What to do and see in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

April 14, 2022 Janette Largent

Discover the best top things to do in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland including Cliffs of Moher and The Burren day trip , 6-Day All Ireland Rail Tour from Dublin , 5-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour , Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin, 4-Day South West Ireland Tour from Dublin, Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Dublin, Celtic Boyne Valley Day Trip from Dublin, Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Kylemore Abbey and Ross Errily Friary, Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin, Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin.
Restaurants in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

1. Cliffs of Moher and The Burren day trip

Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland Atlantic Way Touring
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

We are the third generation in a family touring business, so we have been steeped in the business and know how to look after our guest. We provide local knowledge of the areas we travel to and ensure our guest see the best spots while on tour in Clare.

Inclusions: WiFi on board, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By GarimaA126

Atlantic Way Touring - Our group felt very comfortable and luxurious with your airport transfer service, we appreciate your luxury car and travel arrangements! we will absolutely use again the transfer service. Highly Recommended For Atlantic Way Touring.

2. 6-Day All Ireland Rail Tour from Dublin

Heuston Station, St John's Rd W, Saint James' (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin, Ireland Railtours Ireland First Class - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This tour covers a large part of the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway coast. We head South to visit Cork, Blarney Castle & the Ring of Kerry, West to the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, the Aran Islands in Galway Bay and North to the Giants Causeway.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Return Rail Tickets , Reserved Seats on the Train, Railtours Ireland Host Throughout, Visitor Attraction Admissions, Escorted Coach, Transfer to Inis Mor, Aran Island, Accommodation

Exclusions: Gratuities, Meals

Reviewed By JarveC

As a party of four we have just had an amazing 3 night 4 day experience on the Emerald Pullman First Class Train Trip. The journey took in many of Ireland's most scenic & spectacular locations including Waterford Crystal, Killarney, The Ring of Kerry , Cliffs of Moher & Galway Bay to name just a few .. We experienced first class service from the time we left Connolly Station. The whole experience was completely relaxing and hassle free as everything was organised for us every step of the way, from the lovely hotels we stayed in to the wonderful tours of our beautiful country. Would highly recommend Railtours Ireland if planning a staycation and a huge thanks & appreciation to Jim Deegan and his very professional team for a great holiday in Ireland.

3. 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.

4. Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin

The Gresham Hotel, North City, Dublin 1, Co. Dublin, Ireland Wild Rover Tours
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4.8 based on 3,511 reviews

Day trip from Dublin to Ireland’s remote and rugged west coast to see the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Galway City. Enjoy the unique benefit of a dedicated Tour Guide and a separate Driver for the day. The Driver concentrates on your safety and the Guide on your comfort and entertainment. There is a rest stop on route to the Cliffs of Moher and upon arrival you receive a premium ticket to visit and enjoy every aspect of what the site has to offer. 2 hours visiting time. Then travel along part of the Wild Atlantic Way coast and enjoy a coastal stop in the Burren, a unique limestone landscape famous for its flourishing plant life. Upon arriving in Galway City your Guide will offer you a free guided tour of the city, it's optional to join or just enjoy free time to wander this charismatic, bohemian and artsy city yourself. On tour hear tales about Irish history, culture, stories some Irish music will be played with some guides playing their instruments on the coach. 2 hours visit.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup (select hotels only)., Professional guide, Guided walking tour Galway City, Entrance fees to all attractions. Free unlimited 4G wifi available on the coach.

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel drop-off

Reviewed By RichMikeIrl

As a huge fan of Medieval history, I really enjoy my visits to Kilkenny and Glendalough. The Sheep Dog Trials make for an excellent escape from the city hustle.

5. 4-Day South West Ireland Tour from Dublin

Paddywagon Tours Ltd, 55 Gardiner Street Lower, Mountjoy, Dublin, D01 R223, Ireland Paddywagon Tours
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4.7 based on 42 reviews

We start our adventures in the west of Ireland, where we travel through beautiful Connemara, one of the beautiful remote regions of Ireland.Then it's on to Galway, Ireland's trendy party capital on the west coast! Enjoy a pint or two in the great traditional pubs of Galway. We continue our adventures as we travel down the west coast, with the highlight of the drive being time to visit the Cliffs of Moher - at 214m high, these cliffs were the Cliffs of Insanity in the movie Princess Bride! We continue to County Kerry, and the magical town of Killarney. A priceless opportunity to get to know the charming Irish people a little better! Onward to the Dingle Peninsula! Rugged mountains, romantic sandy beaches and crystal cascades sparkle as the Paddywagon cruises into the lovely Dingle Peninsula, and we stay overnight in the charming village of Annascaul. We also kiss the Blarney Stone on our return to Dublin. You cant beat this for value, a great 4 days!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, 3 nights accommodation (Galway, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney), Fun Professional Guide, Live commentary on board, Transport by air conditioned coach, WiFi on board, USB Ports at every seat

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch, Dinner

Reviewed By Susan D

I am also waiting for a refund from Paddywagon. It has been 10 months and I still get the same response that they can't access their funds due to Covid. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY!!!

6. Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Dublin

Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 KX03, Ireland Irish Day Tours
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4.6 based on 1,586 reviews

Join us on our Cliffs of Moher tour as we discover some of the most dramatic cliffs in Ireland. We take an unforgettable journey to the Wild Atlantic Way where you are rewarded with dramatic and breathtaking views that are nothing short of amazing. Along with your fellow travellers, discover the best of Ireland’s dramatic coastline including the Burren and the bohemian city of Galway.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By junior22016

I went to the office on 37 College Green in Dublin to buy a Hop/Hop off ticket. The attendant told me the ticket was 42 euro when the actual price was. I asked which one it was and she told me it was 22. I paid with a 50 euro bill.However, she ended charging me 42 euro. Since I was trying to make the bus, I did not realize she took my money until I was on the bus. At the end the route I told her what she did knowing she was going to pretend to be clueless. She played along and checked her register to tell me she did not have any extra money in there. The fact is, that money never made it to the register. That was extremely dishonest and you guys need to be careful with crooks like this.

7. Celtic Boyne Valley Day Trip from Dublin

Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 KX03, Ireland Irish Day Tours
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4.6 based on 379 reviews

The  Celtic Tour along Ireland’s Ancient East brings you to the  historically significant Boyne valley situated in County Meath - the Royal County -  from where the ancient High Kings of Ireland ruled. Join us on a day of time travel, visiting the Neolithic tombs of Loughcrew, The predominantly Iron Age Hill of Tara, the spiritual center of Ireland; the 7th Century Christian monastery of Fore Abbey,  Hill Of Uishneach and the Anglo-Norman Trim castle.

Inclusions: Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance fees

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Natalie P

I had a reservation on March 16th the day after the city of Dublin shut down and EVERYTHING was closed. We had to leave early because of Covid( the city shut down so nothing to do or eat besides our hotel restaurant). We tried getting in contact with Irish Day Tours to see if our tour was still continuing because we figured maybe we could do that before we slip out of the country but no one was answering calls, emails, Facebook messages and even comments. We tried to cancel but couldn’t because we and our hotel could not reach them. I was emailing the company in the beginning of April when we were back and settled to get this straightened out but they wouldn’t issue a refund because apparently the tour still continued even though the city shut down and there was no notice sent to us that it would continue the next day. We left Ireland that morning and the city of Dublin shut down less than 24 hours from our scheduled tour time so Flaure said no refund would be authorized which is ridiculous given the circumstances of the city and world at that time. It’s very upsetting because I’ve been trying to get in contact with someone from the company named Jonathan who Flaure said would maybe be able to hear us out and help but he has never replied to my email. (6 months later) Highly do not recommend. Terrible customer service and just a money hungry company that at the end of the day apparently only cares about money and not their customers.

8. Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Kylemore Abbey and Ross Errily Friary

Galway, Co. Galway, H91 CX90, Ireland Galway Tour Company
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4.6 based on 331 reviews

Discover the dramatic beauty of Connemara with its rugged wilderness, welcoming locals and historic treasures, on this full-day trip from Galway city. Traveling with an expert guide, your tour visits Ross Errilly Friary, pretty Cong village and must-see Kylemore Abbey. Spend time at leisure in these Irish gems and enjoy stunning scenery in between each visit.

Inclusions: Professional Local Driver/Guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Entrance Fee to Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Reviewed By tanjamattila

We booked Cliffs of Moher & Burren tour. The cliffs were awesome and our driver John was really great, but the tour was quite badly organised and ended up costing more. Right at the beginning of the journey we were told that due to covid 19 they had cancelled some of the activities that were included in the price: Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, the 5,800-year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen and Ballyalban Fairy Fort, and also a visit to Kilfenora to see Celtic Crosses was cancelled. We were offered an option to pay 15 euros extra per person to get a one hour boat trip in front of the Cliffs of Moher instead. That was quite unprofessional way from company's side to replace those very interesting attractions that we thought that we could see. We felt a bit scammed as we had to pay more to get a possibility to experience something else. Other option would have been to wait in Doolin until the boat trip was over. The boat trip itself was also very poor from its staff's side. We were given false information regarding how the Cliffs have formed (by atmospheric pressure - that's not correct), about the building date regarding a tower on top of the cliffs etc. It was a bit hilarious and frustrating. The quality of that boat trip didn't convince us but oh well, one more experience :) Other than these couple of odd things the day was really nice and as we live in Ireland we will for sure take another trip to see more of the area. But as we felt that we cannot really trust the tour description and we were not informed in advance about any changes, and there was no word about cancelled activities due to covid 19 on their website when we booked and read about this tour, we will either try another tour company or we will rent a car next time.

9. Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin

Heuston Station, St John's Rd W, Saint James' (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin, Ireland Railtours Ireland First Class - Day Tours
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4.6 based on 866 reviews

Explore Ireland's west coast highlights on a coach and rail day trip from Dublin to the wild Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and picturesque Galway Bay.

Inclusions: Host on trains, Information pack, Reserved seats on trains, Qualified driver-guide on coaches, All travel by rail and coach from Dublin Heuston Station

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By JarveC

As a party of four we have just had an amazing 3 night 4 day experience on the Emerald Pullman First Class Train Trip. The journey took in many of Ireland's most scenic & spectacular locations including Waterford Crystal, Killarney, The Ring of Kerry , Cliffs of Moher & Galway Bay to name just a few .. We experienced first class service from the time we left Connolly Station. The whole experience was completely relaxing and hassle free as everything was organised for us every step of the way, from the lovely hotels we stayed in to the wonderful tours of our beautiful country. Would highly recommend Railtours Ireland if planning a staycation and a huge thanks & appreciation to Jim Deegan and his very professional team for a great holiday in Ireland.

10. Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin

Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 KX03, Ireland Irish Day Tours
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4.5 based on 1,293 reviews

The Blarney Castle tour features a guided coach tour of the Irish countryside, a visit to the world famous Blarney castle with its Blarney Stone.  You will also visit the medieval Cahir Castle as well as an introduction to a historically significant monastic site called the Rock of Cashel once the home of the King of Munster before it was given to the church.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver/guide, Entrance fees

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Natalie P

I had a reservation on March 16th the day after the city of Dublin shut down and EVERYTHING was closed. We had to leave early because of Covid( the city shut down so nothing to do or eat besides our hotel restaurant). We tried getting in contact with Irish Day Tours to see if our tour was still continuing because we figured maybe we could do that before we slip out of the country but no one was answering calls, emails, Facebook messages and even comments. We tried to cancel but couldn’t because we and our hotel could not reach them. I was emailing the company in the beginning of April when we were back and settled to get this straightened out but they wouldn’t issue a refund because apparently the tour still continued even though the city shut down and there was no notice sent to us that it would continue the next day. We left Ireland that morning and the city of Dublin shut down less than 24 hours from our scheduled tour time so Flaure said no refund would be authorized which is ridiculous given the circumstances of the city and world at that time. It’s very upsetting because I’ve been trying to get in contact with someone from the company named Jonathan who Flaure said would maybe be able to hear us out and help but he has never replied to my email. (6 months later) Highly do not recommend. Terrible customer service and just a money hungry company that at the end of the day apparently only cares about money and not their customers.

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