Specials Trip Finder Brochures Menu

Ireland Tours, Vacation Packages, Trips & Travel Packages


  • Experience a movie moment at the Cliffs of Moher, seen in Harry Potter, The Princess Bride, and many more
  • Cross River Liffey with ease by stepping across Dublin's Ha'penny Bridge
  • Tour through Trinity College campus, known popularly for its breathtaking library
  • Spot waterfalls, mountains, lakes, castles, and more while wandering through Killarney National Park
  • Fall into the community of Galway, known for their festivals, night life, and stunning scenery

Our Ireland Tours and Vacations

Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic to the west of Britain from which it is separated by the Irish Sea. Politically, Ireland is divided into the Republic of Ireland, which covers five-sixths of the island and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom which covers the remaining area and is located in the northeast of the island. The island's geography comprises relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain with several navigable rivers extending inland. The island's lush vegetation, a product of its mild climate and frequent rainfall, earns it the name the Emerald Isle, to be experienced on Ireland vacations.

Why Consider an Ireland Vacation?

Ireland is known for its lush, green countryside, its friendly people, its special folk music and its colourful history and legends, all of which can be enjoyed on Ireland vacations. But there is an awful lot more to experience. Although not that large in area, it is packed with exciting destinations. You will always receive a warm welcome be it in the cities or the countryside and, although they have their own Gaelic language, everyone speaks English. Irish culture is very unique and has brought to the world’s attention, many great writers in the literary field.  The island's geography comprises relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain with several navigable rivers extending inland. The island's lush vegetation, a product of its mild climate and frequent rainfall, earns it the name the Emerald Isle, to be experienced on Ireland travel packages. And there is no shortage of traditional Irish pubs where you can enjoy good conversation with the locals on Ireland Travel Packages.

Ireland Travel Highlights

There are many. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland, the River Boyne, Skellig Michael, an island in the Atlantic and the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim in the north. However, let’s not forget to visit the Blarney Stone, the Ring of Kerry and have a pint of Guinness in a typical Irish pub.                                                  

Best Cities to Visit in Ireland

Explore Dublin – The Friendliest City in Europe

The most visited place in Dublin, a city of some considerable charm. It has a major university, Trinity College where the Book of Kells is situated, a richly illustrated manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament created around AD 800 by monks. The city is home to Dublin Castle, a complex of buildings within its walls which include two museums, a conference centre, two gardens and the prestigious State Apartments. The Guinness Brewery, the most visited tourist attraction on guided tours of Ireland as well as independent travel, is where you can learn about the history of Ireland’s most famous drink through a series of exhibits and learn how Guinness is made followed by a free pint of Guinness. Yes, you will never see so many bars and pubs all crammed into one urban area. There is an Irish word, “craic”, which translates loosely as news, gossip, fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation. The Museums and Art Galleries of Dublin are numerous. Check out the Little Museum of Dublin which tells the story of the city and its people, the National Gallery of Ireland, home to some of the most important works of Irish art and the Dublin Writers Museum where you can learn about the lives and works of famous Irish writers such as James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Becket and Oscar Wilde

Click for more information on Dublin

Discover Cork

Ireland’s second-largest city is Cork with its grand Georgian avenues side by side with narrow 17th Century passageways. It is fairly compact so walking around the centre is not difficult on Ireland tours. The English Market here is the place to purchase local specialties from the 50-plus stalls selling produce. You can visit the Cork City Gaol where you can take a tour through its cells and corridors. One of the main art galleries in the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery with its permanent collection of Greco-Roman sculptures together with Irish paintings ranging from the 17th Century to the present day. The Elizabeth Fort in Cork was built almost 400 years ago and was used right up to the Irish Civil War of the 1920s. You can walk along the ramparts and enjoy the best views anywhere in the city. Some nearby attractions include the port of Cobh, an attractive seaport which was the last port of call of the Titanic and Blarney Castle with its dungeons and famous Blarney Stone which when kissed, as every visitor does, gives the gift of the gab or, in simpler words, the ability to talk eloquently.

Click for more information on Cork

Iconically Irish – Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a small but charming city offering Ireland tours a mixture of vibrant nightlife, beautiful streets, great shopping opportunities and rich cultural heritage. It is especially known for its medieval buildings. The two major attractions are Kilkenny Castle, a spectacular Norman castle which dominates the city and the impressive St. Canice's Cathedral, built over 800 years ago.

Ireland’s Historic City - Waterford

Waterford is world-famous for its glassware/crystal. It is the oldest city in Ireland with a long medieval history. A large portion of the city walls still stands today. Highlights include the Bishop’s Palace, a magnificent Georgian residence offering an authentic example of the 18th Century lifestyle and the Waterford Crystal Factory which is well worth visiting on an Ireland vacation. You will see everything from glass tumblers to chandeliers.

Click for more information on Waterford

Gateway to Atlantic Coastal Scenery - Killarney

Killarney is an attractive town and one of Ireland’s leading tourist destinations due to its proximity to the Killarney National Park. It is a good place to visit some castles and stately homes. The town has many narrow lanes in which you can sometimes easily get lost. Many restaurants and craft shops are hidden down these lanes. 

Click for more information on Killarney

Limerick -  Gateway to Western Ireland

Limerick is Ireland’s third-largest city.  In the centre is Pery Square with its fine Georgian terraces dating back to 1835. Another landmark is the 13th Century King John’s Castle with its vast walls and towers built on the instructions of King John of England around 1200. The Hunt Museum in Limerick has one of Ireland’s best private collections of art and antiquities (over 2000 items) ranging from the Neolithic Age to the 20th Century. St. Mary’s Cathedral is Limerick’s oldest and most historic building founded in 1168. Just outside Limerick is the magnificent Bunratty Castle, probably Ireland’s most renowned castle dating back to 1425 and the best-preserved medieval fortress in the country. There are mediaeval banquets at which certain guests can be banished to the dungeons below.

Click for more information on Limerick

Galway – The City of Culture

Galway is known as a city of art and culture with its lively atmosphere. If you enjoy visiting typical Irish pubs on an Irish vacation, this is the city to meet friendly locals. A landmark is the lively Galway street market, a local gathering place selling farm-fresh produce, arts, crafts and snacks. The imposing Galway Cathedral is exceptionally beautiful with its decorated dome, lovely mosaics and rough-hewn stonework emblazoned with stained glass. The Spanish Arch is an extension of Galway's medieval city walls, designed to protect ships moored at the nearby quay. Lynch's Castle, built in the 15th Century, is a good example of the Irish gothic style of architecture.

Click for more information on Galway

Best things to see in Northern Ireland

The Ancient Walled City of Londonderry 

Londonderry, also known as Derry, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland. It is in fact, the only remaining, completely intact walled city in Ireland. The city is renowned for its architecture with its collection of late Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian buildings. Historic buildings within the city walls include St Augustine's Church which sits on the city walls close to the site of an original monastic settlement, the 1633 Gothic cathedral of St Columb, the copper-domed Austin's department store which claims to be the oldest such store in the world and the imposing Greek Revival Courthouse.

Click for more information on Londonderry

The Amazing Mysterious Giant’s Causeway

County Antrim is where you will find the Giant’s Causeway on Northern Ireland tours, made up of a collection of gigantic stepping stones, the tallest measuring 12 metres/39 feet in height. It runs from the coast, under the sea, eventually appearing on the east coast of Scotland. There are about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns which were formed as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption. The name itself comes from myths and legends which have been passed down over time.

Unique Belfast

Belfast, once a troubled city, is today, a destination on Northern Ireland tours that has totally reclaimed itself. The architectural style of Belfast's buildings ranges from Edwardian, like the City Hall, to modern, like the Waterfront Hall. Some of the main attractive buildings include the City Hall completed in 1906 whose grounds contain a memorial to the victims of the Titanic and Stormont where the Northern Irish parliament sits. Many of Belfast’s oldest buildings are to be found in the Cathedral Quarter area, the city’s main cultural and tourist area which also contains many cafés, bars and interesting buildings. Belfast is known for its parks and gardens as there are more than 40 public parks in the city, popular places for picnics, walking and running. Titanic Belfast houses the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience and features over six floors, nine interpretive and interactive galleries which bring to life the history and story of this iconic ship launched in Belfast in the early 1900s.

Click for more information on Belfast

You can access more information on Northern Ireland vacations and tours here

The Best Castle Tours, Stately Homes, Museums and Art Galleries to see in Ireland

As you might expect, Ireland has its fair share of castles which can be visited on Ireland tours. There are even castles which provide accommodation. Consider one of the following.

Kilronan Castle – County Roscommon       Markree Castle – County Sligo

Bunratty Castle - County Clare                   Dromoland Castle - County Clare

Many stately homes are open to the public. Ownership has been passed down over generations resulting in having invaluable artifacts on display. There are so many museums and art galleries all over the country to satisfy every cultural interest on guided tours of Ireland.

When is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Ireland?

Ireland has been called the “Green or Emerald Island” and this may cause you to think it rains all the time. This can happen but it doesn’t last long and the sun can come out at any time. The sunniest region in the extreme southeast. The climate in Ireland is fairly temperate which makes it a year-round destination.

Click for more information on the best time to visit Ireland

What Languages are Spoken in Ireland?

Ireland is a very multi-cultural destination, hence many native and adopted languages are spoken across the country. The two most common languages are Irish and English. Irish is the official national language of Ireland, however, the dominant language spoken is English. This has been the case since the 19th century. 

What Should I Know Before Going to Ireland?

Did you know that the human settlement of Ireland can be traced back to approximately 10,000 years ago? Find out more about the History of Ireland and some Country Quick facts.

Do you need a Visa to travel to Ireland? Find out by visiting our Travel Tips, Visas and Health page

 "Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Enjoy the Ultimate Comprehensive Tour on an Ireland Vacation

Dublin’s Fair City is a Must on Ireland Vacations

Sleep In a Castle in Ireland (Castle Hotels)

Don’t Wait to See Ireland!

Unearthing the Legendary Tales of Ireland’s Ancient East

Extend your Stay

Consider an additional stopover to your Ireland vacation at one of Goway's other European destinations. You can choose from a Paris vacation, a London vacation or an Amsterdam vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Ireland.

 

 


FEATURED TRIP

Ireland

  • Price:
    Duration:
    • Other Ways to Go

    • Go Your Way...Tailor-made

    • How to Go

    Applied:
    Apply filter changes:
  • Highlights of Dublin and Belfast

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: The two capital cities of the Emerald Isle are brought to life on this weeklong, tailor-made caper. Starting in Dublin, experience key highlights including EPIC Ireland, the Guinness Storehouse, and Jameson Distillery. Later, connect to Belfast to learn about the Troubles with the help of a local guide, and visit attractions including the Titanic Experience and Gobbin's Path.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,696
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Unforgettable Ireland

    MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH: The Emerald Isle has always charmed visitors with not only its warm and friendly people but also with its lush and sometimes dramatic scenery, its historic castles and its rolling countryside. Add to this time in its colourful capital and you will not forget Ireland.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,899
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Dublin Discovery

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Discover all that Dublin has to offer on this trip that’s perfect for first-timers. Spend a day seeing Dublin’s most famous sights, from Trinity College to the famous Guinness Factory. The next day, head on a day trip to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s greatest natural wonders.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 667
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Ireland Explorer Small Group Tour: Dublin, Galway, Killarney & More

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: This exhilarating tour of Ireland is the perfect way to explore the Emerald Isle's countryside, including glorious Galway, colourful Connemara and beautiful Burren before returning to the timeless capital, Dublin.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,612
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Dublin Signature

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover the heart of Ireland’s capital, Dublin, on this 5-day signature experience. Relax in deluxe accommodations as you visit key sites around the city, including the Guinness Storehouse and EPIC Ireland. Later, and with the help of private local guides, discover delicious bites on a food-themed walking tour of Dublin and then set out to visit the medieval capital of Kilkenny and beautiful County Wicklow.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,875
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Classic Ireland Self-Drive: Dublin, Galway, Kerry & More

    MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: On this eight day adventure, discover Ireland at your own pace by way of a leisurely self-drive program that will take you through the beautiful and rugged west coast of the country, including Galway, Connemara, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. With plenty of time in Dublin, it is an excellent way to acquaint yourself with the Emerald Isle.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Highlights of Dublin and Edinburgh

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Journey through two Celtic capitals on this week-long, tailor-made getaway. Through a mix of independent touring and small group adventures, you’ll visit famous distilleries and brew houses (and sample drinks!), explore Ireland’s renowned literary past, step inside legendary Edinburgh Castle, and so much more.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,212
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Complete Ireland Small Group Adventure: Dublin, Belfast, Galway & More

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: A complete tour of Ireland, this small group adventure takes you to the most famous sights and towns of the Emerald Isle, from the staggering Giant’s Causeway to the delicate crystal of Waterford.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,351
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations, Small Group Touring
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Northern Ireland & the Atlantic Coast: Dublin, Donegal, Westport & More

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: From Dublin, combine the gentle beauty of the Antrim coast and glens with the wild and rugged west coast of Ireland. Add visits to Belfast, Londonderry and the Giant’s Causeway and you have a well rounded insight into some of Ireland’s most outstanding regions.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,888
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations, Small Group Touring
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Essence of Ireland: Dublin & Galway

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: The perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle, this itinerary introduces you to the very best of Ireland, all while allowing you to savor local specialties and relax in first-class accommodations. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher and so much more on this essential Ireland trip.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,267
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • All Ireland Rail and Coach Tour: Killarney, Galway & Dublin

    FIRST-CLASS | RAIL: What better way to see the Emerald Isle than by rail? This Ireland tour takes you to many of the country’s most famous sights, all with comfortable accommodation and reserved rail seats. To explore the many sights and attractions off the tracks, you'll travel with like-minded guests aboard a comfortable coach vehicle.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,068
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Rail Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Dublin and Surrounds

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Ireland’s historic capital beckons on this short Dublin city break, designed to let you see the best of the city in limited time. Familiar, yet steeped firmly in its own unique culture, let this be your first stop in discovering the Emerald Isle.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,013
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • The Emerald Isle Small Group Tour

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: An in-depth circular Back Roads tour itinerary of Ireland’s lush green landscapes and coastal magnificence combined with the country’s colourful history and culture make this a must for anyone wishing to enjoy the very essence of the Emerald Isle.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,209
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Merrion Hotel Dublin: Stay of Distinction

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Get cozy in one of the world’s leading hotels and explore the capital of the Emerald Isle with this Goway Stay of Distinction. Enjoy luxury accommodations at The Merrion Hotel and explore Dublin with the freedom of a Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass before taking in a night of Irish song and dance.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,998
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Stays of Distinction, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • The Scenes and Scenery of Ireland's Movies Self-Drive

    MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: Game of Thrones fans will find this Ireland tour especially thrilling as it takes in locations and sights featured in the show. For others, it’s a tour of Ireland at its most photogenic.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,629
    Trip Type:
    Ideas for 18 to 30 Somethings, Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Wild Atlantic Way Self-Drive: Dublin, Donegal, Galway & More

    MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: Set out from Dublin on this self-drive adventure that takes you to the wilder side of the Emerald Isle. Enjoy the splendid outdoors in Donegal, wander the Cliffs of Moher, and stop in at a wide variety of delightful villages across the country as you explore the one and only Wild Atlantic Way.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,249
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Classic British Isles: Dublin, Edinburgh & London

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore three great capitals of the British Isles, passing from Dublin to Edinburgh to London to look upon the Book of Kells at Trinity College Library, summit towering Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock, and see the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Buckingham Castle in the heart of the United Kingdom.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,209
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Go as you Please, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Corners of Southern Ireland: Dublin to Dublin

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Explore the colourful southern end of the Emerald Isle on this Ireland tour that takes you to the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, historic Kilkenny and much more.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,339
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Small Group Touring
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Elegant Ireland Self Drive: Dublin to Galway

    FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Explore the Emerald Isle in style and at your own pace. This self-drive Ireland tour takes you from Dublin to Waterford, Limerick, the Cliffs of Moher, and many more picturesque parts of the country.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,769
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • Highlights of Dublin

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Enjoy the perfect introduction to Ireland’s capital. Stay in a first-class hotel and explore the city on an intimate tour in a luxury car, seeing St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the graves of some of the city’s most famous citizens. Another day, explore Northern Ireland, visiting Belfast and driving along the Giant’s Causeway.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 817
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • The Royal Atlantic Ireland Tour by Rail & Coach

    FIRST-CLASS | RAIL: Uncover Cork, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands on this superb Ireland tour that mixes train and coach travel, letting you experience the country at its finest.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,575
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Rail Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details
  • West Coast Explorer: Small Group: Dublin to Dublin

    Experience some of Ireland’s most beautiful and dramatic landscapes including the breathtaking Connemara National Park, the country’s wildest region. Enjoy a drive along the Atlantic Coast visiting the remarkable Cliffs of Moher plus spend time in small but attractive ancient towns.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,840
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Small Group Touring
    Ireland See Trip Details
Trip Finder

What our travelers say

Goway Toolkit


Need help planning your holiday? Our toolkit is a great place to get started.