Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our Guided Ireland Vacations.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for or if you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Flights
Do You Book Flights
We do not book flights on behalf of our guests.
This gives you complete flexibility over your flight departure and arrival dates, your chosen airports and preferred airlines, not to mention the opportunity to take advantage of sales, promotions and frequent flyer programmes.
Please email us at info@irishexperiencetours.com with any questions about your tour.
Which days/times do your tours depart
Some of the only non-flexible elements of our tours are the departure location, departure day and departure time.
The most important information to know is that all of our tours depart from Dublin’s The Point A Hotel on either Sundays, Tuesdays or Thursdays
Here is the full list of scheduled departure days and times for our Small Group Tours of Ireland
Sundays at 8.30 am
7-Day Ultimate Irish Adventure
8 Day Castles & Coasts Experience
Tuesdays at 8.30 am
11-Day Ultimate Irish Experience
Thursdays at 8.30 am
5 Day Giant Irish Experience
Booking Suitable Flight Times
We strongly advise that you book your flights to arrive at least the night before your scheduled tour departure.
We aim to have you back in Dublin between 4-5 pm on the final day of your tour. If you’re planning to fly out on the last night of your tour, please do not book a flight that departs Dublin Airport before 10 pm.
Are Airport Transfers Included
Airport transfers are not included in our tour prices.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Please see our detailed PDF with full details for many alternative options for Dublin Airport transfers.
Pro Tip:
Upon arrival, we recommend booking a Meet & Greet taxi for your transfer from Dublin Airport to your city center hotel.
For this service, we recommend Irish Taxi Tours for this Meet & Greet option.
Meet & Greet Option – €80 total 1-8 people max
How it works:
Contact them via their email/contact form HERE – you can include you are booked on an Irish Experience Tour and would like to reserve a meet & greet transfer.
After giving them your details and brief arrival times/dates they will then send a payment link
Once paid you will receive a form to include exact arrival flight details and your Dublin city centre destination.
Will be met at the arrivals hall (your name on signage) at Dublin Airport by your driver, who’ll help you with your luggage to one of their vehicles and brought directly to your Dublin city center hotel.
Can I Fly Direct From North America To Ireland
Please note that Dublin serves as the entry point for all our small-group tours of Ireland. Therefore, we recommend flying directly to Dublin (DUB) for the best experience.
Flying directly from the USA or Canada to Ireland has never been more convenient.
In the USA, 18 cities and in Canada, 4 cities offer direct flight connections to Ireland.
Among North American cities, Toronto and Chicago feature the highest number of airlines vying for direct routes to Ireland.
Here’s a comprehensive list of airlines offering direct flights to Ireland:
Direct Flights To Dublin from USA:
- Chicago (ORD) – Aer Lingus*, United, Ethiopian, American
- Washington (IAD) – Aer Lingus*, United*, Ethiopian
- New York (JFK) – Delta*, Aer Lingus*
- Newark (EWR) – United*, Aer Lingus*
- Boston (BOS) – Delta*, Aer Lingus*
- Philadelphia (PHL) – American*, Aer Lingus (Route ends January 2024)
- Minneapolis (MSP) – Aer Lingus, Delta
- Los Angeles (LAX) – Aer Lingus*
- Atlanta (ATL) – Delta, Ethiopian
- Orlando (MCO) – Aer Lingus*
- San Francisco (SFO) – Aer Lingus*
- Seattle/Tacoma (SEA) – Aer Lingus*
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – American*
- Cleveland (CLE) – Aer Lingus*
- Miami (MIA) – Aer Lingus (Route ends March 2024)
- Charlotte (CTL) – American
- Hartford (BDL) – Aer Lingus (Route ends January 2024)
- Denver (DEN) – Aer Lingus (May to September)
Direct Flights To Dublin from Canada:
- Toronto (YYZ) – Air Canada*, Aer Lingus*, Ethiopian, Air Transat (May to October)
- Montreal (YUL) – Air Canada
- Calgary (YYC) – Westjet (April to October)
- Vancouver (YVR) – Air Canada (June to September)
Direct Flights To Shannon from USA:
- Chicago (ORD) – United (May to September)
- New York (JFK) – Aer Lingus*, Delta (May to September)
- Newark (EWR) – United (April to October)
- Boston (BOS) – Aer Lingus*
Which Airport Should I Choose In Ireland?
- Dublin (DUB) is Ireland’s primary airport, providing access to the capital city and the entire island.
- Shannon (SNN) serves as an alternative, particularly if your itinerary focuses on the west coast of Ireland. –Can be used for private tours only
Please note that Dublin serves as the entry point for all our small-group tours of Ireland. Therefore, we recommend flying directly to Dublin (DUB) for the best experience.
Departure & Return Points
When and where do our tours depart from
All tours depart from The Point A Hotel on Parnell Street at 8.30 am sharp – please arrive 15 minutes before tour departure time.
This is a great tour departure point as there are many accommodation options in and around this area. We all know Dublin can be very expensive, so we hope this location allows everyone to book accommodations that suit their budget.
If you are booking the Point A Hotel for pre-tour accommodation please use this Promo code for a 15% discount Promo code: 17IRIS.
To view alternative accommodations around this area Click on this The Point A Hotel link and then follow the ‘Nearby Hotels’ tab you will see all accommodations in and around the area.
When and where do our tours return to
All of our tours arrive at the Ashling Hotel, 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8 and The Point A Hotel 17 – 19 Moore Ln, North City, Dublin, D01 H6K3, Ireland (except for train transfers – see below).
Our drop-off times at the Ashling Hotel and The Point A Hotel are between 4.30 pm and 5.00 pm approx.
GOOD NEWS: You can book any accommodation along or nearby this route from End Point 1: The Ashling Hotel to End Point 2: The Point A Hotel and our drivers will drop you off ON THIS ROUTE ONLY. See route details here
ENDPOINT TRAIN TRANSFER INFORMATION-
(8-Day Castles & Coasts Experience, 7-Day Ultimate Atlantic Adventure, 5 Day South West and 5-Day Giant Irish)
If you have booked a tour with a train transfer included on the last day, your tour end point is Dublin Heuston, Heuston Station, St John’s Rd W, Dublin
Our arrival times at the train station are 6.00 pm. (You can choose an earlier arrival time by train if you wish) Please note Heuston Station is located directly across the road from The Ashling Hotel. There are plenty of transport serving the city center from Hueston station such as LUAS RED LINE, DUBLIN BUS, and many taxi services.
How Do I Get From Dublin Aiport To The City Centre
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Please see our detailed PDF with full details for many alternative options for Dublin Airport transfers.
Pro Tip:
Upon arrival, we recommend booking a Meet & Greet taxi for your transfer from Dublin Airport to your city center hotel.
For this service, we recommend Irish Taxi Tours for this Meet & Greet option.
Meet & Greet Option – €80 total 1-8 people max
How it works:
Contact them via their email/contact form HERE – you can include you are booked on an Irish Experience Tour and would like to reserve a meet & greet transfer.
After giving them your details and brief arrival times/dates they will then send a payment link
Once paid you will receive a form to include exact arrival flight details and your Dublin city centre destination.
Will be met at the arrivals hall (your name on signage) at Dublin Airport by your driver, who’ll help you with your luggage to one of their vehicles and brought directly to your Dublin city center hotel.
About the group
What are the minimum and maximum group sizes for the tours?
The minimum number for our tours is two people.
Your departure is 100% guaranteed once you’ve booked your tour (as long as there is one other person booked). We’ve never canceled a tour.
The maximum group size is 16 on our small group tours and a maximum of 8 on our mini group tours.
For Private tours for friends and families we can cater up to 30+
Is it OK to travel alone?
Yes of course! Many of our travellers arrive alone, others are with friends or partners. It doesn’t matter because by the end of day 1 you have already made a great group of friends on the bus!
What kind of people will be on the tour?
You will meet like-minded people who have an appreciation for the great outdoors. Our guests are usually people from Australia, the UK, Canada and the United States, and come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. On average, we have a 50/50 split between men and women, with several single travelers on each trip as well as couples and friends traveling together.
How old are the people on your tours?
Accommodation and Rooming
Which accommodations do you recommend near to start/drop off point?
All of our tours depart from The Point A Hotel 17 – 19 Moore Ln, North City, Dublin, D01 H6K3
- Our pick-up times from the Hotel are at 8.30 am.
- All of our tours arrive at the Ashling Hotel, 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8 and The Point A Hotel 17 – 19 Moore Ln, North City, Dublin, D01 H6K3, Ireland
- Our drop-off times at the Hotels are between 4.30 pm and 5.00 pm approx.
- Except if you book a tour with a train transfer included on the last day, to Dublin Heuston, Heuston Station, St John’s Rd W, Dublin
- Our arrival times at the train station are 6.00 pm. (You can choose an earlier arrival time by train if you wish) Please note Heuston Station is located directly across the road from The Ashling Hotel
Hotel/B&Bs near pick-up point:
Point A Hotel, Leonardos Hotel, The Wynns Hotel, Tom, Dick & Harriet’s Acc, The Kingfisher Townhouse, The Charles Stewert B&B, Cassidys Hotel, Parkway B&B, Academy Plaza Hotel, Holiday Inn Express City Centre, The Gate Hotel, Castle Hotel, The Belvedere Hotel, The Maldron Hotel (Parnell Square), Temple House North Great apartments and Halfpenny Bridge Holiday Homes.
Hotel/B&Bs near the drop-off point:
Ashling Hotel, Phoenix Park Hotel, Maldron Hotel Smithfield, McGettigans Townhouse, Generator High-Quality Hostel, Hilton Hotel Kilmainham, The Hendrick Smithfield
For your pre/post-Dublin city tour – we recommend DoDublin Hop, On Hop Off
Are the tours suitable for solo travellers? Is there a single supplement?
Yes of course!
Many of our travelers arrive alone, others are with friends or partners. It doesn’t matter because by the end of day 1 you have already made a great group of friends on the bus! Take one of our small group tours for a hassle-free way to explore Ireland and meet new friends.
B&B Single Supplement – mandatory for solo travelers
Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room.
Are private rooms available?
All rooms are private with room types available – twin room, double room, single room and family rooms
A twin room is a room with 2 single beds, whilst a double room has 1 large bed suited for two people. Both rooms are designed for double occupancy. A single room is a single bed, designed for single occupancy.
What is the accommodation like? Where will we stay?
Accommodation – Classic vs Premium Packages
At Irish Experience Tours, we put a huge amount of care into selecting the right accommodation for our tours. Instead of large, impersonal hotels, we overnight in locally-owned establishments — often family-run for generations — where the welcome is truly genuine.
Our small group sizes allow us to stay in a wider variety of high-quality, authentic properties in some of the most untouched and charming parts of Ireland.
A hot shower, a warm fire, a pint in the evening, or a lively pub nearby — no matter where you stay, you’ll experience real Irish hospitality at its best.
Classic Accommodation Package
Our Classic package is designed for guests who want a traditional Irish experience, staying in a range of carefully selected B&Bs, guesthouses, and small family-run hotels. These properties offer homely charm, personal welcomes, and a real connection to local communities.
B&Bs (Bed & Breakfasts):
Locally-run homes where you’ll enjoy a warm welcome, a hearty breakfast, and an authentic glimpse into Irish daily life. Many B&Bs are set in charming townhouses, cottages, or countryside residences.Guesthouses:
Slightly larger than a traditional B&B, guesthouses offer more facilities such as guest lounges, dining rooms, and additional amenities — all while maintaining a personal, family-run feel. We only use 3- and 4-star guesthouses that meet high national standards.Small Family-Run Hotels:
Intimate hotels owned and operated by Irish families, blending the relaxed, personal service of a guesthouse with the added comforts of a boutique hotel. Expect welcoming hospitality, local character, and modern conveniences.
Most Classic accommodations include private ensuite bathrooms, tea/coffee facilities, and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere that reflects true Irish hospitality. We only use 3- and 4-star rated B&Bs or Guesthouses that meet or exceed Fáilte Ireland and Northern Ireland Tourist Board standards. You will also stay in 3-star family-run hotels as part of the Classic package where necessary, depending on location and availability.
Premium Accommodation Package
Our Premium package is designed for guests who prefer additional comfort while still experiencing authentic Ireland.
Accommodation is mainly in 4-star hotels or historic house hotels where possible, with occasional carefully selected 3-star hotels where availability requires.
All properties are Irish-owned and operated, offering a higher standard of comfort and facilities without losing the personal, local touch.
Hotels often feature upgraded rooms, additional amenities (such as onsite restaurants, lounges, and wellness facilities), while staying true to Irish character.
Our Premium accommodations deliver the best of both worlds — authentic Irish hospitality paired with stylish surroundings, plush comforts, and a touch of indulgence.
After a day of adventure, relax and unwind in beautiful settings designed to make your stay as memorable as the journey itself.
Summary of Differences
| Classic Package | Premium Package |
|---|---|
| B&Bs, guesthouses, small family-run hotels | Mainly 4-star hotels and historic hotels |
| 3-star and 4-star rated B&Bs/guesthouses | 4-star hotels where possible (occasional 3-star) |
| Focus on traditional, homely Irish charm | More comfort-focused but still authentically Irish |
| Personal, local welcomes | Higher standard of amenities and services |
Food and Dietary
If a passenger has special dietary requirements , can they be catered for easily?
It’s easier than ever for travellers with specialised dietary requirements to visit Ireland.
Our advice is to let us know in advance of your tour. And feel free to tell your server upon arrival at a hotel or restaurant. We will always do our best to accommodate you!
Do passengers always eat together in the evenings or can they do their own thing?
That varies from tour to tour depending on what the group wishes to do. Usually, the guide will discuss this with the group and should they all want to dine together, group reservations can be made
Where to Eat (and What to Try!) on Your Irish Experience Tour
Where to Eat (and What to Try!) on Your Irish Experience Tour 🇮🇪🍽️
At Irish Experience Tours, we believe that where you eat is just as important as where you travel.
Ireland isn’t just about stunning landscapes and cozy pubs — it’s also about incredible food, hearty hospitality, and discovering hidden gems that leave you feeling like a true local.
One of the best parts about our tours?
You’re always free to choose where you dine each evening!
While many of the boutique hotels and guesthouses we stay in offer excellent dining options, you are encouraged to wander the local towns, pop into the nearest pub, or treat yourself to a fine dining experience.
And of course, our Tour Leaders are always on hand with great local recommendations!
Here’s your ultimate foodie guide to the best bites, pints, and hidden treats across the regions we visit:
Ballycastle 🎣🍻
Must-Try: Fresh fish and chips, creamy seafood chowder, and traditional Irish stew.
Top Picks:
Central Wine Bar 🍷
O’Connor’s Bar and Seafood Restaurant 🍴
Marine Hotel Ballycastle 🏨 (seaside dining!)
The Cellar Restaurant 🍽️
Drink: Sample local craft beers from Lacada Brewery 🍺 or visit Bushmills Distillery for an Irish whiskey tasting 🥃.
Donegal 🌊🥔
Must-Try: Donegal seafood chowder, traditional boxty (potato pancake), and Atlantic cod.
Top Picks:
The Harbour Restaurant 🍽️
The House Gastro Pub 🍻
Olde Castle Bar 🍺
Chandpur Indian Restaurant 🍛
Drink: Try a creamy pint of Guinness 🍺 or Donegal Blonde Ale 🍻.
Westport 🥘🎻
Must-Try: Clew Bay mussels, Achill Island lamb stew, and Mayo black pudding.
Top Picks:
An Port Mór 🥂
Cian’s on Bridge Street 🍴
Sage Restaurant 🌿
The Wyatt Hotel Bar 🍻
Drink: Mescan Brewery craft beers 🍺.
Clifden 🏞️🐑
Must-Try: Connemara lamb, fresh salmon, and wild venison.
Top Picks:
Mitchell’s Restaurant 🍽️
E.J. King’s Bar & Restaurant 🍻
Guys Bar & Snug 🍷
Off the Square Restaurant 🍴
Drink: Connemara Irish Whiskey 🥃.
Galway 🎶🦪
Must-Try: Galway Bay oysters, fish pie, and Irish brown bread.
Top Picks:
Ard Bia at Nimmos 🥂
The Quay Street Kitchen 🍴
McDonagh’s Fish and Chips 🍟
Dough Bros Pizza 🍕
Drink: Galway Hooker craft beer 🍺 and authentic Irish coffee ☕️.
Lahinch 🌊🍺
Must-Try: Fresh Atlantic cod, seafood chowder, and Clare lamb cutlets.
Top Picks:
Danny Mac’s Pub 🍻
The Corner Stone Bar & Restaurant 🍴
VL Restaurant 🍷
Randaddy’s Lahinch 🌊
Drink: Western Herd Brewing Company craft beers 🍺.
Dingle 🎨🦀
Must-Try: Dingle Bay crab claws, seafood platters, and artisan ice cream.
Top Picks:
Out of the Blue (Seafood only!) 🐠
The Chart House 🍽️
The Fish Box 🐟
Fenton’s of Dingle 🥩
Drink: Dingle Gin 🍸 and Tom Crean’s beer 🍺.
Killarney 🌳🥩
Must-Try: Kerry beef steak, Guinness beef stew, and duck confit with cider glaze.
Top Picks:
Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House 🥘
Quinlans Seafood Bar 🦞
The Laurels Pub & Restaurant 🍻
Murphy Brownes 🍽️
Drink: Killarney Brewing Company beers 🍺.
Kinsale 🦞🍷
Must-Try: Seafood platters, crab sandwiches, and Kinsale seafood chowder.
Top Picks:
Fishy Fishy Kinsale 🍴
The Black Pig Winebar 🍷
Max’s Restaurant 🍽️
The Bulman Bar & Restaurant 🌊
Drink: Blacks Brewery craft beers 🍻 and Stonewell Cider 🍏.
Kilkenny 🏰🍖
Must-Try: Beer-braised pork belly, Kilkenny blue cheese, and Irish coddle stew.
Top Picks:
Zuni Restaurant 🍽️
Ristorante Rinuccini 🍝
Kyteler’s Inn 🍻
Paris Texas Bar 🍴
Drink: Smithwick’s Red Ale 🍺 and O’Hara’s Irish Pale Ale 🍺.
🏰 Adding More Flavour: Derry and Belfast
Derry (Londonderry) 🎨🍻
Must-Try: Irish stew with soda bread, Foyle River salmon, and Derry oysters.
Top Picks:
Browns Bonds Hill 🍷 (fine dining, local ingredients)
Pyke ‘n’ Pommes 🍔 (cool street food by the river)
Walled City Brewery 🍺 (craft beers brewed in the city!)
Drink: Walled City craft beers 🍺 and house cocktails 🍹.
Belfast 🌆🍸
Must-Try: Belfast black beef, champ (mashed potato and scallions), and Yellowman candy.
Top Picks:
Mourne Seafood Bar 🦐 (iconic seafood spot)
Made in Belfast 🍴 (quirky modern Irish)
The Dirty Onion 🍻 (traditional pub with live music)
Drink: Belfast Lager 🍺, Jawbox Gin 🍸, and Bushmills whiskey 🥃.
📋 Important to Know:
🥐 Breakfast is included every day at your accommodation.
🥗 Lunch and dinner are not included — giving you complete freedom to explore local restaurants and pubs!
🍻 Your Tour Leader will offer daily recommendations — from casual bites to fine dining experiences.
🍀 Foodie’s Pro Tip:
Don’t be afraid to be adventurous!
Try black pudding for breakfast 🥓, sip a pint of creamy Guinness 🍺, or sample an Irish coffee ☕️.
If you’re on the Wild Atlantic Way, dive into a fresh seafood platter — Ireland’s Atlantic coast is one of the best places in the world for oysters, crab, and chowder! 🌊🦀
✨ Final Bite
Food is more than just fuel — it’s a connection to the people, places, and traditions of Ireland.
So wherever your Irish Experience Tour takes you, make sure to leave room for great food, good company, and unforgettable memories!
Packing & Luggage
What do I bring?
Clothing: Don’t bring too much clothing. You can get away with light shower-proof hiking pants that zip down to shorts if needed. And they can be washed and dried very quickly with today’s modern materials.
A Hat: To keep the sun from burning and drying out your head (especially for bald men), the sun does shine here in Ireland hence all the red faces.
Casual hiking or sportswear: Perfect….. You will also find laundry facilities en route which will also help to reduce the size of your bag.
Layers: Pack layers, including a waterproof and windproof outer layer. This helps you adjust to changing temperatures
Rain Jacket: We advise a good light waterproof jacket, a heavy jacket will be on and off you and get in your way in our very changeable weather.
Casual footwear: Essential and most of the time sneakers/runners/tennis shoes will be fine. If you plan to do a moderate to strenuous hike, trail shoes with a grip would be perfect but not huge hiking boots as they take up lots of space in your bag.
Do I bring a suitcase or a backpack?
Small Backpack: Useful for day trips to carry essentials and any items you pick up along the way
Rucksack or suitcase? Leave plenty of space for shopping, ie; sweaters take up a lot of space. Rucksacks have plenty of straps and handles for you to carry them. A small suitcase will fit in the overhead luggage compartment saving you both time and money and less dragging around too. Lots of the accommodations are B&Bs that have lots of stairs.
You’re restricted to 20kg of luggage per person. This may include a small bag for onboard personal items and a larger suitcase or rucksack.
We wish we could let you carry more, but this is a legal requirement that’s in place for your safety. We ask that you bring only one large backpack/suitcase (20kg) and a day pack. If you are going to be travelling with a lot more than 20kg, then please let us know.
General travel information
Is a Visa required when travelling to Ireland?
Travel Information for Visitors to the Republic of Ireland
Are you a citizen of the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand?
If so, you do not need a visa to travel to the Republic of Ireland for tourism purposes. You can visit without any type of visa or pre-clearance, provided you meet all of the following conditions:
- You are a citizen of the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
- Your visit is exclusively for tourism purposes.
- Your stay in the Republic of Ireland will be less than 3 months.
- You will not be traveling to Northern Ireland during your trip.
Important Notice for Northern Ireland Visits
Starting in 2025, if you plan to include Northern Ireland in your itinerary, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
An ETA is a digital pre-clearance required for short stays in the United Kingdom (UK), including Northern Ireland. The application process is straightforward.
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from November 27th 2024 onwards.
It is not possible to apply before this date if you are a citizen of the above countries.
The application for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs £10 (UK sterling).
Before you start the application process for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), you will need the following:
- The passport you will travel with (not a photocopy);
- Access to an email address;
- A valid payment method (credit/debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay).
You can apply online or via the UK ETA App:
You must apply before you depart. However, you can travel to the UK or Northern Ireland while you are awaiting a decision on your application.
Additional Visa Information
- If you are not a citizen of the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you may need a visa to visit the Republic of Ireland and/or Northern Ireland.
- Check your visa requirements:
If you’re unsure about your visa requirements, it’s best to consult the Irish embassy or consulate in your home country before making travel arrangements.
How long are the tours?
No matter what time of year it is you will need comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, bug repellent, swimwear and a towel.
Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), swimming gear, hat and sunscreen, rain jacket/trousers, warm fleece, hat and gloves, towel, motion sickness tablets, water bottle, towel and toiletries, warm clothing and waterproof jacket, insect repellent, camera.
When is the best time to come to Ireland?
Honestly, it’s really hard to say. Our seasons aren’t exact so it can vary. Each month has its very own character.
Are electrical converters required?
Unless you’re travelling from the UK, you will need an adapter to use your electric appliances in Ireland.
We use a three-pin plug in Ireland, with square pins.
Are there restroom stops along the way?
Yes. We make regular stops along the tour route where you can avail of bathroom facilities.
Are there any laundry facilities along the way for the longer tours?
Laundry facilities can be accessed during the two night stays in Westport, Killarney, Dingle and Clifden.
Your guide will advise you on where best to access laundry facilities.
What currency is required on the tours?
There are two currencies on the island of Ireland. Euro is the main currency you’ll need. If your tour visits Northern Ireland, you’ll also need Pound Sterling (£).
We advise not bringing too much cash to Ireland. On tour, you can withdraw cash from cash machines/ATMs as you need it. You’ll find ATMs in most towns and gas/service stations on tour. Just ask your tour guide for advice on when and where is best to withdraw cash.
Is internet access available on the tours?
All overnight stops offer WiFi.
You’ll also be able to access the internet on your WiFi-enabled device at cafés, pubs and other stops along the route.
Do I need travel insurance?
There is no travel insurance cover included on our tours. We strongly recommend that you take insurance to cover you for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability. We do not take responsibility for any personal possessions under any circumstances.
Guides
Do I tip my tour guide?
- Drivers/tour guides are usually tipped at the end of a trip, sometimes with a communal tip collected from all of their guests.
- The amount is up to you. It will depend on the length of the tour and the quality of the service.
- The industry standard in Ireland is approximately €10-15 per person, per day. But this is, of course, at your discretion.
Who will be my guide?
Your guide will be one of our hand-picked, experienced and passionate Irish with a wide array of life experiences. From spotting native wildlife to bringing the past alive with stories from the land. The connections you make with your guides will last a lot longer than the duration of this tour. Your driver/guide will be at your service throughout the day, meaning that everyone can go at their own pace and there is always flexibility within the itinerary to do more or less depending on your mood that day.
Optional Activities & Hikes
When Do I Book Optional Activities?
In the vast majority of cases, you don’t have to decide on tour activities until you join your tour.
That’s because you’ll pay for the optional excursions on our itineraries locally, direct to the suppliers themselves.
Your tour guide will discuss the options available on Day 1. They will gauge interest from the group for each excursion, keeping you informed as you travel around Ireland.
What Optional Activities Are Available?
Ireland Activity List
Island of Ireland
Every Irish Experience tour offers flexibility, All of our tours are packed with great scenery, local Irish culture and loads of laughs.
We’ve curated a list of unmissable activities for you, and in places where fantastic choices abound, we’ve entrusted the ultimate decision to you.
Any additional tour options are highlighted here for your consideration. Please note the towns you are staying in correspond with the activities.
All details of prices and suppliers listed here are correct at the time of publication.
Our suppliers occasionally increase prices for optional tour activities during the touring season.
This is a rare occurrence. In the unlikely event of a major price increase, we will do our utmost to update you.
How hard are the hikes and activities – how fit do I have to be?
All hikes are optional and are very much easy to moderate. Most of the people that join our trips have questions about how fit they need to be and the answer is that as long as you enjoy being out and about in the outdoors you will enjoy yourself – Some of our trips are designed for active people but you don’t need to be an athlete, meaning that everyone can go at their own pace and there is always flexibility within the itinerary to do more or less depending on your mood that day. Our guests are regular people who enjoy getting outside and exploring new places and our trips are designed for people of all ages and abilities. With our small groups of no more than 16 people, we offer you plenty of options and flexibility. We always have easier or more challenging options available so that you can choose how much or little activity you enjoy each day.
Do you need any outdoors experience for these trips?
You certainly don’t need any technical outdoor experience to enjoy your Irish Experience trip. If you enjoy being out and about in the outdoors and are a generally active person who enjoys hobbies like walking, cycling, golf, tennis, or dancing then you will have no problems at all with the walks and activities on your trip. Remember all walks and activities are optional.
If your trip has kayaking as an option on it there’s no need for you to have ever been kayaking before. The kayaking is suitable for beginners and you will be in double sea kayaks, which are very stable. A specialist kayak guide will teach you everything you need to know before you head out and will be with you out on the water.
If your trip has biking on it you will need some biking experience to complete the bike ride on your trip. The trails we bike on are undulating gravel tracks that are rated as “easy” trail rides but you’ll need to have done some biking before to comfortably and safely take part in the bike rides. The activities on our trips are very flexible and many of our guests opt to walk instead of bike. The trails we bike on are shared walking/biking trails so you’ll be able to enjoy a walk with your guide if you prefer.
The same goes for horse riding as an option on your trip. Beginner or advanced rider, fast-paced jaunt or relaxing leisure trek, there’s something to suit you. There’s no pressure to go fast. Relax and take in the scenic locations. More experienced riders may be offered the chance to canter or even gallop. All of our horseback riding experiences are fully guided and safety-approved. Our trusted suppliers are local, family-operated businesses. They have the utmost concern for animal welfare
How To Book Your Tour
What to expect after I make a booking?
- When you have your deposit paid: a booking confirmation email
- 30 days before your departure date: Balance due email
- One week later (if still not paid): Balance payment reminder
- When your balance is paid: final booking confirmation email
- 21 days before your departure date: Final Itinerary & accommodation details
Is a deposit required and when is the balance due?
All multi-day tours have a €150 deposit.
The final payment of the remainder is due 30 days before the departure date or on the date of booking if within 30 days of the departure date. Failure to pay the remainder within 3 days of this payment notice may result in the booking being canceled.
Please see our terms and conditions for full deposit and payment details
Are the days of departure set?
Yes. All of our tours depart from Point A Hotel on Parnell Street Dublin on either Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays
SUNDAYS: 10-DAY WILD IRISH EXPERIENCE, 8-DAY CASTLES & COASTS, 7-DAY ULTIMATE IRISH ADVENTURE
TUESDAYS: 11-DAY ULTIMATE IRISH EXPERIENCE, 7-DAY ATLANTIC WAY EXPERIENCE
THURSDAYS: 13-DAY FULL IRISH EXPERIENCE, 5-DAY GIANT IRISH EXPERIENCE
How to book?
How to book my tour?
- Choose Your Tour – Click on View Tour Button
- Click on the Dates & Prices Button
- Choose which date you’d like to travel
- Select Your Accommodation Package (Room Type)
- Scroll to the bottom and click on the green continue button
- Enter traveller details and/or Sign up to manage your booking
- Scroll to the bottom and click on the green continue button
- Enter card details to pay your deposit
- Check your inbox or spam folder to view confirmation email
- Balance due 30 days before departure
Where can I book my tour?
It’s easy! You can book online here, send an email or by phone and we’ll talk you through it.
From USA/CANADA TOLL-FREE
001 (888) 442-4124
From IRELAND/EUROPE
00 (353) 86160-6604
You’ll need to pay a €180 deposit to secure your booking with the balance due 30 days before your departure date. You can pay your deposit by credit card in Euros.
What’s the maximum number of people I can book the tour for?
Eight is the maximum number of people you can book a tour for. If you want to travel in a larger group, please have a look at our private tours section for further information and suggestions.
How and when do I pay for my booking?
To secure your spot on the tour we require a €180 deposit, with the balance payable 30 days before departure. You have the option of paying by credit card, either over the phone or through our secure online booking page.
What happens if I need to cancel?
*We take a €180 deposit and this is fully transferrable! We will transfer your deposit to any other trip or trip date as long as we have availability*
Our cancellation policy is:
Following your payment of part or all of the Fees, if you cancel your Tour:
(a) more than 30 days prior to the start date of the Tour, Deposit is non-refundable (can be deferred to another tour).
A full refund (excl. deposit); and
(b) within 30 days from the start date of the Tour, Deposit is non-refundable (cannot be deferred to another tour). No refund.
If you cancel on the start date of the Tour or any time thereafter (including by leaving the Tour) or you do not show up for the Tour, you will be liable to pay the Fee in full and no refund will be made to you. We will notify you as soon as possible if we need to suspend or reschedule a Tour.
*We take a €180 deposit and this is fully transferrable! We will transfer your deposit to any other trip or trip date as long as we have availability*
Our cancellation policy is:
Following your payment of part or all of the Fees, if you cancel your Tour:
(a) more than 30 days prior to the start date of the Tour, Deposit is non-refundable (can be deferred to another tour).
A full refund (excl. deposit); and
(b) within 30 days from the start date of the Tour, Deposit is non-refundable (cannot be deferred to another tour). No refund.
If you cancel on the start date of the Tour or any time thereafter (including by leaving the Tour) or you do not show up for the Tour, you will be liable to pay the Fee in full and no refund will be made to you. We will notify you as soon as possible if we need to suspend or reschedule a Tour.
Can I change to another tour date?
You can change your booking to another one of our departures, for no charge, as long as there is 30 days before the departure of the trip you are changing from and to. We will always try to accommodate any date changes like this but we are sometimes limited by availability and operational requirements.
Transport and Transfers
What kind of tours do you offer?
Scheduled small group easy-going adventure tours of Ireland
Our easygoing adventures of Ireland are perfect for those who want the best of both worlds. We run six incredible guided tours on the Island of Ireland. Each of these trips have been lovingly perfected by our dedicated team over the years.
We are confident that you will discover the perfect trip for you.
Customised Private Tours of Ireland and Family Adventure Vacations
We have two private travel options; Tailor Made, where you can enjoy a customized tour focused solely on your travel group. . Or Private Departures, where you can add your personal touch to one of our existing ready-to-book adventures, exclusively for you, your family and friends.
Ireland is yours on a private tour
What time and where do the tours depart from?
All of our tours depart from Point A Hotel, Parnell Street Dublin
Our pick-up times from the Hotel are at 8.30 am.
All of our tours arrive at the Ashling Hotel, 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8
Our drop-off times at the Hotel are at 5.00 pm approx.
Except if you book a tour with a train transfer included on the last day, to Dublin Heuston, Heuston Station, St John’s Rd W, Dublin
Our arrival times at the train station are 6.00 pm. (You can choose an earlier arrival time by train if you wish) Please note Heuston Station is located directly across the road from The Ashling Hotel
What kind of vehicle do we travel in?
On your trip you will generally travel in a late-model Mercedes Benz minibus or an Iveco Turas 700. The size of the vehicle will depend on the exact size of the group, but you will have space to stretch out and enjoy each journey.
How Do I Get From Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre?
Please click on link below
Trip Activity Levels
Are the tours suitable for people with mobility issues?
Our mini coaches are not wheelchair accessible. In order to enjoy our tours, you must be able to get on and off our tour vehicles unaided; or have someone come along on tour to help you.
A lightweight foldable wheelchair can sometimes be stowed in the luggage compartment. Our tours are not suitable for larger wheelchairs or mobility scooters
What fitness levels do I need?
Our trips are open to people of all ages and levels of fitness who want to experience Irelands outdoors in an easygoing environment. And perfect for a group of varying levels, or who simply want the opportunity to set their own pace each day.
On all our tours you are free to travel at your own pace – whether this means challenging yourself by zooming up the hills, discovering historical sites at a relaxing pace, or anything in between.
If you’re not sure which trip is right for you, contact our expert trip designers who will help match your fitness levels, interests and preferences to the perfect trip.
How hard are the hikes and activities – how fit do I have to be?
All hikes are optional and are very much easy to moderate. Most of the people that join our trips have questions about how fit they need to be and the answer is that as long as you enjoy being out and about in the outdoors you will enjoy yourself – Some of our trips are designed for active people but you don’t need to be an athlete, meaning that everyone can go at their own pace and there is always flexibility within the itinerary to do more or less depending on your mood that day. Our guests are regular people who enjoy getting outside and exploring new places and our trips are designed for people of all ages and abilities. With our small groups of no more than 16 people, we offer you plenty of options and flexibility. We always have easier or more challenging options available so that you can choose how much or little activity you enjoy each day
