Historical Tours & Trips in Ireland
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10 best Historical Ireland tour packages
Compiled by

SteffIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- Land of Saints & Scholars (Hotel) - 7 days
- Castles and Manors
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
- Cliffs of Moher, Connemara & Aran Islands Travel West by Train
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- Great Atlantic Ireland Explorer - 7 days
- Irish Escape
- Unforgettable Ireland
- Highlights of Ireland & Islands - 7 days
- Land of Saints & Scholars - 7 days
Land of Saints & Scholars (Hotel) - 7 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Interesting tour all round.”
Winifred, traveled in May
Ancient crosses at Clonmacnoise Abbey, Waterford's Viking Triangle, and Glendalough's 6th-century monastery paint Ireland's past. Daniel O'Connell's Derrynane House and prehistoric dwellings at Slea Head feature expert interpretation.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Burren, Kilfenora, Cliffs of Moher, Shannon, Killarney, Dingle, Blarney, KinsaleSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $7,065
15% Off- NZ$6,005You save $1,060
Medieval heritage shines at Rock of Cashel, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and historic castles. Local specialists bring 18th-century Westport House to life and guide tours through ancient ruins. Perfect for history enthusiasts aged 40+.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Cong, Westport, Clifden, Connemara National Park, Kinvarra, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of KerrySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $5,375
15% Off- NZ$4,569You save $806
3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw the most breathtaking views! Ireland was more beautiful than I imagined!”
Shelley, traveled in July
Rich history spans from Viking-era Waterford to 6th-century Glendalough monastery. Medieval Kilkenny's castle, 15th-century Blarney Stone, and ancient ruins along UNESCO's Copper Coast feature expert historical commentary.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dublin, Blarney, Midleton, Cork, Kinsale, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Glendalough Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie’s Small Group Tours From
15% Off- NZ$1,511
Cliffs of Moher, Connemara & Aran Islands Travel West by Train
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour guides were so lovely, and they were very knowledgeable about western Ireland.”
Holly, traveled in August
King John's Castle rises above 12th-century Limerick, while 1425-built Bunratty Castle and ancient Dún Aonghasa fort on Inis Mór guard their secrets. Traditional Gaeltacht villages preserve Irish as their daily language.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Inishmore Island, Aran Islands, Connemara National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Railtours Ireland First Class From
15% Off- NZ$1,548
Ireland’s Ancient East
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Loved the excursions and the choice of hotels!”
Suhani, traveled in October
Medieval Dublin Castle and 3200 BC Newgrange tombs bookend Ireland's epic timeline. The Battle of Boyne site, Glendalough's 6th-century monastery, and Viking-era Waterford reveal centuries of history from traditional country accommodations.
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Lismore, Cashel, Kilkenny Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $1,652
15% Off- NZ$1,404You save $248
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Cork, Blarney, Kinsale, Killarney National Park, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, GalwaySee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From $6,445
15% Off- NZ$5,478You save $967
Irish Escape
541 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw so much in such a short time!”
Michael, traveled in March
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, Adare, Killorglin, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Blarney, WaterfordSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Globus From
15% Off- NZ$2,120
Unforgettable Ireland
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The hotels were well organised with great breakfasts and in excellent locations.”
Roger, traveled in July
Ireland's grand story unfolds at 15th-century Bunratty Castle, iconic Blarney Castle, and majestic Kylemore Abbey. Dublin's Georgian streets lead to Trinity College and EPIC Emigration Museum. The historic Gresham hotel serves as your base for experiencing traditional Irish culture.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Blarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Dingle, Waterville, Sneem, TarbertSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Omega Tours From
15% Off- NZ$4,224
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Cobh, Blarney, Ring of Kerry, Waterville, Skellig Michael, Killarney National Park, Cliffs of Moher, DoolinSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From $7,325
15% Off- NZ$6,226You save $1,099
The ancient ruins of Clonmacnoise Abbey and Waterford's Viking Triangle tell Ireland's story. Roam historic Derrynane House, walk through 6th-century Glendalough monastery, and hear about Titanic's connection to Cobh while staying in traditional Irish B&Bs.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Shannon, Killarney, Dingle, Blarney, Kinsale, CobhSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $6,125
15% Off- NZ$5,206You save $919
What people love about Historical Tours in Ireland
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
Tour guide was great. We covered a large area in just three days,
- 5-Day Spectacular South and West small group Tour of Ireland
Great guide Thank you
- 5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin
"There was a tour guide named John, whose stories could go on and on. He entertained us in song and rhyme and was unfailingly on time. All his passengers agreed, we'd miss him when he was gone." That sums up our experience on our trip to the southwest. The itinerary was excellent, although the fog obscured much of it. The hotel rooms were great as was the breakfasts. The bus was top-rate complete with plug-ins for phones, etc. This was a very good deal for the money
What our customers ask about Historical Tours & Trips in Ireland
What are the must-see historical sites on an Ireland Historical tour?
The essential stops on Ireland's historical circuit range from medieval strongholds to ancient religious sites. Kilkenny Castle stands as a testament to Norman influence since 1195. The 15th-century Blarney Castle remains a popular stop where visitors can test their luck at the Blarney Stone. At Clonmacnoise founded in 545 AD Celtic crosses dot the landscape alongside distinctive round towers. The House of Waterford Crystal continues centuries of craftmanship while Dublin Castle anchors over 800 years of Irish heritage. A TourRadar traveler noted "The historical sites were incredible - our guide brought each castle and monastery to life with fascinating stories about Ireland's past."
When is the best time to take a Historical tour in Ireland?
The prime window for exploring Ireland's historical treasures falls between April and September. Summer months of June and July provide up to 18 hours of daylight ideal for examining architectural details at sites like Dublin Castle. September brings temperatures around 60°F (16°C) along with smaller crowds at major sites including Blarney Castle. The historic Ashling Hotel in Dublin serves as a comfortable base for city exploration. According to one TourRadar traveler: "Visiting in September was perfect - we had clear skies for photography at the castles and comfortable temperatures for walking through historic towns."
Which historical accommodations can I expect on an Ireland Historical tour?
Accommodations on historical tours blend period charm with modern comfort. The 4-star Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin lets guests sleep within medieval walls while enjoying contemporary amenities. Westport's Knockranny House Hotel maintains its Victorian grandeur. The Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny provides easy access to the city's Medieval Mile. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Staying at Clontarf Castle was a highlight - sleeping in a real Irish castle while learning about its 800-year history made the experience unforgettable."
Which regions of Ireland offer the best Historical experiences?
Historical sites span the breadth of Ireland's landscape. Dublin's historic quarter showcases Georgian architecture and the 800-year-old Dublin Castle. The Ancient East contains medieval Kilkenny and Viking-established Waterford. Western Ireland holds prehistoric treasures like Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands dating to 1100 BC. Along the Wild Atlantic Way Kylemore Abbey and ancient monasteries tell their tales. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Each region had its own historical character - from Dublin's colonial heritage to the ancient stone forts of the west coast."
What historical periods do Ireland Historical tours typically cover?
Tours traverse through time from ancient Celtic settlements to 19th-century famine history. Stops include Viking-influenced Waterford Ireland's oldest city Norman-built King John's Castle in Limerick and the Waterford Crystal factory. Many tours include nights at historic properties such as the 1783-built Faithlegg House Hotel. One TourRadar traveler reported: "From ancient stone circles to Georgian Dublin the tour gave us an incredible overview of Ireland's rich history spanning thousands of years."
What historical aspects of Irish culture are covered?
Tours delve into the cultural fabric of Ireland examining Celtic traditions early Christian heritage medieval clan systems and the Great Famine's impact. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin and traditional Kerry farms provide windows into social history. Historic properties like Cahernane House Hotel offer authentic Irish hospitality experiences. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The blend of ancient sites folk traditions and living history made Ireland's past come alive."




















