John is the real deal ; funny, passionate, and such a gifted storyteller. He picked out four pubs for us, switching things up as he got to know our group, and every stop had historic significance. The night ended with Irish music at The Celt, which was the perfect finale, but what made it so special was how personal it felt. With just five of us plus John, it was intimate, never tourist-trappy, and more like a private walking tour of Dublin with beer and history mixed in. He included everyone, even turning one guest in a wheelchair into the VIP who got us prime spots in packed pubs and had us laughing at jokes tailored to our group (like bringing “Jesus” and “Bridget” to the Confession Box). We visited the Palace, Saints and Scholars, the Confession Box, and The Celt, but it never felt pre-planned, just John reading the vibe and making it work. As a history nut and lover of good ales, I couldn’t have asked for more , it was hands-down the best “history class” I’ve ever had.