Things to do in Ireland, Ireland: The Best Day Trips from

February 12, 2022 Augustus Redeker

Woven with wild greenery and Gaelic legends, the Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most prized jewels. Rugged Atlantic beaches and mystery-shrouded sites rub shoulders with the cosmopolitan cities of Belfast and Dublin, where literary history and warm Irish hospitality are always in abundance.
Restaurants in Ireland

1. Private Tour of Dingle Peninsula from Killarney

Taxi Killarney
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

The Dingle Peninsula is one of the western most areas of Ireland. It contains, spectacular, unspoilt coastal landscapes and beaches. Numerous historic and prehistoric sites dot the landscape and let’s not forget in the midst of it all, is Dingle town.

Inclusions: Beverages, Bottled water, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Y9349LFmaureenb

Knowledgeable and attentive tour guide. Felt absolutely safe taking in the rugged beauty of the stormy coastline. Much better than a crowded tour bus!

2. Cliffs of Moher Private Tour from Cork

Munsterbus Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

The Cliffs of Moher is Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with a magical vista that captures the hearts of up to 1 million visitors each year. The Cliffs rise up to 214 (700 feet) at the highest point and range for 8km over the Atlantic Ocean on the Western seaboard of Co. Clare.

Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By XO2travel2

My husband and I have traveled to Europe over a dozen times in the last twenty years. We’ve always traveled independently doing our own research and making our own reservations. We’re very comfortable taking public transportation in Europe and have also driven rental cars. A few years ago, we started purchasing small group or private tours for day trips and museum tours. We find them to be a great value for the personalized experience you receive. The key is doing your research ahead of time and finding the right tour company for you. For our trip to Ireland in August 2019, I found several highly-rated companies that offered day trips in southern Ireland. We ended up selecting MunsterBus Tours and had a fantastic experience. We booked with MunsterBus Tours because of their good customer reviews and excellent customer service in planning the trip – specifically my interactions with Linda Conway. Linda and I emailed back and forth to plan our two day trips for 4 adults. She was very responsive and professional (with a nice sense of humor). She took the time to really think about the information I sent her and then responded with detailed information and personalized itinerary options for us to consider. I also emailed Linda while in Ireland for advice with something not related to our day trips and she responded immediately with very helpful suggestions. Great customer service! We were also delighted to find the actual day trips were very enjoyable. Our driver and guide for both days was Craig. He was knowledgeable, helpful, patient and a very good driver. He did a great job balancing informing us, entertaining us (we had fun singing Irish songs) and giving us quiet time. Craig made our time in southern Ireland even more enjoyable. When we return to continue our exploration, we will definitely use MunsterBus Tours!!

3. Luxury Photography Day Tour on Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring - Fully Guided and Chauffeured

Killarney Guided Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

This is a privately guided & chauffeured, luxury full day tour of The Hidden Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring exploring some of the most beautiful vistas on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. Sit back and relax in executive style while enjoying one of Ireland's most famous drives, reaching breathtaking places the typical bus tours just can't reach and most self-guided tours miss entirely. Starting from Killarney we'll travel The Skellig Ring along the rugged coast with views to the filming location of the new Star Wars movies.  In Mercedes luxury, the day will be entirely at your pace with plenty of photo stops for guests with everything from professional photography equipment to the smallest point and shoot. This is a day tour for those wanting a truly unique touring experience. With pick-up and return to your accommodation, this will be a day for the memory books and photo memory cards. Join Killarney Guided Tours in 2021!

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Fully private tour, Air-conditioned executive class, long chassis BMW 740Li or Mercedes V w/ individual captain's chairs, Failte Ireland Qualified Guide, Driver fully insured & licensed by Irish Nat'l Transport Authority for passenger transportation, All vehicles carry commercial insurance for passenger transport (required in Ireland)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Ohanamp

We met Gerard and immediately felt at home, he was so friendly and accommodating. Made frequent stops for pictures and special requests. I wish I could have stayed linger and discover more of Ireland. There is no way to really enjoyed Ireland with the expertise of someone like Killarney Guided tours. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

4. Castles & Whiskey Tour from Dublin

Irish Luxury Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

OUR SMALL GROUPS TOURS ARE CONDUCTED BY ONLY THE BEST HAND PICKED PROFESSIONAL DRIVER GUIDES AND ARE CONDUCTED IN LUXURY AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLES. OUR MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE IS 16 PASSENGERS SO NOBODY WILL FEEL LEFT OUT. OUR DRIVERS WILL TAKE YOU ON THE ROADS LESS TRAVELLED TO MEET THE REAL CHARACTERS AND TO FEEL THE CHARACTER OF THIS GREAT ISLAND OF IRELAND.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, COMPLIMENTARY WATER, UMBRELLAS

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By JoanieAnn

Irish Luxury Tours is the way to see Ireland! We toured southern Ireland in October of 2018 and we can not say enough about this company and our driver/tour guide Kieran D. From the time we were greeted at the airport in Dublin until our return there, every detail of our trip was planned and executed perfectly. Kieran was warm, charming, knowledgeable, and very fun. It was like touring with good friend. My husband had a recent organ transplant and Kieran anticipated his needs in a very kindly way. We have since recommended ILT and Kieran to friends and they had a similar experience to ours. Five stars of excellence and a big hoorah to this excellent company and tour guide. We miss you Kieran!

5. The Sheefrey Pass Bike Tour

Electric Escapes
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Every day is your way. This tour takes you to the top of a dramatic mountain road (made easy on our electric bikes!). You'll then picnic at the top in ancient woodlands with breathtaking views. Then it's down down downhill all the way through a stunning natural valley and on to Ireland's only fjord, Killary Harbour. Here we can catch a boat to sample some locally-farmed mussels with Simon and Kate and take in the dramatic scenery of the mountains plunging into the sea, maybe wave at passing dolphins, otter, salmon or other wildlife along the way. You can opt for a local seaweed bath massage before heading home. Had too much fun, food or Guinness to cycle home? Relax, we‘ll drive. This trip is for making memories and taking home more than just pictures. For those who tried the Bangor Trail last year and raved about it, this is every bit as good!

Inclusions: Gourmet lunch with local cuisine. Quality electric and regular bikes. A guide with jeep support. All equipment necessary, including panniers, helmets etc. Maps and binoculars provided. All drinks and snacks provided. Waterproof clothing offered., Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Although waterproof clothing is provided, we recommend you bring your own.

Reviewed By lcmkma

We've been to Westport on quite a few occasions but not always hired bikes, the occasions we did have been the most enjoyable. We didn't know what our plans might be so decided to hire the bikes and just enjoy the countryside and Greenway. I'm over 60 and not the fittest specimen and my wife had back surgery earlier in the year so we didn't want anything to strenuous. Paul was happy to let us go along the Greenway but suggested an alternative on an old mountain road which offered better views. He gave us directions and options to shorten the route if we felt it was too difficult. We followed his advice and the road...to the end. It was worth the effort, the scenery was spectacular and, apart from a short stand off with some sheep, we were alone for quite a bit of the way with nothing but natural beauty everywhere we looked. We were blessed with great weather in November and enjoying the day so much we didn't pay much attention to time. Paul was prepared to come and pick us up but we set off from Mallaranny and managed to cycle back to Westport (turbo power may have been engaged). I'd encourage anyone to try Electric Escapes if you're going to Westport, cycling on an E-Bike was a great way to see this beautiful part of Ireland and Paul is a wonderful host.

6. Private Tour of The Dingle Peninsula

Kerry Guided Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

If you do just one tour on your visit to Ireland, make it the Dingle Peninsula tour. Not only does it enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain and coastal scenery in Ireland, but centuries of isolation have left it with a rich heritage of remarkably well preserved archaeological and ecclesiastical sites. A drive around the area reveals fascinating antiquities ranging from Iron Age stone forts to 4th century AD inscribed stones, early Christian oratories and beehive huts. Rich in Gaelic culture, language, literature, art and sport, the area centres on the colourful town of Dingle (Daingean Uí Cúis - meaning Fort of Ó Cúis), famous for traditional music, great pubs, and fine restaurants. The peninsula provided settings for a number of famous films, most notably 'Star Wars' in 2016, 'Ryan's Daughter' in 1969, 'Far & Away' in 1991 and 'Playboy of the Western World' way back in 1961.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By MaryB12

I used this Tour Company recently for a tour of “Kingdom”, and was very glad I did. I learned so much in my day and was taken to so many places, many of them off the beaten track. They were so professional, extremely friendly and made this trip very very special. Highly recommended and if course, Kerry is gorgeous, so this is a great combination.

7. Donegal Gaeltacht Private Tour

Donegal Tour Guide
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

"Donegal Tour Guide", Henry Doohan is a native of County Donegal and passionate about showcasing the gems of his homeland. Irish (or Gaelic) is the first language of the people in the Donegal Gaeltacht and the Irish cultural traditions are safeguarded. Learn a cúpla focail (a few words) of Irish on board this Gaeltacht tour and have fun practicing with the locals throughout the day. All Donegal Gaeltacht tour itineraries are custom built to suit the interests of the tourist, their location and timeframe available. The following is a suggestion of some of the attractions to include while on a day trip of An Gaeltacht, Co. Donegal.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Shane_JFC

Our family of four had one of the best experiences we've had traveling around Ireland thanks to Henry. We booked Henry for 3 days and each day he gave us a comprehensive and highly enjoyable guide around different regions of Donegal. Henry is funny and extremely knowledgeable and we had such a wonderful time touring the county. We traveled in comfort and got to see views and visit places which simply are not accessible with large coaches or difficult on your own .Simply put, if you want to see Donegal, leave the car at the hotel and get in contact with Henry. Cannot recommend Henry's private tours highly enough.

8. Private Ring of Kerry luxury tour with accredited guide

Guided Tours With Mary G
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

This private tour will be to the most dramatic scenic places off the beaten path where the coaches can't go and will be tailor made to suit your interests and tempo.

Inclusions: Professional accredited national guide with over 20 years experience, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, entrance fees should you require them

Reviewed By ROWINGGUY

We were a small group of three with Mary G as our walking tour guide of Killarney. While we all had been in Killarney a few times over the years, this was our first time actually taking a walking tour there. It was well worth it as Mary gives insights into the town’s history and heritage that only a local will know. She was born and schooled in Killarney so she really shares her passion for her home town. As Mary has lived in France and Italy, she is very capable of putting the stories of Killarnye in a European context. So it was really interesting also to hear her stories of what French and Europeans enjoy about Killarney. It’s only when you take a tour with Mary that you see and discover things are only known to locals; interesting insights into medieval laneways, hidden architectural gems and a fabulous walk through the environs of Killarney House and National Park. We enjoyed the glorious gardens, fantastic views over the lakes and even saw deer grazing in nearby paddocks. When you have a few spare hours, a walking tour of Killarney Town with Mary G is highly recommended.

9. Fanad Peninsula Private Tour

Donegal Tour Guide
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

"Donegal Tour Guide", Henry Doohan is a native of County Donegal and passionate about showcasing the gems of his homeland. Fanad Lighthouse overlooks Mulroy Bay to the West, Lough Swilly to the East and the Atlantic Ocean to the North. Dominated by Muckish Mountain, Sheephaven Bay boasts ancient castles and a panoramic Atlantic Drive. All private Donegal tours are custom built to suit the interests of the tourist, their location and timeframe available. The following is a suggestion of some of the attractions to include while on a day trip of the Fanad Peninsula.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Shane_JFC

Our family of four had one of the best experiences we've had traveling around Ireland thanks to Henry. We booked Henry for 3 days and each day he gave us a comprehensive and highly enjoyable guide around different regions of Donegal. Henry is funny and extremely knowledgeable and we had such a wonderful time touring the county. We traveled in comfort and got to see views and visit places which simply are not accessible with large coaches or difficult on your own .Simply put, if you want to see Donegal, leave the car at the hotel and get in contact with Henry. Cannot recommend Henry's private tours highly enough.

10. Private tour of Dingle and Slea Head with accredited guide

Guided Tours With Mary G
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

This is a private tour for up to 4 people so you can stop when and where you wish, the tour will be tailored to suit your needs. What better way to explore Dingle than with a local accredited guide with many years experience!

Inclusions: Professional accredited national guide with over 15 years experience

Exclusions: Food and drinks other than bottled water which is complimentary

Reviewed By ROWINGGUY

We were a small group of three with Mary G as our walking tour guide of Killarney. While we all had been in Killarney a few times over the years, this was our first time actually taking a walking tour there. It was well worth it as Mary gives insights into the town’s history and heritage that only a local will know. She was born and schooled in Killarney so she really shares her passion for her home town. As Mary has lived in France and Italy, she is very capable of putting the stories of Killarnye in a European context. So it was really interesting also to hear her stories of what French and Europeans enjoy about Killarney. It’s only when you take a tour with Mary that you see and discover things are only known to locals; interesting insights into medieval laneways, hidden architectural gems and a fabulous walk through the environs of Killarney House and National Park. We enjoyed the glorious gardens, fantastic views over the lakes and even saw deer grazing in nearby paddocks. When you have a few spare hours, a walking tour of Killarney Town with Mary G is highly recommended.

TAGS

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestShare on Google+Email this to someoneShare on VkontakteBookmark

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.