Southern Ireland Tours & Trips
Southern Island is packed with natural beauty. Can you imagine kissing the Blarney Stone before kayaking with dolphins near the mighty Cliffs of Moher? Discover Galway's bohemian spirit, explore the lunar Burren landscape, pick up Gaelic words on the remote Aran Islands, and visit historic Adare. Southern Ireland is waiting for you.
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Paula • traveled in August, 2024
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 - D
Denise • traveled in November
The best experience ever...they treated us great.our tour guide was amazing and the bus driver as well. I would highly recommend Trafalgar.
Best of Ireland - M
Mary • traveled in June
Was a very good tour but it would have been better if the evening meals were included in the price. The meal on the second to last hotel was not very good but the rest were great. Hotels were ok but the jury's on the last day the hotel room was very dark, had a very small window and was overlooking the roof. There was no centre light so the two side lights were very dim. Overall it was a good trip with plenty to see and was very informative.
Irish Highlights
Table of contents
- The best Southern Ireland tour packages
- 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
Ireland in Low Season
45 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He snoothes out any hiccups, is always cheerful and very knowledgeable.”
Belinda, traveled in April
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
- NZ$2,045
Best of Ireland
65 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Full of Irish history, wonderful stories, great recommendations, fun stops, and lots of laughs and surprises!”
Diane, 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 $5,350
12% Off- NZ$4,708You save $642
South West Ireland Uncovered (Hotel) - 5 days
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved this tour. We have also made very good friends from the group.”
Ozlem, traveled in August
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 $4,395
35% Off- NZ$2,857You save $1,538
Northern & Southern Ireland
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Love the small group format and the style of travel.”
Daria, 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
35% Off- NZ$6,130
Irish Highlights
80 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The best and so much fun.”
Christine, 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 $3,775
10% Off- NZ$3,398You save $378
South West Ireland Uncovered - 5 days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Air B&B's Perfect, great having a 3 night stay in 1place. Along with his knowledge and Happy Irish Personality.”
Gary, traveled in August
Southern Ireland's gems shine from Kingfisher Lodge B&B in Killarney. Blarney Castle stands proud, Kilkenny's thousand-year-old round tower reaches skyward, and Cahir's island castle amazes visitors. The Ring of Kerry route and Dingle Peninsula's dramatic coastline complete this Irish adventure.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Kilfenora, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Dingle, Ring of Kerry, Derrynane, Blarney, Kilkenny Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $3,915
35% Off- NZ$2,545You save $1,370
Highlights of Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry & Ireland's South West 5 Day Small-Group
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“He was a wealth of information on Ireland's history, stories about the country as well as the sites we visited.”
Evelyn, traveled in September
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Kilbeggan, Clonmacnoise, Galway, Burren, Kilfenora, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Dingle, Slea HeadSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $4,170
36% Off- NZ$2,669You save $1,501
Irish heritage comes alive from Rock of Cashel to Cóbh's Titanic Experience. Eco-friendly Fitzgeralds Woodlands Hotel provides comfort, while Kerry Bog Village and Bunratty Castle's traditional banquet offer cultural immersion.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Adare, Blarney, Cobh, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Athlone Age Range Ages 13+ Operator Royal Irish Tours From
36% Off- NZ$2,750
8-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour
60 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had people from Canada, Australia, the US, and more. Everyone had a great time from touring the villages to listening to traditional music.”
Sandra, traveled in May
Medieval Kilkenny Castle and the striking Cliffs of Moher highlight this route. Boutique local guesthouses offer authentic stays, while traditional farm visits in the Burren and guided tours of Connemara National Park provide unique insights.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Cahir, Blarney, Killarney, Killarney National Park, Dingle, KillimerSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Overland - Small Group Tours From $5,561
7% Off- NZ$5,157You save $404
7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
57 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed the sites and knowledge of our guide.”
Amy, traveled in September
Local guesthouses across Cobh, Portmagee, and Killarney provide comfortable bases. Sample whiskey at Midleton Distillery, ascend 599 steps of UNESCO-listed Skellig Michael, and paddle around Ross Castle by kayak. Nights end with traditional music at Mansworth's pub near the 1000-year-old Rock of Cashel.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Midleton, Cobh, Blarney, Kenmare, Skellig Michael, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, TraleeSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Overland - Small Group Tours From $4,550
9% Off- NZ$4,146+$283 local paymentsYou save $404
Travel Southern Ireland your way
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
Southern Ireland tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Southern Ireland travel itineraries to fit your plans
3 Day Itineraries
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers210 tours- Couples188 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)8 tours
- Seniors (50+)112 tours
Best time to visit Southern Ireland
- 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.
- 21 tours
- 29 tours
- popular 40 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.
- 105 tours
- 175 tours
- popular 195 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.
- 210 tours
- popular 212 tours
- 211 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
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 202 tours
- 156 tours
- 55 tours
Contact our Southern Ireland travel experts
Nadine
Expert in Southern Ireland at TourRadar
Nadine is one of our seasoned Southern Ireland Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Southern Ireland tours answered!
- Choose from 290+ Southern Ireland tours
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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.