Historical Tours & Trips in Ireland
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10 best Historical Ireland tour packages
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- 5-Day Spectacular South and West small group Tour of Ireland
- The Irish Pub Tour - 9 Days/8 Nights
- 5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin
- Great Tour of Ireland
- South West Ireland Uncovered (Hotel) - 5 days
- Irish Adventure - 8 Days/7 Nights (12 destinations)
- Irish Spirit - 9 Days/8 Nights
- Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights
- Irish Gold - 8 Days/7 Nights
- Irish Highlights (Winter, 7 Days)
5-Day Spectacular South and West small group Tour of Ireland
110 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well thought out with some built in flexibility. The accommodations that stayed in were very comfortable with delicious breakfasts.”
Janette, traveled in September
The 1000-year-old Rock of Cashel, ancient Blarney Castle, and medieval Galway showcase Ireland's heritage. Maritime history lives in Kinsale's traditional fishing village, while the Spanish Arch and Claddagh's cultural significance shine with expert local guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Kinsale, Kenmare, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Slea Head, Cliffs of MoherSee all destinations Age Range 8 to 106 year olds Operator Overland Ireland - Small Group Tours From
- US$1,569
The Irish Pub Tour - 9 Days/8 Nights
45 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The views of the countryside during the drives to our destinations, were as entertaining as the locations we were visiting.”
John, traveled in April
Step into Ireland's oldest pub, Sean's Bar (900 AD), and the historic Marine Bar in Dungarvan. Walk Kilkenny's Medieval Mile, visit Blarney Castle, and learn about Viking history on Lough Ree. Premium accommodations at The Croke Park feature traditional music sessions.
Duration 9 days Destinations Dublin, Kilkenny, Blarney, Killarney, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway Age Range 9 to 99 year olds Operator CIE Tours From
- US$2,445
5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin
170 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well designed and comprehensive!”
Dan, traveled in June
Ireland's rich heritage comes alive at Clonmacnoise Abbey, Kilbeggan Distillery, and Blarney Castle. Ancient ring forts near Portmagee, Daniel O'Connell's Derrynane House, and traditional music in historic pubs across Galway and Killarney await.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Kilbeggan, Clonmacnoise, Galway, Burren, Kilfenora, Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch, Killarney, DingleSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Rabbie’s Small Group Tours From
- US$1,163
Ireland's rich history unfolds at Trinity College, medieval Rock of Cashel, and Clonmacnoise's Celtic ruins. The majestic 18th-century Powerscourt Gardens, traditional Bunratty Folk Park, and historic Charles Fort showcase local heritage through expert guidance.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Kilkenny, Cashel, Cork, Kinsale, Killarney, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Clonmacnoise Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
- US$1,435
South West Ireland Uncovered (Hotel) - 5 days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything about the trip was fantastic!”
Margaret, traveled in November
Ancient stones speak at Clonmacnoise Abbey's round towers, Kilfenora's cathedral, and Derrynane House's O'Connell legacy. Prehistoric dwellings at Slea Head and Blarney Castle's historic grounds captivate visitors. Expert guides earn 4.8/5 ratings.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Kilfenora, Killarney, Dingle, Waterville, Derrynane, Blarney, Kilkenny Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $1,955
20% Off- US$1,564You save $391
The 6th-century monastery at Glendalough and Waterford's medieval streets reveal Ireland's past. Cobh's Titanic connection, Derry's 17th-century walls, and Dunbrody Famine Ship bring Irish emigration stories to life.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, Waterford, Cobh, Blarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Sneem, Cliffs of Moher, GalwaySee all destinations Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator CIE Tours Irish Spirit - 9 Days/8 Nights
82 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was nice to not have to drive, as traffic was daunting.”
Jane, traveled in March
Discover Ireland's past at Glendalough's 6th-century monastery, Gothic Revival Johnstown Castle, and ancient Clonmacnoise ruins. Tour includes visits to EPIC Emigration Museum and traditional farm experiences, earning consistently high ratings for historical content.
Duration 9 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, Waterford, Blarney, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Kilronan, Slane Age Range 9 to 99 year olds Operator CIE Tours From
20% Off- US$2,445
Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights
82 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved all the stops and organization.”
April, traveled in March
Discover Ireland's rich heritage at 6th-century Glendalough monastery and Clonmacnoise ruins. Tour Gothic Revival Johnstown Castle and Victorian Kylemore Abbey. Learn emigration history at EPIC Museum, rated 4.5/5 for historical authenticity.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, Waterford, Blarney, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Kilronan, Slane Age Range 9 to 90 year olds Operator CIE Tours From
20% Off- US$2,195
Irish Gold - 8 Days/7 Nights
137 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was extremely well organized.”
James, traveled in September
Explore Ireland's rich past through visits to 900 AD Sean's Bar, medieval Kilkenny Castle, and ancient Waterford city. Tour the restored Butler family residence, discover traditional crystal-making at House of Waterford Crystal, and explore historic Kylemore Abbey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Connemara National Park, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, Blarney, Dungarvan, WaterfordSee all destinations Age Range 8 to 90 year olds Operator CIE Tours From
20% Off- US$2,595
Irish Highlights (Winter, 7 Days)
72 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Jill and Dave were excellent!”
Amelia, traveled in January
Centuries-old castles and monuments tell Ireland's story. King John's Castle in Limerick, historic Bunratty Castle, and Blarney Castle's famous stone stand proud. The Dunbrody Famine Ship and JFK memorial in New Ross come alive with expert guides.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Bunratty, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Blarney, Youghal, Waterford, New RossSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From $2,395
12% Off- US$2,108You save $287
What people love about Historical Tours in Ireland
- 5-Day Spectacular South and West small group Tour of Ireland
We had an amazing experience with Overland Ireland! There were four of us on our tour of southern and western Ireland. Our guide Reinier was amazing and he had a lot of knowledge on the history of each city we visited. The transportation was in a very spacious and comfortable van complete with phone chargers and an aux cord! Accommodations were wonderful B&B's in each town including a stay on a boat! We feel that this tour showed our group some of the best sights in southern Ireland. We were able to hit the 'main' tourist spots, such as the Blarney castle, as well as stay in smaller fishing towns. Going in and out of Dublin we were able to get the big city feel as well as a good sense of the Irish country side. I highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to see some of the best Ireland has to offer, especially if this is your first time there! The itinerary we had was geared to travelers who had never been to Ireland before (which was perfect!).
- The Irish Pub Tour - 9 Days/8 Nights
Great tour, so much to see across Ireland. Driver/guide John Dalton was excellent- extremely knowledgeable, caring for special needs and requests and super sense of humor. Very pleased with our holiday!
- 5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin
"There was a tour guide named John, whose stories could go on and on. He entertained us in song and rhyme and was unfailingly on time. All his passengers agreed, we'd miss him when he was gone." That sums up our experience on our trip to the southwest. The itinerary was excellent, although the fog obscured much of it. The hotel rooms were great as was the breakfasts. The bus was top-rate complete with plug-ins for phones, etc. This was a very good deal for the money
What our customers ask about Historical Tours & Trips in Ireland
What are the must-see historical sites on an Ireland Historical tour?
The essential stops on Ireland's historical circuit range from medieval strongholds to ancient religious sites. Kilkenny Castle stands as a testament to Norman influence since 1195. The 15th-century Blarney Castle remains a popular stop where visitors can test their luck at the Blarney Stone. At Clonmacnoise founded in 545 AD Celtic crosses dot the landscape alongside distinctive round towers. The House of Waterford Crystal continues centuries of craftmanship while Dublin Castle anchors over 800 years of Irish heritage. A TourRadar traveler noted "The historical sites were incredible - our guide brought each castle and monastery to life with fascinating stories about Ireland's past."
When is the best time to take a Historical tour in Ireland?
The prime window for exploring Ireland's historical treasures falls between April and September. Summer months of June and July provide up to 18 hours of daylight ideal for examining architectural details at sites like Dublin Castle. September brings temperatures around 60°F (16°C) along with smaller crowds at major sites including Blarney Castle. The historic Ashling Hotel in Dublin serves as a comfortable base for city exploration. According to one TourRadar traveler: "Visiting in September was perfect - we had clear skies for photography at the castles and comfortable temperatures for walking through historic towns."
Which historical accommodations can I expect on an Ireland Historical tour?
Accommodations on historical tours blend period charm with modern comfort. The 4-star Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin lets guests sleep within medieval walls while enjoying contemporary amenities. Westport's Knockranny House Hotel maintains its Victorian grandeur. The Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny provides easy access to the city's Medieval Mile. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Staying at Clontarf Castle was a highlight - sleeping in a real Irish castle while learning about its 800-year history made the experience unforgettable."
Which regions of Ireland offer the best Historical experiences?
Historical sites span the breadth of Ireland's landscape. Dublin's historic quarter showcases Georgian architecture and the 800-year-old Dublin Castle. The Ancient East contains medieval Kilkenny and Viking-established Waterford. Western Ireland holds prehistoric treasures like Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands dating to 1100 BC. Along the Wild Atlantic Way Kylemore Abbey and ancient monasteries tell their tales. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Each region had its own historical character - from Dublin's colonial heritage to the ancient stone forts of the west coast."
What historical periods do Ireland Historical tours typically cover?
Tours traverse through time from ancient Celtic settlements to 19th-century famine history. Stops include Viking-influenced Waterford Ireland's oldest city Norman-built King John's Castle in Limerick and the Waterford Crystal factory. Many tours include nights at historic properties such as the 1783-built Faithlegg House Hotel. One TourRadar traveler reported: "From ancient stone circles to Georgian Dublin the tour gave us an incredible overview of Ireland's rich history spanning thousands of years."
What historical aspects of Irish culture are covered?
Tours delve into the cultural fabric of Ireland examining Celtic traditions early Christian heritage medieval clan systems and the Great Famine's impact. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin and traditional Kerry farms provide windows into social history. Historic properties like Cahernane House Hotel offer authentic Irish hospitality experiences. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The blend of ancient sites folk traditions and living history made Ireland's past come alive."
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