Top Ireland Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

For those arriving at Killybegs Harbour by cruise ship, it can be tough to know how to make the most of your time in County Donegal. Travel along the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in cliff-laden landscapes and dramatic seascapes on this small group full-day shore excursion tour that includes an exploration of Ireland’s ancient ruins, and free time to explore the town of Donegal.

Cork is widely considered among Ireland’s must-see cities, but pounding the pavements to explore on foot takes time and effort. With this 24-hour ticket, spin through Cork by sightseeing bus and take in top attractions such as Cork City Gaol, the English Market, Shandon Bells, and University College Cork with ease. Hop on and off at your leisure, and learn of Cork’s colorful history through informative audio commentary.

This is the only day trip from Cork that combines all of the most popular sights in one day: Blarney Castle, Kinsale, Charles Fort and Cobh (Titanic's last port of call).

Step back to medieval and Victorian times with a full-day admission ticket to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park near Shannon Town. Explore the 15th-century castle to see its rich furnishings, chambers and artworks, and wander through the folk park, a recreation of a 19th-century Irish village brought to life with costumed animators. See the replica cottages, shops, farmhouses, and Bunratty Walled Garden, and learn about traditional village life over a century ago.

Discover the coastline in Dublin during this sunset cruise, departing from Howth Harbour. Climb aboard a boat from the West Pier in Howth and set out on a scenic cruise with views of Dublin Bay. Watch sunset from the deck of the boat and keep an eye out for local wildlife such as seals. Learn about local history from the crew during the cruise.

Explore the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Ireland's Eye on this scenic cruise that combines wildlife watching with an island landing. While many trips to Dublin focus on its cosmopolitan city attractions, this boat tour from Howth Harbor offers a slower pace and a fresh perspective. Cruise past rugged cliffs, sea caves, and hidden beaches, close to seabird colonies and marine wildlife, including puffins, seals, gannets, and guillemots.

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.

Many Cork travelers visit the Blarney Stone on a day trip, but they might miss out on its history and skip other things to do nearby. This guided tour covers it all, giving you the lowdown on the stone and its “gift of the gab” powers to those who kiss it, a visit to Blarney village, and entry to the 15th-century Blarney Castle and Gardens, too.

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way without the hassle of organizing logistics or renting a car, thanks to this full-day tour. Venture out from Galway onboard a coach, and admire the scenery as you travel through the limestone landscape of the Burren to the village of Doolin. There, take the express ferry to Inisheer, the smallest and most traditional of the Aran Islands. Discover a 10th-century castle ruin, a sunken church, a shipwreck, and a peaceful beach, with the option to explore on foot, by bike, or pony and trap (own expense). Afterward, the ferry continues beneath the towering Cliffs of Moher for a unique vantage point from on the water, before returning to Doolin. Choose whether to tuck into a traditional Irish pub meal (own expense), before heading the top of the cliffs to catch sweeping Atlantic views.

Do as the tourists of bygone years did, and explore Killarney by horse and carriage. The equivalent to a modern taxi, the jaunting car was popular in Ireland through the 19th and early 20th centuries. On this tour, you’ll learn about the area’s history, hearing tales of the Gaelic chieftains as you ride around Killarney National Park. Ross Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, and Killarney House Gadens are a few of the landmarks on the route.

Take a ramble through the charming streets and alleyways of the heritage town of Westport, one of the few planned towns in Ireland. Laid out in Georgian style with tree lined promenades, this picturesque town is bursting with character. Colourful shop fronts house local artisan foods, quality restaurants and lively pubs. In the company of a local guide, immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of this beautiful town with plenty of tall tales and laughs along the way. Leave with new friends and lifelong memories of one of Ireland’s most beloved towns. Language Options: Tours are conducted in English, with French-speaking guided tours available upon advance request for all experiences, subject to guide availability.

Learn about Waterford City’s history, heritage, and archaeology during this small-group walking tour. Explore the city on foot to see top landmarks including the House of Waterford Crystal, Reginald’s Tower, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Clock Tower. Hear stories about Waterford’s Viking history and wander through the 10th-century Viking quarter. Maximize time in Waterford City with a guided stroll.

Hear the legend of the Lynch family as you make your way through Galway, and decide what you think is really behind the murder the family is linked to. Wander around the city’s backstreets, hearing stories from your guide. Learn about the city, too, and let your guide recommend restaurants and pubs for you to try after your tour finishes. You might make new friends on this small-group tour, too.

Discover top Connemara attractions without having to drive through the distracting landscape on a handy day trip from Galway. Your guide sheds light on the region’s rich heritage and spectacular natural scenery along the way. Admire views over the Twelve Pins mountains and enjoy free time in Leenane Village. Check out Killary Fjord and Kylemore Abbey, and stop in the Irish-speaking village of Spiddal, before returning to Galway.

The Little Museum of Dublin is the perfect introduction to life in Dublin prior to the 21st century—and Ireland’s story as a whole. This ticket guarantees you a place on one of the museum’s hilarious, moving, and authentic guided tours. Learn about everyone from iconic Dublin rockers U2 to the horrors of the 1920s Irish Civil War, and even as far back as Georgian Dublin.

Discover many of Kilkenny’s best-known landmarks—and listen to your guide’s rousing tales from the city’s long history—on this small-group walking tour. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and set off right from Kilkenny Castle. As you explore the narrow, centuries-old streets, you’ll discover city highlights like the Tholsel, Rothe House, and more—and will hear stories about witches, medieval life, and local legends.

Explore County Kerry beyond the coast with a small-group speed boat tour in Dingle Bay. Board a high-speed boat in Dingle Harbor and set out on a high-adrenaline tour to see the coastline, the Blasket Islands, and local wildlife such as dolphins and sea birds. Land on the remote Great Blasket Island and admire views of cliffs and the rugged scenery this part of Ireland is famous for. Coffee and tea are included.

Go behind the scenes and gain a better understanding of the time and work that goes into crystal making on this tour of the House of Waterford Crystal factory. Your guide explains the step-by-step process of crystal making, as you wander the rooms where different techniques are used along the way. Meet a few of the high-end crystal makers, and visit the retail store where you can explore one of the world’s largest displays of Waterford Crystals.

Go beyond visiting the Cliffs of Moher and explore Ireland’s stunning Aran Islands, just 15 minutes off the coast. With this tour, you’ll arrive to everything taken care of, from lunch reservations to bike rentals and ferry tickets. Skipping the lines, you’ll also get access to a guide plus leisure time to discover the island’s fascinating culture, beautiful nature, and more.

Experience the rugged beauty of Ireland’s southeast coastline on a coach tour of the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head from Killarney. Travel through scenic mountain regions and along Ireland’s rocky beaches without having to drive yourself. Stop for lunch in Dingle Town (own expense) and get a splendid view of Slea Head—the most westerly point in Ireland. Learn more from your driver’s commentary than you would going alone.

Discover Galway’s dramatic scenery at your own pace on this full-day private guided tour. After meeting your driver-guide at your local hotel, head off for a customized exploration of some of the region’s most popular landmarks. Gaze at the panoramic vistas from the Cliffs of Moher, snap photos in front of the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle, visit a nearby Irish craft chocolate factory, and much more.

Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin has recorded many popular artists, but since it’s still a working studio, in order to visit, you must book ahead. Preplan and book this Dublin Windmill Lane Recording Studios Tour and learn about the studio’s history from a guide. Plus, see how a recording session works and even try to mix your own session.

Have your shore excursions arranged in advance when you arrive in Dublin's port; you'll save time scrambling for activities once you step off the ship. This tour includes a 24-hour pass for a hop-on hop-off bus, which covers more than 30 stops around the city. You can hop off to explore at your leisure at locations such as St. Patrick's Cathedral, Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Guinness Storehouse. You'll also have access to a highlights of Dublin walking tour.