Historical Tours & Trips in Ireland
Ireland has more history than most people give it credit for. Are you ready to explore it? Picture tasting whiskey at Kilbeggan Distillery, hiking the trails at Cliffs of Moher, and exploring the ancient Dingle Peninsula? Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, and visit the historic Waterford Crystal factory. Ireland's history and landscapes charm everyone.
- Choose from 150+ Ireland tours
- 4,700+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
Once in a lifetime, a dream come true! Pat (tour operator) and Gerdy (driver) were simply perfect!
Corners of Southern Ireland 2027Good guide. Good hotels pleasant itinerary
Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights (17 destinations)Very good tour with a great guide (John)
Irish Legends - 9 Days/8 Nights (from Dunboyne to Dublin)
Our traveler's Moments
- 10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

- 5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin

- Irish Supreme - 9 Days/8 Nights

- Ireland in Low Season

- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin

- Great Tour of Ireland

- Irish Explorer

- Irish Legends - 9 Days/8 Nights (from Dunboyne to Dublin)

- Irish Highlights (Winter, 7 Days)

- 5-Day Spectacular South and West small group Tour of Ireland

- Jewels of Ireland - 13 Days/12 Nights (27 destinations)

- Irish Highlights

10 best Historical Ireland tour packages
Compiled by

SteffIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- Corners of Southern Ireland 2027
- Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights (17 destinations)
- Southern Gems - 7 Days/6 Nights (12 destinations)
- Irish Legends - 9 Days/8 Nights (from Dunboyne to Dublin)
- Evergreen Ireland South - 7 Days/6 Nights (10 destinations)
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- Focus on Ireland - Premium (Classic)
- Castles and Manors - Signature
- Timeless Ireland & Ashford Castle (Small Groups)
- Ireland's Icons (Classic)
Corners of Southern Ireland 2027
“An outstanding tour of manageable size. Lots of back roads and beautiful scenery.”
Robert, traveled in September
Viking-founded Waterford and Cobh's Titanic legacy mark Ireland's history. Medieval Kinsale's cobbled streets, 200-year-old whiskey-making at Molly Gallivan's, and ancient monastic sites along the Skellig coast tell timeless tales.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Kildare, Ennis, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Skellig Michael, Kinsale, Cobh, Waterford Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Blue-Roads Touring From
- US$2,699
Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights (17 destinations)
“Travel arrangements were handled by CIE Specialist in the USA and she was wonderful.”
Annemarie, traveled in July
Discover Ireland's rich heritage at 6th-century Glendalough monastery and Clonmacnoise ruins. Tour Gothic Revival Johnstown Castle and Victorian Kylemore Abbey. Learn emigration history at EPIC Museum, rated 4.5/5 for historical authenticity.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Glendalough, Wexford, Waterford, Midleton, Tralee, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, Cliffs of MoherSee all destinations Age Range Ages 9+ Operator CIE Tours From
- US$2,595
Southern Gems - 7 Days/6 Nights (12 destinations)
“It was incredible! We saw so many beautiful places. Everything was planned out perfectly.”
Denis,Cheryl,Erin, traveled in September
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Powerscourt Mountain, Blarney, Kinsale, Killarney, Dingle, Slea Head, Dunquin, Foynes, Cliffs of MoherSee all destinations Age Range Ages 9+ Operator CIE Tours From
- US$2,695
Irish Legends - 9 Days/8 Nights (from Dunboyne to Dublin)
“Really enjoyed our vacation. We'd definitely book another trip with CIE. The details are well thought out which was very appreciated.”
Mrs., traveled in August
Duration 9 days Destinations Dunboyne, Malahide, Kildare, Kilkenny, Waterford, New Ross, Midleton, Blarney, Dingle, Cliffs of MoherSee all destinations Age Range Ages 9+ Operator CIE Tours From
- US$2,945
Evergreen Ireland South - 7 Days/6 Nights (10 destinations)
“Great hotels, great locations.”
Robert, traveled in March
Six centuries of history await at Blarney Castle, while Sean's Bar (900 AD) claims Europe's oldest pub title. Kilkenny's Medieval Mile connects its 1195 Norman castle to St Canice's Cathedral. Viking-era Waterford and Dublin's Trinity College complete the historical journey.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Athlone, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Blarney, Dungarvan, Waterford, Kilkenny Age Range Ages 8+ Operator CIE Tours From
- US$1,395
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, Drogheda, Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Wexford, Lismore, Cashel, Kilkenny Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $958
20% Off- US$767You save $192
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."




























