Ireland Small Group Tours
Picture yourself walking along the sandy beaches of West Cork's dramatic coastline, where Atlantic waves crash on ancient rocks, or exploring the colorful port town of Kinsale, where fishing boats bob in the harbor. Kissing the famous Blarney Stone will give you the gift of speech, and don’t forget to follow the rough "Copper Coast," where cliffs glow golden in the sun. True beauty is all around.
10 best Ireland small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- Essence of Ireland Small Group Tour
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
- Essence of Ireland and Northern Ireland Small Group Tour
- Great Atlantic Ireland Explorer - 7 days
- Super South Ireland - 5 days
- 8-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour
- 7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
- 6-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour
- 11 Day Full Irish Adventure Small Group Tour
- Wild North - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland
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
- US$3,678
3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good hotels/B&B's. Accomplished a lot in 3 days, without having to sit on the bus for long periods of time.”
Eric, traveled in August
Groups of 16 travelers, suitable for ages 5+, receive focused attention from the driver-guide. The intimate format allows access to Kinsale's narrow streets and unhurried visits to Glendalough's 6th-century monastery.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dublin, Blarney, Midleton, Cork, Kinsale, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Glendalough Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie’s Small Group Tours From
- US$879
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
- US$4,437
Groups of 15 travelers move easily through Ireland's coastal spots and historic sites with plenty of guide attention throughout the trip. The compact size allows activities like cycling Killarney National Park, kayaking Dingle Bay, and hiking the Cliffs of Moher without rushing or feeling crowded. Local guesthouses and boutique hotels in villages like Kinsale and Doolin provide accommodation, where smaller groups naturally connect with locals during traditional music sessions at Matt Molloy's bar in Westport or The Spaniard in Kinsale.
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 $3,795
20% Off- US$3,036You save $759
Groups cap at 15 travelers, so personalized attention comes naturally throughout the trip. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone and cycle through Killarney National Park, passing Ross Castle and Torc Waterfall along the way. The itinerary includes a hike at the Cliffs of Moher and stops at hidden spots like the Rock of Cashel's medieval ruins. In County Clare, watch a sheepdog demonstration at a local farm for a taste of authentic Irish rural life. Walking tours through historic streets in Kinsale and Dingle show off these vibrant towns. Smaller groups slip easily into cozy pubs for traditional music sessions and have more chances to chat with locals. Fewer people means the guide can make flexible stops at interesting places that bigger groups usually skip along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.
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 $2,800
20% Off- US$2,240You save $560
8-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour
60 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The overland Emerald tour was fantastic, accommodation was comfortable, and well inviting.”
ANN, traveled in October
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 - Small Group Tours From
20% Off- US$2,868
7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
57 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were fabulous and easy to access all the best spots in town by foot!!”
Elaine, 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, Waterville, Skellig Michael, Ring of Kerry, KillarneySee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Overland - Small Group Tours From
20% Off- US$2,575+$158 local payments
6-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A good blend between interesting historic sights and amazing scenery. Accomodation was very good with a really good breakfast to start each day.”
Murray, traveled in June
Fifteen travelers share authentic dining experiences at local favorites in Dingle and Galway. The close-knit group visits the 500-acre Burren Farm and enjoys cozy traditional pub sessions, with fellow travelers averaging 57 years.
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Cahir, Blarney, Killarney, Killarney National Park, Dingle, KillimerSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Overland - Small Group Tours From
20% Off- US$2,164
11 Day Full Irish Adventure Small Group Tour
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very helpful and knowledgeable, he went above and beyond to make it such a memorable experience.”
Cole, traveled in September
A Mercedes coach for 15 guests stops at Matt Molloy's Bar in Westport and Dingle's local pubs. Close-knit groups enjoy sheepdog demonstrations at Killary Fjord and food tours in Belfast.
Duration 11 days Destinations Dublin, Belfast, Portstewart, Giants Causeway, Bushmills, Londonderry, Glenveagh National Park, Ardara, Enniskillen, EnniscroneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Overland - Small Group Tours From $4,193
15% Off- US$3,564You save $629
Wild North - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Im glad I opted for b&b accommodation...it was always of a comfortable standard.”
Gail, traveled in May
Small groups savor traditional music in Westport, wander through Glenveagh National Park's 16,500 hectares, and marvel at Slieve League cliffs. The intimate setting creates meaningful cultural exchanges and adaptable schedules.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Croagh Patrick Mountain, Westport, Sligo, Donegal, Slieve League Mountain, Glenveagh National Park, Ballycastle, Giants CausewaySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Wild N' Happy From $2,579
10% Off- US$2,321You save $258
Reviews of Small Group tours to Ireland
- Essence of Ireland Small Group Tour
Enjoyed tour. It was the right mix of structured time and free time. All tour guides were knowledgeable and extremely personable.
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
Overall a good experience. The guide was informative and shared a lot about Ireland history and the sights we went to. The sound on the bus wasn't great-he had a mic on a rod and so if he moved his head you couldn't hear very well. We had another Rabie's trip and the driver had a mic 'head-band' type thing that was MUCH MUCH better.
- 8-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour
My wife and me joined the Emerald Explorer Tour in May 2024 and it was great! The round trip was organized very well. We experienced a lot without it being too stressful. All hotels were good and we had a nice small group. Our guide, Cathal, was excellent. He made us feel comfortable and safe at any time. We would definitely recommend the tour to others. :-) Michael & Sabine
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."