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.
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Very good tour with a great guide (John)
Irish Legends - 9 Days/8 Nights (from Dunboyne to Dublin)Something for everyone in our small group of 14. Our driver and guide, Edward, safely drove us through a variety of countrysides and several city tours and was always polite, amusing, helpful and on time. The hotels were well organised with great breakfasts and in excellent locations (though our room almost always faced the noisy streets in the city hotels!). The weather was dull for July - we'd just missed teh Summer! - but ranged from drizzle to 24 degrees.
Unforgettable IrelandThe five day tour was so much fun! I wish I could do it again. The sights were amazing, the activities were great and Dan the Man was the perfect guide to it all.
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10 best Historical Ireland tour packages
Compiled by

SteffIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- Evergreen Ireland South - 7 Days/6 Nights (10 destinations)
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- Irish Legends - 9 Days/8 Nights (from Dunboyne to Dublin)
- Southern Gems - 7 Days/6 Nights
- Unforgettable Ireland
- Timeless Ireland & Ashford Castle (Small Groups)
- Best of Ireland - Signature
- Signature: Ireland's Dublin, Killarney & the Cliffs of Moher National Geographic
- Castles and Manors - Signature
- Ireland's Icons (Classic)
Evergreen Ireland South - 7 Days/6 Nights (10 destinations)
“The whole experience was wonderful. Every stop was a perfect taste of Ireland.”
Kerry, 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
Ireland’s Ancient East
“Stunning scenery, rich history, and a smooth, well-organized itinerary.”
Jean, traveled in May
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 $959
20% Off- US$767
Irish Legends - 9 Days/8 Nights (from Dunboyne to Dublin)
“Very good tour with a great guide.”
James, traveled in September
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
20% Off- US$2,945
Southern Gems - 7 Days/6 Nights
“CIE tours had a terrific schedule to see many incredible features of southern Ireland.”
Tyler, 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
20% Off- US$2,445
Unforgettable Ireland
“The hotels were well organised with great breakfasts and in excellent locations.”
Roger, traveled in July
Ireland's grand story unfolds at 15th-century Bunratty Castle, iconic Blarney Castle, and majestic Kylemore Abbey. Dublin's Georgian streets lead to Trinity College and EPIC Emigration Museum. The historic Gresham hotel serves as your base for experiencing traditional Irish culture.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Blarney, Killarney, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Waterville, Sneem, Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, TarbertSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Omega Tours From
20% Off- US$2,408
Duration 9 days Destinations Dublin, Blarney, Cork, Kinsale, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Caherdaniel, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, GalwaySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Brendan Vacations From
20% Off- US$7,175
Uncover Ireland's heritage at EPIC Museum Dublin, 18th-century Westport House, and medieval Bunratty Castle. Visit the 13th-century King John's Castle in Limerick and ancient Blarney Castle. Experience historic accommodations at Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge while exploring Ireland's rich past.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, New Ross, Waterford, Kilkenny, Blarney, Killarney National Park, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cahersiveen, WatervilleSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Brendan Vacations From $3,225
10% Off- US$2,903
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."































