Historical Tours & Trips in Ireland
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10 best Historical Ireland tour packages
Compiled by

SteffIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
- Shades of Ireland (Dublin to Killiney) (2025)
- Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way Self-Drive - 10 Days/9 Nights
- Great Atlantic Ireland Explorer - 7 days
- The Irish Pub Tour - 9 Days/8 Nights
- Irish Explorer
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- Unforgettable Ireland
- Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights
- Ireland's Ancient South - 5 days
3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved the pace and all the places we stopped. Only suggestion would be to have cup holders on the tour vehicle.”
Theresa, traveled in June
Rich history spans from Viking-era Waterford to 6th-century Glendalough monastery. Medieval Kilkenny's castle, 15th-century Blarney Stone, and ancient ruins along UNESCO's Copper Coast feature expert historical commentary.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dublin, Blarney, Midleton, Cork, Kinsale, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Glendalough Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie’s Small Group Tours From $875
15% Off- US$744You save $131
The 12th-century Kilkenny, Waterford's Medieval Museum, and Blarney Castle showcase Irish heritage. King John's Castle in Limerick, Dublin's historic Phoenix Park, and traditional craftsmanship at Waterford Crystal factory bring history to life.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Galway, KilbegganSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From $3,149
5% Off- US$2,999You save $150
Victorian splendor graces the 1887 Blakes of the Hollow Pub, while 600-year-old Blarney Castle stands timeless. Dublin's GPO Museum chronicles the 1916 Rising, Westport House recalls the pirate queen, and Georgian-era Westport charms visitors. Historic Clontarf Castle Hotel provides authentic accommodation.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Donegal, Westport, Galway, Tralee Age Range Ages 8+ Operator CIE Tours From
5% Off- US$1,945
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Cork, Blarney, Kinsale, Killarney National Park, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, GalwaySee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From $3,605
15% Off- US$3,064You save $541
The Irish Pub Tour - 9 Days/8 Nights
102 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Knowledgeable, precision and safe driver. He made everything easier and safer from handling of the luggage.”
Barry, traveled in September
Step into Ireland's oldest pub, Sean's Bar (900 AD), and the historic Marine Bar in Dungarvan. Walk Kilkenny's Medieval Mile, visit Blarney Castle, and learn about Viking history on Lough Ree. Premium accommodations at The Croke Park feature traditional music sessions.
Duration 9 days Destinations Dublin, Kilkenny, Blarney, Killarney, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway Age Range Ages 9+ Operator CIE Tours From
15% Off- US$2,745
Irish Explorer
213 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A good taste of Ireland. Overall we enjoyed.”
Kerrie, traveled in September
Rich history awaits at Bunratty Castle, Folk Park, and medieval Kilkenny Mile. King John's Castle in Limerick and Dublin's Trinity College area showcase architectural heritage. Expert guides share compelling stories about The Troubles and Fight for Independence.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Belfast, Giants Causeway, Londonderry, Sligo, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, BlarneySee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Expat Explore Travel From $1,615
15% Off- US$1,373You save $242
Ireland’s Ancient East
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Loved the excursions and the choice of hotels!”
Suhani, traveled in October
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, Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Lismore, Cashel, Kilkenny Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $963
15% Off- US$818You save $144
Unforgettable Ireland
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“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, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Dingle, Waterville, Sneem, TarbertSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Omega Tours From
15% Off- US$2,446
Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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, Waterford, Blarney, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Kilronan, Slane Age Range Ages 9+ Operator CIE Tours From
15% Off- US$2,395
Medieval wonders await at Rock of Dunamase, Jerpoint Abbey, and Kells Priory. The iconic Rock of Cashel stands proud, while Kilkenny's medieval streets tell ancient tales, and Dunbrody Ship in New Ross chronicles famine history.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Kinsale, Bantry, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny, New Ross Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $2,475
35% Off- US$1,609You save $866
What people love about Historical Tours in Ireland
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin
The tour was everything we could have asked for!
- The Irish Pub Tour - 9 Days/8 Nights
Great way to get a glimpse of Ireland.
- Irish Explorer
Tour was everything we expected. GREAT. Tour guide was very knowledgeable. Friendly, lovely lady. helpful in every way. Accommodation was very good. Two of the hotels were top class. Food very good. Coach driver was a delight. Tour guide & coach driver gave us lots of laughs. Kerry & John, thank you so much
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."





















