Southern Ireland Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(9,255 reviews)- Choose from 250+ Southern Ireland tours
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Table of contents
- The best Southern Ireland tour packages
- What people love about Southern Ireland Tours
- Travel Southern Ireland your way
- Best tour companies for Southern Ireland tours
- Popular Southern Ireland Cruise Ships
- Discover Southern Ireland tours for every budget
- Southern Ireland tours for every type of group
- Top Southern Ireland travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Southern Ireland
- Contact our Southern Ireland travel experts
- What our customers ask about Southern Ireland Tours & Trips
The best Southern Ireland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern Ireland travel expert at TourRadar
Best of Ireland
65 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The organization of every tour and stop was perfection. We always arrived at the attractions before the crowds.”
Rossana, traveled in September
Explore Southern Ireland's treasures from Dublin's EPIC Museum to Waterford's crystal workshops. Kiss the Blarney Stone, drive Ring of Kerry's scenic route past Black Valley, and discover Bunratty Castle. Stay in Clayton hotels while enjoying traditional High Tea at Westport House. Rated 4.7/5 by travelers, with expert local guides.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Wicklow, New Ross, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Adare, Limerick, Cliffs of MoherSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $5,150
15% Off- NZ$4,378You save $773
Ireland in Low Season
40 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wow. Luke is funny, charismatic, informative and what I'd consider a well read historian.”
Branden, traveled in October
Trinity College opens this Southern Ireland adventure, continuing to Waterford Crystal House. Medieval Kilkenny Castle and Cork's historic center reveal Ireland's past, while local pubs resound with traditional entertainment. Quality accommodations and expert guides enhance the experience.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Adare, Limerick, Cliffs of MoherSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Expat Explore Travel From $2,295
11% Off- NZ$2,045You save $250
Northern & Southern Ireland (12 destinations)
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Each day went by smoothly and each day's itinerary was packed with plenty of interesting sights and experiences.”
Benjamin, traveled in May
The route from Cliffs of Moher to Ring of Kerry features centrally located hotels and hostels. Visitors can tour St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, wander through Galway's harbor city, and watch traditional sheep herding at Kerry farms. The package includes 8 breakfasts, Aran Islands ferry excursion, and guided tours of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter and Derry's Bogside history.
Duration 9 days Destinations Belfast, Londonderry, Giants Causeway, Galway, Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dublin Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
11% Off- NZ$5,865
South West Ireland Uncovered (Hotel) - 5 days
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a great tour with a very knowledgable guide and a lovely small group of people.”
Southern Ireland's treasures await, from Clonmacnoise Abbey to Blarney Castle. Rest at Western Hotel in Galway and The Fairview Hotel in Killarney, while visiting Dingle Peninsula, Inch Beach, and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Shannon Estuary ferry crossing included.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Kilfenora, Killarney, Dingle, Waterville, Derrynane, Blarney, Kilkenny Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $3,885
15% Off- NZ$3,302You save $583
Irish Highlights
80 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Nice travel, good organization.”
Raffaella, traveled in August
Southern Ireland's heritage shines at Waterford Crystal workshops and Blarney Castle. Traditional farming comes alive at Glenealy House dinner, while UNESCO Cliffs of Moher inspire awe. Quality hotels like Clayton Ballsbridge provide comfort, with Ring of Kerry scenic drive included.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Bunratty, Shannon, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Aran Islands, Ring of Kerry, CahersiveenSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $3,125
10% Off- NZ$2,813You save $313
What people love about Southern Ireland Tours
Luke Watson is the best tour guide I have ever had. His knowledge and history of the places was incredible and he had so many stories to share. He went out of his way to answer our questions and is a very friendly, helpful and fun guy.
Ireland in Low Season
- Best of Ireland
The best experience ever...they treated us great.our tour guide was amazing and the bus driver as well. I would highly recommend Trafalgar.
- Irish Highlights
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
Travel Southern Ireland your way
Ireland's multi-day treks let you really get into the landscape's character. The Wild Atlantic Way route takes you across the unique limestone terrain of The Burren - it's actually one of the few places where Arctic and Mediterranean plants grow side by side. Mount Brandon might only reach just under 1000m, but don't let that fool you; it's a proper 4-hour trek that rewards you with Atlantic views all the way to the Blasket Islands. If you're after something more demanding, the full-day Carrauntoohil climb gets you to Ireland's highest point at 1039m. The Dingle Peninsula and Gap of Dunloe walks run 13-15km with plenty of old ruins and local stories along the way. Our customers keep telling us the Cliffs of Moher routes are their favorites - you've got options from easy walks to serious hikes there.
Ireland's active tours mix things up nicely with plenty to keep you moving. The e-bike routes along the Great Western Greenway let you cover loads of ground while taking in the coast views. Our guests love getting out on the water around Dingle Bay - you're kayaking through caves and inlets, often with seals popping up to say hello. Over on the Aran Islands, cycling really is the way to go; you'll pedal past miles of stone walls before reaching spots like Dun Aengus fort, sitting 300 feet above the Atlantic waves. Diamond Hill in Connemara offers solid trails and views that stretch out to the islands. Groups stay small, usually 8-12 people, and guides adjust the day based on weather and what the group's up for. Most of our travelers tell us they love how the days flow - you might catch some waves at Inch Beach in the morning and finish up learning tunes in a Dingle pub.
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Southern Ireland. We have 77 adventures that vary from 3 days to 13 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
For travelers seeking to really experience Southern Ireland, several explorer-focused tours stand out based on what our customers loved. The most popular 7-day routes take you through the heart of Irish life - from kissing the Blarney Stone to feasting in medieval castles. You'll spend evenings in local pubs where traditional music fills the air and locals share stories over a pint. Our travelers particularly praise the small-group formats that let them stop at hidden spots like the Connemara marble factory and sheep herding demonstrations. The guides consistently receive high marks for mixing historical knowledge with local jokes and stories, while keeping things casual enough to adapt to weather and group interests.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Southern Ireland tours
I'd recommend Wild 'N Happy or Irish Experience Tours if you want that genuine local feel - they keep groups small and their guides really make the difference. Our travelers love how Michael, Sean and also Andy take them to spots most tourists never see. CIE Tours is another solid pick - Bob, Jim and also Ken lead fantastic trips that hit all the classic spots while keeping everyone entertained with great stories along the way. If you're after something more upscale, Insight Vacations pays attention to those extra touches, especially that final night at Ashford Castle which our guests always talk about. Just a heads up about Globus Tours - we've heard some complaints about their refund process and customer service lately. That's worth keeping in mind when you're deciding. No matter which company you go with, pack smart for Ireland's changeable weather - you might get four seasons in one day! The locals are incredibly welcoming though; that's something every single one of our travelers mentions when they get back.
Popular Southern Ireland Cruise Ships
Discover Southern Ireland tours for every budget
For budget-conscious travelers, several well-rated Southern Ireland tours offer excellent value without compromising on experiences. These tours pack in major highlights like the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle while keeping costs down through efficient routing and mid-range accommodations. Our customers particularly praise the Celtic Voyage tour for its mix of guided exploration and free time - you'll kayak Killarney's lakes one day and meet locals in Doolin's pubs the next. The Irish Escape route gets high marks for including special touches like Irish coffee demonstrations and medieval feasts without breaking the bank. What stands out in reviews is how these tours balance structured sightseeing with plenty of opportunities to explore villages and towns at your own pace.
Luxury tours of Southern Ireland focus on elevated experiences and premium accommodations. The standout options include castle stays at properties like Ashford Castle, where you're welcomed by a lone piper across the drawbridge. These high-end tours incorporate private access to attractions, expert local specialists and carefully curated dining experiences. Our travelers rave about the Irish Elegance tour's perfectly paced itinerary and special flourishes - think falconry schools, spa treatments and Michelin-starred restaurants. The Northern & Southern Ireland tour earns praise for its intimate group sizes and opportunities to meet local artists, craftspeople and also aristocratic families in their historic homes.
Southern Ireland budget tours- Southern Ireland luxury tours
Southern Ireland tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
219 tours in Southern IrelandGroup tours offer fantastic social experiences while covering Southern Ireland's must-see attractions. The most popular options run 7-10 days and include comfortable coach transport between destinations. What makes these tours special is how they blend scheduled activities with free time - you might spend the morning exploring Trinity College with a historian before having the afternoon to discover Dublin's literary pubs. Our customers consistently highlight the camaraderie that develops, especially during included experiences like medieval banquets at Bunratty Castle, traditional music sessions in Killarney and visits to working sheep farms where you'll learn to make traditional scones.
Small Group
40 tours in Southern IrelandSmall group tours limited to 8-16 people allow for deeper cultural immersion and flexibility. These intimate tours can visit places larger groups can't access, like family-run whiskey distilleries, remote hiking trails and also small fishing villages. The Wild Irish Experience gets excellent reviews for its ability to adjust the route based on weather and group interests. Travelers love how their guides share personal stories about growing up in Ireland while navigating scenic backroads. These tours excel at spontaneous moments - stopping at local festivals, joining impromptu music sessions or visiting artisan workshops when the opportunity arises.
Private / Personalized
40 tours in Southern IrelandEnjoy the exclusivity of our Private Southern Ireland tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace with over 40 itineraries to choose from.
Top Southern Ireland travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our 3-day tours of Southern Ireland pack a lot into a short time. One route takes you through Cork's lively port town of Kinsale and along the copper coast UNESCO Geopark, with time for a proper visit to Jameson Whiskey Distillery. Another popular option explores the Dingle Peninsula where our small groups can take their time at secluded beaches and ancient beehive huts. You'll find tours combining Glendalough's quiet lakes with the rugged Wicklow Mountains and also medieval Kilkenny - our travelers love having free afternoons there to wander through craft shops and cozy pubs in what locals often call Ireland's friendliest city.
A week in Southern Ireland lets you really sink into the culture. Our 7-day trips start from Dublin before heading west where you'll join authentic music sessions in Galway and watch skilled shepherds work with their dogs at local farms. At the Cliffs of Moher, local experts explain the 300-million-year story behind these incredible rock formations. Our customers particularly like spending multiple nights in Killarney - it's perfect for day trips around the Ring of Kerry's small fishing villages and quiet valleys. You'll learn proper Irish coffee making, try your hand at baking scones with farming families and also enjoy dinner in actual medieval castle halls.
Ten days gives you space to properly discover Southern Ireland's character. These routes venture into quieter areas like Connemara's raw landscapes and Kylemore Abbey with its lovely Victorian gardens. Our travelers appreciate how the pace feels just right - maybe hiking Diamond Hill one day, then exploring the Gaelic-speaking Aran Islands by bicycle or minibus the next. You'll meet local smokehouse owners who share traditional salmon smoking methods, visit working farms to see sheep herding in action and also explore ancient settlements. Several tours include nights in historic buildings like Westport House, where you'll hear tales about the famous Pirate Queen while enjoying local treats in elegant 18th-century rooms.
Demographics
Solo travelers have several excellent tour options that balance guided exploration with independent discovery. The small group formats, typically 8-12 people, create natural social connections while touring famous sites like the Rock of Cashel and Ring of Kerry. Our customers particularly enjoy tours featuring 3-night stays in Killarney, where the town's lively atmosphere makes it easy to meet locals and fellow travelers. Tours earning high marks include kayaking on Killarney's lakes, hiking Torc Mountain and also cycling through national parks. What sets these tours apart is how they mix active outdoor experiences with cultural immersion - you might spend mornings exploring ancient ruins before joining traditional music sessions in local pubs each evening.
Couples consistently praise tours that combine romantic settings with authentic Irish experiences. The most popular options include medieval banquets in historic castles, private tastings at Kilbeggan Distillery and also scenic drives along the Wild Atlantic Way. Our travelers love how these tours balance structured activities with free time to explore together - you could take a horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park or wander hand-in-hand through colorful fishing villages. Reviews highlight the intimate accommodations in places like Dingle and Galway, where you can step out your door into streets filled with music and culture. Many tours include special touches like Irish coffee demonstrations, sheep herding displays and also traditional music performances that create perfect moments for couples to share.
Young adults seek out Irish tours where you're actively exploring while making genuine local connections down south. Several solid options run between 6-12 days, blending coastal walks at the Cliffs of Moher with nights spent in Galway's lively, music-filled pubs. Our guests consistently highlight the castle feasts, traditional whiskey tastings at old distilleries, and also hands-on activities like crafting perfect Irish coffees. Most popular itineraries take you through Dublin's literary quarters, out on Killarney's lakes by kayak, and across the wild terrain of the Aran Islands by bicycle. These tours stand out by balancing scheduled activities with independent exploration - your mornings might be spent at ancient monuments, leaving afternoons open to discover tucked-away local spots on your own. Groups stay intimate at 8-16 people, which naturally builds friendships while keeping things flexible enough to catch unexpected festivals or join impromptu music sessions in village pubs.
Senior travelers appreciate tours that thoughtfully combine comfort with cultural richness. The most highly rated options feature carefully paced itineraries with 2-3 night stays in each location, eliminating rushed departures. Our customers particularly value tours that include local specialists sharing insights at places like Trinity College, Bunratty Castle and also the House of Waterford Crystal. What makes these tours special is their balance - you might spend mornings exploring historic sites before enjoying relaxed afternoons in charming villages. Reviews consistently praise the included experiences like scone-making demonstrations at local farms, traditional music evenings in cozy pubs and also guided walks through Ireland's most scenic landscapes at a comfortable pace.
- Solo Travelers185 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples163 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)7 tours
- Seniors (50+)113 tours
Best time to visit Southern Ireland
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn brings rich experiences to Southern Ireland's tour circuit. Our popular routes run 7-8 days and take advantage of golden light and quieter attractions. Several tours focus on harvest time traditions - you might visit ancient monasteries during apple picking season or join local food festivals in market towns. What makes autumn special is how the tours mix outdoor adventures with cozy cultural experiences - perhaps a morning hike through Killarney National Park's changing colors followed by a whiskey tasting in a historic distillery. Our travelers particularly enjoy the small group sizes which let them stop at local craft studios or join impromptu music sessions in village pubs. The guides earn high praise for sharing personal stories about growing up in Ireland while navigating scenic backroads between dramatic coastal sites and historic towns.
- popular 43 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours in Ireland offer unique experiences away from peak season crowds. Several highly-rated routes run 6-7 days and focus on the southern highlights at a relaxed pace. Our travelers particularly enjoy cozy evenings in traditional pubs after days exploring - think Irish coffee demonstrations in Kerry and medieval feasts in ancient castles near Limerick. The tours mix guided city walks through Dublin's Georgian squares with rural adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way. What stands out in winter is how the guides adapt to weather conditions, often adding special indoor experiences like crystal-cutting demonstrations at Waterford or traditional music workshops in Killarney's pubs. Our customers love the smaller winter group sizes which let them really connect with local communities and culture.
- 34 tours
- 25 tours
- popular 35 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring brings out the best in Southern Ireland's tour offerings. Our most popular routes run 7-12 days and capture the emerging colors of the season - wildflowers dotting the Burren's limestone landscape and puffins returning to nest at the Cliffs of Moher. Several tours include special springtime activities like sheep herding demonstrations with newborn lambs and visits to historic gardens coming into bloom. The routes blend active exploration with cultural immersion - you might spend a morning hiking Torc Mountain followed by an afternoon learning to bake scones at a family farm. Our travelers consistently praise how these spring tours mix scheduled highlights with spontaneous stops at local festivals and fairs that pop up as Ireland awakens from winter.
- 71 tours
- 138 tours
- popular 155 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer tours make the most of long daylight hours and typically warmer weather. The most sought-after routes run 7-14 days and include extended evening activities like sunset kayaking in Killarney's lakes or traditional music sessions in Dingle's pubs that stretch into the bright summer twilight. Several tours incorporate special seasonal experiences - swimming at Inch Beach, visiting the Skellig Islands when boat trips are running and hiking the full length of the Cliffs of Moher trails. What makes these summer adventures special is how they blend active outdoor exploration with cultural experiences - you could be cycling through Connemara National Park in the morning and learning Irish language basics in a Gaeltacht village that afternoon.
- 167 tours
- popular 169 tours
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Contact our Southern Ireland travel experts
Laura
Expert in Southern Ireland at TourRadar
Laura is one of our seasoned Southern Ireland Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Southern Ireland tours answered!
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Southern Ireland Tours & Trips
What are some amazing off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Southern Ireland?
There's so much more to discover beyond the typical tourist spots! Head to Kinsale a gorgeous portside town where you can dive into maritime history and treat yourself to seriously good seafood - it's actually an overnight stop on the 3-day Blarney Castle tour from Dublin. Gougane Barra is this incredible ancient monastery site tucked away in a stunning valley perfect for peaceful walks. The Dingle Peninsula is absolutely breathtaking with cute villages where you can kayak with dolphins or hike to incredible viewpoints. And don't skip the Aran Islands where Irish Gaelic is still going strong ancient forts sit on dramatic cliffs and life moves at its own peaceful pace.
How can I really experience authentic Irish culture?
Get ready to dive deep into Irish culture! Nothing beats joining a traditional music session in local pubs - places like The Spaniard or The Silent Banjo in Kinsale where musicians just show up and start playing together it's absolutely magical. Out in the Ring of Kerry you can watch skilled sheepdogs at work herding their flocks it's fascinating seeing this age-old practice still going strong. For something really special join a medieval feast at Bunratty Castle where you'll feel like you've stepped back in time with lords and ladies entertaining you with traditional music and amazing Irish food.
What makes Southern Ireland's landscape so special?
Southern Ireland's natural beauty will absolutely blow you away! The Cliffs of Moher are just incredible towering 700 feet above the Atlantic - the views will leave you speechless. The Ring of Kerry drive takes you through some of the most stunning scenery you'll ever see with mountains lakes and coastal views that seem to get better around every bend. Over on the Dingle Peninsula the Slea Head Drive shows off ancient forts hidden beaches and views of the mysterious Blasket Islands. Killarney National Park Ireland's very first national park is this amazing mix of peaceful lakes lush forests and beautiful waterfalls.