Essential Ireland Tours

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essential ireland tours reviews

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Essential Ireland Tours: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (18 reviews)

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A fantastic & unique Irish experience - Essential Ireland Tours

  • Europe    
  • Ireland    
  • Province of Leinster    
  • County Dublin    
  • Dublin    
  • Dublin - Things to Do    
  • Essential Ireland Tours

Got bussed around Ireland by Essential Ireland Tour! What a perfect experience to not only get from... read more

essential ireland tours reviews

Our tour of Ireland via Essential Ireland Tours was amazing! We saw so many incredible places and... read more

essential ireland tours reviews

A fantastic & unique Irish experience

Absolutely loved our time with Essential Ireland Tours. Fabulous culture-rich itineraries and the guide is top-class! Ashford Castle in particular was like heaven on earth. Would do this again in a heartbeat!!

essential ireland tours reviews

Fantastic tour of southwest Ireland; starting in Dublin and ending in Dingle. Stephen was very knowledgeable on the history and culture. A lot of things I wouldn't know to ask he spoke about. His tours were thorough, yet concise; got right to the details with less fluff and fill. One of my favorite parts of the tour were interacting with the falconry at his B&B. The estate itself had an amazing view overlooking the ocean with two massive Irish Wolfhounds to hang with.

essential ireland tours reviews

From the moment of our first communication with Stephen to the very last day of our trip, He was absolutely BRILLIANT! Gave us so much information, took us to several beautiful towns and the hotel accommodations he made for our group was amazing. Stephen is the kindest & most understanding when things popped up, like my motion sickness. My husband & I had the most amazing experience and we would highly recommend taking his tours. Our driver Robbie was great too, took the windy roads alot slower after learning I wasn't feeling well. From showing us the Cliffs Moher, several castles, genuine RiverDance show, Traditional Irish Music,teaching us a few songs, Sheep dogs working, Falcons demonstratios & many many Pubs, we ABSOLUTELY 💯 want to come back. Thank you Stephen for your hospitality, knowledge & making us feel like family. Slainte!

essential ireland tours reviews

Our tour guide, Stephen McPhilemy goes above and beyond showing you the highlights and the the small secret places in the breathtaking country of Ireland! We sang, told jokes and along the way Stephen became part of our family ♥️

We had a magical 2 day private tour experience with Stephen. I found him through watching episodes of Rick Steves and as always, Uncle Rick was spot on. Stephen was such a perfect guide. He had all of the logistics and details planned out perfectly, was full or knowledge and history and is truly proud of his Irish heritage. He made touring Inishmore and Cong/Hills of Connemara so memorable. He built an itinerary based off of what we wanted to see and was very positive and enjoyable the entire time. And as a bonus, he sang us some Irish tunes as we were driving to and from our destination. I feel so lucky that connected with Stephen and would recommend him to anybody. I am hopeful to stay at his guest house in Dingle and go on one of his official tours someday.

essential ireland tours reviews

Based on referrals from friends, we chose Ireland as our first trip to Europe. It was magnificent! Stephen and the team at Essential Ireland Tours came highly recommended and they did not disappoint. From a comprehensive knowledge of the culture and history, to selecting the perfect locations and sights, and providing humorous anecdotes or a smooth serenade of Irish folk songs, Stephen provided us a wonderful experience and memories for a lifetime.

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Amazing Tour of Ireland! - Essential Ireland Tours

  • Europe    
  • Ireland    
  • Province of Leinster    
  • County Dublin    
  • Dublin    
  • Dublin - Things to Do    
  • Essential Ireland Tours

Got bussed around Ireland by Essential Ireland Tour! What a perfect experience to not only get from... read more

essential ireland tours reviews

My husband and I had just gotten married and we booked Essential Ireland Tours with Stephen as our... read more

essential ireland tours reviews

Amazing Tour of Ireland!

Our tour of Ireland via Essential Ireland Tours was amazing! We saw so many incredible places and really got to experience the essence of Ireland. Our tour guide, Stephen, was great! Funny, knowledgeable, and witty....there was never a dull moment. Highly recommend!

My husband and I had just gotten married and we booked Essential Ireland Tours with Stephen as our tour for our honeymoon.! Yes, not many people would book a group tour for a honeymoon. My husband and I were so happy we did!! Stephen provided 1st class service everywhere we went. He always provided us with a wonderful history of Ireland. Our tour group was a small group of people from all kinds of backgrounds that always made for great conversation and lots of laughs!! I recently left Stephen an email that we loved his tour so much we plan to sign up again in another 5 years! Thank you Stephen and Essential Ireland Tours we give you a 5 star rating!! Shawn and Shari Bartness Minnesota, USA

essential ireland tours reviews

Stephen created a grand experience for us. We shared the True North tour with 2 other couples. Glenveagh Castle and gardens is a magical place. Our visit to the Giants Causeway was quite the adventure. In Belfast and Derry, we learned so much about the history and politics of the north of Ireland. I especially appreciated how authentic our local guide was on the Black Taxi tour. This was my first time travelling since covid and the size of the group was perfect for me. Years ago, we enjoyed a tour guided by Stephen so we had very high expectations, and this trip exceeded our expectations. His love and appreciation for the people and their history is inspiring.

essential ireland tours reviews

Greetings Margaret Thank you for your kind words, it was a real pleasure to welcome you both back to Ireland and to tour Northern Ireland together was a great (and fun) experience. You're right, a small group of 8 is definitely the perfect size for a tour group. I never want our tours to go above 16 tour-guests, that is the max, and 8 is the sweet spot! If you recall we had 28 people on our Rick Steves Heart of Ireland tour all those years ago and while of course it was a great experience also (Rick Steves tours always are), I find once you travel with a really small group of between 8 and 16 people, its such an astounding difference! Im delighted to read you enjoyed Glenveagh National Park. Donegal is such a special place for me; as you know it is where half my family are from (and still live) and where I spent many of my formative years growing up and developing a love for Irish history and culture, and indeed travelling around Ireland! Best wishes to you both and hopefully we'll host you again in Ireland one day soon. Perhaps we'll get to welcome you one one of our 'Castles & Classics' tours, an overnight in Ashford Castle is always one to remember! :) Is mise le meas (Irish Gaelic for 'from me to you with respect') Stephen McPhilemy Chief tour-guide and co-founder Essential Ireland Tours Dingle, Dublin & Derry

We wanted to see the the whole island and get off the beaten path to get the true Ireland experience ! We did just that with Essential Ireland Tours! Stephen McPhilemy did an amazing job! We did The Wild Atlantic tour and then the True North tour! Amazingly we never got tired of hearing about the land and its history! 😊. Ireland is so beautiful! Our tours were small which is what we were looking for, no big bus load! We enjoyed our free time to explore and shop. Thank you Stephen for hosting our Ireland experience! Y

essential ireland tours reviews

We were looking for a small " real Irish" experience and definitely found it with Essential Ireland Tours! Stephen McPhilemy, the owner and our tour guide was amazing. His knowledge and sense of fun made the trip the experience we had been looking for! We did two tours with Stephen. The Wild Atlantic and the True North ones back to back. Both were small groups and many, many adventures! We saw many famous sites like the Rock of Cashel, Cliffs of Mohr, Giants Causeway, Belfast, Titanic Exhibit, and Guiness Storehouse. But the most fun were the " extras" like doing Falconry where the birds actually landed on your leather glove, watching a master glass cutter do his craft 5 ft away, holding and feeding a baby lamb, sitting in a snug to drink with our group in one of the oldest bars in Belfast. Also having free time to explore cities like Killarney, Dingle, Derry, and Belfast was extra nice. We didn't feel rushed or lost in a huge group. Excellent activity, lots of fun stories and knowledge of this beautiful land of Ireland. We will definitely encourage our friends and family to explore Ireland with Essential Ireland Tours. Thanks Stephen!!!

essential ireland tours reviews

When my husband and I were planning a trip to Ireland, he wanted a bus tour and I really, really did not. I like creating my own itinerary and having the freedom to set our own schedule. But he found the Essential Ireland site and, the more I read about it, the more I was convinced. If you are on the fence like I was, there were three things that tipped the scales for me: 1) The small group (no way was I going to be part of a group of 40 on a massive coach bus), 2) Having more than one night in most places. I didn't want to spend the whole time on the bus, and then unpack and repack every day, even if that meant getting to fewer places, and 3) The extra experiences included. We booked the Wild Atlantic Way tour, which starts and ends in Dublin. The tour itself doesn't do a lot IN Dublin, so we flew in a couple days early to explore it and take some tours. The tour had us 2 nights in Killarney, 3 nights in Dingle, 1 night in Galway, with stops in between the towns such as the Rock of Cashel and the Cliffs of Moher. Stephen McPhilemy, company owner and our tour guide for the week, is truly amazing. A student of history, he was able to teach us so much about the country's history, as well as the current political and cultural landscape. The bus rides passed quickly because it was so interesting to listen to him. When we stopped at historical sites, he was able to give us an informative tour of the spot. Add in that he is also a singer and taught us a few songs! Noel, our bus driver, was a gem. He was skillful at navigating the twisty, narrow roads and always so helpful with the luggage. He's got a great sense of humor and knows a few magic tricks to boot! The itinerary for the week was a nice mixture of events & experiences planned for us and free time to explore on our own. Stephen and Noel made recommendations for the free time; always nice to have the opinion of the locals! The extra experiences really set this tour apart. We were able to take part in a falconry experience in Dingle. Falcons and owls flew to our hands (posing for a picture, of course), and then we had a tour of the aviary. One night, we participated in a Druid ceremony to welcome the autumnal equinox; it was a very special moment. We had a private performance from Riverdance entertainers. We got to sample Dingle Whiskey, see a demonstration of glass cutting, see a sheep shearing, and hold baby lambs. Such a great mixture of experiences! (We had family touring Ireland on their own during this same week and they were gobsmacked when I told them all we had done and learned!) It should be obvious by now that I highly recommend this tour company!

essential ireland tours reviews

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The 19 Best Ireland Tours

See Ireland from a multitude of perspectives on these tours.

The Best Ireland Tours

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Explore Ireland's natural scenery and splendid cities on these excursions.

Whatever attracts you to Ireland – the verdant landscape, the ancient castles and cathedrals or some of its famous manufactured goods – these tours will help you make the most of your time here. With the help of expert and traveler input, U.S. News determined that these tours in Ireland (and a few in Northern Ireland) are the best on offer. While the tours take differing approaches, ranging from boats and buses to horse-drawn carriages, they all have guides well-versed in local history and lore. Indeed, the guides' storytelling skills are often cited as highlights of these outings, which may last as little as an hour or as long as an entire day.

Lally Tours – Galway to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Full Day Tour

Explore the west coast of Ireland, where the Irish language (Irish Gaelic) remains prevalent, on this bus trip. In addition to learning about the various sights, you may acquire a few words of the local lingo from the onboard guides, whom tour-takers find enthusiastic, knowledgeable and entertaining. The route on this approximately eight-hour excursion winds through the photogenic Twelve Bens mountain range. Among the stops are a scenic mountainside village and the extravagant Kylemore Abbey, a 19th-century abbey featuring a Victorian walled garden and a neo-Gothic church. Tickets for the tour start at around 45 euros (about $50) for adults, $35 (about $39) for children 5 to 12 and 25 euros (about $28) for children younger than 5. Discounts are available for seniors and students. The fee includes admission to Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, but does not include lunch. Outings depart Galway daily at 10 a.m. Hotel pickup is available for no additional charge. Lally Tours also offers daylong excursions to the Cliffs of Moher , among other destinations.

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Irish Day Tours – Blarney Castle & Cork Tour

Blarney Castle, which dates back to the 1400s, ranks as one of the most popular attractions in Ireland. The medieval stronghold, which stands approximately 5 miles west of Cork, houses the legendary Blarney Stone – purported to bestow the gift of eloquence on those who kiss it. In addition to visiting the famed castle, this tour stops at another highly popular destination, the Rock of Cashel and its cluster of medieval buildings, including Cormac's Chapel (which contains Romanesque frescoes) and the Hall of Vicars. The trip also includes a visit to Cahir Castle, a 13th-century defensive structure constructed on an island on the River Suir. Those who've taken the tour report enjoying the impressive castles, as well as the guides' amusing commentary. Tours depart daily from Dublin at 6:50 a.m. and return to central Dublin around 7 p.m. Fees start at 65 euros (roughly $71) for adults; 60 euros (about $66) for students, seniors and teens 13 to 17; and 32.50 euros (around $35) for children 5 to 12. No fee is charged for infants 4 and younger. Irish Day Tours offers a variety of daytrips, including excurions to Wicklow, Connemara and more.

Deros Tours – Ring of Kerry Coach Tour

Observe the unique landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula, including Ireland's highest mountain, on this approximately 6 ½-hour bus ride. Stops include the villages of Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem. From March to October, coaches also stop for a demonstration of how dogs are trained to herd sheep. A high point – literally – is a visit to Moll's Gap, which affords views of MacGillycuddy's Reeks, including its tallest peak, Carrantuohill, which stands more than 3,400 feet high. Another highlight is the Ladies View (named in honor of Queen Victoria and her retinue) at the Killarney Lakes. Tour-takers sing the praises of the witty guides – who are known to sometimes sing themselves. Buses leave from Killarney at 10:30 a.m. daily and return around 5 p.m. Tickets cost approximately 31.50 euros (around $35) for anyone 13 or older, except students with valid ID, who pay about 22.50 euros (around $25); fares for those younger than 12 start at 18 euros (around $20). Prices exclude the cost of lunch. Deros Tours also runs boat tours in Ireland.

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Jameson Distillery Experience Tour

See how world-renowned Jameson whiskey is produced on this tour of the original Midleton distillery, including its maturation warehouse, in County Cork. The approximately 75-minute tours are offered multiple times daily with both morning and afternoon start times. Whiskey enthusiasts typically appreciate the opportunity to observe the distilling process and taste the end result. They also offer high marks to the engaging, well-informed guides. Tickets start at 23 euros (about $25) for adults, 19 euros (about $21) for seniors and students, and 11 euros (about $12) for anyone younger than 18. Prices cover whiskey samples for the adults. Note: Construction at the facility (slated to be complete in 2025) shouldn't affect your visit, but it might necessitate allowing for extra time to find off-site parking.

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The Best Ireland Tours

Game of Thrones Tours – Iron Islands & Giant's Causeway from Belfast

"Games of Thrones" fans can visit some of the spots where pivotal scenes of the series were filmed on this full-day excursion to the Glens of Antrim. Highlights include the Giant's Causeway, the Cushendun Caves (where Melisandre births a dark spirit), a beach that served as Dragonstone and the Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees where Arya Stark made her escape. Guides who served as extras on the show impart information about the various sights. Reviewers report finding the passionate guides' commentary insightful. Tours are available on Saturday and Sunday year-round, with additional weekday departures in select months. Tickets start at 50 pounds (about $66), which includes use of costumes and props. Lunch is not included. Buses carrying up to 33 people leave Belfast, Northern Ireland, at 7:30 a.m. and return roughly 10 hours later. Be aware that this tour involves some walking on uneven ground and that children younger than 12 are not permitted. The company also offers tours that depart from Dublin , among other locales.

Yellow Umbrella Tours – North Side Free Tour

Soak up some history while strolling among sites related to the Irish independence movement on this casual walking tour of Dublin . Destinations include the Moore Street Market and the General Post Office, both of which figured in the 1916 rebellion, as well as the Garden of Remembrance and the Custom House. Participants frequently praise the guides not only for their historical knowledge, but also for their helpful pub recommendations. Tours start daily at 3:30 p.m. at the Spire on O'Connell Street and conclude approximately two hours later at the Famine Memorial in the Docklands (near Temple Bar ). There is no charge for this tour, but tips for guides are encouraged, as are advance reservations to ensure an appropriate number of guides and a manageable group size. Yellow Umbrella Tours also conducts a free walking tour of the city's south side, in addition to a number of themed tours.

Irish Day Tours – Cliffs of Moher

Travel west from Dublin to marvel at the Cliffs of Moher and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean on this full-day bus trip. In addition to the nearly 400-foot cliffs, this tour visits the village of Doolin for lunch and the flower-filled Burren National Park, as well as the city of Galway before returning to Dublin. Tour-takers typically appreciate both the remarkable scenery and the astute and entertaining guides. Trips depart from the statue of Molly Malone on Suffolk Street daily at 6:50 a.m. and return to the city center around 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at around 50 euros (about $55) for adults; 45 euros (about $50) for seniors, students or children 13 to 17; and 25 euros (about $28) for children 5 to 12. Children younger than 5 can ride for free. Note: Fees do not include the cost of lunch. Be sure to bring headphones if you want to listen to the commentary on Irish Day Tours' multilingual mobile app. The company also offers tours to the Giant's Causeway, Blarney Castle and more.

The Best Ireland Tours

Belfastology Walking Tours – Eclectic Belfast Walking Tour

Admire Belfast's architecture and hear about the city's history on this jaunt around town. Highlights include City Hall, the Cathedral Quarter, Waterfront Hall and the Albert Memorial Clock – one of Belfast's top landmarks. Reviewers applaud the enthusiastic guides' well-informed commentary. These approximately 2 ½-hour walks typically happen multiple times a day starting at 10 a.m. and 2 and 6 p.m., though availability can vary; be sure to check the company's website before your trip. The tours can be tailored to suit groups' particular interests. Tickets start at around 18 pounds (about $24) for adults, with discounts for teens and children. Belfastology Walking Tours also offers themed tours, such as political murals and street art and music.

Galway Tour Company – The Aran Islands & the Cliffs Cruise

Experience both the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher on this daylong outing. Buses leave Galway at 9 a.m. and travel along the Wild Atlantic Way south to the fishing village of Doolin. From there, tour-takers ride a ferry to the smallest of the three Aran Islands, Inisheer, where – for at least two hours – they can explore cafes, castles, churches, lighthouses, shipwrecks, pubs and other attractions. After lunch, the journey continues by coach to the cliffs. The return trip to Galway includes a stop at the Baby Cliffs in Ballyreen. Travelers generally appreciate the opportunities to explore the various destinations as well as the guides' amusing and educational commentary. Buses typically return to Galway around 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost approximately 60 euros (about $66) for adults and 55 euros (about $60) for anyone 17 or younger and include admission to the Cliffs of Moher, but not lunch or any optional activities on Inisheer. Note: This tour is available daily from mid-March to mid-October. Galway Tour Company also take visitors to Connemara and the Kylemore Abbey, among other popular destinations.

Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours – Connemara and Connemara National Park Day Tour from Galway

Take in the sights of Connemara on this daytrip from Galway. Traveling both the Wild Atlantic Way and the Sky Road, this bus ride passes through villages like Barna, Furbo, Inverin and Spiddal, and makes stops at locales like the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone and the remote Derrigimlagh Bog. The excursion also includes a three-hour visit to Connemara National Park and a photo stop at Kylemore Abbey. Views of the Atlantic Ocean are often deemed a high point, and guides win praise for their knowledgeable narration. The route winds through the Maumturks and Twelve Bens mountains on the way back to Galway, where the trip usually ends around 6:30 or 7 p.m. Tours depart from the Kinlay Hostel on Merchants Road at 9:30 a.m. They are offered daily year-round and cost approximately 35 euros (around $38) for adults and 30 euros (about $33) for those age 5 to 18. Infants can ride for free, but must sit on adults' laps. Fees do not include lunch, but do include the entry fee for Connemara National Park. The company also offers tours that depart from Limerick and Ennis.

Wild Rover Tours – Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin

Spend a day learning about the history and folklore of eastern Ireland on this combination walking and coach tour. Take a guided stroll through the cobblestone streets of Kilkenny and then explore the city on your own, possibly opting to visit Kilkenny Castle, which dates to the 12th century. Then, traverse the photogenic Wicklow Mountains, where scenes from movies – including "Braveheart" – were filmed. The outing's visit to Glendalough, known for its glacial valleys and lakes, includes a guided tour of its monastic city, which was built circa A.D. 600. The trip also features a stop at a working sheep farm. Both the scenery and the guides' expert commentary consistently win praise from travelers. Tours are available daily all year, but the order in which you visit attractions varies seasonally. Pickups from a trio of Dublin locales occur between 8 and 8:30 a.m.; tours conclude back in the city around 6 p.m. Tickets start at around 32 euros (around $35) for adults and 25 euros (about $27) for children 2 to 12. (Infants younger than 2 cannot be accommodated.) Note: Prices do not include lunch or any attractions in Kilkenny. Wild Rover Tours also offer "Game of Thrones"-themed outings, as well as daytrips to the Cliffs of Moher.

LetzGo City Tours – Skip the Line: Guinness Storehouse & Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience Tour

Combine visits to two of Dublin's top adult beverage-related destinations on this excursion. Start at the Jameson Distillery Bow St. to learn about and, of course, sample some celebrated whiskey. Then head over to the Guinness Storehouse , a seven-story monument to Ireland's renowned stout, and ascend to its Gravity Bar, a rooftop bar boasting unrivalled views of Phoenix Park , the Wellington Monument, the Wicklow Mountains and more. Along the way, hear about the city's brewing and distilling history from guides. Reviewers typically find the guides' stories entertaining, as well as educational. Four-hour skip-the-line tours generally happen daily at 1:45 or 3:15 p.m. Tickets, which include whiskey tastings and both a pint of Guinness and a whiskey drink, start at 89 euros (about $98). The tour is not suited for children 12 and younger. The company also hosts pub and city tours, as well as skip-the-line access to the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle.

The Best Ireland Tours

McComb's Coach Travel – Giant's Causeway Tour

Take a scenic drive to Northern Ireland's famed Giant's Causeway, the sole UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, on this daylong tour. Along with its World Heritage Site status, Giant's Causeway is also a site of geological significance comprising approximately 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns. Other stops along the Causeway Coastal Route include Carrickfergus Castle, the Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle, as well as a pub for lunch. Tour-takers generally appreciate the good humor and insights of the drivers/guides. Coaches depart Belfast daily at 8:30 a.m. and return around 6 p.m. Fees begin at around 25 pounds (about $33) for adults and 17.50 pounds (about $23) for children younger than 12. (Prices do not cover lunch.) Note: This outing involves some walking on uneven surfaces. McComb's Coach Travel offers a variety of other tours, including a "Game of Thrones" tour.

House of Waterford Crystal – Factory Tour

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how world-famous Waterford Crystal is made on this tour, which visits the factory's blowing, mold-making, cutting, sculpting, engraving and inspection rooms. Visitors consistently find the crystal-making process fascinating and the guides informative. Tours happen year-round multiple times on most days, though there are none on Saturday and Sunday from November through February. Start times are determined upon your arrival at the plant in its namesake city, so be sure to check hours of operation, which vary by season. Tickets for the approximately 50-minute tour start at around 16.50 euros (about $18) for adults and 8.50 euros (about $9.25) for children 5 to 17. Discounts are available for students and seniors. If you like what you see being crafted and want some crystal to take home, you can stop at the factory's retail store after the tour.

DC Tours – A History of Terror

Learn about some of the most contentious moments in Northern Ireland's decades-long ethno-nationalist conflict (known as The Troubles) on this walking tour of Belfast. Tours start outside Belfast City Hall daily (barring some holidays) at 10:30 a.m. and conclude on the banks of the River Lagan. Tours last approximately two hours and 15 minutes. Stops along the way include Donegall Place, site of a 1972 bombing; Cathedral Quarter, the city's cultural district; and the Spirit of Belfast, a sculpture often called "The Onion Rings." History buffs generally find the passionate and engaging guides' commentary both informative and entertaining. Tickets start at 18 pounds (about $24) per person. This tour entails walking for about a mile and a half and is not recommended for children younger than 12. Afternoon tours starting at 2 p.m. may be offered at certain times of year. DC Tours also conducts a "Best of Belfast" tour, among other experiences.

Taste & Tour – Belfast Food Tour

Sample the Belfast dining scene on this four-hour stroll in the center of the city. After starting in St George's Market, the tour proceeds to various area bars and shops, as well as a restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter. Food and drinks sampled along the way should be sufficient for both breakfast and lunch, according to Taste & Tour. Foodies enjoy the ample food and beverage offerings as well as the friendly guides' culinary wisdom. Tours typically depart from St. George's Market at 10:15 a.m. on Fridays and 10 and 10:45 a.m. on Saturdays. Ticket prices start at 62 pounds (about $82). The company also offers tours that explore the city's cocktail and craft beer scene.

The Best Ireland Tours

DoDublin – Hop-On Hop-Off

Explore multiple Dublin attractions at your own pace on this hop-on, hop-off bus tour – or stay on board and see the sights. The tour's route includes EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum , the Guinness Storehouse, the Little Museum of Dublin, St. Patrick's Cathedral and much more. Drivers provide running commentary about the city's sights (and recorded narration in nine languages is available). Tourgoers often enthuse about the drivers' witty remarks. Buses run hourly every day with the first departing 59 Upper O'Connell Street at 9 a.m. and the last at 5 p.m. DoDublin offers both single- and two-day tickets for its hop-on, hop-off tours. Prices for the former start at around 27 euros (around $30) for adults and 10 euros (about $11) for children. A two-day ticket costs 32 euros (about $35) for adults and 15 euros (around $16.50) for children. For each adult ticket purchased – regardless of duration – a child younger than 15 can ride for free. Moreover, the fees include admission the Little Museum, as well as a walking tour to places coaches can't go.

Killarney Jaunting Cars – From Park to Castle Tour

On this hourlong horse-and-carriage ride, you'll travel to both Killarney National Park and Ross Castle, passing sights like St. Mary's Cathedral and MacGillycuddy's Reeks along the way. Why a carriage ride? This mode of transportation allows visitors to see parts of the park where motor vehicles are not allowed. Travelers consistently describe the guides as humorous and well-versed in area culture and history. Carriages depart from the Great Southern Killarney hotel several times daily, with the first usually heading out at 9:30 a.m. and the last at 5:15 p.m. Fares start at around 30 euros (about $33) for riders 13 and older and 12.50 euros (about $14) for those younger than 13. Killarney Jaunting Cars also offers a variety of combo tours, in addition to a five-hour tour to the Gap of Dunloe.

Killarney Lake Tours – Killarney Water Bus Tour

See the sights of Killarney from Lough Leane, the area's largest lake, on this hourlong boat ride. Water buses launch from and return to Ross Castle and pass attractions, such as Innisfallen Island's monastic ruins and O'Sullivan's Cascade, as well as the nearby mountains. Trips are available multiple times daily with standard departure times of 11 a.m. and 12:30, 2:30 and 4 p.m.; additional times may be added in the summer. Prices start at around 12 euros (about $13) for adults, 10 euros (about $11) for seniors and 6 euros (about $6.50) for children younger than 12. Tour-takers say this activity is reasonably priced and enjoy the guides' anecdotes and historical observations. Water bus tours can also be combined with a horse-drawn carriage (aka jaunting car) ride around Killarney.

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Essential Ireland Tours

essential ireland tours reviews

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essential ireland tours reviews

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Mike G

ESSENTIAL IRELAND TOURS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Essential Ireland Tours

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Mike G

ESSENTIAL IRELAND TOURS (Dublin) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Essential Ireland Tours

essential ireland tours reviews

  • See all photos

essential ireland tours reviews

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Mike G

ESSENTIAL IRELAND TOURS (Dublin) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Welcome to our

Our Selection of TOURS

5 & 7, 11 & 14 Day Essential Ireland Tours

Luxury Tours

book your tour now

Your unforgettable adventure starts here. Choose from our selection of tours or get in touch to create your own customised Irish experience

essential ireland tours reviews

Win a once in a lifetime tour of Ireland

Visit our Facebook or Instagram page to enter the competition. All you have to do is like, share and leave a comment as to what you'd most like to see on your visit to Ireland. Enter before February 1st to be in with a chance of winning a place on our April 2019 Wild Atlantic Tour.

Click Here to Enter

20% off all tours.

We have a special discount code for you to celebrate the launch of our new website and VIP tour. It's valid until January 6th. Enter the following code in the checkout when booking your tour to get 20% off

Black Friday special Offer

Get €150 off your next  Wild Atlantic or Castles & Classics Essential Ireland Tours with this Black Friday special offer code: Ireland‍ or €115 of the True North Tours with this code: Ireland-North

Limited places so Book Now! Offer valid until 4 December

essential ireland tours reviews

WILD ATLANTIC TOUR

THE ULTIMATE TOUR OF WEST & SOUTH WEST IRELAND

Join us for an action-packed week in the beautiful West Coast of Ireland. You’ll enjoy the benefits of a small group with an expert local guide. The ideal tour to experience the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll stay in the charming and lively towns of Killarney, Dingle and Galway. Dine like royalty, enjoy music-filled pubs, meet the locals (and our Irish Wolfhounds!), sing our songs and learn the lively history of this great land.

This is a VIP tour, a lifetime experience and the small group size ensures wonderful personalised service!

PRICE: FROM ONLY €1,999 - €2,299 PER PERSON

Reserve your space with a small deposit (20% on most tours)

IRELAND'S TRUE NORTH

EXPLORE & TOUR NORTHERN IRELAND, TRULY ESSENTIAL!

We at Essential Ireland are passionate about including the beautiful and fascinating North of Ireland and Donegal in our tours. We highly recommend you visit!

Our tour-guests are fascinated by the story of Historic Derry, the beauty and legends of the Causeway, modern peaceful Belfast and its troubled past, the characters and the communities of this beautiful part of Ireland that only 25 years ago was a no-go zone for tourists and is now one of Europe’s top attractions.

PRICE: ONLY €1,299 - €1,499 PER PERSON

Reserve your space with a small deposit! (20% on most tours)

CASTLES & CLASSICS

5 STAR LUXURY TOUR OF IRELAND'S CASTLES

You’ll never forget checking into world famous Ashford Castle, a 12th century fortress, and enjoy sleeping in its luxurious bedrooms.

This tour features all the fantastic activities and experiences Essential Ireland Tours are famous for, but the extra magic is the luxury accommodation and the small group size (8 - 16 tour guests only).

You’ll have the travel experience of a lifetime in some of the world’s best hotels and stately homes. We leave nothing out and the attention to detail on this tour is exceptional.Great memories, fun experiences, gourmet food and wine, luxury Castles, an epic VIP tour of Ireland.

PRICE: ONLY €2,999 - €3,499 PER PERSON

PRIVATE TOURS of ireland

WANT YOUR OWN PRIVATE VIP TOUR OF IRELAND?

North, South or Plan Your Own Tour. This is one of our most popular options. We have been famous for private tailor-made tours of Ireland for 20 years! Your group can avail of one of our 7 day Wild Atlantic Tours or 5 day Northern Ireland Tours.Or perhaps you will enjoy combining both into an unforgettable All-Ireland tour for your friends and family to remember forever.

You will have our full professional planning experience to assist you. All tour itineraries are personally designed and advised by both Stephen McPhilemy, Ireland’s most experienced Tour-Guide and Rick Steves' Ireland expert for over 25 years.

gift amazing EXPERIENCES

Give the gift of ireland.

Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable experience with an Essential Ireland Tour. Give them the choice of exploring the marvelous sites and sounds of Ireland. Chose from one of our three tour types and let your loved ones chose their ideal trip

WILD ATLANTIC TOUR: €1,799 - €2399

TRUE NORTH TOUR: €1099 - €1499

CASTLES & CLASSICS TOUR: €2,799 - €3,499

USING YOUR GIFT VOUCHER: your voucher may be redeemed against any of our tours

essential ireland tours reviews

Testimonials

"“thank you for a great tour of ireland, we had marvelous experiences, my kid still talks about seamus the legendary irish wolfhound” ", "patrick and stephen’s hospitality was wonderful, filled history of the towns, we had a visit with a real druid who did a celtic ceremony the culture was great, the music was great and the whiskey was fantastic", "i had a fanatic experience with essential ireland and my friends patrick and stephen. my first time in ireland. couldn’t ask for a better experience. fantastic food, fantastic company. amazing experience, enjoyed every bit of it.", our promise.

We promise to provide you with the most fun, memorable and exciting Irish experiences at unbeatable prices. We promise to never have you feel like a tourist. We want you to meet our community, our friends and our clans and families; really experience the Irish way of life. Our small groups  ensure this, we have 16 people max on each tour. When we enter pub in  the  evening, we filter away, we have fun and mingle, we don’t dominate like the big tour groups, they can't help  it. Big tour groups change the dynamic of the quaint pub, charming restaurant or idyllic village that  they arrive into. Essential Ireland Tours are subtle, we blend in easily and you have a much more authentic Irish experience

OUR GALLERY

One of the unique features of Essential Ireland Tours is that we bring our own in-house professional travel-photographer and videographer with us on all tours.

Eagle owl lands on a woman's gloved hand at a falcony demo at Ashford castle, part of the Essential Ireland Castles & Classics Tours

Stephen McPhilemy and Patrick Wade are the co-founders of Essential Ireland Tours. One Irish and one Irish-American, they met 20 years ago while Patrick was backpacking through Ireland and Stephen was his tour-guide. Two decades later they (and their Irish Wolfhounds) are experienced and respected figures in the Irish tour and hospitality scene with a passion for providing high quality tours. Authentic Irish experiences for unbeatable value.

Founded by Stephen McPhilemy and Patrick Wade. Essential Ireland's mission is to introduce its guests to wonderful Irish experiences in small groups that allow them to see the real Ireland.

Wade McPhilemy Teo, company reg # 535035, registered in Ireland

Milltown House, Dingle, County Kerry, V92DP93

[email protected]

(+353) 83 1477 363

Essential Ireland Tours

essential ireland tours reviews

  • See all photos

essential ireland tours reviews

Similar Experiences

essential ireland tours reviews

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Mike G

ESSENTIAL IRELAND TOURS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

IMAGES

  1. Essential Ireland Tours

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  2. Fodor’s Essential Ireland 2021: with Belfast and Northern Ireland (Full

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  3. Essential Ireland Vacation Package 2019

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  4. 21 Best Things To Do In Ireland & Places to See

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  6. The 7 Best Ireland Tours You Need to Take

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COMMENTS

  1. Essential Ireland Tours

    Essential Ireland Tours is a bespoke Tour-Operator run by Stephen McPhilemy (Rick Steves right0hand man in Ireland for over 20 years), we offer fun, high-end and experience-filled small-group tours of Ireland at cost-effective prices. We operate regular weekly departures from March to November. Our tours depart from Dublin and return to Dublin

  2. Best way to see Ireland

    Essential Ireland Tours: Best way to see Ireland - See 18 traveler reviews, 14 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor.

  3. 5 Star Rating!! Amazing Tour!!

    Essential Ireland Tours: 5 Star Rating!! Amazing Tour!! - See 16 traveler reviews, 14 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor.

  4. What an AMAZING experience!!

    Essential Ireland Tours: What an AMAZING experience!! - See 15 traveler reviews, 14 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor.

  5. Essential Ireland Tours (Dublin): Reviews and Prices (Updated 2023)

    Essential Ireland Tours is a bespoke Tour-Operator run by Stephen McPhilemy (Rick Steves right0hand man in Ireland for over 20 years), we offer fun, high-end and experience-filled small-group tours of Ireland at cost-effective prices. We operate regular weekly departures from March to November. Our tours depart from Dublin and return to Dublin

  6. Essential Ireland Tours

    Essential Ireland Tours is a bespoke Tour-Operator run by Stephen McPhilemy (Rick Steves right0hand man in Ireland for over 20 years), we offer fun, high-end and experience-filled small-group tours of Ireland at cost-effective prices. We operate regular weekly departures from March to November. Our tours depart from Dublin and return to Dublin

  7. A fantastic & unique Irish experience

    Essential Ireland Tours: A fantastic & unique Irish experience - See 15 traveller reviews, 14 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor.

  8. Our true Ireland experience

    Essential Ireland Tours: Our true Ireland experience - See 15 traveler reviews, 14 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor.

  9. Trip to Ireland

    8. July 16. Hollywood Premiere in Ireland! After-Party hosted by 'Essential Ireland Tours'. by. Stephen McPhilemy. Go on an adventure with us and book a trip to Ireland! Our tours with small groups are the right way of exploring this fascinating country's history and culture.

  10. Amazing Tour of Ireland!

    Essential Ireland Tours: Amazing Tour of Ireland! - See 17 traveller reviews, 14 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor.

  11. Lots of great craic (Irish for fun!)

    Essential Ireland Tours: Lots of great craic (Irish for fun!) - See 18 traveler reviews, 14 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor.

  12. Essential Ireland Tours

    Essential Ireland Tours, Ireland. 3,968 likes · 176 talking about this. Tailor-made Unique and cost-effective VIP tours of Ireland "For the young and...

  13. The 19 Best Ireland Tours

    Tours depart daily from Dublin at 6:50 a.m. and return to central Dublin around 7 p.m. Fees start at 65 euros (roughly $71) for adults; 60 euros (about $66) for students, seniors and teens 13 to ...

  14. ESSENTIAL IRELAND TOURS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You ...

    About. Essential Ireland Tours is a bespoke Tour-Operator run by Stephen McPhilemy (Rick Steves right0hand man in Ireland for over 20 years), we offer fun, high-end and experience-filled small-group tours of Ireland at cost-effective prices. We operate regular weekly departures from March to November.

  15. Tours of the best Castles and hotels in Ireland

    The ultimate Irish Castles tour! You'll never forget checking in to a 12th century fortress and sleeping in its luxurious bedrooms. This tour features all the fantastic activities and experiences 'Essential Ireland Tours' are famous for, but it's extra magic is the luxury accommodation and the small group size (8 - 16 tour guests only).

  16. Incredible Experience

    Essential Ireland Tours: Incredible Experience - See 12 traveler reviews, 22 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor.

  17. 8 Day Essential Ireland

    Special Features. Visit the House of Waterford Crystal showroom. Tour the storied 15th century Blarney Castle, where you will have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone. Explore the city of Cobh, where emigration from Ireland began during the 19th century famine. Travel along the world-famous Ring of Kerry with its astonishing views.

  18. Essential Ireland Tours (Dublin): Reviews and Prices (Updated 2023)

    Review. Trips Alerts Sign in. Cart. Dublin. Dublin Tourism Dublin Hotels Dublin Bed and Breakfast Flights to Dublin Dublin Restaurants Things to Do in Dublin Dublin Travel Forum Dublin Photos Dublin Map Dublin Travel Guide. Dublin Bed and Breakfast. Hotels.

  19. Fantastic

    Essential Ireland Tours: Fantastic - See 6 traveler reviews, 12 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor.

  20. ESSENTIAL IRELAND TOURS (Dublin)

    Skip to main content. Discover. Trips

  21. Small Group Ireland Tours & Luxury Vacations

    Big tour groups change the dynamic of the quaint pub, charming restaurant or idyllic village that they arrive into. Essential Ireland Tours are subtle, we blend in easily and you have a much more authentic Irish experience. Experience the beauty and culture of Ireland. From luxury vacations to intimate experiences, our knowledgeable guides will ...

  22. Essential Adventures in Ireland

    Essential Ireland Tours: Essential Adventures in Ireland - See 12 traveler reviews, 22 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor.

  23. ESSENTIAL IRELAND TOURS

    About. Essential Ireland Tours is a bespoke Tour-Operator run by Stephen McPhilemy (Rick Steves right0hand man in Ireland for over 20 years), we offer fun, high-end and experience-filled small-group tours of Ireland at cost-effective prices. We operate regular weekly departures from March to November.