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Experience the Best of the Emerald Isle

Ireland is the land of breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. CIE Tours' vacations to Ireland help you experience the real Emerald Isle, whether you’re raising a pint with new Irish friends at a lively pub, following in the footsteps of your ancestors among the rolling hills and picturesque castles, or enjoying the best of Irish culture through tastings and authentic experiences. You’ll see Ireland in a whole new light.

• Ballintubber Abbey

Elaborately carved Celtic crosses dot the grounds of this ancient church founded in 1216, in Ireland's scenic County Mayo.

O'Brien's Tower

Originally built as a viewing area for 19th Century visitors, O'Brien's Tower sits near the high point of the Cliffs of Moher.

A vibrant arts and culinary scene—and colorful buildings set along medieval streets—make Galway a can't-miss stop.

• Blarney Castle

Kissing the "Stone of Eloquence" may be the reason millions of tourists flock to Blarney Castle every year, but the gardens around it—including its new Poison Garden filled with dangerous and toxic plants—are another reason to add this to your must-do list.

Trinity College & Book of Kells

Ireland's oldest college houses one of the country's most cherished treasures—a beautiful illuminated version of the New Testament Gospels, created by monks in the 9th century. It's one of the essential things to see in Dublin.

Giant's Causeway

Legend has it that the basalt stone columns were set into the sea by giants creating stepping stones—but volcanic activity set these stones in place millions of years ago.

Kylemore Abbey

This 19th century grand manor and its legendary gardens became the home to Benedictine nuns fleeing Belgium during World War I.

• Skellig Experience

Learn about the island of Skellig Michael, where early Christian monks lived in austere conditions. This beautiful and remote location was used in the film "Star Wars VII".

Dublin's Ha'penny Bridge

This cast-iron walking bridge, which spans the River Liffey, was built in the 19th century. Join the 30,000 Dubliners and visitors who walk across Dublin's iconic Ha'Penny Bridge each day.

• Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry offers one of the most scenic drives in the world, with emerald green meadows, stark cliffs and sandy shores dotted with ruins.

• Dingle Peninsula

The Irish mainland's westernmost point features wide, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs along its edges, and dramatic hills and mountains at its center.

Aran Islands Cliffs

These beautiful cliffs rise dramatically along the entire western side of Inis Mor island and yield great views of the Cliffs of Moher across Galway Bay.

Musicians and artists are an integral and vibrant part of fabric of the lively, cultured city of Galway.

Cheesemonger

Ireland's food renaissance includes many artisan producers who take full advantage of its natural bounty.

• Bunratty Castle

This splendid 15th-century tower house in County Clare includes a living reconstruction of the life of Ireland over a century ago.

Get a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's long-practiced art of falconry, the country's traditional "Sport of Kings."

Flavors of the Sea

Ireland abounds with the savors of the sea and the folk who fish it.

Fine Dining

A generation of culinary innovation and exploration has made modern Ireland a foodie's paradise.

In Ireland, fresh seafood is never more than a short swim away.

Merry Ploughboy

Dine at this iconic pub and come alive to the fancy footwork of Irish step dancers and lively traditional tunes.

• Cliffs of Moher

These shale and sandstone cliffs rise 700 feet above the Atlantic, and serve as one of the most iconic pieces of scenery in all of Ireland.

Sheep Herding

Ireland's emerald green pastures are home to countless flocks of sheep. Irish wool is used for the intricately knitted Aran sweaters and other goods.

Ireland Tours

• A La Carte B&B
• Hand-Picked Accommodations
• Ireland - Custom Groups
• Self-Drive Classic Itineraries
• England & Wales - Custom Groups
• Self-Drive: Traveler’s Choice
• Scotland - Custom Groups
• Iceland - Custom Groups
• 8 - 14 Days
• 3D Battle Show
• Abbey Tavern
• Achill Island
• Alnwick Castle
• Aran Islands
• Arigna Mining Centre
• Ashford Castle
• Ballachulish
• Ballinwillin House
• Ballycotton
• Ballyfarnon
• Ballyknocken Cookery School
• Bernese Oberland
• Black Forest
• Blakes of the Hollow Pub
• Bristol Tour
• Brjansstadir
• Cambridge Punting
• Cambridge Tour
• Canterbury Cathedral
• Carlingford
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Carrick-on-Shannon
• Causey Farm
• Celtic Whiskey Bar
• Charles Fort
• Chavenage House
• Chocolate-Making Experience
• Church Bar and Restaurant
• Cobh Heritage Centre
• Connemara Celtic Crystal
• Cooking Competition
• Croke Park Stadium
• Cross Guns Gastropub
• Crosskeys Inn
• Culzean Castle
• Dalkey Castle
• Derrynane House
• Distillery Visit
• Down Cathedral
• Dromoland Castle
• Dublin Tour
• Dun Aengus Fort
• Dun Laoghaire
• Ely Cathedral
• Farm to Table Dinner
• Farmhouse Visit
• Florence Court House
• Gallarus Oratory
• Gedächtniskirche
• Glasgow Tour
• Glasnevin Museum
• Glastonbury Tor & Abbey
• Glenlo Abbey
• Glenveagh National Park
• GPO Witness History
• Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
• Hampton Court Palace
• Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Highland games
• Irish National Stud
• Irish Whiskey Museum
• Isle of Capri
• Jameson Experience
• John B. Keane's Pub
• Johnstown Castle
• Kilkenny Castle
• Kilronan Castle
• King John's Castle
• Kyle of Lochalsh
• Lake Distillery
• Leeds Castle
• Letterkenny
• Long Meadow Cider
• Lough Ree Viking Cruise
• Malahide Castle
• Mary Rose Museum
• Melrose Abbey
• Montecatini Terme
• Muckross House
• Muckross Schoolhouse
• National Piping Centre
• New Chocolate Company Tasting
• Newmarket-on-Fergus
• O'Connors Famous Pub
• Páidí Ó Sé’s Pub
• Parknasilla House
• Peace Bridge
• Pollok House
• Quiet Man Walking Tour
• Rhine Gorge
• Riverside Transport Museum
• Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
• Rosscarbery
• Royal Tunbridge Wells
• Royal Yacht Britannia
• Scotney Castle
• Scottish Evening
• Seaweed Foraging
• Shepherd Neame Brewery
• Sissinghurst Castle Garden
• Sistine Chapel
• Slane Castle & Distillery
• Slea Head Loop
• Smithwick's Experience
• Spike Island
• St Michael's Mount
• St Patrick's Day in Dublin
• St. Austell
• St. Michan's Church Crypt
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Stone of Destiny
• Strahov Stadium
• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Strokkur Geysir
• Svartifoss Waterfall
• Taigh Chearsabhagh
• Taylors Three Rock Pub
• Teeling Distillery
• Tenby Walking Tour
• Thames River Cruise
• The Armitt Museum
• The Church Bar and Restaurant
• The Glyde Inn
• Thingvellir National Park
• Three Bridges
• Timoleague Franciscan Friary
• Tintern Abbey
• Titanic Belfast
• Titanic Walking Tour
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Toompea Castle
• Tower of London
• Town Crier Tour
• Trafalgar Square
• Trevi Fountain
• Trim Castle
• Trim Living History
• Trinity College
• Triona Design
• Trotternish Peninsula
• Turf-Cutting Demonstration
• Turkish Bazaar Bas Carsija
• Uffizi Gallery
• UN Building
• Upper and Lower Old Town
• Urquhart Castle
• Veliko Jezero
• Venice Gondola Ride
• Venice Walking Tour
• Victorian Tall Ship
• Viking Splash Dublin Tour
• Villa Borghese Gardens
• Vilnius Castle
• Vilnius University
• Vintage Afternoon Tea Tour
• Walking Tour of Korcula
• Walled City Brewery
• Warner Brothers Studio “Making of Harry Potter”
• Waterford Crystal
• Waterford Tour
• Welsh Banquet
• Welsh Language Lesson
• Wenceslas Square
• West Coast Coastal Drive
• Westminster Abbey
• Westport House
• Whitby Tour
• White Cliffs
• Wild Atlantic Way Drive
• Windsor Castle
• Winter Palace
• Yansa Gora Monastery
• York Minster
• York Walking Tour
• Zwinger Palace
• Abbotsford House
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Ardmhor on Barra
• Armadale Castle
• Armory Museum
• Astronomical Clock
• Auschwitz-Birkenau
• Bamburgh Castle
• Bannockburn Visitor Center
• Baroque Town Hall
• Basilica of San Marco
• Bell Tower Clock
• Belleek Pottery
• Belvedere Palace
• Betws-y-Coed
• Black Madonna
• Blair Athol Distillery
• Blair Castle
• Blarney Castle & Killarney
• Blarney Woollen Mills
• Blasket Centre
• Bled Castle
• Blenheim Palace
• Blue Lagoon
• Bodmin Moor
• Bodnant Welsh Food Centre
• Boka Waterfall
• Book of Kells
• Bosta Beach
• Brecon Beacons National Park
• British Golf Museum
• British Museum
• British Music Experience
• Brodie Castle
• Brú na Boinne Visitor Center
• Burren Smokehouse
• Cabra Castle
• Caernarfon Castle
• Callanish Standing Stones
• Canal Cruise
• Cardiff Bay Tour
• Cardiff Castle
• Cardiff Tour
• Castle Esplanade
• Castle Hill
• Castle Howard
• Castle Square
• Cathedral of St. Dude
• Cathedral of St. Vitus
• Catherine Palace & Park
• Cavern Club
• Cawdor Castle
• Charles Bridge
• Chester Cathedral
• Chester Walking Tour
• Church of St. Donat
• Churchill Barriers
• Clan Donald Centre
• Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
• Corrib Cruise
• Crown Jewels
• Cruiser Aurora
• Crumlin Road Gaol
• Culloden Battlefield Visitor Center
• Culross (Outlander)
• Culross Abbey
• Culross Palace
• Daliborka Tower
• Dan O’Hara’s Homestead Farmhouse Visit
• Dartmoor National Park
• Derry’s Medieval Walls
• Dingle Bay Cruise
• Diocletian’s Palace
• Doge’s Palace
• Dome Cathedral
• Dominican Monastery
• Donegal Castle
• Doune Castle
• Dublin Castle
• Dubrovnik Walking Tour
• Dun Carloway Broch
• Dunbrody Famine Ship
• Dunrobin Castle
• Dunvegan Castle
• Edinburgh Castle
• Edinburgh Tour
• Eiffel Tower
• Eilean Donan Castle
• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
• Evening Canal Cruise
• Falconry Exhibition
• Famous Blacksmiths Shop
• Field of Mars
• Firth of Forth
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• Florence Walking Tour
• Fort Augustus
• Fort William
• Forth Bridge
• Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
• Franciscan Monastery
• Fridheimar Tomato Farm
• Gavrilo Princip Museum
• Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
• Gediminas’ Tower
• Gellert Hill Citadel
• General Post Office Museum
• Giant’s Causeway
• Glamis Castle
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Glen Grant Distillery
• Glencoe Mountains
• Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
• Glenfiddich Distillery
• Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter)
• Glengesh Pass
• Goathland Station (Hogsmeade from Harry Potter)
• Golden Circle
• Golden Lane
• Goriska Brda
• Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St. Mark
• Government Palace
• Gower Peninsula
• Grafton Street, Dublin
• Grampian Mountains
• Great Orme Tramway
• Gruz Harbor
• Guinness Storehouse
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Hallgrímskirkja
• Harlech Castle
• Harry Potter Walking Tour
• Harry’s Bar
• Hebridean Smokehouse
• Hekla Volcano
• Heroes’ Square
• Highland Safaris
• Hillsborough Castle
• Hofburg Palace
• Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra
• Horgabost Beach
• Horseshoe Pass
• Houses of Parliament
• Husref Bay’s Mosque
• Hvar Island
• Inveraray Castle
• Inverewe Gardens
• Iron Age House
• Isle of Benbecula
• Isle of Bute
• Isle of Harris Distillery
• Isle of Lewis
• Isle of Skye
• Italian Chapel
• Jacobite Steam Train
• Jamaica Inn
• Jaunting Car Ride
• Jewish Ghetto
• Johnstons of Elgin
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Jupiter’s Temple
• Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
• Kashmir Goats
• Kensington Palace
• Killarney National Park
• Killarney’s Lakes
• Killary Harbour
• Kilmainham Gaol
• Kilmuir Graveyard
• Kinsale Walk
• Knock Shrine
• Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
• Lake Bohinj
• Lake District
• Lake Windermere Cruise
• Lanhydrock House
• Lava Center
• Lazienki Park & Palace
• Leverburgh on Harris
• Liberty Monument
• Limerick Panoramic Tour
• Lissadell House
• Literary Tea with Scones
• Little Museum of Dublin
• Llandudno Tram
• Loch an Duin
• Loch Linnhe
• Loch Lomond
• Lochboisdale
• London Pub Food Tour
• London Tour
• Lovespoon Workshop
• Luskentyre Beach
• Lynch’s Castle
• Machynlleth
• Malo Jezero
• Matthias Church
• Mayflower Steps
• Medieval Castle Banquet
• Mercato Centrale
• Merry Ploughboy Pub
• Mljet Island & National Park
• Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto
• Moscow University
• Mount Snowdon
• Mount Stuart House
• Nace Homestead
• Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh Heritage Centre
• National Slate Museum
• Nelson’s Column
• Neolithic Tombs
• Nevsky Prospect
• Nine Glens of Antrim
• North Yorkshire Moors Railway
• Northern Lights
• Novodevichy Convent
• Old Market Square
• Old Royal Palace
• Olive Oil & Wine Tasting
• Olympic Stadium
• Orlando’s Column
• Our Lady of the Rocks
• Oxford Walking Tour
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Palace of Science and Culture
• Palace Square
• Palaces for the People
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Pembroke Castle
• Penderyn Distillery
• Peter and Paul Cathedral
• Peter and Paul Fortress
• Petrodvorets
• Piazza della Signoria
• Piccadilly Circus
• Pitlochry Pub Lunch
• Plitvice Lakes
• Politician Pub
• Poljanska Sora
• Postojna Cave
• Powerscourt House
• Prater Amusement Park
• Provand’s Lordship
• Rannoch Moor
• Rector’s Palace
• Red Deer Encounter
• Reykjavik City Tour
• Reynisfjara Beach
• Riga Castle
• Ring of Brodgar
• River Avon Cruise
• River Clyde
• River Moskva
• River Shannon
• Robba’s Fountain
• Roman baths
• Roman Forum
• Ross Castle
• Royal and Ancient Clubhouse
• Royal Castle
• Royal Castle of Hradcany
• Royal Cathedral
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Royal Military Tattoo
• Royal Route
• Russborough House
• Russian Folklore
• Saxon Gardens
• Schiller Theater
• Schloss Charlottenburg
• Scone Palace
• Secret Lagoon
• Seine River Cruise
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Selska Sora
• Semper Opera House
• Senate Square
• Sergiev Posad
• Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Sheepdog Demonstration
• Shepherd’s Museum
• Shrewsbury Walking Tour
• Skaftafell National Park
• Skofja Loka
• Skogafoss Waterfall
• Skogar Folk Museum
• Slieve League Cliffs
• Smallest House in Britain
• Smolny Cathedral
• Snowdonia National Park
• South Pole Inn
• Spanish Steps
• Spean Bridge
• Speyside Distilleries
• Sponza Palace
• Square of the Five Wells
• St. Anastasia
• St. Andrews Castle
• St. Andrews Walk
• St. Anne’s Church
• St. Asaph’s Cathedral
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• St. Catherine’s Church
• St. Columba’s Cathedral
• St. David’s Cathedral
• St. Fagans Castle
• St. Fagans National Museum of History
• St. George’s Basilica
• St. Isaac’s Cathedral
• St. Isaac’s Square
• St. Jacobs Cathedral
• St. John’s Cathedral
• St. Magnus Cathedral
• St. Mark’s Church
• St. Mary’s Church
• St. Michael’s Mount
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• St. Patrick’s Grave
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• St. Peter and Paul’s Church
• St. Peter’s Church
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Step Dancing
• Stirling Castle
• Staff Picks
• Price (Low to High)
• Price (High to Low)

2024 TOURS: SAVE 10% - USE CODE MAY2410

2025 Tours: Save $300pp - Use Code EBD25300

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Starting from $2,695

Discover the untamed nature and rich cultural heritage of Ireland’s western coast, with its spectacular ocean vistas, enchanting towns, and craftsmanship deeply rooted in tradition.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2025 Tours: Save $100pp - Use Code EBD25100

Taste of Ireland

Starting from $1,395

This fast-paced, short-and-sweet Ireland tour is the perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle. Taste of Ireland hits all of the "greatest hits" highlights—from Blarney Castle to the Cliffs of…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

2025 Tours: Save $200pp - Use Code EBD25200

Irish Adventure

Starting from $1,945

Make the most of every moment of your Ireland vacation—you'll discover all the can't-miss Irish scenery and history on this fast-paced tour.

Taste of Scotland & Ireland

Starting from $3,195

The perfect combination of two great countries in one itinerary. Start in Glasgow before exploring the Scottish Highlands with a Loch Ness cruise and whisky tasting. Visit St Andrews and Edinburgh…

2024 TOURS: SAVE 15% - USE CODE MAY2415

Best of Ireland South

Starting from $1,845

Give us a week, and we'll tour the best of Ireland with you. Thrill at the amazing Cliffs of Moher and the gorgeous Dingle Peninsula on this perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle. 

Starting from $2,545

Take your time on this Ireland tour, which explores the most acclaimed sights in the south and west, including the mountainous beauty of Connemara.

2024 TOURS: Save 10% - USE CODE MAY2410

2025 Tours: Save $400pp - Use Code EBD25400

Irish Odyssey

Starting from $3,395

Explore Ireland's gorgeous scenery and rich history on this comprehensive Irish tour that hits every corner of the island.

Ireland South Daytripper

Starting from $2,345

Turn your Irish vacation into a staycation. Set up your home base in the lovely village of Adare, then set out on day trips to see some of Ireland's top attractions. 

Irish Legends

Starting from $2,745

Delve into Ireland and its past on this tour, which mixes in plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path sights among the tried-and-true favorites. 

2025 Tours: Save $500pp - Use Code EBD25500

Irish Classic

Starting from $3,795

Skirt along the entire rugged coastline to see the highlights on this Ireland tour. 

The Scots Irish Tour

Starting from $3,595

This fast-paced Scotland and Ireland tour focuses on their rich history, with plenty of castle tours and museums to help bring the past to life. It's the perfect trip for those interested in…

The Irish Pub Tour

Starting from $2,145

Irish pubs are the hearts of their communities—a source of camaraderie, stories, and song. Raise a glass (or two!) to rich pub culture and history on this guided tour of Ireland, which offers…

Irish Spirit

Starting from $1,995

This leisurely Irish tour covers the spectacular scenery of the countryside and seaside, with plenty of stops in the Emerald Isle's vibrant towns to stop and explore.

Scottish & Irish Dream

Starting from $4,195

This great combination tour covers essential parts of Scotland with dreamy castles, mythical Isle of Skye, historic Culloden, skilled sheepdogs and the capital city of Edinburgh. Your adventure…

Scottish & Irish Gold

Starting from $4,495

This great combination tour covers the same itinerary in Scotland as on the Scottish & Irish Dream with romantic castles, mythical Isle of Skye, historic Culloden, and Edinburgh. In Ireland…

Jewels of Ireland

Starting from $3,995

Enjoy the splendor of every corner on this leisurely Ireland tour of the essential—and the unexpected.

Taste of Britain & Ireland

Starting from $4,445

Get a great introduction to two great countries on this lively trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland. Enjoy a generous helping of the essential must-dos, with a hint of the unexpected. 

Irish Heritage

Starting from $2,395

See all the highlights on this classic tour - and on our 8-day option, luxuriate in a stay at the elegant, five-star Dromoland Castle Hotel.

Southern Gems

Starting from $2,245

Visit many beloved highlights of Ireland: Dublin Castle, Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher. Experience a medieval castle banquet.  Stay in two of Ireland's most charming towns: Kinsale and…

Mystical Ireland

Starting from $2,645

Explore the lesser-known northern half of Ireland, starting in Dublin and ending in Shannon. This itinerary hugs the coastline and visits St. Patrick country, Titanic Belfast, the walled city of…

2025 TOURS: SAVE $100PP - USE CODE EBD25100

Evergreen Ireland North

Starting from $1,145

Scenic wonders, lively cities, and cozy firesides: this winter tour of Ireland showcases the best of the northern half of the island.

Evergreen Ireland South

Starting from $1,195

This spirited tour offers many of Ireland’s must-see highlights, with plenty of time for independent exploration.

Taste of Ireland Self-Drive

Starting from $895

This fast-paced, short-and-sweet Ireland tour offers the potential to see the top Irish highlights. Stay in Dublin, Killarney and Clare on this driving adventure.All our 2024 self-drive…

Best of Ireland South Self-Drive

See many of Ireland’s most amazing landscapes, including the stunningly beautiful Dingle Peninsula. Stay in Dublin, Killarney, and Newmarket-on-Fergus.   All our self-drive Classic…

Irish Gold Self-Drive

Starting from $1,695

Venture to the most acclaimed sights and scenic byways of the West and South of Ireland. Visit beautiful Connemara, stroll Kilkenny’s medieval streets, and drive the Ring of Kerry. All our…

Irish Odyssey Self-Drive

Explore gorgeous scenery and intriguing culture as you drive around the entire Ireland on this comprehensive tour. Enjoy a stay at the luxurious Cabra Castle in Dublin and a dinner with a flight…

Irish Legends Self-Drive

Starting from $1,645

Explore hidden gems along with tried-and-true favorites on this self-drive adventure. Begin with a stay in a beautiful Georgian mansion, visit medieval Kilkenny, friendly Killarney, and buzzing…

Irish Classic Self-Drive

Drive the rugged coastlines and countryside as you explore. See Dublin’s highlights, then head to Belfast as you start your route around Ireland. 

Irish Spirit Self-Drive

Starting from $1,295

See spectacular scenery as you drive this great route, offering castles, cliffs, and coastlines.  All our 2024 self-drive Classic Itinerary tours include your hotel stays, a hop-on bus…

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way Self-Drive

Starting from $1,795

Drive west to see some of Ireland’s most spectacular Atlantic coastline and enjoy stays in scenic Donegal, charming Westport, pretty Adare, and lively Killarney. Take in Dublin,…

Ireland at a glance

Euro (Sterling in Northern Ireland)

Optional 10-12% on dining

Avg.Summer Temp

Avg. winter temp, peak tourist season.

July & August

English & Irish

Must-have souvenirs

Irish whiskey

Aran sweaters

Waterford crystal

Local lingo

Craic (fun)

Banjaxed (broken)

Sláinte (cheers!)

So much beauty in one country as we travel from coast to coast…I truly was not ready to leave.

Explore your heritage

Want to visit the land of your Irish or Scottish ancestors? Enter last names from your family tree and we can guide you to tours that visit the place your family called home.

The Inclusive Advantage

Get more without spending more. CIE Tours includes every experience and most meals so you won't be hit with hidden expenses.

How can we help you?

• [email protected]
• (US / Ca) 011 353 21 237 9006
• (EU) 00 353 21 237 9006

Find Your Tour:

• England, Ireland and Scotland Tours
• Ireland Castle Tours
• Tour for max. 8 guests
• Tours for Solos
• Adults Only Tours
• Wild Atlantic Way
• Ireland's Ancient East
• Ireland Tours from Dublin
• Wild Atlantic Way Tours
• Ireland's Ancient East Tours

Arrange a Tour:

• Private Tours
• Private Tour Attractions
• Example Itineraries
• Genealogy Tours & Family Tree
• Golf Vacations
• Garden Tours

2024 Tour Packages:

• All Ireland Tours & Vacations
• Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4390 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Britain Tour 10 Days | From €2490 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2890 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1590 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 6 Days | From €990 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Historic Irish Castle Tour 7 Days | From €1790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
• Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €995 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.

2025 Tour Packages:

• Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4590 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour 9 Days | €2490 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1690 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2890 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5690 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3290 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
• Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €1090 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Tour Guides / Drivers
• Reviews of our Tours

Further Information

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Travelguide

About tour packages

• Choosing a Tour
• The Tour Hotels
• The Tour Buses

About private tours

• Arranging a Tour
• Private Tour Accommodation
• Private Tour Vehicles

Ireland Tours 2024 & 2025

Looking to customize a bespoke vacation? Check out our Private Tours

We are still Ireland's best-reviewed tour operator, with 97.3% five-star reviews.

Our UK & Ireland Tour Packages

Scroll through our Britain and Ireland tour packages for 2024 & 2025. Alternatively, you can also see what's available on your preferred dates .

Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

• 34 attractions
• Max. 26 ppl

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.

Iconic Britain Tour

• 14 attractions

Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 13 attractions

Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable hub-and-spoke tour.

Deluxe Castle Tour

• 22 attractions

Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.

Historic Irish Castle Tour

• 15 attractions

A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 25 attractions

Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.

Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 17 attractions

Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.

Discover Northern Ireland Tour

• 8 attractions

Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.

Ancient Ireland Tour

• 19 attractions

An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.

Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour

• 24 attractions

Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.

Hello from everyone here at My Ireland Tour

Welcome! We are thrilled that you are interested in visiting our country. We're proud to say that we're still an independent family-run business, based right here in Cork. We offer a range of Britain and Ireland vacation packages , as well as our bespoke private customised tours . We're looking forward to chatting with you and showing you what makes Ireland such a magical place.

Eric O'Gorman, Founder & Director

What are you looking for?

We offer various types of tour to suit all ages, interests and group sizes. What kind of vacation suits you best?

All our Ireland Tours

Ireland's best-loved destinations and its best-kept secrets, all on one magical tour.

Private Custom Tours

Custom private tours, crafted uniquely for you. All group sizes from two people to 100.

Castle Tours

Live like royalty, staying in real Irish castles steeped in history and tradition.

UK & Ireland

Tour Ireland and Britain at the same time with a tour that shows you the best of England, Ireland and Scotland.

Scotland & Ireland

Two great celtic nations, one unforgettable experience. Visit Scotland and Ireland in one trip.

Three unique tour collections

It's now even easier to find your perfect vacation. We have grouped most of our tour packages into three unique collections. Whatever your interests, whatever your budget, we have the perfect range of Irish tours for you and your group. We also offer our popular Discover Northern Ireland Tour (6 days). Alternatively, you can even customize your own bespoke private tour , just for you and your group.

Iconic Scenes Tours

Discover Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets. All with unbeatable value, while staying in some of Ireland's best four-star hotels.

• Compare all Iconic Scenes Tours
• 18-Day Tour (Ireland, England & Scotland)
• 14-Day Tour (Scotland & Ireland version)
• 14-Day Tour (Ireland-only version)
• 10-Day Tour (England & Scotland)
• 10-Day Tour
• 9-Day Tour (Scotland & Ireland version)

Ancient Luxury Tours

Get closer to the action on a tour which is limited to max. eight guests. On these luxury tours, you will be staying in four- and five-star hotels and castles.

• Compare our Ancient Luxury Tours
• 13-Day Tour (Ireland & Scotland)

Luxury Castle Tours

Live like royalty on a tour that is steeped in the rich history and traditions of the Emerald Isle. Stay in Ireland's best four- and five-star hotels and castles.

• Compare our Castles Tours
• 7-Day Historic Irish Castle Tour
• 10-Day Deluxe Irish Castles Tour

Made in Ireland, by us

We are not a reseller or an agent. We only sell our own tours, designed with care in our family office here in Cork, Ireland.

No Middleman

You will not find our tours on any other website. And with no middleman, we can provide unrivalled value with a much more personal experience.

We're here for you

On the phone, you can chat to Eric, Kristel, Shannon, Shauni, Keith or Catriona. We will be delighted to help with any questions you may have.

Britain & Ireland Tours

Why not add England and Scotland to your Irish tour experience? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compare and contrast these unique but interconnected cultures. Experience a rich and overlapping history, told from three singular perspectives. Three distinct outlooks, three separate national identities — one friendly welcome. Compare the royalty and pageantry of London with the very different majesty you will find in the rolling glens, lochs and highlands of Scotland. Of course, we think that Ireland holds the crown, with a landscape, a culture and a heritage that puts the Emerald Isle among the jewels of all European travel.

Customize your own tour

Looking for something truly unique? Why not arrange a bespoke private tour exclusively for you and your group? Our private tours can be customized to suit any group size, from two guests to a party of 100 or more. We will work with you to create the perfect tour itinerary for your group, taking away all the stress and leaving you with an unforgettable vacation experience that works for everyone. Certain destinations you want to visit? We can make it happen. Want to stay in a castle or on a working farm? Just say the word.

Stay in real castles

Experience the rich history of Ireland first-hand when you stay in some of the Emerald Isle's most enchanting castles and stately manors. That's right — with our Irish castle tours, you not only visit real Irish castles, you get to stay overnight in them, too. Choose from four castle tour vacation packages , crafted for you by our Irish-born team of tour experts. Whichever tour you choose, you can expect to live like nobility for the duration of your time with us here in Ireland.

Our small groups guarantee Never more than 26 guests per tour

We always keep our tour group sizes small. That's because we want every guest to get the comfort, space and service they deserve. Although many other companies squeeze in groups of up to 50, even the largest of our tour packages are strictly limited to just 26 guests. That leaves empty seats on the coaches. So why do we limit our tours to such small group sizes? Here are six reasons.

Superior Service

Guests consistently list our small group sizes as a top reason why they would book with us again. See our reviews...

More focus on you

With a smaller group, our tour guides have more time to get to know you and your interests.

We deliberately leave empty seats on our coaches, so you can relax and spread out.

Experience each attraction up-close and personal, with more time to ask questions and see what interests you.

Speedier Check-Ins

Compared with many of our rivals, our smaller group sizes make checking in and out of the hotels a breeze.

More Relaxed Pace

Experience Ireland at your own pace. No rushing to keep up and no waiting around for large groups to assemble.

You might also be interested in...

• Sample Itineraries
• Transport Options
• Genealogy Tours

2024 Tour Packages

• Iconic Britain and Ireland (18 Days)
• Iconic Britain Tour (10 Days)
• Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour (14 Days)
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (14 Days)
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (10 Days)
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (8 Days)
• 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (6 Days)
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour (10 Days)
• Historic Irish Castle Tour (7 Days)
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour (13 Days)
• Ancient Ireland Tour (8 Days)
• Discover Northern Ireland (6 Days)

2025 Tour Packages

• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour (14 Days)
• Highlights of Ireland and Scotland Tour (9 Days)

Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

About Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

• Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

Visit their website...

Culloden Battlefield

About Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Glenveagh Castle

About Glenveagh Castle

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

King John's Castle

About King John's Castle

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

About Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

About Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

About Muckross House

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

About Muckross House Traditional Farms

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

The Quiet Man Museum

About The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

• Free time in London
• Shakespeare's Birthplace
• Manchester River Cruise
• Tour of York City
• York Minster
• Jedburgh Abbey
• Tour of Edinburgh City
• Holyrood Palace
• Tour of Glasgow City
• Tour of Belfast City
• Titanic Belfast
• Giant's Causeway
• Kylemore Abbey
• Cliffs of Moher
• Ring Of Kerry
• Blarney Castle
• Irish Emigration Museum
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Guinness Storehouse
• Departure flight home

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour

• Roman Baths
• Broadway to Cheltenham Railway
• Afternoon Tea at Broadway Hotel
• Chatsworth House
• Edinburgh Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Loch Lomond Cruise
• Glasgow City

14-Day Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

• Arrival at Edinburgh Airport
• St. Andrews Golf Club
• Kingsbarns Distillery Tour
• Loch Ness cruise
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Belleek Pottery
• Sheepdog Demo
• Blind Piper Pub
• Rock of Cashel

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Trim Castle
• Belfast City
• Belfast Murals
• Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
• Bushmills Distillery
• Derry City Walls
• Lough Erne Cruise
• Devenish Island
• Jameson Distillery Midleton

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Dublin Airport
• Clonmacnoise
• Free time in Galway City
• Killary Fjord
• Free time in Cork City
• Charles Fort
• Irish National Stud
• Traditional Farm Lunch

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Mikey Ryan's Bar
• Killarney National Park
• Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Galway City
• Free time in Dublin City
• St Patrick's Cathedral

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Glendalough Monastic Site
• Ring of Kerry

• Dublin Airport arrival
• Waterford Crystal
• Kilkenny Castle

• Arrival in Edinburgh Airport
• Edinburgh City tour
• Dalwhinnie Distillery
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Isle of Skye
• Glasgow City tour
• Belfast City tour
• Derry City tour
• Dublin City tour

• Lough Eske Castle
• Derry City Tour
• Free time in Derry City

• Pearse Lyons Distillery
• Traditional Music Night

• Derry City walking tour
• Ulster American Folk Park

9-Day Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

• Cruise Loch Lomond
• Clydeside Distillery Tour
• Glasgow City Tour
• Ferry to Belfast
• Belfast City Tour
• Glenshane Country Farm
• Giants Causeway
• Hillsborough Castle
• Carlingford Lough Ferry
• Farewell dinner and show

My Ireland Tour:

My Ireland Tour is a family business based right here in County Cork. Thanks for visiting our website: we're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the country we call home. As an independent Irish business, we're proud that we can give each guest the kind of service that has made us Ireland's top-rated tour operator. We hope to offer you a real Irish welcome soon. Our family business (My Ireland Tour Limited) is registered in Ireland, Company Number 547775.

Contact Us:

• 5 Church Hill  Carrigaline  Co. Cork  P43 X376  Ireland

Useful Links:

• My Ireland Tour Home
• Ireland Tours
• Ireland & Scotland Tours
• Singles Tours of Ireland
• Ireland Travel Guide
• Terms and Conditions
• Sustainability Policy
• Book a Tour

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Your Ireland Vacation

Visit the Emerald Isle and experience the luck of the Irish for yourself with a jam-packed Ireland vacation package. Start your adventure in Dublin , where the Guinness flows freely, and the craic is at its finest. You could visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn how the good stuff is made, wander around the famous Trinity College, and even do a literary pub crawl in the footsteps of the legends inspired by the city. To dive deeper into Ireland, potter around the harbor town of Galway, kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle a few minutes from Cork, or drive the spectacular Ring of Kerry around the Iveragh Peninsula on your travel package to Ireland.

Top destinations in Ireland

The Latest Ireland Vacation Packages

Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport

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Dublin One Hotel

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Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

The Trinity City Hotel

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Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street

Ireland vacation.

West of Great Britain, Ireland is known for its abundant rain, rolling hills and rugged, meandering coastline. It’s here you can experience enchanting culture and folklore, music and welcoming locals.

Ireland Hotel + Flights

While you’ll find 6,655 hotels here starting as low as $101 a night, if you bundle your hotel and flight bookings through Expedia, you’ll score better prices. Create a personalized Ireland Vacation Package and add extras to suit your needs, like car rental or activities. For example, if staying in Dublin, consider a day tour to Blarney Castle you can book it when securing your hotel and flight package.

Your Ireland Vacation Itinerary

Day 1-2: Many people arrive via Dublin Airport. Once you’ve found your hotel and freshened up, make your way to some of Dublin’s most popular attractions, like Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral and one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, the Brazen Head.

Day 3-6: Next, book a zippy rental car to explore Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coastline, which includes the famous Cliffs of Moher . You can also get a ferry to the dramatic and desolate Aran Islands.

Day 7-8: Finish your road trip in Cork, Ireland's second-largest city. On your way here stop in vibrant towns such as Galway and Limerick and explore the fascinating Burren National Park and stunning Ring of Kerry.

Ireland Information

Ireland’s National Day, better known as St Patrick’s Day, is celebrated March 17 each year. Numerous parades are held around the country, with the largest in Dublin.

If you’re basing yourself in Ireland’s national capital, save yourself some cash with one of our Dublin Vacation Packages .

Top Vacation Destinations in Ireland

Explore history with County Galway vacation packages

The County Galway is a massive region in west Ireland where you'll find scenic countryside and stunning historical sites. Old castles are prominent throughout the area, with many dating back many centuries. Of course, the natural features here are dominated by vibrant green grasslands and bright blue lakes. Numerous monasteries are set up throughout the region, with impressive architectural stylings.

Enjoy the countryside with County Cork vacation packages

County Cork is an unforgettable region in southern Ireland where you'll find urban attractions and tranquil countryside. However, no matter which you visit, you won't have to go far to discover fascinating historic sites, from the massive Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral to quaint churches in modest parishes. Some of the ruins in this area date back to the 13th century and are still standing well enough.

Experience the unique personality of a Dublin vacation

Dublin is an iconic Irish city known primarily for its unique atmosphere and personality. Known as its craic, you'll find a satisfying combination of intelligent and sarcastic humor embodying the banter here. The phenomenon has influenced writers and artists throughout the ages, and you can even see how that affected the history of the town more directly in the local museums.

Ireland Essential Information

Prepare for your ireland vacation with our essential travel info, ireland hotel deals.

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

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Where to go when

Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in ireland, trinity college.

Walk the cobbled lanes of Ireland’s oldest university, alma mater to literary greats and home of the precious Book of Kells.

Aviva Stadium

Watch a game of rugby or soccer and take a tour of the changing rooms and players’ tunnel to peek behind the curtain.

Guinness Storehouse

A tour of this pint-shaped hall in a historic brewery provides an intoxicating journey through the making of Ireland’s signature drink.

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Ireland

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Ireland. There are 238 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 15 days. The month with the most departures is June, making it the most popular time to visit Ireland.

238 Fully Guided tour packages in Ireland with 7,910 reviews

7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure Small Group Tour

I had an incredible week on the Overland Great Atlantic Adventure tour! I went as a solo traveller in my 20s and, despite being nervous at first as the rest of the group were all travelling in pairs, had the best experience I could’ve asked for. We all had a great time together - I found the tour perfect for couples, family, friends and solo travellers alike. Our tour guide David was amazing, very kind, friendly and knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure the tour worked for everyone. If you join an Overland tour, you’ll be lucky to have David as your guide, he’s the best! All of the B&Bs/hotels were of great quality with breakfast included every day. The van is very comfortable and has plenty of space for a small group, much better than a huge coach full of 60 people (in my opinion). There was a fair bit of driving but it is inevitable with how much ground is covered. The places we visited and activities were all incredible. The only slight negative I have is that sometimes there were activities on the itinerary that we simply didn’t have time for - e.g. a 2.5 hour hike at the cliffs of moher, and with so much packed in you really don’t get much time to see some places. For example, we arrived in Westport around 7:30pm and left before 9am the next morning, but again that is inevitable with so much packed into such a short space of time. My highlights of the trip were kayaking in Dingle (I absolutely loved Dingle in general and am very glad we had 2 nights there) as well as climbing Croagh Patrick on our last day! The climb was tough but I would definitely recommend it if you’re able - an amazing experience. All in all I’m so glad I booked this trip and truly had the time of my life, I would definitely recommend Overland!

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Best of Ireland (10 Days)

Just fine. Well organized.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Irish Highlights (Summer, 7 Days)

I really enjoyed the tour. Our tour director was charming. She gave us so much background for the places we visited. Our driver was amazing. I would like to revisit soon, spending more time in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

7-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour

Loved every minute of this tour. Pat our guide was first class.

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

The Celtic Tour by Wild N Happy went way beyond my expectations! It was a complete delight to be enlightened by such knowledgeable, native guides of Gaelic Irish culture who authentically could share the stories of the historical unfolding of Irish history. I would only trust driving to the tour guide along those narrow and windy roads to awesome ancient historical landmarks along the amazing western coastline. Our guide knew the best spots to go to, depending on what your desire was to explore in the quaint villages and gave us plenty of time to assimilate. The Tour provided diversity, a well thought-out mix of outdoor and indoor activities, lots of surprising stops along the way, and everyone seemed fulfilled and reluctant to end this highly recommended Celtic adventure!

10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

Our 10 day Irish Experience Tour was fantastic. We really appreciated the service and extra care our guide/driver Lee gave us throughout the tour. We had a group of 16 people and 2 were on the 7 day itinerary the rest were 10 days. We loved the group dinners that Lee organized for us to get to know the other guests. Lee always made the agenda clear and got us to the places we needed to be on time. His driving was very safe and he was able to tell us about the Irish people and scenery while getting us to the beautiful views and attractions. The accommodations were clean and the breakfast were delicious. Lee always gave us recommendations on restaurants and pubs in each town we stayed. Each town was unique and I was glad we were able to stay in several of them for 2 nights. Lee adjusted the times to maximize the good weather and for the group to get the best experience. I highly recommend the 10 day Irish Experience tour with Lee!

• €99 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Introduction to Ireland

Great trip to Ireland!

8 Day Castles & Coast Experience - Small Group Tour

My wife and I would like to thank everyone at Irish Experience for their hospitality, their knowledge of history on Ireland and customer service provided. Our tour guide, Anthony Dawson was always gracious with everyone on our tour as well as putting up with and laughing at all my dumb jokes. He definitely earned the nickname Awesome Dawson! My wife and I have never been to Ireland and the warm, friendliness and kindhearted folks from Ireland have made our experience a lifetime memory to never forget. Awesome Dawson help deliver that experience to us. All the accommodations were top notch and Awesome Dawson made sure we were as comfortable as possible. If anyone was considering taking guided tour, these guys delivered on all levels! Thank you for the experience Irish Experience!!! We will be back.

Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

We just returned from a wonderful week! Loved the group size and the amazing tour itinerary.

Great Tour of Ireland ( 7 days )

Focus on Ireland (Classic, 7 Days)

Greg was a fantastic tour guide. He was very informative and funny. Kept everyone organized.

Emerald Isle

Just returned from a 10 day "Emerald Isle" tour of Ireland and had a terrific experience. Our Tour Director Paul Barton added so much to the tour by telling us all about the various sites we passed by on our tour. His organization skills were great and his levity was just what the tour group needed to cause people to relax and enjoy themselves. The knowledge that he imparted to us about the history of the island and the Irish people really enhanced the tour. I simply can't say enough good things about Paul. Several of the OLD hotel rooms were less than enjoyable, however. The air line reservations were abominable with a 6+ hour layover in Newark before flying to Dublin. The coach driver (Shawn Kingston) was very professional and helpful. And his driving skills were phenomenal. I would definitely travel with those 2 again.

5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin

Our tour to Southwest Ireland was excellent. I give the main credit to our wonderful tour guide, Marcus, and the tour planners at Rabbi. Marcus was very knowledgeable, personable, and able translate his knowledge and background in a way that tour participants could readily appreciate. Rabbi Tours knows what it is doing. We took this tour because we had such an excellent experience with Rabbi on its’’ Scotland tour.

Irish Elegance (Classic, 8 Days)

Excellent trip! Greg was helpful and gave great advice. He provided that extra service that made the trip special.

3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin

Loved it!! Our tour guide Tony was so nice.I wanted a small group....and there were only 6 of us on the tour which was great! We loved the Irish people and saw some beautiful castles and scenery. I would definately recommend TourRadar and would do another in Ireland. :)

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Ireland

I had an incredible week on the Overland Great Atlantic Adventure tour! I went as a solo traveller in my 20s and, despite being nervous at first as the rest of the group were all travelling in pairs, had the best experience I could’ve asked for. We all had a great time together - I found the tour perfect for couples, family, friends and solo travellers alike. Our tour guide David was amazing, very kind, friendly and knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure the tour worked for everyone. If you join an Overland tour, you’ll be lucky to have David as your guide, he’s the best! All of the B&Bs/hotels were of great quality with breakfast included every day. The van is very comfortable and has plenty of space for a small group, much better than a huge coach full of 60 people (in my opinion). There was a fair bit of driving but it is inevitable with how much ground is covered. The places we visited and activities were all incredible. The only slight negative I have is that sometimes there were activities on the itinerary that we simply didn’t have time for - e.g. a 2.5 hour hike at the cliffs of moher, and with so much packed in you really don’t get much time to see some places. For example, we arrived in Westport around 7:30pm and left before 9am the next morning, but again that is inevitable with so much packed into such a short space of time. My highlights of the trip were kayaking in Dingle (I absolutely loved Dingle in general and am very glad we had 2 nights there) as well as climbing Croagh Patrick on our last day! The climb was tough but I would definitely recommend it if you’re able - an amazing experience. All in all I’m so glad I booked this trip and truly had the time of my life, I would definitely recommend Overland!

This was my first time in Ireland. I absolutely loved everything about this trip. Tour guide and bus driver were amazing. Totally worth every penny. Would go back in a heartbeat

The entire trip was wonderful, very well organized, and satisfying. Peter Flood was an excellent tour guide. He was as knowledgeable as could be, funny, and helpful; and really seems to love what he does.

Regions in Ireland

• Southern Ireland (165)
• Ireland Wild Atlantic Way (149)
• Munster (65)
• Ring of Kerry (30)
• Connemara National Park (8)
• Leinster (5)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided
• Ireland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 10 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

Ireland Tours & Vacations

The Emerald Isle: where the rhythm is slower, the people are warmer, the spirit is fuller, and the earth is richer.

Irish hospitality may be a cliché – right up there with leprechauns and kissing the Blarney Stone – but when you take a  tour in Ireland  (whether that's in Galway or down   South ) you realize that this enchanting republic revels in its old-school approach to life. Connemara really is as brooding and lonely as we’ve been led to believe. The Dublin of James Joyce still lingers on in odd pockets of the city. The Guinness really is that good. If you want to enjoy your holiday, it’s best to leave your cynicism at the door and grab Ireland with both hands: learn the folklore of Roscommon and Donegal,   road trip your way along the south's coastline , go searching for faeries in Knocknerea Mountain, moan about the inclement weather and (above all) embrace the craic.

Our Ireland trips

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Ireland at a glance

Capital city.

Dublin (population 500,000)

4.7 million

English, Gaelic

(GMT) Greenwich Mean Time : Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin) Type M (see D)

Learn more about Ireland

Best time to visit ireland.

Don’t forget your umbrella! Although the wettest time of year is from October to April, rain is pretty much a guarantee year round. Summer, June to August, promises better weather, and the long days are welcome even if the sun isn’t shining. May, June and September are great months to holiday in Ireland, as there are fewer tourists, more daylight and it’s usually relatively warm for Irish standards). July and August are the country’s busier months, but the festivals, events and good craic that take over the country more than make up for the increase in tourists.

Read more about the best time to visit Ireland

History and government

Early history.

Tumultuous is a good word to describe Ireland’s often troubled and sorrowful history, which is filled with invasion, repression, deadly conflict, religious discrimination and emigration. Ireland’s history dates back to 8000 BC, and progressed from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural one. Christianity came to the island in the 5th century, replacing the old tribal and Druid societies, though many of the Celtic traditions were preserved. In the 800s, the Vikings started invading and regularly raided and plundered the island for upwards of two centuries. They set up settlements (most notably Dublin), but were eventually pushed out of Ireland by the Irish king Muirecán. (Ireland was then made up of many small kingdoms, who fought each other for dominance of other counties and the entire island.) Then came the Normans. When an exiled Irish king sought help from (English) King Henry II, he sent Norman forces to (successfully) recapture the Irish King’s counties. This event established Norman lords in Ireland, who soon ruled big tracts of Iand. This worried Henry II so much he invaded in person in 1172. Now it was not only Irish lords that were battling for control of the country, but Norman and English ones as well. 

Fast forward to 1536 and Henry VIII, who tried to conquer Ireland and extend English law over the country. This was met with fierce resistance, especially when he tried to convert the Irish Catholics to Protestants. This opened up a brutal few centuries, where the endeavor for Protestant rule over Ireland led to many atrocities and battles. In the 1600s, land was confiscated from Catholics and given to Protestant settlers (known as the Plantations), triggering the first wave of mass Irish emigration. Remaining Catholics were subject to persecution, with their rights becoming less and less as time went on.

The Irish Rebellion of 1798, led by the republican United Irishmen (who wanted to overthrow British rule and have a non-sectarian republic) was brutally quelled and Irish self-government was abolished. From 1845 - 49, Ireland suffered the Great Famine, which saw over a million people die from starvation and disease, and a million or more emigrate. Understandably, relations between the Irish people and the British got worse, as the government had many means to stop the severity of the famine. Another tragedy was that this period (along with other factors) contributed to English largely replacing the Irish language. From this time until 1912, there were many attempts at reinstating home rule (Irish self-government) and a number of rebellions were instigated but failed. It was also when two distinct groups emerged: the Irish nationalists (who wanted Ireland to be independent and governed by the Irish) and Irish unionists (who considered themselves British and wanted to remain in the union).

Recent history

In 1922, after the Irish War of Independence and many years of fighting, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed and Ireland was divided into Northern Ireland (six counties) and Southern Ireland (26 counties), known as the Irish Free State. This lead to the Irish Civil War, fought between those who wanted a unified Ireland and those who wanted to keep Northern Ireland under British rule. The Irish Republican Army (IRA) lost, and Northern Ireland remained ruled by Britain.

The Irish Free State was a predominantly Catholic state and the Roman Catholic church had a massive impact on the formation of the country, as it had over much of Irish history. In 1949, the Republic of Ireland was established and left the British Commonwealth. Up until the late 1990s, the economy of Ireland struggled and emigration was an ongoing problem. Unfortunately the economic boom of the 90s and 2000s has faltered, and economic troubles have once again returned. That said, the conservatism of the Catholic church has lost its grip over society, with many social reforms that would have once been unthinkable being implemented in the 90s.

After the division of the counties in 1922, Northern Ireland became a predominantly Protestant state. Years of violence between pro-British Unionists and pro-Irish Republicans have marked its history, which is a complicated and bloody beast woven with political, ethnic and religious differences. It is as fascinating as it is heartbreaking, and worth reading about in a sphere that can do it justice. See our list of recommended books for books detailing this period.

Top 5 Irish mythical creatures

1. leprechauns.

They are Ireland’s most well known mythical characters. They are male faeries who take the form of an old shoemaker and are depicted with mischief in their eyes. Leprechauns are the source of practical jokes, have the ability to grant wishes and have untold riches buried away.

A banshee is a female faerie who is said to emit an other-worldly wail when someone is about to die. While usually heard rather than seen, reports of sightings range from the sight of a beautiful woman who utters a low, pleasant singing to a crone who emits a soul-chilling shriek.

They are creatures that are seals in the water but are human once they shed their skin on land. They are often linked with tales of ill-fated romance, where either a human has stolen the selkie’s skin so they can’t return to the water (and must marry the human) or a human is taken to the depths of the ocean to be their spouse.

4. Dullahan

A dullahan carries its head under its arm and rides a black stallion – and sometimes drives a wagon made out of skeletons! Its mission is to claim souls, stopping only to call out the name of the person who will die. Those who try to watch him will endure a bucket of blood thrown at them or a whip made out of a spinal cord. Only gold can scare it.

A merrow is the Gaelic version of a mermaid/merman – a half-human, half-fish creature with an amiable and benevolent nature. They are known to lure handsome men to live under the sea, but are also capable of living with humans and marrying them. They have a special hat called a cohuleen druith, and can’t return to the water if they lose it.

Top places to visit in Ireland

1. cliffs of moher.

Take your Irish holiday to a level that’s as high as the Cliffs of Moher themselves as you peer over the brink of these monolithic edges. Both vertical and abrupt in stature, these cliff faces provide monumental views over Galway Bay and out to the Aran Islands. Listen to the powerful waves crash against the sandstone far, far below and let the salty smell of the sea breeze calm your mind and lift your soul.

Trip: Northern & Southern Ireland

2. Aran Islands

Just when you thought Ireland couldn’t get any more spellbinding, the Aran Islands with their staggering cliffs, Celtic churches, and World Heritage Listed sites, peak out above the waters of Galway Bay to prove you wrong. Follow your local leader as you explore, not only the rugged coastline but also the ruins and remains of both the Bronze and Iron Ages for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

3. Ring of Kerry

From the tranquil sound of Torc Waterfall to the imposing monument that is Staigue Fort, the Ring of Kerry only adds to Ireland’s collection of unspoiled natural wonders. Stop in at bucolic villages such as Killarney, Beaufort, and Kenmare on the 179km circular journey and continue to adventure through ‘the Ring’ by private vehicle to see some shepherds in action on a local farm visit.

 To be sure you get the full Irish experience you can’t go past ordering a pint of Guinness at a local pub in the republic’s capital of Dublin. Wandering through the cobbled streets of this electric city is thirsty work and you only need to stop in at one of the many refreshment-ready establishments to get your liquid fill. With a bitter, roasted taste and a texture that goes down (a little too) smooth, you’ll be ordering another round in no time.

5. The Wicklow Way

Known as the oldest, long-distance trail in Ireland, the Wicklow Way offers a whole heap of scenic experiences from passing through open moorland and forested heaths to walking beside fast-flowing mountain streams. If those views aren’t enough to convince you of Ireland’s beauty, then exploring Glendalough Valley’s monastic settlements and peering into deep, sapphire-colored lakes ought to do the trick.

Trip: Walk the Wicklow Way

6. Ballysaggartmore Towers

If you’re wondering what your next stop is on your journey to find some of Ireland’s most magical places, then let us introduce you to the Ballysaggartmore Towers. Created in a gothic style, these towers are both imposing and idyllic, situated in a fairytale-like wooded area that’s perfect for picnics. Join your tour on a walk of the grounds and imagine what it would have been like to roam the ornate stone halls.

Trip: Ireland: Kilkenny & Surrounds

7. Killarney National Park

While the small and charming town of Killarney is well worth a visit in its own right, it’s the dramatic and rugged mountain range that sits alongside it that elevates this scenic spot to the top of any ‘must-see’ list. Featuring the highest peak in Ireland in McGillycuddy’s Reeks and some of the world’s most recognizable lakes and waterfalls, this national park deserves to be explored. And admired. And loved.

Similar destinations

Figuring out which country to travel to can be hard, especially when there are countries right next to each other that seem so similar! So you don't have to roll the dice or pick your next destination out of a hat, we've put together a comparative guide on all things culture, cuisine, and cities (among things) to make your decision a bit easier.

Scotland or Ireland?

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Further reading

Ireland travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How to get to Ireland

Getting to Ireland is super easy with two popular options: flying or catching the ferry. Flying is the quickest way to get to Ireland but it can be quite expensive depending on where you're travelling from. If you're travelling from a country like Australia or the United States then flying is your only option. If you live in the UK, you have the option of driving to Liverpool and catching the ferry to Dublin so that you can easily get around once you're in Ireland.

Is tipping customary in Ireland?

Tipping of 10-15% in restaurants is common. Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill, so check for this. It’s common to round up fare in taxis or leave around 10% if they’ve been particularly helpful.

What is the internet access like in Ireland?

Internet access is good in Ireland, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots easily found in most cities and major towns.

Can I use my cell phone while in Ireland?

Cell phone coverage is generally very good in most parts of Ireland. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive.

What are the toilets like in Ireland?

Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in Ireland.

What will it cost for a...?

Pint of Guinness = 4.50 Euro City public transport ride = 2.5 Euro Simple cafe lunch = 15 Euro  Nice meal in a restaurant = 40 Euro

Can I drink the water in Ireland?

Tap water is considered safe to drink unless otherwise marked.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Ireland?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores and hotels in Ireland. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in Ireland?

ATMs are very common in Ireland, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.

What to pack for Ireland

As Ireland is known to be quite rainy all year round, packing wet weather clothing is important.

Items like a waterproof jacket or raincoat, quick-dry clothing such as pants and tops, beanies, scarves, thick socks, and gloves will all come in handy. 

You should also consider packing a collapsible, travel-sized umbrella to minimize the likelihood of getting wet when it's raining. 

Remember to pack a camera, a backpack, a reusable drink bottle, and a portable charger as well.

Things to eat in Ireland

Irish food is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why this breathtaking country is so popular among travelers. From hearty stews full of vegetables to salty bread you'll get addicted to, traditional Irish food has a focus on fresh produce served up farm-to-table style.

Is Ireland LGBTQIA+ friendly?

While homosexuality was only decriminalized in Ireland in 1993, it has since become a welcoming and accepting country for LGBTQIA+ travelers within Ireland, and for travelers coming from elsewhere, with a range of gay-friendly venues, bars, and events located in all major cities.

What public holidays are celebrated in Ireland?

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 17 Mar St Patrick's Day
• 17 Apr Easter Monday
• 1 May May Day
• 5 Jun June Bank Holiday
• 7 Aug August Bank Holiday
• 30 Oct October Bank Holiday
• 25 Dec Christmas Day
• 26 Dec Saint Stephen's Day

See a current list of public holidays in Ireland .  

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Vacation Package Offers

Vacation packages are the perfect pick for a stress-free trip: all you have to do is show ...

Vacation packages are the perfect pick for a stress-free trip: all you have to do is show up! Take a look at our top picks and enjoy the Ireland trip of a lifetime, with all the details ironed out before you land.

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Vacations in Ireland

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Most popular ireland flight and hotel deals, last minute vacation packages to ireland, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in ireland, tips for finding ireland package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Ireland and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $470; Family vacation $389; Romantic vacation $533; Luxury vacation $559; Budget vacation $367.

Why should you book a vacation package to Ireland?

By combining flights, accommodation and transfers into an all-inclusive package vacation and visiting during off-peak times and outside of St Patrick's day - you save. If you're travelling from a port city in the UK, you can opt for a cruise ship package as a cheaper option and flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is cheaper than on other days of the week.

When should you book a vacation package to Ireland?

June, July, August and the weeks before and after St Patrick's Day are crowded. These are also the most expensive times. Outside of these times, flights, hotels, rental car hire and restaurants are cheaper.

Where should you stay in Ireland during your vacation?

For any vacation type in ireland:.

Clontarf Castle Hotel is a luxurious 4 star establishment. Set in a 12th century stone castle it features modern interiors and amenities in the heart of Dublin. The CBD is just three kilometers away. The hotel offers a lounge, bar and the Fahrenheit Grill restaurant and gym.

The 5 star Westbury Hotel off Grafton Street is near the National Museum and Art Gallery and Dublin Airport. The hotel boasts a grand staircase up to the impressive first-floor lounge. The grill restaurant, Wilde, serves Irish cuisine. Café Novo brassiere and bar serves drinks and tea is served in the art-bedecked Gallery.

For family vacations in Ireland:

The Clayton Hotel in Burlington Road, Dublin is a great family hotel. Not only are rates aimed at larger groups but the hotel is comfortable and offers all the amenities that families love. It's a short 15 minute walk from the city center, and is also close to Aviva Stadium. Dublin CBD can be reached via a short bus trip.

The Spencer Hotel overlooks the River Liffey. It's located close to Dublin CBD, the 3Arena, the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and is home to the SanoVitae Health & Fitness Club. The tram stops right by the hotel.

For romantic vacations in Ireland:

The 4-star Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa is located in Clonakilty in West Cork, 50 minutes from Cork International Airport and 3.5 hours from Dublin Airport. Set against the backdrop of Atlantic ocean views, private balconies and terraces, an on-site restaurant and Island Spa complete the package.

The Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in Connemara is located in a wild, natural setting. Ideal for a weekend away, this 18th century hotel offers fishing or hiking trips. You can reach Ballynahinch Castle on the road from Galway and it's a morning's drive from Dublin Airport.

For luxury vacations in Ireland:

The Marker Hotel is a great choice when it comes to sheer luxury and comfort. The hotel is near Dublin Airport, Grand Canal, Merrion Square and the National Gallery. It has an on-site spa and offers a full breakfast menu and comfortable, well appointed rooms.

The Conrad Hotel is a luxurious 5-star deluxe hotel located in the Dublin CBD close to the National Concert Hall, the beautiful St. Stephen's Green and the modern Grafton Street area. The Trinity College, National Art Gallery, National History Museum and Georgian Dublin are within walking distance. The hotel is near the Aviva Stadium.

For budget vacations in Ireland:

The Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross puts you within a 10-minute drive of War Memorial Gardens and the Tallaght Stadium. The hotel has a fitness center and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an on-site bar/lounge and room service.

Jury's Inn on Parnell Street is 5-minutes away from the popular James Joyce Centre and Henry Street. The Spire, Abbey Theatre, and Trinity College are nearby. The hotel has on on-site contemporary restaurant and lounge and the Il Barista Café and offers free Wi-Fi.

Where to stay in Ireland

Ireland vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.

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19 best ireland tours: dublin, giant's causeway & more.

Make the most of the stunning scenery in Ireland and Northern Ireland with the help of knowledgeable locals.

19 Best Ireland Tours

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Whatever attracts you to Ireland – the verdant landscape, the ancient castles and cathedrals or some of its famous manufactured goods – these tours will help you make the most of your time here. With the help of expert and traveler input, U.S. News determined that these tours in Ireland (and a few in Northern Ireland) are the best on offer. While the tours take differing approaches, ranging from boats and buses to horse-drawn carriages, they all have guides well-versed in local history and lore. Indeed, the guides' storytelling skills are often cited as highlights of these outings, which may last as little as an hour or as long as an entire day.

Lally Tours – Galway to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Full Day Tour

Price: Adults from 50 euros (about $54); kids from 40 euros (about $43) Duration: 7.5 hours

Explore the west coast of Ireland, where the Irish language (Irish Gaelic) remains prevalent, on this daylong bus trip. In addition to learning about the various sights, you may acquire a few words of the local lingo from the onboard guides, whom tour-takers find enthusiastic, knowledgeable and entertaining. The route on this excursion winds through the photogenic Twelve Bens mountain range. Among the stops are a scenic mountainside village and the extravagant Kylemore Abbey, a 19th-century abbey featuring a Victorian walled garden and a neo-Gothic church.

The fee includes admission to Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, but does not include lunch. Outings depart Galway daily at 10 a.m. Hotel pickup is available for no additional charge. Lally Tours also offers full-day excursions to the Cliffs of Moher, among other destinations.

Check prices & availability on:

Irish Day Tours – Blarney Castle Day Tour From Dublin

Price: Adults from 85 euros (about $92); kids from 42.50 euros (about $46) Duration: 12 hours

Blarney Castle, which dates back to the 1400s, ranks as one of the most popular attractions in Ireland. The medieval stronghold, which stands approximately 5 miles west of Cork, houses the legendary Blarney Stone – purported to bestow the gift of eloquence on those who kiss it. In addition to visiting the famed castle, this tour stops at another highly popular destination, the Rock of Cashel and its cluster of medieval buildings, including Cormac's Chapel (which contains Romanesque frescoes) and the Hall of Vicars. The trip also includes a visit to Cahir Castle, a 13th-century defensive structure constructed on an island on the River Suir. Those who've taken the tour report enjoying the impressive castles, as well as the guides' amusing commentary. Many reviewers said this was a long day, but worth it to see and hear more about Irish history.

Tours depart daily from Dublin at 6:50 a.m. and return to central Dublin around 7:30 p.m. Irish Day Tours offers a variety of day trips, including excursions to Wicklow, Connemara and more.

Deros Tours – Ring of Kerry Coach Tour

Price: Adults from 38 euros (around $41); kids from 23 euros (about $25) Duration: 6 hours

Observe the unique landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula, including Ireland's highest mountain, on this half-day bus tour. Stops include the villages of Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem. From March to October, coaches also stop for a demonstration of how dogs are trained to herd sheep. A high point – literally – is a visit to Moll's Gap, which affords views of MacGillycuddy's Reeks, including its tallest peak, Carrantuohill, which stands more than 3,400 feet high. Another highlight is the Ladies View (named in honor of Queen Victoria and her retinue) at the Killarney Lakes. Tour-takers sing the praises of the witty, attentive guides and the many photo stops. Others were pleased they opted for tour instead of trying to drive the Ring of Kerry themselves.

Buses leave from Killarney at 10:30 a.m. daily and return around 4:30 p.m. Deros Tours also operates tours of the Gap of Dunloe as well as the Dingle Peninsula, among others.

Midleton Distillery Experience

Price: From 26 euros (about $28) Duration: 75 minutes

See how world-renowned Jameson Irish Whiskey is produced on this tour of the original Midleton distillery, which is located about 15 miles east of Cork. Along the tour, your guide will show you several of the distillery's buildings, where you'll have the opportunity to observe the distilling process. The tour ends with a tasting flight of three whiskeys. Travelers offer high marks for the engaging, well-informed guides. Reviewers also appreciate the whiskey samples and say this is a fun activity even if you're not a whiskey fan thanks to the incredible history and architecture on display.

There are also guided tours of the Jameson Bow St. Distillery in Dublin.

Game of Thrones Tours – Iron Islands & Giant's Causeway from Belfast

Price: From 49 euros (about $53) Duration: 10 hours

"Games of Thrones" fans can visit some of the spots where pivotal scenes of the series were filmed on this full-day excursion to the Glens of Antrim. Highlights include the Giant's Causeway, the Cushendun Caves (where Melisandre births a dark spirit), a beach that served as Dragonstone and the Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees where Arya Stark made her escape. Guides, who served as extras on the show, share information about the various sights as well as some behind-the-scenes scoop from the set. Reviewers report finding the passionate guides' commentary insightful and appreciate the small group size. Others took advantage of the costumes and props to snap some memorable photos.

Tours depart from Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Wednesday and Saturday at 7:30 a.m. year-round; additional Sunday departures are available in select months. Be aware that this tour involves some walking on uneven ground and that children younger than 12 are not permitted due to the adult content featured in the tour. The company also offers tours that depart from Dublin, among other locales.

Yellow Umbrella Tours – Traditional Pub Tour

Price: From 42 euros (about $45) Duration: 3 hours

If you've come to Ireland hoping to experience its lively pub culture, then this Dublin tour is for you. With a local leading the way, you'll visit three pubs on the north side of the river, away from the tourist crowds. Samples of Irish beer, whiskey and gin are included, and you'll have the option to purchase traditional Irish dishes, if you're feeling peckish. After visiting the pubs, you'll end the tour listening to live music. Reviewers say guides are friendly, entertaining and share lots of history about the drinks and Dublin. Participants also said the pubs featured on the tour are interesting and fun.

Tours are generally offered daily at 6 p.m.; they meet at The Spire on O'Connell Street. If you're traveling with kids and looking for a more family-friendly experience, consider the company's two-hour Dublin history walking tour.

Irish Day Tours – Cliffs of Moher

Price: Adults from 80 euros (about $87); kids from 40 euros (about $44) Duration: 13 hours

Travel west from Dublin to marvel at the Cliffs of Moher and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean on this full-day bus trip. In addition to the nearly 400-foot cliffs, this tour visits the village of Doolin for lunch and the flower-filled Burren National Park, as well as the city of Galway before returning to Dublin. Tour-takers typically appreciate both the remarkable scenery and the astute and entertaining guides. Many reviewers said this is the best thing you can do while visiting Dublin.

Trips depart from the statue of Molly Malone on Suffolk Street daily at 6:50 a.m. and return to the city center around 7:30 p.m. Note: Fees do not include the cost of lunch. Be sure to bring headphones if you want to listen to the commentary on Irish Day Tours' multilingual mobile app. The company also offers tours to the Giant's Causeway, Blarney Castle and more.

Belfastology Walking Tours – Eclectic Belfast Walking Tour

Price: Adults from 20 pounds (about $25); kids from 12 pounds (about $15) Duration: 2.5 hours

Admire Belfast's architecture and hear about the city's history on this jaunt around town. Highlights include City Hall, the Cathedral Quarter, Waterfront Hall and the Albert Memorial Clock – one of Belfast's top landmarks. Reviewers applaud the enthusiastic guides' well-informed commentary; they also appreciate that the tour can be tailored to suit groups' particular interests.

Tours are typically offered multiple times a day starting at 10:30 a.m. Belfastology Walking Tours also offers themed tours, such as political murals and street art and music.

Galway Tour Company – The Aran Islands & the Cliffs Cruise

Price: Adults from 70 euros (about $76); kids from 65 euros (about $71) Duration: 10.5 hours

Experience both the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher on this daylong outing. Buses leave Galway at 9 a.m. and travel along the Wild Atlantic Way south to the fishing village of Doolin. From there, tour-takers ride an express ferry to the smallest of the three Aran Islands, Inisheer, where – for at least two hours – they can explore cafes, castles, churches, lighthouses, shipwrecks, pubs and other attractions. After lunch, the journey continues by coach to the incredible cliffs. Travelers praise the guides' amusing and educational commentary and call the views phenomenal.

Buses typically return to Galway around 7:30 p.m. Tickets include admission to the Cliffs of Moher, but not lunch or any optional activities on Inisheer. Note: This tour is available daily from the beginning of March to the end of October. Galway Tour Company also take visitors to Connemara and the Kylemore Abbey, among other popular destinations.

Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours – Connemara and Connemara National Park Day Tour from Galway

Price: Adults from 45 euros (about $49); kids from $43 Duration: 9 hours

Take in the sights of Connemara on this day trip from Galway. Traveling both the Wild Atlantic Way and the Sky Road, this bus ride passes through the picturesque villages like Barna, Furbo and Spiddal, and makes stops at locales like Pines Island and the town of Clifden. The excursion also includes a three-hour visit to Connemara National Park or Kylemore Abbey (you get to choose). The views along the drive are often deemed a high point, and guides win kudos for their knowledgeable narration and skilled driving of the narrow roads. The route winds through the Maumturks and Twelve Bens mountains on the way back to Galway, where the trip usually ends around 6:30 or 7 p.m.

Tours depart from the Kinlay Hostel on Merchants Road at 9:30 a.m.; they are offered daily year-round. Fees do not include lunch, but do include the entry fee for Connemara National Park. The company also offers tours that depart from Limerick and Ennis.

Wild Rover Tours – Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin

Price: From 43 euros (about $47) Duration: 10 hours

Spend a day learning about the history and folklore of eastern Ireland on this combination walking and coach tour. Take a guided stroll through the cobblestone streets of Kilkenny and then explore the city on your own, possibly opting to visit Kilkenny Castle, which dates to the 12th century. Then, traverse the photogenic Wicklow Mountains, where scenes from movies – including "Braveheart" – were filmed. The outing's visit to Glendalough, known for its glacial valleys and lakes, includes a guided tour of its monastic city, which was built circa A.D. 600. The trip also features a stop at a working sheep farm. Both the scenery and the guides' expert commentary and recomendations consistently win praise from travelers.

Tours are available daily all year, but the order in which you visit attractions varies seasonally. Pickups from a trio of Dublin locales occur between 8:10 and 8:30 a.m.; tours conclude back in the city around 6:20 p.m. Note: Prices do not include lunch or any attractions in Kilkenny. Wild Rover Tours also offer "Game of Thrones"-themed outings, as well as day trips to the Cliffs of Moher.

LetzGo City Tours – Skip the Line: Guinness Storehouse & Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience Tour

Price: From 112 euros (about $122) Duration: 4 hours

If you're hoping to visit the Jameson Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse on your trip to Dublin, consider this half-day tour, which includes skip-the-line access to both attractions, as well as expert commentary from a local guide. You'll start at the Jameson Distillery Bow St. to learn about and, of course, sample some celebrated whiskey. Then head over to the Guinness Storehouse, a seven-story monument to Ireland's renowned stout, and ascend to its Gravity Bar, a rooftop bar boasting unrivaled views of Phoenix Park, the Wellington Monument, the Wicklow Mountains and more. Along the way, hear about the city's brewing and distilling history from guides. Reviewers typically find the guides' stories entertaining, as well as educational. They also enjoyed the photo stop outside the oldest pub in Ireland, which dates back to the 11th century.

Skip-the-line tours are generally offered several times daily starting at 10:45 a.m. The company also hosts pub and city tours, as well as skip-the-line access to the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle.

McComb's Coach Travel – Giant's Causeway Tour

Price: From 35 euros (about $38) Duration: 10 hours

Take a scenic drive to Northern Ireland's famed Giant's Causeway, the sole UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, on this daylong tour. Along with its World Heritage Site status, Giant's Causeway is also a site of geological significance comprising approximately 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns. Other stops along the Causeway Coastal Route include Carrickfergus Castle, the Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle, as well as a pub for lunch. Tour-takers generally appreciate the good humor and insights of the drivers/guides.

Coaches depart Belfast daily at 8:30 a.m. and return around 6 p.m. Note: This outing involves some walking on uneven surfaces. McComb's Coach Travel offers a variety of other tours, including a "Game of Thrones" tour.

House of Waterford Crystal – Factory Tour

Price: Adults from 17.50 euros (around $19); kids from 9.50 euros (about $10) Duration: 1 hour

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how world-famous Waterford Crystal is made on this tour, which visits the factory's blowing, mold-making, cutting, sculpting, engraving and inspection rooms. Visitors consistently find the crystal-making process fascinating and the guides informative and friendly. If you're in the Waterford area, many reviewers called this the No. 1 thing to do.

Tours are available year-round multiple times on most days, though there are none on Saturday and Sunday from November through February. Start times are determined upon your arrival at the plant in its namesake city, so be sure to check hours of operation, which vary by season. If you like what you see being crafted and want some crystal to take home, you can stop at the factory's retail store after the tour.

DC Tours – A History of Terror

Price: From 22 pounds (about $28) Duration: 2.5 hours

Learn about some of the most contentious moments in Northern Ireland's decades-long ethno-nationalist conflict (known as the Troubles) on this walking tour of Belfast. Tours start outside Belfast City Hall daily (barring some holidays) at 10:30 a.m. and conclude on the banks of the River Lagan. Stops along the way include Donegall Place, site of a 1972 bombing; Cathedral Quarter, the city's cultural district; and the Spirit of Belfast, a sculpture often called "The Onion Rings." History buffs generally find the passionate and engaging guides' commentary both informative and entertaining. Reviewers also say you don't need to know much about the Troubles to enjoy this tour.

This tour entails walking for about a mile and a half and is not recommended for children younger than 12. If you're looking for more of an overview of the city, DC Tours also conducts a three-hour "Best of Belfast" tour, among other experiences.

Taste & Tour – Belfast Food Tour

Price: From 67 pounds (about $85) Duration: 4 hours

Sample the Belfast dining scene on this four-hour stroll in the center of the city. After starting in St George's Market, the tour proceeds to various area bars and shops, as well as a restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter. Food and drinks sampled along the way should be sufficient for both breakfast and lunch, according to Taste & Tour. Foodies enjoy the ample food and beverage offerings as well as the friendly guides' culinary wisdom.

Tours typically depart from St. George's Market at 10:15 a.m. on Fridays and 10 and 10:45 a.m. on Saturdays. The company also offers tours that explore the city's cocktail and craft beer scene.

DoDublin – Hop-On Hop-Off

Price: Adults from 30 euros (about $33); kids from 10 euros (about $11) Duration: 2 hours

Explore multiple Dublin attractions at your own pace on this hop-on, hop-off bus tour – or stay on board and see the sights. The tour's route includes EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the Guinness Storehouse, the Little Museum of Dublin, St. Patrick's Cathedral and much more. Drivers provide running commentary about the city's sights (and recorded narration in nine languages is available). Tourgoers applaud the drivers' witty remarks and recommend taking this tour at the start of your Dublin visit to familiarize yourself with the city.

Bus tours operate daily and depart every 20 to 30 minutes (depending on the day), with the first departing 59 Upper O'Connell St. at 9 a.m. and the last at 5 p.m. DoDublin offers both single- and two-day tickets for its hop-on, hop-off tours. For each adult ticket purchased – regardless of duration – a child younger than 15 can ride for free. Moreover, the fees include admission to the Little Museum. In addition to its hop-on, hop-off tours, DoDublin also operates a nightly ghost bus tour.

Killarney Jaunting Cars – From Park to Castle Tour

Price: Adults from 65 euros (about $70); kids from 10 euros (around $11) Duration: 1 hour

On this hourlong horse-and-carriage ride, you'll travel to both Killarney National Park and Ross Castle, passing sights like St. Mary's Cathedral and MacGillycuddy's Reeks along the way. Why a carriage ride? This mode of transportation allows visitors to see parts of the park where motor vehicles are not allowed. Travelers consistently describe the guides as humorous and well-versed in area culture and history. Reviewers also say the ride is relaxing; many called the tour the highlight of their trip.

Carriages depart from the Great Southern Killarney hotel several times daily, with the first usually heading out at 9:30 a.m. and the last at 5:15 p.m. Killarney Jaunting Cars also offers a variety of combo tours, in addition to a five-hour tour to the Gap of Dunloe.

Killarney Lake Tours – Killarney Water Bus Tour

Price: Adults from 15 euros (about $16); kids from 8 euros (about $9) Duration: 1 hour

See the sights of Killarney from Lough Leane, the area's largest lake, on this hourlong boat ride. Water buses launch from and return to Ross Castle and pass attractions, such as Innisfallen Island's monastic ruins and O'Sullivan's Cascade; cruisers also get an eyeful of the nearby mountains. Tour-takers say this activity is reasonably priced and enjoy the guides' anecdotes and historical observations. They also rave about the views.

Trips are available multiple times daily with standard departure times of 11 a.m. and 12:30, 2:30 and 4 p.m.; additional times may be added in the summer. Water bus tours can also be combined with a horse-drawn carriage (aka jaunting car) ride around Killarney.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Dublin Tours
• The Best Places to Visit in Ireland
• The Best Travel Insurance for Europe

Tags: Tours , Travel , Ireland , Vacations , United Kingdom , Europe , Europe Vacations , United Kingdom Vacations

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The Best Ireland Itinerary (Irishman’s 2024 Guide)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 15, 2024

We spent 8 months and €15,728 building what is, in my opinion, the best Ireland itinerary library available anywhere.

It became clear long ago that there is no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ Ireland travel itinerary.

For example, some of you will have a car while others will be relying on public transport.

So, we created a library of Ireland itineraries that let you pick a starting point, trip length, method of transport and much  more.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about our Ireland itinerary library

Click to enlarge

WAIT – please take 10 seconds to read the points below before you scroll. It’ll make finding your perfect Ireland trip itinerary easier:

1. You can pick your trip length and starting point

Two of the key elements in any Ireland itinerary are the length and the start point. Our road trip itineraries range from 3 days right the way up to 4 weeks. There are also multiple start points including the main ferry terminals and airports in Ireland .

2. You can pick a mode of transport

You can pick an Ireland trip itinerary based on how you plan on getting around Ireland . We have Ireland itineraries that  only  use public transport for those of you doing Ireland without a car . We also have itineraries for those of you that plan on renting a car in Ireland .

3. You can decide how fast you want to travel

Love to squeeze as much as possible into each day? Our ‘Fast Trips’ are just for you! Prefer to take it easy and avoid moving accommodation too often? You’ll love our ‘Slow Trips’.

4. You can choose a travel itinerary for Ireland to suit your fitness

Travelling with someone that has poor mobility? No problem – we have low fitness Ireland itineraries. Want to tackle some of the different hikes in Ireland? We’ve medium-high fitness itineraries just for you!

5. You’ll find our different itineraries starting from 3 days below

Now it’s time for you to find the best Ireland itinerary for  you . We’re gong to start at the 3 day Ireland itineraries and then work our way up to 21 days. Dive on in!

3 days in Ireland

3 days in Ireland is a fairly small amount of time, so you need to be careful – you can easily fall into the trap of trying to do much.

The result is that your itinerary will be over-packed and you’ll spend most of your time in the car/on public transport.

The best Ireland itinerary for 3 days is one that finds a central base and that sees you explore around you on day trips.

Some people with a small amount of time like this can feel disheartened, but don’t – you can see many of the best things to do in Ireland in 3 days. You just need a logical itinerary.

4 days in Ireland

4 days in Ireland is a decent chunk of time. However, if you have the flexibility to chose when to visit Ireland (many don’t), try and arrive during summer or spring.

These two seasons boast plenty of daylight hours so, although you only have 4 days, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore.

These shorter road trips can be tricky to map out at times so, when it comes to planning a trip to Ireland with only 4 days to work with, take your time.

The best Ireland itinerary for 4 days is one that uses 1 – 2 ‘bases’ max and that explores a specific corner of Ireland, e.g. Kerry and West Cork.

5 days in Ireland

Click to enlarge map

5 days in Ireland is arguably the perfect amount of time to explore a section of Ireland.

These are our most popular Ireland itineraries and it’s a trip length that many people visiting Ireland choose.

If it was me, I’d try and fly into either Shannon or Dublin. Landing in Shannon places you right on the Wild Atlantic Way with everywhere from the Aran Islands to the Cliffs of Moher close by.

We’ve had our Ireland vacation itinerary guides live on our site for over a year and they’ve racked up some great reviews. Enjoy!

6 days in Ireland

6 days in Ireland is a lovely amount of time to play with and you can easily cover a decent bit of land during this time.

The beauty of 6 days, also, is that if you’re flying a good distance to get to Ireland, you can take some time out to banish the jet lag.

The best Ireland itinerary for 6 days, in my opinion, is one that doesn’t stretch itself too thin.

If you’re starting in Belfast, for example, tackle the Causeway Coastal Route and then explore the many places to visit in Donegal .

7 days in Ireland

Our itineraries for spending 7 days in Ireland mark the start of our longer Irish road trips.

Trips of this length are great as they give you a lot of flexibility when it comes to what you can do (even if it’ll see the cost of a trip to Ireland increase steadily).

If you’re visiting for 7 days, try and visit during summer or spring as the weather in Ireland tends to be better then and you’ll get more bang-for-your-buck.

8 days in Ireland

8 days in Ireland provides you with options. You aren’t too hard pressed for time and 8 days ensures you don’t have to rush at any point (unless you want to!).

With 8 days, you can explore several counties in depth or you can go full-steam-ahead and try and squeeze in as much as possible.

The best Ireland trip itinerary for 8 days, for me, would be starting in Dublin and then working down through Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and then around through Cork and Kerry.

9 days in Ireland

So, you’re spending 9 days in Ireland . Wonderful! However, you want to see all of the ‘main’ attractions during this time and you’re worried it’s too much.

It’s likely (and I’m basing this on getting emails from endless visitors) that you’re trying to pack in too much to the point that you’ll spend all your time moving accommodation and travelling.

9 days is a lovely chunk of time. But don’t get carried away. You can see and do  a lot  during this time frame. You just need to decide how much travelling about is ‘too much’.

10 days in Ireland

The second most popular of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides are the ones focused on spending 10 days in Ireland .

This is a mighty amount of time for an Irish road trip and it gives you a huge amount of flexibility.

For this trip length, you could easily pick 3-4 bases and fit a huge amount in while still taking it nice and handy. Or, you could go full whack and try and see as much of the island as possible!

11 days in Ireland

Our itineraries for spending 11 days in Ireland have gone down well since we published them last year.

In particular, the ones that use public transport have received good feedback, especially as planning buses and trains for this number of days was a nightmare .

The best Ireland itinerary for 11 days is up for debate. Personally, I think if you have this amount of time to play with the island is your oyster – you just need to pick a well-thought-out route, which is our Ireland trip itinerary library comes in.

12 days in Ireland

If you’re spending 12 days in Ireland , you’re in for a treat. You can see a whole lot in 12 days, from the  many  castles in Ireland to islands, cliffs and lots more.

You don’t have to worry too much when it comes to picking a start point for a trip of this length, as you’ve a bit of room for error.

If I had the option, I’d start in Cork and drive the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in the likes of Kinsale , the Beara Peninsula , Doolin and Achill Island .

13 days in Ireland

If you have 13 days in Ireland you’ll be the envy of many, and for good reason – you can cover a lot of ground in a 13 day Ireland trip itinerary.

We’ve created 56 different Ireland itineraries for a 13-day trip (yes, 56) and they’ve been used by over 100,000 people in only a few short months.

The different routes take in everywhere from County Mayo and County Clare to some of the most charming small towns in Ireland . Check ’em out below!

14 days in Ireland

Our 14 days in Ireland itineraries were some of the most enjoyable to research, plan and write as we had a fair idea that this trip length would be popular.

Thankfully, it was! Those of you planning a 2-week Ireland trip itinerary are on the cusp of a bucket list road trip that you’ll remember for a life time.

Although I’d argue that there’s no best Ireland itinerary for a trip this length, we’ve created 56 different options for you to choose from at the link below.

15 days in Ireland

15 days in Ireland poses a great number of adventure opportunities. If you’re doing Ireland on a budget , you’ll need to be careful about where you pick as your bases.

I’d avoid the various cities in Ireland along with key tourist towns and, if you can, stay slightly off-the-beaten-path.

We spent a huge amount of time mapping out our 17-day Ireland itineraries and, based on initial feedback, they’re going down very well already!

16 days in Ireland

16 days in Ireland is the stuff of road-trip-envy. You’ll have the chance to see a massive amount of Ireland during this time.

As was the case with all of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides, we spent a lot of time planning our 16-day routes.

At the link below, you’ll be able to pick a trip based on start point, fitness level, mode of transport and how fast you like to travel.

17 days in Ireland

17 days in Ireland is, yep, a good chunk of time. We found these Ireland itineraries tricky to plan out at times, especially the ones that use public transport.

However, we got there in the end and these routes have been read over 70,000 times in recent months.

The best Ireland itinerary for this length of time is one that doesn’t go overboard when it comes to moving hotels and that takes the time to experience each of the areas it uses as a base.

18 days in Ireland

18 days in Ireland is a massive amount of time to work with. However, it’s worth getting a sense of the lay of the land with a trip of this length.

Although you can see plenty on an 18-day Ireland travel itinerary, the aul trap of spreading yourself too thin is an easy one to fall into.

Our 18-day Ireland itineraries took a fair bit of time to map out and I’m confident you’ll find them  very  useful.

19 days in Ireland

19 days in Ireland is another considerable amount of time. However, and I’ll sound like a broken record, it comes with advantages and disadvantages.

It’s easy to fall into a trap when planning an Ireland itinerary of this length and think,  ‘Ah, sure we’ve loads of time – we’ll just head over and play it by ear!” .

19 days requires a lot of planning as there are  many  moving parts with a trip of this length. Luckily, you’ll find the best Ireland itinerary for 19 days at the link below.

20 days in Ireland

Few people, aside from those of us that live here, get to spend 20 days in Ireland .

This is a massive amount of time and it gives you the opportunity to either explore one corner of Ireland in depth or squeeze in as much as possible.

For example, you could explore Kerry (the Ring of Kerry , Dingle Peninsula , etc) and then work your way through West Cork, Waterford, Wexford and more.

The best Ireland itinerary for 20 days is one picks an adequate number of bases near key areas of interest and that avoids falling into the trap of trying to ‘fit everything in’.

21 days in Ireland

21 days in Ireland is a huge amount of time, and this comes with both pros and cons.

You could arguably map out the best Ireland itinerary imaginable with 3 weeks, but you’ll also need to spend a lot of time planning.

This was the hardest of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides to create and the research phase took over 12 days. We did the hard work for you – cheers!

FAQs about the best Ireland trip itinerary 

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from Ireland vacation ideas to detailed train itineraries.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What is the best Ireland itinerary?

I’d argue that there is no best Ireland travel itinerary – no ‘one size fits all’. We’ve created hundreds of Ireland itineraries for you to choose from, in an attempt to help you find the best Ireland itinerary based on your situation.

How many days in Ireland is enough?

It depends. If you’re looking to see specific things and they’re close together, 5 days could be plenty. If you’re looking to see the West of Ireland, you’ll want at least 7. There is one one clear answer.

Is Rick Steves Ireland itinerary good?

By all accounts, Rick Steves Ireland itinerary guides are pretty good. I’ve spoken to many Americans, in particular, visiting Ireland for the first time who swear by Rick’s itineraries.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Nicola Doyle

Thursday 7th of April 2022

Do you have a guide to travelling around Ireland with a dog?

Keith O'Hara

Friday 8th of April 2022

Hey Nicola - I don't, but this is weird timing. Myself and my dad have been chatting about doing a trip with our dog who's an absolute nightmare in the car. So, while we've nothing on planning a trip in Ireland for those with a dog yet, but hopefully it's on the horizon!

Friday 6th of August 2021

Hello. Thanks for all your posts. They are very informative and helpful.

One questions, when planning can we assume the driving times we see on Google Maps are more or less accurate? I know there are a lot of country roads and I didn't know if this was taken into account by Google.

Thanks again!

Heather Cripe

Sunday 18th of April 2021

Hello Keith,

I’m just writing to thank you for doing this. I do not have a set date for when I can come to Ireland but reading the info you provided and the extensive comments you’ve answered, I almost feel like I’ve been to Ireland already! I know that’s when I can finally plan my trip, this website will be my go to for planning my trip! God bless you Keith!

Monday 19th of April 2021

A fine message to wake up to! Thanks a million Heather - I'm glad you found it useful. Hopefully your visit is just over the horizon.

Cheers from a cold and sunny Dublin!

Sunday 17th of May 2020

Hi Keith, I am planning to take my grandparents to Ireland next spring. My grandmother has always wanted to go and never got the chance to travel. However, they are not in the best of health and I don't think they could handle walking an hour+ (which seems to be the best/only way to see some of the main spots you mention in your recommended itineraries).

Do you have any recommendations for best places to go that don't require much of a hike? My Grandparents would love: beautiful landscapes, local places that don't feel touristy (they always manage to make friends with locals while out eating, etc), places of historical significance.

Hey! A lot of people planning a visit to Ireland have this problem, but it can definitely be worked around.

Say, for example, they're very limited mobility wise, if you took them to Donegal, there's plenty of places where you can literally drive right up to for an incredible view.

Here's a couple of examples:

- The Slieve League Cliffs: you can drive right up to the 'main' view - Ballymastocker Bay: you can pull in on the road above and grab an incredible view - The Inishowen 100 drive: there's an endless number of great views on this (the one at Tra Na Rossan is unreal!

If you're looking for lovely little towns, you can't bate Ardara (Nancy's pub, in particular, is lovely!).

I hope this helps!

Lynda rendell

Wednesday 29th of April 2020

Hi Keith Just found your page. It’s brilliant My husband retires 2021 and we are planning on visiting his great great grandfathers Museum in Mayo His mother’s birthplace in Connemara and auntie in Newlawn we then want to end up in Galway and Dublin Have you any advice of B&B pubs en route to these places We are hoping to go for 15 days so any advice or help would be greatly appreciated we will be travelling from Heathrow Airport UK We’ve never been to Ireland before so we are really really looking forward to it thank you

10 unmissable places to visit in Ireland

Mar 5, 2024 • 9 min read

The sweeping landscape of County Kerry is only the beginning of the most incredible places to visit in Ireland © Matt Anderson Photography / Getty Images

Ireland is a country of contrasts. To the west, its ocean coastline has towering sea cliffs, powder-soft beaches, medieval castles, historic villages and forlornly beautiful islands where locals still nurture ancient traditions. The midlands harbor lesser-seen towns and meandering blue trails that follow the path of the River Shannon along rich green countryside. Dublin and Belfast to the east and north offer all the rich culture and diversity you’d expect to find in a large, modern metropolis.

With so many places to choose from, it’s not always easy to know where to go in Ireland , so we've handpicked the best places to stay to suit every taste and every changing mood.

Choose 3, 4, 5, or 7 top Dublin attractions and enjoy great savings with Go City. Taste the world-famous Irish drink at Guinness Storehouse, enjoy the sights on Big Bus Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, or discover Dublinʼs oldest building, Christ Church Cathedral - the choice is yours!

1. Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal

Best place for a road trip

This is the final slice (or trailhead) of the magnificent Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal odyssey that connects this most northerly tip of Ireland to the south along the western seaboard. Inishowen has a hundred-mile sign-posted loop trail that covers the major attractions around the peninsula from any starting point. It’s one of the best places to visit in Ireland for a weekend, as it’s easily navigated over a couple of days.

Start the drive north by navigating the easterly contours of Lough Swilly before moving inland from  Fort Dunree to discover a highlight, Mamore Gap. It’s a narrow, curving road that snakes through the Urris Hills with spectacular coastal views. Before weaving on towards Tullagh Strand , there’s a wonderful detour to Glenevin Waterfall. The route passes one beauty spot after another, like Five Finger Strand (which has hazardous swimming conditions) and Knockamany, before arriving at the top of the world at  Banba’s Crown on Malin Head.

Planning tip: Travel in the off-season (November to Easter) for the best chance to catch Inishowen’s famous northern lights (Aurora Borealis) stenciled onto a dark sky.

2. Northwest Mayo

Best places for beaches

With a jagged, vast coastline, towering sea stacks and off-the-radar islands,  County Mayo offers beach settings that are framed by spectacular backdrops. Mulranny , with its bone-white powdery sand, has turquoise water that swirls around its contours. It once lured John Lennon and Yoko Ono on a "second honeymoon," and it’s also the gateway to Achill Island’s Keel Strand, which has miles of dunes to fly kites and jaw-dropping views of Slievemore and the Mweelaun Cliffs. 

Keem Bay is further west on Achill, and it is arguably Ireland’s most beautiful beach. It’s sheltered by giant cliffs that rise up to the north and south like a natural amphitheater. North of Achill is the Erris Peninsula which has Elly Bay, a safe beach with shallow waters, or Glosh and Crosshead Beaches, which offer dangerous, menacing waves. Head off-grid to Blacksod Pier to catch a ferry to the Inishkea Islands and discover a magnificent beach fringed by an abandoned village and pristine ocean waters.

Local tip: Rinroe, a secret cove north of Erris, has caverns that offer a good photo op.

3. Kilkenny

Best city for history

The medieval mile in Ireland’s prettiest city center is a living museum. Yes, there are countless ticketed heritage sites like  Kilkenny Castle and the  Medieval Mile Museum , which offer a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past (and rooftop views), but a ramble around "The Marble City’s" beating heart is the best way to discover its past. A self-guided walking tour of the Medieval Mile takes in sites like the  Black Abbey ,  Saint Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower and the Butter Slip – an atmospheric laneway that exudes old-world charm.

As one of the best nightlife spots in Ireland for centuries, expect the pubs in this pint-sized city to have a great backstory.  Kyteler’s Inn on St Kieran’s Street harbors a dark past with trumped-up witchcraft convictions, and Kilkenny’s brewing pedigree is showcased at the  Smithwick’s Experience on Parliament Street and  Sullivan’s Tap Room on John’s Street.

4. Limerick City

Best city for sport

Large stadiums and racetracks orbit the heart of Ireland’s third city while its narrow cobbled lanes and broad avenues have pubs, like  Jerry Flannery’s on Catherine Street or  JJ Bowles near  King John’s Castle , for post-match banter. The Limerick team is the reigning national champions at hurling, one of the fastest and oldest field sports on the planet, but it’s rugby that gets pulses racing in "The Treaty City."  Thomond Park Stadium gives the backstory to the 1978 match, when the local team and underdogs beat the famous All Blacks from New Zealand.

A brand new multistory  International Rugby Experience in O’Connell Street has redefined Limerick’s roofscape. Adare Manor , a resort and golf club a short drive from the city center, will host the 2027 Ryder Cup. The  Great Limerick Run draws crowds every May weekend, and cyclists venture to the countryside for mountain biking at  Ballyhoura or to the  Limerick Greenway for off-road trails as far as Kerry.

5. Dublin City

Best city for LGBTIQ+ travelers

A statue of playwright Oscar Wilde reclines on a bed of quartz near his home on Merrion Square with a wry smile that conveys playful puzzlement. About 120 years after he was imprisoned for gross indecency, almost to the day, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage by popular vote, and Wilde’s hometown was engulfed with rainbow flags for the occasion.

The  party continues in the capital’s landmark gay bar,  The George , which is one of the best places to visit in Dublin for members of the LGBTIQ+ community.  Pantibar on Capel Street and Street 66 on Parliament Street are more laid back, and Mother on Grafton Street is for weekend clubbing. The city’s annual Pride Festival rivals the St Patrick’s Day parade for bringing the city to a standstill. Both GAZE , a film event in September, and the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in May mark the LGBTIQ+ community’s contribution to Ireland’s performing arts.  

6. Galway City

Best city for food

The scent of aromatic spices is carried on the fresh Atlantic breeze that passes through the cobbled lanes off Quay Street, the medieval heart of Galway . Top local restaurants like  Ard Bia at Nimmos cluster around its southern tip at  Spanish Arch because of its romantic setting, making it one of the best places for couples to visit in Ireland. It was once a trading post where galleons carried cargos of wine and food.

Cava Bodega continues that fusion of the experimental with traditional with their imaginative tapas, and on Middle Street,  Anair , the flagship restaurant of master chef JP McMahon is five minutes away.  Éan , a contemporary space down the moodily lit Druid Lane, sells exquisite artisan pastries. With fresh catch arriving from the ocean to the city by the trawler load, expect humble fish and chips with a difference at  McDonagh’s on Quay Street.  Sheridan’s Cheese on Nicholas Street offers the best dairy produce from the land.

Planning tip: Travel in the September shoulder season for the  Galway International Oyster Festival . 

7. County Clare

Best place to catch a tune

County Clare ’s coastline attracts visitors by the busload for the Micho Russel Festival in  Doolin , near the  Cliffs of Moher , late in February. It’s the place to catch a lively traditional (trad) music session at any time of year, with  Gus O’Connor’s Pub packing in visitors to the rafters.

For something slower and more sentimental, visit the medieval banquet at  Bunratty Castle or Knappogue , where you can listen to harpists and vocalists harmonize Ireland’s past over a glass of honeyed mead and spare ribs. Ennis hosts the annual Fleadh Nua every May, when the entire town moves in rhythm with the bodhrán (Irish drum). Its pubs showcase a nightly blast of trad at  Brogan’s and  Knox’s or contemporary live music at  Nora Culligan's on Abbey Street.

Local tip:  True music aficionados head to the east side of the county towards Lough Derg, where the pubs cupped in fern green valleys –like Shortt’s Bar in Feakle – host top performers nightly. 

8. Causeway Coast, County Antrim

Best place to hike

Located between Belfast and Derry on the north Antrim coastline, the Causeway Coast has a seascape that’s smooth as whipped cream in some locations and jagged as broken ice in others. But it’s always fascinating. At a 20-mile (34km) distance of moderate difficulty, and blessed with spectacular scenery, it’s one of the best places to hike in Ireland.

The eastern leg has stunning settings, like the Gobbins Cliff Path on Islandmagee Peninsula, but if time is restricted, travel west by train to hike to the heavy hitters that are crammed within 10 miles of each other. Starting at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which jigs and sways over the waves below, head west past the  Giant’s Causeway to the spectacular  Dunluce Castle that teeters on a cliff edge. Round off with a visit to the  Old Bushmill’s Distillery to get the blood flowing.

Planning tip:  Build in a detour to  The Dark Hedges ,  nine miles south of Carrick-a-Rede.

9. West Cork

Best place for families

Ocean spray and homemade ice cream are just a taste of why this expansive, meandering coastline, with its necklace of charming seaside villages, is one of the best places for families to visit in Ireland. Take a walking tour around pretty  Kinsale to discover stories of notorious seafarers like Alexander Selkirk, who inspired Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, and Pirate Queen Anne Bonny. Or meander by the ramparts of star-shaped  Charles Fort . For another epic activity, take a whale-watching  boat tour from Baltimore to catch a glimpse of a magnificent humpback or baleen rise and fall beneath the clear ocean water.

Days can be spent lazing, surfing and horse-riding by the white dunes of  Barley Cove or  Inchydoney Beach , or k ayaking with seals near Glengarriff.  Ireland’s only cable car leaves from Beara  to cross ocean waters to Dursey Island. Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southerly point, has an interpretive signal station that is accessed by footbridge over wild Atlantic waves.

10. Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry

Best place for sensational views

For an out-of-this-world excursion, catch the ferry from brightly painted Portmagee to one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.  Skellig Michael, a small mountainous UNESCO World Heritage site, doubles as the windswept island sanctuary on the planet Ahch-To in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015) and Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017).

Back on the mainland, the superlative landscapes will continue to impress with  Ladies View , which has panoramic views over the Lakes of Killarney.  Torc Waterfall on the northern tip of  The Ring of Kerry is better recorded than photographed with the powerful sound of the water pounding in the background. Head to Cronin’s Yard to scale and capture  Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, which towers over the entire peninsula and ocean.

Planning tip:  The ferry service to Skellig Michael is extremely popular (and weather dependent), so it’s necessary to book months in advance to secure tickets.

This article was first published May 31, 2021 and updated Mar 5, 2024.

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Based in Ireland, Vagabond & Driftwood has always been family-owned and operated. We recruit and train our driver guides locally. Our network of independent hotels and activity suppliers helps our tours contribute directly to the local economy.

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Exceptional quality runs right through Vagabond & Driftwood. Our standards have been recognised internationally. Most recently, we were the first B Corp from the Irish travel industry and the only tour operator awarded in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2023.

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Where We Tour In Ireland

Our expert VagaGuides know every last corner of Ireland!

We tour Northern Ireland , the Wild Atlantic Way  and Ireland's Ancient East .

Highlights include the Ring of Kerry , Dingle, Giants Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, the Burren, Kilkenny Castle and the Blarney Stone.

The counties we visit include Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Donegal, Galway, Waterford, Sligo, Clare, Cork and Tipperary. For convenience, all of our small-group tours depart from Dublin .

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My Ideal Ireland Itinerary 7 Days Road Trip (+ Map)

A re you itching to visit the Emerald Isle but only have a week to explore? It’s a relatively small country, so it’s doable. This Ireland itinerary for 7 days will show you how to enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside and lively Irish culture in a one-week Ireland road trip.

For most travelers, starting and ending your Irish road trip at Dublin Airport makes logical (and financial) sense. But for those who can start their trip in Dublin and end it at Shannon Airport, there are other destinations in this beautiful country you can squeeze into your 7-day Ireland itinerary.

My detailed guide below suggests two different routes for both options. Either way, you’ll have an epic and memorable time in Ireland! It’s one of my favorite countries! Keep in mind, this itinerary does not take into account travel time, most flights from the US will depart in the evening and arrive the next morning.

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days: Option 1 (Dublin to Dublin)

This 7-day Ireland itinerary is based on my actual road trip around Ireland and Northern Ireland with my teen daughter. We had a wonderful time, so I’m sharing many of our lessons and stops to help you make the most of your visit.

Day 1: Dublin to Belfast

Day 2: Belfast to Derry

Day 3: Derry to Westport (or Galway)

Day 4: Westport to Galway

Day 5: Galway to Dublin

Day 6: Dublin

Day 7: Leave Dublin

Alternative Route Thoughts:

If you’re willing to drive and tour at a faster pace, you could try to combine parts of the Northern Ireland itinerary in order to allow you to visit the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula in the southwest of Ireland if you’re set on flying in and out of Dublin.

The Dingle Peninsula Slea Head Drive is considered one of the highlights of the area and the star of the Wild Atlantic Way region. But it is on the opposite end of the island from Northern Ireland, so with only 7 days, adjustments are needed. My route includes some of the Wild Atlantic Way between Westport and Galway, and is more accessible. However, some feel strongly about visiting the Dingle Peninsula.

Look at my list of things to do and see and decide which are your priorities if the Dingle Peninsula (pretty drive that will take about 3 hours) is a priority, AND you have to fly in and out of Dublin. If you want to prioritize Northern Ireland and the southwest area of Republic of Ireland, you might look at a route like this: Dublin – Derry – Galway – Dingle/Killarney (2 nights) – Dublin (2 nights)

I wouldn’t choose this fast pace, but it is an option if you’re trying to make the most of a limited week. The better option in my opinion would be to try to add on a day or two. Ideally, you’d plan a 10 day Ireland itinerary if you want to see most of the highlights. Or just plan to come back again!

My recommendation if you only have 7 days and want to see most of the popular regions is to fly into Dublin and out of Shannon Airport, which I list that alternate itinerary farther down in my post.

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin Airport and Explore Belfast

Waste no time at Dublin Airport by renting a car and driving north to Northern Ireland. Many flights from North America are red eye so you can start your 7 day Ireland itinerary in the morning. Don’t worry, you’ll end your trip in Dublin.

Renting a Car in Ireland

Take note that, unless you specify, your rental car will have a manual transmission. Request an automatic if you don’t want to tackle switching gears and driving on the left side of the road! Trust me, this isn’t the time to learn to drive standard or to try and remember that time in your childhood when you borrowed your buddy’s stick shift car.

You will need to have full coverage auto insurance for accidents or damage. Many times I rely on my credit card for car rental insurance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve both have primary rental car coverage. But, confirm that Ireland and Northern Ireland aren’t excluded from your coverage.

Also, be prepared to show proof of the coverage at the rental counter. This can typically be printed from your benefits page but consider calling or chatting with customer care to ask for written proof of rental coverage. Otherwise, you’ll need to add collision coverage to your rental.

You can use Google Maps to navigate Ireland’s narrow roads, but it will often take you the fastest way which isn’t always the best way for tourists. We had a GPS device added to our rental and found it would sometimes route us differently than Google Maps.

Most of the time Google Maps was great but twice we should have listened to the GPS, one of which was driving back to Dublin from Cliffs of Moher when Google Maps took us back roads that were very tight and slow going and the GPS would have gotten us onto a highway much faster.

On your first day, head to Northern Ireland. The total drive time from Dublin to Belfast is just under two hours covering 162 km/100 miles, so you should have plenty of time to explore Killeavy before traveling to Belfast and staying there one night.

Note: The Republic of Ireland measures speed in kilometers/hr while Northern Ireland measures in miles/hr. Money is also different as Northern Ireland uses the British Pound Sterling (￡) and Ireland uses the Euro (€).

Malahide or Killeavy

You’ll hop in your car and start heading to Northern Ireland but I recommend at least one stop along the way to help get outdoors and help your body adjust to the time change. There are two stops I’d recommend as you make your way to Belfast, either Malahide or Killeavy. Both will help you get outdoors and have a castle.

Malahide is what I’d consider a Dublin suburb. It’s home to the popular Malahide Castle and Gardens, which is a more touristy operated castle with decor and extensive gardens. Malahide is also on the coast and there is a popular 4 km Malahide to Portmarnock Coastal Walk to get an outdoor fix on your first day. The town itself has a large number of cute restaurants and shops for a great afternoon break on your first day.

If you’re looking to get out of the city on your first day, plan for a stop in Killeavy instead. Located just over the Northern Irish border, Killeavy is a small town and a great place to stop for a break in an official area of natural beauty.

Check out Killeavy Castle Estate (there’s a hotel there now but you can still check out the castle grounds) or the Slieve Gullion Forest Park. This area of woodland has links to Celtic mythology! If you’re in Killeavy around lunchtime, stop at Johnny Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant for a bite to eat.

And if you’re not in a rush and have an extra night beyond this 7-day itinerary, consider booking a stay at the Killeavy Castle Estate. It’s absolutely beautiful and a great way to unwind after a busy travel day. We overnighted in Killeavy and even visited their spa to help us relax after traveling. The extra day helps you relax and start to acclimate to the time change.

If you’re not staying overnight in Killeavy and following my 7 day itinerary, hop back in your car and head to Belfast next.

Political Mural Black Cab Tour

When you arrive in Belfast, park your rental car and let a tour guide drive you around for a change! From the 1970s to the 1990s, Belfast was at the center of a pivotal moment in Irish history called ‘the Troubles’. 

A great way to learn more about it is to book a Black Cab Tour around all the neighborhoods and dozens of political murals that document the era. Driving is much faster than a walking tour which is ideal because there are lots of things to do in Belfast!

Shopping in Belfast

Need souvenirs or just have lots of room in your suitcase to fill? St. George’s Market is a 19th-century covered weekend market selling everything from street food to antiques. Born in Belfast is a great place to shop for local, artisanal gifts. Note that it’s only open on the weekend.

Note: Ireland’s currency is the Euro but Northern Ireland uses Great British Pounds. Bring a good travel credit card with no foreign exchange fees so you can pay in both currencies with no problems. We didn’t need cash at all during our trip as everywhere we visited accepted credit cards.

Ride Hydrobikes on the River Lagan

Dublin has the River Liffey, but Belfast has the River Lagan. Take a fun, self-guided tour down this river on hydro bikes and see landmarks like the Prince Albert Clock, the yellow Harland & Wolf cranes, and the Big Fish. Check out Lagan Adventures to learn more about booking this fun water activity!

This is a fun activity that is unique, but can be skipped if you’re running low on time or would rather have more time at the Titanic museum.

Titanic Belfast Experience

While riding the hydro bikes you’ll sail past the Titanic Quarter, home of Belfast’s docks and where the infamous ship was built in the early 1910s. Titanic Belfast is a state-of-the-art experience that opened in 2012, the 100th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Titanic on its first voyage.

You can learn more about the ship’s design, the people who built it, and everything else there is to know about the Titanic. You can even find violins and deckchairs found on the Titanic’s wreckage among the exhibits. It can be an emotional experience for some, but is a must-do for anyone who is fascinated by the Titanic story.

Evening in Belfast

Belfast has tons of fantastic restaurants in its Cathedral Quarter. Check out The Dirty Onion and Yardbird for a more relaxed meal or The Muddlers Club for fine dining. Don’t forget to check out the cool neon signs down Commercial Court which look best on a dark, rainy evening.

Overnight in Belfast

You’ll spend your first night in Belfast and I have two great hotel recommendations for you. Ten Square Hotel was where I stayed most recently and is in a central location with a view of the beautiful City Hall building.

And the Maldron Hotel Belfast City is also centrally located, upscale, and has amazing reviews. I also love that both these hotels have restaurants in case you’re too tired to go out after arriving and just want to grab dinner, or breakfast, at your hotel.

Day 2: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast

On the first full day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, you could drive straight to Derry from Belfast along the motorway (the name for highways in Ireland). But then you’d miss the scenic drive along the Causeway Coast. This drive was possibly our favorite part of the entire trip!

This coastline stretches across the top of Northern Ireland and features otherworldly landforms, medieval castles, rope bridges, and more. You can even see out to Scotland on this scenic route (on a clear day).

Driving from Belfast to Derry via the coast is approximately 114 miles in distance and will take three hours without stops. Set off early so you have as much time to make stops as possible, trust me, the views are amazing and you’ll want plenty of time to enjoy the trip.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

With a history dating back 250 years, fishermen used to cross this rope bridge (an older version of the one installed in 2008!) to catch salmon on a small island. Carrick-A-Rede is a 66 ft-long rope bridge suspended 100 ft above the Antrim coast and offers an exciting experience as well as incredible sea and coastal views. The water around the coast here is so blue, you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean.

The hike is about 1.8 miles and will take you about an hour to an hour and a half to explore. I would consider it a simple walk for people used to physical activity, but does require effort and stamina. I highly recommend pre-booking your visit as they do limit access and you don’t want to show up and have access sold out for that time frame.

If you’re craving a snack or drink, stop by Carrick-A-Rede Bar & Restaurant before or after your bridge walk. It’s located past the rope bridge if you’re driving from Belfast, so works well as a stop after your walk on your way to the next stop, Giant’s Causeway.

Giant’s Causeway

Your next stop is one of the best things to do on the entire island of Ireland, hands down. The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a four-mile-long stretch of coastline comprising thousands of basalt columns that interlock in an otherworldly form.

You can walk over these columns as much as you want for as long as you want, it’s completely free to visit! You just need to pay for the parking lot and visitor center.

I’ve walked town below on the rocks on a trip and most recently we did the cliff hike above the coastline and it offers a completely different view of the landscape. A great activity for active visitors, although there is a shuttle you can pay for to help drive you from the visitors center down to the main rock formations if you have mobility issues.

Afterwards, head into the nearby town of Bushmills for lunch where you can eat at Lorna’s Kitchen or Flash in the Pan fish and chip shop.

Dunluce Castle

Just a few minutes along the coast from the Giant’s Causeway is a beautiful ruined castle overlooking the coastline, Dunluce Castle. This 16th-century castle was once the main stronghold of Clan MacDonnell. Of all the castles to visit in Northern Ireland, this one is convenient and offers some amazing coastal lookout views!

Overnight in Derry

Derry (aka Londonderry) is Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, so you’ll have no trouble finding places to eat for dinner or things to do. If you arrive in Derry early, make sure you see the Peace Bridge over the River Foyle, Free Derry Corner, and The Derry Walls. These are 17th-century defensive walls that circle the city and offer the best views.

One of my daughter’s absolute favorite stops on our trip was our overnight in Derry. While many itineraries will have you skip this city so that you can immediately get to the west coast of Ireland, I’m chiming in to say it’s worth stopping here.

We arrived in Derry in the evening and walked the entire circle of the walls. The walls encircle the central part of the city and it’s about a mile walk. There are multiple access points on and off the walls, so it’s a convenient and fun way to get around the city.

For dinner, Castle Street Social is a cool, laidback bistro and The Bentley Bar is better for live Irish music and grills. We loved our upscale pub dinner at the Wig Champagne Bar in Bishops Gate Hotel . I’ve stayed at this hotel twice and have loved it every time. It is a luxury property, but the price is not as crazy as you might expect.

Day 3: Explore Derry and Drive to Westport (or Galway)

Derry is Northern Ireland’s second city, so spend enough time visiting the main sites. But don’t linger too long, because on the third day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, you’ll be driving back into the Republic of Ireland and along the west coast.

Driving from Derry to Westport in County Mayo will take approximately three hours to cover 149 miles/240 km. It will take a little longer to make a stop well worth visiting en route ! Spend one night in Westport or the surrounding area. If you don’t spend too long in Derry, you could overnight in Galway instead of Westport.

If you like visiting eclectic museums, you’ll spoiled for choice in Derry. Museum of Free Derry covers the region’s local civil rights history, The Siege Museum specifically covers a specific historical moment in 1689, and the Foyle Valley Railway Museum with lots of old-timey trains.

If you haven’t already, watch the hilarious Netflix sitcom Derry Girls which is set in this city. There’s a mural of the main characters on Orchard Street, as well as lots of other murals you’ll see as you walk around.

Make the first stop on this part of your road trip to the city of Sligo, a place known for its literary heritage (W.B. Yeats was born here). Make a stop for lunch at the traditional Walker 1781 pub which serves a mix of light, European fare.

Ashford Castle

Continue driving towards Westport but make a slight detour south to Ashford Castle. This 13th-century estate is now a hotel, but you’re free to wander its lavish interiors and well-manicured gardens.

If you have the bank balance, you could always stay overnight here instead of Westport. Keep in mind that this five-star hotel could set you back around $1,000 a night!

Overnight in Westport (or Galway)

Since Westport is a large town on Ireland’s west coast, you have plenty of dinner options. Cobbler’s Bar & Courtyard is a relaxed grill or check out Friends Bistro which is a good all-rounder for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For overnighting, consider staying at The Wyatt Hotel in the heart of town or the Westport Coast Hotel on the water.

If you have time, take a stroll along the Carrowbeg River. There are lots of cute medieval bridges like the Doris Brothers Bridge.

Alternative option: if you’re willing to leave Derry early and drive farther, you can try to combine parts of days 3 and 4 and overnight in Galway. This will allow you to use day 5 to drive the Dingle Peninsula and possibly see Cork on your way back to Dublin.

This will not be a relaxed road trip and will require early starts, but it will give you the chance to see one of the other most popular tourist regions of Ireland during your 7 days. If you choose to overnight in Galway, consider staying in the main central city area at the well-rated Park House Hotel or The Huntsman Inn .

We stayed at the g Hotel and Spa and found the location out of the way and not ideal for strolling the streets of Galway. But the property does have nice rooms and restaurants, plus a spa. It reminded me of a US casino hotel experience.

Day 4: Explore Connemara National Park and Galway

Ireland has six national parks, and you’ll be able to visit at least one by following this Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Visiting during the summer months is a great time to visit Ireland as you can take advantage of the long days and good weather (well, better weather) for outdoor activities.

Westport is only 78.5 km/49 miles north of Galway City (which will take just over one hour to drive without stopping) but there are some great things to do on your journey along the west coast.

Ireland’s entire stretch of coast along the Atlantic Ocean is called the Wild Atlantic Way. It stretches 2,600 km/1600 miles from Malin Head in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. You won’t have time to drive the entire scenic route during your week in Ireland, but you will see some of it on Days 4 and 5. Stay in overnight in Galway.

Kylemore Abbey & Gardens

While there are tons of beautiful stately homes across the country, none are as special as Kylemore Abbey. This 19th-century mansion has been occupied by Benedictine nuns since the 1920s and they’re still there today. You can tour the house and walk around the gardens as well as visit the nearby Kylemore Church.

One of the best things about this abbey is its stunning location. It’s surrounded by woodland and sits on the banks of the Pollacapall Lough on the edge of Connemara National Park.

Connemara National Park

Speaking of the national park, it’s also worth a stop on your drive. Poke your head into the Visitor Center and if you have the time, tackle the nearby Lower Diamond Hill Trail. It’s only a 1.8-mile loop walk and you can continue onto the Upper Diamond Hill Trail if that trail is too easy. 

Just a stone’s throw further than Connemara National Park is Clifden, a cute, small town on the coast. Off The Square Restaurant is the perfect stone-walled café to stop for lunch, and there are some interesting memorials dotted around the hills outside the town.

Walk along the coast to the John D’Arcy Monument, dedicated to the founder of Clifden, or drive to the Alcock and Brown Memorial. These British pilots completed the first nonstop transatlantic flight in 1919 which landed right outside of Clifden.

As the home of traditional Irish music and other Celtic legends, Galway is an essential stop on any Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Head to the colorful Latin Quarter where there are dozens of colorful pubs. Many licensed pubs allow accompanied children to enter until 9 pm, so check for notices around the door before entering.

Galway’s main street, Quay Street, stretches through the Latin Quarter and this is where you can find stores selling the famous Claddaugh jewelry. These Celtic pieces have a unique symbol with two hands to represent friendship, a heart to represent love and a crown for loyalty. They are the perfect souvenir!

Head under the Spanish Arch to the harbor and check out the Galway City Museum if you want to learn more about the city’s local and maritime history. Check out the Róisín Dubh for the best live music performances in the city. 

For dinner, The Dough Bros is budget and kid-friendly. Tigh Neachtain Pub & Restaurant has the best of both local Irish cuisine and traditional folk performances.

Day 5: Witness the Cliffs of Moher and Drive to Dublin

It’s time to get back to Dublin so you can explore Ireland’s capital city before hopping on your flight back home. Not before swinging by one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, of course.

Driving from Galway to Dublin via the famous Cliffs of Moher in County Clare and Limerick will take approximately five hours as you’ll need to cover 356 km/226 miles. Stay overnight in Dublin for the last two nights of your 7-day itinerary in Ireland.

Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk and Visitor Center

Drive from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center and learn more about the formation of these incredible sea cliffs. They climb 702 feet tall at their highest point and stretch 14km/nine miles along the coast.

Then, walk out to the coastal path and explore different vantage points. On a clear day, you should be able to see out to the Aran Islands. Many companies run day tours to the Aran Islands from Galway, but you might not have time on your 7-day Ireland itinerary.

Lunch in Limerick

Stop for lunch in Limerick, the fourth-largest city on the island. You have lots of options but Story Café is perfect if you want to eat something light while The Locke Bar Gastro Pub is perfect for a filling sit-down meal.

Hang around before continuing to Dublin as there are lots of things to do in Limerick. Visit the 19th-century Milk Market where you can pick up souvenirs or snacks for your ride. King John’s Castle is an imposing medieval fortress that sits right on the River Shannon that you can visit too. 

Evening in Dublin

Since you have a pretty long drive, you probably won’t reach Dublin until the evening. Walk to the historic Temple Bar neighborhood for dinner. It’s named after an actual 19th-century, bright red pub in the area that you can’t miss.

If you’re traveling with kids and you’ve struggled to find pubs that will admit those under 18 (the drinking age in Ireland) then head to Temple Bar before 9 pm to listen to music. If you’re not visiting with kids, walk a few minutes west along the River Liffey to Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub. 

Old Storehouse Bar or Cobblestone Pub are perfect places to enjoy dinner in Temple Bar. They both boast life music too.

Overnight in Dublin

You’ll have plenty of places to choose from if you want to stay in Dublin. My experiences have been with The Davenport and Trinity City Hotel , both are gorgeous upscale properties in convenient locations to walk to many of the popular sights. If you don’t want to deal with city driving and parking and can stay a bit outside of the city center; I’ve stayed at Clontarf Castle , which is a unique property and near a bus route with easy access into Dublin.

Day 6: Explore Dublin

Dublin is the perfect place to spend the last day of your trip. If it’s your first time in Ireland, you can’t miss it! But it’s a big city and there are many options for spending your final full day. Book two nights’ accommodation in the city.

One great option is to find a parking lot for your rental car and check out the top tourist attractions in Dublin’s city center. Or, if you’re not keen on visiting a city or checking out day tours, you can drive out to County Dublin’s picturesque coastal towns like Skerries, Malahide, and Howe. 

If you want to stay in the capital, this itinerary will show you the best way to enjoy the city. I have a two day Dublin itinerary that might be useful, but find some of the highlights below.

Trinity College Library & Book of Kells

Start in the southeast part of the city at Trinity College Dublin. This is the most prestigious university in Ireland, and where you’ll find Trinity College Library. It’s famous for its 16th-century Long Room which features two stories of stacked bookshelves (it looks like something out of Harry Potter !).

It’s also famous for the Book of Kells . This is one of the oldest books in the world which was handpainted in the 9th century. They just launched a brand new experience that has made seeing the book a little more exciting than the previous old plaque style exhibit.

Something important to note is that almost all of the books have been removed from the Long Room as part of a redevelopment project. However, the new tour experience uses projections to help you still appreciate the history of the space.

St. Stephen’s Green

Dublin has lots of adorable parks so you have to see at least one during your trip. Merrion Square is a great choice, but St. Stephen’s Green is more central. It’s small but has a small pond, statues dedicated to some of Ireland’s literary greats, and is surrounded by rows of Georgian townhouses with colored doors.

Grafton Street

Walk underneath the Fusiliers’ Arch in the northwest corner of St. Stephen’s Green and you’ll be standing at the top of Grafton Street. This is a pedestrianized shopping street that is always lined with musicians playing for money (aka buskers). If you’re not a fan of pubs then this is the best spot to listen to local music.

Grafton Street also has a number of great shops for souvenir shopping. A couple of my favorites are the Aran Sweater Market for authentic wool sweaters and clothing, Claddagh Jewellers for Irish jewelry, and Seasons of Ireland for cheesy tourist gifts.

Dublin Castle

Continue walking west to Dublin Castle. This is a well-preserved castle dating back to the 13th century with museums, libraries, and state apartments. There’s also a small garden that you can explore and an onsite café which is perfect for lunch. 

Christ Church Cathedral

Just across the road from Dublin Castle is Christ Church Cathedral. St. Patrick’s Cathedral (named after the country’s famous patron saint) is arguably a more important building as it’s Ireland’s national cathedral, but it’s a little further away.

Christ Church Cathedral started as a Viking church almost 1,000 years ago although the current building dates back to the 13th century. Inside, you’ll find a mummified rat and cat (they both got stuck in the organ) and a ‘homeless Jesus’ statue on the bench outside.

Guinness Storehouse

One of the most popular attractions in Ireland, you have to check out the Guinness Storehouse during your first visit. In 1749, Arthur Guinness signed a legendary 9,000-year lease on a disused brewery at St. James’s Gate. Today, the famous dark ale is brewed elsewhere but the original location is now a visitor center.

The Guinness Storehouse covers the brewing process, the history of the company, and fun advertising displays. It’s surprisingly family-friendly and everyone either gets a pint of Guinness or a soft drink in the Gravity Bar at the end of the tour. It offers 360-degree views across the whole city of Dublin!

You can make reservations for one of the restaurants at Guinness Storehouse, or head back towards your hotel and check out the Temple Bar area for food and drinks.

Temple Bar Neighborhood

Return to Temple Bar for your last night in Ireland. There are lots of restaurants serving a range of cuisines if you’ve had more than enough savory pies, potatoes, and root vegetables during your seven-day trip!

Day 7: Depart from Dublin Airport

It’s time to head back to Dublin Airport and finish up your seven days in Ireland. Depending on the time of your flight back, you may have a little time to see parts of Dublin you missed the day before.

Leave plenty of time to travel to Dublin Airport as you will have to return your rental car too.

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days: Option 2 (Dublin to Shannon)

Day 1: arrive in dublin and explore.

The first day of this alternative 7-day Ireland itinerary starts in Dublin. Instead of traveling to Northern Ireland immediately, explore Ireland’s capital city first. You’ll spend one night in Dublin. This part is almost identical to Day 6 of the first itinerary.

You can either travel into Dublin by bus or taxi and pick up a rental car in the city center the next day, or pick up a car at the airport and find a parking lot near your hotel. You won’t need a car to get around Dublin! It’s super walkable and traffic is a nightmare.

Note: It may be more expensive to pick up a rental car at Dublin Airport and drop it off at Shannon Airport. Since traveling around Ireland using public transport is difficult to impossible, factor this extra cost into your budget.

Day 2: Travel from Dublin to Belfast

The next stop on this alternative Ireland itinerary for 7 days is Belfast. It’s similar to day 1 of the first itinerary, except you might not have time to stop in Malahide or Killeavy. You may also have to visit a Dublin attraction or two in the morning before you set off, like Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral.

Spend a couple of hours in Dublin wrapping up the top attractions before driving north and exploring the Northern Irish capital. Driving this 105-mile/166 km journey will take around one hour and 45 minutes. Spend one night in Belfast.

Day 3: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast 

This day of this alternate itinerary is pretty much exactly the same as Day 2 on the first itinerary. Drive from Belfast to Derry via the coast which is approximately 114 miles in distance and will take three hours without stops. 

But you will absolutely want to stop as many times as possible on this stunning scenic drive! Check out all the best places to stop under Day 2 before staying overnight in Derry.

Day 4: Explore Derry and Drive to Galway

In this itinerary, you’re essentially combining Days 3 and 4 of the first itinerary and driving from Derry to Galway, returning to the Republic of Ireland. This will be your longest driving day at over three and a half hours, covering 172 miles/277 km. 

You will most likely have to compromise on road trip stops. This will probably include skipping Westport and Clifden. 

If you want to see Connemara National Park, you’ll have to head in a different direction to Ashford Castle. And if you want to see more of Galway, spend less time in Derry.

Day 5: View the Cliffs of Moher and Drive to Killarney

The biggest change from the first itinerary to this one is that you get to visit Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Many people who visit Ireland say that County Kerry is one of the best places in the country, so it’s well worth visiting!

Driving south from Galway to Killarney takes around two and a half hours, but you will want to extend that drive for another 90 minutes to make a special road trip stop. Follow the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway so you can check out the Cliffs of Moher. This will make your whole drive take around four hours, covering 263 km/163 miles.

If you have any time left at the end of the day, take that time to explore Killarney National Park. Spend the next two nights in Killarney, using it as your home base.

Killarney National Park

Although Connemara National Park is beautiful, everyone who visits Ireland gushes about Killarney. It boasts such natural diversity including huge lakes, rolling green hills, waterfalls, and historic sites.

If you have time, hire a kayak or canoe and sail on Lough Leane. You can visit the ruined structures of Ross Castle and Innisfallen Abbey.

Head to Muckross House, a 19th-century mansion in the park where Queen Victoria once stayed. Torc Waterfall is nearby which is an impressive site only a short walk into the woods from the parking lot.

Evening in Killarney

Killarney has lots of pub restaurants serving traditional Irish food and some even have live music playing every night. Murphys Bar & Restaurant and John M. Reidy are both great options.

Day 6: Drive the Scenic Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula

The Ring of Kerry is a 179 km/111-mile coastal loop drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. If you were to drive without stopping, it would take around three and a half hours. Along with the Dingle Peninsula drive, they are two of the most beautiful coastal drives in the country.

Unfortunately, you won’t have time to drive around both routes. But no matter which one you pick, you’re guaranteed to have the best time exploring the Kerry countryside and you can head back to Killarney for dinner.

Option 1: Ring of Kerry

Due to the narrow roads, drive in a counter-clockwise direction so you can lessen the chance of having to reverse for local traffic.

Some of the highlights of the Ring of Kerry drive are Rossbeigh Beach and Kells for views across the sea to the Dingle Peninsula. Cahergal Stone Fort in Cahersiveen dates back to the 7th century and there are lots of other cool ruined castles and forts in the area.

Stop in Portmagee for a fish and chips lunch from Fisherman’s Bar. It’s a cute little colorful port town with ferries to the Skellig Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Kerry coast.

Kenmare is another essential stop on the Ring of Kerry Route. You can check out Kenmare Stone Circle (over 4,000 years old!) and Ladies View at the end of Killarney National Park. It’s one of the best vantage points in the park.

Option 2: Dingle Peninsula

If you choose to drive around the Dingle Peninsula instead, drive clockwise to follow the most popular direction of traffic. Head first to Inch Beach, a 5 km-long sandy beach that juts out into the sea and is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Ireland.

Continue along the coast to Dingle Town, the start and finish of the 30-mile-long scenic Slea Head Drive around the tip of the peninsula. You can stop for lunch before or after completing this part of the drive where you can have your pick of fish and chip shops like The Fish Box. 

After Dingle, stop by the Beehive Huts which are the well-preserved former homes of early Christian monks. They’re over 1,400 years old! Stop at Dunmore Head for the best views of the Blasket Islands before continuing to the unique Dunquin Pier.

Back at Dingle, take the N86/N70 road back to Killarney which is much wider and more pleasant to drive on.

Day 7: Depart from Shannon Airport

On the last day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, drive back up north from Killarney to Shannon Airport. This will take just under two hours covering a distance of around 175 km/84 miles. 

If you have a late flight, you can check out parts of the Ring of Kerry or Killarney National Park that you might have missed over the previous two days. Leave in plenty of time in case you have any unforeseen delays! You’ll need to return your rental car as well as go through security. 

Use This Ireland Itinerary for 7 Days as Your Guide

No matter your flight plans, you can use one of my Ireland itinerary for 7 days to navigate your entire trip! Both include all the major cities like Dublin and Belfast and beautiful scenery like the Giant’s Causeway and Cliffs of Moher. You can’t go wrong!

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Exploring Scotland & Ireland

About this tour.

Bask in the warm Celtic culture and majestic scenery of two remarkable lands. Come to know the regal city of Edinburgh on a panoramic coach tour and by foot. Cruise the famed Loch Ness and explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Enjoy a traditional evening of Scottish food and entertainment. Visit the Titanic Experience in Belfast and remember the century-old tragedy that shook the world. Walk the Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO) and soak up incredible views of the Causeway Coast, one of the world’s most breathtaking rail journeys. Visit Ireland’s bustling capital city of Dublin and tour historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. From rugged natural beauty to vibrant and historical cities, the diverse charms of Scotland and Ireland await.

Your Tour Includes

• 6 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Edinburgh Castle
• St. Andrews
• Loch Ness Cruise

Your Tour at a Glance

11 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Best time for travel, customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $80.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel exploring scotland & ireland.

While just about any month is great to visit Scotland and Ireland, there are a few prime times of the year for the Exploring Scotland & Ireland tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Spring: Springtime is a wonderful time to visit the region! The countryside comes alive with flowers and shades of green, and the days of sunlight are growing just a bit longer, giving you more time to explore.

Summer: August is the perfect time to visit Edinburgh, as the Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Festival both take place then. It’s crowded, but the city is alive with many cultural events. And generally, it’s good weather (fingers crossed for not too much rain!).

Fall: Daylight hours grow shorter, and the weather is not quite as hospitable as summer, but the changing colors of the landscape are truly lovely. Fewer crowds make it easier to navigate sites and take your time to enjoy them.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Tour the "Fair City" of Dublin with a local guide.

Embark on a scenic cruise on beautiful Loch Ness.

Set out on a walking tour of Derry featuring its medieval city walls.

Cultural Experiences:

Embark on one of the world’s most breathtaking rail journeys along the Causeway Coast.

Explore the Titanic Experience in Belfast.

Discover the heritage of Glasgow with a local guide.

Culinary Inclusions:

Taste apple cider at a family-run farm.

Join in the fun during a night of traditional Scottish food and entertainment.

• Urquhart Castle
• Highland Evening
• Titanic Experience
• Giant's Causeway
• The Causeway Coast Rail Journey
• Cider Farm Tour

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

Share This Tour

Looking to add your itinerary for friends and family? Share your Itinerary

Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Start your trip with 3 nights in London – the capital of England and the United Kingdom. Use your included Oyster card to navigate the city with a local expert – hopping on the Tube and taking a walking tour by Westminster, The houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. Your tour will end in Trafalger Square, one of London's most iconic landmarks. Take advantage of your included Tower of London pass. You’ll have ample time at leisure to make your stay in London exactly what you want it to be.Your other option is to book a pre stay? Guided You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout the extension, except for any time that’s set aside for independent discovery.

• Overnight Flight
• You’re on your way to the United Kingdom. Begin in England and enjoy a 3-night stay in London.
• London, England - Extension Begins
• Experience London, the esteemed capital of the United Kingdom. Often described as a world within a city, London is a sophisticated metropolis with a timeless style all its own.
• Navigate the city with a local expert. Using your included Oyster card, hop on the famous underground Tube. Take a walking tour around Westminster, The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Your tour will end in Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy the afternoon to further explore the city.
• Start your day with a visit to the Tower of London to peek into the city’s storied past and uncover the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. The rest of the day is yours to see London your way!
• London - Edinburgh, Scotland
• Wish London goodbye as you take a high-speed train through the English countryside to Scotland.

Hotel-Radisson Blu Edinburgh

Hotel-Herbert Park Hotel

Enjoy a traditional pub lunch at a historic pub where you will soak up the atmosphere of days gone by. After lunch, continue on to the nearby Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's top international visitor attraction. Learn about the brewing process that creates this beloved beverage and discover the technique needed to pour the perfect pint! Classic Guinness ads and memorabilia create a nostalgic ambiance as you indulge in a complimentary pint and learn about a different yet key part of Ireland's history.

Join us for an entertaining evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classically Scottish. Feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Your taste buds will savor the true flavor and goodness of this distinctive country. Tonight will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers who deliver the very best in Scottish music, song and dance. Be prepared for a Scottish night of food, fun and many fond memories!

Explore one of Ireland's best-kept secrets. Enjoy a fun and engaging evening with a local singer/songwriter and discover how the tale of Derry is intertwined with many of Ireland's most important events. Come and experience a three-course dinner at a restaurant serving pub-style food. See first-hand why Derry was named the UK City of Culture in 2013.

Tour the "Fair City" of Dublin with a local guide.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Radisson Blu Edinburgh From $200 per night

Radisson Blu Edinburgh

Best western palace hotel inverness, hilton glasgow.

Maldron Hotel Belfast City

City hotel derry, herbert park hotel.

Nights 10-11

Stay Longer

Post Night: Herbert Park Hotel From $155 per night

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Call us toll free at 800.340.5158

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Visit Waterford launches 'Dive into Waterford' summer itineraries and photo competition

Win an overnight stay and a day out in waterford for you and three friends by entering the 'dive into waterford' photo competition..

Waterford's tourism sector has launched its new 'Dive into Waterford' campaign this summer, with six different itineraries for visitors to choose from and a social-media-based photography competition.

The new campaign from Visit Waterford is designed to encourage visitors to uncover the depths of the Waterford they may not have known about. 

The team has created six different ‘Dive In’ itineraries for visitors to choose from, featuring pretty coastal villages like Dunmore East, Ardmore and An Rinn, and top destinations like Tramore, Lismore and Dungarvan, and Waterford City.

“We have developed a range of itineraries for visitors to take the opportunity to take a dive into our heritage, our coastline, our food, the wilderness of Waterford, Waterford’s activities and of course Waterford’s luxury offering," said Mealla Fahey, Director of Visit Waterford.

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Visit Waterford is also offering visitors a chance to soak up some local culture en route as they launch an all-Waterford summer playlist on the music streaming platform Spotify which celebrates the county’s rich musical culture.

Speaking at the Visit Waterford launch on May 1, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway said: “Ireland’s oldest city has enjoyed a range of award wins, from the ‘Best Place to Live’ to, ‘Best Place to Visit’ and more. So now, it is time for Waterford to shine and for visitors, now is the time to visit and take the opportunity to take a ‘dive into’ all that Waterford has to offer.

"We are so fortunate to enjoy a 147km unspoiled coastline, backed by two mountain ranges and the stunning Waterford Greenway connecting it all. There has always been a date in the future when the culmination of enormous investment in Waterford’s tourism product would arrive, and I believe that date has now arrived.”  

Pictured in Tramore is Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway with Visit Waterford members Janet Carey, Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, Karen Harris Dunmore East Adventure Centre, Emma O’Brien Waterford Treasures and Mount Congreve Gardens Sara Dolan, Chairperson Visit Waterford, Commercial Director Mount Congreve Gardens and Waterford Treasures, Mealla Fahey, Lismore Heritage Centre, Clare Barrett, House of Waterford, Philip Erskine, Granville Hotel, Laura Coffey, Waterford Castle Sinead Corcoran, Tower Hotel, Michael O Neill, Tower Hotel, Paula Halloran, Love2Learn, Louise Prendergast, Viking Hotel, Edel Clancy Lafacdio Hearn Japanese Gardens, Clare Busher O' Sullivan, Visit Waterford. Credit: Patrick Browne

Visit Waterford has also unveiled a brand new social media-based photography competition.

The competition is a photographic celebration of Waterford and encourages photography enthusiasts to discover their creativity and upload photos to social media using the #DiveIntoWaterford hashtag.

“We are delighted to announce a brand new photography competition for Waterford. It is such a picture-perfect destination and we know that there are a great deal of wonderful photographic opportunities for people to dive into capturing images of our historic features, our coastline, our fantastic food, the wilds of Waterford and more," said Sara Dolan, Chair of Visit Waterford.

"It will be wonderful to see the variety of interpretations that will result from the #DiveIntoWaterford photography competition this summer.”

To enter, post a photograph to Instagram, X or Facebook and tag @VisitWaterford. Make sure to use the #DiveIntoWaterford hashtag and post your image before August 31, 2024. Entries will also be accepted by emailing: [email protected].

Finalists will be selected at the beginning of September and asked to submit a high-resolution copy of their image via email, along with their details. The top 30 images will be posted on Visit Waterford's Facebook page for a public voting period to select the winning image for the 2024 Visit Waterford photography competition.

Are you planning a vacation in Ireland? Looking for advice or want to share some great memories? Join our Irish travel Facebook group.

In addition, the finalist’s images will be hosted in a public exhibition at Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford in September 2024 where the finalists will be invited to an occasion and the winner will be announced. The exhibition will also be hosted online at VisitWaterford.com  

The winner will also be awarded a wonderful overnight stay at Dooley’s Hotel in Waterford plus a day out for themselves and three of their friends so that they can dive into all that Waterford has to offer. They will be treated to a tasty and adventurous day out in Waterford beginning in the City with Freedom of Waterford passes from Waterford Treasures, followed by brunch at The Stables Cafe, a jaunt to Tramore to enjoy access at the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, followed by an adrenalin filled afternoon at The Dunmore East Adventure Centre and rounding off the day with a delicious dinner at East Pier in Dunmore East .

For further details on the photography competition, and full terms and conditions, see www.VisitWaterford.com .  

Travel information, ‘Dive Into Waterford’ itineraries and an events guide can also be found on the website and also are available on social media via @visitwaterford.

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Updating credit card information for hotel reservation - Ireland Forum

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A few months ago the credit card I used to make hotel booking was compromised.

I received no response. Should I assume they got it?

5 replies to this topic

I would not assume anything, look for a contact number and email the B & B.

You entered your CC info on a “contact us” form? 😳

There is an email address on the bed and breakfast website. Contact them directly and ask [email protected]

Thanks, Bean.

I looked in my sent folder, as it turns out, i've already notified them by email you mentioned.

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