Ireland Small Group Tours
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10 best Ireland small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- 5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin
- Essence of Ireland Small Group Tour
- 10 Day Southern Nooks and Crannies - Small Group Coach Tour
- 6 Day Snippet of Shamrock - Small Group Coach Tour
- 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
- 8-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour
5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin
187 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was the perfect balance of learning a lot of history and culture, seeing incredible sights.”
Natasha, traveled in April
A Mercedes mini-coach carrying just 16 travelers ventures to hidden gems like Slea Head and Derrynane House, unreachable by larger tours. The intimate setting ensures personal attention and authentic village experiences across Ireland's southwest.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Kilbeggan, Clonmacnoise, Galway, Burren, Kilfenora, Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch, Killarney, DingleSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie’s Small Group Tours From
- NZ$2,288
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$6,301
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Galway Age Range Ages 25+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Irish Tours For You From
- NZ$6,887
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Cork, Ring of Kerry, Doolin Age Range Ages 25+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Irish Tours For You From
- NZ$4,134
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
- NZ$7,602
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 $1,663
15% Off- NZ$1,413You save $249
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 $4,565
15% Off- NZ$3,880You save $685
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 $5,925
15% Off- NZ$5,036You save $889
7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
55 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was excellent! The itinerary was exactly what I was hoping for and all the accommodations were beautiful!”
julie, traveled in August
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 Ireland - Small Group Tours From
15% Off- NZ$4,425+$282 local payments
8-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour
57 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had an enjoyable, varied sightseeing experience on the Emerald Explorer tour.”
Joyce, traveled in July
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 Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Overland Ireland - Small Group Tours From
15% Off- NZ$4,679
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
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 a brilliant tour showcasing the beautiful emerald isle.it was unbelievable the amout of ground we covered in 6 days. The guide Pat was amazingly informative about irish history, geology, culture. He had a great knack of gelling the group and creating a really fun environment. On a couple of occassions due to weather if we could not get to an activity our trip was reinvented seamlessly. Accommodation food and pub nights were great. Pat provided entertainment also on board singing playing tin whistle and again facilitating the group if they wanted to join in with a song. The country looked amazing . Highlights were Skellig Rock with its Puffin magic and Aran Islands . As a first time solo traveller It was wonderful and very easy to mix in and be part of group ans participate in all the a tivities
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."