Which Ireland Guided Tour Is Right for You? Find Your Perfect CIE Tours Vacation

Whether you’re dreaming of a short getaway to Ireland or a longer journey around the island, there’s a CIE Tours vacation that will make you feel right at home. Perhaps you want to see the famous sights you’ve always heard about, take in the spectacular coastal scenery, enjoy traditional music and local hospitality, or explore Ireland’s landscapes on foot. With so many wonderful ways to experience the country, the hardest part may be choosing where to begin!

Since 1932, CIE Tours has been welcoming travelers to Ireland, sharing the places, stories and experiences that make the country so special. We offer carefully planned itineraries, knowledgeable Tour Directors, and the warmest of Irish welcomes. We take care of the details, leaving you free to enjoy the journey. Here's a look at some of our most popular Ireland tours to help you find the vacation that's just right for you.

Find the Ireland Tour That’s Right for You

Every traveler has a different idea of the perfect Ireland vacation. Whether you have a few days or two weeks, want to see the island’s iconic sights or venture off the beaten path, or prefer a leisurely pace or a more active adventure, there’s a CIE Tours itinerary to suit you. Explore our most popular options and find the journey that speaks to you.

Best for a Short Introduction to Ireland: Taste of Ireland

If you have limited time but want to experience some of Ireland’s best-known highlights, Taste of Ireland is a great place to start. With itineraries of five, six or seven days, this tour offers a shorter introduction to the country, combining memorable destinations with the ease of guided travel.

Best for Seeing More of the Island: Jewels of Ireland

For travelers who want a more comprehensive exploration, Jewels of Ireland offers one of CIE Tours’ longest Ireland itineraries, with 13- and 14-day options. It takes in a wide range of destinations and landscapes, giving you more time to discover the country's cities, coastlines, historic sites and local traditions.

Best for Luxury and a Small Group: Irish Supreme

For a more luxurious guided vacation, Irish Supreme combines five-star hotels, exceptional dining and carefully selected experiences with the personal feel of a small group. **Limited to just 16 guests**, this tour offers a more intimate way to explore Ireland, with the convenience and expertise of a CIE Tours guided vacation.

Best for Active Exploration: Walking & Hiking in Ireland

If you prefer to explore on foot, CIE Tours Walking & Hiking vacations take you beyond the usual sightseeing stops and into some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes. These dedicated small-group tours are **limited to just 16 guests**, creating a more personal experience as you explore coastal paths, mountain scenery, national parks and traditional villages.

Choose between two nine-day itineraries:

• Walking & Hiking: Cork to Kerry explores southwest Ireland, including West Cork, the Beara Peninsula, Killarney National Park and the Dingle Peninsula.

• Walking & Hiking: Northern Coast takes in Donegal, Derry and Antrim, with highlights including Slieve League, Glenveagh National Park, Derry’s historic walls and the Giant’s Causeway.

   

These vacations are designed for travelers who enjoy an active itinerary. Walks typically last five to six hours and cover approximately four to six miles, with some routes involving ascents of up to 1,500 feet. Check the individual itinerary for details about the walking requirements.

Best for a Fast-Paced Overview: Irish Adventure

Want to cover a lot of ground in a relatively short time? Irish Adventure is a fast-paced eight- or nine-day journey around the island. Highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, Ring of Kerry, Cobh, Waterford and Derry, along with experiences such as a sheepdog demonstration and a whiskey tasting.

Best Value and Off-Season Travel: Evergreen Ireland North and Evergreen Ireland South

Evergreen Tours offer an attractive price for travelers who have flexibility in when they travel. These seven-day itineraries explore different parts of Ireland and are a particularly good option for those interested in traveling in the off-season.

Best for Atlantic Coast Scenery: Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

For travelers drawn to dramatic coastlines and wide-open landscapes, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way follows some of the country’s most striking scenery. This nine- or ten-day vacation features the rugged west coast, including spectacular Atlantic views and an Irish coffee experience overlooking the Slieve League Cliffs.

Best for Fewer Hotel Changes: Ireland South Daytripper

If you prefer to unpack once and explore from a central base, Ireland South Daytripper offers a different style of guided vacation. Based in Adare, it combines the comfort of staying in one location with guided excursions to some of the highlights of Ireland’s south.

Choosing the Right Group Experience

Group size can make a difference to the feel of a vacation. CIE Tours offers several ways to explore Ireland, from traditional guided departures to dedicated small-group experiences.

Guided Tours

CIE Tours Guided Vacations combine a planned itinerary, included experiences, comfortable accommodations and the services of an expert Tour Director. You travel with other guests, enjoy the convenience of organized transportation and have time to experience Ireland without managing the details yourself.

Small Group Departures

Many CIE Tours Guided Vacations offer designated Small Group Departures, limited to a maximum of 26 guests. These departures follow the same carefully planned itineraries as their regular counterparts, with the same Tour Director, accommodations and included experiences, but with fewer people traveling together.

For an even smaller group, Irish Supreme and Walking & Hiking in Ireland are each limited to just 16 guests.

Explore CIE Tours small-group vacations.

Traveling with Your Own Group

Planning a vacation with family, friends, a club or another organization? Groups of 10 or more can explore Ireland together in several ways. You can join an existing scheduled departure, reserve a scheduled itinerary exclusively for your group, or work with CIE Tours to create a custom group itinerary.

Learn more about group travel in Ireland.

Most Popular Ireland Experiences

CIE Tours vacations combine Ireland’s best-known sights with experiences that introduce you to the country’s traditions, culture and people. Along the way, you’ll enjoy popular guest favorites, from scenic drives and historic landmarks to traditional music and visits with local hosts.

Here are some of the highlights featured on most CIE Tours Ireland vacations. Check your individual itinerary to see which experiences are included and find the tour that covers your must-see sights.

Sheepdog Demonstrations

See talented sheepdogs at work during a traditional farm demonstration in the Irish countryside. Watch as the dogs respond to their handler’s whistles and commands, expertly guiding a flock of sheep across the fields. It’s an entertaining and authentic glimpse into the important role sheepdogs play in farming life in Ireland.

Traditional Irish Music and Entertainment

Experience the warmth and spirit of Irish music with an evening of traditional songs, lively tunes and dance. Whether you're enjoying entertainment in a local pub or attending a special performance, you'll have the chance to hear the music that is such an important part of Irish culture. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the craic and share in an Irish tradition.

Blarney Castle

Visit historic Blarney Castle, set amid beautiful gardens and woodland. Climb to the famous Blarney Stone, where tradition says a kiss will give you the gift of eloquence. Whether you take on the climb or prefer to explore the grounds, Blarney is a classic Ireland experience.

Irish Castle Banquets

Step back in time for an evening of dining and entertainment in an authentic Irish castle. Enjoy a meal in a historic setting, accompanied by traditional music and entertainment, for a taste of Ireland's castle heritage and hospitality.

The Cliffs of Moher

Take in the spectacular views from the Cliffs of Moher, where sheer rock faces rise high above the Atlantic Ocean. One of Ireland's most celebrated natural attractions, the cliffs offer breathtaking views across the water and along the rugged west coast.

The Ring of Kerry

Travel one of Ireland's most celebrated scenic routes, through the mountains, lakes and coastal villages of County Kerry. Enjoy views of the Iveragh Peninsula's beautiful landscapes, with opportunities to take in the scenery and discover the character of this much-loved corner of Ireland. Some itineraries include the full route, while others feature a shorter selection of its highlights.

Exclusive Venues and Experiences with CIE Tours

Some of the most special moments on a CIE Tours vacation come from the people and places you encounter along the way. Our exclusive experiences offer opportunities to visit distinctive local venues, meet their hosts and enjoy a genuine taste of Irish hospitality. These experiences are included on select guided vacations and can also be arranged on Custom Private Driver vacations.

Exclusive Venues

Crosskeys Inn

Visit the Crosskeys Inn, Ireland's oldest thatched pub, where owner Vincent Hurl and his family welcome CIE Tours guests. Enjoy a traditional meal and entertainment in this characterful country pub, with a chance to experience the warmth and hospitality of a much-loved local gathering place.

Available on:

• Evergreen Ireland North – dinner and entertainment
• Scots Irish Tour – dinner and entertainment
• Scottish & Irish Sampler – lunch and entertainment

Marine Bar

Enjoy an Irish coffee at the Marine Bar, a 300-year-old pub where musician-owner Christy O'Neil or his son Eoghan share traditional music with CIE Tours guests. It's a special chance to enjoy Irish hospitality and live music in a historic family-run pub.

Available on:

• Evergreen Ireland South
• Irish Gold
• Irish Pub Tour
• Irish Classic

• Scottish & Irish Gold

   

Exclusive Experiences

Walled City Brewery

Enjoy dinner and a flight of locally brewed craft beers at this family-owned brewery in the historic heart of Derry. Housed in a former army barracks, Walled City Brewery combines local food, craft brewing and a distinctive setting.

Available on:

• Mystical Ireland
• Irish Odyssey
• Irish Classic

Slieve League Cliffs

Take in the extraordinary views from the Slieve League Cliffs in County Donegal while enjoying an Irish coffee. These towering sea cliffs offer some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Ireland.

Available on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

More Special Experiences on Select Ireland Tours

In addition to the experiences above, individual CIE Tours itineraries include distinctive visits that reflect the history, culture, landscapes and traditions of the places you explore.

• Aran Islands: Discover the island landscapes and traditional culture of the Aran Islands on Irish Legends.
• Irish National Stud: Visit the famous thoroughbred breeding facility and its beautiful Japanese Gardens on Best of Ireland South and Irish Supreme.
• Kilmainham Gaol: Explore this former prison and important site in Irish history on Irish Odyssey.
• Quiet Man Tour: Discover locations associated with the classic film on Irish Pub Tour.
• Game of Thrones Studio Tour: Step behind the scenes of the hit television series on Evergreen Ireland North.
• Atlantic Irish Seaweed Experience: Learn about the uses and traditions of seaweed along Ireland’s west coast on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
• Falconry Experience: Get an up-close look at the ancient art of falconry on Irish Supreme.
• Ballyknocken Cookery School: Enjoy a food-focused experience at this well-known cookery school on Irish Supreme.

Explore Ireland’s History and Heritage

Ireland’s story is told through its museums, historic sites and places of remembrance. CIE Tours itineraries include visits to attractions that explore Irish emigration, the Great Famine, rural traditions and the country's rich cultural heritage.

• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: Discover the stories of the millions of Irish people who left their homeland and the impact they made around the world. Featured on Irish Odyssey, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Evergreen Ireland South and Irish Spirit.
• Dunbrody Famine Ship: Step aboard a replica of a 19th-century emigrant ship and learn about the experiences of those who left Ireland during the Great Famine. Included on Irish Adventure, Irish Legends and Irish Classic.
• National Museum of Ireland – Country Life: Discover the customs, traditions and everyday experiences of rural Ireland at Turlough Park in County Mayo. Featured on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
• Ulster Folk Museum: Explore historic cottages, village streets and traditional workshops that recreate life in Ulster in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Featured on Mystical Ireland and Irish Classic.

Why Choose CIE Tours for Your Ireland Vacation?

Choosing the right itinerary is important, but the experience of traveling with the right tour operator matters just as much. CIE Tours has been sharing Ireland with North American travelers since 1932, bringing decades of destination knowledge and experience to every vacation.

• Irish roots and local knowledge: CIE Tours has been Irish-based since 1932, with deep connections to the destinations and communities visited on its tours.
• Expert Tour Directors: Knowledgeable Tour Directors share local insight, history and stories throughout your journey.
• Carefully planned itineraries: Enjoy a well-organized vacation with transportation, accommodations and included sightseeing arranged for you.
• Authentic experiences: Discover local culture through special visits, traditional entertainment and opportunities to meet the people who make each destination unique.

• The Inclusive Advantage: CIE Tours includes more in the upfront price, so you can enjoy your vacation with fewer unexpected expenses and no optional extras to pay for along the way.

   

Your Ireland Guided Tour Planning Questions

How do I choose the right guided tour of Ireland?

Start by considering how many days you have, which regions you most want to visit and the pace of travel you prefer. A shorter itinerary such as Taste of Ireland is ideal for a first introduction, while Jewels of Ireland offers a longer journey. Travelers interested in luxury, active exploration or a smaller group may prefer Irish Supreme or Walking & Hiking in Ireland.

What is included in a CIE Tours guided vacation?

CIE Tours guided vacations include accommodations, transportation by coach, the services of an expert Tour Director and a range of sightseeing and experiences. Many tours also include meals and special visits. In keeping with the CIE Tours Inclusive Advantage, more is included in the upfront price. Check each individual itinerary for its specific inclusions.

Are there small-group guided tours of Ireland?

Yes. Many CIE Tours Guided Vacations offer designated Small Group Departures with a maximum of 26 guests. Irish Supreme and Walking & Hiking in Ireland are even smaller, each limited to 16 guests.

Can I arrange a private group tour of Ireland?

Yes. Groups of 10 or more can join a scheduled departure, reserve a scheduled itinerary exclusively for their group or work with CIE Tours to create a custom group itinerary. Find out more about group travel.

Can I customize my Ireland vacation?

If you would prefer a more personalized itinerary, a Custom Private Driver vacation offers a different way to explore. Travel with your own private driver-guide and shape an itinerary around your interests, schedule and preferred pace. Select exclusive CIE Tours experiences can also be included, subject to availability.

Find Your Ireland Vacation

Whether you want to see Ireland’s famous landmarks, explore its coastlines, enjoy its music and traditions or discover places beyond the usual tourist route, CIE Tours offers a guided vacation to match your interests.

Explore all CIE Tours Guided Vacations in Ireland and find the journey that’s right for you.