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Ireland Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Ireland tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Ireland and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 93929 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Ireland travel companies & tour operators with 93929 reviews

Costsaver

  • Excellent - 857 reviews for Ireland tours
I have not taken the tour yet, but am not pleased with the service. I want to take the tour originating in London which is an 8 day trip, as I will be in London before and after the tour, vs 10 days for the exact same tour if I am coming from another country and joining the tour from my country. I want to pay for the tour in my currency, but the only way to do so is to book on the Costsaver website for my country. Otherwise, I would have to book on their UK website and pay associated credit card service charges and foreign exchange fees. I opted to pay in my currency, so I have been forced to book a 10 day tour that I do not want. Costsaver will refund me for the 1st and last nights' hotel accommodation that I do not need, but I have to wait until they know which hotels they will be using. I want that refund now because I have overpaid due to the inflexibility in their booking systems.
This was my husband and I’s first time in Europe. I would definitely recommend to my friends and family! Our travel guide Chris was amazing and made sure everything ran smoothly!

Anthro Tours

Anthro Tours

  • This operator has no Ireland reviews

Overland Ireland - Small Group Tours

Overland Ireland - Small Gr…

big tourism companies in ireland

  • Excellent - 461 reviews for Ireland tours
Everything about our Overland Ireland tour was a fulfillment of a dream. Our guide was knowledgeable, kind and personable. The bus was solid and clean. Ireland is a place of magic and we were immersed in its beauty. All That said I am extremely displeased with the service of Tour radar. Your communication skills are so sadly lacking. We went to the wrong starting point but it was the place YOU posted to go. We Wil NEVER se Tpur radar again. It was only through the kindness of our tour guide and several well placed phone calls that we actually got to go on the tour even though we were where we thought we needed to be at the right time.
Mike was an excellent guide, informative, very knowledgeable and flexible with the itinerary when necessary

Trafalgar

  • Excellent - 1,874 reviews for Ireland tours
The entire trip was wonderful, very well organized, and satisfying. Peter Flood was an excellent tour guide. He was as knowledgeable as could be, funny, and helpful; and really seems to love what he does.
This was my first time in Ireland. I absolutely loved everything about this trip. Tour guide and bus driver were amazing. Totally worth every penny. Would go back in a heartbeat

Wild N' Happy

Wild N' Happy

  • Excellent - 177 reviews for Ireland tours
The tour was exactly as expected and I was never disappointed. The accommodations were excellent with great Irish breakfasts. As much as the sites we visited were interesting and dramatic, the guide made them all the more so with his deep knowledge of Irish history and lore. It is impossible to overstate the difference Mike, the guide, made with his humor, personality and knowledge of what he was showing us. I would never hesitate to follow this company and Mike wherever they decide to travel. Giver yourself a treat and go with Wild and Happy.
Perfect size small group tour to allowed some small deviations due to weather and group vote that highlighted the most picturesque, historical, and thrilling sights of Southwest Ireland. Diarmuid and Michael proved worthy guides who are proud, passionate and knowledgeable about their homeland. My daughters and I truly enjoyed some of the recommended extra excursions (Gaelic Roots show with premium seating, Skellig Islands boat tour, and kayaking) along the way. Bring your rain gear and see Ireland without worrying about driving (these country roads are narrow). Absolutely amazing. Accommodations and breakfasts were nice, though room temp is generally out of your control in Ireland. Our favorites were Mizen Head, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park. Will stick with us for life!

Contiki

  • Excellent - 5,340 reviews for Ireland tours
Really wish they spelled out that the Ireland trip is just a portion of a larger trip - most of the people have already travelled together for two weeks, so that was kinda awkward. Great trip for 18-24 year old Australians.
Had an amazing trip!! Was far better than I could have possibly imagined and I would definitely book with Contiki again!!

Irish Experience Tours

Irish Experience Tours

  • Excellent - 246 reviews for Ireland tours
Irish experience tour group was fantastic. Great value for your money and Lee, our tour guide, was amazing. Always going above and beyond and made us feel like family. A beautiful and friendly country that slows down to smells the roses.
Our 10 day Irish Experience Tour was fantastic. We really appreciated the service and extra care our guide/driver Lee gave us throughout the tour. We had a group of 16 people and 2 were on the 7 day itinerary the rest were 10 days. We loved the group dinners that Lee organized for us to get to know the other guests. Lee always made the agenda clear and got us to the places we needed to be on time. His driving was very safe and he was able to tell us about the Irish people and scenery while getting us to the beautiful views and attractions. The accommodations were clean and the breakfast were delicious. Lee always gave us recommendations on restaurants and pubs in each town we stayed. Each town was unique and I was glad we were able to stay in several of them for 2 nights. Lee adjusted the times to maximize the good weather and for the group to get the best experience. I highly recommend the 10 day Irish Experience tour with Lee!

Europamundo

Europamundo

  • Good - 2,869 reviews for Ireland tours
As the one year anniversary approaches, I wish I could do this trip again!
Maria is so nice and an excellent guide, thank you Maria! Some of the hotels could have been cleaner. Bus was brutal, so so hot! The driver John was so great, tried to make it better for us.

Royal Irish Tours

Royal Irish Tours

  • Excellent - 17 reviews for Ireland tours
Adrian was a great driver, I felt he did a wonderful job navigating the treacherous roads. Gordon, our team guide, was a good sport and tried his best to keep us all on schedule. He was knowledgeable, interesting and entertaining. I am not sure that he liked the driver though. There seemed to be some tension between them. I thought the Dingle peninsula area was spectacular. I loved the sheep dog demo, the farm visits and nature visits throughout. The hotels were all comfortable and clean. The breakfasts were plentiful. The entertainment options were lovely.
Had a great time! Our guide, Kathleen was great! She knew everything about Ireland and sprinkled in some great stories! I feel like we got a great look at the southern part of the country!

Indus Travels

Indus Travels

  • Excellent - 247 reviews for Ireland tours
The communication/paperwork could use a little fine tuning, but overall the value was definitely there. This tour brings you through absolutely spectacular areas of Ireland, with enough downtime to not feel too rushed. The hotels/food was nicer than we expected for the price.
Just finished this great tour of Ireland with Indus Travel. Eddie, the tour bus driver, and Marian, our tour guide, were amazing. Great info about the areas we traveled, history and local stories.

Rabbie’s Small Group Tours

Rabbie’s Small Group Tours

  • Excellent - 239 reviews for Ireland tours
Great tour, with special thanks to Marcus! We had an wonderfull 3 days.
Rabbies Guide/Driver Marcus was awesome, accommodation was great and entire tour was memorable

SKR Reisen

  • Excellent - 18 reviews for Ireland tours

Bavaria Fernreisen

Bavaria Fernreisen

big tourism companies in ireland

  • Excellent - 22 reviews for Ireland tours
it was a very nice informative trip with good guidance and company
We can recommend everything 100 percent. Everything worked out wonderfully, tour guide Martina was absolutely top, bus driver Brian as well.

G Adventures

G Adventures

  • Excellent - 19,036 reviews for Ireland tours
We had to spend our own money to visit Ross castle and places. Which was inconvenient since there's no taxi available. Guide should have dropped and picked us up.
I checked all the boxes off for me going to Ireland, saw a lot of Ireland in a week. Guide was exceptional in his knowledge of Ireland. A 5 star experience for me seeing everything I wanted

National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures

National Geographic Journey…

  • Excellent - 253 reviews for Ireland tours

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International Versions

  • Deutsch: Reiseveranstalter für Irland Reisen
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Best Ireland Tour Companies

Search 129 Ireland tour operators and travel companies, with 1,914 reviews.

Trafalgar

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Ireland tour companies range from global operators to boutique and local operators. Tours in Ireland often focus on walking, historical attractions, and local immersion. Choose the best Ireland tour operator for your travel style.

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Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel

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Ireland Reviews & Ratings

Walking in kerry.

The Ring of Kerry is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and doing a walking trip is one of the best ways to see it. This trip gets you well away from the t...

Trusted Customer

Irish Highlights

The itinerary was a little bit hectic. It would have been nice to visit fewer places and spend more time in each. Also, packing up to go to a different hotel every n...

Peter Schwarz

Nice stops along the tour, interesting history

David Del Mastro

great itinerary for first time visitors

Pierre & Donna Asselin

Great hotels throughout the tour. Route and pitstops alon...

See all Ireland reviews

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Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Ireland 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Ireland. Below you will find 19 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Ireland offering in total 115 tours and holidays through-out Ireland. Combined they have received 61 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Ireland are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Adventure and sport & Wildlife, landscapes and nature.

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18 Tour Operators in Ireland with 61 Reviews

Expat Explore

Expat Explore

  • Address 10 Merryweather Place, London, England
  • Response Rate 90%
  • Response Time 2 hours

big tourism companies in ireland

  • Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
  • Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
  • Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel

  • Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia
  • Response Time 3 hours

Costsaver

  • Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
  • Response Rate 88%
  • Response Time 1 hour

Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations

  • Response Rate 86%

Walkers' Britain

Walkers' Britain

  • Address 1B Osiers Road, London, England
  • Response Rate 82%

Utracks

  • Address 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, England

Back-Roads Touring

Back-Roads Touring

  • Address 109 Power Road, Chiswik, London, England
  • Response Rate 89%

Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold

  • Response Rate 60%

Trafalgar

  • Address Picquet House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, London, England

Collette Tours

Collette Tours

  • Address 162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA
  • Response Rate 85%

Contiki

  • Address 38-51 Bedford Way, London, England

Indus Travels

Indus Travels

  • Address 233, 11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, Canada
  • Response Rate 98%

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

  • Address 15/56 Pitt St, Sydney, Australia
  • Response Rate 74%

Omega Tours

Omega Tours

  • Address 142 Westmount Avenue, Toronto, Canada
  • Response Rate 95%

Ireland Tour Reviews

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  • All Ireland Tours & Vacations
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  • Tour for max. 8 guests
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Arrange a Tour:

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2024 Tour Packages:

  • Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4390 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Iconic Britain Tour 10 Days | From €2490 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2890 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1590 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 6 Days | From €990 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Historic Irish Castle Tour 7 Days | From €1790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
  • Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
  • Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €995 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
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  • Frequently Asked Questions
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My Ireland Tour Logo

Ireland Tours 2024

Looking to customize a bespoke vacation? Check out our Private Tours

We are still Ireland's best-reviewed tour operator, with 97.3% five-star reviews.

Our UK & Ireland Tour Packages

Scroll through our Britain and Ireland tour packages for 2024. Alternatively, you can also see what's available on your preferred dates .

The London Eye, seen on our Tours of England and Ireland

Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

  • 34 attractions
  • Max. 26 ppl

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.

York Minster, seen on our tours of UK and Ireland

Iconic Britain Tour

  • 14 attractions

Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.

6 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

  • 13 attractions

Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable hub-and-spoke tour.

Deluxe Castle Tour of Ireland

Deluxe Castle Tour

  • 22 attractions

Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.

Historic Irish Castle Tour of Ireland

Historic Irish Castle Tour

  • 15 attractions

A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.

14 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

  • 25 attractions

Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.

A tour attraction in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.

10 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.

8 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

  • 17 attractions

Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.

Discover Northern Ireland Tour

Discover Northern Ireland Tour

  • 8 attractions

Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.

Ancient Tour of Ireland

Ancient Ireland Tour

  • 19 attractions

An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.

A UK tour attration, a castle in Scotland, Great Britain

Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour

  • 24 attractions

Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.

Hello from everyone here at My Ireland Tour

Welcome! We are thrilled that you are interested in visiting our country. We're proud to say that we're still an independent family-run business, based right here in Cork. We offer a range of Britain and Ireland vacation packages , as well as our bespoke private customised tours . We're looking forward to chatting with you and showing you what makes Ireland such a magical place.

Eric O'Gorman Signature

Eric O'Gorman, Founder & Director

Failte Ireland

What are you looking for?

We offer various types of tour to suit all ages, interests and group sizes. What kind of vacation suits you best?

Traditional music enjoyed by Ireland tour guests in an Irish pub

All our Ireland Tours

Ireland's best-loved destinations and its best-kept secrets, all on one magical tour.

The Dark Hedges, visited on a private tour of Ireland

Private Custom Tours

Custom private tours, crafted uniquely for you. All group sizes from two people to 100.

Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara, County Galway

Castle Tours

Live like royalty, staying in real Irish castles steeped in history and tradition.

The UK Houses of Parliament seen on a tour of England and Ireland

UK & Ireland

Tour Ireland and Britain at the same time with a tour that shows you the best of England, Ireland and Scotland.

Jedburgh Abbey, viewed on a tour of Scotland and Ireland

Scotland & Ireland

Two great celtic nations, one unforgettable experience. Visit Scotland and Ireland in one trip.

Three unique tour collections

It's now even easier to find your perfect vacation. We have grouped most of our tour packages into three unique collections. Whatever your interests, whatever your budget, we have the perfect range of Irish tours for you and your group. We also offer our popular Discover Northern Ireland Tour (6 days). Alternatively, you can even customize your own bespoke private tour , just for you and your group.

Cliffs of Moher tourist attraction in Ireland

Iconic Scenes Tours

Discover Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets. All with unbeatable value, while staying in some of Ireland's best four-star hotels.

  • Compare all Iconic Scenes Tours
  • 18-Day Tour (Ireland, England & Scotland)
  • 14-Day Tour (Scotland & Ireland version)
  • 14-Day Tour (Ireland-only version)
  • 10-Day Tour (England & Scotland)
  • 10-Day Tour

Historical Irish tourist attraction

Ancient Luxury Tours

Get closer to the action on a tour which is limited to max. eight guests. On these luxury tours, you will be staying in four- and five-star hotels and castles.

  • Compare our Ancient Luxury Tours
  • 13-Day Tour (Ireland & Scotland)

An historic Irish Castle in Ireland

Luxury Castle Tours

Live like royalty on a tour that is steeped in the rich history and traditions of the Emerald Isle. Stay in Ireland's best four- and five-star hotels and castles.

  • Compare our Castles Tours
  • 7-Day Historic Irish Castle Tour
  • 10-Day Deluxe Irish Castles Tour

Made in Ireland, by us

We are not a reseller or an agent. We only sell our own tours, designed with care in our family office here in Cork, Ireland.

No Middleman

You will not find our tours on any other website. And with no middleman, we can provide unrivalled value with a much more personal experience.

We're here for you

On the phone, you can chat to Eric, Kristel, Shannon, Shauni, Keith or Catriona. We will be delighted to help with any questions you may have.

Britain & Ireland Tours

Why not add England and Scotland to your Irish tour experience? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compare and contrast these unique but interconnected cultures. Experience a rich and overlapping history, told from three singular perspectives. Three distinct outlooks, three separate national identities — one friendly welcome. Compare the royalty and pageantry of London with the very different majesty you will find in the rolling glens, lochs and highlands of Scotland. Of course, we think that Ireland holds the crown, with a landscape, a culture and a heritage that puts the Emerald Isle among the jewels of all European travel.

England Tour attractions in London, seen on a tour of England and Ireland

Customize your own tour

Looking for something truly unique? Why not arrange a bespoke private tour exclusively for you and your group? Our private tours can be customized to suit any group size, from two guests to a party of 100 or more. We will work with you to create the perfect tour itinerary for your group, taking away all the stress and leaving you with an unforgettable vacation experience that works for everyone. Certain destinations you want to visit? We can make it happen. Want to stay in a castle or on a working farm? Just say the word.

Hookhead Lighthouse, as seen on our Private Tours of Ireland

Stay in real castles

Experience the rich history of Ireland first-hand when you stay in some of the Emerald Isle's most enchanting castles and stately manors. That's right — with our Irish castle tours, you not only visit real Irish castles, you get to stay overnight in them, too. Choose from four castle tour vacation packages , crafted for you by our Irish-born team of tour experts. Whichever tour you choose, you can expect to live like nobility for the duration of your time with us here in Ireland.

Ballynahinch Castle, County Galway, as seen on our Castle Tours of Ireland

Our small groups guarantee Never more than 26 guests per tour

We always keep our tour group sizes small. That's because we want every guest to get the comfort, space and service they deserve. Although many other companies squeeze in groups of up to 50, even the largest of our tour packages are strictly limited to just 26 guests. That leaves empty seats on the coaches. So why do we limit our tours to such small group sizes? Here are six reasons.

Superior Service

Guests consistently list our small group sizes as a top reason why they would book with us again. See our reviews...

More focus on you

With a smaller group, our tour guides have more time to get to know you and your interests.

We deliberately leave empty seats on our coaches, so you can relax and spread out.

Experience each attraction up-close and personal, with more time to ask questions and see what interests you.

Speedier Check-Ins

Compared with many of our rivals, our smaller group sizes make checking in and out of the hotels a breeze.

More Relaxed Pace

Experience Ireland at your own pace. No rushing to keep up and no waiting around for large groups to assemble.

You might also be interested in...

Ireland & Britain Tours

Categories of tour

  • All Tour Packages
  • Sample Itineraries
  • Transport Options
  • Genealogy Tours

2024 Tour Packages

  • Iconic Britain and Ireland (18 Days)
  • Iconic Britain Tour (10 Days)
  • Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour (14 Days)
  • 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (14 Days)
  • 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (10 Days)
  • 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (8 Days)
  • 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (6 Days)
  • Deluxe Irish Castles Tour (10 Days)
  • Historic Irish Castle Tour (7 Days)
  • Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour (13 Days)
  • Ancient Ireland Tour (8 Days)
  • Discover Northern Ireland (6 Days)

Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Thatched cottages of Adare Village in Limerick, Ireland

About Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

  • Blarney Woollen Mills

Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

Visit their website...

Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield, Scotland

About Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Glenveagh Castle

Glenveagh Castle, County Donegal

About Glenveagh Castle

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Highland Folk Museum

Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

King John's Castle

King John's Castle, County Limerick

About King John's Castle

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

Moriarty's, Kerry

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens, County Waterford

About Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Mount Stewart House & Gardens, County Down

About Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

Muckross House, Kerry

About Muckross House

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

Muckross House Traditional Farms, Kerry

About Muckross House Traditional Farms

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum

About The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour Map

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

  • Free time in London
  • Shakespeare's Birthplace
  • Manchester River Cruise
  • Tour of York City
  • York Minster
  • Jedburgh Abbey
  • Tour of Edinburgh City
  • Holyrood Palace
  • Tour of Glasgow City
  • Tour of Belfast City
  • Titanic Belfast
  • Giant's Causeway
  • Kylemore Abbey
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Ring Of Kerry
  • Blarney Castle
  • Irish Emigration Museum
  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Departure flight home

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour Map

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour

  • Roman Baths
  • Broadway to Cheltenham Railway
  • Afternoon Tea at Broadway Hotel
  • Chatsworth House
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Stirling Castle
  • Loch Lomond Cruise
  • Glasgow City

14 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland and Scotland Map

14-Day Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

  • Arrival at Edinburgh Airport
  • St. Andrews Golf Club
  • Kingsbarns Distillery Tour
  • Loch Ness cruise
  • Glasgow Cathedral
  • Belleek Pottery
  • Sheepdog Demo
  • Blind Piper Pub
  • Rock of Cashel

14 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

  • Trim Castle
  • Belfast City
  • Belfast Murals
  • Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
  • Bushmills Distillery
  • Derry City Walls
  • Lough Erne Cruise
  • Devenish Island
  • Jameson Distillery Midleton

10 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

  • Dublin Airport
  • Clonmacnoise
  • Free time in Galway City
  • Killary Fjord
  • Free time in Cork City
  • Charles Fort
  • Irish National Stud
  • Traditional Farm Lunch

8 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

  • Mikey Ryan's Bar
  • Killarney National Park
  • Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
  • Galway City
  • Free time in Dublin City
  • St Patrick's Cathedral

6 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

  • Glendalough Monastic Site
  • Ring of Kerry

Ancient Ireland Tour of Ireland Map

  • Dublin Airport arrival
  • Waterford Crystal
  • Kilkenny Castle

 Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour Map

  • Arrival in Edinburgh Airport
  • Edinburgh City tour
  • Dalwhinnie Distillery
  • Eilean Donan Castle
  • Isle of Skye
  • Glasgow City tour
  • Belfast City tour
  • Derry City tour
  • Dublin City tour

Deluxe Castle Tour of Ireland Map

  • Lough Eske Castle
  • Derry City Tour
  • Free time in Derry City

Historic Irish Castle Tour Map

  • Pearse Lyons Distillery
  • Traditional Music Night

Discover Northern Ireland Tour Map

  • Derry City walking tour
  • Ulster American Folk Park

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big tourism companies in ireland

Best Tour Companies in Ireland

best tour companies in ireland

Ireland is an amazing country to visit and the selection of tour companies at your disposal is fantastic. We’ve compiled a list of the best tour companies we always hear feedback for.

The country is full of magnificent sceneries, castles, and cities that are sure to leave you in awe. Even though it is a relatively small country, you cannot visit all these excellent sites in one trip. Chances are after your first visit; you will go to the first, second, and probably more tours, and still, you won’t get enough of the country.

If you are fun of tours, then you don’t enjoy the stress of driving in a new country. It is especially so if you are used to driving on the right. Ireland is a left-hand side driving country; therefore, you will get challenges. Also, you get the tour companies to know all of the best spots, hence no single minute will be wasted on the road looking for them.

Therefore, the best thing you can do is hire the services of a tour company. It will get you around to almost all of the best tourist attraction sites in Ireland. We live here have a good idea of the best tour companies in Ireland.

There are multiple tour companies Ireland picks to move you around the country. The following are the best tour companies in Ireland:

1. CIE Tours

cie tours ireland

The company has over 80 years of excellent service of taking tourists around Ireland. They have unique flexible options, which include private- driver trips, coaches, and self-driven tours.

There are no hidden additional costs or fees as their tours are all-inclusive. Hence you can plan and save for your all-important trip without the fear of costs adding up when you are in a new country.

Accommodation is never an issue when traveling with CIE tours because they present a range of high-class hotels that are bookable in advance.

Added to the accommodation advantage is the fact that they have guaranteed departures times and prices to all of their flights, meaning you will always be on time to tour sites. Their staff tour guides are humorous and have in-depth knowledge of all locations in the country.

You can get a 7-day tour, that starts from Dublin, heading south passing through Cashel, and ending in The Ring of Kerry . After that, you head north and cross the Cliffs of Moher and finally in Galway .

With this trip around the isle, you get to see locals in their daily activities, and it never ends without a fantastic glimpse of the fabulous and luxurious Dublin castle .

2. Game of Thrones Tours

game of thrones

A tour to Ireland wouldn’t be complete without you visiting some of the iconic scenes where the famous HBO fantasy drama series were shot.

Game of Thrones gives you a chance to visit the Castle of Winterfell in Belfast as well as other popular Westerosi scene settings. If you are a fan of the epic drama, you wouldn’t want to miss the interaction with guides who were extras on the thrilling show. You can, therefore, get an intriguing insight into some of your favorite cast.. The tours run all year round, meaning you won’t miss a chance at any time of the year.

Aside from Winterfell, you will also get a chance to visit the Riverlands and Twins. The Tollymore Forest Locations are also another fan favorite when on tour to Ireland. You will also be provided with a full costume effect such as banners, swords, and cloaks.

If you want to get fully immersed in the Game of Thrones world, then booking with Game of thrones tours will be the best place to start.

These are all great scenes to take pictures and therefore grab your camera and book with Game of Thrones Tours.

3. Rail Tours Ireland

big tourism companies in ireland

Rail Tours Ireland offers an exciting option to this beautiful country. The company was started in 1998 and worked in association with the country’s national railway service-Irish Rail. This gives travelers an affordable option to tour the country.

Traveling around Ireland has never been affordable and exciting than when traveling with Railtours. The trains on offer are fast and comfortable, and the company ensures that you have reserved seats and an accompanying Rail Tour guide who takes you through all the significant points and history of traditional sites.

After getting off the train, there are ready tour buses that take you to the interior where the trains cannot access. You get to see different human settlements that make up the traditional culture of the country.

There are tours every week, and you will have a chance to observe beautiful scenery and towns that helped shape this great Nation. One of the most exciting things you will get to see is the gorgeous Irish hills and fabulous gothic architecture of Connemara.

You will also get an exciting tour around museums, castles, and galleries that are sure to leave a long-lasting memory of the country.

4. Rick Steves Best of Ireland

Rick Steve Tour Company - Irish Tours

This fantastic tour agency offers a wide range of itineraries to leave you truly satisfied. Their tours typically with the best of Dublin as most tour companies and then you head off to visit the must-see tourist attraction and historical sites.

The most famous sites that you will get to visit are Kinsale, Cliffs of Moher, Giants Causeway , the Dingle of Peninsula, and the Aran Islands. The guides are informative and friendly, ensuring you will enjoy every second of the trip.

The trips typically take 14 days giving you maximum time to visit all the famous attraction spots. There is a range of top hotels that you can book a month before your tour.

Even though they don’t include air travel in their package, there are ready buses that will take you from Dublin Airport when you arrive. You will also be escorted back to the airport when your tour ends.

That shouldn’t take away from the excellent package on offer. The chance to roam the Dingle Peninsula will make the trip, worthy last to the last cent.

5. Wolfhound Tours

Wolfhound Tours of Ireland

The company is excellent for adventurous young adults who love traveling in small groups. The tour company offers the young blood a chance to visit unique and unusual sites in Ireland. The best example being the stone circle.

Their tours usually take ten days by it satisfies the hunger for adventure-seeking young men and women. The trip starts in Northern Ireland and often ends in West Cork. You won’t miss the great sites and locations in Dingle, Galway, Aran Islands, and the Cliffs of Moher, this, therefore, ensures you complete the full loop around the coast of Ireland.

Each tour takes you in a full circle to get you to see the beautiful culture and countryside on display, while you get to visit local villages and pubs. If that’s not all, you can even decide to see Fungie the dolphin , kayak with seals, and catch a glimpse of whales. That’s incredible considering its in their six-day tour package.

Guests rave about the tour guides who are passionate and knowledgeable about each specific tourist location you visit. Get rare tales and folklore from their well-versed tour guides to leave you yearning for much more.

6. Fab Food Trails

Fab Food Trails Ireland

A trip to a new country usually means taking a bite of their local foods, which is part of their culture. The best tour company for a food enthusiast is Fab Food Trails.

With a tour around the country, you will be able to learn how to cook new dishes from the state. In every significant Irish you make a stop, you can meet a food expert who will get you up to grips with cooking methods of the best traditional meals from the Island.

The tour offers you a chance to meet like-minded people from all over the world to share your cooking ideas. The tour guides are friendly and know their way around the major markets, stalls, and great traditional hotels where you will learn a lot.

You move around in groups of approximately 12, ensuring that meals are enough for every guest. The small groups also enable an in-depth discussion with the local food guides.

If you want to interact with the local community, enjoy beautiful sites, and still have a bite of the delicious Irish Cuisine, then Fab Food Trails is the best option for you.

At the booking stage, you can also make an order for a special dietary requirement. The restaurants you will visit are in constant communication with Fab Food Trails, and all your needs will be met.

Ireland is a gem of an island full of history, culture, hospitable local people, beautiful scenery, and delicious local cuisine. The landscapes are jaw-dropping with the emerald hills, an excellent attraction. The chance of visiting iconic scene sets of Game of Thrones is always a major attraction to people across the world.

Whatever your primary interest, the tour companies Ireland options give you an excellent chance to visit the beautiful country and have one of the best times of your life. All the tour companies are high class, with guest satisfaction, their main priority. Whether you decide to take a tour bus or have a tour guide drive you and your partner, you will always get the best package that you desire.

As such, to get your plane tickets, book with the tour company in the list that suits your interests, and get to explore the best Ireland has to offer.

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The Best Tour Companies in Ireland

an Irish castle tower on a still lake set against green hills

Ireland . It’s a scenic country full of rolling green hills, photogenic cliffs, impressive castles, cozy Irish pub, friendly locals, and a lot of Irish charm.

I’ve loved every part of my experiences in Ireland .

My first trip was a quick 24-hour visit to Dublin , but, I loved it so much I’ve gone back about four times since. Ireland has a special magic to it that makes every visitor fall in love. (Ok, not everyone, but most people love it here!)

While the cities are incredible and have a lot to offer, Ireland is best seen by car so you can get off-road and visit the small little villages, castles, and parks that dot the country.

However, if you’re like me, and not a fan of driving (especially driving on the left!), the next best thing to driving or just city hopping on buses is going on a tour in Ireland. Given the country’s small size, you can see a lot of it in a little time and a tour can be a good way to pack it all in without the hassle of organizing all the details yourself.

There are lots of tour options here — from walking tours in Dublin to multi-day tours around all of Ireland. Here is a list of my favorite tour companies in Ireland, each of which have something unique to offer:

1. Historical Walking Tours of Dublin

The city of Dublin is such a fascinating place to explore, and it’s full of historical spots that you might just wander past if you’re not with a guide from Historical Walking Tours of Dublin . They’ve been operating tours since 1986 and one of the reasons they’re so good is their guides all have postgrad history qualifications – but also know how to lead a tour with a good Irish sense of humor.

Each walking tour is just over two hours long and they start from the front gate of Trinity College at 11am every day, with an extra tour at 3pm from May to September. They’ll take you to many of the highlights of Dublin like the House of Lords, Temple Bar, Christ Church Cathedral, and Dublin Castle and you’ll end up with a great overview of Irish history. Tickets are 14 EUR.

2. Paddywagon Tours

An Irish born-and-bred tour company that started in 1998, Paddywagon Tours offers both day tours for lots of popular tourist attractions in Ireland as well as multi-day tours ranging from two to nine days long, with accommodation choices ranging between B&Bs and hostels.

If you’re time-pressed and looking for some day trips from Dublin to quickly see a bit more of Ireland, Paddywagon has trips to places like the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and even up to the Giant’s Causeway and other highlights of Northern Ireland. Costs range from 45 EUR to 65 EUR for these trips. They also run day trips out of other centers like Belfast, Limerick, and Cork.

Paddywagon’s multi-day tours range from 149 EUR for a two-day trip up to 689 EUR for their All Ireland nine-day tour, with backpacker accommodation (or 999 EUR if you want B&B stays). Even though you could easily spend a month in Ireland, given its relatively small size you can actually get a lot out of nine days. If you’re a student they also run some student special trips at even lower costs so keep an eye out for them.

3. Shamrocker Adventures

Shamrocker is a great option for budget travelers looking for multi-day tours of Ireland. Their approach is to try and combine the best of independent travel and group trips. That means they give you choices like different levels of accommodation and you can self-cater when it comes to food. They also have great guides who are passionate Irish storytellers — even their bus drivers have a great sense of humor!

Tours range between three and seven days, with the shorter trips focusing on just one part of Ireland — the south or the west — and costing around 300 EUR per person. Shamrocker’s seven-day trip covers all the main sights like the Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Galway , and Blarney Castle and is 609 EUR for adults and 589 EUR for students.

4. Wolfhound Adventure Tours

Wolfhound Adventure Tours is a boutique tour company run by Trinity College history-graduate Dave O’Connor. Tour groups have a maximum of 12 travelers and tours include some biking and hiking, which are optional but definitely a big part of the fun.

Tours range between five and ten days — the shorter tours give you an option of going to the north to the Giant’s Causeway or heading west to see the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, both of which are 985 EUR. Wolfhound trips can include kayaking, horseriding, whale watching, and even surfing lessons and are a great choice for anyone looking to get active!

5. Vagabond Tours

Vagabond Tours is an Irish company and offers two kinds of small group tours, Driftwood Tours if you want to take it easy, and Vagabond Tours which include activities like hiking, sea kayaking, and cycling.

Tours range in length from six to eleven days, and in price from 1,550 EUR to 2,900 EUR per person. They have some of the common itineraries such as a Northern Ireland tour taking in the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast and the Giant Irish tour which circumnavigates the country, but they also have a few specialty trips like a foodie tour, an adventure trip which includes a visit to the Skellig Islands, and a tour for history buffs focusing on castles and kingdoms.

Rob Rankin, co-founder of Vagabond Tours, is a huge advocate of responsible and sustainable tourism and the leader of Ecotourism Ireland, and Vagabond Tours has been eco-tourism gold-certified since 2017.

6. Extreme Ireland

Extreme Ireland offer adventure tours around Ireland, with several Wild Atlantic Way trips available, ranging from six to 12 days long. They take small groups (a maximum of 16 travelers) led by skilled guides who have all the skills necessary to help you have a safe and adventurous tour.

Their 12-day trip will take you all over Ireland — it doesn’t just show you the regular sightseeing highlights!. The tour also includes several bike rides, a stint of stand up paddleboarding, hikes along sea cliffs and wild coastlines, kayaking, and surfing. This one comes in at 2,200 EUR while their shorter tours start at 1,100 EUR.

7. Intrepid

An Intrepid trip is always a good option — they’re my go-to multi-day tour company no matter where in the world I’m heading. With small groups (a maximum of 12 travelers for Ireland), carefully-hired local guides, and a relaxed pace, Intrepid tours really can’t be beaten. They offer just one trip in Ireland but it covers all the major sights and attractions, an eight-day adventure that spans from Belfast in Northern Ireland to Killarney in the south-west.

Their Ireland tour will take you through Dublin and Galway and includes sightseeing hotspots like the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway, as well a chance to explore the Aran Islands. Accommodation is in a mix of hotels and hostels, with breakfast included. The tour costs 2,300 EUR per person.

From walking tours to help you understand the history and culture of the great city of Dublin to multi-day adventures circumnavigating the whole of the island, taking a tour in Ireland will make sure you get to know lots of interesting locals and learn more about what makes the Irish tick.

Whether it’s the crazy ritual of kissing the Blarney Stone, exploring the incredible landscapes in Northern Ireland Game of Thrones was filmed, or simply knowing which pub in Galway is the best spot for a Guinness, these Ireland tour companies will help make your Irish experience the best it can be!

Book Your Trip to Ireland: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
  • Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
  • Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Ireland? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Ireland for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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19 best ireland tours: dublin, giant's causeway & more.

Make the most of the stunning scenery in Ireland and Northern Ireland with the help of knowledgeable locals.

19 Best Ireland Tours

The Best Ireland Tours

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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

Price: Adults from 50 euros (about $54); kids from 40 euros (about $43) Duration: 7.5 hours

Explore the west coast of Ireland, where the Irish language (Irish Gaelic) remains prevalent, on this daylong 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 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.

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 full-day excursions to the Cliffs of Moher, among other destinations.

Check prices & availability on:

Irish Day Tours – Blarney Castle Day Tour From Dublin

Price: Adults from 85 euros (about $92); kids from 42.50 euros (about $46) Duration: 12 hours

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. Many reviewers said this was a long day, but worth it to see and hear more about Irish history.

Tours depart daily from Dublin at 6:50 a.m. and return to central Dublin around 7:30 p.m. Irish Day Tours offers a variety of day trips, including excursions to Wicklow, Connemara and more.

Deros Tours – Ring of Kerry Coach Tour

Price: Adults from 38 euros (around $41); kids from 23 euros (about $25) Duration: 6 hours

Observe the unique landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula, including Ireland's highest mountain, on this half-day bus tour. 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, attentive guides and the many photo stops. Others were pleased they opted for tour instead of trying to drive the Ring of Kerry themselves.

Buses leave from Killarney at 10:30 a.m. daily and return around 4:30 p.m. Deros Tours also operates tours of the Gap of Dunloe as well as the Dingle Peninsula, among others.

Midleton Distillery Experience

Price: From 26 euros (about $28) Duration: 75 minutes

See how world-renowned Jameson Irish Whiskey is produced on this tour of the original Midleton distillery, which is located about 15 miles east of Cork. Along the tour, your guide will show you several of the distillery's buildings, where you'll have the opportunity to observe the distilling process. The tour ends with a tasting flight of three whiskeys. Travelers offer high marks for the engaging, well-informed guides. Reviewers also appreciate the whiskey samples and say this is a fun activity even if you're not a whiskey fan thanks to the incredible history and architecture on display.

There are also guided tours of the Jameson Bow St. Distillery in Dublin.

The Best Ireland Tours

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

Price: From 49 euros (about $53) Duration: 10 hours

"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, share information about the various sights as well as some behind-the-scenes scoop from the set. Reviewers report finding the passionate guides' commentary insightful and appreciate the small group size. Others took advantage of the costumes and props to snap some memorable photos.

Tours depart from Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Wednesday and Saturday at 7:30 a.m. year-round; additional Sunday departures are available in select months. Be aware that this tour involves some walking on uneven ground and that children younger than 12 are not permitted due to the adult content featured in the tour. The company also offers tours that depart from Dublin, among other locales.

Yellow Umbrella Tours – Traditional Pub Tour

Price: From 42 euros (about $45) Duration: 3 hours

If you've come to Ireland hoping to experience its lively pub culture, then this Dublin tour is for you. With a local leading the way, you'll visit three pubs on the north side of the river, away from the tourist crowds. Samples of Irish beer, whiskey and gin are included, and you'll have the option to purchase traditional Irish dishes, if you're feeling peckish. After visiting the pubs, you'll end the tour listening to live music. Reviewers say guides are friendly, entertaining and share lots of history about the drinks and Dublin. Participants also said the pubs featured on the tour are interesting and fun.

Tours are generally offered daily at 6 p.m.; they meet at The Spire on O'Connell Street. If you're traveling with kids and looking for a more family-friendly experience, consider the company's two-hour Dublin history walking tour.

Irish Day Tours – Cliffs of Moher

Price: Adults from 80 euros (about $87); kids from 40 euros (about $44) Duration: 13 hours

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. Many reviewers said this is the best thing you can do while visiting Dublin.

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. 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

Price: Adults from 20 pounds (about $25); kids from 12 pounds (about $15) Duration: 2.5 hours

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; they also appreciate that the tour can be tailored to suit groups' particular interests.

Tours are typically offered multiple times a day starting at 10:30 a.m. 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

Price: Adults from 70 euros (about $76); kids from 65 euros (about $71) Duration: 10.5 hours

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 an express 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 incredible cliffs. Travelers praise the guides' amusing and educational commentary and call the views phenomenal.

Buses typically return to Galway around 7:30 p.m. Tickets include admission to the Cliffs of Moher, but not lunch or any optional activities on Inisheer. Note: This tour is available daily from the beginning of March to the end of 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

Price: Adults from 45 euros (about $49); kids from $43 Duration: 9 hours

Take in the sights of Connemara on this day trip from Galway. Traveling both the Wild Atlantic Way and the Sky Road, this bus ride passes through the picturesque villages like Barna, Furbo and Spiddal, and makes stops at locales like Pines Island and the town of Clifden. The excursion also includes a three-hour visit to Connemara National Park or Kylemore Abbey (you get to choose). The views along the drive are often deemed a high point, and guides win kudos for their knowledgeable narration and skilled driving of the narrow roads. 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. 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

Price: From 43 euros (about $47) Duration: 10 hours

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 and recomendations 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 8:10 and 8:30 a.m.; tours conclude back in the city around 6:20 p.m. Note: Prices do not include lunch or any attractions in Kilkenny. Wild Rover Tours also offer "Game of Thrones"-themed outings, as well as day trips to the Cliffs of Moher.

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

Price: From 112 euros (about $122) Duration: 4 hours

If you're hoping to visit the Jameson Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse on your trip to Dublin, consider this half-day tour, which includes skip-the-line access to both attractions, as well as expert commentary from a local guide. You'll 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 unrivaled 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. They also enjoyed the photo stop outside the oldest pub in Ireland, which dates back to the 11th century.

Skip-the-line tours are generally offered several times daily starting at 10:45 a.m. 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

Price: From 35 euros (about $38) Duration: 10 hours

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. 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

Price: Adults from 17.50 euros (around $19); kids from 9.50 euros (about $10) Duration: 1 hour

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 and friendly. If you're in the Waterford area, many reviewers called this the No. 1 thing to do.

Tours are available 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. 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

Price: From 22 pounds (about $28) Duration: 2.5 hours

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. 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. Reviewers also say you don't need to know much about the Troubles to enjoy this tour.

This tour entails walking for about a mile and a half and is not recommended for children younger than 12. If you're looking for more of an overview of the city, DC Tours also conducts a three-hour "Best of Belfast" tour, among other experiences.

Taste & Tour – Belfast Food Tour

Price: From 67 pounds (about $85) Duration: 4 hours

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. The company also offers tours that explore the city's cocktail and craft beer scene.

The Best Ireland Tours

DoDublin – Hop-On Hop-Off

Price: Adults from 30 euros (about $33); kids from 10 euros (about $11) Duration: 2 hours

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 applaud the drivers' witty remarks and recommend taking this tour at the start of your Dublin visit to familiarize yourself with the city.

Bus tours operate daily and depart every 20 to 30 minutes (depending on the day), with the first departing 59 Upper O'Connell St. 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. For each adult ticket purchased – regardless of duration – a child younger than 15 can ride for free. Moreover, the fees include admission to the Little Museum. In addition to its hop-on, hop-off tours, DoDublin also operates a nightly ghost bus tour.

Killarney Jaunting Cars – From Park to Castle Tour

Price: Adults from 65 euros (about $70); kids from 10 euros (around $11) Duration: 1 hour

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. Reviewers also say the ride is relaxing; many called the tour the highlight of their trip.

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. 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

Price: Adults from 15 euros (about $16); kids from 8 euros (about $9) Duration: 1 hour

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; cruisers also get an eyeful of the nearby mountains. Tour-takers say this activity is reasonably priced and enjoy the guides' anecdotes and historical observations. They also rave about the views.

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. Water bus tours can also be combined with a horse-drawn carriage (aka jaunting car) ride around Killarney.

You may also be interested in:

  • The Best Dublin Tours
  • The Best Places to Visit in Ireland
  • The Best Travel Insurance for Europe

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The Top Irish Tour Companies for All Your Travel Adventures

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, you’re probably doing tons of research to find the right Irish tour companies to use for your adventure. Maybe you prefer action and adventure or maybe you’re seeking historical insights, foodie experiences, or a special-interest tour. Whatever you’re looking for, these are the top Ireland tour companies to contact!

Of course, at Overland Ireland, we’re totally biased when it comes to small group tours and self-drive tours in Ireland – we think ours are obviously the best! But there are plenty of other ways to travel and adventures to go on, so we want to shout out our fellow Irish tour companies who we think are doing a stellar job in their own markets.

If you are considering a small group tour of Ireland , please do take a look at our variety of options. And don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can help answer any questions about our itineraries.

Now, let’s get into the list…these are the best tour operators in Ireland based on our local expertise and experience.

Recommended Irish Tour Companies

While not necessarily the top-rated Ireland tour companies, we have our personal favorites based on our local expertise and networks. Lots of big international companies offer tours in Ireland, as well as tours in lots of other places around the world. While many of them can be excellent tour providers, we like to support our local community right here in Ireland.

We think the best Ireland tour companies are the ones who are based here on the Emerald Isle, who are invested in their local communities, and who partner with fellow small businesses. 

We do have one recommendation for a company that isn’t based here in Ireland, but their offer is too unique to ignore! Other than that one, all others on this list are locally owned and operated in Ireland.

Planning on visiting Ireland soon? Get our free guides! We answer your Ireland Travel FAQs + offer local tips for visiting Dublin.

Excellent Dublin City Tours

Get a glimpse into Dublin’s fascinating history with Historical Walking Tours of Dublin . Running since 1986, these tours are guided by post-graduate students from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the National University of Ireland who share insightful and entertaining stories and facts about our capital city.

For a walking tour or a bus tour with a little extra entertainment (and perhaps a jump scare or two!), you can’t miss Hidden Dublin . They tell unique stories about Dublin’s darker past and aim to be as diverse and inclusive as possible with their offerings, offering a platform to tell the stories that aren’t often told in history books.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hidden Dublin Walks and Tours (@hiddendublinwalksandtours)

To better understand Ireland’s political history, you have to take a 1916 Rising Tour with author and historian Lorcan Collins. The depth of insight offered is extraordinary. You’ll learn about the struggle for independence from the British Empire, the rise of the rebellion in Dublin, and the key players who inspired an unstoppable movement.

The Irish are known to enjoy a little singalong here and there, so why not take that pub tradition a step further? Join Fiona Dalton on a Musical History Tour of Dublin to experience the combination of Dublin sightseeing and Irish traditions at play.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fiona Dalton (@dublinsingingtourguide)

Prefer two wheels to walking? Take a Lazy Bike Tour of Dublin instead! Choose from a push-bike or an e-bike and see the city from your seat. We love their small-group ethos and their all-around fun! See the main Dublin sights and have a laugh while you’re at it.

Food & Drink Tours in Ireland

Looking for a real taste of Ireland? Join Kevin Adams and crew at Walking Food Tours in Dublin and you’ll get the stories behind the food to make the experience that much richer! Avoid the tourist traps while enjoying the best of Dublin’s city center, from history to food to drink.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walking Food Tours (@walkingfoodtours)

If you’re a super foodie, you have to join French native Ketty Quigley for her Delicious Dublin Tours . She partners with local independent shops and businesses to feature the very best Irish fare, highlighting the culinary traditions of Ireland alongside the revolutionary new wave of Irish food.

When visiting Ireland, you might think of pints of Guinness more than you think of whiskey. But whiskey is a way of life here in the Emerald Isle and you won’t want to miss out on the experience during your visit! Join Dublin Whiskey Tours to learn more about Irish whiskey and to partake in some tastings in traditional pubs along the way.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dublin Whiskey Tours (@whiskeyinabar)

The food scene doesn’t end in Dublin! If you’re heading to Galway, you need to join Galway Food Tours for a tasty stroll through the city’s best culinary spots. From the traditional to the unique local flavors, Galway offers a variety of delectable dishes that teach you even more about the local history and culture.

Best Small Group Tours of Ireland

Of course, we can’t offer lots of suggestions here, because Overland Ireland offers the best small group tours in Ireland ! We love taking visitors around our beautiful country to show off the best views, meet some friendly neighbors, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!

Cliffs of Moher

If you’re into outdoor adventure, don’t miss our Ireland To Island 7-Day Zest Tour , where you can cycle the trails of Killarney National Park and the island of Inishmore. We also tackle the 618 steps of Skellig Michael and hike up Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park. If you’re keen on adventure, let us show you the astounding natural beauty of the Emerald Isle!

Prefer a more laidback pace? Take a look at our Ultimate Ireland 10-Day Tour to truly see it all. Explore historic spots like Newgrange and Dún Aonghasa and stunning natural beauty in places like the Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry. 

Overland Ireland’s small group tours are perfect for truly local experiences with our fabulous, super friendly guides who love sharing Ireland with visitors!

Make new friends in Ireland

Unique Tours of Ireland

There are plenty of unique tours in Ireland that cater to very specific groups and travel types. While lots of tours across the Emerald Isle feature a balanced blend of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and historical context, these tour companies specifically focus on a niche market.

Golf Tours of Ireland

We love recommending SWING for their excellent golf tours of Ireland . They’ve been operating since 1986 when folks involved in the golf industry in Ireland’s southwest got together to create a marketing company. 

SWING (South West Ireland Golf CLG) is now the leading provider of golf tours in the country. 

While there are other tour companies offering golf tours in Ireland, SWING is locally owned and operated, so we love supporting those types of local Irish tour companies.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SWING Golf Ireland (@swinggolfireland)

Horseback Riding Ireland Tours

This is the only tour company not based in Ireland! If you’re looking for a horseback riding tour of the Emerald Isle, you should check out US-based Equitours . They offer tours all around the world, including various itineraries in beautiful Ireland. 

We love that this family-run business partner with local operators and focuses on conservation efforts and animal welfare, too.

Game of Thrones Ireland Tours

Still upset that GOT ended? Don’t worry, you can relive the magic, the drama, and the epic scenery on Ireland-based Game of Thrones Tours ! Don your Stark cloak for a photo op and enjoy film locations and reenacting your favorite scenes with fellow GOT fans.

Best Self-Drive Tours of Ireland

Okay, you caught us, we’re doing it again…

Overland Ireland offers the best self-drive tours of Ireland ! Let Paddy the Pocket Pilot guide your journey across the Emerald Isle, with all your bookings handled, itinerary planned, and instructions provided for a smooth ride.

These are some of our best self-drive itineraries you might like:

  • Wild Atlantic Wanderer 6-Day Self-Driving Tour
  • The High Life 8-Day Trip
  • The Northern Way 7-Day
  • Ancient East 6-Day Trip

Gap of Dunloe Killarney Ireland

Whether you’re keen to explore Ireland with our fantastic local guides or on your own, we love making visitors’ Ireland trips the best they can be. Do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions about our offerings!

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World Class Small-Group Tours of Ireland*

Breathtaking scenery. Inspiring people and hospitality. Legendary history and culture.

Vagabond have been THE leaders in small-group tours of Ireland since 2002.

That's 22 years of magic memories, locally-owned hotels, passionate driver guides, exceptional tour vehicles, delicious food and unmissable local Irish experiences.

What's more, we are the only Irish tour company named in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2023 and the first tour operator in Ireland to become a certified B Corp .

🎶 NEW MUSIC TOUR:  Hit the high notes on our brand new Irish music itinerary, the 8 Day Jigs & Reels Ireland Music Tour

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💚 Our Guests Love Us!

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I consider Vagabond the best choice because they are flexible and open to suggestions ...

It was obvious that Vagabond's only goal is to make sure their customers have an excellent experience while visiting Ireland. Highly Recommend!

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Every day was full of off the beaten path experiences.

Traveling with a small group is definitely the way to go. If Ireland is on your bucket list, be sure to go with a Vagabond Driftwood tour!

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Our Driftwood tour was amazing. Having a small group made the adventure so much more fun.

Having a smaller vehicle let us explore places that big buses couldn’t reach. My only dilemma is what trip to book with them next.

Choose Your Tour Style x

Driftwood - relaxed pace.

Relax on a Driftwood small-group tour of Ireland featuring quality time to explore Ireland's scenery, history & culture.

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Vagabond - Active Adventure

Get active on a small-group tour of Ireland featuring adventure, history, culture and wild destinations.

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  • ✔️ Upbeat Tour Pace

Vagabond - Active Small-Group Tours of Ireland

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Driftwood - Easy-Paced Small-Group Tours of Ireland

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Our Ireland Tours Care For Community and Planet

Like you, we want our children and grandchildren to be able to enjoy authentic travel experiences into the future.

We aim to bring long-term benefits to both community and planet as part of our responsible tourism mission.

That's why we're a certified B Corp .

Rob & Amy Rankin + the Vagabond Team

FLEXIBLE BOOKING TERMS

Reserve your seat for 7 days for free. Book your tour for €250 per person.

Learn more about the flexibility built into Vagabond & Driftwood Tours.

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We've answered a few questions about Ireland since 2002...

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Where We Tour In Ireland

Our expert VagaGuides know every last corner of Ireland!

We tour Northern Ireland , the Wild Atlantic Way  and Ireland's Ancient East .

Highlights include the Ring of Kerry , Dingle, Giants Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, the Burren, Kilkenny Castle and the Blarney Stone.

The counties we visit include Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Donegal, Galway, Waterford, Sligo, Clare, Cork and Tipperary. For convenience, all of our small-group tours depart from Dublin .

Expect Excellence On Your Ireland Tour

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We were ranked #12 in the Travel + Leisure   World’s Best Awards 2023 — one of the travel industry's most prestigious international accolades.

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Can more than 1,000 5-Star Reviewers on TripAdvisor be wrong? Our small-group tours of Ireland are rated 5/5 and were awarded a 2023 Travellers Choice Award .

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Our amazing tours of Ireland were awarded Feefo's 2023 Gold Trusted Service Award based on verified guest reviews. Thank you for sharing the love!

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Our tours of Ireland are a force for good in the community. We are immensely proud to have become Ireland's first B Corp certified travel and tourism company.

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What Would Ireland Be Like Without Saint Patrick?

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How We Became A B Corp ... And How You Can Too!

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6 Irish Companies Who Are Reviving the Global Travel Industry Post COVID-19

With over 100,000 tourism jobs lost, it’s estimated that COVID-19 wiped almost €4tn from global travel and tourism in 2020. How can the travel industry possibly recover?

Barrie Dowsett

Chief Executive Officer

5 minute read

As we know, the arrival of COVID-19 and its extended visit brought the global travel industry to its knees. In fact, with over 100,000 tourism jobs lost , it’s estimated that COVID-19 wiped almost €4tn from global travel and tourism in 2020. So, how can the travel industry possibly recover? And if they can, what part is the global travel hub, Ireland , playing in the rebuilding of the 8th largest industry in the world? Let’s find out…

The impact COVID-19 has had on the travel industry

It’ll come as no surprise that the travel sector was one of the hardest hit by COVID-19. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) calculated that Europe’s airline carriers could lose up to €70 billion worth of sales . Turnover in general travel and tourism businesses fell to 26% compared with 73% in other industries, and the accommodation and travel agency industry saw their turnover drop to 9.3% .

So, with the travel industry in tatters, how can it even begin to get back on its feet?

With a global travel hub like Ireland…

Ireland: the global travel hub

As an island nation, travel has always been incredibly important to Ireland. You only have to look at history to see that: County Kerry Monk St. Brendan managed to beat Christopher Columbus across the Atlantic to America; Antrim’s Lilian Bland was the first female aviation engineer, and Irishman James Fitzmaurice was on the boat that crossed the Atlantic from East to West for the first time in 1928.

“ Ireland’s travel heritage enables it to see clearly the problems travel companies have, while its tech heritage helps it to develop innovative solutions. ” – Irish Advantage

Today, over 50% of the worlds leased commercial airlines are managed from the Emerald isle. Plus, over 100 travel technology companies employing over 3,500 people have set up shop on the island, and the likes of Airbnb, Google, Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor have moved their HQ’s to Irish shores. So, I think it’s safe to say that Ireland is fast becoming a global hub for travel and innovative travel technology.

“ From engineering and technology right through to innovative tour operators such as Topflight, travel is something that Irish companies are really good at. ” – Irish Times

So, what exactly is Ireland, the global travel hub, doing to get the travel industry back on its feet?

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6 Irish travel-tech companies that are bringing the travel industry back to life

Travel technology covers all aspects of travel: from intuitive tools to help customers make reservations and book flights to integrated payment systems and tech-based distribution models. It’s this type of technology that’s going to bring the travel and tourism industry back to life. And, when you look at the following innovative, Irish born-and-bred travel companies, you’ll see how:

Let’sGetChecked

Located in Dublin Let’sGetChecked have developed a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing solution that was selected and used by American Airlines when they restarted their flights back to Hawaii and The Caribbean. The tests, which are FDA approved, can be done at home or at the airport, and provide results in as little as 48-hours.

Travelling in the new-normal way is going to be riddled with worries, especially when it comes to maintaining an appropriate social distance from others. To reduce anxieties about social distancing at the airport, Dublin based Daon has partnered with Denver International Airport to develop and launch VeriFLY. VeriFLY allows passengers to make a reservation to access a dedicated Transport Security Administration (TSA) screening lane and reserve a space on a limited-capacity train car to the concourse.

Mobile Travel Tech (MTT)

You’re never far from your smartphone – especially when you travel. How else do you get travel updates, find your way around, or check your travel itinerary? Dublin company Mobile Travel Tech have seized this opportunity and developed an integrated platform that allows customers to pay for flights, book accommodation and receive personalised updates on their phones, in real-time, whilst en-route to their destination.

Hostelworld

With headquarters in Dublin, Hostelworld is an e-commerce operation that allows customers to book from over 27,000 campsites, bed and breakfasts and budget hotels online. Hostelworld has established itself as a pioneering force to be reckoned with in the hostel community. Now, with an annual conference and online social network under its belt, they’ve also set up another e-commerce site, selling discounted travel products like insurance, guidebooks and SIM cards.

Finding and booking travel and accommodation for business trips can be time-consuming and frustratingly difficult. CarTrawler, another Dublin based company, has built a solution for this problem. It’s an end-to-end B2B travel technology platform that offers innovative transport solutions to almost one billion business passengers annually.

Founded in 2011 in Dublin, Boxever has developed a personalisation platform that uses data and AI to make customer interactions smarter and deliver game-changing customer experiences with airlines such as Ryanair, Viva Air Group, and Hong Kong Express.

How are Irish companies able to bring such innovative travel tech to fruition?

“In essence, Irish travel tech companies have core technologies to empower stakeholders to transform the customer journey, drive operational efficiencies, and unlock greater profitability through dynamic pricing, ancillary revenues, and personalization. ” - Máire P. Walsh , SVP Digital Technologies, Enterprise Ireland

Government-funded innovative grants and R&D tax credit incentives are a huge support to Irish businesses when developing innovative travel tech products and services. Enterprise Ireland offers this type of funding and support to inventive Irish companies. It’s responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets and offers innovative Irish companies the opportunity to apply for R&D grants . These grants allow companies to develop their pioneering projects, and they also connect international market leaders with the advanced technologies of Irish companies, which enhances customer experiences and drives profitability across the industry.

How Myriad Associates can help you secure funding for your innovative travel tech project

If you’re looking to develop your own innovative travel tech project, contact  the Grant team at Myriad Associates . With over a decade of experience working in the innovative grant application field, with Enterprise Ireland and other grant bodies such as Horizon Europe , they will get to know you, your project and your business so they can prepare and submit a winning grant funding application to the Revenue, on your behalf. Read this to find out a little more about the Enterprise Ireland Grant scheme and Grant application process. Or, feel free to contact us to find out more or call us free on +353 1 566 2001.

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Please contact us to discuss how working with Myriad Associates can maximise and secure R&D funding opportunities for your business.

Latest news

How to claim r&d tax credits in the food and drink industry.

Food and drink R&D (eligible under the R&D tax credit scheme) covers any project that aims to push the boundaries of knowledge and technology within the industry.

Which Industries Engage in the Most R&D in Ireland?

In a bid to establish themselves as a “global innovation leader, Irish government spending on R&D has reached record levels. But which industries are making the most out of this investment?

What financial help is available for small businesses and start-ups in Ireland?

Starting a successful business is scary - but you’re not alone. To help you financially along the way, there’s a massive range of grants, loans, tax breaks and other funding available.

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Don't hesitate to tour with Little Gem - their personal touch, flexible itinerary, local experiences and passion for Ireland come thru all the time. Touring Ireland with a private driver is the best way to see the beauty of the island. - The Banker Family - USA - 2018/2019 & 2020 

Private Guided tours of Ireland Review

"Fell in Love with Ireland !!"

A private tour of Ireland is the only way to go!! Little Gem looked after our every need. We cannot recommend them highly enough. Take the stress out of your tour in Ireland and take a private driver Ireland tour with Little Gem... Sandra Marinelli - USA - March 2019

See All Our Ireland Tour Testimonials

Latest news & tours on the road....

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Private  Tours of Ireland

Multi-day customised tours.

Contact us to craft your customised private multi-day tour  with a private driver in Ireland. We offer customised private tours of Ireland of as many day as you wish. Below you will find some sample itineraries to provide you with some Little Gem inspiration ! 

Find out more...

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15 Day Ireland Tour All Ireland Explorer

Our Emerald Isle 15 day private driving tour of Ireland takes you on a journey through the culture, heritage and adventure of our beautiful island. Explore the four provinces on a luxury private tour. Stay in a mix of boutique and luxury accommodation and immerse yourself in real Ireland.

A sample of the attractions menu...

Dublin City

The Cliffs of Moher

The Ring of Kerry

The Ancient East

Connemara National Park

The WIld Atlantic Way

The Glens of Antrim

Learn More about our All Ireland Tour

7 Day Private tour of Ireland

North by west explorer.

Join us on a 7 day private tour of Ireland with our North & West Explorer. Discover both sides of the border North & South and travel from the dramatic north east coastal drive to the Wild Atlantic Way. This tour combines some of the most awesome scenery on the island with deep culture and heritage. 

The Giants Causeway

The Wild Atlantic Way

Learn More about our 7 Day Tour

7 Day Ireland Private Tour

South by west explorer.

This exhilarating 7 day tour of Ireland takes you from the Ancient East to The Wild Atlantic Way. Discover some of Ireland's ancient heritage and travel the dramatic Atlantic coastline on this once in a lifetime Irish adventure

Main Attractions..

Killarney National Park

Galway City

Kilkenny City

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Ireland Private Day Tours from Dublin

Explore Ireland on private day tours from Dublin or other parts of the island. See below some of our recommended Little Gem day excursions!

Escorted day tours Ireland

Our brilliant Cliffs of Moher  private day tour takes you from Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way in the west of Ireland. You will enjoy the spectacular views from the 220 meter majestic cliffs and then journey through the Burren National Park .

A sample of the activities menu...

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Limerick or Galway City 

Cliffs of Moher Boat Trip 

The Ailwee Caves 

The Aran Islands (2 Day)

Learn More about The Cliffs of Moher Tour

The Ancient East and̃ Newgrange private day tour takes you back to Ireland's pagan past with a tour of one of the most important archaeological sites in the world - Newgrange.   Here you will enter the inner chamber for a re-creation of the winter solstice. You will also enjoy a walk on the mythical Hill of Tara .

Loughcrew  Tombs and Walk

Trim Castle

Kayaking on the River Boyne

Learn More about our Newgrange Tour

Our private day tour to Northern Ireland from Dublin  combines the stunning scenery of the north east coast of Ireland with the fascinating history of Belfast city . We will take you to the world heritage site of the  Giants Causeway , where the legend of our mighty mythical warrior Finn McCool, is illustrated in the islands ancient geology.

Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge

Games of Thrones Sights Tour

Black Cab Taxi Tour

Titanic Experience Belfast

Learn More about the Giants Causeway

Private day tours Ireland from Dublin

Wicklow Mountains

Our private Wicklow day tour takes you to the garden of Ireland and the Wicklow Mountains National Park where you will drive through beautiful mountain scenery and stop in the sublime Glendalough - The valley of the two lakes. A private day tour close to Dublin City.

Powerscourt House and Waterfall

Wicklow Gaol

Horse Riding

Sheep Dog Demonstrations

Learn More about our Wicklow Tour

Dublin & Surrounds

Our private Dublin day tour takes you on a guided tour of Dublin City with historical commentary as you pass the important heritage sites. You can also choose from a selection of great activities in the city, the surrounding countryside and the Dublin Mountains.  Get to know the real Dublin and explore the hidden gems of the capital.

Dublin Mountain Walks

National Museum

Whiskey Museums

Guinness Storehouse

Learn More about our Dublin Tour

Cork and Blarney

Our private Blarney day tour will take you to the rebel county of Cork for an unforgettable trip to the famous Blarney Castle , where you can kiss the Blarney Stone  to obtain the eloquence of the Irish! You will also get the chance to visit  Cork City, which some say is the real capital of Ireland. 

The Rock of Cashel Tour

Fota Wildlife Park

Learn More about our Cork Tour

Specialised Private

Tour services.

Add something extra special to your private tour of Ireland. Find out about our specialised tour servcies including our Irish Ancestry Tours, Private Family Tours or Corporate group tours...

Ancestry Tours Ireland, Chauffeur tours Ireland

Airport Transfers &

Pre check-in tours.

Why not travel from Dublin airport to your hotel with our Dublin airport transfers and Dublin Chauffeur Tours. If you have a late check-in join us on a short excursion to fill the time.

There are many beautiful and fascinating sights and attractions to tour around Dublin and it's surrounds which are easy to reach on a short excursion. We will look after your bags and make sure that all goes to plan for your hotel check-in and provide lots of tips and suggestions for your stay in Ireland.

Learn More about our Airport Transfers

Irish Ancestry Tours

Uncover and follow the footsteps of your Irish ancestors with the help of Little Gem Tours. We will work with you or an expert genealogist to create a tour taking you on a trip around your family tree. From day tours to multi-day guided excursions, we cater for private tours of all types. 

Explore our Ancestry Discovery Tour page for more information and contact us to organise your once in a lifetime private tour of Ireland.

Learn More about our Ancestry Tours

Walking Holidays Ireland

Keep fit and stay healthy on your dream fitness holiday in Ireland. Combine stunning drives with breathtaking walks around Ireland. Walk and talk with the locals as you discover by car and foot some of the hidden gems of the Emerald Isle. For the best trekking and walking tours in Ireland.

Learn More about our Walking Holidays

Our Private Tour Blog

Our private tour blog provides lots of additional information, suggestions and tips about your private tour of Ireland. Feel free to explore and share anything that you feel helps you plan your perfect Irish tour.

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Little Gem Ten - Reasons to include an Ancestry Trail on your private tour of Ireland...

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Little Gem - Our Favourite Places for Perfect Pints !!

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Exploring the Hidden Gems of Ireland with Private Driver Guide Martin Dooney

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An Irish Women's Christmas

Meet Your Ireland Tour Guides

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Private Tours of Ireland

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Year End Review 2023 & Outlook 2024

27 DECEMBER 2023

2023 review, 2024 outlook, concluding comments.

Ireland’s tourism industry demonstrated remarkable resilience this year despite domestic capacity challenges and international geopolitical upheaval. Once again the sector underpinned its role as Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and biggest regional employer with a remarkable 254,000 people working in tourism and hospitality businesses. The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) estimates that €5.3 billion excluding fares was spent by international visitors to the country this year with North America the biggest single source market. Data for the domestic market has not yet been published but sentiment and industry intelligence would suggest that it is marginally down on record 2022 levels.

Looking forward, primarily due to capacity challenges, ITIC estimate that increasing volume may be challenging during peak months but that value growth across 2024 of 5% in real terms is attainable given the right market mix.

As outlined in ITIC’s strategic roadmap for the sector, ‘Vision 2030’ which was published in September, the value of the industry can grow by 50% by the end of the decade whilst meeting its sustainability obligations but this is predicated on pro-tourism and pro-enterprise policies form Government.

Ireland earns €5.3bn from overseas tourists in 2023

Ireland’s tourism industry demonstrated remarkable resilience again in 2023. Despite geopolitical upheaval, economic and social uncertainties, together with capacity constraints, recovery continued, although at a slower pace than in 2022. However, despite increasing numbers of overseas visitors, full recovery to pre-pandemic levels is still some way off.

Expenditure by overseas tourists in the country in 2023 is projected at €5.3 billion, based on CSO data for the period April through October.

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2023 was the year which saw airline capacity return to pre-pandemic levels, with some markets exceeding 2019 levels, while airlift from German was 20% down. Ferry services linking Ireland with mainland Europe expanded in 2023. At the same time ‘on the ground’ capacity was further constrained. While the pressure on car rental availability eased, the stock of tourist accommodation was constrained by up to 20% by the Government’s reliance on hotels and other visitor accommodations to provide humanitarian housing from those fleeing Ukraine and increasing numbers seeking International Protection.

Consumers in developed countries prioritised leisure travel in 2023 despite inflation, rising interest rates and pressure on disposable incomes. Latest indicators would suggest that Ireland’s recovery in 2023 lagged that of many other European destinations. The European Travel Commission (ETC) reports tourist numbers back to 97% pre-pandemic levels, with 1 in 3 countries reporting exceeding 2019 levels. The rebound was driven by strong demand for intra-European travel, coupled with demand from North America bouncing past recovery to expansion, helped by a strong US dollar and increased airlift. Visits from North America to the UK were 15% ahead of 2019 levels over the first 9 months of the year.

Due to changes in official data reporting it is not possible to directly compare latest CSO figures with pre-pandemic performance metrics. However, industry sentiment suggests that demand from the USA, the top spending market, was particularly buoyant in 2023, with visitor demand from mainland Europe positive although showing some marked variance between countries, while demand from Britain was less robust.

Domestic demand was less positive than that of a year ago, with a swing towards an increase in outbound leisure travel throughout the year, despite an increase in domestic demand in the first quarter of the year, the latest period for which official data is available.

The year will be remembered as one where businesses struggled with rising input costs, labour challenges, and an increase in VAT. While many businesses may have enjoyed a good trading year, the performance of tourism has been uneven across the country, with shifts in the volume, value and profile of visitors across markets. The strong global growth in tourism underway illustrates the highly competitive trading environment in which the Ireland’s tourism sector operates.

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Positive outlook for Global tourism

Global tourism spending is expected to hit US$2 trillion record in 2024, with more than 2 billion international trips, 3% above pre-pandemic levels. Europe is forecast to enjoy a positive year, with increasing leisure demand coupled with the Olympic Games in France. However, performance will be shaped by a complex interaction of factors, including the ongoing geopolitical tensions, weak economic growth and escalating sustainability challenges. Most forecasters see international travel and tourism outperforming economic growth.

The global economy is expected to be sluggish in the short to medium term. The subdued growth environment, as economies emerge from the monetary tightening cycle, is likely to bring inflation down in line with central bank targets, thereby allowing interest rates to come down. Amongst developed economies the US is expected to continue to outperform Europe. However, the ongoing conflicts in the Ukraine and the Middle East represent a risk to international travel and tourism.

Leisure and VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travel are expected to continue to be the prime drivers of growth, while full recovery of international business travel is more complex. Global trends borne out by research show that consumers will continue to prioritise leisure travel, valuing experiences, time spent with family and friends, and wellness moments. The UK is forecasting a 7% year on year increase in spending on the back of a 5% growth in volume in 2024, to within 3% of 2019 numbers with full recovery in 2025.

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Challenges and Risk facing Ireland’s tourism industry

Ireland is facing a number of challenges in the year ahead, which represent a serious risk to competitiveness.

  • Accommodation capacity constraints: as the Government continues to rely heavily on tourism properties to house refugees and International Protection applicants. In addition, the Short-Term Tourism Letting Legislation being introduced is expected to further reduce supply.
  • Dublin Airport’s 32m passenger cap: maintaining the passenger limit will inevitably have, not only short term, but longer term adverse impact on Ireland’s ability to expand visitor traffic, develop new connections to broaden the industry’s source market footprint.
  • Cost competitiveness: higher input and labour costs, together with increased regulatory compliance costs, in an already a high cost economy for businesses, runs the risk of a further loss of competitiveness at a time when consumers are becoming more price and value conscious.
  • Labour supply: the sector continues to struggle to recruit, train and retain staff in a tight labour market.

Market Outlook

North America

Expectations are very positive for continued growth in transatlantic travel to Europe in 2024 as airlines increase capacity. Economic conditions see inflation falling, interest rates currently high but stable are expected to fall, while US consumer confidence levels have bounced back in November. Ireland is well positioned in the market to capitalise on winning a share of the expanding travel market.

Transatlantic destinations between Ireland and North America in 2024

Exciting new and expanded airline services are planned for 2024:

Aer Lingus: new Denver-Dublin plus reinstated Minneapolis St. Paul – Dublin services

Delta Air Lines: new Minneapolis St. Paul – Dublin & reinstated New York JFK – Shannon services

American Airlines: Dallas Fort Worth – Dublin extended to year-round & Charlotte-Dublin extended together with expanded code-share connectivity with Aer Lingus.

Canada will see reinstatement of WestJet services from Toronto and Halifax, with Air Transat increasing frequency from Toronto.

Mainland Europe

Headline inflation is expected to gradually decline to 2.7% in 2024, with the outlook for economic growth subdued in the short term. The European Central Bank (ECB), at its December meeting, held interest rates steady possibly signalling an end to interest rates hikes. Consumer confidence across the European Union showed a relative improvement in November, a three month high, based on a more positive assessment of household financial situation and general economic conditions. Compared to 12 months ago, consumers in Germany and Spain have shown the greater increases in confidence within Europe, according to the latest Ipsos Consumer Confidence Index.

Ireland is very well served by airline and ferry services, with Ryanair the dominant carrier. New services of interest to inbound tourism in 2024, include Paris and Brussels to Cork and Paris to Shannon.

Despite inflation falling by more than expected in November, the broader economic picture remains challenging, marred by stagnation and subdued growth prospects. The Bank of England has repeatedly pushed back against significant interest rate cuts in 2024, despite market expectations. Consumer confidence remains firmly in negative territory, as the cost of living crisis continues, according to the latest GfK Index.

The British market is an important volume and short break component of Ireland’s tourism but is likely to continue to prove challenging to recover from the decline in recent years in the leisure and business sectors.

Irish tourism has a long history of responding positively to crises including 9/11, Foot and Mouth, and the financial crash. Its recovery from Covid-19, an existential challenge, further supports the reputation of resilience. Tourism showcases the best of Ireland to an international audience and the domestic market – unlike other industries it can’t be outsourced or off-shored. It provides wealth and employment across all parts of Ireland and is primarily an export industry with 75% of Ireland’s tourism economy derived from international visitation.

However the sector cannot be taken for granted. The 40,000 businesses in the sector are predominately SMEs and generally operate with modest profit margins. ITIC has outlined how the sector can grow responsibly in the years ahead but continued support is needed from Government and state agencies to allow businesses to prosper.

The risks internationally are significant in 2024 and Government can do little to influence them. However the challenges affecting the industry domestically do lie in the gift of Government and action on ameliorating cost challenges, addressing capacity concerns and improving competitiveness will all help Ireland’s tourism and hospitality industry to continue on its path to recovery.

Privacy Overview

Tourism Ireland's new CEO announces ambitious 2024 plans

Tourism ireland plans to grow overseas tourism revenue by 5.6 percent per year over the next six years to 2030..

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With new direct air routes and more US visitors deciding to include Northern Ireland in their itineraries for the first time, America will continue to be a key market in Tourism Ireland's 2024 plans, CEO Alice Mansergh tells IrishCentral .

Launching this year's US marketing drive in New York, Mansergh announced Tourism Ireland plans to grow overseas tourism revenue by 5.6 percent per year over the next six years to 2030.

The United States remains Ireland's largest tourism market with family, ancestral and heritage ties a key driver, but Ireland's remarkable tourist offerings are competing strongly with those ancestral ties she explains. 

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“When we survey consumers about what they associate with Ireland overseas, the three things that always come up are scenery, heritage, and people. I think that people is a sort of easy way to describe the warm welcome that visitors receive. But when you go a bit deeper, I do think it gets back to the arts.”

“It's about our storytelling, our sense of humor, our literature, acting music, dance and it's so exciting at the moment to see so many wonderful actors and actresses, whether it's Cillian Murphy with his Oscar nomination, or whether it was An Cailin Ciuin as the first Irish language film featured at the Oscars, it really is a moment in Irish culture,” Mansergh continues.

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“Tourism is one of the biggest indigenous industries on the island of Ireland, with 70 percent of the tourism jobs actually based outside of Dublin,” Mansergh continues. 

“Our role is overseas marketing of the island of Ireland, so what we want to do is to inspire and delight visitors and help them make memories of a lifetime on the island. And then when people come and do that, what it does for the economy and the island of Ireland is it supports all of these communities right the way around the island who thrive through welcoming visitors. 

“And so we're targeting a 5.6% year over year increase to 2030 in the value of overseas tourism to the island of Ireland. But obviously that only happens when we surprise and delight visitors. And so what we want to do in our marketing is make sure we're telling all the best stories and showcasing what there is to see and do, particularly focusing on the places, the regions, the seasons that people might not have discovered yet.”

“St. Patrick's Day we're super proud of as its wonderful festival and encourages 100,000 people to come and visit and travel around. But St Bridget's Day was a bigger celebration this year too. We were marking 1500 years of St. Bridget. Her history goes back into being a goddess in pagan time, then a saint.”

Derry City hosts the biggest Halloween parade in Europe

Derry City hosts the biggest Halloween parade in Europe

Mansergh concludes: “This year we'll be encouraging people to come and experience the home of Halloween and everything that we have to offer through fall and autumn. It's about telling the stories that can showcase different aspects of the island and encourage people to come back or to visit for the first time.”

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Enterprise Ireland - Global Ambition

EU helps to transform Travel & Tourism, offering opportunity to Irish businesses

Tourism

  • NextGenerationEU represents an opportunity for Irish companies to break into new markets or scale their presence in existing markets
  • EU member states are striving to transform their travel and tourism sectors around the twin pillars of digitalisation and sustainability, with thousands of projects in train or set to be completed by 2026.
  • The  Enterprise Ireland Eurozone team can help you find the right travel and tourism digitalisation projects to target

Tourism is on the way back. While the pandemic severely disrupted the travel and tourism sector, every region saw increases in travel in 2022, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

In fact, more than 900 million tourists travelled internationally in 2022. While this was twice as many as in 2021, it was just 63% of pre-pandemic levels. Europe fared better than most other regions, however, with numbers returning to close to 80% of 2019 figures.

Hotels, hospitality providers, travel agencies, transport companies, tour operators and activity providers can be reasonably confident of seeing improved revenues again in 2023. This is despite and in ways subject to macroeconomic challenges such as inflation and the war in Ukraine.

Broadly speaking, the industry in Europe continues to offer substantial opportunity to Irish travel tech companies. And with substantial funding flowing across the region from the €806.9 billion NextGenerationEU recovery and resilience programme, there is unprecedented

How digital tools are transforming tourism

Across the travel and tourism industry in Europe, digital solutions are making the industry more efficient and more cost-effective, while also smoothing the journey for consumers.

In the accommodation sector, for example, accommodation providers across all price levels are increasingly using digital technologies to enrich and improve their offer. This includes innovations such as:

  • Mobile or remote payment
  • Online or mobile check-in
  • Virtual assistance using chatbots
  • Virtual tours
  • Virtual keys (on smartphones).

Likewise, the cultural sector is also taking more advantage of digital tools. In this space, these can include:

  • online ticketing
  • on-site QR codes, beacons and touch screens
  • attraction-specific apps
  • interactive and virtual reality installations.

Furthermore, the pandemic also led to an increase in offerings such as virtual visits to museums or other attractions, online lessons (such as cooking lessons) and experiences, or dedicated e-commerce platforms for food, wine and crafts.

Real potential across the value chain

Across every aspect of the travel and tourism experience, from research and booking, to how people get around to their stay and what they do on their trip, there are opportunities for specialist travel tech providers to improve the experience for both the traveller and the service provider.

The opportunity is broader than specific travel tech solutions, however. Fintech, cybersecurity, and data analytics and protection firms, for example, may find valuable opportunities in this sector.

Opportunity abounds around sustainability

Under pressure from government as well as from the consumers they service, travel and tourism companies are increasingly committed to sustainability. This can include:

  • reducing energy consumption
  • cutting carbon emissions
  • reducing waste
  • sourcing local providers of goods and services.

In terms of the offer to travellers, sustainability comes to the fore in the shape of eco-tourism, slow tourism, cultural exchange, community development and environmental protection.

Other avenues to sustainability include newer trends that help to reduce overtourism and increase bookings in the low season, such as appealing to digital nomads and promoting long stay holidays, both of which are significant factors in Italy and Spain.

Irish companies thriving in tourism

While Ireland has long excelled as a tourist destination, it’s also home to an increasingly vibrant travel tech sector.

Irish companies succeeding across Europe in the sector include Campsited , a booking platform for campsites and outdoor activities, car rental and mobility solutions provider CarTrawler and biometric travel security specialists Daon .

Expert advisors in Enterprise Ireland’s network of office s across Europe, together with its Market Research Centre in Dublin can support your business as it investigates market opportunities, including making local introductions and helping you to build your network.

Market snapshots.

A tech savvy-market with substantial public funding for transformation, France offers opportunities to any company with a distinctive offering.

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The travel and tourism landscape in France

One of the world’s largest tourism markets, France attracts over 80m tourists every year. Across accommodation, attractions, activities, transport and other services, the sector employs millions of people and accounts for about 7% of GDP.

The government has encouraged rapid digitisation and transformation with investment in digital infrastructure and initiatives such as the French Tech Visa program. Local start-ups are harnessing emerging tech such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and blockchain to improve consumer experience.

France has a well-developed and advanced travel IT sector, across online booking and reservation systems, mobile apps, travel management software, analytics, and more. The European Travel Commission valued this sector in France at €50 billion in 2019, making it the second largest in Europe after Germany.

Sustainability is key here as elsewhere. Many French travel tech companies are working to reduce the environmental impact of travel, through carbon offsetting programmes and sustainable travel planning tools.

Key stakeholders in France

  • Government departments such as the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (covers Tourism) and the Ministry for Ecological Transition
  • Industry bodies such as the National Tourist Board , the Federation of Travel and Tourism Professionals , the Association for Responsible Tourism and the Association of French Municipalities and Regions for Sustainable Tourism
  • Large hotel chains, travel and tourism operators including French brands AccorHotels and Club Med
  • OTAs, including Booking.com (particularly its subsidiary Agoda), Expedia and France-headquartered sustainable travel agency Evaneos
  • Transport companies such as national rail operator SNCF , French ride-sharing company BlaBlaCar and Uber

Understand the travel and tourism opportunity in France

While the French typically tend to be early adopters, there is still plenty of room for growth in the market. Furthermore, the government is investing heavily to revive and reinforce the market in the post-pandemic era.

Of the €100 billion France Relance national recovery plan, France allocated €18 billion to investments in tourism infrastructure, support for green tourism initiatives and funding for vocational training.

Furthermore, the €1.9 billion 10-year Destination France plan addresses five key challenges:

  • Recruiting talent to work in the sector
  • Reinforce the sector’s resilience and help improve the tourism offering
  • Develop French tourism assets
  • Respond to the challenge of transformation, including around sustainability and digital tools
  • Promote France and consolidate its market share

The key opportunities for Irish companies in the market are around:

  • Online booking and reservation systems
  • Mobile apps and platforms
  • Harnessing artificial intelligence and big data
  • Virtual and augmented reality
  • Sustainable tourism.

Selling into France

When it comes to travel tech, the French market is well established and highly competitive, benefitting from a strong culture of innovation and mostly favourable regulatory conditions. It’s crucial to have a clearly defined and innovative value proposition to present to the market.

Before starting to sell into France, research the local travel tech market to identify the key players, industry trends, customer needs, and competition. You can use this information to develop a targeted approach.

It’s useful to remember the sales cycle can be as long as 18 months in France, due to extensive due diligence. The upside is that business relationships tend to be long and fruitful after this process has been completed successfully.

Localisation is vital in this highly competitive market. While initial networking may happen in English, the language of business is French. If you are not ready to hire a fluent French speaker, ensure you bring an interpreter or a local partner to meetings. This is to understand important cultural nuance as well as to cross the language barrier.

Likewise, ensure your products and services are tailored to the French market. This may include adapting marketing materials and your user interface to appeal to French customers.

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Developing a local approach is key to unlocking the digital transformation potential of this large but still fragmented market.

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The travel and tourism landscape in Italy

With 64.5m international tourist arrivals each year, Italy ranks fifth in terms of global tourist destinations. The sector generates €90 billion annually, accounting directly for over 6% of Italian GDP and 7% of total employment. Tourist numbers have recovered since the pandemic, with 350 million visits in 2022.

Italy also has 58 UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country, and 4,292 museums. While culture and tourism are cornerstone sectors of the Italian economy, they lag when it comes to digital transformation, however. Cash payments in physical ticketing offices still account for many sales.

The Italian tourist board (ENIT) is pushing to make tourism more sustainable – 82% of accommodation facilities now use sustainable products – and more evenly balanced throughout the country. It is encouraging tourists to visit villages and rural destinations as well as the tourist honeypots of Florence, Rome and Venice.

Key stakeholders in Italy

  • Ministry of Tourism
  • ENIT (tourist board)
  • Italian Association of Responsible Tourism
  • Local hotel chains such as Starhotels , Blu Hotels and UNA Hotels

Understand the travel and tourism opportunity in Italy

Through its National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Italy is channelling €2.4 billion of NextGeneration EU funding to boost digitalisation in the tourism sector. This is going to fund:

  • A €100m digital tourism hub to connect the Italian travel and tourism industry
  • €1.8 billion towards greater competitiveness in the industry
  • The €500m Caput Mundi project to redevelop and revitalise Rome.

While Italy has more hotels than any other European country, most are family-owned and large hotel chains don’t have a huge presence. That makes for a fragmented market.

The same is true for the tour and activity sector, which is not dominated by big players. The outdoor sector has grown significantly in recent years in Italy, and it has the most activities available of any European country.

Selling into Italy

Italy is an attractive market for new entrants with technology solutions. It is very open to working with international vendors if their innovation is more digitally advanced than the incumbent/competitors. Digital transformation is high in the companies and local government agenda. There is a proactive interest in new technologies to support the industry and to overcome some of the challenges.

Likewise, businesses in the sector are interested in providing a more sustainable product or service offering to the tourists who visit Italy, so enabling that also presents a clear opportunity.

It’s important to target the market directly and have a local approach. Italian companies already have the advantage of speaking the language and having a presence in the market. They also have a network of contacts, which is vital in this relationship-based business environment.

Therefore, it’s important to invest time in building relationships and to be perceived as local, with an active Italian partner or a presence on the ground.

A world leader in tourism, Spain is pushing hard to see more innovation and digitalisation across all levels of this vital sector.

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The travel and tourism landscape in Spain

As the recovery from international lockdowns continued, along with the related acceleration in digitalisation, Spain saw 58.5m tourist arrivals in 2022. It leads Europe (while being third in the world) on the World Economic Forum’s travel and tourism competitiveness rankings.

Given the importance of tourism to its economy, Spain has historically invested heavily into transport infrastructure and connectivity. In recent years, it has also pushed to invest in its historical heritage, the Pilgrims Road to Santiago de Compostela and innovation in tourism companies.

The country accounts for 9.1% of the European hotels industry, with large international players dominating the market, while numerous smaller companies also vie for bookings. The big companies typically operate multiple hotel brands to appeal to different segments. Hotels at every level compete with Airbnb and other short stay platforms.

The Spanish online travel sector is pioneered by Madrid-based tech and global distribution leader, Amadeus.

Only one Spanish company, Globalia, is among the big four travel intermediaries in the market. The other are Booking.com, Expedia and TUI. All four are highly active in mergers and acquisitions, as they seek competitive advantage in Spain and globally.

Key stakeholders in Spain

  • Government and state bodies, including the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and the Instituto de Turismo de España (Turespaña)
  • Private companies, such as Amadeus , Ferrovial and Acciona
  • Hotel groups, including Melia Hotels , NH Hotel Group , RIU Hotels and Abba Hoteles
  • Transport services and state companies, such as Renfe and Alsa
  • Online travel agencies, including Viajes el Corte Inglés and Globalia

Understand the travel and tourism opportunity in Spain

Spain’s national allocation for grants under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) amounts to €69.5 billion. It has allocated an unprecedented €1.5 billion in 2022 to actions in its plan to modernise the tourism sector and make it more competitive.

Through the state-owned SEGITTUR company, the Spanish Secretariat of State for Tourism is heading the Smart Destinations project. This is an international model aimed at harnessing innovation and knowledge transfer to improve the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability and develop better governance in tourism.

In particular, the tourism ministry is devoting €25m to develop and implement transformative technological projects. Particular areas of focus for digital transformation in the sector include:

  • The internet of things, machine learning and big data
  • Monitoring tourist flows
  • Personalising the offer to consumers
  • Cybersecurity

The local travel tech start-up ecosystem is buoyant, receiving more funding than any other sector in Spain in 2022, according to the Bankinter Foundation of Innovation.

An interesting opportunity is the new international Tourism Innovation Hub in Madrid. Sponsored by Mastercard and backed by the Spanish government, the hub aims to help foster global, sustainable and inclusive growth for tourism.

Selling into Spain

Spain is a competitive market for mobility and typically has a relatively long sales cycle regardless of the sector, so a premium offer and patience are required.

Make sure you have local support in the market, as you need to speak the language in this cost-driven market, and sales are heavily based on reputation and relationships.

Spain is one of the most decentralised countries in the world, with 17 autonomous communities and five official languages, so a one-size-fits-all approach may not work.

In fact, the Spanish state is managing 55% of the national recovery and resilience funding, with regional authorities administering the rest. Market entrants need to understand local, regional and national regulations and bureaucracy.

Start planning now for the FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair, which will be held in January 2024 (dates to be confirmed) at IFEMA in Madrid. This is the leading global trade fair with a focus on Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking markets.

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10 wonderful west Cork businesses to watch

Barry Walsh

Barry Walsh casts his eye on 10 west Cork businesses that epitomise the county’s flair for food and abundance of natural resources.

Atlantic sea kayaking.

Atlantic Sea Kayaking in Cork.

With the Atlantic Ocean at its doorstep it’s no surprise that sea sports are one of the biggest attractions in west Cork. Atlantic Sea Kayaking is one of the most successful businesses in the region.

The company offers tours encompassing the tranquil, sheltered bays of Glandore and Castlehaven, Baltimore Harbour and Carbery’s Hundred Isles, Lough Hyne and the Ilen River. It offfers tours during the day and at night, in addition to organising international kayaking tours for kayakers in the region.

The business was winner of Ireland’s inaugural Responsible Travel awards in their category, the overall winner of Ireland’s Responsible Tourism award and most recently won the Best Business Award in The Wild Atlantic Way, West Cork Awards of 2019. Its founders are board members and founder members of the Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism.

Castlemartyr Resort

Castlemyter Estate in Cork.

The resort dates back to the 18th century and between its manor and new additions it has 102 bedrooms and suites. The Resort is nestled in 220 acres of mature landscape, with meandering streams, parklands and a tranquil lake that is abundant with wildlife and gardens that include a reconstruction of the historical, classical parterre beds. The resort includes Bell Tower Restaurant, outdoor pursuits and activities including, archery, croquet on the lawn, clay pigeon shooting, or a game of hurling or the world class golf course. All guests enjoy complimentary use of the Health Club, offering a state-of-the-art gymnasium with fitness studio hosting up to 20 classes a week.

Clonakilty Food Company

Products from Clonakilty Food Company.

Clonakilty Food Co. is a family-business, passionate about bringing their family of great tasting products into homes across Ireland and further afield. Their story dates back to the 1880s in Clonakilty, West Cork where Clonakilty Blackpudding was first made in Harrington’s butcher shop using a secret recipe. The recipe was carefully passed down through the generations and when Edward Twomey bought the butcher shop in 1976 he inherited it along with a loyal local customer base. Thanks to Edward and his wife Colette’s passion and determination Clonakilty Blackpudding soon became a household name. Since then, they’ve grown their product range to include Clonakilty Whitepudding, Clonakilty Sausages, Clonakilty Rashers and most recently Clonakilty Veggie Pudding. Their products are available to buy across Ireland, UK, mainland Europe, UAE and Australia. They are focused on building on their international footprint and continuing to provide the highest quality of food to consumers whilst staying true to their provenance. Their awards include Great Taste Awards, Blas na hÉireann, Agribusiness Awards, Free from Food Awards, Guaranteed Irish Business Award and Commanderie des Fins Goustiers du Duché d’Alençon, to name but a few.

Future Forest

Man and woman in a garden.

With its scenic views, it’s not surprising that sustainability is a major selling point for businesses in west Cork. Future Forest is one of those companies. Specialists in mail order plants, they cater for all types of gardeners from novices to experienced professionals. They specialise in the diversity of the plants that they offer. With a in-house nursery the company offers native trees and hedging to perennial flowers and alpines their huge range caters for the new garden owner to the seasoned grower. They also work with schools, community groups, country estates, landscapers and the farming community helping to source and select the right plants for all locations and situations.

Keohane’s of Bantry

Sign for Keohanes of Bantry.

In business for more than 30 years, Keohane of Bantry is truly a family run business. Michael created the business and still runs the company, his son Colman runs the fishmongers and his daughter Anne-Marie runs the restaurant. Keohane’s insvests hugely in research to bring products to market that are often the first in Europe. They supply a a range of different fish restaurants and the company won West Cork Business of the Year at the Southern Star West Cork Business and Tourism Awards in 2019.

Lee Valley Apparel

Men and woman outside a shop.

Founded by Denis and Loretto Hurley, Inchigeela, County Cork the business began in 1986 in a former creamery. Having originally cut and designed their own fabric, they then outsource the production of their apparel to local sewers. Since then they have become known for their Grandfather flannel shirts. Since then they expanded into flannel sleepwear, organic shirts, tweed vests and more, as they mention on their website, “We now export worldwide to countries including France, Germany, UK, the US, and Canada, supplying over 100,000 customers globally.”

Neighbourfood.ie

Neighbour Food logo.

Neighbourfood’s mission is to bring the best produce to your table, support our incredible local food producers and build a community around delicious food. Be delivering locally this drastically reduces the carbon footprint of traditional food delivery services and by using venues instead of house to house delivery it makes it faster and more efficient to deliver their products. All their produce are sourced locally and they don’t use any large farm or unethically raised animals or vegetables.They do a huge amount of marketing about the businesses they support in their local area on their popular podcast, interviewing the likes of Darina Allen, Caitlin Ruth or Dr Colin Sage.

Ocean Bloom

Ocean Bloom products beside sea.

An advantage to being near the Atlantic Ocean is easy access to natural resources. Ocean Bloom is one of those fortunate companies. The seaweed skincare company gathers its produce from the waters nearby. “Cheryl our founder is an aromatherapist with over 20 years experience who set out to create a remedy to heal a family member’s baby eczema,” the company’s website reads. “Ocean Bloom was born when news of her success filtered through the community and others began looking for Cheryl’s skincare products. All Ocean Bloom products are made using carefully selected plant oils and extracts from around the world that are combined with our own hand harvested seaweed serum. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients we hope you will feel the benefits and notice a positive difference in the health of your skin.”

With ethical standards being a core value of their business, the company has committed to planting one tree for every product that they sell

Skibbereen Rowing Club

Skibbereen Rowing Club.

We couldn’t do an article about businesses in west Cork and not include the Skibbereen Rowing Club! The world renowned rowing club was founded in 1970 and “the club caters for both male and female athletes, from 1st year in senior school upwards, and members compete at all levels from Olympic to ordinary domestic regattas. The club prides itself on its record of coaching oars-people from beginner level to world class. The club’s 186 Irish National Rowing Championship wins places Skibbereen Rowing Club as the top club in Ireland. Club members have also contributed to very many Irish National Rowing Crews at International level over the years. The club has contributed enormously to the rising standard of Rowing in Ireland, competing successfully with the best in both Europe and the World, including European Championship, World Championship and Olympic medals.” These include the O’Donovan brothers, Fintan McCarthy and Emily Hegarty.

Smoked salmon products from Ummera, west Cork.

In business for almost 50 years, the Creswell family have been known for their smoked salmon throughout Ireland and the world. Sustainability is at the core of the company, as they stock 100% organically grown locally sourced salmon. As they mention on their website: “The vitality of fine quality food producers in this area helps us maintain a vibrancy and high level of interest, maintaining quality and continually developing expertise. Ummera Smoked Products (including Smoked Organic Salmon,Organic Gravadlax, Smoked Chicken, Smoked Duck and Smoked Dry Cured Bacon – with No artificial preservatives) are available at a range of outlets in Ireland, and also for direct sales from our smokehouse itself.”

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6 adventure companies that are changing the way we travel.

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The historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, set high in the Andes Mountains, is a bucket list ... [+] destination for many travelers.

The world is a big place, and there are oodles of countries to explore and wild experiences to relish. Many folks have saved up vacation days and squirreled away funds for a journey of a lifetime. The questions are: Where should you go and how should you start the planning process? The advantages of small group travel abound. You’ll meet new people from different places around the globe, logistics and safety protocols will be expertly considered, and a professional tour guide will lead the way so that all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride.

Whether you’re daring and love hiking, climbing, or horseback riding, or you’re a culture vulture interested in music, art, theater, and unique dining opportunities, these six adventure companies are changing the way we travel. With eco-friendliness and an emphasis on supporting local businesses and communities top of mind, you can be rest assured that each tourism changemaker is doing their part to make the world a better place. Travel with friends, family, or solo—just go!

Exodus Adventure Travels

Blue domed church along caldera edge in Oia, Santorini

Do yourself a favor and take a peek at Exodus Adventure Travels’ Instagram page, where you’ll see stunning photographs and videos of exciting destinations across the planet. From Albania to Zimbabwe, you can choose your own adventure and decide if you want to focus on hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, polar cruises, or cultural experiences. Founded in 1974, this purpose-driven Certified B Corp collaborator organizes small group tours to minimize the impact on the environment and local communities for each tour.

Where to Go: Explore Greece on a walking tour, where active travelers will not only learn about the archaeology, history, and culture of Santorini, Naxos, and Paros islands, but also, they’ll have the opportunity to revel in the theatrical panoramas, complete with sapphire seas contrasted by whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, intrepid travel.

Morocco has some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.

The mission and ethos of Intrepid Travel is to create positive change through the joy of travel. A Certified B Corp, this adventure company has been carbon-neutral since 2010. Utilizing local tour guides, you can expect to get an authentic flavor and perspective of what a different country is really like. Choose from 1,000 diverse adventures in over 100 destinations across the globe. Whether you love forests, swamps, mountains, or deserts—there’s a biome for you.

Where to Go: Top well-loved destinations include Vietnam, Morocco , India, Peru, Egypt, Sri Lanka , Cuba, Cambodia, Jordan, and Australia. No matter which tour you cherry-pick, you can expect to have the adventure of a lifetime where you’ll meet new friends of various ages and explore interesting and vibrant cultures and communities.

Wilderness Ireland

Verdant meadows, moss covered boulders, and an azure sea await travelers in Ireland.

If you’re someone who reads reviews to determine which company to book with, then look no further than Wilderness Ireland , a sustainable tourism maverick consistently ranked among the top small group travel companies. You can expect to visit less populated and more remote communities, which helps to support the local economies. Ireland is often a bucket list destination for many folks, especially those with a genetic link or a love of beautiful and verdant landscapes. Choosing a mindful company to explore the Emerald Isle is an important consideration for many vacationers.

Where to Go: For active adventurers who love to hike and explore wild places, explore Ireland’s West Coast —Connemara, Burren, and the Aran Islands. An outdoor lover’s dream destination, you’ll experience must-see locales like the Cliffs of Moher, Croagh Patrick, Burren National Park, and the Aran Islands on a seven-day romp in nature. Fully guided, you can leave the planning and logistics to the experts and simply soak in the magnificent landscapes and culture.

Active Riding Trips

Horseback ride past vineyards, olive groves, and small villages on your trip to Provence, France.

Instead of exploring a new destination via four wheels, why not give four hooves a try? If you’re someone who loves to move intentionally through nature or if the slow travel movement appeals to you, then joining an equestrian vacation will surely fit the bill. Designed for riders of all experience levels, Active Riding Trips delivers a huge bang for your buck. You’ll have an expert guide with you leading the way and answering all questions, and you can expect the food and lodging to be of a high standard. Pro tip: Be sure to check the website for special deals and extra savings on vacation packages. These trips are meant to provide a great value for each sightseer.

Where to Go: If horseback riding in France piques your interest, you’re in luck! Active Riding Trips has many week-long tours to choose from including France’s Week in Provence: Discovering the Luberon . This trip includes accommodations, most meals, horse and all tack, professional guiding services, and transfers. You can expect to develop a special bond with your assigned horse as you’ll be warmly connected each day, taking personal responsibility for brushing, saddling, and feeding duties. It’s a rewarding relationship to be sure.

Patagonia is full of craggy peaks and glacier-fed lakes, a hiker's paradise.

Unique in every way, Flash Pack’s distinguishing favorable aspect, its brilliant niche, is that trips are geared toward solo travelers between the ages of 30—49. You’ll meet likeminded wanderers, from diverse backgrounds, who all come together to explore a small pocket of the planet in an authentic way. Small group travel is the name of the game. Choose from wellness escapes to wildlife journeys to beach escapes to active adventures—no matter what, you’ll enjoy surprises and delights along the way.

Where to Go: Rugged and handsome, Argentina is a bucket list destination for energetic wanderers. Flash Pack’s Ultimate Argentina experience packs a lot in a 10-day itinerary. You’ll start in the “Paris of South America”—Buenos Aires, where you’ll try local food, explore a vibrant market, and travel through diverse neighborhoods via two wheels on a dynamic bike tour. Next, you’ll head to Patagonia, a hiker’s paradise, where you’ll go trekking, kayaking, and glacier walking. Imaginative dining experiences include cave dining in El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and Argentino Lake. Your adventure ends in Mendoza, a massive wine producing region where Malbec is King. What more could you ask for?

Adventures in Good Company

Hiking in Maine is a feast for the senses.

For a small group trip designed specifically for active women, Adventures in Good Company is the crème de la crème. Founded in 1999, over 1,000 wanderers are empowered each year to go on a hiking, backpacking, or sea kayaking jaunt that usurps all others. Tours are expertly planned and organized down to the finest details, focusing on getting women in the outdoors while inspiring meaningful friendships and connections along the way.

Where to Go: Challenge yourself on an Appalachian Trail hiking adventure in Maine , culminating with an adventurous climb to the top of Katahdin, the highest mountain in the state at 5,269 feet. The best part: each day you’ll return to a hot meal, shower, and comfy bed. You’ll meet new friends on this journey, women who will motivate and encourage you as you make your way across ruggedly picturesque landscapes. You will learn that you are stronger than you think and capable of doing hard things.

Wendy Altschuler

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What are you looking for?

10 best car rentals in ireland in 2024 [for all budgets].

Bradley Williams

Ireland is a beautiful country known for its traditional pubs, ancient castles, and lush landscapes, hence the nickname ‘Emerald Isle’.

If you don’t plan on hiring a motorhome in Ireland (like we did) then you’re best off getting a rental car.

This will still allow you plenty of flexibility when it comes to creating your own Ireland road trip itinerary ! 

But choosing which company to hire from can be a confusing task.

  • ‍ How much should you pay?
  • Where is best to collect from?
  • Is there a quick way to compare all the top firms?

Below, I will cover all of the above ... and more!

Helping to make your Ireland car rental as quick and straightforward as possible.

Let's get started ...

Travellerspoint

How to book your chosen rental

If you’re looking to hire a car in Ireland then you’re likely to feel very overwhelmed as there are lots of options! 

For the best experience, we recommend using Rentalcars which is the best car rental search firm in the country.

In fact, it can be found in 60,000 locations across the world so you know you’re in good hands.

Rentalcars Ireland Car Rental

But what do they do that saves so much time?

Well, Ireland is an incredibly popular road trip destination. And unfortunately, vehicles get booked up well in advance , particularly in the busier summer months.

Luckily, Rentalcars will be able to show you exactly what's still available from the biggest and best car rental companies in the country.

You can then filter your options by size, price, mileage, and fuel policy among others. 

Some other great reasons to do a quick search with Rentalcars include:

  • Millions of customers have booked with Rentalcars
  • Simple and affordable insurance cover
  • More than 15 years of experience
  • On-hand support team in case of issues

Where possible, I’ve provided links to Rentalcars below to help make your search that much easier! 

1. Hertz - Overall top pick for car rental in Ireland

  • Pick up/drop off location/s - Belfast, Derry, Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Knock, Shannon, Waterford City & Wexford.
  • Price range - $$-$$$
  • Best suited for -   Everyone! 
  • Availability - Check here

Hertz Cars for Rent in Ireland

The best option for your Ireland road trip has to be Hertz as it’s one of the top rental companies in the world. They operate in over 150 countries and offer budget-friendly, luxury, and electric car rentals. 

There are 14 pick-up locations across Northern Ireland and the Republic, and they have an awesome loyalty program. With Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, you can use points against free rental days and vehicle upgrades.

Hertz also tends to have a variety of great offers on their website throughout the year. Sometimes, you can save up to 35% off your rental car.

Vehicles on Offer:

Hertz has every kind of car you could imagine ranging from a small VW up to a Range Rover Sport. In total, there are over 20 options so there’s something to suit everybody! 

The cheaper options tend to be from the categories of Mini, Compact, and Economy, while the more luxurious vehicles fall under the Luxury, Special, and Elite brackets. 

There are both automatic and manual transmission cars available so you’ll want to check that before you book. 

2. Thrifty - Best for cheapest long-term car rentals in Ireland

  • Pick up/drop off location/s - Dublin, Cork & Shannon
  • Price range - $$
  • Best suited for -   Long-term travelers 

Thrifty Ireland Car Rentals

Home to over 100 locations nationwide and flexible rental policies, Thrifty is one of the best options for car rental in Ireland.

They have a convenient pick-up location at Dublin Airport and their prices are extremely reasonable. With other depots across Ireland, you can easily do a road trip and change your drop-off location if you wish. 

If you’re looking for a long-term rental in Ireland then Thrifty is the place to go! Depending on when you visit, you can get a vehicle for just £370 per month which is extremely cost-effective.

Thrifty has a huge fleet that includes cars, vans, 4x4s, and luxury vehicles so you’re guaranteed to find something to your liking!

They offer both automatic and manual transmission vehicles and these are split up into categories , typically regarding their size. The smaller cars fall under the ‘compact’ category, while there’s also a ‘full size’ category.

If you’d prefer something a bit more luxurious, then Thrifty also offers elite and luxury car rentals!

3. Europcar - Best for variety of pick-up and drop-off locations 

  • Pick up/drop off location/s - Dublin, Galway, Knock, Cork & others
  • Best suited for -   Everyone!

Europcar Cars for Rent in Ireland

With over 15 car rental locations throughout the country, Europcar is one of the best options for Ireland car hire!

Boasting an extensive range of vehicles, a secure booking process, and a loyalty program, this company has a lot to offer.

Their quotes also typically include VAT, Collision Damage Waiver, and limited/unlimited mileage, but this depends on the country (as their depots are located all across Europe) so you’ll have to check this in advance. 

However, just keep in mind that the rental prices tend to be much higher with Europcar. Although they’re a fantastic car rental company, they’re not the best option for those on a budget.

Europcar has so much to offer in terms of car hire including cars, vans, and prestige vehicles. Before you search, you’ll just need to tick the preferred category to ensure you’re shown suitable options.

Whether you’re looking for a Volkswagen Polo or a BMW series 5 , there’s something for everyone. What you choose will all depend on your budget.

There are both automatic and manual transmission vehicles too so you can pick up something you’re used to!

4. Budget - Best for cheap hire cars in Ireland

  • Pick up/drop off location/s - Dublin, Galway, Belfast, Cork & others
  • Price range - $-$$
  • Best suited for -   Budget travelers 

Budget Car Rental Ireland

If you’re looking for the cheapest car rental in Ireland then you’ll want to check out Budget .

Not only are their prices extremely cost-effective but they offer a great rental package. This includes insurance, 24-hour breakdown assistance, and unlimited mileage! 

With a variety of locations up and down the country, you’ll have no problems creating the ultimate road trip and you can drop off your vehicle elsewhere if needed. 

Not only that, but every rental at Budget comes with a free map of Ireland so you’ve got an idea of where to visit. 

Budget has an extensive range of hire vehicles including compact cars, luxury SUVs, and spacious vans.

All the vehicles are split up into categories and this is to ensure your search process is as easy as possible. The smallest vehicles like the Kia Picanto are under the ‘Mini 2 Door’ while the Skoda Octavia is a ‘Full Size 4 Door’.

Better yet, Budget also offers hybrid and electric vehicles so you won’t be short of options!

5. Dollar - Best for car rental loyalty program

  • Pick up/drop off location/s - Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Shannon, Knock & Limerick

Dollar Car Rentals Ireland

When it comes to renting cars in Ireland there are so many choices that it can often feel overwhelming. 

Dollar offers a wide range of vehicles , several depot locations, and some great deals, making them a fantastic option.

One of the best things about renting a car with Dollar is that you can use their Dollar Express Rewards System. Through this, you can earn free days, have a free additional driver, and have Priority Counter Service.

It’s also free to open this program so what are you waiting for?

Like many of the other Ireland car rentals, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to vehicles. There are small vehicles (like a Citroen C1) or you’ve got the option of an SUV (like a Renault Scenic).

They’re all high-quality vehicles and each one is smoke-free so you don’t need to worry about that. Every year, Dollar adds more vehicles to its fleet as well so the options are constantly changing. 

With both automatic and manual transmission vehicles, there’s no reason not to rent with Dollar!

6. Carhire - Best for family-friendly vehicles 

  • Pick up/drop off location/s - Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kerry & others
  • Best suited for -   Families and groups 

Carhire Ireland Cars for Hire

Next up we have Carhire which is known for its fantastic value rentals, excellent customer service, and extensive fleet. 

With over 30 years of rental experience in Ireland, this company knows how to make your experience stress-free with local experts and a value promise.

Included with your rental, you’ll have a Collision Damage and Theft Waiver, road tax, and unlimited mileage (unless your vehicle states otherwise).

Carhire also has a separate category for family vehicles which seat up to 7 people so you’re covered if you’re bringing the whole crew with you! 

Whether you’re looking for an automatic car rental in Ireland or a manual, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Carhire.

They have a huge range of vehicles to choose from including small cars, family vehicles, and luxury options. Whether you’re looking for a small Ford Fiesta or a Nissan Qashqai that seats 7, you’re sure to find something to your liking. 

With Carhire, you can also rent both small and large vans including a Ford Transit.

7. Payless - Also great for cheap car rentals in Ireland

  • Pick up/drop off location/s - Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Kerry & Galway

Payless Car Rental Ireland

When it comes to cheap Ireland car rentals there are a few choices but Payless is one of the best options along with Budget! 

On their website , they often have a variety of offers including ‘deals of the hour’, ‘early bird savings’, and ‘last minute deals’. With these, you can sometimes rent a car for as little as $23 per day!

Not only that, but your rental package includes unlimited mileage, VAT, third-party cover, theft protection, and Collision Damage Waiver. 

Offering the cheapest rental rates in the country, a fantastic rental package, and an extensive vehicle range, Payless is honestly one of the best car hire options in Ireland.

Their cars are split up into a variety of categories so you can immediately find what you’re looking for. This includes ‘Mini’, ‘premium’, and ‘Luxury full size’.

Seating between 4-7 people, there’s an option for everyone no matter whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends. 

Payless also offers hybrid vehicles if that’s something you’re interested in!

8. UFO Drive - Best for electric vehicle rentals in Ireland

  • Pick up/drop off location/s - Dublin
  • Best suited for -   Those prioritizing eco-friendly rentals 

UFO Drive Ireland Cars for Hire

If you’re after 24/7 electric car hire in Ireland then I recommend checking out UFO Drive ! 

For starters, you can book a rental car right from your smartphone which is extremely helpful. Not only that but there’s a self-service experience and 24/7 pick-up and drop-off.

Even better, all-electric vehicle charging is included with the rental and you’ll have access to the app and car navigation system which will show you all the charging point options.

There are 11 different electric vehicles to hire with UFO Drive and they’re not all Teslas which is always handy. Usually, that’s what you tend to find with other companies offering EV vehicles. 

There are five Teslas, two Volkswagens, two Hyundais, a Polestar 2, and a CUPRA Born . Some of these vehicles include cruise control and autopilot but you’ll want to check beforehand. 

Another great thing about using UFO Drive is that they’re continuously adding new electric car models to their fleet as soon as they hit the market!

9. NewWay - Best for all-inclusive car rental in Ireland

  • Pick up/drop off location/s - Dublin Airport

NewWay Car Hire Ireland

When it comes to all-inclusive car rentals, you’ve got a few options throughout Ireland. However, NewWay is a great choice as it includes cross-border insurance so you can travel into Northern Ireland.

For reference, the Republic of Ireland is in the EU while Northern Ireland is still part of the United Kingdom! 

Each rental also includes airport terminal pickup, unlimited mileage, fully comp insurance coverage, and 24-hour breakdown service.

Boasting no hidden fees, no deposit, and the latest car models, you’re in for a great experience with this Irish car rental company.

From people carriers to compact vehicles, you’ll have plenty of options with NewWay. Their vehicles seat 4-7 people and range from economical to luxury.

They have both automatic and manual transmission vehicles and they’re split up into categories so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. Whether you’d prefer a small Kia Picanto or a luxurious Audi A5, you’re in luck.

NewWay also offers electric vehicle hire where you’ll be able to drive a tesla if you wish!

10. GoCar - Best for peer-to-peer car rentals in Ireland

  • Pick up/drop off location/s - Dublin, Shannon, Galway, Cork & others
  • Best suited for -   Short-term rentals 

GoCar Ireland Cars for Hire

Last but certainly not least there’s GoCar which offers a unique type of car hire compared to other companies in this guide.

It’s the country’s No.1 car-sharing platform , so essentially works the same as Airbnb but for vehicles. When it comes to rates, you either pay by the hour or per day. 

It’s run by Europcar and is a great option for those who are only going to need a car for a day or a few hours. So for example, if you’re planning a short day trip out of Dublin then GoCar may be the best choice! 

There are nine types of rental available with GoCar including GoCity, GoTripper, GoExplore, and GoUndercover. The price will differ depending on which option you choose so just keep that in mind.

Whether you’re after a Nissan Micra, Renault Clio, or a Hyundai Kona, there’s something for everyone! GoCar also offers electric vehicles including Renault Zoe, Hyundai Kona Electric, and a Nissan Leaf.

Ireland Car Rental Common FAQ

How much is it to hire a car in ireland.

The price of car hire in Ireland will largely depend on when you’re visiting, which company you go for, and the size of the vehicle.

Generally, you can expect to pay between $40-$85 per day for a small vehicle and between $90-$150 for a larger car. 

How old do you need to be to hire a car in Ireland?

Rental requirements are pretty strict in Ireland so the youngest age you can hire a car is 21. Even so, you’ll find many rental companies won’t hire to you if you’re under the age of 25.

Just make sure you check all the terms and conditions before you book, as you want to try and avoid young driver surcharge fees if you can! 

Is it worth hiring a car in Ireland?

Absolutely! Honestly, hiring a car is 100% the best way to explore the country!  

Although there’s efficient public transport throughout Ireland, there’s just nothing like creating your personal road trip itinerary.

If you’ve got your own vehicle you’ll also have more flexibility and you’ll be able to fit in a lot more when it comes to sightseeing. 

Is it cheaper to rent a car directly at the airport?

Typically, you’ll find that hiring a car directly at the airport is more expensive than if you were to hire one elsewhere . This is because companies like to raise prices for unsuspecting tourists once they’ve got off the plane!

If you can, try and book your rental in advance and arrange another pick-up location within Dublin or elsewhere depending on where you’re hiring from.

Other top tips for planning your Ireland road trip

Now you’ve got an idea of rental cars in Ireland, it's time to start planning your epic road trip!

Honestly, where to begin? This incredible country is home to endless cities, natural wonders, and quirky attractions , so it can feel quite overwhelming when you’re trying to decide.

First of all, there are plenty of awesome things to do in Ireland so allow at least two weeks for your trip if you can! This way, you’ll have enough time to explore Northern Ireland and the Republic.

There are plenty of awesome road trip opportunities in the country including the Causeway Coastal Route and the Atlantic Drive, but the best by far has to be the Wild Atlantic Way ! 

The latter will take you through nine different counties; Donegal , Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo , Galway, Clare , Limerick, Kerry , and Cork .

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland here are some other guides you may find helpful: 

  • The Best Places To Visit In Ireland
  • The Best Wild Camping Spots In Ireland
  • What To Pack For Ireland

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