The right Ireland tour depends on two things: whether you want to drive, and whether you want company. A guided coach tour is the easiest and best-value choice for first-timers, a private driver suits couples and families who want their own pace, and self-drive suits confident drivers on a budget. For a 7-night trip, our starting prices run from about $1,650 per person self-drive, to $2,600 on a coach tour, to $5,800 with a private driver.

We are a family-owned Irish travel agency in Dublin, and we sell all six styles of Ireland trip. This guide explains each one honestly, who it suits, and what it costs, so you can choose before you talk to us.

Which Ireland tour style is right for me?

Start with this quick guide, then read the section for the style that fits.

How do the prices compare?

These are our current starting prices per person in US dollars, checked in October 2026.

Group travel and day trips are priced to order. Prices are starting prices from October 2026 and may change

What is a guided coach tour of Ireland like?

A guided coach tour is a fixed itinerary with a driver and a tour guide, hotels booked, many meals included and the main sights built in. You unpack, get on the coach each morning, and someone else handles everything else.

• Best for: first-time visitors, solo travellers who want company, and anyone who wants the best value.

• Less good for: people who hate early starts, fixed times or large groups.

• Our range: 16 Ireland itineraries from $1,345 per person for 6 nights up to $5,995 for the 8-night Irish Supreme.

Our tip: choose a tour that stays two nights in at least some hotels. Fewer suitcase days make a big difference to how rested you feel. See our Guided Tours.

What is a private driver tour of Ireland like?

You have your own car and a local driver-guide for the whole trip, on an itinerary built around you. Stop when you like, change plans on the day, and visit places a coach can't reach, including your family's home parish.

• Best for: couples, families, travellers over 60 who want comfort, and anyone tracing their roots.

• Less good for: tight budgets, and people who enjoy meeting fellow travellers.

• Our range: from $4,220 per person for 5 nights. For a full breakdown, read How much does a private driver tour of Ireland cost?

Should I drive myself around Ireland?

Self-drive gives you the most freedom for the lowest price, but be honest with yourself about driving. In Ireland you drive on the left, many country roads are narrow with stone walls on both sides, and most rental cars are manual unless you book an automatic.

• Best for: confident drivers, return visitors and travellers on a budget.

• Less good for: nervous drivers, anyone who wants a glass of wine with dinner in the countryside, and winter trips with short daylight.

• Our range: 8 self-drive itineraries from $995 per person for 6 nights. We book your hotels and car and give you a route; you set the pace.

Our tip: some car hire companies have age limits or extra requirements for older drivers, so tell us your age when you enquire and we will check. See Independent Adventures.

What about small group tours?

A small group tour works like a coach tour, with a guide and everything arranged, but with fewer people. That usually means smaller hotels, more time at each stop and an easier time getting to know your fellow travellers.

• Best for: travellers who want a guided trip without a big coach.

• Our range: Jewels of Ireland, 12 to 13 nights, from $4,245 per person. It is the most complete Ireland trip we sell.

Group size for this tour varies by date. Small-group departures are a maximum of 26 and marked with "SG". Large or regular departures are a maximum of 44. On average our tours have about 35 passengers, but our coaches can typically carry up to 44 seated passengers.

Can I see Ireland on a walking holiday?

Yes, and it is one of the best ways to see the coast up close. Our walking tours combine daily guided walks with comfortable hotel stays, so you get the trails by day and a good dinner and bed at night.

• Best for: fit, active travellers who want a slower, more immersive trip.

• Our range: two 8-night tours. The Northern Coast is from $4,445 per person, and Cork to Kerry is from $4,995.

Group size for this tour varies by date. Small-group departures are marked "SG" and hold up to 26 per departure. Large or regular departures hold up to 44. On average our tours have about 35 passengers, but our coaches can typically carry up to 44 seated passengers. See Walking & Hiking Tours.

Can you arrange a trip for our club, church or family reunion?

Yes. For groups of 10 or more, we plan a dedicated departure just for your group, from heritage societies and alumni associations to large family reunions. The itinerary, hotels and pace are set around your group.

See Group Travel.

What are daytripper tours?

Daytripper tours are single-day guided excursions from Dublin or other Irish cities. Most popular day trips: Ireland South Daytripper. They are a good add-on if you are staying in one city, or if you are travelling independently and want a day off driving.

See Daytripper Tours.

Can I mix tour styles?

Yes. Combinations that work well include:

• A coach tour, plus two or three days with a private driver to visit your ancestral county.

• Self-drive in the quiet south-west, plus daytripper tours from Dublin at the start or end.

• A few nights in Dublin, then a private driver for the west of Ireland.

Not sure which style suits you?

Tell us who is travelling, when, and what matters most to you, and we will recommend the right style and send you options with prices.

Ask us to recommend a tour · Browse all tour styles · See current offers

Ireland tour styles: frequently asked questions

What is the best way to tour Ireland for the first time?

For most first-time visitors, a guided coach tour is the best choice. You see the main sights, you never have to drive, and it is the best value.

What is the best way to see Ireland if you're over 60?

A private driver offers the most comfort and flexibility, and a guided coach tour offers the best value with everything arranged. Both avoid driving on the left.

Is it better to drive or take a tour in Ireland?

Driving gives you freedom and costs less, but Irish country roads are narrow and you drive on the left. If you are not a confident driver, a tour will be more relaxing.

What is the cheapest way to tour Ireland?

Self-drive is the cheapest, from about $995 per person for 6 nights on our packages. Guided coach tours start from about $1,345 per person.

How long should an Ireland tour be?

Seven to nine nights covers one or two regions well. Twelve to fourteen nights lets you see most of the island at a comfortable pace.

Last updated: October 2026. Prices are starting prices from October 2026 and may change; we always confirm your exact price before you book.

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