Ireland tours departing from Dublin. We will meet you at Dublin Airport.
Make your travel arrangements even easier with a tour which starts and finishes in Dublin, the gateway to Ireland. Your tour guide will meet you in the airport arrivals lounge before conveying you to your first hotel and the attractions of Ireland beyond. Use this page to find Ireland tours from Dublin which work for you and your existing travel plans.
Please note: we strongly recommend that all guests await confirmation of their tour booking before booking flights to Ireland.
6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour
6 days / 5 nights • Max 26 ppl
Final 8 spaces!
10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour
10 days / 9 nights • Max 26 ppl
Final 3 spaces!
8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour
8 days / 7 nights • Max 26 ppl
Final 7 spaces!
10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour
10 days / 9 nights • Max 26 ppl
Final 1 space!
8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour
8 days / 7 nights • Max 26 ppl
Final 7 spaces!
10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour
10 days / 9 nights • Max 26 ppl
Final 2 spaces!
10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour
10 days / 9 nights • Max 26 ppl
Final 2 spaces!
14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour
14 days / 13 nights • Max 26 ppl
Final 1 space!
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Known as the 'Gateway to Ireland', Dublin marks the beginning for all of our Ireland tours. If you book with us, your driver-guide (one person) will meet you at Dublin Airport.
As Ireland's capital and largest city, Dublin is the first destination for the majority of international visitors to Ireland. All of our Ireland tours start here and we will always provide options for you to be met at the airport.
For those who choose to arrive a few days early for their Ireland tour, there is a growing number of public transport options in the city. These include an international airport and two train stations. The city is also the focal point of Ireland's motorway network (car hire is available at the airport but advance booking is recommended).
Almost everyone who arrives on a visit to Dublin from abroad will arrive by plane (though some self-drive visitors from the UK may arrive by Ferry). Dublin Airport is located just 10km (6 miles) from Dublin City Centre and is accessible by both the M50 and M1 motorways. It is made up of two terminals. Visitors arriving from the USA and Canada will be arriving at Terminal Two.
Short-haul flights. Served by Ryanair, British Airways, Germanwings, Iberia, Lufthansa, Norwegian, SAS and Air France.
Long-haul flights. Served by American Airlines, US Airways, Delta, Air Canada and Aer Lingus. Recent additions to Terminal 2's roster include United Airlines, Etihad and Emirates.
There are bus services available to and from both terminals, provided by Aircoach, Airlink, Dublin Bus and GoBus. Aircoach will bring you to multiple stops in Dublin City, including O'Connell Street and Grafton Street. They also operate routes to and from Cork City (€19- Adult, Single, 3hrs) and Belfast City (€12- Adult, Single, 2hr 20mins). You can follow their distinctive blue signs from the arrivals hall in both terminals. GoBus offers a route from Dublin Airport to and from Galway City (€18- Adult, Single, 2hrs 30mins). A ticket to Dublin City Centre from Dublin Airport costs €6 (Single)/ €11.50 (Return). Dublin Bus also operates a service between Dublin Airport and Dublin City for a similar price.
Like all international airports, there is a large number of taxis available outside both terminals at all times. To travel to the city centre by taxi will cost between €30-€40.
Currently, there is no direct railway link between Dublin Airport and Dublin City.
If you are already in Ireland and want to visit the capital, then rail is certainly a viable option (though buses are a great alternative). The two main train stations in Dublin City are Heuston Station and Connolly Station. Heuston Station is located to the west of the city centre, close to the Guinness Storehouse. Connolly Station is found to the east of the city centre, close to Trinity College and Dublin Port. Both stations connect Dublin with Cork to the south, Galway to the west and Belfast to the north. The bus that connects Hueston and Connolly Stations to Dublin Airport is the number 747 (see here for more details).
The DART is an electric train systems that runs along the coast of the Irish Sea, from North County Dublin to County Wicklow (South of Dublin). The DART runs every 15 minutes during peak hours (7am to 9am and 5pm to 9pm weekdays) and every 30 minutes off peak. To travel the full route of the DART one-way, from Howth in North Dublin to Greystones in County Wicklow, will cost €6.
The LUAS (Irish for speed), Dublin's tram system has been in operation since 2004. Its Red (Northside) and Green (Southside) lines spread across Dublin City. Ticket prices vary depending on how many zones you plan on passing, but you can expect to pay €3 to get from one side of the city to the other (one-way).
A convenient and cost effective way of paying LUAS and DART fares, as well as a number of other public transport services in Dublin City, is the use of a Leap Card.
Most people who visit Dublin City would usually advise against driving there. The traffic in the city centre can come to a stand-still for large parts of the day and you have to travel miles outside the city before you can find any free parking. If driving to Dublin city is a must you can find more information on parking here.
The main bus terminal of Dublin City is Busáras Central Station. Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, on the same street as Connolly Train Station. Busáras Central Station is the terminal for all state-run buses coming in and out of Dublin City, both locally and across Ireland.
There are also a number of private bus companies that operate in and out of Dublin City. Their pick-up and drop-off points differ from one another and depend on what part of Ireland you are going to/coming from. The majority will have pick-up and drop-off points at Dublin Airport.
Dublin Port operates ferries across the Irish Sea to Liverpool in England, Holyhead in Wales and, during Summer and Christmas, to Douglas on the Isle of Man. The ferry companies that operate to and from Dublin Port are Irish Ferries, Steam Packet, P&O Ferries and Seatruck Ferries.
Dublin Port is connected with Dublin City Centre via Dublin Bus (the number 53 bus). Bus fares are payable with coins (Euro), smart cards or pre-paid tickets. There is a plentiful number of taxis outside Dublin Port at most times of the day, expect to pay in the region of €9 to €12 for a taxi to the city centre. The Luas Red Line tram operates 7 days a week and is located on East Wall Road, opposite the entrance to Dublin Port, and a one-way ticket to the city centre costs €2.
Throughout your tour, all your transport is provided unless you choose use local services to explore more widely during your free time. For those exploring Dublin independently before or after their guided tour of Ireland, here are the three main options for local transport throughout Dublin City.
Dublin City and its suburbs are well catered for in terms of bus services. The state-owned Dublin Bus company, founded in 1987, has a reputation of being reliable, plentiful and not too harsh on the pocket.
It is always advisable to check their timetable and stop locations if you are planning a bus journey, especially if you are new to the city. For more information, visit their website...
Dublin City runs a bike hire scheme, sponsored by a subscription-based TV service NOW. It is a cost-effective and quick way to get around the city. There are 109 stations in total, each within close proximity to another.
A user must first take out a subscription, which allows an unlimited number of rentals. A long-term subscription is €35, a 3-Day ticket costs €5. Under 30 minutes is free and prices only go up after this. For longer rides, it is advisable to get to a terminal in under 30 minutes and take a new bike. For more information, visit their website...
Dublin City taxis are also known as hackney carriages, the kind that you can flag down on the street or find at a taxi rank. There are also private hire vehicles, which are not licensed to "ply for hire" or stand in a taxi rank and can only be booked in advance.
A taxi journey of 35 minutes (for example from Dublin Airport, in the North of the city, to the city centre) would cost between €30 to €40. See here for more info on Dublin Taxi ranks.
There are so many amazing tourist attractions in Ireland & Britain, and our tours are designed to show you the very best of them. If you're not sure where to start, here we have compiled a top-20 list of the most popular Ireland tour experiences.
Britain and Ireland tours offer so many amazing places to visit, from the best-known tourist hotspots to the best-kept secrets. Here, we've put together a list of some of the most popular destinations among first-time visitors to Ireland and Britain. Of course, these unmissable destinations are widely featured on our range of Ireland and Britain vacations, and you can visit any of them on a customized private tour.
The "gateway to Ireland" is for more than just passing through. Visit the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and Epic: The Irish Emigration Museum.
From the vibrant and Bohemian city centre to the pristine Connemara wilderness, County Galway is always a favourite with visitors to Ireland.
Killarney marks the start & endpoint of the Ring of Kerry. It is also home to some of Ireland's most famous castles, cathedrals and lakes.
Boasting attractions such as Blarney Castle, the Jameson Distillery and the fishing town of Kinsale, County Cork is a must-see destination.
The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile circular route encompassing what is, arguably, the most scenic area of Ireland.
A haven of tranquillity in western Galway. Connemara is home to Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle and Clifden village.
Famed for its rugged coastline and mountains, County Donegal is brimming with stunning natural beauty.
A quaint fishing village in western County Kerry. A bottlenose dolphin named Fungie has been living in Dingle Bay since 1983.
The birthplace of the Titanic and once a major hub in the Industrial Revolution. Today, a city back on its feet after a turbulent past.
Monasteries, abbeys, manor houses & thatched cottages blend together to create a village that is as rich in heritage as it is easy on the eye.
The "Sunny Southeast" brings with it Ireland's finest potatoes and strawberries, alongside some awe-inspiring scenery.
Take a step back in time with a visit to the Aran Islands. There are 1,200 Irish-speaking inhabitants, across three islands, and no cars.
Explore London's timeless charm: a bustling metropolis with iconic landmarks, rich history, and diverse culture.
A charming city steeped in history and iconic structures, all overseen by the majestic Edinburgh Castle.
Standing as a testament to ancient engineering, its purpose and construction remain a subject of intrigue.
A legendary freshwater lake famous for its elusive inhabitant, the mythical Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as "Nessie".
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.
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.
Situated five miles north-west of Cork city, Blarney Castle is a solid fixture on almost any tour of Ireland. It is best known for the famous "Blarney Stone" of which visitors are encouraged to kiss, in accordance with a tradition that spans centuries.
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.
A limestone plateau covering 250 square kilometres, The Burren takes its name quite aptly from the Gaelic for "rocky land" or "great rock". While in one sense very fitting, the name does not do justice to what experts have more justly termed "one of the world's most stunningly unique natural heritage regions
".
The Burren runs alongside the Wild Atlantic Way.
A limestone plateau covering 250 square kilometres, The Burren takes its name quite aptly from the Gaelic for "rocky land" or "great rock". While in one sense very fitting, the name does not do justice to what experts have more justly termed "one of the world's most stunningly unique natural heritage regions
".
The Burren runs alongside the Wild Atlantic Way.
A limestone plateau covering 250 square kilometres, The Burren takes its name quite aptly from the Gaelic for "rocky land" or "great rock". While in one sense very fitting, the name does not do justice to what experts have more justly termed "one of the world's most stunningly unique natural heritage regions
".
The Burren runs alongside the Wild Atlantic Way.
Christ Church Cathedral, founded by the Viking King Sitric almost 1000 years ago in 1034. The cathedral crypt is one of the largest in the UK and Ireland, dating back to the 12th Century. Here in the crypt, you can see the Mummified remains of the Cat and the Rat which were found in the cathedral organ, and a rare 14th century copy of the Magna Carta.
One of the most popular and most eagerly anticipated attractions on any vacation in Ireland, and the views will not disappoint. They rise to a height of 702ft (214m) and 9 miles (14km) long, these sheer vertical cliffs hold a steady, undulating line against the tireless advance of the Atlantic below. A better view of the sea and setting sun you will not find.
The Cliffs of Moher are a Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way. For more information click here.
Perched on the banks of the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise is perhaps the foremost of Ireland's monastic cities. For those interested in early Christianity, it is a must-see destination. Enclosed within the ancient city walls are various ecclesiastical ruins including a cathedral, seven ancient churches, three high crosses, round towers and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe — all remarkably well preserved and fascinating to anyone, not just those with a special interest in Ireland's religious history.
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.
Despite its remote location, the distillery is easily accessible and produces a remarkable spirit known as the "gentle spirit". Get an exclusive look at our functioning distillery and explore its distinctive high altitude and renowned malt.
Luring over Edinburgh from its position on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle has been a fixture of the skyline since the 12th century. The location of Castle Rock, formed on top of an extinct volcano, made it the ideal location to build a defensive fortress. Edinburgh Castle, over the years, has been used as a place to burn 'witches' at the stake, foil rebellions and house prisoners of war. Today it is Scotland's number 1 tourist attraction.
EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum, tracks the harrowing history of the 10 million Irish people left the island, for a variety of reasons, over the past 300 years.
Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage site, known in Gaelic as Clochán na bhFomhórach or Clochán an Aifir, The Giant's Causeway is an area of 40,000 basalt columns, formed into a regular interlocking pattern by an ancient volcanic lava flow.
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.
Guinness is more than just a brand, indeed, more than just a beer. And that's not just for the Irish, but for the many millions of Guinness-drinkers worldwide. The site of the brewery itself is massive, at a staggering 26 hectares, but it will be the old grain storehouse that you visit. Shaped like a giant pint of the black stuff, this most popular of Dublin attractions towers over the surrounding neighbourhoods, with the top-floor Gravity Bar offering a delightful panorama across the Dublin cityscape which can only be enhanced by a well-earned pint to cap-off your visit.
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.
Holyrood Palace, officially known as The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the opposite end of The Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle. It is the official residence of the British Royal Family, and is often the setting for state occasions in the area. It has been the main residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum was opened in 1901 having been partly funded by the proceeds of the International Exhibition, held in the area in 1888. Kelvingrove Park, where the gallery stands, is situated near the campus of the University of Glasgow. After a 3 year closure for refurbishments, the gallery was reopened in 2006 by Queen Elizabeth II. Works by Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro & van Gogh can be found amounts the over 8,000 strong collections of art.
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.
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.
Kylemore Abbey is not only one of Ireland's most attractive buildings; since 1920, it has also been home to the Sisters of the Benedictine Order in Ireland. Even today, Kylemore continues to operate as a working Abbey: here, the sisters live, work and pray, as well as welcome visitors from across the globe. Kylemore Abbey's greatest attraction is its location. Nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul, in the heart of the Connemara Mountains, it is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic locations.
Kylemore Abbey can be viewed along the Wild Atlantic Way.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, is the largest town located in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The town boasts a picturesque harbour, which is surrounded by cliffs, and features a pier that was designed by the renowned Scottish civil engineer, Thomas Telford.
A symbol of Scotland's national pride and independence, Stirling Castle sits atop Castle Hill in the Southeast of the town of Stirling. The main structure of the castle was built during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. There have been a total of eight sieges of Stirling Castle, most of them occurring during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Â
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.
Pubs (public houses) play a huge part in the culture of Ireland and have done throughout the ages. Sometimes busy, often noisy, but always friendly and welcoming places to meet the locals. In a pub, you will see a full cross-section of Irish society — its a place where people from all classes, ages, interests and backgrounds can mix.
Situated on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, approximately two miles west of Amesbury, Stonehenge is an ancient monument. Comprised of a circular arrangement of towering sarsen stones, each measuring about 13 feet in height, seven feet in width, and weighing around 25 tons, it is adorned with horizontal lintel stones that connect them together.
Situated in the city of Bath, Somerset, England, the Roman Baths are remarkably preserved thermal baths. The construction of a temple on this site took place between 60 and 70 AD during the initial decades of Roman Britain, ultimately giving rise to the creation of a small Roman urban settlement known as Aquae Sulis.
This charming half-timbered house stands as a testament to the iconic playwright's humble beginnings and offers a glimpse into the history and heritage of one of the world's greatest literary figures.
York Minster serves as the official residence of the Archbishop of York, who holds the third-highest position in the Church of England. It also stands as the main cathedral for the Diocese of York and the Province of York.