What's the best season for taking a bus tour starting from Dublin?

The best time to visit is between April and September when temperatures are mild, around 60-70°F (15-21°C). July and August get pretty busy, so if you want to avoid crowds while still enjoying nice weather, try going in spring (March-May) or fall (September-October) when it's about 50-60°F (10-15°C). As one TourRadar traveler puts it: "We went in September and had perfect weather for exploring - warm days, cool nights and manageable crowds at popular sites like the Cliffs of Moher."

What are the most popular routes for bus tours leaving Dublin?

Most tours follow the Wild Atlantic Way coastline. You'll head south to Cork (186 miles from Dublin) and Killarney, then up to Galway and Belfast. Along the way, you'll stop at famous spots like Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher (215 miles from Dublin), and Giant's Causeway. One TourRadar traveler says: "We got to experience the real Ireland, from the bustling streets of Dublin to the dramatic coastal scenery of Dingle Peninsula and the charm of small villages along the way."

What kind of places will I stay in on bus tours from Dublin?

You'll stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels and guesthouses. Some examples include the Maldron Kevin Street Hotel in Dublin, DoubleTree by Hilton in Belfast, and the International Hotel in Killarney. Here's what one TourRadar traveler shared: "The accommodations were consistently good quality, especially the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, which offered great access to local pubs and restaurants."

How long will I be on the bus between stops?

Most drives between major stops take 1-3 hours, though some can be up to 4 hours. For instance, it's about 3 hours from Dublin to Galway (130 miles) and 4 hours from Galway to Killarney (180 miles). Don't worry - you'll get breaks every 2 hours, plus stops for photos along scenic routes like the Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way.

How much time will I have to explore on my own?

You'll usually get 2-3 hours of free time each day, mostly in the afternoons or evenings after group activities. In Galway, for example, you might have a few hours to wander through the Latin Quarter's shops and pubs. In Killarney, you could spend an evening listening to traditional music at places like Murphy's Bar. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We had enough structured activities but also plenty of time to explore on our own, especially in vibrant cities like Dublin and Galway."

How long do these bus tours usually last?

Most tours run between 6-14 days, with 7-12 days being the sweet spot. The Irish Explorer tour is 7 days, while the Irish Odyssey gives you 12 days to see everything. According to TourRadar travelers: "The itinerary was well-planned and not too hectic, covering all major highlights including Trinity College, Cliffs of Moher, and Ring of Kerry." You'll stay in good hotels like the Imperial Hotel Galway and Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin.

How often does the bus stop between Dublin and the next big destination?

In the first 4-5 hours after leaving Dublin, you'll typically make 2-3 stops for breaks and sightseeing. Common first-day stops include Wicklow Town (1 hour from Dublin), Kilkenny Castle (1.5 hours from Dublin), and Cashel (2.5 hours from Dublin). A TourRadar traveler noted: "The journey was well-paced with strategic stops at beautiful locations like Glendalough and Waterford, making the distance from Dublin very manageable."

Coach / Bus Tours from Dublin

Picture exploring the natural wonder of Giant's Causeway, visiting Dublin and Belfast, the capitals of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and experiencing Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher. Don’t miss Galway, Adare and and Killarney. Ireland delivers Celtic charm beautifully from coast to coast and a Dublin coach tour is the perfect way to explore.

10 best Coach / Bus tour packages from Dublin

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City & Culture
Irish Adventure - 8 Days/7 Nights
4.7 (419 reviews)
"Beautiful trip. By the end of the week I felt like I traveled with family."
Susan, traveled in July
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Dublin, Glendalough, Waterford, Cobh, Blarney,Ring of Kerry,Sneem,Killarney,Cliffs of Moher,Burren,Galway,Donegal,Londonderry,Giants Causeway,Belfast+10 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
CIE Tours
From
US$2,295per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Exploring Europe
4.0 (1 review)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Ireland Wales England France Switzerland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
From
US$2,840per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Irish Discovery
4.9 (446 reviews)
"Excellent Tour I highly recommended this tour, if you're interested in seeing Ireland."
Randall, traveled in May
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Dublin, Downpatrick, Belfast, Giants Causeway, Londonderry,Donegal,Sligo,Knock,Galway,Cliffs of Moher,Ennis,Adare,Dingle,Killarney,Blarney,Youghal,Dungarvan,Waterford,Enniscorthy,Glendalough+15 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
7% Off
From $2,099
US$1,949per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
5-Day Northern Ireland & Atlantic Coast Small-Group Tour from Dublin
4.6 (27 reviews)
"Good tour, great time."
Barry, traveled in May
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Belfast, Ballycastle, Giants Causeway, Portrush,Londonderry,Glenveagh National Park,Donegal,Sligo,Achill Island,Westport,Connemara National Park,Clifden,Cong,Galway,Kilbeggan+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie’s Small Group Tours
7% Off
From
US$1,359per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Wild North - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland
5.0 (3 reviews)
"Im glad I opted for b&b accommodation...it was always of a comfortable standard."
Gail, traveled in May
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Galway, Croagh Patrick Mountain, Westport, Sligo,Donegal,Slieve League Mountain,Glenveagh National Park,Ballycastle,Giants Causeway,Belfast+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild N' Happy
7% Off
From
US$2,509per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Amazing Ireland
3.9 (11 reviews)
"A dazzling landscape, an explosive history, ruined monasteries, magnificent castles, and a friendly and hospitable people-all make Ireland a must on anyone's bucket list."
Steven, traveled in September
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Dublin, Belfast, Giants Causeway, Londonderry, Donegal,Belleek,Knock,Galway,Connemara National Park,Cliffs of Moher,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Blarney,Cork,Waterford,Kilkenny,Wexford+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
15% Off
From $4,695
US$3,991per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Shamrock Royal
4.5 (4 reviews)
"Hotels, places visited and food were very good."
Geoffrey, traveled in July
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Dublin, Malahide, Belfast, Giants Causeway, Londonderry,Donegal,Belleek,Westport,Connemara National Park,Galway,Cliffs of Moher,Limerick,Dingle,Killarney,Blarney,Cahir,Kilkenny,Waterford,Kildare+14 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Royal Irish Tours
15% Off
From
US$3,698per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Irish Experience
4.5 (11 reviews)
"The whole trip was a great experience. The accommodation was good."
Valerie, traveled in April
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Dublin, Belfast, Ballycastle, Giants Causeway, Londonderry,Belleek,Galway,Connemara National Park,Cliffs of Moher,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Killorglin,Cahersiveen,Waterville,Blarney,Waterford,Kilkenny,New Ross+13 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $3,795
US$3,416per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Irish Classic - 13 Days/12 Nights (22 destinations)
4.7 (110 reviews)
"From the beginning, things were well organized. Hotels were great, and everything was included."
Marjorie, traveled in September
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Dublin, Downpatrick, Belfast, Giants Causeway, Londonderry,Ardara,Westport,Leenane,Galway,Cliffs of Moher,Slea Head,Dingle,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Kenmare,Blarney,Dungarvan,Waterford,New Ross+14 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
CIE Tours
10% Off
From
US$4,245per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Ireland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
4.5 (27 reviews)
"It is packed full of activities and the free time add-on options are awesome and not super expensive."
Ryan, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kilkenny, Midleton, Clonmel, Blarney,Cliffs of Moher,Galway,Londonderry,Giants Causeway,Belfast+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From
US$1,395per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Irish Explorer
4.6 (215 reviews)
"A good taste of Ireland. Overall we enjoyed."
Kerrie, traveled in September
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Belfast, Giants Causeway, Londonderry, Sligo,Galway,Bunratty,Limerick,Adare,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Blarney,Kilkenny+8 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Ireland Wild Atlantic Way
Operated in
English
Operator
Expat Explore Travel
31% Off
From $1,940
US$1,346per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland
4.7 (103 reviews)
"Ireland was so beautiful. Couldn't be happier."
Sally, traveled in September
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cork, Kenmare, Killarney, Tralee, Slea Head, Dingle,Annascaul,Ring of Kerry,Cahersiveen,Valentia Island,Sneem,Lahinch,Cliffs of Moher,Burren,Galway+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild N' Happy
31% Off
From
US$2,064per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Highlights of Ireland & Scotland
4.8 (263 reviews) award winner
"The tour itself had a great mix of interesting stops and travel through scenic regions."
Sachin, traveled in August
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ireland Northern Ireland Scotland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
5% Off
From $3,019
US$2,869per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Ancient Wonders
3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
4.5 (25 reviews)
"It was a fantastic tour."
Jacob, traveled in July
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cashel, Midleton, Blarney, Kinsale, Cobh, Waterford,Kilkenny,Wicklow,Glendalough+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland CastleEurope Castle +2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie’s Small Group Tours
5% Off
From
US$855per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Ireland in Low Season
4.8 (46 reviews)
"The tour was amazing. We had a wonderful experience."
Sandra, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, Blarney, Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Waterville,Sneem,Adare,Limerick,Cliffs of Moher,Galway,Connemara National Park,Athlone+9 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic Way+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Expat Explore Travel
30% Off
From $1,700
US$1,195per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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