Best Ireland Tours
Ireland is one of the most captivating countries in Europe.
Are you planning a vacation in Ireland? These top-rated Ireland tours offer travelers unforgettable experiences.
Familiarly known as Emerald Isle, Ireland is one of the most amazing European countries you can visit on this continent. The lush island surrounded by the Atlantic is famous for its amazing scenery, turbulent history, great beer, and welcoming locals. We had a blast exploring the most beautiful places in Ireland on our own, but there were several instances where we decided to take a guided tour.
There are a few more reasons to consider signing up for the tour while there. While Ireland is an ideal destination for a road trip, not everyone can drive. And sometimes, you just want to leave everything - planning itinerary, transportation, tickets, etc. - up to someone else. If so, you're in luck because we have compiled a list of Ireland's best sightseeing tours and day trips. This guide features experiences that range from short excursions to full-day and multi-day trips. Let's dive into it.
Top-Rated Tours in Ireland
Before we dive into it, there are a few things to know about Ireland. There are two countries on the island: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. No matter whether you take a tour or not, both countries can be easily explored in one go. Therefore, our guide features the best tours on the island, including the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
How to Book a Tour in Ireland
Lastly, we mainly use GetYourGuide and Viator when booking a tour, as we can easily see and compare all the excursions each destination offers. Another great thing about both services is that you can see reviews from the travelers who actually did these tours. You can also book a tour directly with the tour operator. This option requires more time, but it's sometimes a bit cheaper.
Walk Along the Cliffs of Moher
A day trip to the Cliffs of Moher is an unforgettable experience, and we're sure this tour will be one of the highlights of your trip to Ireland. The vertical cliffs rising roughly 200 meters above the Atlantic are absolutely spectacular. Believe us, words and pictures don't do justice. We loved every second of our morning walk along the cliffs that stretch for more than 14 kilometers. Cliffs of Moher are located in County Clare on the island's western edge, about 270 kilometers from Dublin.
That's a lot of driving, especially if you want to return to the city on the same day. But even if you're in Galway or Cork, you might want to consider opting for a tour. As this is one of Ireland's must-visit places, most tour operators offer a variety of Cliffs of Moher Tours.
Marvel at the Giant's Causeway
If you have time only to do one tour in Northern Ireland, we strongly recommend the one that includes Giant's Causeway. The Antrim's Coast is one of Ireland's most beautiful locations, and the Giant's Causeway is its crown jewel. There are many Giant's Causeway Tours, so pick the one that suits your preferences.
Giant's Causeway is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Ireland.
The most popular day trips usually include places such as Dunluce Castle or The Dark Hedges, places you can recognize as Game of Thrones filming locations. If you're in a hurry, you can easily visit Giant's Causeway, even from Dublin. In fact, this is one of the best day trips from Dublin.
These Northern Ireland Tours departing from Dublin are extremely popular. Just be prepared that it's going to be a long day as you spend a lot of time on the road.
Discover Irish Food in Dublin
While Ireland is not known as a gourmet paradise, it doesn't mean you won't find great food there. Deciding where and what to eat is often one of the toughest decisions you have to make while being abroad. One of the best ways to learn all about Irish food and its secrets is to take a guided food tour.
If you've wondered what the traditional Irish breakfast consists of or what the Irish coffee tastes like, this Dublin Walking Food Tour provides all the answers. Dublin is Ireland's largest city with a great selection of restaurants, bars, cafes, and pubs, so it's a great place to discover the eclectic mix of quality Irish food and drink.
Skellig Michael
The iconic Ring of Kerry is one of the best road trips in Ireland. The Iveragh Peninsula is home to painting-like scenery dotted with places like Derrynane Beach or Cahergall Stone Fort. The real adventure starts once you reach the edge of the peninsula. If just for the Kerry Cliffs, the Skellig Ring extension is worth including in your itinerary. And the Skellig Islands as well. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its ancient monasteries, puffin colonies, steep cliffs, and Star Wars links.
The standard Skellig Michael Boat Tours offer a coastal experience, though you can also book a landing tour. Mind you. These tours run only during the main season and are booked out well in advance. The boat tours to Skelligs depart either from Portmagee or the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre on Valentia Island (just across the road bridge).
See the Book of Kells
Dublin is the largest city on Emerald Isle. So, you can be sure there are plenty of things to see and do in Dublin. As there's always something happening, many visitors decide to spend several days here. If you're short on time, you must be more picky about places you want to include in your itinerary. Situated in the heart of Dublin, Trinity College is one of them. Ireland's oldest university is not only beautiful, but it's also home to the unique Book of Kells.
Book of Kells is one of the best tours in Dublin.
The museum housing the original ancient book with intricate illustrations is a must-see. Plus, the tickets include the Old Library, a gorgeous library with more than 200.00 books. As it doesn't take that long to see the book and the library, most Book of Kells Tours also include Dublin Castle. Dublin Castle is a popular tourist attraction and an important government complex with tons of history.
Learn About Titanic in Belfast
Belfast is an incredible place to explore. Our favorite thing to do there was the Titanic Belfast. This modern museum offers probably the best way to learn about the iconic RMS Titanic, the most famous ocean liner in the world. It's packed with information of the whole story, from the rise of the shipbuilding and Titanic's construction at Belfast's docks to its fateful journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
The Titanic Experience is truly immersive, whether you explore the museum on your own or with a guided tour. It's easy to see why we believe this is the best tour in Belfast. As the architecture of the Titanic Belfast building is absolutely incredible, and you can see SS Nomadic from the outside, we included this place on our list of free things to do in Belfast.
Discover the Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Thanks to its rugged and stunning scenery, many famous movies and TV shows were filmed in Ireland. Recently, the most popular ones were Star Wars and Game of Thrones. We picked a Game of Thrones Tour for this guide for one simple reason. Many of these locations are clustered on the Antrim's Coast, meaning you can easily see many of them on a day trip from Belfast.
These tours include places such as Ballintoy Harbour, Dunluce Castle, or Castle Ward. Visiting Iron Islands or Winterfell has never been easier. It's a bit more complicated when it comes to Star Wars, as these locations are more scattered along the entire coast. If you're a Star Wars fan and have a rental car, you should visit places such as Malin Head, Kerry Cliffs, or Dunmore Head.
Visit the Blarney Castle
There are tons of amazing castles in Ireland, with structures ranging from a few remaining walls and well-preserved ruins to impressive medieval forts and beautiful castle houses Situated in County Cork, Blarney Castle is a typical example of a medieval castle ruin. The 13th-century castle is also home to well-landscaped gardens and Blarney Stone, which gives a gift of eloquence to those who dare to kiss it.
Blarney Castle is a popular tour from Cork and Dublin.
The most popular Blarney Castle Tours from Dublin also include the Rock of Cashel and a quick visit to the City of Cork. Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most striking castles, so it makes sense to see both places in one day.
Without any exaggeration, Ireland truly is a land of castles. Some Blarney tours also include Cahir Castle, another well-preserved structure in County Tipperary.
Hike in the Wicklow Mountains
Without any doubt, the Wicklow Mountains Tour is one of the best day trips from Dublin. The tour starts with a scenic drive along Old Military Road and Sally Gap before reaching the tiny village of Glendalough.
Here, you can explore the 6th-century Glendalough Monastic Site and hike in the Upper Lake area. We did the moderately challenging Spinc Loop, but you can choose the trail that suits your fitness level. Either way, the scenery at the Wicklow Mountains is breathtaking. Some of the most popular tours also include the medieval town of Kilkenny, another gem in Ireland's Ancient East.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more. Travel smarter and safer!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Explore Ireland's Ancient Past at Bru na Boinne
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bru na Boinne is a unique place to visit while in Ireland. The area consists of a few dozens of megalithic structures, including impressive passage tombs of Newgrange, Dowth, and Knowth. Some of the stone structures are more than 5000 years old. For us, the main highlight was a walk through the inner passage of the Newgrange tomb.
Bru na Boinne can be visited only with a guided tour.
Bru na Boinne is one of the few places on this list that are accessible by guided tours only, not counting indoor attractions, etc. Even if you want to explore these ancient structures on your own, you will still need to take a tour. So if you're in Dublin, taking a Bru na Boinne Tour from there only makes sense as it also includes transportation from the capital city. Some of these tours also include a visit to the Battle of the Boyne site, a historical event that had a huge impact on Ireland, Britain, and even continental Europe.
Take a Scenic Cruise to the Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are one of Ireland's biggest surprises. This archipelago is located in Galway Bay and consists of three islands: Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer. The most popular day trips depart from Galway City and head to Inisheer, the smallest of the bunch.
Here, you will discover the ancient history of Ireland and see old churches, shipwrecks, beaches, and castles. One of the most compelling reasons to take this Aran Islands Tour is the chance to admire the stunning Cliffs of Moher from the ship. You can obviously take a ferry and explore the islands on your own, but it requires additional time as you will be tempted to stay there overnight.
Learn About The Troubles
Ireland has a turbulent past, and while the present day looks peaceful, the situation was pretty different not that long ago. One of the darkest modern-day conflicts in Ireland's history is known as The Troubles. While the 30-year conflict occurred from the 1960s to the 1990s, the origins can be traced back to the 17th century and the Plantation of Ulster. Much has been written about the Northern Ireland conflict between Loyalists (Protestants) and Unionists (Catholics), but the excursion with a local guide gives you a unique perception.
The Derry Historical Tours include a visit to Free Derry Corner, the murals at the Bogside area, and topics such as Bloody Sunday. Obviously, the capital city didn't avoid the violent conflict. Today, the Black Taxi Tours, which includes murals and stories from both sides of the conflict, are one of the most popular things to do while there.
Discover the Blasket Islands
Dingle was one of our favorite places in Ireland. This rugged peninsula on Ireland's west coast is home to places such as Inch Beach, Gallarus Oratory, and Minard Beach. Driving the Slea Head Drive featuring Dunmore Head and then heading back across the Conor Pass was simply amazing.
We just wished we had extra time for the Blasket Islands Boat Trip. This remote archipelago, formally known as the Great Blasket Islands, can be easily reached with a guided tour if you have time. You will have a chance to see marine life in its natural habitat, enjoy the islands' spectacular scenery, and even learn a few tidbits from Blasket's fascinating history. The boat tours depart from Dingle Town.
Take a Killarney Lakes Cruise
Taking a scenic Killarney Lakes Cruise is one of the best ways to explore this beautiful region. The combination of panoramic views of Killarney National Park and a relaxing tour is hard to beat. Sure, you can walk or cycle along the lakes, but the boats allow you to experience the area from a new perspective. You will also see places like the 6th-century Innisfallen Monastery that you would miss otherwise.
Killarney Lakes Cruise is among the most popular tours in Kerry.
The boat trips depart from Ross Castle, which is also a must-see place. By the way, there are plenty of things to do in Killarney for budgets. You can visit Torc Waterfall, Muckross House (exteriors), and Muckross Abbey for free.
See Irish Music and Dance Show
One of the best ways to learn about Irish dance and music is to watch a live music and dancing show. If you travel on a shoestring, many Irish pubs have live music every evening, making it really easy to sit and enjoy the show without a tour. But you will probably only hear the music and not see the dancers. Some of the most popular tours include both and a three-course menu.
If you visit a Music and Dance Show, you will get a chance to see professional performers and even listen to some traditional instruments like the Harp, Uilleann Pipes, and Bodhran. By the way, some shows include even dance lessons.
Tour the Connemara Region
Due to its stunning scenery, Connemara was probably our favorite region in Ireland. It's located in County Galway, and you will find many amazing places there. With the Diamond Hill area, Connemara National Park is a wonderful place for hiking. Sky Road is a beautiful scenic drive, and the Kylemore Abbey is a gem for history buffs and architecture admirers. That's just to name a few examples.
The main problem is that this rugged area on the island's west coast is vast and truly challenging to explore without a car. Therefore, taking a Connemara Day Trip from Galway saves you a lot of stress, time, and money.
Have a Pint of Beer at Guinness Storehouse
Ireland is famous for many things, including Guinness beer. The traditional Irish stout is one of the most iconic beers in the world and is produced right here in Dublin (though there are additional breweries in different parts of the world as well).
The best way to learn about Guinness is to take a guided or self-guided Guinness Storehouse Tour at the St. James's Gate Brewery. Depending on the type of tour, you will learn everything from how the stout is made and the company's history to how to identify ingredients and pour your own pint. Even the most basic ticket includes a pint of beer at the Sky Bar.
Guinness Storehouse is one of the most visited places in Dublin.
Taste Whiskey at Jameson Distillery
If you want to learn all the secrets of how Irish whiskey is made, then you need to visit one of the distilleries. Luckily, there are many great whiskey distilleries in Ireland, so you have plenty of choice.
Since we started planning the trip, we knew that this was a must-do experience. The only problem was that we weren't sure which one to choose. After some quick research, we picked Old Bushmills, but it was closed on the day of our visit. So we decided to visit the distillery in Dublin at the end of our trip. We chose the Teeling Distillery, and the experience was great.
However, the most famous one is the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street. Regardless of your choice, you will learn everything about the world of whiskey and also get a chance to sample one of their exquisite products. The Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tours are very popular, so it's better to book your spot in advance.
Relax on a Dublin Tea Bus
One of the most unique tours to Dublin is the Dublin Tea Bus Tour. A vintage double-decker bus combines a sightseeing tour with a hot cup of tea and some sweets. It's perfect for those who want to see some of Dublin's main highlights in a relatively short time and socialize over a cup of tea. Besides the food, you will enjoy live commentary and stories from the local guides, who will entertain you throughout the tour. If you're looking for a quirky tour, this is the one to book.
Take a Multi-Day Ireland Tour
There are tons of multi-day tours to choose from. Which one you should pick depends on how many days you have for your Ireland trip and which places you want to see. These guided tours offer a great way to discover Ireland without any planning, driving, or stress. As these tours also offer accommodation, you're all set for your adventure.
If you're short on time, this 6-Day All Ireland Tour from Dublin features the most beautiful places and sights, such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Giant's Causeway, the Dingle Peninsula, the City of Derry, and Blarney Castle. If you have a few extra days, you can consider taking this 10-Day Ultimate Ireland Tour.
Multi-day tours offer a great way to see all of Ireland's highlights.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
