Ireland for Solo Travelers
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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
Included highlights
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Guinness Brewery
- Temple Bar district
- Rock of Cashel
- Blarney Castle
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to Dublin today.
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.
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.
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.
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 $149 per person
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.
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 $119 per person
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.
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 $159 per person
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 $85 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Book for just $99 down
That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†
Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
Overall rating 4.8 out of 5
5 out of 5 stars
Ireland is a beautiful country and my overall experience left me feeling I need to return. Not that it wasn’t packed with must see places because it certainly was but rather because the vibe is warm and friendly. Our tour director was the best! He was exceptionally knowledgeable which made every si...
5 out of 5 stars
Ireland is beautiful and the tour was wonderful. The food was delicious and the people were gracious. Our guide was Fergus who made Irish history come alive with the way he shared the history with the group. Our driver was Pat whose skill kept us safe on the narrow roads. His affable demeanor was de...
Hi Lana, We are delighted to hear that you had a ...
5 out of 5 stars
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.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...
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...
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...
Flights
- 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
Print FAQ- In order to enter Ireland, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code IR6.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Dublin.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
- When you arrive in Dublin, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a moderate physical activity-level tour. You can expect casual walks and plenty of time to explore throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2 miles per day - this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
- While visiting Blarney Castle, travelers have the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone. In order to kiss the Blarney Stone, travelers must climb 128 very steep, narrow stairs.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
Climate Considerations
- Travelers can expect cool, cloudy, and rainy days throughout the year, with occasional heatwaves in the summer months (June-September).
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
- Accommodations are typically three to four star hotels.
- All accommodations include a private bathroom.
- Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
- Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
- Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
- Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Ireland operates within 230–240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
- We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code IRL.
- This tour includes three dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Irish pubs serve up hearty lunches, such as the traditional stew of bacon and boiled cabbage. Soda bread is delicious, very filling, and served with many meals. Nibble a scone at afternoon tea, with a pat of high-quality butter from County Kerry. Guinness stout is an international sensation, but locals might favor Murphy's, depending on where you are.
- Dublin has seen something of a culinary revolution, and the city now boasts an impressive array of new restaurants offering exciting cuisine with continental Europe, Asian, and even American influences.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10-$12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the euro on tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
- Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.
- Environment: When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.