Top Things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East
10 Day Trips from in Ireland’s Ancient East That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including Blarney Castle, Cork City and Cobh Private Tour from Killarney, Castles & Whiskey Tour from Dublin , Scenic Wicklow countryside & Whiskey tasting private tour , Old Kilkenny Castle & City private tour - History, Irish music & pubs experience, Cliffs of Moher and the Burren Private Tour, A Day At The Races & the Horse Lovers Tour, Boyne Valley, Meath - Private Shore Excursion, Glendalough, Wicklow - Private Shore Excursion, Private tour to Gougane Barra and Glengarriff , Cliffs of Moher, Galway - Private Shore Excursion.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East
1. Blarney Castle, Cork City and Cobh Private Tour from Killarney
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Explore southwest Ireland with a personal guide on this private, full-day tour of timeworn castles, rugged coastlines, and cities steeped in history. Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, visit Cork, and see where the 'Titanic' set sail from Cobh. Pricing is per group, based on a maximum of nine people on this day trip from Killarney.
Inclusions: Private guide, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By XO2travel2
My husband and I have traveled to Europe over a dozen times in the last twenty years. We’ve always traveled independently doing our own research and making our own reservations. We’re very comfortable taking public transportation in Europe and have also driven rental cars. A few years ago, we started purchasing small group or private tours for day trips and museum tours. We find them to be a great value for the personalized experience you receive. The key is doing your research ahead of time and finding the right tour company for you. For our trip to Ireland in August 2019, I found several highly-rated companies that offered day trips in southern Ireland. We ended up selecting MunsterBus Tours and had a fantastic experience. We booked with MunsterBus Tours because of their good customer reviews and excellent customer service in planning the trip – specifically my interactions with Linda Conway. Linda and I emailed back and forth to plan our two day trips for 4 adults. She was very responsive and professional (with a nice sense of humor). She took the time to really think about the information I sent her and then responded with detailed information and personalized itinerary options for us to consider. I also emailed Linda while in Ireland for advice with something not related to our day trips and she responded immediately with very helpful suggestions. Great customer service! We were also delighted to find the actual day trips were very enjoyable. Our driver and guide for both days was Craig. He was knowledgeable, helpful, patient and a very good driver. He did a great job balancing informing us, entertaining us (we had fun singing Irish songs) and giving us quiet time. Craig made our time in southern Ireland even more enjoyable. When we return to continue our exploration, we will definitely use MunsterBus Tours!!
2. Castles & Whiskey Tour from Dublin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
OUR SMALL GROUPS TOURS ARE CONDUCTED BY ONLY THE BEST HAND PICKED PROFESSIONAL DRIVER GUIDES AND ARE CONDUCTED IN LUXURY AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLES. OUR MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE IS 16 PASSENGERS SO NOBODY WILL FEEL LEFT OUT. OUR DRIVERS WILL TAKE YOU ON THE ROADS LESS TRAVELLED TO MEET THE REAL CHARACTERS AND TO FEEL THE CHARACTER OF THIS GREAT ISLAND OF IRELAND.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, COMPLIMENTARY WATER, UMBRELLAS
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By JoanieAnn
Irish Luxury Tours is the way to see Ireland! We toured southern Ireland in October of 2018 and we can not say enough about this company and our driver/tour guide Kieran D. From the time we were greeted at the airport in Dublin until our return there, every detail of our trip was planned and executed perfectly. Kieran was warm, charming, knowledgeable, and very fun. It was like touring with good friend. My husband had a recent organ transplant and Kieran anticipated his needs in a very kindly way. We have since recommended ILT and Kieran to friends and they had a similar experience to ours. Five stars of excellence and a big hoorah to this excellent company and tour guide. We miss you Kieran!
3. Scenic Wicklow countryside & Whiskey tasting private tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The absolute best and extremely luxurious whiskey tour and tasting combined with a slice of Dublin bay history & scenery and the rolling green glens of beautiful county Wicklow, the garden of Ireland. Great Irish food, traditional Irish music as we drive, making memories for you. The highest pub in Dublin, The Guinness lake, the secret rebel HQ bar hidden in the valley and a birds eye view of Dublin. . What a combination. My 4 pillars of every tour of History - Music - The craic (fun) - Guinness (or beers) When you book this tour it will always be presented by myself. Éamonn ChaperoneVIP Private Tours.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Still or sparkling., Chocolate for my guests.
Exclusions: Gratuities, Attraction admissions.
Reviewed By Kwumphred
Unfortunately due to COVID, our trip to IRELAND was canceled. However, I still wanted to leave a review to give praise to Eamonn. He was so incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and kind during all of our correspondence. I would recommend him just based on his honesty and integrity, he returned our deposit plus supplied me with websites to gain more information for our trip. I can't wait to get to Dublin to meet him and rely on his expertise to see the country. He made the trip planning seamless and stress-free! 5 stars well deserved.
4. Old Kilkenny Castle & City private tour - History, Irish music & pubs experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
My Kilkenny Experience private tour is uniquely designed to give guests a pleasant day trip from Dublin with an emphasis on attractions and activities and not unreasonable long hours in the vehicle. With a dynamic mix of attractions in Kilkenny including the best restored old castle in Ireland as well as a 1000 year old round tower you can climb and cathedral, you will also capture some amazing photos during our day. You will also receive a collection of high quality 40MP photos taken by myself as i snap away so you can just enjoy the sights. Also for beer fans we can opt to do a tour of the Smithwicks Brewery in kilkenny instead of one of the stated itinerary. If it can be done, we will do it! Usual ChaperoneVIP Private Tours 4 pillars of a great tour apply here too - History - Music - the Craic (fun) - beer Plenty of Irish stories and music throughout they day too! Hope to see you in Ireland soon. Éamonn ChaperoneVIP Private Tours.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Still or sparkling, Irish chocolates.
Exclusions: Admissions to attractions, Gratuities
Reviewed By Kwumphred
Unfortunately due to COVID, our trip to IRELAND was canceled. However, I still wanted to leave a review to give praise to Eamonn. He was so incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and kind during all of our correspondence. I would recommend him just based on his honesty and integrity, he returned our deposit plus supplied me with websites to gain more information for our trip. I can't wait to get to Dublin to meet him and rely on his expertise to see the country. He made the trip planning seamless and stress-free! 5 stars well deserved.
5. Cliffs of Moher and the Burren Private Tour
What better way to see Ireland than with a local experienced licensed guide who loves sharing her passion for her native land!
Inclusions: Parking Fees
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By ROWINGGUY
We were a small group of three with Mary G as our walking tour guide of Killarney. While we all had been in Killarney a few times over the years, this was our first time actually taking a walking tour there. It was well worth it as Mary gives insights into the town’s history and heritage that only a local will know. She was born and schooled in Killarney so she really shares her passion for her home town. As Mary has lived in France and Italy, she is very capable of putting the stories of Killarnye in a European context. So it was really interesting also to hear her stories of what French and Europeans enjoy about Killarney. It’s only when you take a tour with Mary that you see and discover things are only known to locals; interesting insights into medieval laneways, hidden architectural gems and a fabulous walk through the environs of Killarney House and National Park. We enjoyed the glorious gardens, fantastic views over the lakes and even saw deer grazing in nearby paddocks. When you have a few spare hours, a walking tour of Killarney Town with Mary G is highly recommended.
6. A Day At The Races & the Horse Lovers Tour
Your Guide Cairín O'Connor has a good insight into Horseracing and the Horse industry in Ireland. She and her team of Guides are Horselovers. They will take you to the Irish National Stud in the morning. There will be a guided tour and time to explore on your own. As the Races are held in various locations the venue for lunch may be a local pub en route to the race track or it may be at the racetrack. You will get to meet a local Jockey and your guide will explain how to study the form and place a bet. There is ample time to socialize at the Racetrack and you can stop for a drink on the way back to Dublin. Irish people love their horses. This tour ensures you are among them for a day.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Entry fees to the Irish National Stud and the Racecourse is included plus a Racecard for that day.
Exclusions: The Tour price does not include lunch or alcoholic beverages. Water is available in the car.
7. Boyne Valley, Meath - Private Shore Excursion
The Boyne Valley is to Irish people what Israel is to Christians. The Boyne Valley is historically the most important part of Ireland. On this tour you’ll be taken back through the mists of Ireland’s ancient history, spanning over 5,000yrs to visit Newgrange (an ancient passage tomb older than the Pyramids), The Hill of Tara (the old capital of Ireland), Slane (where St. Patrick secured his legacy), Monasterboice Monastery (famed for its elaborately carved High Crosses) and Trim Castle (a mighty spectacle from the 12th century). Why people love this tour: 1. Walk into a tomb that’s over 5000 years old and be moved by its majesty & mystery. 2. Stand atop the Hill of Tara (Ireland’s historic cultural, spiritual and political capital), contemplating its huge significance whilst peering at Ireland’s endless verdant stretches before you. 3. The myths, legends and histories of St. Patrick, ancient Gaelic Kings, battles and societies open up a whole world that you never knew existed.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Fuel surcharge, Parking Fees
Exclusions: Purchase your own lunch, Tips
8. Glendalough, Wicklow - Private Shore Excursion
Imagine that just an hour’s drive from bustling Dublin is a wilderness of deep verdant valleys, highland bog with wild deer and secluded mysterious lakes. This is a tour of epic scenery and fascinating history. Real Ireland awaits! This tour is perfect for those who want to finally experience the 40 shades of green that Ireland is famous for; purposefully relax by filling your lungs & spirit with the freshness of the countryside (Lough Tay, Wicklow Gap, Blessington Lakes); delight in stories & histories about old Ireland (Glendalough); and indulge in great food and artisanal products (Avoca handweavers, Powerscourt House & Gardens). Just like at all sites, your professional guide will recount the stories, explain the history and culture along the way. You will arrive back at Dublin Port in good time for your departure. Always be sure to inform your guide of when you’d like to arrive back at the ship. We suggest 90mins at least to account for any traffic delays.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Fuel surcharge, Parking Fees, Private transportation
Exclusions: Tips, Purchase your own lunch
9. Private tour to Gougane Barra and Glengarriff
Visit some amazing ‘off the beaten path’ scenic places. A holy shrine, one of the smallest oratoires in the country where many people go to get married, set in very picturesque countryside. Continue with spectacular mountain and coastal scenery. An optional boat trip to visit the Italian style gardens at Garnish Island and see many seals on the rocks. In the afternoon, travel over the Caha mountain range towards Kenmare and then towards the final leg of the ring of Kerry and descend through the Killarney National Park
Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea
Reviewed By ROWINGGUY
We were a small group of three with Mary G as our walking tour guide of Killarney. While we all had been in Killarney a few times over the years, this was our first time actually taking a walking tour there. It was well worth it as Mary gives insights into the town’s history and heritage that only a local will know. She was born and schooled in Killarney so she really shares her passion for her home town. As Mary has lived in France and Italy, she is very capable of putting the stories of Killarnye in a European context. So it was really interesting also to hear her stories of what French and Europeans enjoy about Killarney. It’s only when you take a tour with Mary that you see and discover things are only known to locals; interesting insights into medieval laneways, hidden architectural gems and a fabulous walk through the environs of Killarney House and National Park. We enjoyed the glorious gardens, fantastic views over the lakes and even saw deer grazing in nearby paddocks. When you have a few spare hours, a walking tour of Killarney Town with Mary G is highly recommended.
10. Cliffs of Moher, Galway - Private Shore Excursion
Nothing can compare to that first time when you excitedly walk towards the viewing point at the Cliffs of Moher. Your gasp of astonishment will cement that incredible spectacle in your memory for decades to come. We can enjoy lunch with ample choice at the visitor centre or at a pub in Doolin - a place that’s famous for its traditional music (at night, naturally). We’ll caress the jagged coastline along The Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world’s most scenic drives, looking out to Galway Bay. Before you realise, we’ve ventured into The Burren, a surreal landscape of bright grey limestone. There is such an energy to Galway city that sets it apart. It is regarded as the most ‘Irish’ city, due to its isolation in western Ireland and the high number of Irish-speakers. We’ll return to Dublin directly. Lying in your bed later, you’ll reminisce over the stories, history, culture you heard raccounted, the medieval castles, and your first glimpse of the Cliffs of Moher.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Fuel surcharge, Parking Fees, Private transportation
Exclusions: Tips, Purchase your own lunch
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