What to do and see in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East: The Best Bus Tours

December 1, 2021 Etsuko Causey

Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including Castles & Whiskey Tour from Dublin , Newgrange & The Boyne Valley Private Day Tour - Little Gem - (Prices per group), Private Tours with adventure activities, music, Irish pub, sight seeing & more, Wicklow Mountains Private Tour - A Little Gem Experience (Prices per group), 5-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour , Scenic Wicklow countryside & Whiskey tasting private tour , Wicklow And Glendalough Tour From Dublin , 5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin, Small-Group 6-Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour from Dublin, Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East

1. Castles & Whiskey Tour from Dublin

Irish Luxury Tours
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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!

2. Newgrange & The Boyne Valley Private Day Tour - Little Gem - (Prices per group)

Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Little Gem Tours specialise in crafting unique, private experiences of Ireland. Our Newgrange tour takes you to the dawn of Irish civilisation with a journey into the past. We explore the main attractions of the Boyne Valley as well as the hidden gems with off the beaten path exploring. Our guides are professional, knowledgable, fun and have a genuine passion for their island.

Inclusions: Professional Driver Guide, Private transportation, All tolls & taxes.

Exclusions: Activity Entrance Fees, Lunch

Reviewed By pauladwyer

We took a 12 day private tour of Ireland with Little Gem back in 2019 and it was the best travel experience of our lives. We were an extended family of 12 and had all generations of travellers. Little Gem provided a perfect experience from the start. Private tour planner Rosie worked with us on every detail of our travels and customized the perfect tour for us. Our driver guide was incredible and knew all the best spots to take us away from the tour coaches. Each night we stayed in amazing local accommodations including some very swanky 5* castles as well as a lovely farm stay and B&B's. We would highly recommend Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland!!

3. Private Tours with adventure activities, music, Irish pub, sight seeing & more

Mountjoy Square South, Mountjoy Square S, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, Ireland Rural Adventure Tours
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Get the chance to experience what Ireland has to offer on this tour.  These private tours are unique, off the beaten track and full of adventure. Our guides who are outdoor instructors, as well as musicians and passionate about Ireland's culture and heritage, take you on a full day tour into the heart of Ireland.  You have a choice of an adventure activity depending on your group's interest from kayaking, hiking, boating or rock climbing, visit Ireland Ancient East sites, hear local folklore stories and finish up with music and singing in an authentic Irish bar performed by our guides.  This is a tour you will never forget.  Come enjoy a beautiful Ireland that we are proud of and want to share with you.  This is a full day tour departing Dublin at 8.30am and returning at 18.00pm and we pick up group at your city centre accommodation or other suitable city centre locations. No previous experience is required for any of the activities.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, All activities, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), Live entertainment, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks

Reviewed By Y23r

Amazing trip to Ireland for 9 days which was a fantastic and an amazing adventure. Thanks to our amazing local tour guide Marcus ,who showed us beautiful and unique sites: from breathtaking views to kayaking activity, Whiskey distillery, Filming locations from “Game of Thrones”, Irish folklore and history and local music and an amazing hospitality at Marcus house and his family, which was unforgettable evening. Thank you Marcus for being so kind, professional, generous and always with a smile, which made our trip to an amazing and unforgettable adventure. Very recommended.

4. Wicklow Mountains Private Tour - A Little Gem Experience (Prices per group)

Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Little Gem tours specialise in private experiences of Ireland. Our Wicklow day tour takes in the main highlights along with off the beaten path travel during the journey. Get away from the tourist crowds on a private, boutique tour of Wicklow with award winning professional driver, guides.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Professional Driver Guide, All tolls and taxes.

Exclusions: Activity Entrance Fees, Lunch

Reviewed By pauladwyer

We took a 12 day private tour of Ireland with Little Gem back in 2019 and it was the best travel experience of our lives. We were an extended family of 12 and had all generations of travellers. Little Gem provided a perfect experience from the start. Private tour planner Rosie worked with us on every detail of our travels and customized the perfect tour for us. Our driver guide was incredible and knew all the best spots to take us away from the tour coaches. Each night we stayed in amazing local accommodations including some very swanky 5* castles as well as a lovely farm stay and B&B's. We would highly recommend Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland!!

5. 5-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour

Victoria Hotel Galway, Victoria Pl, Galway, Ireland Overland Ireland
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Sure, have you never heard of an Irish half hour? It can stretch out for days and 5 days is what you’ve got to experience this memorable, expertly guided road trip, over ever-changing landscape, along The Wild Atlantic Way. From shucking Clarinbridge oysters and downing creamy stout in Galway, to the jaw dropping sights of the Ring of Kerry, with only the Atlantic separating the 40 shades from the 50 U.S. states. Cool down with Fungie, Dingle’s resident dolphin who came for the fish in 1984 and stayed for the craic or feel like you’re at the edge of the world, at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. And how about a spot of kissing at the Blarney Stone where you’ll come away with the gift of the ‘gab’ (talk); handy for ‘having the craic’ with your small tour group. And in between the heritage and culture, bohemian Galway and dinky Doolin, there’ll be ceol agus craic (music and boldness), seafood and banter and an epic road-trip you’ll never forget.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunches and Dinners, Optional activities

Reviewed By russ2jen

Sadly, in these uncertain days of Coronavirus, I had to cancel my upcoming tour. The team at Overland Ireland were compassionate and understanding in working out the details so as to minimize losses all around. Flexible reschedule options into next year were offered as well. This is the kind of small company to support.

6. Scenic Wicklow countryside & Whiskey tasting private tour

ChaperoneVIP Private Tours
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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.

7. Wicklow And Glendalough Tour From Dublin

Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 KX03, Ireland Extreme Ireland
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4.9 based on 14 reviews

Embark on a journey that takes you from the hustle and bustle of Dublin to the “Garden of Ireland”- Wicklow County .Departing from Dublin city center, we make our way along to such beautiful sites as the Glendalough Monastic site, Baltinglass Abbey, and a scenic drive across the Sally Gap. Additionally, we bring you to a working farm deep in the heart of Wicklow.The Wicklow area is full of historical and farming sites nestled within the mountains- come and explore them with us!

Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By D_logan0221

What an absolute amazing time we had. We booked this company for two tours and could not believe what we got in return. We started the tour in the middle of Dublin. Only a ten minute walk from our hotel. We were met with Aidan, our tour guide. What an amazing person. Very professional, and a great story teller. He took such good care of us (thank you if you are reading this)! The drive was 3.5 hours to Cliffs of Moher, but I think he got us there a earlier. Aidan drove and told amazing stories about what we saw. The cliffs of course was breathtaking (unfortunately a little foggy, but nothing anyone could do about that). We then went to this seaside rock area, one of my favorite views on this trip. Beautiful. Followed lunch at a sweet resturant, then Galaway and back to Dublin. One schedule the entire time. This is well worth the price. Honestly my husband and I were shock at what we got for what we payed. Worth it 100%. Thank you for an amazing day, it was the highlight of our honeymoon!

8. 5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin

Kilkenny Shop, 6 Nassau St, Dublin 2, D02 W865, Ireland Rabbie's
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4.9 based on 87 reviews

See the highlights of Ireland on a 5-day small-group tour from Dublin! Traveling by luxury minivan, head to Galway and Killarney with an expert guide, checking out everything of interest en route! Tour an Irish whiskey distillery in Kilbeggan, explore the Burren, gaze in awe at the Cliffs of Moher and travel along the famous Ring of Kerry. On the way back to Dublin, visit Blarney Castle and Gardens - home to the famous Blarney Stone! Numbers are limited to 16 people on this small-group Ireland trip, ensuring you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience.

Inclusions: Friendly Driver/Guide, 4 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast, Transportation by top of the range Mercedes mini-coach, Small Group Tour (16 passengers max)

Exclusions: Meals and refreshments, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Admission fees

Reviewed By veramit11

We just loved everthing about ireland, the friendliness, the fun, the tour guide, the small group travel. The scenery is just breathtaking. The ancient history is just jawdropping i mean these ancient women (queens) had some serious hootspur and gumtion. I mean they went out and did some serious stuff, got involved in wars, sailed ther own ships, left the babies home and got rid of husband who were just superfluous to requirements. I mean kudos to you girls. I know you are not gonna beleive this but we need you back. Northern ireland sad, such a waste of young life. Still feels haunted by the grief. Our hosts were b&b's, they were just delightful, and hilariously funny sometimes. Our tour guide (their were 10 of us) Gabriel was fantastic great sense of humour, very helpfull, fantastic with local knowledge and history. Thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

9. Small-Group 6-Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour from Dublin

Grand Canal Hotel, Grand Canal Street Upper, Dublin, D04 X5X7, Ireland Vagabond Tours
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4.8 based on 5 reviews

Discover eastern Ireland in 6 Days. From the wilderness of the Wicklow Mountains to the perfection of Waterford Crystal and the heritage of ancient Kilkenny; From the gourmet delights of Kinsale, to Cobh’s tragic history of Ireland’s emigration or the grandeur of Ireland’s greatest stately homes, this six day journey through one of Ireland’s most off-the-beaten-track regions is perfect for visitors who want to see a whole new side of Ireland’s ancient east.

Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary, 5 nights accommodation, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Breakfast, Driver/guide, Small-group tour (16 Pax Maximum)

Exclusions: Entrance fees (Optional) Blarney Castle - €15 per person Kilkenny Castle - €8 per person Queenstown Experience - €9.50 per person The Ross Tapestry - €6 per person, Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By jenniger

Well I am like most of the others in recent reviews as I have not yet gone on my trip. I want to emphasize how marvelous Ciara was when I had to cancel and I have now rebooked the 11 day driftwood tour September 7. Would love to hear from anyone else booking that tour. One of the reasons I rebooked was the low deposit as even though did get my deposit back with no trouble last year I was uncomfortable at my age and who knows what’s gonna happen with Covid putting a large deposit down again. Marvelous communication and service and I’m sure my tour will be marvelous and I can write a great review when I have been

10. Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin

Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, 23 O'Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin, D01 C3W7, Ireland Wild Rover Tours
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4.7 based on 1,377 reviews

A magical day tour that includes a unique blend of touring the rugged mountainous landscape known as Wicklow "Garden of Ireland" to the lush pastures and very best of farmland in Ireland, counties Kilkenny and Kildare, renowned for the breeding of thoroughbred race horses, arable farming and dairy.Traveling by luxury coach with free wifi, you'll head into Ireland's south-east region - an area as historically interesting as it is beautiful. Visit Kilkenny City and Castle grounds, the monastic settlement of Glendalough from 600 ad and then visit a working sheep farm in the Wicklow Mountains and participate in the collie sheep dog trials,chat with the Shepherd and his family and mingle with the lambs, sheep dogs and any other animals you may wish while on the farm. Uniquely you have a dedicated tour guide to entertain you and a separate dedicated driver to ensure your safety while touring. Ample opportunities to eat and avail of restroom facilities. Free guided walking tours are optional.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup from selected hotels in Dublin, Complimentary walking tours of of Kilkenny Medieval City & Glendalough Monastic Site, Stop at Wicklow Gap glacial valley, Free unlimited 4G Wi-Fi available on the coach, Irish sheep farm visit & sheep dog demonstration herding sheep,handle lambs all year & collie dogss , Guided walking tours in Kilkenny City & Glendalough Monastic Site, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel drop off

Reviewed By Traveler-Compass-146

The views on this tour were the best I’ve seen in the area. Thank you for creating this wonderful experience for all to enjoy.

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