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.

Skip a tour by foot, and saddle up for a horseback ride through Killarney National Park, that’s suitable for all abilities. You’ll be at one with nature, as you ride past scenic Lough Lein, along trails that lend themselves to rugged mountain views. Led by a guide, the ride is limited to just 16 people for a small-group experience where assistance is always close by.

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.

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.

Explore Ireland on this full-day Cliffs of Moher and Galway tour from Dublin. Travel into rural Ireland by air-conditioned coach with your guide and enjoy panoramic views over the Emerald Isle’s spectacular countryside. Journey along the Wild Atlantic Way to the Cliffs of Moher where you can explore for a couple of hours. After a brief stop at Burren National Park, visit Galway to explore the cobblestoned streets and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Get up close and personal with Killarney National Park's spectacular scenery on a horseback riding tour. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and make your own way to the stables near Killarney Town. Grab your helmet and boots, saddle up, and head into nature. You'll ride along Lough Lein, will admire soaring mountains and rolling hills, and can learn more about the highlights of Ireland's first national park.

No one knows how to party like the Irish and what better way to join the fun than this great-value pub-crawl? Meet up with your local guide and like-minded partygoers for a fun evening including free Guinness, free shots, live Irish music, and good craic. You’ll enjoy skip-the-line, free entrance to all venues with your newfound drinking buddies, experience the electric atmosphere of Dublin by night, and visit up to five pubs & venues including Dublin's best nightclub.

Discover the beauty of Dublin beyond the city center with a coastal hike in Howth. Meet your guide for a small-group hike departing from the charming fishing village of Howth. Explore the pretty harbor and coastal village while learning about local culture and history. See landmarks including Howth Castle and St. Mary’s Abbey, then go for a scenic hike along the cliff path loop.

Trek through Howth to see off-the-beaten-path sights that most travelers miss on this small-group hiking tour accompanied by a local guide and their dog. Listen to engaging commentary as you walk, illuminating the history of Howth and Ireland from as far back as 700 years ago. Highlights include St. Mary's Abbey, the Cliffs of Howth, a centuries-old castle, and others. Finish up in a village pub for an included pint and rest for your weary legs.

Fitting Ireland’s historic towns and rural traditions into one day can be difficult without a car or local insight, but this guided tour from Dublin makes it seamless. Travel by luxury to visit Kilkenny and the grounds of its castle, then continue to the 6th-century monastic settlement of Glendalough in Wicklow Mountains National Park. Finally, enjoy a stop at a working sheep farm to watch border collies in action. With transport, timing, and commentary handled for you, the tour offers a well-paced way to experience a varied side of Ireland in a single day.