Ireland Rail Tours 2023/2024

Ireland Travel Guide

Ireland Tours Things To Do

• 
  Dublin Castle

  Until 1922, Dublin Castle served as the seat for the English administration of the government in Ireland. While most of the current construction dates back to the 1700s, the origins of the structure go back to the days of King John, who was declared Ireland's first Lord in 1177.

  Best Time to Visit

  While June through September has the best weather, July and August have the warmest temperatures. During the latter part of summer, it tends to get more crowded and the climate becomes more humid.

   

  You Should Know

  Dublin Castle is the place where the inauguration of Ireland's Presidents is held. A popular Dublin attraction, Dublin Castle once was the site of a Danish Viking fortress in the tenth century, before becoming a Norman Fort in the 1100s. King John created a newer and stronger castle in 1230, so it could be used as a city defense.

• 
  Trinity College and The Old Library – The Book of Kells

  Considered the most prestigious college in Ireland, Trinity College is an elite academic institution in Europe. It has been given special acclaim in the fields of literature, law, and the humanities. Its library features the Book of Kells – a beautiful medieval manuscript that highlights the four Gospels.

  Best Time to Visit

  Usually, the spring and fall are better times to see the sights. The Old Library is open from May through September and October through April, beginning at 9:30 a.m., and closes each day at 5:00 p.m., except October through April, when it closes at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

   

  You Should Know

  Normally, a tour of the college includes a visit to the Old Library and its famous exhibit of the Book of Kells. Besides the Book of Kells, the Old Library features a large collection of impressive manuscripts and books. 

• 
  Kinsale

  Located 176 miles from Dublin, the colorful harbor town of Kinsale sits on Ireland's southern coast in County Cork. The courthouse in town is home to the Kinsale Regional Museum, which includes information on the 1915 sinking of the Cunard passenger liner, the RMS Lusitania, during the First World War. A German submarine sank the ship off the Old Head of Kinsale. The event resulted in the deaths of 1,198 passengers, with 761 people surviving. Because American passengers lost their lives during the ship's sinking, it spurred the U.S. to get involved in the war.

  Best Time to Visit

  Visit during May, June, or September when the weather is more pleasant.

   

  You Should Know

  Besides its historical attractions, Kinsale is known for its love of gourmet cuisine. The town holds several yearly gourmet food festivals. Religious sites you will want to see include St. Multose's Church (Church of Ireland), built in 1190, and the St. John the Baptist Church, a Catholic denomination church built in 1839.

• 
  Killarney National Park

  Near the town of Killarney in County Kerry, Killarney National Park has the distinction of being Ireland's first national park. The park was established in 1932 through the donation of the Muckross Estate to the Irish Free State. You can bike, hike, or drive through the park.

  Best Time to Visit

  Most travelers visit the park in the summer. However, if you want to go when it is less crowded plan a trip in May or September. The park is open year-round.

   

  You Should Know

  The park is made up of 25,425 acres. Within the site is the only herd of wild indigenous red deer. In 1970, the herd's population was only 11 but it has since expanded to around 700. About 141 different species of birds can be found in the park as well, some of which include pipits, peregrine falcons, nightjars, ospreys, and wood warblers. Main attractions include sites, such as Muckross House. Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, and the O'Sullivan Cascade.

• 
  Dingle

  Dingle is a small port town, which sits on Ireland's Dingle Peninsula in the southwest. The peninsula is known for its sandy beaches, rugged landscape, and hiking trails. At Dingle's waterfront is a statue of the dolphin, Fungie, a long-time resident of the harbor.

  Best Time to Visit

  Dingle can be visited anytime, but the best time to go and experience good weather and fewer crowds is May or September.

   

  You Should Know

  The Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium is home to otters, sharks, and penguins. To the southwest, you will find Dun Beag, a historic promontory fort. The peninsula itself is a great place to walk and view nature.

• 
  Cliffs of Moher

  Located in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular sites in Ireland, attracting over one million travelers annually. The cliffs, which are 14K or 9 miles long, rise up to a height of 214 meters or 700 feet at the highest point, which is north of O'Brien's Tower.

  Best Time to Visit

  Visit the cliffs in March to view the puffins and from spring to summer to see the wildflowers blossoming.

   

  You Should Know

  At the end of March, the Atlantic puffins arrive at the cliffs, which begins the bird's nesting season. You can see hundreds of birds. During the spring and summer, you can spot seals and dolphins from the top of the cliffs, as well as hares. Feral goats live close to Hag's Head at the attraction.

• 
  Galway

  A harbor city on the west coast of Ireland, Galway sits where the Atlantic Ocean and River Corrib meet. The main hub of the city is Eyre Square, which goes back to the eighteenth century. Shops and traditional pubs that feature Irish folk music line the square while stone-clad galleries and cafes in the Latin Quarter sit along winding streets beside medieval city walls. 

  Best Time to Visit

  Mark your calendar for a visit from May to September. You'll see fewer crowds in May or September.

   

  You Should Know

  Galway has more pubs than any other place in Ireland – about 475. Also, it is home to the longest place name in the country, the townland of Muckanaghederdauhaulia. The city also boasts the largest Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) area in Ireland.

• 
  Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone

  A place that motivates day trippers away from Cork, the Blarney Castle features keeps and battlements that date back to the 1200s. The bucket-list favorite Irish attraction displays some reconstructed areas as well as the neo-Gothic designed  Blarney house, which stands next to the castle.

  Best Time to Visit

  Usually, the late spring, June, or early fall is the best time to see the site, as the crowds are fewer and the temperatures are more inviting.

   

  You Should Know

  Blarney Castle is home to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend says that you will be given the gift of Irish gab if you can kiss the stone. However, you must kiss the stone by leaning backward, or, basically, upside down from a great height. The block of limestone that represents the stone was built into Blarney Castle's battlements in 1446. Before you kiss it, and as you wish, the stone is wiped with an antimicrobial wipe.

Ireland Tour Packages

• Spring - February to April

  If you would like to visit the Cliffs of Moher and watch the puffins arrive, you should plan a visit for the end of March. A trip in April and May is a good time to go to enjoy the flowering blooms. If you go during the spring, bring some waterproof shoes and an umbrella.

• Summer - July to August

  For most travelers, a visit to the Emerald Isle will take place in the summer, or from June to September. You just have to keep in mind that the weather tends to get more humid toward the end of summer. Otherwise, June is a good time to venture out and see the sights.

Ireland Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Ireland Tours?

  Ireland tours typically begin in Dublin and return and end there. They usually cover the major attractions that tourists like to see, such as Dublin Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and Killarney National Park. Towns and cities, such as Kinsale and Galway are also typically included in the itinerary.  

• What’s Included in an Ireland Tour?

  When you tour Ireland, your transportation, hotel stays, admission costs, transfers, and professional guide services are all part of the Ireland tour package. Some meals are also included, usually breakfast.  

• What’s the Best Ireland Tour?

  Once you determine how much you can spend, the best Ireland tour will be the one that meets your travel expectations and travel availability. Talk to a travel representative about the Ireland tours that are available in both the high and low travel seasons of the year.  

• How Much Do Ireland Tours Cost?

  What you pay for an Ireland tour will depend on when you elect to travel and the length of the trip. You can find tours to Ireland that last 7 days that cost as low as $1,500 per person.