
Ohio History Center & Ohio Village- Explore the museum where you will find everything from exhibits about life in the 1950s to extinct and endangered Ohio species to an exquisite collection of restored Civil War battle flags. Stroll the streets of Ohio Village in the summer months, which is a replica of a town in the 1860s.