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
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
- Essence of Ireland and Northern Ireland Small Group Tour
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- Super South Ireland - 5 days
- Great Atlantic Ireland Explorer - 7 days
- 7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
- 6-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour
- Wild North - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland
- Wild Grande - Multi Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland
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 Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Firebird Tours From
- NZ$6,485
3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The group was small and everyone was friendly, which made it easy to enjoy the trip. All of the accommodations were comfortable and full of charm.”
Elvis, traveled in August
Groups of 16 travelers, suitable for ages 5+, receive focused attention from the driver-guide. The intimate format allows access to Kinsale's narrow streets and unhurried visits to Glendalough's 6th-century monastery.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dublin, Blarney, Midleton, Cork, Kinsale, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Glendalough Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie’s Small Group Tours From $1,533
15% Off- NZ$1,303You save $230
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 Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Firebird Tours From
15% Off- NZ$7,823
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 Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator BTOURS From $1,673
15% Off- NZ$1,422You save $251
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Kinsale, Killarney National Park, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Galway Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From $4,625
20% Off- NZ$3,700You save $925
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Cork, Blarney, Kinsale, Killarney National Park, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, GalwaySee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From $6,535
20% Off- NZ$5,228You save $1,307
7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
56 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were able to enjoy Ireland's beauty, music, food, history -- the whole delicious, magical place.”
Catherine, 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 Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Overland - Small Group Tours From $4,601
15% Off- NZ$3,911+$286 local paymentsYou save $690
6-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Accommodations were top quality. Company was responsive to special requests.”
Peter, traveled in May
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 Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Overland - Small Group Tours From $3,834
15% Off- NZ$3,259You save $575
Wild North - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Im glad I opted for b&b accommodation...it was always of a comfortable standard.”
Gail, traveled in May
Small groups savor traditional music in Westport, wander through Glenveagh National Park's 16,500 hectares, and marvel at Slieve League cliffs. The intimate setting creates meaningful cultural exchanges and adaptable schedules.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Croagh Patrick Mountain, Westport, Sligo, Donegal, Slieve League Mountain, Glenveagh National Park, Ballycastle, Giants CausewaySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Wild N' Happy From
15% Off- NZ$4,497
Wild Grande - Multi Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation in the larger cities wasn't central but the view from the hotel in Cork made up for the hike up the hill.”
Jean, traveled in October
With just 16 guests, this tour offers personal guidance and secret local spots. Boutique B&Bs in Killarney and Westport provide cozy stays, while activities like kayaking on Lakes of Killarney become intimate adventures.
Duration 13 days Destinations Dublin, Cork, Skibbereen, Kenmare, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Slea Head, Lahinch, Cliffs of MoherSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Wild N' Happy From
15% Off- NZ$7,359
Reviews of Small Group tours to Ireland
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
This was a good tour Not too many people Very interesting places Driver friendly and courteous Too much music for me on the bus
- 8-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour
We had a fantastic time, our tour guide Finn was fun, funny and knows his country well! We learned Irish history and folk lore as we traveled through the beautiful cities, small towns and country side. A small tour is definitely the best way to maximize your experience, especially with Finn as your guide! We could never have seen so many wonderful places and learned so much Irish ☘️ history on our own.
- 7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
This was the Overland Ireland Zest Tour and it was an incredible experience from start to finish! We visited the most beautiful highlights of the South and West. Each day included a physical activity so the amount of time spent on the very comfortable bus was kept to a minimum. The trip started on a high note with the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle and just got better and better by the day. We had a dramatic entrance to Kerry over the Healy Pass, visited an ancient and bewitching Stone Circle, cycled in Muckross House woods and visited the Franciscan Abbey ruins with its marvellous cloister. We arrived in Portmagee, crossing our fingers and hoping for fair weather the following day so that we could visit the Skelligs. What a privilege to be among the restricted 180 people allowed visit daily in favourable weather conditions. Well, our day was perfectly stunning ! Clear blue skies, thousands of puffins and greatly informative OPW guides. In to Dingle, swim on Inch Beach. Kerry is breathtakingly beautiful- Conor's Pass, Tralee and then to walk the Cliffs of Moher, by this stage our intimate group had almost run out of superlatives! Walked into the village of Doolin and in the evening were treated to marvellous musicians playing tradiitional uileann pipes. Another ferry to Inis Mor and we cycled around the island up to Dún Aengus. Reluctant to leave the island, we were rewarded by the beautiful drive from Rossaveal to Clifden. This in turn proved to be surpassed by the following morning's drive on the Sky Road and on to the Killary fjord and stunning Maum Turk mountains. On to Galway City foir a walking tour and delicious tastings of food and drink. None of us wanted this to end! We had an excellent guide, Pat, who was knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, geology, history , culture, traditions, language of Ireland. We all benefitted from his commentaries. He was an excellent and courteous driver. Even our American friends relaxed in his safe hands on the very narrow, winding roads of the west! I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys physical activity with a desire to get to an overview of Ireland in a limited and compact timeframe. It really amazed us all that we packed so much into a mere six days! A really well planned framework which more than fulfilled what the brief outline suggested.
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."