Irish Explorer
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2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price
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Summary
Ireland tours are what travel dreams are made of! Beautiful natural scenery, historic cities, friendly locals and hidden gems are waiting to be explored. Experience the must-see sights in Dublin, Belfast and Galway. Visit the breathtaking and legendary Giant’s Causeway. Explore the cities of Belfast and Galway. Admire the views from the Ring of Kerry and marvel at the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. Tours to Ireland are nothing short of spectacular! Explore Ireland over one week and the “Emerald Isle” will have a special place in your heart. You’ll be a true Irish explorer!
If you'd like to explore Great Britain in addition to Ireland, consider the Best of UK & Ireland tour - click here.
Highlights
- Explore the natural wonder of Giant's Causeway
- Visit the capitals of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; Dublin & Belfast
- Experience Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher
- Visit Galway, Adare and Killarney
Itinerary View Full Itinerary Download PDF
Start Point
Hotel in Dublin | 10:00 AMEnd Point
Hotel in Dublin | 10:00 AM
Céad míle fáilte! (Or, should we say, a hundred thousand welcomes!) Welcome to Ireland and the start of your tour! Meet your tour leader and the group at the hotel this morning before it’s time to explore this wonderful city! Embark on a driving and walking tour of Dublin with your tour leader and see the highlights of Ireland’s capital city. This afternoon is free to explore as you wish. Why not join the fascinating Discover Dublin excursion for an exciting taste of Irish culture and some of Dublin’s top sights? Due to popularity, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - contact us to book now! Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.
Meals: Dinner
Today, head into Northern Ireland. Your tour leader will share insight on topics like the Rising, the Civil War and the Fight for Independence, along with The Troubles. Although peaceful now, this is an important part of Ireland’s history, particularly the north. Stop in the famous city of Belfast and enjoy a combined driving and walking tour. Then, it’s onto Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge for a photo stop. Get your cameras ready for the famous Giant’s Causeway. Legend has it that the causeway was built by an Irish giant named Finn McCool so that he could challenge his Scottish rival Benandonner to a battle. Today’s last stop is the riverside city of Derry, where the tour will spend the night.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Heading out from Derry, travel to Galway, joining up with the famous Wild Atlantic Way - the longest coastal drive in the world, and probably the most scenic! After a comfort stop along the way, arrive in Galway in the early afternoon. Enjoy some free time in this arty, bohemian city that boasts a vibrant ambience, thanks to its large student population. Why not admire the sights from the water on an optional cruise? Later, join the Tales of Galway optional excursion and dig deeper into the many magical mysteries of this city while enjoying a drink at a historic pub!
Meals: Breakfast
First up today is one of the highlights of the tour – the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. This natural wonder rises over 200 metres above the churning sea! Then, enjoy a photostop in Limerick, with its fascinating castle, traditional pubs, art museum and thriving café culture. Take the opportunity to wander through Adare, which is often called ‘Ireland’s prettiest village’ - catch a glimpse of the perfectly-preserved thatch cottages. Finally, arrive in Killarney for the night.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Enjoy a free day in the Kerry region. Take the time to explore the hiking trails, golf courses and picturesque churches of Killarney. Or join the optional excursion - a drive and various stops along the Ring of Kerry. This iconic route takes you along the Iveragh Peninsula. Experience charming stops along the way - such as Kerry Bog Village and a Sheepdog demonstration. Sit back and relax on a jaunting (carriage) ride through Killarney National Park. This excursion immerses you in all that this iconic route has on offer.
Meals: Breakfast
Journeying back to Dublin and leaving the Wild Atlantic Way, enjoy a stop at Blarney Castle, where you’ll have the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and gain the ‘gift of the gab’. Next up is the medieval town of Kilkenny. Here, join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the historic centre, known as the 'Medieval Mile'. Arriving back in Dublin later today, celebrate the last night of your tour with an optional Irish music evening, including dinner and a show. It’s a fantastic way to finish off this wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle!
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye as the tour concludes. We hope you’ve enjoyed the scenery, the culture, the sights and the history of this incredible part of the world. Don’t forget to share your details with your fellow travellers. Farewell, Ireland!
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 1: Start of tour in Dublin
Céad míle fáilte! (Or, should we say, a hundred thousand welcomes!) Welcome to Ireland and the start of your tour! Meet your tour leader and the group at the hotel this morning before it’s time to explore this wonderful city! Embark on a driving and walking tour of Dublin with your tour leader and see the highlights of Ireland’s capital city. This afternoon is free to explore as you wish. Why not join the fascinating Discover Dublin excursion for an exciting taste of Irish culture and some of Dublin’s top sights? Due to popularity, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - contact us to book now! Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.
Experiences
Dublin driving and walking tour: Enjoy a driving and walking tour of this vibrant capital city! See Dublin’s top sights including St Patrick’s Cathedral, the General Post Office building, the many bridges over the River Liffey and more.
Welcome dinner: Tonight, sit down for a wonderful welcome dinner in Dublin. Get to know more about the rest of your fellow travellers and get excited for the exciting days to come on this incredible tour of Ireland!
Meals
Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Visit Dublin’s top sights and taste local Irish food and beer. Enjoy a pub lunch and explore the Irish Emigration Museum and the Guinness Storehouse!
DAY 2: Belfast - Giant's Causeway - Derry
Today, head into Northern Ireland. Your tour leader will share insight on topics like the Rising, the Civil War and the Fight for Independence, along with The Troubles. Although peaceful now, this is an important part of Ireland’s history, particularly the north. Stop in the famous city of Belfast and enjoy a combined driving and walking tour. Then, it’s onto Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge for a photo stop. Get your cameras ready for the famous Giant’s Causeway. Legend has it that the causeway was built by an Irish giant named Finn McCool so that he could challenge his Scottish rival Benandonner to a battle. Today’s last stop is the riverside city of Derry, where the tour will spend the night.
Experiences
Visit Belfast: Your tour leader will introduce you to some of Belfast's highlights on a driving tour, including Shankill Road and the Falls Road. These roads are associated with loyalist and republican communities respectively and are separated by peace walls.
Photo stop at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: Enjoy a Photo stop at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which links the mainland with the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede. Spanning 20 meters, the bridge is suspended 30 metres above the rocks below. Enjoy the spectacular Cliffside views!
Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway: The Giant’s Causeway is one of Ireland’s most famous sights, a natural geological wonder that is the result of ancient volcanic activity in the area. Or perhaps a giant did actually build it as the legend suggests!
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Experience the fascinating history of the Titanic with impressive interactive galleries, full-scale reconstructions and innovative special effects.
DAY 3: Derry - Galway
Heading out from Derry, travel to Galway, joining up with the famous Wild Atlantic Way - the longest coastal drive in the world, and probably the most scenic! After a comfort stop along the way, arrive in Galway in the early afternoon. Enjoy some free time in this arty, bohemian city that boasts a vibrant ambience, thanks to its large student population. Why not admire the sights from the water on an optional cruise? Later, join the Tales of Galway optional excursion and dig deeper into the many magical mysteries of this city while enjoying a drink at a historic pub!
Experiences
Visit Galway: Enjoy the bohemian vibe of this lively town, where you’ll find plenty of bars and cafes. Look out for live music! Alternatively, find the remnants of the medieval city walls or walk down the promenade to Salthill on Galway Bay.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Embark on a cruise and admire the harbour sights of Galway! Learn about the city’s history and culture with onboard commentary.
Visit a cosy local pub, get behind the bar, pour your own drink and listen to a local storyteller as you hear all about Galway's fascinating folklore!
DAY 4: Cliffs of Moher - Limerick - Adare - Killarney
First up today is one of the highlights of the tour – the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. This natural wonder rises over 200 metres above the churning sea! Then, enjoy a photostop in Limerick, with its fascinating castle, traditional pubs, art museum and thriving café culture. Take the opportunity to wander through Adare, which is often called ‘Ireland’s prettiest village’ - catch a glimpse of the perfectly-preserved thatch cottages. Finally, arrive in Killarney for the night.
Experiences
Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher: Get those cameras ready for these awe-inspiring views of rugged cliffs and crashing waves.
Visit Limerick: Stop at the Treaty Stone, where legend says the Treaty of Limerick was signed, which ended the Williamite War in Ireland between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange and concluded the Siege of Limerick. You can also take great photos of King John’s Castle from across the river.
Enjoy a photo stop at Adare: Take a few photos as we stop in the “prettiest village in Ireland”. This village has perfectly preserved thatch-roofed cottages that are being used as craft shops and restaurants.
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 5: Kerry Region: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in the Kerry region. Take the time to explore the hiking trails, golf courses and picturesque churches of Killarney. Or join the optional excursion - a drive and various stops along the Ring of Kerry. This iconic route takes you along the Iveragh Peninsula. Experience charming stops along the way - such as Kerry Bog Village and a Sheepdog demonstration. Sit back and relax on a jaunting (carriage) ride through Killarney National Park. This excursion immerses you in all that this iconic route has on offer.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Take a scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry, learn about Irish history, watch a sheepdog show and take a jaunting ride through Killarney National Park!
DAY 6: Blarney Castle - Kilkenny - Dublin
Journeying back to Dublin and leaving the Wild Atlantic Way, enjoy a stop at Blarney Castle, where you’ll have the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and gain the ‘gift of the gab’. Next up is the medieval town of Kilkenny. Here, join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the historic centre, known as the 'Medieval Mile'. Arriving back in Dublin later today, celebrate the last night of your tour with an optional Irish music evening, including dinner and a show. It’s a fantastic way to finish off this wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle!
Experiences
Visit Blarney Castle: Kiss the famous Blarney Stone and you might gain the ‘gift of the gab'!
Kilkenny orientation tour: Join your tour leader through the sights of Kilkenny. Explore places like the National Design & Craft Gallery, the Medieval Mile, Dominican Black Abbey and St Mary’s Cathedral.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Experience an unforgettable evening filled with traditional Irish food, music and dancing at an award-winning pub in Dublin.
DAY 7: End of tour in Dublin
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye as the tour concludes. We hope you’ve enjoyed the scenery, the culture, the sights and the history of this incredible part of the world. Don’t forget to share your details with your fellow travellers. Farewell, Ireland!
Meals
Breakfast
What's Included
Accommodation
- 6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Meals
- 6 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
11 Experiences!
- See Dublin on a walking and driving tour!
- Welcome dinner in Dublin
- Driving tour of Belfast
- Stop at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Explore the Giant's Causeway
- Free time to enjoy Galway
- See the iconic Cliffs of Moher
- Visit Limerick; see the treaty Stone & King John's Castle
- Stop off in "Ireland's prettiest village", Adare
- Included visit to Blarney Castle; kiss the Blarney Stone
- Orientation tour through Kilkenny
Accommodation
Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.
Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel
Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel
Imperial Hotel
Imperial Hotel
The Parkavon Hotel Killarney
The Parkavon Hotel KillarneyPhotos of the tour
Optional Excursions
Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Visit Dublin’s top sights and taste local Irish food and beer. Enjoy a pub lunch and explore the Irish Emigration Museum and the Guinness Storehouse!
Discover Dublin
Discover Dublin’s top sights on a guided excursion with your tour leader. Begin this exciting excursion with a delicious pub lunch. Enjoy traditional Irish food and fuel up before heading across town to EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, to learn about the Irish diaspora and the Irish influence across the world. Next, catch a coach to the Guinness Storehouse to enjoy the full Guinness experience! Finally, say sláinte with a pint of Guinness, Ireland’s most iconic beer, at the Guinness Storehouse’s rooftop Gravity Bar.
Please Note: This excursion must be booked at least 15 days prior to the start of the tour. This is due to the high demand for tickets. This excursion is subject to availability and is non-refundable. Contact us to book now.
Experience the fascinating history of the Titanic with impressive interactive galleries, full-scale reconstructions and innovative special effects.
Titanic Belfast Experience
Discover the Titanic from before she was built, all the way through construction, fitting-out, the launch, the maiden voyage, the sinking, the aftermath all the way up to where she lies today! Titanic Belfast extends over nine interactive galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features. Explore the shipyard, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic, in the city where it all began.
Embark on a cruise and admire the harbour sights of Galway! Learn about the city’s history and culture with onboard commentary.
Galway Cruise
Admire the stunning harbour sights of Galway from the water! Embark on a 90-minute cruise departing from Woodquay in the heart of Galway City. Enjoy a commentary throughout the cruise and learn more about the city’s history and culture. Be sure to try an award-winning Irish coffee on board!
Visit a cosy local pub, get behind the bar, pour your own drink and listen to a local storyteller as you hear all about Galway's fascinating folklore!
Tales of Galway
Enjoy a true taste of Galway as you sip your way through this enchanting city’s most captivating tales! Visit a cosy, historic pub in the heart of Galway, get behind the bar and pour your own pint of Guinness! As you drink, you’ll be regaled with tales of Galway by a local storyteller. Uncover the magic, mystery and fascinating folklore of this charming Irish city!
Take a scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry, learn about Irish history, watch a sheepdog show and take a jaunting ride through Killarney National Park!
Ring of Kerry Day Trip
Take a scenic drive in the coach to discover the best sights around the Ring of Kerry. Catch postcard views from viewpoints at Ladies View, Caherdaniel and Moll’s Gap. Also visit the Kerry Bog Village Museum to explore Ireland’s history, lifestyle and heritage of the late 19th century. Attend a sheepdog show at Kells and embark on a jaunting (horse and carriage) ride through the Killarney National Park. This is a day you will never forget!
Experience an unforgettable evening filled with traditional Irish food, music and dancing at an award-winning pub in Dublin.
Irish Music Evening
Enjoy a traditional evening of fine Irish food, music and dance at an award-winning Irish pub. Widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin, this is an experience you will never forget and provides the perfect way to celebrate classic Irish culture! Includes a delicious Irish meal, live music show and return transport to the hotel.
Please Note: This excursion must be booked at least 15 days prior to your tour. This excursion is subject to availability and is non-refundable.
Dates & Rates
2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price
| Start Date / End Date | Flexible Booking | Status | Price Per Person |
Number of travellers
Payment option
Flexible booking: 
Additional Information
For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.
This tour features unmissable optional excursions that must be booked prior to the start of the tour. Contact us for more information and to book now!
Reviews
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Why this tour?
Tours of Ireland are great for travellers seeking a holiday filled with bucket-list sites, history, beautiful natural scenery and great local culture. This Irish Explorer tour is one of our best immersive group tours which fits a number of fantastic activities and destinations into one week. Ireland is a great place for tourists from all over the world thanks to the abundance of great things to see and do, as well as the warm, welcoming and friendly locals. Seven days is the best amount of time to spend on your Ireland trip for a full taste of what the “Emerald Isle'' has to offer!
The tour begins and ends in vibrant Dublin, which you can spend some time getting to know before and after the trip. Our coach tours of Ireland from Dublin are your best option for seeing the best of Ireland. They cover the entire isle; travelling from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland, along the Wild Atlantic Way and back.
The best tours of Ireland should include must-see sights, interesting cities that offer you a taste of local life and culture, historic towns, castle tours and, of course, the unmissable natural sites. You can look forward to all of this and more with our Ireland tour packages!
Over seven days, you’ll get to see the cities of Belfast, Derry, Galway, and Kilarney. Your group will learn about the history of the fight for independence and the times of “The Troubles” and enjoy guided walking tours of Belfast and Kilkenny with your Tour Leader. You’ll even get to make a stop in Adare, which is known as the prettiest town (village) in Ireland! You’ll also be spoiled for choice at the amount of beautiful places you’ll see! From rolling green hills and sweeping cliff top views, to traditional Irish villages and ancient landmarks.
Our highlights include all the iconic sights and landmarks which should not be missed when visiting Ireland, including the Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry and Blarney Castle - where you’ll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and see if the legends are true about the gift of the gab!
Make your Ireland trip even more memorable with optional extras like the Ring of Kerry Day trip and the Titanic Belfast experience.
This escorted tour showcases top sights across Ireland thanks to an expertly designed itinerary. There are a number of inclusions plus free time and free days to enjoy destinations at your own pace. Whether you are looking for tours of Ireland for seniors, singles, friends or family, this is an excellent option that is packed full of fun!
The best time to visit Ireland with us is throughout most of the year. Summer brings warmer weather and leisurely days in the outdoors. If you’re looking for a festive getaway, our Christmas and New Years tours are the best time to travel for holiday cheer! Love the sound of Ireland? Why not combine it with one of our England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland tours to see more of Great Britain and all that it has to offer?
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