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an emerald embrace

Ireland tours discovery guide

Step into a world steeped in folklore and bewitching landscapes. Wander along windswept cliffs that guard the Atlantic. Lose yourself in the electric streets of Dublin, and experience the warmth of traditional Irish hospitality.

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What to know before you go

POPULATION
Only 5 million residents call Ireland home—but an estimated 80 million people of Irish descent span the globe.

CAPITAL
Dublin boasts Europe’s largest city green space, the 1,750-acre Phoenix Park, as well as 750 pubs to tuck into.

CULTURAL QUICK TAKE
The Irish weave their tales through literature, music, and dance, and share them with visitors through unmatched hospitality and that famous craic (pronounced “crack”)—the locals’ gift of good banter.

WHAT TO GO FOR
Ireland offers a gentle introduction to international travel with an English-speaking population and a welcoming atmosphere. And that’s before the otherworldly scenery you’ll relish.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON TOUR
Sip Guinness and whiskey right from the source, forage for seaweed, walk dizzying cliffs, or join a shepherding demonstration to experience the Emerald Isle’s kaleidoscopic culture far beyond the green.

Ireland best seller

See it all on our Grand Tour

Sheep-dotted green vistas and untamed terrain coexist with spirited, contemporary cities on one of our most popular tours.

Get craic-ing on planning your Ireland trip

Whether you’re a first time traveler or expert globetrotter, we’ve got you covered with tips to make the most—and best—of your time in Ireland.

What to see, eat, pack, and bring back

Ireland offers so much more than castles and a lush countryside. Check out our tips for making the most of your time.

A season-by-season guide to Ireland

When’s the best time to visit Ireland? Whenever you’re ready to go.

Dublin dining

If you don’t think of the Irish capital as a hotbed of culinary innovation, think again. Treat yourself to upstart restaurants and old favorites.

Once-a-year tours for once-in-a-lifetime experiences

Special occasions call for special departures. Join us for pints and parades, or a spooky Samhuinn.

Signature experiences for your memory vault. Why don’t you...

Kiss the Blarney Stone

For a chance to gain that legendary gift of gab. Try it on our A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour.

Feast like royalty in a castle

For a sip from a goblet of mead and a sumptuous, four-course dinner. Try it on our Grand Tour of Ireland.

Learn to Irish dance

For joining in on the fun of traditional music and fancy footwork. Try it on our Ireland for Solo Travelers tour.

Visit the lakeside Kylemore Abbey

For the romance of Victorian gardens. Try it on our A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour.

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Experiential travel made easy

You dream it. We'll take care of every last detail.

Pick your perfect trip

We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.

Put just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one of our group tours when you sign up for AutoPay. Plus, you can pay in interest- free, monthly installments.

Prep your packing list

While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about.

Go far (and get rewarded)

Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.

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What travelers are saying about our guided Ireland tours

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5 out of 5 stars

Grand tour of Ireland

1st-time traveler Patricia

I had never taken a bus tour and wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the ride and the tour guides knowledge of the area we...

Traveled in Sep 2024 on Grand Tour of Ireland

5 out of 5 stars

Grand Tour of Ireland

1st-time traveler Debra

Ireland is a very beautiful country! I highly recommend visiting & using EF Go Ahead tours. Our guide Liam was great & very knowledgeable about the country. Our bus driver, Brian...

Traveled in Sep 2024 on Grand Tour of Ireland

5 out of 5 stars

Grand Tour of Ireland

1st-time traveler Colleen

We had an amazing time on our Grand Tour of Ireland. This was our first trip with EF and we would definitely recommend it to others. The tour was made even better by our...

Traveled in Sep 2024 on Grand Tour of Ireland

5 out of 5 stars

Extremely Pleased

1st-time traveler Cecilia

Everything I expected from my tour of Ireland. Your guide Diana knew her stuff Pleasant, always available Had the answers to all questions

Traveled in Sep 2024 on A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway

5 out of 5 stars

Awesome Trip

1st-time traveler Carolyn

Fantastic tour, great driver, wonderful tour guide very knowledgeable, great history shared with all. Met great friends, will be back! EF was a wonderful experience!

Traveled in Sep 2024 on Grand Tour of Ireland

5 out of 5 stars

40 Shades Of Green

1st-time traveler Jeffrey

so wrote Johnny Cash, I get it. Just an EPIC, magical, eye-candy adventure through the Emerald Isle. The organized tour was really appreciated 🙂

Traveled in Sep 2024 on A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway

5 out of 5 stars

Magical

1st-time traveler Virginia

Truly a magical week spent with my Family. Our tour director Diana Race and our driver Frank were excellent. The places we visited were full of history and beauty. Thank you so...

Traveled in Sep 2024 on A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway

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Ireland—and beyond

Stay a little longer! You’re already across the pond, so why not check a few more countries off your list?

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Save on this extension offer

Stay on vacation? Don’t mind if we do.

Save up to $350 on tours, plus save an extra $50 with code EXT50 on tour extensions for 2025 bookings.†

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Travel tips for Ireland trips