Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
Ireland’s enchanting beauty and magic lie within the ancient rock formations and structures built hundreds of years ago. The Sheer beauty of the ever-lasting greenery combined with the stories and legends built on the shapes of Ancient buildings and monasteries keeps this place magical and mysterious at the same time.
Perhaps when you think of Ireland, you think of Leprechauns, rainbows, pots of Gold, Guinness, and lots of green. Well, you are right. However, there is so much more to Ireland than that – as anyone who has been on one of the best Ireland tours will quickly tell you…
Ireland’s story begins over a millennia ago when researchers believe settlers came to Ireland in roughly 4000 BC. Fast forward to the Stone Age in 300 BC when the Celt Warriors came to Ireland from mainland Europe. It was the Celt’s presence that heavily influenced Ireland as we know it today.
In fact, most of Ireland’s traditions, legends, stories, and even language are derived from the Celtic culture. The Celtic Cross and other Celtic artifacts can be seen everywhere throughout the country and are sometimes considered the symbol of Ireland – though Ireland is filled with more landmarks than we could count.
Some may say that Dublin is one of the best places to visit in Ireland, and I say, they are right! Not only is Dublin vibrant, but Dublin is a city full of chic restaurants, stunning nightlife, and talented live music. This large but walkable city is roughly 114km long. Don’t let that scare you! Most of the tourist sites and areas are within close range of most of the accommodations in Dublin.
The river Liffey divides the city in two and plays an important role in Ireland’s history. During the industrial revolution, the River became far too polluted to drink, so the Irish began brewing the water to remove the bacteria and, in the process, created the world-famous Guinness. Guinness has become an Irish staple, and You can get yourself a pint in every single bar in Dublin.
Take a day trip to the Guinness distillery and witness firsthand how the one-of-a-kind beer is made. It’s an experience you won’t forget. When the sun goes down in Dublin, the party begins. Take a stroll to the Temple Bar.
World famous for its iconic red exterior and a fantastic selection of drinks, it is worth the visit even just to admire the building itself. Dublin is a great place to start your Ireland adventure and one place you certainly cannot miss.
Continue your adventure to Galway, known as one of the brightest and most intriguing parts of West Ireland. It is a historical treasure filled with a fantastic music scene, bright-colored buildings, beautiful beaches, and warm, friendly people. When in Galway, start your adventure in the city itself.
The bright-colored city center is known as Eyre Square and is comprised of several different traditional pubs, shops, cafes, and art galleries depicting Irish culture and traditions. It’s also encouraged to take a day to fully embrace nature and immerse yourself in the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the beautiful, oceanside rocks.
Galway will always be known as the Jewel of West Ireland. Galway is a place you can’t miss on your journey throughout Ireland, from traditional pubs to oceanside adventures.
Finally, another place you cannot miss on your Ireland tour is the region of Kerry. Kerry is comprised of multiple small towns, stunning wildlife, and intricate history. Start your journey in the Ring of Kerry, famous for its stunning natural beauty and untouched historical sites.
The ring itself is roughly 178km long, and it takes three and a half hours to drive around it without stopping. The ring of Kerry is full of natural beauty and is home to several historical sites. It is definitely recommended to take an organized tour so you can stop and see everything The Ring has to offer.
Take a day trip to Dingle, a small town off the coast. Not only is this town a great place to explore, but it may also leave you in awe due to the variety of different colored buildings throughout the town. If you’re planning to come in October, don’t miss the Dingle Food Festival. During this time, the streets are lined with local vendors in an effort to promote local restaurants and bakeries.
With some of your seaside favorites, to some of the most traditional Irish meals, the Dingle Food Festival is a perfect place to send your taste buds into the heavens and a place you can’t miss while traveling around the County of Kerry.
From the large herds of sheep to the vast variety of greens and stunning ocean views, Kerry has it. Kerry is a region you definitely don’t want to miss on your travels to the country.
As you can see, there is a ton to do in the Irish Republic, and with that being said, it can be quite an overwhelming task to plan the trip yourself. Booking an organized tour is not only easier and less work for you, but booking an organized tour gives you the chance to see the destination in the eyes of either a local or somebody who is an expert on the destination.
This gives you a chance to fully immerse yourself in everything the country has to offer, as well as learn things you may not learn on your own. Taking an organized tour to Ireland ensures that you not only have the ability to see some of the most beautiful parts of the country, but you can travel at ease knowing you’re traveling with an expert.
Here are some of the best Ireland tours to take while traveling around the Emerald Isle.
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7-Day Atlantic Way Experience Small Group Tour
Irish Experience Tours
The Seven-Day Atlantic Way Experience is one extraordinary tour you will never forget! Starting in Dublin, the tour begins with an introduction to Ireland in Dublin. Then, you will make your way to the Southwest Region of Ireland to commence the rest of the tour.
This tour includes 16 different Irish locations in seven days and finishes in Dublin. Not only does this tour include the journey to each site, but it also includes lodging, transportation, food, a knowledgeable guide and much more!
This tour offers the ability to enjoy the outdoor beauty Ireland has to offer, but also enjoy the historical and, cultural aspect of it. Your Seven Day Itinerary would look like this:
- Day One: Portumna Castle & Bohemian Galway
- Day Two: Aran Islands & Dinky Doolin
- Day Three: Mighty Cliffs of Moher & Kerry Sheep Farm Experience
- Day Four: Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head
- Day Five: Ring of Kerry, Coastal Islands & Killarney National Park
- Day Six: West Cork, Blarney Castle & Historic Kinsale
- Day Seven: Kinsale, Cahir Castle & Rock of Cashel
This tour is well worth it and is unique in multiple different ways. While it is adventurous, It offers a bit of everything for a very good price. For those who are on a tight budget or perhaps those who are looking for a cheap trip to Ireland, this is a fantastic option for you. This is also a fantastic option for those who are looking for a tour that takes you specifically to the Southwest of Ireland as well.
In addition to being a great budget choice and a great choice for those looking to visit the southwest, this tour offers a mix of everything, making it a very diverse choice, if you can’t choose what you want to do. The tour itself has great reviews and is highly recommended by travelers.
The company the tour is offered by is “Irish Experience Tours,” a local company built on the spirit of Ireland. The company has fantastic reviews and offers an array of deals and exclusive tours for all ages.
All in all, this is a great tour and is operated by a well-trusted company.
Taste of Ireland (Tour A) – 7 Days/6 Nights
CIE Tours
The “Taste of Ireland” Tour is one you simply cannot miss when visiting Ireland. This quick but thorough tour is comprised of a six-night, seven-day itinerary full of sightseeing, delicious food and a one-of-a-kind chance to mingle with the locals.
Like the first tour mentioned, this tour also departs and returns to Dublin as the first and final stop. This tour gives you a chance to witness to unique, diverse culture Ireland has to offer firsthand, whilst still treating your stay as a vacation.
The “Taste of Ireland” Tour is perfect for families, solo travelers, groups and couples. This tour is definitely a unique option in terms of the other tours on the market. This is simply due to the fact that it is well balanced between nature and the cities, giving you a chance to see both Ireland’s nature and unique culture. Here is the day by day Itinerary for this tour:
- Day One: Independent Touring in Dublin
- Day Two: Dublin Panoramic Tour | Dublin Castle | Merry Ploughboy Pub
- Day Three: Blarney Castle | Killarney
- Day Four: Ring of Kerry | Skellig Experience | Sheepdog Demonstration
- Day Five: Cliffs of Moher | Medieval Castle Banquet
- Day Six: Galway | Dublin
- Day Seven: The tour Ends in Dublin
This tour comes with a total of 7 destinations included as well as accommodations, food, transportation and a knowledgeable guide, so you are well-equipped for your Irish adventure! However, it is important to note that your flights, travel insurance, and gratitudes are not included at this time.
This is a tour that is highly recommended by travelers with a 4.4 out of 5 rating. One review from Pamela says, “It was really great. Niall was a wonderful tour leader.” Another review by Theresa says, “Great tour guide Provided historical information. Was very interesting, and he had a great sense of humor.” We know how travelers rate the tour itself; let’s look at the tour operator’s reviews as a whole.
With over 88 years in the business, CIE Tours is one of Ireland’s most trusted multiday tour agencies. CIE Tours has an overall rating of 4.6 and Not only does CIE have great reviews, but the review company is also so highly rated they offer their own awards, The Awards of Excellence.
This is an award ceremony held every year by the tour company to award other tour companies around Ireland and the United Kingdom for their excellence in the tourism industry.
So if you’re looking for a great one-week trip around Ireland, filled with both cultural and natural beauties, or perhaps a family-friendly option, this is definitely a great option for you.
Iconic Ireland National Geographic Journeys
National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures
Are you ready to experience Ireland to the fullest? How does a jam-packed adventure around Ireland sound? This tour is an amazing option for just about anyone, including families with children over 12 years of age, solo travelers, couples and group excursions.
This is a fantastic tour that gives you the freedom to do some things independently, as well as stay in the group at the same time. This gives you an extra sense of freedom and makes the tour a little more enjoyable.
Start and finish in Dublin! This tour comes with a 9-day adventure through Dublin, and five other locations in Ireland. The Iconic Ireland National Geographic Journeys include a professional guide, meals, transportation and lodging. However, it is also important to note that flights and gratitudes are not included.
This tour offers travelers a unique experience or a glimpse into some of the best spots to travel in Ireland. You will see firsthand some of the absolute beauty Ireland has to offer. It is always recommended to arrive early before your tour; this is so you get a chance to do a few things that may not be included in your tour or even just to explore and see the city you’re starting your tour from. Here is a look into the Seven-day itinerary for this tour:
- Day One: Dublin, Ireland. There are no planned tours for the day, but in the evening, there will be a special welcoming meeting to familiarize yourself with your guide and fellow travelers.
- Day Two: Dublin, Ireland. Trinity College, the Medieval Quarter, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with your choice of either the Dublin Castle or the Irish Whiskey Experience.
- Day Three: Cork, Ireland. Go on a walk around town, County Cork Gaol or learn about the Titanic in the original ticket office for “White Star Line,” the company that owned the Titanic.
- Day Four: Blarney/Killarney, Ireland. Blarney Castle, Whiskey and chocolate tasting and a traditional Celtic dance performance.
- Day Five: Killarney, Ireland. The Ring Of Kerry Full-Day excursion
- Day Six: Galway, Ireland. A walking tour of the city followed by free time to explore.
- Day Seven: Galway, Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher and an afternoon Boat Cruise.
- Day Eight: Dublin, Ireland. This is a free day to explore Dublin on your own and do whatever you would like to do.
- Day Nine: End of the tour/departure at any time.
Travelers highly recommend this tour. The tour itself has a rating of 4.5 out of five and is operated by one of the most renowned companies in the world, National Geographic.
National Geographic is famous for its magazines, television networks, world projects and just about anything, involving our planet. National Geographic’s “Journey with G Adventures” also has a 4.5 rating and is one of the most highly rated tour companies around the world.
This is a tour that is well worth it. Not only is the tour unique and different from most, it offers the ability to see the country’s traditions and customs at your own pace and tailor the tour to your specific preferences.
Irish Escape Tour
Globus
Are you looking to escape to the magical treasure of Ireland? The Irish escape tour, offered by Globus, is a very popular tour that starts and finishes in Dublin! It is a seven-day tour and is recommended for families, solo travelers, couples, and groups. This tour is more of an outdoor or naturalistic tour than a cultural or city-based tour.
You will have the chance to visit Dublin and 10 other locations in Ireland. This almost all-inclusive option comes with accommodations, a professional and knowledgeable guide, meals, and transportation. Flights and gratitudes are not included at this time.
This is a tour recommended to those who are looking to experience more of Ireland’s natural side rather than staying indoors in the cities. Let’s take a look at the day-to-day itinerary for this tour:
- Day One: Arrive in Ireland. This is when you will arrive and meet your Tour Director as well as the rest of your group.
- Day Two: Trinity College, St. Patrick’s cathedral, Georgian Squares, O’Connell St, with some additional free time.
- Day Three: Arrive in Galway, where you’ll visit the Cliffs of Moher and Ennis.
- Day Four: Ennis, Adare, Ring Of Kerry, Killorglin, and Killarney.
- Day Five: Killarney, Blarney and Waterford.
- Day Six: Waterford, Kilkenny and Dublin.
- Day Seven: Dublin/Departure day.
Not only is this tour the perfect mix of everything outdoorsy, but has a few cultural aspects of the tour which tie everything together perfectly. This tour is highly rated by fellow travelers and has an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars.
The tour company, Globus, is also rated 4.5 out of five and is a well-known and highly rated company. With a team of specialized, local travel agents creating the perfect tour for you!
In conclusion, not only is this tour a fantastic choice for those looking to breathe the crisp Irish Air, but a great tour to take in the Irish Beauty you can’t see anywhere else and truly immerse yourself in an authentic depiction of Irish Culture, beauty and legends.
5-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour
Overland Ireland
It is time to experience True Irish Magic. Are you ready? The Five-Day Southern Explorer Small Group Tour is a tour you absolutely cannot miss. Beginning in Dublin and ending in Galway, the tour is five days long and is jammed packed with 15 different locations in Ireland.
This tour is not only informative and educational but will keep you on your toes and keep you discovering each and every day. The tour includes your accommodations as well as transportation and a professional, knowledgeable guide equipt to give you the best experience you can possibly have.
However, again, like the other best Ireland tours listed above, this tour does not include flights, insurance, meals or gratitudes. Let’s dive into your jam-packed five-day itinerary.
- Day One: Blarney and the Rock of Cashel
- Day Two: Killarney National Park and some of the sights of the Ring of Kerry
- Day Three: World-famous Slea Head drive and kayaking with dolphins
- Day Four: Sheepdog Demonstration and the Mighty Cliffs of Moher
- Day Five: The Burren National Park and Bohemian Galway
Why should you choose this tour? This tour is full of activities to see and do and is a fantastic option for those who have limited time and want to see the most they can. With that being said, if you’re looking for a more relaxing or slow trip to Ireland, view the other assorted itineraries mentioned!
Overland Ireland has some of the best ratings in terms of tours in Ireland. A local company, founded in 2014 aims to give the best Irish experience possible. The company is rated a 4.8 out of five.
All in all, we recommend this tour for those looking to do as much as possible in a short period of time while still taking the time to explore the country and see almost everything there is to see and do.
Irish Discovery Group Tour
Cosmos
Are you ready to discover the country of Ireland? It’s time to let loose and fully experience the country’s vast variety of beauty and culture. This tour starts and finishes in Dublin with a super detailed cultural tour of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
On this tour, you will visit 20 different cities across Ireland within the span of nine days. The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, meals, lodging and transportation. Flights, insurance and gratitudes are not included at this time.
This tour is perfect for a diverse group of travelers, making it a great tour or school trip option. It is also great for solo travelers, couples or families. Let’s take a look at the nine-day itinerary included!
- Day One: Arrive in Dublin. This is where you’ll be given the chance to meet your Tour Director as well as fellow travelers that will be joining you on your excursion. You can go for a drive to see Trinity College, St. Patrick’s cathedral, Georgian Square and O’Connell street.
- Day Two: Downpatrick and Belfast
- Day Three: Giant’s Castaway, Derry, Donegal and Sligo,
- Day Four: Sligo, Galway, Cliffs of Moher and Limerick.
- Day Five: Limerick, Adare, Dingle Peninsula and Killarney.
- Day Six: Killarney and the Ring of Kerry.
- Day Seven: Killarney, Blarney, Waterford and Tramore.
- Day Eight: Tramore, Kilkenny and Dublin.
- Day Nine: Dublin/departure
The Irish Discovery tour offers the ability to discover the whole country and see some of the top sites within the country. This tour can be seen as unique or different from the others as it is a bit of everything and includes all of Ireland instead of just the Republic of Ireland, which is what we think of when we think of Ireland.
Not only do you get a taste of Ireland’s natural beauty but the culture, the food and the true Irish hospitality experience. Having a bit of everything makes for some of the best tours and best experiences.
The Reviews for the Irish Discovery Group Tour are very good. The tour has an overall rating of 4.7, and so does the company Cosmos. Cosmos is a Swiss company that had its start over 90 years ago. The company has proved its dedication to travel over the years by delivering some of the best-organized tours around the world.
In conclusion, this tour is not only a great option for those looking to really take the time to explore, but it’s a great option for those looking to discover the true beauty of Ireland.
Ireland’s essence truly radiates around the world. As a country built on patriotism, strength and dignity, Ireland truly has something special about it. The stories and legends passed down through generations are what keep the traditions held tightly together.
The strong spirit of the Irish has proven that a country so beautiful, must be built by beautiful people themselves. Take the time to discover Ireland’s truly enchanting essence, for you will come back with your own story to pass down for generations to come.
If none of these tours work for you in Ireland, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.
Take a look at all the group tours in Ireland now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.
