Ireland · GUIDED
Consider this the shortlist a local would hand you: 15 guided tours that are worth the outlay, with the cost, the verdict and the one detail worth knowing before you pay.
See Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, Trinity College and more on a lively two-hour walking tour with local stories, history and practical tips.
“Great tour. Guide was interesting, quirky, funny and informative. Went at a nice pace for us oldies too!”
See Glendalough, Wicklow Gap, and medieval Kilkenny on a well-run Dublin day trip with scenic views, guided walks, Wi-Fi, and free cancellation.
“It was a reallly great tour to Wicklow, Glendalough and Kilkenny. With Theresa and Brin we had a great team. He was a very caucious and good driver in the freezing weather conditions and Theresa enlighted us with so many interesting things about Ireland, Dublin and for sure great restaurant suggestions. She was very good to understand even for non English native speakers and we cannot recommend this amazing Tour enough. Thank you so much!”
Review of Dublin’s Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, and Molly Malone tour, with practical advice on guides, walking, timing, value, and what to expect.
“Good tour. Very informative. Was a bit disappointed that the library had been emptied.of books for maintenance. Was still a good tour.”
Explore Dublin’s past through witty guides, donated treasures, U2 memorabilia, and Tara’s Palace at this lively 30-minute museum tour.
“Very informative and interesting overview of Dublin's history presented in a Georgian townhome by personable and engaging guides with a truly Irish gift for storytelling. Our guide, Fionn, was everything you could have wished for, and the other guides and employees seemed equally good.”
Explore the Burren, Doolin, and Cliffs of Moher on an 8-hour guided bus tour from Galway with scenic stops and local stories.
“The best part was all of the spots we stopped at to explore and take pictures of. Des did a good job explaining everything we saw”
Compare Jameson whiskey and Guinness stout on a guided Dublin tour with tastings, skip-the-line entry, city walks, and Gravity Bar views.
“Worth the money, very informative tours of both the Jamesons factory and the guiness factory. Both with tasting exprriences. As a bonus our tour guide Emmett told us all about the history of Dublin and showed us things we never would of known he was very knowledgeable and very kind. Very good at his job.”
Review of Dublin’s Blarney Castle, Cork, and Rock of Cashel day tour, with itinerary details, value advice, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.
“Our driver was very knowledgeable and friendly. Pick up and drop off were clearly located. He took care of the admission process since ticket prices included in tour. Rock of Cashel was great! Quick visit. Our driver gave us more time at Blarney castle which was nice because you really need 2-3 hours just for castle and grounds. And that really doesn’t give you time for any shopping. (And we were there in off peak season.) I would recommend packing a lunch if you want to get the most out of your time. In my opinion, the visit to Cork was a waste of time unless you have something specific…”
Review of Big Bus Dublin, with route details, stop-by-stop advice, guide quality, ticket value, timing, and tips for choosing a pass.
“We had an enjoyable and informative big bus Hop on , Hop off tour with Len. The weather was perfect and Len did an outstanding job highlighting all the historical sights in Dublin. Len has a great sense of humor. We smiled and laughed the entire time on our tour. So much fun.”
See Waterford Crystal artisans at work, from wooden mold making to engraving, then browse the world’s largest Waterford showcase in Ireland.
“We all loved seeing in person how the beautiful crystal is made! Fascinating!!! BE SURE TO GO THERE AND SEE THIS AMAZING PLACE!”
Explore Dublin’s Saint Patrick’s Cathedral with audio guides, Gothic art, Swift’s grave, stained glass, and 800 years of Irish history.
“Stunning Cathedral. A hugh amount of Irish history a lot to absorb so will definitely go back - I would have liked a book on the Stain Glass windows and some history of the building of the cathedral on the lines of what is in Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Shop a bit twee and in the wrong place it takes from the solemnity of the building.”
Explore the Burren, Doolin, and Cliffs of Moher from Galway on an 8.5-hour guided trip with castle stops and local stories.
“Wonderful collection of sights, great guide, and delicious fish and chips at lunch! Zero complaints.”
Tour Dublin’s Teeling Distillery, learn Irish whiskey’s story, see production in action, and taste award-winning pours in one hour.
“The cocktail was awesome. The tour guide did not allow enough time to look at the distillery process and ask questions.”
Review of Dublin’s half-day Howth tour, with cliff views, village free time, seafood tips, guide quality, timing, value, and practical advice.
“The tour itself was great, so was our guide. However, we had a group of drunk guys and the driver let them on with alcohol. Couldn’t hear anything related to the tour. However, once we told the driver he attempted to get the men to settle. No alcohol should be allowed on the bus.”
Review of Paddywagon’s Ring of Kerry day trip from Cork, with scenic stops, guide tips, costs, timing, and advice on who should book.
“Paul has been a really wonderful driver and guide. Recommended”
Review of KerryClimbing.ie’s guided Carrauntoohil climb, with fitness advice, route details, kit list, price, guides, and booking tips.
“The highlight of my trip to Ireland! Pierce was an excellent guide, kept us going at a good pace while making sure everyone was still ok. The routes were gorgeous. Definitely too challenging for me if I hadn't had a guide! Worth every penny to feel like I was on a journey with the Fellowship in Lord of the Rings.”
Pick a coast road, a castle or a counter.
