Ireland Balanced schedule Tours & Trip Packages

Ireland Balanced schedule Tours & Trips

508 Ireland trips. Tours from 129 tour companies. 2,149 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.

264 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Balanced schedule
9 Day Affordable Ireland
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Operator does not provide
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny

Highlights

  • View the magnificent 8th century Book of Kells at Trinity College
  • Enjoy dinner in a typical tavern, with traditional Irish music, dancing and great Irish food
  • Visit the House of Waterford Crystal showroom
  • Travel along the world-famous Ring of Kerry with its astonishing views
  • View the mighty Cliffs of Moher, a rock wall rising 700 feet above the ocean
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What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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9 Day Classic Ireland
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny

Highlights

  • Visit Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells Tour Kylemore Abbey, in the heart of the Connemara National Park View the mighty Cliffs of Moher, an impressive wall of rock Visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, offering a unique insight into Irish life View the Ring of Kerry, the mythical & unspoiled region in Ireland Visit the 15th century Blarney Castle with a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone Enjoy a tour of the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory Farewell Dinner with traditional Irish Entertainment †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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10 Day Enchanting Ireland
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dublin, Kilkenny

Highlights

  • At Trinity College, view the magnificent 8th century Book of Kells Tour the storied 15th century Blarney Castle, where you will have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone Visit Bunratty Castle the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland and take a stroll at Folk Park Drive through Killarney National Park and the world-famous "Ring of Kerry" View some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery as you drive to the mighty Cliffs of Moher †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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8 Day Ireland Fly & Drive, Thanksgiving Special
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dublin, Galway

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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11 Day Irish Culture
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dublin

Highlights

  • Visit to the Irish National Stud Farm where world-class thoroughbreds are reared. Gain insight into the rearing of these champions See the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland's most spectacular archaeological sites Enjoy lunch and conversation with a family at Molanna Farm about life on an Irish homestead Sample Irish coffee at the Flying Boat Museum, where it was invented View the rugged scenery on the drive to the Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast At Trinity College in Dublin see the 8th century Book of Kells Tour the famed Guinness Storehouse and sample Ireland's most famous brew †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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Classic Ireland
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dublin, Galway

Highlights

  • Explore Dublin
  • Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and a visit to the Award-winning EPIC Ireland
  • Visit to the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most striking ecclesiastical ruins
  • Explore the area taking in Kinsale or Cobh, both beautiful seaside towns on the Southern Coast
  • Explore Blarney Castle and Gardens, one of the oldest landmarks in the county

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Our trip to Egypt was perfect- expert guides, drivers and airport reps. Our guides took us into tombs that others didn’t get to see, we had lunch in a private home with an Egyptian family, we had Nubian coffee made the old way, by a Nubian man, on the banks of the Nile. Everything went so smoothly. The timing was perfect too …our guides had us in temples, pyramids and tombs without crowds. I will use Travelous in the future and I have advised friends and family to do the same. Chris Bazos made all the arrangements for us. Our guides were Noha and Atef."

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9 Day Enchanting Ireland
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dublin, Kilkenny

Highlights

  • At Trinity College, view the magnificent 8th century Book of Kells Tour the storied 15th century Blarney Castle, where you will have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone Visit Bunratty Castle the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland and take a stroll at Folk Park Drive through Killarney National Park and the world-famous "Ring of Kerry" View some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery as you drive to the mighty Cliffs of Moher †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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8 Day Ireland Fly & Drive (New York)
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dublin, Galway

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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Balanced schedule

Ireland Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
2,149  Reviews
See all Ireland tour reviews
Excellent
729
Great
359
Average
84
Disappointing
16
Terrible
10
D

David Banaszynski

May 2024

Written on

Irish Highlights

We had full days but still time on our own. I would sugg...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Irish Highlights

Inclusive but not enough time to explore areas on our own without the constraint of getting to the next stop. It was difficult for those who sat on a plane for 8 hrs...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Irish Highlights

Lots of places to see. A taste of Ireland. Lots of info from the tour guide Allie and great driver Stevie. My favorite places were the cliffs of Mohr and the ring of...

D

Diane Turnbull

May 2024

Written on

Irish Highlights

It was great. Saw alot if things and had a kit of wonde...

R

Ronald Bigelow

May 2024

Written on

Irish Highlights

A whirlwind of activities and experiences! All worthwhile, interesting, and enjoyable. We were lucky to have a wonderful tour director, an amazing bus driver, and a ...

Write a Review

Ireland Tour Selection Trips

  • Walking and biking tours of Ireland can be wonderful, taking you through forests, across pastures and down small country roads you otherwise wouldn’t know existed.
  • One good reason for Americans to take a guided tour of Ireland: driving (on often narrow roads with standard transmission cars) is on the left.
  • Come prepared for rain (“liquid sunshine”) at any time, keeping in mind that this is what keeps Ireland so green.
  • While Ireland is a bit smaller than the U.S. state of Indiana, it’s rich in culture, scenery, and history, so don’t feel you have to see it all in one trip – though a number of tours do hit many of the highlights.
  • Dublin has the youngest population in Europe, making it a good choice for millennials.

Additional details

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Ireland is open to foreign travelers.

Upon arrival, visitors must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine and fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form to indicate where they intend to self isolate.

Read more about Countries Reopening for Tourism 


Ireland tours are available all year round, but it does get quite chilly. Often tours in Ireland feature a lot of time outdoors along the coast, so be sure to dress warmly!

Walking is a very popular activity on many Ireland trips. It is advised to bring a pair of warm, sturdy walking shoes or broken in hiking boots to protect your feet from blisters.

What to expect from a tour in Ireland

Touring Ireland is a wonderful experience, full of jovial fun, fascinating history, and of course a pint or two. If you enjoy beer, it’s safe to say you will enjoy traveling in Ireland. If you don’t enjoy beer, don’t worry, but be prepared for a few pub visits. You may like the taste of beer by the end of your trip!

American travelers in particular may be surprised by the pub atmosphere in Ireland and the wider UK. The Irish pub experience is far more family friendly than a typical bar or pub in the United States. Going by yourself to hang out with a book is perfectly acceptable.

But if you’re a more outgoing person, and enjoy meeting and hanging out with locals, the pub is the place to be; and you will be considered a local by the end of your trip if you go consistently. This is one reason why Ireland tours for singles are so popular.

Other than whiskey and beer, Ireland has much to offer in the way of history. Guided tours of Ireland will definitely touch on some of this, in varying degrees depending on which tour you choose.  

Ireland Tour Routes

You may be wondering whether your trip in Ireland will visit both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In most cases, Ireland tours do visit both. The Republic of Ireland is dramatically larger than Northern Ireland, so you will spend most of your time in this area.

Some likely stops on this part of your tour include the Ring of Kerry, a stunning scenic route dotted with various historical sites. The Cliffs of Moher, which are only a short distance from Dublin, are another popular spot. The only thing that makes these breathtaking cliffs more stunning is the powerful, heart-stopping wind that blows in off the sea.

Northern Ireland is home to the Titanic Museum in Belfast, a very popular tour attraction. Giants Causeway is also a main attraction in Northern Ireland, especially for being a Game of Thrones filming location. Finally, your small group tour in Northern Ireland will likely include some historical components about recent conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in this part of Ireland.

Ireland Walking Tours

Because of Ireland’s natural beauty, relative accessibility and general safety, going on hiking and walking tours is one popular way of visiting the country. Going on a walking tour around Ireland is a great way to remove yourself from the routine, and place yourself in an otherworldly landscape.

If you decide to visit the Western coast of the country, you will be confronted with contrasting, dramatic stone landscapes and beautiful mountains. This region is known for  both its rough seas, and its population of wildflowers.

If you want to experience the entire island, consider a coast-to-coast walk. On this route, you are sure to experience many more cultural landmarks, including the some of the earliest Christian landmarks.

If the call of England and Scotland are too irresistible to you, you are in luck, as many tours combine visiting the three, similar locations. This way you can get triple the dosage of intense historical drama, jaw-dropping natural landscapes, and good drink and pub food.

What is the weather like in Ireland?

As it is nearly surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Ireland’s climate is both kept temperate by the water, and also made irregular because of it. As a result, Ireland’s weather is relatively unpredictable -- but not extreme.

When traveling to Ireland in the winter, you should dress warmly, but don’t worry about freezing temperatures. It rarely drops much below 46 degrees, and a result, don’t expect any heavy snows either.

In the summer, temperatures are in generally in the upper 50’s, and reach highs of around 66 degrees. Unlike in Scotland, you never have to worry about extremely long rain spells, nor will it rain consistently enough to make you wish you had your own pair of wellies. Either bring a light rain jacket just in case, or use every drizzle as an excuse to grab a Guinness in a cozy pub -- the choice is up to you!

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