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The 25 Best Ireland Tours & Excursions
I recently went on a whirlwind road trip across Ireland, and over the course of ten days, I saw many of the country’s key attractions. However, my husband and I had to brave the extremely narrow streets (while driving on the opposite side of the road). Trust me, it’s not for the faint of heart.
If you’d rather not rent a car but still want to see the Emerald Isle’s iconic countryside, this guide is for you.
My list of the best Ireland tours also includes experiences in Dublin, Galway, and other major cities. Discover history and culture, incredible dining scenes, outdoor activities, and more — and find the perfect tour for you by using the filter options below.
Discover the history of Ireland’s iconic stout and enjoy a pint while admiring incredible views of Dublin.
All of Dublin’s pubs have one thing in common: cold, creamy Guinness on tap. Get an inside look into this iconic brewery at the Guinness Storehouse, which you can easily walk to from the Temple Bar district.
On this tour, you’ll learn about the brewing process and the company’s rich history. Plus, you’ll get access to the Gravity Bar which offers incredible panoramic views of the capital. A complimentary pint of Guinness is included with your ticket.
Get an in-depth look at some of Dublin’s most famous sites on this guided walking tour.
Interpretive signs at Dublin’s famous attractions offer a glimpse into their history. But hearing those stories from a local guide will give you far greater insight and appreciation.
This walking tour starts at Trinity College and provides access to its Old Library, home to the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells. Here, you’ll also have the opportunity to view the Long Room and Gaia art installation featuring an illuminated sculpture of Earth. The itinerary continues with a visit to Dublin Castle’s historic grounds and the iconic Molly Malone Statue.
Taste whiskey and discover history on this guided tour spotlighting one of Ireland’s most well-known spirit brands.
Whiskey fans won’t want to miss this highly engaging tour of Jameson Distillery Bow St. The experience starts with a visit to JJ’s Bar. Order a ginger and lime cocktail or whiskey neat, then learn about the brand’s history through a digital presentation.
Your guide will then lead you into another room with interactive stations that demonstrate the distilling process. The main event follows: whiskey tastings. Sample three Jameson spirits before exiting out of the gift shop — which is extra tempting when you’re a bit buzzed. I really enjoyed this experience and highly recommend it when in Dublin!
See stunning medieval sites on this extensive day trip through County Cork and County Tipperary.
Blarney Castle & Gardens is a must on any Ireland itinerary. Hanging upside down and actually kissing the stone? I wouldn’t blame you if you skipped that part. But still, Blarney Castle was a highlight on my recent trip to the Emerald Isle. On this tour, you’ll have a generous two hours to explore the various gardens, caves, and historic sites.
This guided day trip also visits Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle for an hour each, giving you an extensive look into the country’s medieval history. Transportation from Dublin is included, as is admission to all attractions.
Admire sparkling lakes, verdant hills, and the imposing Ross Castle on this private horse and carriage tour.
Killarney National Park, the oldest national park in Ireland, is a sight to behold. This private horse and carriage tour will make your visit even more memorable.
Meet your guide at St. Mary’s Cathedral in the town of Killarney, then trot past shimmering lakes, verdant mountains, and the 15th-century Ross Castle. For a closer look, guests are welcome to exit the carriage and explore the grounds. Views of Lough Leane are especially pretty from here, though the entire experience is incredibly scenic.
See the iconic cliffs from a unique vantage point and explore the tiny island of Inis Oírr on this exciting day trip.
If you’re staying in Galway and want to see the nearby sites, this guided tour is a must. The bus departs from the city at 9 am sharp, then drives along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. Admire views as you approach the fishing town of Doolin, where you’ll board a ferry to Inis Oírr. Though the smallest of the three Aran Islands, it’s full of fascinating attractions.
The cruise back to the mainland features stunning views of the Cliffs of Moher from below. Lunch (not included) takes place at a traditional Irish pub and then, the tour heads to the top of the Cliffs. Stroll the coastal walk and peer out the windows of O’Brien’s Tower before heading back to Galway. It’s a busy day you won’t soon forget.
Head to the other side of the Emerald Isle to witness coastal views, the rocky Burren region, and one of Ireland’s most vibrant cities.
While you can rent a car in Dublin, driving in a foreign country can be a bit daunting — especially given Ireland’s narrow roads. This day trip is a great alternative that allows you to see the countryside and a few famous destinations.
Rise early to depart Dublin at 7 am, then begin the journey to the other side of the Emerald Isle. This guided tour includes two hours at the Cliffs of Moher, where you’ll see breathtaking coastal views. A drive through the rocky Burren region follows. Then, enjoy lunch and a walking tour during a two-hour stop in Galway. Trust me, these are sites you won’t want to miss.
This guided tour features the iconic cliffs and the Burren region, as well as lesser-known sites like Bunratty Castle.
The Cliffs of Moher is a hot attraction with tours departing not only from Galway and Dublin, but also Cork. This day trip takes guests on a unique itinerary involving lesser-visited sites.
Stretch your legs in Limerick while admiring views of King John’s Castle, then enjoy a scenic drive through the Burren’s limestone landscapes. The main event follows: 90 minutes at the Cliffs of Moher. Stroll the coastal walk before heading to lunch in either Liscannor or Doolin — both tiny, charming fishing towns. The journey closes with a stop at Bunratty Castle.
This affordable day trip takes visitors to fairytale-like destinations, including Kylemore Abbey and the charming village of Cong.
While most day trips depart at the crack of dawn, this guided tour leaves Galway at the reasonable hour of 10 am. Snap photos of Inagh Valley and admire views of Connemara National Park before arriving at the beautiful Kylemore Abbey. Admission to the attraction is discounted to €14 per person.
Take a self-guided tour of the Abbey, visit the Neo-Gothic church, and explore the spectacular gardens (which were my favorite part of the experience). The itinerary continues with a stop at Killary Fjord, followed by a 45-minute break in the charming rural village of Cong.
History and outdoor enthusiasts will love this extensive day trip involving Northern Ireland’s key attractions.
This exciting day trip from Dublin features several of Northern Ireland’s key draws. Once in Belfast, guests will depart on a black cab tour. It spotlights important historical sites like the Shankill, the world’s largest outdoor art gallery, and more — including a quick stop inside the Titanic Belfast museum.
The itinerary also includes Dunluce Castle, a Game of Thrones filming location, as well as Giant’s Causeway, a stunning natural attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hike in Ireland’s largest national park and explore its medieval capital on this fascinating excursion.
Just an hour south of Dublin lies one of Ireland’s best hiking spots: Wicklow Mountains National Park. On this day trip, guests are provided an hour to freely explore the Wild Glendalough Valley. An additional hour is allotted to the Glendalough Monastic Settlement, which features 6th-century ruins that have been incredibly preserved.
The tour continues to Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval capital. Enjoy lunch at your leisure, then join a 45-minute walking tour around the city and the gardens surrounding Kilkenny Castle.
To understand the history and significance of Dublin’s sites, hear it from a local guide’s perspective.
Here’s one of my top tips for traveling to Ireland: Book a walking tour. This particular experience is very affordable and led by a local guide. With their insights, you’ll gain a greater understanding of Dublin’s history and popular sites, as well as several hidden gems including the country’s oldest theater.
Plus, guests receive personal recommendations on where to visit in Temple Bar. Trust me, that’s valuable information given the overwhelm of options!
Dine like a Dubliner on this guided food tour which includes stops at iconic pubs, charming cafés, markets, and more.
Sample flaky pork sausage rolls, Irish coffee, artisan cheeses, fresh-caught oysters, and more regional specialties. A local leads this small group tour, which is limited to twelve people, and shares insights into the city’s culinary heritage between stops. Be sure that comfy shoes and stretchy pants are on your Ireland packing list!
Enjoy a cup of tea along with sweet and savory bites while sightseeing in the capital.
View several of Dublin’s famous sites on this highly rated bus tour — complete with afternoon tea service. Pastel booth seating lies inside the double-decker vehicle, where each guest is served their choice of tea or coffee, dainty finger sandwiches, fresh pastries, and more.
As you dine, a local guide will share information about the landmarks passed, which include Phoenix Park, O’Connell Street, and scenic St Stephen’s Green.
Learn about Galway’s most iconic sites while sampling the city’s culinary scene.
Experience the best of Galway’s food scene on this local-led walking tour. Iconic pubs like An Púcán and the Skeff Bar provide tasty bites between stops at famed attractions. These include the Spanish Arch, Lynch’s Castle, and Eyre Square in the heart of the city.
And, of course, what’s a food tour without dessert? Your guide will end the itinerary at Murphy’s Ice Cream which offers regionally-inspired flavors like Irish brown bread, Dingle sea salt, and chocolate whiskey.
Design a custom souvenir and develop a new skill during this intimate class.
Take home a unique souvenir and learn a new craft through this forging workshop. To create your custom silver ring, the local instructor will teach various skills. Pound metal with a mallet, file your shape, apply polish, and more. Two Silver Works studios in Dublin host classes, which are kept to a small group of no more than six guests.
Sample Irish whiskeys at the original Jameson Distillery, located just outside the city of Cork.
More tourists are familiar with the Jameson Distillery in Dublin. But the Irish whiskey giant offers another fantastic visitor experience from its original facility in Midleton, located about 20 minutes east of Cork.
Join an hour-long guided tour of the distillery, which features the world’s largest copper pot still and a massive maturation warehouse. After a peek behind the scenes, enjoy a signature cocktail and three whiskey tastings at its Experience Bar.
History buffs will love this excursion to County Meath, home to 5th-century monastic ruins and a BC-era passage tomb listed by UNESCO.
This insightful day trip takes visitors to County Meath, located just northwest of Dublin. Despite its proximity to the capital, it’s a lesser-visited region. However, history buffs will be enthralled by its ancient sites.
The first 3-hour stop highlights the Brú na Bóinne complex. This UNESCO-listed destination is famed for the Newgrange monument, a megalithic tomb that provides a look into early Celts’ pagan beliefs. The tour continues to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and Monasterboice, the 5th-century monastic site known for its Celtic High Crosses.
Admire abundant wildlife and coastal views in the Dublin Bay Biosphere, a scenic reserve listed by UNESCO.
Howth is a small fishing village about 30 minutes northeast of the Dublin city center. Drive or take public transport to its pier lined with seafood restaurants and shops. At the very end lies the cruise port, where boats take passengers on quick excursions down the coast and through the Dublin Bay Biosphere.
This UNESCO-listed site features sea caves and plenty of wildlife, including seals and seabirds like guillemots, gannets, and puffins. It also encompasses Ireland’s Eye, an island with rock formations and the historic Martello Tower. Take in the views while your skipper shares local insights and leads an Irish sea shanty sing-a-long.
See the sets that brought the Seven Kingdoms to life on this engaging film studio tour.
Fans of the hit HBO series Game of Thrones won’t want to miss this experience. Its filming studio is located in Banbridge, Northern Ireland — roughly 90 minutes from Dublin.
Catch a tour bus at 10 am and enjoy three self-guided hours at the studio, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at The Seven Kingdoms. Snap photos of iconic sets, experience incredible visual effects, and shop for merch in its extensive gift shop.
Though short, you’ll see and learn a lot on this scenic cruise through the heart of the capital.
Discover Dublin’s past and present while cruising along the River Liffey. This waterway runs through the heart of the capital and past several iconic landmarks. A guide aboard the 48-passenger boat will point out sites like the recently restored Dublin Docklands, the historic Ha’penny Bridge, and the grand Custom House. Have your camera at the ready!
Learn traditional Irish dances and listen to live music in a historic Temple Bar pub.
Dublin locals teach this entry-level dance class set to traditional Irish tunes. Watch the professionals perform an entertaining show, then follow their step-by-step instructions on the dance floor. Live musicians and cold pints of Guinness add to the ambiance at Merchant’s Arch, one of the most popular pubs in Temple Bar.
This engaging history tour through Ireland’s oldest city covers the Viking era to present day.
I saw a lot on my road trip through Ireland, but there’s one particular destination I wish we hadn’t missed: Waterford. The country’s oldest city was founded by Vikings in 914 and today, that heritage is honored in the Viking Triangle.
Join a local guide in exploring this fascinating complex full of medieval sites. These include Reginald’s Tower, Bishop’s Palace, Greyfriars Friary, and even a 15th-century wine vault. Georgian, Victorian, and present-day architecture are also highlighted on this all-ages tour.
Watch glowing balls of crystal become luxurious works of art on this guided experience.
In addition to the Viking Triangle, Ireland’s oldest city is famed for the House of Waterford. This crystal factory puts on an incredible tour that highlights historical and current production methods. Inside the mold room, visitors can watch blowers shape molten crystal with hand tools and a 1,300-degree furnace.
After the guided tour and demonstrations, head into its retail shop. It features an impressive trophy showcase, a center dining table with twelve crystal chandeliers, and other sparkling displays.
Select from two boozy, interactive experiences at this Irish whiskey distillery.
Roe & Co Distillery lies within the Liberties district, just east of Dublin’s city center. Take a quick walk or catch a ride because this experience involves plenty of whiskey tasting!
It begins with a tour of the distillery, which is set inside the former Guinness Power Station. Then, guests can select from two workshops: Flavours or Beyond the Blend. The former overviews the five pillars of flavor and is more of a cocktail class. The alternative involves samples of three premium spirits, plus the opportunity to create your own whiskey blend.
FAQs
What are the best day trip tours from Dublin?
I recommend the Cliffs of Moher and Galway tour from Dublin, as well as the Blarney Castle day trip. Both allow visitors to experience some of Ireland’s most iconic sites without renting a car.
What are the best day trip tours from Galway?
If staying in Galway, I highly recommend the Connemara and Cong Day tour. Connemara National Park was one of my favorite destinations on my recent trip to Ireland. Additionally, you should consider the Cliffs of Moher tour and Aran Islands cruise from Galway.
What are the best Ireland tours for hiking?
The Glendalough, Wicklow, and Kilkenny day trip from Dublin is one of the best options, as it includes two hours of self-exploration in the Glendalough Valley. I also recommend the Blarney Castle day tour from Dublin. It provides two hours at the destination, which features several trails through scenic gardens.
What are the best Ireland tours for foodies?
Some of the best experiences for foodies include the Dublin walking food tour and the Galway walking and tasting tour. Both major cities offer eclectic and impressive dining scenes. Additionally, I’d suggest a trip to Jameson Distillery which offers a tour in Dublin, as well as a tour in Midleton near the city of Cork.
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Thanks for reading! For more help planning your trip to the Emerald Isle, see our guide to the best hotels and areas to stay in Dublin.
