Planning a private tour? Here, we answer the most common questions so you know what to expect and can enjoy your fully personalized Ireland adventure with confidence.
Booking private tours in Ireland is simple and easy. Contact reputable tour operators directly via their websites or by phone at least 3-6 months before your trip. Share your interests, travel dates, group size, and budget..
Operators will create a customized multi-day itinerary based on your preferences, whether it’s photography along the Wild Atlantic Way, exploring Irish castles, or culinary experiences in Dublin and Galway. They arrange a private driver-guide, accommodation, and unique experiences tailored to your needs.
Request detailed quotations from 2–3 operators to compare options. Most bookings require a 20–30% deposit, with the balance due 6–8 weeks before departure. Check our Private Tours page
for current packages or request tour pricing.
Start by identifying your must-see destinations and interests—whether it’s dramatic coastlines, historical sites, or authentic pubs. A typical custom itinerary covers 3-4 locations for a day to avoid rushing. Work with a specialized Irish tour operator who knows local routes and hidden gems.
Share your pace preferences—some travelers want packed days while others prefer leisurely exploration.
Yes, private custom tours typically include complete accommodation planning as part of the service. Experienced operators select hotels, guesthouses, or manor houses that match your preferences and budget, ensuring they’re well-located for each day’s itinerary. You can specify accommodation styles—from historic castle hotels to cozy family-run B&Bs or luxury properties. Operators handle all bookings and confirmations, ensuring rooms are ready when you arrive. They often secure better rates through established relationships and can arrange special amenities. This service removes stress from planning and guarantees quality accommodations throughout your journey.
Absolutely! Custom tours easily incorporate Northern Ireland, creating comprehensive experiences across the island. Popular Northern Ireland additions include Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and political murals, the spectacular Giant’s Causeway, the scenic Causeway Coastal Route, historic Derry’s city walls, and Game of Thrones filming locations. Border crossings between the Republic and Northern Ireland are seamless—no checkpoints exist. However, note that Northern Ireland uses pounds sterling while the Republic uses euros. A combined tour showcasing both regions provides fascinating contrasts in culture, history, and landscapes within one journey.
Private tours offer complete flexibility to customize dining and experiences. Whether you’re interested in Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional pub meals, farmhouse dinners, or specific dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher), everything can be arranged. Activities can be tailored to your passions—photography workshops, fly fishing, golf at championship courses, genealogy research, cooking classes, falconry experiences, or pottery workshops with local artisans. Your travel advisor can adjust plans spontaneously if you discover something interesting. This customization is private tours’ greatest advantage—your interests shape every element of the journey.
Contact us to start designing your perfectly tailored journey through Ireland.
Custom tours in Ireland are designed exclusively for you, offering complete control over itinerary, pace, accommodation, and experiences. Standard packages follow fixed routes with set departure dates, predetermined hotels, and group schedules. Custom tours provide flexibility—if you love a location, stay longer; if weather’s poor, adjust plans.
You choose your guide, vehicle type, and dining experiences. Standard packages offer better value through group rates and proven itineraries. Custom tours deliver personalized attention and unique experiences unavailable on standard tours, making them ideal for special occasions or specific interests.
You can explore our sample itineraries and use them as inspiration for your own custom journey through Ireland.
Top private tour destinations include Dublin for literary history and vibrant culture, Galway as the gateway to Connemara’s wild beauty, the Ring of Kerry for Ireland’s most scenic coastal drive, the Cliffs of Moher rising 700 feet above the Atlantic, Dingle Peninsula for authentic Irish-speaking villages, Killarney National Park’s lakes and mountains, Belfast’s Titanic heritage, and the Giant’s Causeway’s otherworldly basalt columns. Private guides can also access lesser-known gems like Skellig Michael (weather permitting), the Burren’s lunar landscape, and Kinsale’s colorful waterfront.
Ireland offers rich historical touring options spanning 5,000 years. Popular themes include Ancient Ireland (Newgrange passage tomb, Hill of Tara, Clonmacnoise monastery), Medieval Heritage (Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny Castle, Dublin Castle), Norman Conquest sites, Celtic Christianity and monastic settlements, Viking Dublin, Anglo-Irish estates and gardens, the Great Famine sites, Irish Revolutionary history (1916-1922), and Northern Ireland’s Troubles.
Private guides provide detailed context unavailable on group tours. Many tours can focus on your family’s ancestral regions, incorporating genealogy research and visits to family homelands for deeply personal historical connections.
Around 7-10 day private tour comfortably covers Ireland’s main highlights without feeling rushed. Seven days allows Dublin, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and Killarney with proper immersion. Ten days adds Dingle Peninsula, Cork, and either Connemara or Northern Ireland.
For comprehensive coverage including both northern and southern regions, plan 12-14 days. Shorter 4-5 day tours work for focused regional exploration.
Remember, Ireland’s narrow roads and scenic routes mean distances take longer than maps suggest. Private tours can adjust pace to your preferences—some travelers prefer fewer locations explored deeply.
Every private tour of Ireland is custom-designed exclusively for your group. Your itinerary is tailored to your preferred travel dates, group size, accommodation style, and desired experiences — allowing flexibility in both itinerary and price.
Key Factors that Influence Pricing:
Travel Dates
Your exact dates have a big impact on pricing. Early and late season often provide the best value, while peak summer and major events may increase costs. We’ll happily advise you on the best times to travel.
Group Size
The number of participants directly affects the overall cost. Generally, the more people in your group, the lower the cost per person.
Accommodation Style & Rooming
Whether you’d like to stay in luxury castle hotels or charming B&Bs, we have options to match your style. Most hotels price per bedroom, so single-room requests usually cost more than when two guests share.
Inclusions & Extras
Your package can be adjusted to your needs and budget – whether you’d like to include additional activities, fine-dining experiences, or upgraded accommodations.
All private tours can be tailored to your interests, pace, and budget — from scenic self-drive adventures to fully escorted, all-inclusive journeys. Request your price
Traveling with a group? Check out answers to popular questions about group tours, so your journey with friends, family, or other travelers is smooth, fun, and stress-free.
The best Ireland tour packages are typically small group tours, usually lasting 7–14 days, and covering iconic destinations such as Dublin, Galway, the Ring of Kerry, and the Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way. Look for packages that include accommodation, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide who shares local stories and reveals hidden gems.
Many tours also visit Northern Ireland, including the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast. Choose packages that balance famous landmarks with authentic experiences like traditional music sessions in local pubs or visits to family-run craft workshops for a truly memorable Irish adventure.
Group tours in Ireland typically follow a pre-planned itinerary with a set group of travelers and an experienced guide. You’ll travel together in a comfortable coach, visiting major attractions and lesser-known spots daily. Accommodation is pre-booked, usually in centrally located hotels or guesthouses. Most 7-day tours cover the southern highlights like Cork, Kerry, and Galway, while 14-day tours extend to Northern Ireland, Connemara, and the northwest coast. Tours include transport and guide services, with some meals provided. Free time is built in for independent exploration in each destination.
Small group tours of Ireland typically include luxury coach transport, professional driver-guide services, accommodation for the tour duration, and selected meals (usually breakfast daily). Many tours cover entrance fees to major attractions like the Cliffs of Moher or Blarney Castle.
You’ll also get expert commentary throughout your journey, insider tips on local restaurants and pubs, and carefully curated routes along scenic drives like the Wild Atlantic Way. Some premium tours include whiskey tastings, traditional music evenings, or special experiences like sheepdog demonstrations at working farms.
Private tours in Ireland offer exclusive experiences with just your party and a dedicated guide, allowing complete flexibility with itinerary, pace, and stops. You can customize everything from accommodation style to specific interests like photography or genealogy.
Small group tours have fixed itineraries shared with 10-20 other travelers, offering better value and opportunities to meet fellow visitors. Private tours cost more but provide personalized attention and the freedom to linger at favorite spots. Small group tours are more budget-friendly and follow proven routes that showcase Ireland’s best highlights.
Small group tours in Ireland typically range from 12-20 participants, with many premium operators capping groups at 16 people. This size strikes the perfect balance—small enough for personalized attention from your guide and easy access to local pubs and restaurants, yet large enough to create a friendly atmosphere among travelers.
Smaller groups can navigate narrow Irish roads more easily and visit intimate locations that larger coaches can’t reach. You’ll also find it easier to hear your guide’s stories and ask questions during stops along scenic routes.
Absolutely! Ireland group tours warmly welcome solo travelers, and you’ll find many others traveling alone. Most tour operators offer single room accommodations for a supplement, or you can request to share with another solo traveler to reduce costs.
The group format is perfect for solo adventurers—you’ll enjoy built-in companionship while exploring, share meals with new friends, and have the security of traveling with others. Irish guides are excellent at creating inclusive atmospheres where everyone feels welcome, making it easy to form lasting friendships during your journey.
The most popular multi-day routes include the Classic Southern Loop (Dublin-Cork-Killarney-Ring of Kerry-Galway-Dublin), which takes 7-10 days and showcases Ireland’s most famous landscapes. The Wild Atlantic Way route runs along the entire western coast from Cork to Donegal, offering dramatic cliffs and coastal villages over 10-14 days.
The Northern Explorer covers Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, and Derry before continuing to Donegal. Many travelers combine these routes for comprehensive 14-day journeys. Each route offers distinct experiences—southern tours emphasize scenic beauty, while northern routes focus on history and culture.
Book Ireland multi-day tours at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for travel between May and September when demand peaks. Popular routes along the Wild Atlantic Way and Ring of Kerry fill quickly during summer. Early booking ensures better accommodation choices, preferred departure dates, and often secures early-bird discounts of 10-15%.
If traveling during St. Patrick’s Day (mid-March) or other festivals, book 6-12 months ahead. For last-minute travelers, some operators offer deals for April, October, or November departures, which feature fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colors.
Most group tours in Ireland operate in English, as it’s the primary language spoken. However, many international tour operators offer tours with guides fluent in Spanish, French, German, Italian particularly for larger group tours.
If you require a specific language, confirm availability when booking. Some private and custom tours can arrange multilingual guides for your group. Interestingly, you might also hear Irish Gaelic in western regions like Galway and Kerry—locals often speak “as Gaeilge” in daily conversation, adding authentic cultural flavor to your experience.
Ieland multi-day tours can be excellent for families, though suitability depends on the specific tour and your children’s ages. Many operators offer family-friendly tours with shorter driving days, interactive experiences like castle visits and farm tours, and accommodation in family rooms.
Look for tours labeled “family” or “all ages” that include child-friendly activities. However, standard adult tours involve long coach days and numerous historical sites that might not engage younger children. Some operators set minimum age requirements (typically 12+). Consider self-drive tours for families wanting more flexibility with timing and activities.
Ireland multi-day large group tours typically cost €180-€250 per person per day, with 7-day tours averaging €1,400-€1,800. Prices vary based on accommodation quality, group size, and included amenities.
Luxury small group tours can exceed €2,500-3000 for 7 days with castle stays. Prices usually include accommodation, transport, guide services, most meals and attraction entrance fees. Solo travelers pay single supplements of €30-€80 per night for private rooms.
Yes! Cultural heritage tours focus on Ireland’s rich history, from ancient Celtic sites like Newgrange to medieval castles and monastic ruins. These specialized tours include visits to traditional music venues in Galway and Kerry, Irish language regions in Connemara, genealogy research centers for those tracing Irish ancestry, and craft workshops featuring wool weaving and pottery.
You’ll experience authentic Irish storytelling, traditional dance performances, and farm-to-table dining featuring Irish cuisine. Many tours visit literary landmarks in Dublin celebrating Joyce and Yeats, plus whiskey distilleries explaining Ireland’s distilling heritage over centuries.
Love freedom on the road? We cover everything you need to know about self-drive tours — from routes and car hire to packing tips — so you can explore Ireland at your own pace.
Planning a self-drive tour requires booking your car rental, mapping routes, and pre-arranging accommodation. Start by choosing a circular route from your arrival airport (Dublin, Shannon, or Cork) to avoid drop-off fees. Popular routes include the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry, or a southern loop. Irish roads are narrow and winding, so plan only 2-3 hours driving daily, leaving time for spontaneous stops. Download offline maps, as rural areas have limited mobile signals.
It really depends on how much of Ireland you want to see — and how relaxed you want the journey to feel:
12–14 days is ideal if you’d like to explore the entire island of Ireland, including the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, without rushing. This timeframe allows for shorter daily drives, scenic detours, overnight stays in charming towns, and time to actually enjoy places like the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry, Donegal, the Causeway Coast, and the main cities.
7–10 days works well if you want to see the highlights of the Republic of Ireland only, without Northern Ireland. You can still cover iconic regions such as Dublin, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, and the southwest — but with a slightly faster pace and fewer off-the-beaten-path stops.
💡 Travel advisor tip: Ireland may look small on the map, but narrow roads, coastal routes, and frequent “just one more stop” moments mean longer travel times than expected. Booking a few extra days makes a huge difference to how relaxed and enjoyable your self-drive experience feels.
We can help match the perfect route and duration to your travel style — relaxed, scenic, or adventure-packed, contact us
Car rental inclusion varies by tour package. Some self-drive tour packages bundle vehicle rental, GPS, accommodation, and route guides in one price, offering convenience and often better rates. Other packages include only accommodation and itinerary planning, requiring separate car rental booking. When included, packages typically offer manual transmission vehicles (automatics cost €20-40 more daily). Comprehensive insurance, additional drivers, GPS, and child seats may incur extra fees. If booking separately, reserve cars 2-3 months ahead for summer travel. Confirm what’s included in any package before committing to avoid surprises.
The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s premier self-drive route, stretching 2,500km along the western coast from Cork to Donegal. Must-drive sections include the Ring of Kerry’s mountain and coastal vistas, the Dingle Peninsula’s dramatic Slea Head Drive with ancient beehive huts, the Connemara Loop through mountains and bogs, the Sky Road near Clifden overlooking islands and ocean.
Also the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland from Belfast to Derry city. Lesser-known gems include the Beara Peninsula, Loop Head, and Slieve League cliffs in Donegal (higher than the Cliffs of Moher!). Each section offers stunning photography opportunities and traditional villages perfect for lunch stops.
Self-drive tours are independent by nature, so personal guides aren’t typically included. However, you can enhance your experience by booking local guides for specific locations. Hire a guide for a day in Dublin to understand Viking and Georgian history, join guided tours of major attractions like Newgrange or the Cliffs of Moher, or book walking tours in Galway or Derry.
👉 Prefer having a guide throughout your trip?
In that case, a private guided or chauffeur-driven tour may be a better fit. These tours include a professional guide/driver and are fully curated for you. You can explore this option by browsing our private guided tour packages, where everything is arranged for a seamless, stress-free journey.
If you’re unsure which style suits you best, just contsct us we’re happy to help you compare options and choose the perfect tour for your travel style.
Irish roads differ significantly from North American roads. Remember: drive on the left side, with the steering wheel on the right. Rural roads are extremely narrow—two cars barely pass—so drive slowly and use pull-off points. Roundabouts are everywhere; yield to traffic from the right. Speed limits are in kilometers (50 km/h in towns, 80-100 km/h on rural roads).
Avoid driving after drinking in pubs—Ireland has strict drink-driving laws. Roads are winding with limited visibility; go slower than feels necessary. Livestock occasionally blocks roads—be patient! Fill up with petrol in towns before entering remote areas.
First time in Ireland? Find handy tips and practical advice on weather, luggage, airports, and more — everything you need to feel prepared and relaxed for your trip.
Ireland has several international and regional airports, but most travelers arrive through the following:
Dublin Airport (DUB) – Ireland’s main international gateway and the busiest airport. Best for the widest choice of flights, car rentals, and easy access to the east and south of the country.
Shannon Airport (SNN) – A popular choice for self-drive tours, especially if you plan to explore the west, southwest, or the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s smaller, easy to navigate, and avoids driving out of Dublin city.
Cork Airport (ORK) – Ideal if your itinerary focuses on southern Ireland, including Cork, Killarney, and the Ring of Kerry.
Belfast International Airport (BFS) – The main airport in Northern Ireland, useful if you’re starting your trip in the north.
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) – Smaller and closer to Belfast city center, mainly serving UK and short-haul European routes.
Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) – A regional airport, convenient for Connemara, Mayo, and the northwest, with limited but useful international connections.
💡 Travel tip: If you’re planning a self-drive itinerary, choosing an arrival airport closer to your main route can save time and reduce long driving days. We’re happy to help you select the best airport based on your planned tour route.
Photography tours focus on Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes—the Wild Atlantic Way’s rugged coastlines, the Burren’s unique limestone pavements, Connemara’s mountains and lakes, Kerry’s McGillycuddy’s Reeks, and Donegal’s hidden beaches. Specialized photography guides know optimal lighting times and secret viewpoints. Spring offers wildflowers and longer daylight; autumn brings moody skies and golden landscapes.
Nature tours visit national parks, seabird colonies on coastal cliffs, ancient oak forests, and opportunities to photograph Ireland’s wildlife including red deer, seals, and puffins. Private tours allow waiting for perfect conditions and revisiting locations.
The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€), while Northern Ireland uses British Pounds Sterling (£). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Ireland, even in small shops and pubs, making cash less essential. However, carry some cash for rural areas, small B&Bs, and traditional markets.
Exchange currency at banks or post offices for better rates than airports or tourist areas. ATMs are plentiful in towns and dispense local currency—your bank may charge international withdrawal fees (€3-€5 per transaction). Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks. Many visitors simply use ATMs as needed rather than exchanging large amounts upfront.
Irish banks typically open Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Banks close on weekends and public holidays. However, ATMs operate 24/7 and are readily available in towns and cities throughout Ireland. You’ll find ATMs outside banks, in shopping centers, and at petrol stations.
All major cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) work at Irish ATMs. In rural villages, ATMs might be limited, so withdraw cash when in larger towns. Post offices also exchange currency during business hours (Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:30 PM, Saturday mornings only).
Tipping in Ireland is appreciated but not obligatory like in the US. In restaurants, tip 10-15% for good service, though check if service charge is already included on the bill. Round up taxi fares to the nearest euro or add 10% for longer journeys. Tip hotel porters €1-2 per bag, and leave €2-3 per night for housekeeping. In pubs, tipping isn’t expected when ordering at the bar, but leave small change or round up for table service. Tour guides typically receive €10 -20 per person per day for excellent service. Tips should reflect genuine appreciation—Irish hospitality is never contingent on gratuities.
English is the primary language spoken throughout Ireland, so English-speaking tourists will have no communication difficulties. Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) is the first official language, taught in schools and spoken daily in Gaeltacht regions along the western coast—parts of Galway, Kerry, Cork, and Donegal.
You’ll see bilingual road signs nationwide, with Irish names often differing significantly from English versions. In Northern Ireland, you might hear Ulster Scots in rural areas. Learning a few Irish phrases like “Sláinte” (cheers) or “Go raibh maith agat” (thank you) delights locals and enriches your cultural experience, though it’s entirely unnecessary for practical communication.
Ireland’s weather is famously unpredictable—”four seasons in one day” is genuinely accurate. Pack layers and waterproof outerwear year-round. Essential items include a quality waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes with good grip (trails can be muddy), sweaters or fleeces for layering, long pants (even summer), and a packable umbrella.
Summer temperatures average 15-20°C (59-68°F), rarely reaching 25°C. Evenings are cool, even in July. Winter demands warm coats, hats, and gloves. Avoid cotton; choose quick-dry fabrics. Smart-casual attire suits restaurants and theaters. Hotels and tours have indoor heating, so one warm coat suffices. Layers allow adaptation to changing conditions throughout your day.
Most hotels and guesthouses in Ireland offer laundry services for a fee (€10-20 per load), though processing takes 24-48 hours—plan ahead! Many B&Bs have washing machines guests can use for €5-8. Laundromats exist in larger towns and cities, typically costing €6-10 per wash and €4-6 per dry cycle—factor in 2-3 hours waiting time.
For extended tours, pack quick-dry travel clothing you can hand-wash in sinks and hang overnight. Most accommodations provide clothes-drying racks or heated towel rails. If staying in Airbnb rentals, washing machines are often included, offering free laundry between locations. Plan one laundry session per week on longer trips.
For Ireland tours, pack light!1 medium suitcase per person + 1 small carry-on or day bag is ideal. Car boots in Ireland — especially in standard or compact vehicles — are often smaller than travelers expect. Airlines flying to Ireland typically allow one checked bag (up to 20-23kg) and one carry-on (10kg). Soft-sided luggage is preferable to hard-shell suitcases, as it’s easier to fit into the car and move in and out of hotels.
Additional tips:
Bring layered clothing rather than bulky items — Ireland’s weather can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, even if you don’t plan long hikes. Pack a waterproof jacket instead of a heavy coat. Leave space in your luggage for souvenirs like woolens or local crafts.
If you’re booking a private guided or chauffeur-driven tour, luggage space is usually more flexible — just let us know in advance so we can match you with the right vehicle.
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Ireland without a visa for short stays (usually up to 90 days). Travelers from other countries may need to apply for a tourist visa before arrival.
If you are not an EU citizen, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure from Ireland. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.
Additionally, starting in 2025, the UK requires citizens from most countries to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country. Since Northern Ireland is part of the UK, if your tour includes a stay there—or involves transfers via UK airports—you will need to apply for this ETA in advance.
We recommend checking the official Irish and UK government websites or consulting your local embassy well ahead of your trip to confirm visa and entry requirements.
Ireland has strict smoking regulations. Smoking is banned in all indoor public spaces, including pubs, restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and public transport since 2004—Ireland was actually the world’s first country to implement this comprehensive ban.
Accommodations may have designated outdoor smoking areas. Most hotels are entirely non-smoking, with hefty fines for violating room policies. Smoking is permitted outdoors, though be respectful near building entrances.
Designated smoking areas are rare outside major cities. E-cigarettes and vaping follow the same restrictions as traditional smoking. The ban is widely respected and strictly enforced—don’t expect exceptions. Pack nicotine alternatives if you’re a smoker planning long tours.
Ireland operates on Irish Standard Time (IST), equivalent to GMT/UTC+0, the same as the United Kingdom. From late March to late October, Ireland observes Summer Time (IST/GMT+1), moving clocks forward one hour for longer evening daylight. This means Ireland is 5 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (6 hours during US Daylight Saving Time), 8 hours behind Australian Eastern Time, and 1 hour behind Central European Time. Northern Ireland follows identical time changes.
When planning tours, remember summer days have extremely long daylight—sunset can be after 10:00 PM in June, perfect for extended sightseeing. Winter days are short with darkness by 4:30 PM.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, waterproof jacket with hood, layers for changeable weather, sunscreen and sunglasses (yes, even in Ireland!), daypack for excursions, refillable water bottle, phone charger and power adapter (UK-style three-pin plugs), prescription medications, basic first-aid supplies, photocopies of passport and travel insurance, camera with extra memory cards, small umbrella, and modest outfit for church visits.
Bring euros for tips and small purchases. Download offline maps and entertainment for coach journeys. Pack a positive attitude—Ireland’s weather is unpredictable, but Irish humor and hospitality never disappoint. A good book for cozy pub evenings completes your preparation!
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Ireland tours. Comprehensive policies cover medical emergencies (crucial for non-EU travelers, as healthcare is expensive without coverage), trip cancellations, lost luggage, and tour interruptions.
Ensure your policy covers outdoor activities if you’re hiking or adventure touring. Policies typically cost 4-7% of your total trip cost. Read policies carefully regarding COVID-19, weather cancellations, and activity exclusions.
Must-try dishes include Irish stew (lamb or beef with potatoes, carrots, and onions), seafood chowder (especially along the coast), soda bread (baked fresh daily), fresh oysters in Galway, Fish and chips, full Irish breakfast, coddle (Dublin’s traditional sausage and potato dish), and colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage). Don’t miss farmhouse cheeses, grass-fed beef and lamb. For dessert, try bread-and-butter pudding or apple tart with Irish cream.
Yes — dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated very well on private and custom tours in Ireland.
Irish tour operators are increasingly experienced in catering for a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, halal, and most food allergies. It’s important to inform your tour operator at the time of booking and clearly list all dietary requirements. This allows hotels and restaurants to be pre-selected and meals arranged in advance.
Day-1: Arrival (Dublin)
Day-2: Kilkenny & Rock of Cashel
Day-3: Cork, Cobh & Kinsale
Day-4: Ring of Kerry & Killarney
Day-5: Dingle & Wild Athlantic Way
Day-6: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Day-7: Connemara & Kylemore Abbey
Day-8: Sligo & Leitrim
Day-9: Donegal & Slieve League cliffs
Day-10: Giant’s Causeway UNESCO Site & Antrim Coast
Day-11: Belfast
Day-12: Departure (Dublin)
