Historical Tours & Trips in Ireland
4.6 stars on(8,541 reviews)- Choose from 150+ Ireland tours
- 6,300+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best Historical Ireland tour packages
Compiled by

SteffIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- Irish Splendor (Dublin to Kingscourt) (2025)
- Land of Saints & Scholars (Hotel) - 7 days
- Great Atlantic Ireland Explorer - 7 days
- Castles and Manors
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
- Best of the Emerald Isle - 8 days
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- South Ireland Discovery - 6 days
- Land of Saints & Scholars - 7 days
- Unforgettable Ireland
Irish history unfolds from Dublin's Georgian squares to the ancient Rock of Cashel. Medieval Blarney Castle, traditional Molanna Dairy farm life, and nights in historic Cabra Castle offer authentic experiences guided by local experts.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Killarney, Dingle, Ennis, Kingscourt Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Collette From $3,849
4% Off- NZ$3,699You save $150
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 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $6,445
15% Off- NZ$5,478You save $967
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 Operator On The Go Tours From $5,655
15% Off- NZ$4,807You save $848
Castles and Manors
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were beautiful and very welcoming. Our experience was fantastic and would recommend.”
Tiffany, traveled in April
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From $6,595
15% Off- NZ$5,606You save $989
3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was an amazing experience and provided great insight into the city.”
Elizabeth, traveled in May
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 5 to 99 year olds Operator Rabbie’s Small Group Tours From $1,427
15% Off- NZ$1,213You save $214
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 Operator On The Go Tours From $6,765
15% Off- NZ$5,750You save $1,015
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 18 to 85 year olds Operator BTOURS From $2,325
11% Off- NZ$2,069You save $256
Duration 6 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 Operator On The Go Tours From $4,905
15% Off- NZ$4,169You save $736
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 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $5,685
15% Off- NZ$4,832You save $853
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 8 to 99 year olds Operator Omega Tours From
15% Off- NZ$3,841
What people love about Historical Tours in Ireland
- Irish Highlights (Summer)
i had my 2 young daughters with me and it was extremely organised and lots of greatplaces to visit with excellent tour guides who made it lots of fun for all
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
The tour was everything we could have asked for!
- The Irish Pub Tour - 9 Days/8 Nights
Great way to get a glimpse of Ireland.
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."