Historical Tours & Trips in Ireland
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10 best Historical Ireland tour packages
Compiled by
SteffIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- 5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- Green with Envy: Ireland By Design
- Ireland's Ancient South - 5 days
- Enchanting Ireland (Classic)
- Blarney Castle, Whiskey and Mountains (Hotel) - 3 days
- Irish Explorer
- The Royal Atlantic
- The Heart of Ireland
- Cliffs of Moher, Connemara & Aran Islands Travel West by Train
5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin
175 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was the perfect balance of learning a lot of history and culture, seeing incredible sights.”
Natasha, traveled in April
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 $2,353
10% Off- NZ$2,118You save $235
Ireland’s Ancient East
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Loved the excursions and the choice of hotels!”
Suhani, traveled in October
Medieval Dublin Castle and 3200 BC Newgrange tombs bookend Ireland's epic timeline. The Battle of Boyne site, Glendalough's 6th-century monastery, and Viking-era Waterford reveal centuries of history from traditional country accommodations.
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Lismore, Cashel, Kilkenny Age Range 18 to 85 year olds Operator BTOURS From $1,600
5% Off- NZ$1,520You save $80
Green with Envy: Ireland By Design
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“She made sure we all knew what to expect. The timing of the day, traffic might change the timing of the day, what would happen when we got to the different places.”
Stephen, traveled in September
Dublin's Trinity College houses precious ancient manuscripts, while Dun Aengus fort and Galway's Lynch's Castle showcase prehistoric and medieval Ireland. A stop at Ireland's oldest pub in Athlone and the 13th-century Town Walls offers expert historical insights.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Tullamore, Athlone, Westport, Galway, Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus From $4,889
5% Off- NZ$4,639You save $250
Medieval wonders await at Rock of Dunamase, Jerpoint Abbey, and Kells Priory. The iconic Rock of Cashel stands proud, while Kilkenny's medieval streets tell ancient tales, and Dunbrody Ship in New Ross chronicles famine history.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Kinsale, Bantry, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny, New Ross Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $4,175
15% Off- NZ$3,549You save $626
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Strokestown, Sligo, Shannon, Westport, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killimer, Killarney, Ring of KerrySee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Insight Vacations From
15% Off- NZ$5,195
Ireland's medieval legacy comes alive at Cahir Castle, Viking-founded Waterford, and Glendalough's ancient monastery. The Titanic story unfolds in Cobh, while Blarney Castle's mysteries await. Nights are spent in historical properties like Kilkenny Ormonde.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dublin, Cahir, Blarney, Kinsale, Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wicklow Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $2,495
15% Off- NZ$2,121You save $374
Irish Explorer
192 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Funny, imformative, and made you feel like nothing was too much despite my swamping home with questions.”
Steve, traveled in July
Rich history awaits at Bunratty Castle, Folk Park, and medieval Kilkenny Mile. King John's Castle in Limerick and Dublin's Trinity College area showcase architectural heritage. Expert guides share compelling stories about The Troubles and Fight for Independence.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Belfast, Giants Causeway, Londonderry, Sligo, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, BlarneySee all destinations Age Range 10 to 75 year olds Operator Expat Explore Travel From $2,465
34% Off- NZ$1,627You save $838
The Royal Atlantic
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized and amazing tour. Hotels were clean and well situated to center cities.”
Malika, traveled in September
Historical Ireland unfolds from 1844-built Heuston Station to 15th-century Blarney Castle. Cobh's Heritage Centre and St. Colman's Cathedral lead to ancient Dún Aonghasa fort on Inis Mór. Killarney and Galway's historic districts provide authentic accommodations.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Kildare, Cork, Blarney, Cobh, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Bunratty, GalwaySee all destinations Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Railtours Ireland First Class From
34% Off- NZ$2,358
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Waterford's Viking Triangle, and medieval Kilkenny showcase Ireland's heritage. Trinity College, historic Waterford Crystal works, and traditional hurling in Freshford delight visitors. Ancient whiskey-making traditions live on at Ahascragh Distillery.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, Limerick, Galway, Kildare Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus From $4,999
5% Off- NZ$4,749You save $250
Cliffs of Moher, Connemara & Aran Islands Travel West by Train
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Answers to all my questions after booking but before the trip. Prompts and nice answers.”
Marie-Josée, traveled in July
King John's Castle rises above 12th-century Limerick, while 1425-built Bunratty Castle and ancient Dún Aonghasa fort on Inis Mór guard their secrets. Traditional Gaeltacht villages preserve Irish as their daily language.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Inishmore Island, Aran Islands, Connemara National Park Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Railtours Ireland First Class From
5% Off- NZ$1,462
What people love about Historical Tours in Ireland
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!
The Irish Pub Tour - 9 Days/8 Nights
- 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
- Irish Highlights (Summer)
i had my 2 young daughters with me and it was extremely organised and lots of greatplaces to visit with excellent tour guides who made it lots of fun for all
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."