Ireland Tours & Packages

Ireland Tours by Region

Since its inception, Ireland has been made up of four distinct provinces, with each differing in culture, tradition, population, and identity. Here’s our list of noteworthy places in each of the four regions that you will want to consider visiting when you start looking at itineraries of the area. Once you know where you want to go, we’ll help you plan your perfect Ireland tour and navigate all the travel details.

Connacht Tours: Tour Galway, Sligo Bay, Ballina & Westport

The province of Connacht is located in the western area of Ireland. When looking to visit Connacht, plan to see the cities of Galway, Sligo, Ballina, and Westport. On a Connacht tour, you’ll most certainly visit Galway to see its beautiful stone Cathedral, Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch, and Eyre Square. You’ll also want to spend some time in Sligo Bay to explore the scenic town, discover why Westport justifiably earns its title as Ireland’s most liveable town, and cozy up in one of Ballina's traditional pubs, museums, or local restaurants. You might also want to add the famous Kylemore Abbey, founded by Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.

Leinster Trips: Tour Guinness & Trinity College in Dublin & the Countryside of Kildare and Kilkenny

The province of Leinster is situated in the eastern/southeastern area of Ireland and has the most counties of any province, even for its smaller size. If you’re planning to visit Leinster, know that you’ll hit some of the more popular counties in Ireland. This smaller province is home to Dublin, Kildare, and Kilkenny. Dublin receives the most overseas tourists of any county in Ireland, primarily due to the city's status as Ireland's largest city. If you’re looking to go on a tour of Dublin, you should add to your list The Guinness Storehouse at St. James's Gate, the Book of Kells at Trinity College, and St Patrick's Cathedral. Be sure to tap into Dublin’s effervescent spirit and head to Grafton Street, where there’s a colorful pub on every corner. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny, home of the world's fastest field game, to try your hand at the ancient Celtic sport of Hurling! If you’d like, try to stop in Kildare, the birthplace of Arthur Guinness, a politician and brewer and the founder of Guinness. 

Munster Trips: Tour Cork, Ring of Kerry, Killarney & Visit Waterford and the Cliffs of Moher

To the south, the province of Munster also includes some pretty famous names. On Munster tours, you should expect to see the cities of Cork, Kerry, Killarney, and Waterford and visit the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula. Most travelers visit Munster to get a deeper understanding of traditional Irish life. On a tour of Cork, you’ll want to see the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House. Of course, if you’re in Ireland and already in the area, you’ll probably want to pucker up at Blarney Castle and kiss the famous stone upside down to gain the “gift of the gab.” Explore the magnificent Ring of Kerry, where mountains, valleys, lakes, and sea blend into a breathtaking landscape beyond words. Journey past lush Lakelands and around towering cliffs to appreciate the sweeping sea views of the Dingle Peninsula. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies' View. Head north to take in the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher and breathtaking views of the Clare Coast.

Ulster Excursions and Northern Ireland Tours: Tour Belfast, Londonderry & See Giant's Causeway

Ulster tours in Northern Ireland will visit Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Londonderry, Omagh, Belleek, the Ulster American Folk Park, and the island of Enniskillen. Visitors tour Belfast to learn about the tumultuous history of the city, its progress, and its current prosperity. You’ll want to make sure to take the time to see the murals across the city indicating the political sentiments of residents. You’ll also want to set aside time to discover the full story of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction and see the Titanic monument in Belfast. When you visit Ulster on a Northern Ireland tour, one of the main sites to add to your itinerary is the iconic natural landmark known as the Giant's Causeway. It was here that Finn McCool was said to have forged his path to Scotland millions of years ago, and you’ll want plenty of time to walk in his giant footsteps and learn all about this extraordinary wonder. In Londonderry, ensure you see the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street. On a visit to Omagh, explore and discover the story of three centuries of Irish emigration at the Ulster American Folk Park. See traditional craftsmen at the Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre, one of the oldest working potteries in the world.

Can't decide which cities and places you want to visit in our Ireland tours? Make it simple by starting with the Best of Ireland tour to help narrow your search.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ireland Tours

When is the best time to tour Ireland?

March through May and September through November are great times of the year to tour Ireland. If you plan a visit during these times, you will experience fewer crowds and decent weather.

What part of Ireland should I travel to?

We suggest Dublin as the top place to prioritize in Ireland. However, if you want a deeper understanding of the country’s culture, you should try to pay a visit to each of the four provinces.

How many days should I spend in Ireland?

Seven to ten days is plenty. This will give you more than enough time to cover most of your Ireland sightseeing. Once you have explored Dublin, check out our other tours for more deals!

What should I pack for my trip?

Packing depends on the season and destination, but general travel essentials include comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, a power adapter, weather-appropriate attire, and attire appropriate for visiting religious sites, which can also double as a nice outfit for a night out!. For more tips, visit our guide on What to Pack for a Guided Tour.

What should I wear when visiting religious or cultural sites?

Certain sites have dress codes, such as covering shoulders and knees. For a detailed guide, check What to Wear When Visiting Religious Sites.

Do I need a visa to travel to this destination?

All U.S. passport holders are required to have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter or transit through the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Apply for Your 2025 UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): VISIT www.gov.uk. Visa requirements vary by country and nationality. U.S. travelers can check the latest visa and entry regulations with our easy-to-use Visa and Passport Requirements Tool.

Should I exchange money before I go?

Most destinations accept major credit cards, but having some local currency can be helpful for small purchases. Learn more about exchanging money in our Guide to Currency Exchange and Payments While Traveling.

How much should I tip in this country?

Tipping customs vary by destination. To avoid confusion, check our comprehensive Tipping Guide for International Travel.

What are some important cultural customs to be aware of?

Understanding local etiquette can enhance your experience. Read our Guide to Cultural Customs and Etiquette Abroad.

Is travel insurance necessary?

Travel insurance provides peace of mind for unexpected situations like trip cancellations or medical emergencies. Learn why it’s recommended in our Travel Insurance Guide.

How do I stay connected while traveling?

Many destinations offer Wi-Fi, but you may need a local SIM card or an international phone plan. For more details, visit our guide on How to Stay Connected While Traveling.

Are there any safety tips I should follow?

Staying aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure is always wise. Read our Essential Safety Tips for Travelers.

How many months in advance should I plan a trip to Ireland?

We recommend you plan your Ireland trip between 3 -10 months before you want to travel. Airlines don’t publish fares much further out than 10-11 months. Off-peak (April–May, October–November), you can book for better deals 3–6 months in advance. Luckily, we take care of all of that for you! If travelers want to go for a special anniversary or event, they’ll call us years ahead of time to book so they know they are set and we're handling the details for them. While we love a great last-minute getaway, always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after you plan to return to the States. Keep current with country entry restrictions, and ensure you have any visas you’ll need to travel. Planning earlier allows you plenty of time to renew your passport or apply for a visa if required.

Why Should You Tour Ireland?

Marked by sheer cliffs, high seas, and hearty beverages, Ireland is spellbinding. Discover the country’s endless treasures, from ancient castles and Celtic art to evocative music and delightful locals. Our tours to Ireland take you to the heart of the action to experience the highlights you’ve been dreaming of. Dublin offers many chances to embrace Irish culture, admire the 9th-century Book of Kells, then rub elbows with the locals over a frothy pint of Guinness. Killarney and the Ring of Kerry create one of the world’s most scenic drives. And in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher plunge 700 feet to the Atlantic. Our collection of tours to Ireland offers incredible experiences you’ll never forget. Whether you want to stay in a castle or explore country roads, you’ll find the perfect Ireland vacation tailored to your interests. Whichever vacation you decide on, you’ll enjoy expert guides, enriching cultural experiences, and special access to legendary sites. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions about Guided Vacations to learn more.