Ireland Balanced schedule Tours & Trip Packages

Ireland Balanced schedule Tours & Trips

509 Ireland trips. Tours from 129 tour companies. 2,314 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.

265 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Balanced schedule
Ireland to Island Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
77 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dingle Peninsula, Dublin, Galway, Ring of Kerry

Highlights

  • Feel the Magic on the world-famous Ring of Kerry
  • Discover magnificent Killarney National Park
  • Be one of the few to set foot on Skellig Michael
  • Hike along the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher
  • Cycle the majestic Aran Islands and discover Bohemian Galway

Themes

Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I recently returned from a magical few weeks in Ireland. When we planned the trip, we had some concerns. Overland took all of our worries away and we had a fabulous trip! -Could we really see the highlights of Ireland in just 10 days? YES...Our tour guide, Breda, told the story of Ireland as we travelled the backroads and highways to tour the entire island. Her knowledge of Ireland was quite extensive and her she is a fantastic storyteller. When someone asked a question, "Well...there's a story in that answer". She even went out of her way to make my birthday special! She picked up a cake & had hot Toddy's for the group! - Should we just rent a car and do it ourselves? NOPE! Breda took the wheel and we could relax and enjoy the countryside. We even dozed off here and there. I would NOT want to drive those narrow roads! She brought us to so many unique places that we would have NEVER found! - What about the weather in Ireland? Well, bring layers...lots of layers. And, if it rains...just wait a minute...it will pass. - Will we feel rushed on this tour? No...Breda did an amazing job of gently nudging us along from one site to another. Consider it a recon mission...take good notes on where you want to return! HIGHLY...HIGHLY recommend this tour. Ask for Breda...she made it VERY special!!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Emerald Explorer Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
77 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Connemara, Cork, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Ring of Kerry

Highlights

  • Kiss the Blarney Stone and enjoy the splendid Ring of Kerry
  • Enjoy Bohemian Galway and venture to the ancient Aran Islands
  • Learn about the history of the Troubles in Derry and Belfast
  • Giants Causeway, Rock of Cashel, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney national Park

Themes

Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I recently returned from a magical few weeks in Ireland. When we planned the trip, we had some concerns. Overland took all of our worries away and we had a fabulous trip! -Could we really see the highlights of Ireland in just 10 days? YES...Our tour guide, Breda, told the story of Ireland as we travelled the backroads and highways to tour the entire island. Her knowledge of Ireland was quite extensive and her she is a fantastic storyteller. When someone asked a question, "Well...there's a story in that answer". She even went out of her way to make my birthday special! She picked up a cake & had hot Toddy's for the group! - Should we just rent a car and do it ourselves? NOPE! Breda took the wheel and we could relax and enjoy the countryside. We even dozed off here and there. I would NOT want to drive those narrow roads! She brought us to so many unique places that we would have NEVER found! - What about the weather in Ireland? Well, bring layers...lots of layers. And, if it rains...just wait a minute...it will pass. - Will we feel rushed on this tour? No...Breda did an amazing job of gently nudging us along from one site to another. Consider it a recon mission...take good notes on where you want to return! HIGHLY...HIGHLY recommend this tour. Ask for Breda...she made it VERY special!!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Spectacular South and West Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
77 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cork, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Ring of Kerry

Highlights

  • Kiss the Blarney Stone and enjoy the sights of the Ring of Kerry
  • Kayak with dolphins and hike along the mighty Cliffs of Moher
  • Learn of myth and legend in the Emerald Isle
  • Enjoy a tipple in the Dingle Whiskey Distillery

Themes

Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I recently returned from a magical few weeks in Ireland. When we planned the trip, we had some concerns. Overland took all of our worries away and we had a fabulous trip! -Could we really see the highlights of Ireland in just 10 days? YES...Our tour guide, Breda, told the story of Ireland as we travelled the backroads and highways to tour the entire island. Her knowledge of Ireland was quite extensive and her she is a fantastic storyteller. When someone asked a question, "Well...there's a story in that answer". She even went out of her way to make my birthday special! She picked up a cake & had hot Toddy's for the group! - Should we just rent a car and do it ourselves? NOPE! Breda took the wheel and we could relax and enjoy the countryside. We even dozed off here and there. I would NOT want to drive those narrow roads! She brought us to so many unique places that we would have NEVER found! - What about the weather in Ireland? Well, bring layers...lots of layers. And, if it rains...just wait a minute...it will pass. - Will we feel rushed on this tour? No...Breda did an amazing job of gently nudging us along from one site to another. Consider it a recon mission...take good notes on where you want to return! HIGHLY...HIGHLY recommend this tour. Ask for Breda...she made it VERY special!!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Great Atlantic Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
77 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cork, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Ring of Kerry

Highlights

  • Kiss the Blarney Stone and be mesmerised by the Ring of Kerry
  • Kayak with dolphins and hike along the mighty Cliffs of Moher
  • Pick up some Gaelic words on the remote Aran Islands
  • Enjoy bohemian Galway and the rugged sights of Connemara
  • Discover the lunar landscape of the Burren
Show more

Themes

Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I recently returned from a magical few weeks in Ireland. When we planned the trip, we had some concerns. Overland took all of our worries away and we had a fabulous trip! -Could we really see the highlights of Ireland in just 10 days? YES...Our tour guide, Breda, told the story of Ireland as we travelled the backroads and highways to tour the entire island. Her knowledge of Ireland was quite extensive and her she is a fantastic storyteller. When someone asked a question, "Well...there's a story in that answer". She even went out of her way to make my birthday special! She picked up a cake & had hot Toddy's for the group! - Should we just rent a car and do it ourselves? NOPE! Breda took the wheel and we could relax and enjoy the countryside. We even dozed off here and there. I would NOT want to drive those narrow roads! She brought us to so many unique places that we would have NEVER found! - What about the weather in Ireland? Well, bring layers...lots of layers. And, if it rains...just wait a minute...it will pass. - Will we feel rushed on this tour? No...Breda did an amazing job of gently nudging us along from one site to another. Consider it a recon mission...take good notes on where you want to return! HIGHLY...HIGHLY recommend this tour. Ask for Breda...she made it VERY special!!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Wild West and North Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
77 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belfast, Connemara, Cork, Derry, Dublin, Galway

Highlights

  • Cycle on the Majestic Aran Islands and discover Bohemian Galway
  • Learn about the history of the Troubles in Derry and Belfast
  • Stand tall on the Giants Causeway
  • Learn about the amazing history of Kylemore Abbey in Connemara
  • Marvel in the beauty of County Donegal

Themes

Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I recently returned from a magical few weeks in Ireland. When we planned the trip, we had some concerns. Overland took all of our worries away and we had a fabulous trip! -Could we really see the highlights of Ireland in just 10 days? YES...Our tour guide, Breda, told the story of Ireland as we travelled the backroads and highways to tour the entire island. Her knowledge of Ireland was quite extensive and her she is a fantastic storyteller. When someone asked a question, "Well...there's a story in that answer". She even went out of her way to make my birthday special! She picked up a cake & had hot Toddy's for the group! - Should we just rent a car and do it ourselves? NOPE! Breda took the wheel and we could relax and enjoy the countryside. We even dozed off here and there. I would NOT want to drive those narrow roads! She brought us to so many unique places that we would have NEVER found! - What about the weather in Ireland? Well, bring layers...lots of layers. And, if it rains...just wait a minute...it will pass. - Will we feel rushed on this tour? No...Breda did an amazing job of gently nudging us along from one site to another. Consider it a recon mission...take good notes on where you want to return! HIGHLY...HIGHLY recommend this tour. Ask for Breda...she made it VERY special!!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Magical Southern Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
77 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cork, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Ring of Kerry

Highlights

  • Kiss the Blarney Stone and enjoy the sights of the Ring of Kerry
  • Kayak with dolphins and Explore the mighty Cliffs of Moher
  • Explore bohemian Galway and the Aran Islands
  • Enjoy a tipple in the Dingle Whiskey Distillery on the Dingle Peninsula
  • Discover the Killarney National Park and the lunar landscape of the Burren

Themes

Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I recently returned from a magical few weeks in Ireland. When we planned the trip, we had some concerns. Overland took all of our worries away and we had a fabulous trip! -Could we really see the highlights of Ireland in just 10 days? YES...Our tour guide, Breda, told the story of Ireland as we travelled the backroads and highways to tour the entire island. Her knowledge of Ireland was quite extensive and her she is a fantastic storyteller. When someone asked a question, "Well...there's a story in that answer". She even went out of her way to make my birthday special! She picked up a cake & had hot Toddy's for the group! - Should we just rent a car and do it ourselves? NOPE! Breda took the wheel and we could relax and enjoy the countryside. We even dozed off here and there. I would NOT want to drive those narrow roads! She brought us to so many unique places that we would have NEVER found! - What about the weather in Ireland? Well, bring layers...lots of layers. And, if it rains...just wait a minute...it will pass. - Will we feel rushed on this tour? No...Breda did an amazing job of gently nudging us along from one site to another. Consider it a recon mission...take good notes on where you want to return! HIGHLY...HIGHLY recommend this tour. Ask for Breda...she made it VERY special!!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Ancient Ireland
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Continent Tours
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
6 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cork, Dingle Peninsula, Dublin, Kilkenny

Highlights

  • Explore Newgrange — an ancient passage tomb that predates the Egyptian pyramids.
  • Spend the night in a 16th-century castle located on its own private island.
  • Drive along the spectacular Dingle Peninsula.
  • Visit the historic Rock of Cashel.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I have just returned from a 12 day Best of Ghana Cultural Tour by Continent Tours. I have travelled around the world to over 40 countries and this was far the best trip I’ve taken. It was cultural, educational, historical, inspirational, and overwhelming with much joy which touched my mind, heart & spirit in such a sacred way. It was truly a trip of a lifetime and all due to the expertise of Tina Ross, Continent Tour Manager, the thoroughness of Matina Kuma, our tour guide, and safety of Samwell, our driver. From the moment I contacted Continent Tours, Tina made me feel very at ease that she understood exactly what I wanted in a customized tour. She always exercised professionalism, thoughtfulness, compassion, understanding and a sweet demeanor throughout the 9 month process before our departure. She never gave any hesitation or negativity towards the changes, additions, questions and concerns that I had. Her actions certainly provided me with a comfort and assurance that I was going to have the type of tour that I desired. As the tour date became closer & closer I became more & more excited which was all due to Tina. My tour was all of what I planned and even more than my expectations and was blessed immensely with extra surprises that were included by Continent Tours. To add to this, our tour guide was Matina Kuma, who had an effervescent and loving personality with her heartfelt hugs and sweet radiant smiles from our airport pickup throughout our journey until our airport drop off. She embraced my 3 companions and myself with much care, protection, respect & love as senior women and affectionately referred to us as “Mama”, which gave rise to us truly adopting her as our Ghanian daughter and genuine blessings of being family. She was very kind and generous to ensure our needs where met at all times. She had an amazing and thorough knowledge of all the regions of Ghana, its different languages and cultures which provided us with much education, history and to experience the different people of Ghana in every aspect of life. There was never a concern or fear or doubt that we were truly in safe hands. Samwell, our soft spoken, warmhearted and expert driver was very meticulous in maneuvering some of the undesirable roads to give us the best comfort. I would sincerely and strongly recommend Continent Tours to anyone wishing to visit Ghana and especially for those that desire to learn their ancestry. Do your research, document what you wish to see and experience, number of days first so that Continent Tours can give you the experience of a lifetime that you will greatly appreciate with no regrets and be enthused to share with others as I do. Be sure to request Tina Ross, Matina and Samwell."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Irish Explorer
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4/5 Great
21 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belfast, Derry, Dublin, Galway, Giant’s Causeway, Killarney National Park

Highlights

  • Explore Dublin, boasts an extraordinary history, rich heritage and a touch of indulgence
  • Learn about topics like the Rising, the Civil War and the Fight for Independence, along with The Troubles
  • Visit the famous Giant’s Causeway - an incredible rock formation consisting of around 40 000 interlocking basalt columns
  • Enjoy some free time in this arty, bohemian city
  • Explore the world-famous Cliffs of Moher
Show more

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"It was a very eventful itinerary that allowed us to see 8 countries in two weeks. The tour was very fast paced in order to accomplish the advertised program and it felt rushed. In order to travel to 8 different European countries, you have to expect that there will be a lot of coach seat/drive time. Our tour guide Jemma and coach driver Gabriel were very professional and focused on meeting Expat Explore’s tour destination requirements. Jemma always provided interesting information and tips about the cities and sites that we were visiting. Our driver Gabriel always got us to our destinations on time and safely. The included and optional excursions were conducted at a moderate to swift walking speed, at some places there was no time to take pictures. Some of us found it difficult to keep up with the group, and once caught up to the group, who were at a stopping/rest point, it was time to resume the walking tour which did not allow some of us to catch our breath. You have to keep in mind that this tour is a “budget” tour. With that in mind, some hotels were sub-standard. The Paris hotel had mold in the shower. As expected, some hotels did not have air-conditioning, and other hotels which did have air conditioning were not adequately able to cool the room. The included tour dinners and lunches were very average. We had better dining experiences when we were left on our own when we used our free time. Overall, we were pleased to see all European countries/cities/sites included in the tour. This review was submitted to Expat Explore to be posted. I believe that Expat Explore only posts 4 and 5 stars reviews on their website which gives a misleading impression of the services they provide."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
265 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Balanced schedule

Ireland Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
2,314  Reviews
See all Ireland tour reviews
Excellent
729
Great
359
Average
84
Disappointing
16
Terrible
10
T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Irish Highlights

A trip that covered, as it states in it's title the wonderful hi-lites of Ireland. My Wife and I enjoyed each exciting day with always some new adventure to explore....

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Irish Highlights

Very fast paced trip. Saw lots of sights and had some great commentary from the local guides.

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Irish Highlights

The day starts and ends early. Evenings tend to be very self directed

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!

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 509 trips to Ireland and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!