The Liberties: A Walk Through Dublin's Foundations

Come join us for a fascinating journey through the historic district of The Liberties, Dublin’s original suburb. As old as the city itself, this richly historic neighbourhood has been home to Vikings, Norman, Monks, Nobles, Rebels, Weavers, and even a ghost or two! Discover who were the people who lived there? What were they like? How did they live? And consider, as you traverse the narrow pathways, how things have evolved over the years and wonder what, in the future, may become of this unique village in the city.

The Liberties was originally one of several areas outside medieval Dublin’s city walls, and was granted exemption from taxes. The name dates to the 12th century when the Abbey of St Thomas the Martyr was given extensive lands here along with privileges and powers to control trade within their “liberty”. Today the name denotes the area around Thomas Street, Meath Street and Cornmarket where those Augustinian monks once reigned.

Join your guide Anita Ray, a proud local resident who was born and raised in the Liberties, in front of St James' Catholic Church, and be prepared to travel through the centuries, peek through walls and historic buildings, and let yourself imagine how life ‘used to be’.