Ireland Small Group Tours
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10 best Ireland small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- Essence of Ireland Small Group Tour
- 6 Day Snippet of Shamrock - Small Group Coach Tour
- 10 Day Southern Nooks and Crannies - Small Group Coach Tour
- Essence of Ireland and Northern Ireland Small Group Tour
- Great Atlantic Ireland Explorer - 7 days
- Best of the Emerald Isle - 8 days
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- 8-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour
- 7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
- 6-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour
Essence of Ireland Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It was the right mix of structured time and free time. All tour guides were knowledgeable and extremely personable.”
Janet, traveled in May
Dublin's narrow alleyways and Cobh's historic center unfold perfectly with a small group over 7 days. The limited capacity brings Trinity College Library and Guinness Storehouse to life while fostering meaningful connections.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Cork, Galway Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Firebird Tours From
- NZ$5,708
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Cork, Ring of Kerry, Doolin Age Range 25 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Irish Tours For You From $3,963
10% Off- NZ$3,567You save $396
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Galway Age Range 25 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Irish Tours For You From
10% Off- NZ$6,603
Small groups gain privileged access to Dublin Castle and Trinity College Library's Book of Kells. The intimate format enhances Cork's English Market tastings and visits to Cobh's St Colman's Cathedral, one of Ireland's tallest buildings.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Cork, Galway, Sligo, Belfast Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Firebird Tours From
10% Off- NZ$7,429
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Cork, Blarney, Kinsale, Killarney National Park, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, GalwaySee all destinations Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From $5,605
15% Off- NZ$4,764You save $841
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, Kilkenny, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Spanish Point, BurrenSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From $6,705
15% Off- NZ$5,699You save $1,006
Ireland’s Ancient East
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Loved the excursions and the choice of hotels!”
Suhani, traveled in October
Ireland's eastern treasures welcome groups averaging 49 years old at a relaxed pace. Trinity College and Dublin Castle visits feel intimate, while Newgrange's ancient tombs and Waterford's historic quarter offer authentic encounters.
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Lismore, Cashel, Kilkenny Age Range 18 to 85 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator BTOURS From $2,251
11% Off- NZ$2,003You save $248
8-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour
53 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well organized, informative and fun. Highly recommend this tour.”
PATRICIA, traveled in October
A Mercedes coach with 15 passengers provides close-up access to Burren Farm and Kilbeggan Irish Coffee masterclass. The small setting allows schedule flexibility and dedicated guidance at Glendalough Monastery and Kylemore Abbey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Cahir, Blarney, Killarney, Killarney National Park, Dingle, KillimerSee all destinations Age Range 10 to 106 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Overland Ireland - Small Group Tours From
11% Off- NZ$4,486
7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
52 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour. Each day had many highlights and would highly recommend this trip to others.”
lynn, traveled in September
A 16-seat Mercedes Sprinter carrying 12 passengers navigates narrow coastal roads and remote sites. The intimate setting allows spontaneous stops, focused guide attention, and authentic experiences in local pubs across Ireland.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Midleton, Cobh, Blarney, Kenmare, Skellig Michael, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, TraleeSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 110 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Overland Ireland - Small Group Tours From
11% Off- NZ$4,158+$251 local payments
6-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw and did so many things that I can't keep them straight in my mind. Highly recommended.”
Mitch, traveled in July
Fifteen travelers share authentic dining experiences at local favorites in Dingle and Galway. The close-knit group visits the 500-acre Burren Farm and enjoys cozy traditional pub sessions, with fellow travelers averaging 57 years.
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Cahir, Blarney, Killarney, Killarney National Park, Dingle, KillimerSee all destinations Age Range 10 to 106 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Overland Ireland - Small Group Tours From
11% Off- NZ$3,232
Reviews of Small Group tours to Ireland
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
Our first tour and it was enjoyable. Nice pace and very scenic
- 8-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour
Berni greeted us every morning with her beautiful smile and knowledge of Ireland. She had the right balance of providing site seeing information on the bus and recognizing when we just needed to relax. There were multiple times during the tour that she went above and beyond expectations to make sure everyone’s needs were met.
- 7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
This was my first guided tour and I was surprised how much I liked it. Our Overland Ireland tour guide, Marie, made sure we had the best time. She was really chatty, her knowledge was impeccable and our other passengers were great as well. Although we covered a good distance each day, the tour never felt rushed. There was always something to do or to see. Highlight was for me was the boat trip to the Skelligs. I picked this tour because it was the only tour that actually lets you go on the Island. Climbing all the way to the top was one of the greatest things I have ever experienced. The share history of the place, the nature, I did see some puffins as well. My accommodation was above expectation. They did a great job with the small hotels and guesthouses. The cycle tour in Killarney, the food tour in Galway are all things you would not see on other tours. And the fact that they were included made sure that everyone got to enjoy it. All in all a great tour with the only negative was the two afternoons of rain but then you don’t book Ireland for the weather. Thanks again Overland Ireland for a world class tour.
What our customers ask about Ireland Small Group Tours
What is the typical group size for small group tours in Ireland?
Small group tours in Ireland typically operate with 12-16 travelers per group. Companies like Overland Ireland use passengers while Irish Experience Tours keeps their groups to 16 people maximum. A TourRadar traveler shared "The small group size of 10-12 people allowed us to get to know each other well and access places that normal tourist coaches can't reach like narrow country roads leading to hidden beaches and viewpoints along the Wild Atlantic Way."
What type of accommodation is provided on small group tours in Ireland?
Accommodations on small group tours range from boutique hotels to traditional B&Bs and family-run guesthouses. Travelers might spend one night at the historic Ardree House in Killarney followed by a stay at the coastal Vaughan Lodge in Lahinch. Each property offers genuine Irish hospitality and local character. A TourRadar guest noted: "The accommodations were all situated in the midst of town or a short easy walk away giving us a real feel for each location."
How do meal arrangements work on small group tours in Ireland?
Tours include Irish breakfasts at the accommodations while leaving lunches and dinners open for independent exploration. Tour guides can arrange group reservations at local establishments such as The Fish Box in Dingle or The Spaniard in Kinsale. A TourRadar reviewer mentioned: "Being a small group meant we could easily get tables at local restaurants our guide recommended even during busy times."
How much interaction is there with local communities on small group tours?
Local connections form a key part of these tours through stays at family-run B&Bs visits to neighborhood pubs and experiences like sheepdog demonstrations. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our small group size meant we could visit local farmers learn traditional crafts and have genuine conversations with Irish people in places like Doolin's famous music pubs."
What level of physical activity can be expected on small group tours?
Tours include moderate walking optional hikes and activities such as cycling in Killarney National Park or kayaking in Dingle Bay. The Cliffs of Moher walk takes about 2.5 hours while a typical Killarney cycling excursion runs 2 hours. Tour guides often provide alternative options to accommodate different fitness levels according to guest reviews.
How does the guide interaction differ in small group Ireland tours?
The smaller group format allows guides to offer personalized attention and detailed insights about locations from the Burren to Connemara. Guides can adjust schedules and make unplanned stops based on group preferences. As one TourRadar traveler put it: "Our guide was exceptional - with just 13 people he could customize our experience and ensure everyone's interests were met while sharing detailed historical information."