Frequently Asked Questions About Our Tours Of Ireland

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+

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!

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.

We get a pretty wide range of age groups on our tours, anywhere from people in their 30s to 70s. In any case, we reckon it’s more about attitude than age, which is why social dynamics usually work so well. If you love the idea of getting out into the most incredible landscapes on the island of Ireland, with your feet on the ground rather than looking out of a coach window all day, and you enjoy your creature comforts — we know you will love our trips!

The tour will depart at 8.45 am at Jurys Inn on Parnell Street, Dublin City Centre and end at 6.30 pm approx at The Ashling Hotel OR Heuston station.

Hotel/B&Bs near pick up point:

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 Quality Hostel, Hilton Hotel Kilmainham,
Third-party websites such as Booking.com, Trivago, b&bireland.com or Hostelworld (which also has B&Bs) offer very competitive rates that are more often than not, better than any tour operator rates.

For your pre/post-Dublin city tour – we recommend DoDublin Hop, On Hop Off

We welcome lots of solo travellers on tour. Take one of our small group tours for a hassle-free way to explore Ireland and meet new friends.

A vital component of Irish Experience is the effort we put into finding our tours accommodation that is just right. Instead or large impersonal hotels, we overnight in locally-owned establishments (in some cases for generations) where the welcome really is genuine.

Plus, our small group sizes allow us to choose from a wider variety of high-quality establishments in some of the most untouched places in the country.

A hot shower, a pint, a fire in the evening or heading down to the pub; what we can assure you is that wherever you stay, you’ll love it.

See more details on our accommodation page

All room types are 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.

Depending on which accommodation package you choose; You will stay in a variety of accommodations all carefully selected to ensure that each place offers a new experience. 

B&B/Guesthouse Accommodation

B&Bs in the Republic of Ireland are rated on a 2-5 scale, and all meet the Fáilte Ireland

minimum standards. B&Bs in Northern Ireland are not rated under a star system but are

inspected by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and so are of a satisfactory level of comfort and

service. Guesthouses on the island of Ireland are rated on a 1-4 scale. We only use 3 to 4 star

You’ll find here 3 types of accommodation that we use.

Townhouse

The choice of townhouse B&Bs runs from detached, and semi-detached to large period houses in a

city, town, or village. Many are in an ideal location for city visits and shopping, they are often

close to train and bus services.

Country home

Country homes are those in a rural setting. They offer a wide selection of premises such as

Georgian residences, modern bungalows, and traditional Irish homes. All with modern amenities,

facilities and adequate garden and green surrounds

Historic houses

Historic houses are private houses of significant historical and architectural merit and character.

They are based in towns and rural settings.

Most guest accommodation includes a private bathroom with a bath and/or shower. TV with

remote control and tea/coffee facilities. 

Hotel classification

Hotels on the island of Ireland are rated on a 1-5 star scale. We only use 3 to 4 star

3 stars

This ranges from small family-run hotels to larger city hotels. Every guest room will have a

private bathroom. 3-star restaurants prepare food to high standards in a relaxed atmosphere.

4 stars

This includes contemporary hotels and period houses to the highest standards with all modern

comforts. Accommodation is luxurious, with suites available. These hotels also house

restaurants that dish out excellent food and service.

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

Yes. All of our tours depart from Jurys Inn on Parnell Street Dublin on either Sundays or Thursdays

It’s easy! You can book online here or give us a call and we’ll talk you through it. You’ll need to pay a €150 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.

To secure your spot on the tour we require a €150 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.

*We take a €150 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.

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.

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!

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

We’re confident that you’ll love Irish food everywhere we take you.

When your tour overnights in a town or city, there tends to be great dining options to choose from.

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.

Either is fine, it’s up to you! We ask that you bring only one large backpack/suitcase (25kg) and a day pack. If you are going to be travelling with a lot more than 25kg, then please let us know.

Before flying home, US citizens require a negative result from an approved antigen or PCR COVID-19 test.

Can I Get Tested At Dublin Airport?

Yes. You can get tested at Dublin Airport before your departure.

Two private companies, RocDoc Health Check and Randox are providing RT-PCR and rapid/antigen testing at Dublin Airport.

You will need to book the service in advance, leaving enough time to get tested and make your way through security.

Read more about this service and the booking process on the Dublin Airport website

Where Else In Dublin Can I Get Tested?

If you have a little more time in Dublin before your departing flight, we would recommend getting tested in the city.

No matter where your hotel is in Dublin, there are plenty of test facilities available.

A number of testing centres are within easy walking distance of your tour drop-off point .

Smartcare Healthcare can assist for pre-flight COVID-19 testing, in line with CDC requirements.

Before flying home, US citizens require a negative result from an approved antigen or PCR COVID-19 test.

Smartcare Healthcare are our affiliated partner for pre-flight COVID-19 testing, in line with CDC requirements.

• Join a registered nurse for a video consultation.
• Be professionally guided through the testing process.
• Within 60 minutes, you’ll be furnished with your travel documentation.

We advise booking before your tour departure. After booking, you will receive a confirmation. Present this to your Guide to receive the antigen test for use on the video call.

Book your test via the Smartcare Healthcare website

Alternatively, if an appointment is not available online, please email tomas@smartcarehealthcare.com

Tomas from Smartcare will work with you to schedule your appointment. Tests cost €49.

Rapid testing is also available at Dublin Airport as well as various other locations across Dublin.

Before boarding a flight to the United States, all air passengers aged 2 and over, including US citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required by the CDC to have either:

A COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.

Our relaxed and easy-paced Experience Tours range in length from 7-13 days.

Our active and adventurous Adventure Tours range in length from 5-11 days.

Travellers to the Republic of Ireland are no longer required to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative PCR test result upon arrival.

Vaccines against COVID-19 are not required for travel to Ireland.

Ireland is open to travellers regardless of your vaccination status and whether your journey originates in the USA, Canada, Australia or elsewhere in the world.

Travellers to the Republic of Ireland are no longer required to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative PCR test result upon arrival.

A vaccine is not currently required to take on our small-group tour of Ireland.

Honestly, it’s really hard to say. Our seasons aren’t exact so it can vary. Each month has its very own character.

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.

Yes. We make regular stops along the tour route where you can avail of bathroom facilities.

If you’re from the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, travelling for the sole purpose of tourism and staying less than 3 months in Ireland, you do not need a visa.

From a different country? Check the visa requirements on the official Irish government website.

If in doubt, please contact the Irish Immigration Service. Alternatively, contact the Irish embassy or consulate in your home country.

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.

Euro is the main currency you’ll need. If your tour visits Northern Ireland, you’ll also need Pound sterling (£).

There are two currencies on the island of Ireland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

All of our tours depart from Jurys Inn Hotel, Parnell Street Dublin

Our pick-up times from the Hotel are at 8.45 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 6.30 pm approx.

Or if you book a tour with a train transfer on the last day, to Dublin Heuston, Heuston Station, St John’s Rd W, Dublin

Our arrival times at the train station are 6.30 pm. (You can choose an earlier arrival time by train if you wish)

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.

Please click on link below

DUBLIN AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE

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.

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. 

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.