Dublin Heritage Tours Founder: Courtney Fleming
Can you tell us a little about your background and what first brought you to Ireland?
I’m an Irish American tour guide with postgraduate degrees in History and Heritage, and I’ve spent more than a decade working in heritage and tourism. My career began at The Tower of London before I moved into tourism development with Fáilte Ireland. What brought me to Ireland was family, but what kept me here was the humor, the warmth, and the way history is part of everyday life.
What inspired you to start Dublin Heritage Tours?
I wanted to tell Dublin’s stories the way they deserve to be told – with wit, warmth, and a bit of edge. People don’t just want facts, they want to feel the city. Dublin Heritage Tours grew out of that idea: small groups, great stories, and the freedom to dig into the kind of history that doesn’t always make it into guidebooks.
Did you always have an interest in Irish history, or did that develop after moving to Dublin?
I’ve always loved history, and Ireland’s story has fascinated me for as long as I can remember, but Dublin made it real.
The city wears its history openly – you can hear it in the jokes, see it in the brickwork, and sense it in the way Dubliners still tell old tales like they just happened.
What can visitors expect on one of your walking tours?
Guests can expect stories that stay with them, not lectures. My tours are small, lively, and full of character. They’ll get the history, the scandal, the jokes, and the details that give the city its edge.
How do your tours differ from other walking tours of Dublin?
Dublin Heritage Tours is fully independent. Every story, route, and theme is researched and written by me.
That independence keeps things fresh, local, and true to Dublin’s voice. I also keep my groups tiny, so it feels more like exploring with a local friend than following a flag.
Are there any particular themes or historical periods your tours focus on?
I build each tour around stories that feel alive. I’m drawn to themes where history and humanity meet – brewing and trade, migration and identity, folklore and memory. Each route shows the city not as a timeline, but as a living history full of humor, hardship, and heart.
What’s one story or landmark that always captures your guests’ attention?
The Guinness family. Most visitors know the beer, but few realize how much more there is behind the name – philanthropy, politics, and plenty of personality.
The Guinnesses shaped everything from housing to hospitals, and with the new Netflix series sparking curiosity, guests love hearing the real stories behind the dynasty.
As an American living in Dublin, how do you see the city differently from locals?
I still notice details locals might pass by. Arriving later in life means everything feels worth a second look – a street name, a doorway, a half-faded sign. That curiosity helps me see Dublin as both insider and outsider, which is a good place to tell its stories from.
Do you find visitors are surprised by any aspect of Dublin’s history or culture?
Yes – mostly by how dark and funny it can be at the same time. Dublin has a way of finding humor in its heartbreaks, and that mix of wit and resilience always catches people off guard.
What’s your favorite part of leading tours — the history itself, the people you meet, or something else?
I love meeting people from all over the world, but the real reward is when a story lands. When someone laughs, gasps, or suddenly sees Dublin differently, that’s the moment that matters.
The history is fascinating, but bringing it to life and making someone feel it is what I love most.
What would be your top tip for visitors exploring Dublin for the first time?
Skip the checklist. Don’t feel you have to see something just because it’s famous. Dublin rewards curiosity, not haste. Do the things that genuinely interest you, whether that’s a museum, a pint, or a quiet walk by the river. The best experiences here come when you follow what calls to you.
Are there any lesser-known spots you recommend people visit after your tour?
Yes, though I like to keep a few under wraps! Dublin still has plenty of hidden corners that haven’t been turned into hashtags yet. My guests always leave with the best insider tips and recommendations.
If someone only had one day in Dublin, how would you suggest they spend it?
If you’ve only got one day in Dublin, the best thing you can do is get in touch with me. I’ll plan the perfect day around your interests… a mix of history, great food, and proper Dublin character.
But if you’re going at it alone, start with coffee at an independent café, stroll along the river, follow the scent of Guinness through my neighborhood, the Liberties, and end the night wherever the music and laughter pull you in.
Do you have plans to expand your tours or introduce new routes?
There’s so much cooking behind the scenes – literally! I’m launching heritage food tours that explore Ireland through its flavors, ingredients, and the stories behind them.
I’m also always in the archives, uncovering new tales to weave into future routes. And if all goes to plan, we’ll soon be adding day trips by rail from Dublin, connecting the city to some of Ireland’s most fascinating historic towns.
How can people find out more about Dublin Heritage Tours?
Visit our website http://www.dublinheritagetours.com for full details on all of our tours, and keep an eye on our Instagram @dublinheritagetours for exciting announcements!
Courtney is a member of my Tour Guide Network.
