The Day the World Rocked – Live Aid Guided Tour
Step back to one of the most unforgettable moments in music history on this free guided tour of The Day the World Rocked at Dublin's National Photographic Archive. Explore the story behind Live Aid through remarkable photographs, rare archive material and expert commentary that brings the iconic 1985 concerts to life.
- Join a free guided tour of the acclaimed Live Aid exhibition.
- Discover over 70 iconic images from the Band Aid Trust Archive.
- Learn the story behind the global concerts that united over a billion viewers.
- See memorable moments featuring Queen, U2, David Bowie, Madonna, Phil Collins and many more.
- Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from expert guides.
- Located in the National Photographic Archive in the heart of Temple Bar.
- Perfect for music lovers, history enthusiasts and visitors exploring Dublin.
Experience Live Aid History
Celebrate one of the most influential musical events of the twentieth century with The Day the World Rocked, a free guided tour at the National Photographic Archive in Dublin.
This engaging experience explores the extraordinary story of Live Aid, the global charity concerts held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia on 13 July 1985. Through an impressive collection of photographs from the Band Aid Trust Archive, visitors can relive the excitement, emotion and worldwide impact of an event that brought together many of the world's biggest artists in support of famine relief.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour reveals the stories behind the photographs, from backstage preparations to unforgettable live performances that captivated an estimated 1.6 billion television viewers around the world. Along the way, you'll discover images featuring legendary artists including Queen, U2, David Bowie, Phil Collins, Madonna, Joan Baez, Black Sabbath, Run DMC and many more.
Whether you're a lifelong music fan or discovering the story of Live Aid for the first time, this exhibition offers a fascinating insight into a defining cultural moment and the power of music to inspire global change.
Located in the vibrant Temple Bar district, this free attraction is an excellent addition to any Dublin itinerary and pairs perfectly with a day exploring the city's museums, galleries and historic streets.
Tour Details
Tours operate every Friday at 2:00 pm and Saturday at 11:00 am, subject to operational changes.
Visitors are encouraged to check opening times before travelling.
How to get there and other free attractions!
- Stop 3, O’Connell St. / Abbey St. on the Hop on Hop off Tour is Just a 5-minute walk to the National Photographic Archive and the free guided Live Aid Exhibition in Temple Bar.
- Stop 1, O’Connell St. / Dublin Bus Head Office: Around an 8-minute walk away, with Trinity College and the National Museum of Archaeology (free entry) nearby.
- Stop 12, Cork Hill is a 10-minute walk to the exhibition and home to the Chester Beatty Library, one of Dublin's top musuems which are free with a Hop on Hop off ticket
- Stop 18, Royal Hospital Where you can visit the Irish Museum of Modern Art, where general admission is free and contemporary art is on display year-round.
- Stop 22, Collins Barracks: Explore the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, another fantastic free museum easily reached on the DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour.
The Live Aid Guided Tour is Free Entry