Little Jerusalem by the Grand Canal - A Walking Tour of Old Jewish Dublin

There have been Jews in Dublin since 1232, and while the community now numbers only 1500, it has distinguished itself out of proportion to its size. Actress and writer Amy Huberman grew up in Cabinteely; film director Lenny Abrahamson has been the recipient of two Oscar nominations and Dubliner Leopold Bloom is perhaps the most famous fictional Jew in history.

As we walk through 'Little Jerusalem' I'll tell you of the pogroms of 1880's Russia which gave rise to the first mass influx of Jews into Ireland; the amazing story of the 'Harrington Plan' - hatched in the 1650's - which would have literally made Ireland the new Israel - a home for the Jews; and how a band of madcap fundamentalists called the British Israelites still believe that the inhabitants of the British Isles are descended from the 10 Lost Tribes of Israel, and that the Ark of the Covenant is buried at Tara!

We'll finally call at the Irish Jewish Museum in Walworth Road and then visit the city's only kosher-style establishment - the Bretzel Bakery in Lennox Street. You are invited to join me for refreshments (tea / coffee) in the Lennox 31 Cafe at the end of the tour.

I will be outside the Bleeding Horse in Camden St myself 30 minutes in advance of the tour to welcome those joining - wearing a navy jacket and holding an A4 sheet with 'Jewish Tour' in bold print either side.