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Ireland for Solo...
 

Ireland for Solo Travelers

8 days |  10 days with Dublin extension
8 days |  10 days with Dublin extension
Group size1528 travelers
Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars

130
Physical activity
cliffs of moher in ireland
houses lined up along harbor in galway ireland on cloudy day
metal street sign with directions to cork and killarney
kerry cliffs along coastline in ireland
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Dive into Irish culture—from contemporary cities to the country’s Ancient East—with new friends by your side.

Imagine yourself in a pub: You hear strains of Irish trad, enjoy the crisp carbonation of a freshly poured beer, and belt “sláinte” (pronounced “SLAWN-cha,” if you’re looking to practice) alongside the local crowd. You don’t need a travel pal to bring this vision to life—you just need a spot on this Solo Tour. From St. Patrick’s Cathedral to Blarney Castle to the Cliffs of Moher, this weeklong itinerary will take you to the core of Irish culture. And in true local tradition, you’ll leave having made plenty of new friends. Want to strengthen those bonds? Return to Dublin on the extension and get to know the city—and your companions—on a deeper level.

Your tour package includes

  • 6 nights in a private room at handpicked hotels
  • 6 breakfasts
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 beer tasting
  • 4 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights

  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Guinness Brewery
  • Temple Bar district
  • Rock of Cashel
  • Blarney Castle
Read more
Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Dublin today.

County Dublin2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in County Dublin
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Fáilte! (Pronounced “FALL-cha,” this expression means “welcome” in Irish, and you might hear it a fair bit over the next few days.) Head to your hotel and settle in, then get to know your Tour Director and fellow solo travelers over a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine. 

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Dublin & Guinness Brewery
Included meal: Breakfast

Settled by the Gaels and disputed over centuries by the Vikings and Anglo-Normans, Dublin traces its history back more than 1,300 years. Today, you’ll peel back some of the Irish capital’s layers on a comprehensive tour, led by a local expert.

  • Stop in Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed public park in any European capital city. First established as a royal hunting ground by government decree in 1662, this 1,750-acre green space today houses Áras an Uachtaráin—the presidential residence.
  • Walk through Old Dublin, then step into St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the country’s largest church. Founded in 1191, it serves as the national cathedral for the Church of Ireland, and its arresting Gothic architecture befits a building of its stature.
  • Traverse Dublin’s city center, passing 17th-century St. Stephen’s Green as you go. Afterward, take some time to admire the Georgian architecture of Merrion Square. Another gardened area in the heart of Dublin, it’s been called home by some of Ireland’s foremost writers—Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats among them.
  • See the dignified façade of Trinity College—Ireland’s oldest university—before walking by Grafton Street, Dublin’s premier shopping zone. As you go, see if you can spot the Molly Malone statue, a bronze sculpture dedicated to the protagonist of a popular Irish folk song.

This afternoon, pay a visit to St. James’s Gate—site of the legendary 260-year-old brewery behind Guinness dry stout—and take a self-guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse.

  • Explore the Irish brand’s roots and growth through a series of exhibits highlighting its origins, advertising, and more.
  • Learn how to pour a perfect pint of Guinness, straight from the tap. Then, head up to the top floor and enjoy your beer while soaking in 360-degree views of Dublin. Oh, and have a proper look around before taking your first sip: Draught Guinness tastes best when you give it a minute to settle.
County Cork2 nights
Day 4: County Cork via Kilkenny & Rock of Cashel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way to Ireland’s largest region: County Cork, a 2,900-square-mile tract of rolling hills and rugged mountains. En route, make a pair of detours into the Irish countryside.

  • First, head into County Kilkenny and stop at its namesake town. Briefly the capital of Ireland in the 17th century, Kilkenny lays claim to the country’s best-preserved medieval town. Have a look around, then continue on to Kilkenny Castle. This imposing fortress was built along the River Nore in 1260, restored more than 700 years later, and now hosts more than one million annual visitors.
  • Next, drive southwest through the lush fields of the Golden Vale into County Tipperary for a tour of the iconic Rock of Cashel. Home to more than 1,000 years of history, this 360-foot-tall outcrop guards a collection of Celtic, Christian, and Viking ruins and is one of Ireland’s premier attractions.

Later, sit down with your group for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

Day 5: Blarney Castle
Included meal: Breakfast

Now one of Ireland’s most famous tourist sites, Blarney Castle was first built in 1210, then rebuilt in 1446 as a stronghold of the local MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty. Today, you’ll set out into the Irish countryside and visit this famed fortress, completing a popular quest in the process: planting a peck on the Blarney Stone. Originally added as a defensive structure, this slab of limestone supposedly grants all who kiss it “the gift of gab.” Stretch out over the parapet and give it a smooch—then let us know how you feel!

Cap your day by adding an evening excursion to the historic town of Kinsale and enjoy walking winding streets and tucking into a traditional Irish meal. Need some alone time? Spend the night in or take some free moments to explore the neighborhood around your hotel.

An Evening in Kinsale

From $109 per person

County Galway2 nights
Day 6: County Galway via the Cliffs of Moher & the Burren
Included meal: Breakfast

Board your bus and roll north to County Galway, a beautiful lake-dotted region with a backstory to match. Before arriving in Galway proper, stop to enjoy some of the best views on the Emerald Isle.

  • Redefine “taking the scenic route” with a quick detour into County Clare and a walk along the mesmerizing Cliffs of Moher. Sheer cliffs stretching into the distance, crashing waves below—you know this one.
  • Drive on through the Burren. Distinct from the lush greens that typify the rest of the Irish landscape, greys dominate this limestone plateau, punctuated by bursts of wildflowers. Botanists will surely delight in this journey: More than 70% of Ireland’s flower species grow here.

Arrive in Galway, then let your Tour Director take the lead on a walking tour of the city’s highlights.

  • Stroll past a trio of Galwegian icons: Lynch’s Castle, a castle-turned-bank that dates to the 16th century; the rustic home of “Ireland's most prestigious” troupe, the Druid Theatre Company; and John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, a popular green space better known to locals (and the world) as Eyre Square.
  • Get a grasp of Galway’s Norman history by viewing its medieval walls—12th-century fortifications that once encircled the city—and the Spanish Arch. First erected in 1584 as an extension of Galway’s protective walls, its name alludes to the Spaniards who moored their ships and lived in the area.
  • Peruse authentic Claddagh (said “CLA-da”) rings in a local shop. Steeped in legend and symbolism, these pieces of jewelry have been produced in their current guise—two hands clasping a crowned heart—since at least 1700 and are inextricably linked to Galway.
Day 7: Free day in County Galway
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

For architecture and vistas plucked out of a fantasy novel, you’ll want to come along on our visit to Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park. If you’d rather get to know Galway a bit better, spend a free day on your own: The city was named the European Capital of Culture in 2020—there’s plenty to see and do!

Tonight, rejoin your group for a farewell dinner at a local Galway pub, complete with traditional Gaelic music and good craic. (Pronounced “crack,” that’s the Irish term for fun and entertainment).

Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park

From $89 per person

Flight Home
Day 8: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to Dublin’s airport for your flight home or admire more of the Irish capital’s treasures—like a castle that locals say rivals Versailles—on your trip’s extension. 

Please note: Some airport transfers may leave very early in the morning to accommodate return flights. 

Extension to Dublin
You already got a glimpse of the Irish capital at the beginning of your trip—now, get the full picture. On this extension, you and your fellow travelers will have plenty of time to explore Dublin at your leisure. And between a visit to the ancient abbey of Glendalough and a pair of can’t-miss excursions, you’ll get to check out more local landmarks (and have a chance to pick your Tour Director’s brain for recommendations).
Dublin2 nights
Day 8: Dublin via Glendalough
Included meal: Breakfast

Before arriving in Dublin, traverse County Wicklow and marvel at some of Ireland’s wildest mountain scenery. Then, stop in Glendalough: One of Ireland’s foremost historic sites, this glacial valley cradles a sixth-century monastic settlement and abbey founded by the hermit Saint Kevin.

  • Enter Wicklow Mountains National Park—one of six such preserves in the country—and make your way to the Glendalough Visitor Centre. After getting situated, explore the ancient monastery, roaming ruins like the Round Tower, the Gateway, and St. Kevin’s Cross.

Continue to Dublin, then set out with your groupmates for a traditional dinner, served with beer or wine and accompanied by Irish song and dance. Or, if you’d prefer, enjoy a free evening to yourself, roaming the city’s lanes in search of the perfect place for a nightcap.

Traditional Irish Dinner & Show

From $109 per person

Day 9: Free day in Dublin
Included meal: Breakfast

Head back into County Wicklow for a day on the immaculately manicured grounds of Powerscourt Estate—or take the free time to discover even more of Dublin. 

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink with your group and celebrate a trip well-spent. 

Powerscourt Estate & Gardens

From $59 per person

Flight Home
Day 10: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Show full itinerary
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Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 4.9 out of 5

Based on 130 authentic traveler reviews
Sort by

    5 out of 5 stars

    First Tour and First Time in Ireland
    3/2/24 by 1st-time traveler Justin

    Amazing trip to Ireland. Our guide Patricia was so knowledgeable and fun. She made the trip. I would highly recommend going on this tour. I’m looking forward to my next solo tour with EF.

    5 out of 5 stars

    Tour of Ireland
    3/2/24 by 1st-time traveler Dorothy

    This was my first tour with EF and it was delightful! Our guide, Patricia, and driver, Paddy, were spectacular! So fun and our group instantly hit it off. Everything was taken care of to the last detail. Memories I will cherish forever.

    5 out of 5 stars

    Fantastic
    3/2/24 by 2nd-time traveler Lillian

    Traveling thru Ireland was more than I expected. GoAhead did a great job in lining everything up. Ireland is a beautiful country with so much history. Our Tour director Patricia, took care of me when I needed her, thank you Pat! You do spend a lot of time on the bus, but the landscape is gorgeou...

    Read more +
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    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Maldron Sandy Road
    Maldron Sandy Road

    This comfortable hotel is located near the center of Galway. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a hotel bar, and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Galway Sh...

    Read more +
    Garryvoe Hotel
    Garryvoe Hotel

    This contemporary hotel is located on the coast of Garryvoe in County Cork. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and health club. Nearby, you’ll find Garry...

    Read more +
    Cassidys Hotel
    Cassidys Hotel

    This boutique hotel is located in Dublin’s city center. Guests enjoy the bistro, a gym, and the hotel bar. Nearby, you’ll find EPIC The Irish Emigrat...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

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