Top Ireland Pack Animal Tours in 2026

Explore Killarney National Park the traditional way, by horse and carriage, which is known locally as a “Killarney jaunting car.” You’ll ride in the carriage with woollen blankets to keep you warm on cooler days, and enjoy a scenic route around the Muckross Park Estate to the historic Muckross Abbey. Even better: The experience is private, so you’ll ride with just your personal group.

Trade the big city for a day in nature on this full-day, small-group tour from Dublin. Your destination is the wild and beautiful Wicklow Mountains National Park, where you get up close and personal with the scenery when you embark on a horseback riding tour of the area. Following lunch in the quaint village of Enniskerry (own expense), see more of the area’s highlights and make your way to Glendalough: site of a 6th-century monastery.

The ride starts at Carrowholly Stables and heads out through the countryside before dropping down onto the open strands of Clew Bay. This is the western edge of County Mayo, where the bay is dotted with islands and Croagh Patrick stands behind you the whole way, the pilgrim mountain that thousands climb barefoot every July. Keep an eye on the water as you ride the shoreline. Seals haul out on Seal Rock most days, and you'll pass Dorinish Island, the small island John Lennon bought in the 1960s and once planned to live on. Beginners are welcome, and most of the people on any given ride have little or no experience. Your guide is local and qualified, and gives full instruction before you set off, so you're comfortable in the saddle before you reach the beach. Riders who can rise to the trot will get more out of the coastal stretch. Confident riders can canter across the open strand. It's a two-hour ride. The pace is yours to set within your group's ability.

Enjoy a more immersive way to learn about Irish whiskey, and guarantee your admission in advance, on a guided tour of Jameson Distillery Bow St. in Dublin. Learn the history of the iconic Irish brand as you explore the distillery and listen to commentary from your guide. Discover the secrets behind the complex distillation process—and then cap off your experience by tasting whiskey in the elegant distillery bar.

Save your precious vacation (and drinking) time with his tour that includes skip-the-line admission to Dublin's Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. Listen as your guide explains the ingredients used and learn of the complex brewing and distilling processes then enjoy tastings of two of Ireland's most-loved drinks.

Delve into the rugged wilderness of Connemara, an Irish county thronged with historic monuments and natural splendor, on a full-day tour from Galway City. Gaze at the tranquil surfaces of Lough Carrib and Loch NaFooey and discover the elaborate walled gardens of Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy a pleasant balance of guided tours and independent exploration during this enriching excursion.

Avoid the crowds and explore Irish history in peace on this Book of Kells and Dublin Castle exterior tour. Visit the Trinity College Library, home to the famous Book of Kells—widely considered among the most important of all Ireland’s ancient treasures. Listen as your guide brings medieval Ireland to life, shedding light on the Book of Kells’ profound historical significance. Afterward, enjoy a guided walking tour around Dublin Castle’s mighty exterior. Visit the gardens and yards, and learn of the castle’s role as court, fortress, treasury, and jail.

Leave Dublin behind on a full-day journey to Ireland’s rugged west coast—no need to tackle the roads or plan a route yourself. Travel comfortably onboard an air-conditioned vehicle as you learn about Irish history and culture. Enjoy a visit to the Cliffs of Moher with time to explore the clifftop paths and visitor facilities at your own pace, then continue along part of the Wild Atlantic Way with a weather-permitting stop in the Burren to admire its distinctive limestone landscape. In Galway City, choose between a guided walk or free time to experience the city’s lively atmosphere.

Learn the history and stories behind traditional Irish music in a fun and informative way during this Dublin Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl, led by two professional musicians. Your guides, who are with you the entire tour, perform songs and instrumental Irish Jigs and Reels. This Dublin experience is more like a moving concert, than a drinking pub crawl. Along with a lot of audience participation, you’ll enjoy an interactive evening of Irish music.

Marvel at the natural majesty of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Cliffs of Moher on a full-day trip from Galway. Travel south by luxury coach and pass through quaint fishing villages such as Doolin and Kinvara. Admire the ancient fortress of Dunguaire Castle; get acquainted with the Burren, a limestone landscape reminiscent of the moon; and spend two hours of free time walking the trails surrounding the colossal Cliffs of Moher.

Discover the best of Cork and Tipperary, without the hassle of driving, on this day tour from Dublin. Visit the area's highlights, including the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle and Gardens, with your guide, and enjoy free time to explore Cork at leisure. and follow in time-honored tradition by kissing the Blarney Stone. Top off the trip with tax-free shopping in the Blarney Woolen Mills before returning to Dublin.

Explore Ireland's natural beauty on this tour, visiting Inisheer and the Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy free time on Inisheer Island, take a boat ride beneath the Cliffs of Moher, and visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. See stunning landscapes, including The Burren and Dunguaire Castle, all in one unforgettable day.

Explore Northern Ireland's biggest draws—Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, and Dunluce Castle—in just one day on this convenient, time-saving tour from Dublin. Instead of having to hire a car, travel via traditional black cab to explore Belfast's streets, including the Falls and Shankill neighborhoods. Then, board a coach and leave the city behind to experience one of Ireland's great geological marvels, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Giant’s Causeway, as well as Dunluce Castle, a filming location for "Game of Thrones."

Travel through mystical Celtic Ireland on this full-day guided bus tour from Dublin. Journey back in time to Boyne Valley, home of Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara, the megalithic passage tombs of Loughcrew, and Fore Abbey. Uncover the history of Celtic heritage and Ireland's storied past on this tour that is ideal for history buffs.

Discover some of Northern Ireland's most stunning attractions, and sites made famous by the *Game of Thrones* TV show, on this full-day tour from Dublin. Travel to the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway, and learn about its unique landscape; explore the Titanic Belfast, and make stops at Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges.