Cultural tours in Ireland
On our small-group escorted tours of Ireland we delve into an epic history, where expert speakers unlock this island of outstanding art, archaeology, music and natural beauty.
Featured cultural tours in Ireland
Exploring Ireland on an escorted tour
On our escorted tours of Ireland, we trace the greatest touchstones of Irish history on both sides of the border. Tales of emigration run deep: at Cobh, we explore the port from which three million people left the island between the 1600s and the 1960s. In Dublin, the Irish Emigration Museum conveys these stories of endurance and humanity in depth.
We weave across complex and beautiful landscapes, coast-to-coast, north-to-south. On our guided visit to the Irish-speaking Aran Islands, we encounter Iron Age forts and ruined churches. Crossing the Burren, we traverse a vast patchwork of rugged limestone and dramatic cliffs.
In Dublin, tours of Kilmainham Gaol unveil wretched but important stories, whilst our visit to Trinity College takes in the Old Library and the incomparable Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from c. 800 AD. Friendly Galway welcomes us with its medieval walls and museum, whilst north of the border, Belfast offers fresh perspectives. We visit Hillsborough Castle, where the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998, heralding peace after the Troubles.
Ireland's great residences, both north and south of the border, feature in our grand tour of Irish country houses. Private access features heavily, with out-of-hours openings and dinners in state rooms. For music lovers, our visit to the Wexford Opera Festival in southern Ireland guarantees rare operas, as well as meetings with festival managers and artists.
Meet our Ireland tour experts
Our experts are poised to illuminate. Dr John Brady, expert on Irish literature takes on an escorted journey to all corners of Ireland's history, while Anthony Lambert, specialist on country houses, opens doors to private houses on our 'Great Irish Houses' tour.
Spotlight on Ireland
Important information
Local currency
Euro in the Republic of Ireland (€)
Pound Sterling in Northern Ireland (£)
Timezone
GMT+1
Transport
Some tours begin in Dublin and end in Belfast.
Coach transfers are provided to coincide with our recommended flights.
A selection of our bases in Ireland
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