What is the best way to tour Ireland?

1. Self-Driving Tours

By car, motorbike or campervan

Renting a car, campervan or motorbike gives you full control over where you go and when. You can detour to a scenic viewpoint, linger in a charming village, or follow a back road simply because it looks inviting. For many visitors, this is the most rewarding way to experience Ireland, as it allows you to reach remote areas not served by public transport. That's where the magic happens: you can spontaneously explore, without limitations, and change your plans as you see fit.

Self-drive touring suits independent travellers and adventurers who enjoy planning their own routes and are confident navigating unfamiliar roads. It also appeals to photographers, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone keen to explore beyond major tourist hubs.

Advantages include the freedom to travel at your own pace, the chance to visit smaller towns and rural landscapes, and to adjust plans along the way. Campervans add convenience by combining transport and accommodation. Motorbikes provide a thrilling, direct connection to the environment with the added benefit of easier parking in towns and villages.

Considerations include driving on the left-hand side and adjusting to narrow, winding roads in rural areas. Automatic cars are less common than manuals, so early booking is strongly advised. For campervans, be aware that manoeuvring larger vehicles on Irish roads can be tricky. For motorbikes, good waterproof gear and flexible planning are essential.

2. Group Coach Tours

Organised group tours

This option removes the need to plan routes, arrange accommodation or handle navigation. Multi-day itineraries cover popular destinations and often include meals and entry to major attractions, with a professional guide providing insights and storytelling along the way.

It suits first-time visitors, solo travellers looking for company, and those who prefer a structured holiday where everything is taken care of. It's also appealing if you want to maximise sightseeing without having to drive or organise the details yourself.

Advantages include convenience, expert guidance and the ability to see as many highlights as time allows (some tours run up to 14 days). Group tours also offer predictable costs, as transport, hotels and some meals are usually included.

Drawbacks are the fixed schedule and limited flexibility to linger in one place. You may spend less time in some locations than you'd like, and larger groups can make the experience feel less personal. Smaller-group tours are available for a more intimate experience.

3. Private Tours

Highly personalised tours

Hiring a private driver-guide provides a highly personalised way to explore Ireland. Your itinerary can be crafted to suit your interests, character and budget. You'll travel in comfort while a local expert handles the driving and offers useful insights on attractions and history along the way.

This option is ideal for luxury travellers, multigenerational families, private groups or anyone who wants to avoid the stress of navigating while still enjoying a fully customised journey. Explore sample itineraries for our private tours of Ireland.

Advantages include door-to-door service, flexible daily plans and in-depth local knowledge. A skilled driver–guide can introduce you to lesser-known sites, offer cultural context and adapt the route to suit your preferences — or the weather.

The main drawback is cost. Private tours can be significantly more expensive than other options. They also require early booking, particularly during peak seasons, as qualified driver–guides are limited and demand is high.

4. Independent Touring by Public Transport

Travelling by train or bus

This means of travel lets you see Ireland without the need to drive. Irish Rail and Bus Éireann, along with regional bus services, connect most major cities and towns. However, rural coverage is limited, so public transport works best when your itinerary focuses on urban centres and popular tourist routes.

This approach suits budget-conscious travellers, backpackers and those who prefer a slower pace without the challenges of driving, while enjoying scenic views of the countryside and coastline.

Advantages include lower costs compared with car hire, no parking worries and the ability to relax en route. It's also a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious travellers.

Drawbacks include limited access to remote areas, less frequent (or non-existent) service in rural regions and the need to plan around timetables. Journeys usually take longer than by car, and you may need taxis or local buses for the “last mile” to certain destinations such as your hotel or B&B.

5. Cycling and Walking Tours

For active travellers

Touring Ireland by bike or on foot offers the most immersive experience as well as a more sustainable way of travelling. Guided and self-guided options are available, with established cycling greenways and long-distance walking routes providing safe, scenic paths.

Cycling tours are ideal for those who enjoy travelling at a slower pace, taking in the landscape in detail and stopping as often as they wish. Walking tours, whether day hikes or multi-day routes, are great for hikers and those seeking a deeper connection with nature.

Advantages include the ability to access areas not reachable by car, the health benefits of physical activity and a real sense of achievement from completing a route. They're also a great way to experience authentic Ireland and meet locals along your journey.

Drawbacks are that both options are weather dependent and require a good level of fitness. Luggage transfer services are often necessary for multi-day routes, and we recommend booking accommodation in advance along the trail to avoid last-minute hassles. You'll feel a deeper connection with your environment, but you'll cover far less ground.

For a deeper dive on exploring Ireland, and Britain, on foot, take a look at our City Tours of Ireland and Britain page.

6. Cruise Ship and Coastal Cruises

Explore Ireland from the sea

With over 3,000 miles of coastline, cruising is another way to experience Ireland, whether as part of a longer international voyage or through shorter coastal excursions.

Multi-day cruises may focus on Ireland alone, or combine it with Scotland, England or France. These trips visit major ports such as Dublin, Cork, Belfast and Waterford, offering shore excursions to nearby sights. They appeal to travellers who enjoy the comfort and facilities of a cruise ship while sampling different parts of Ireland without repeatedly packing and unpacking — though time on land is usually limited. You’ll find options ranging from a 3-night taster cruise, or luxury cruise escapes lasting up to two weeks.

Coastal day cruises are another great option for exploring from the sea. These trips operate from ports within Ireland and are popular with those based on land but looking for a day on the water. Examples include boat trips to the Skellig Islands, the Aran Islands or wildlife-focused tours along the coast.

Advantages include the convenience of unpacking only once on a multi-day cruise, the scenic approach to Ireland by sea and the ability to combine the country with other destinations. Day cruises offer unique coastal views and access to offshore islands.

Drawbacks include fixed itineraries, limited inland exploration and weather dependence for smaller vessels. On international cruises, time spent at each Irish port can be brief, making in-depth exploration difficult.

7. Multi-Modal Touring

Hybrid approach

Many travellers find that a combination of methods works best. A common example is to use public transport in cities, then rent a car for rural areas. You might arrive in Dublin, spend a few days exploring without a vehicle, then hire a car to tour the west coast, ride a bike for a few hours or hop on a day cruise, before returning your rental and taking a train to your departure point.

This hybrid approach suits travellers who want both the convenience of organised transport in busy areas and the freedom of self-drive in the countryside.

Advantages include flexibility, the chance to avoid city driving and the ability to tailor your itinerary to your comfort level (and the weather). It can also be more cost effective than hiring a car for the entire trip.

Drawbacks include the added complexity of coordinating different transport modes and the need to fit your plans around car-hire collection and return locations.

8. Final Thoughts

No one way fits all

The "best" way to tour Ireland depends entirely on your preferences, confidence, priorities and how much time (and disposable income) you have. Independent travellers who want complete control may prefer a self-drive or hybrid approach, while those seeking convenience might opt for a coach tour or cruise experience. Private drivers offer a premium, personalised experience, and active travellers may find cycling or walking tours most rewarding.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each option, you can choose the mode of travel that matches your style and helps you make the most of your time in Ireland.