Dublin is often the first stop on an Ireland itinerary, but too often, visitors rush through it.

Gráinne Lawlor wants you to slow down, sit down, and taste the city. Through her company, Flavour Trails, she offers food, whiskey, and storytelling tours that highlight the heart of Dublin: its people, its history, and it's incredible local flavor.

After years working abroad and then for a local tour company, Gráinne Lawlor took the leap and bought the business she loved. Today she runs Flavour Trails, offering unforgettable food, whiskey, and storytelling tours in the heart of Dublin.

What makes her tours stand out? It's the way she and her team weave history, culture, and pure craic into every stop. And she’s not just serving up bites and sips, she’s dishing out insights only a local (and a very well-fed one at that) can offer.

This article is based on Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 282 featuring Gráinne Lawlor, owner of Flavour Trails in Dublin.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

Gráinne isn’t originally from Dublin, but she’s fallen hard for the capital – and for good reason.

Dublin is incredibly walkable, filled with warm, helpful people, and home to some of the best free cultural experiences in Ireland. From galleries and museums to impromptu pub storytelling sessions, the city doesn’t charge you to soak in the culture.

And the best part? You can start your sightseeing early, be in bed at a reasonable hour, and still pack in a full day of fun.

Temple Bar might be famous, but it’s also famously overpriced. If you’re after real music and a more authentic vibe, Gráinne recommends:

Both spots offer nightly tunes without the tourist mark-up.

And a bonus: Silverworks, where you can forge your own claddagh ring or Christmas ornament. Gráinne swears even the skeptical men get into it.

Flavour Trails tours are never rushed. Think three courses, three stops, and stories that stick with you. The food tour is their most popular, showcasing Irish dishes the way locals eat them – served with history and humor.

Then there’s the whiskey tour – six samples across three locations, covering all three styles of Irish whiskey (yes, that’s a thing). Add in food pairings and education, and even non-whiskey drinkers walk away fans.

The newest offering? A storytelling tour filled with folklore, pub etiquette, and colorful characters. Drinks and snacks included, of course.

If you want to support local (and skip those hefty third-party booking fees), head straight to flavourtrails.ie.
You can also find these tours on Viator: The Irish Food Trail, The Whiskey Trail, or The Storytelling Trail.

Follow FlavourTrails on social:

Gráinne’s best whiskey-buying advice? Don’t buy what you can find at home – opt for bottles that aren’t exported. The duty-free shop at Dublin Airport is one of the best around, but if you want help deciding, head to The Celtic Whiskey Shop or The Corkscrew. They’ll ship it for you, too.

If you're landing in Dublin and not sure where to start, consider booking a Flavour Trails tour on your first day. You’ll get over your jet lag, get a feel for the city, and gather recommendations from locals who don’t take commissions – just pride in sharing the best of their city.

Gráinne and her team aren’t shy about giving honest advice, whether you're wondering where to eat or what to skip entirely. It's the kind of insight you just can't get from a guidebook.

The post Flavour Trails in Dublin: Food, Whiskey & Stories You’ll Want to Savor appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.