Ireland · CASTLE TOURS

Irish Castle Tours: 15 Keeps and Ruins Worth a Day

66 tours  ·  from $17

There are said to be 30,000 castles and tower houses on this island, and about a dozen worth a day. The 15 below cover Blarney, Dunluce, Cahir and the Dublin keeps, priced and clear on what is ruin and what is restored.

Dublin to Belfast Black Cab, Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway - Belfast murals, neighborhoods, and the Titanic area
Castle Tours, Giant's Causeway Tours, Tour Reviews

Dublin to Belfast Black Cab, Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway

1.Dublin to Belfast Black Cab, Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,954 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $96Our pick

Leave central Dublin at 7 a.m. for Belfast, where a local black cab guide takes you through the Falls, Shankill, and Peace Wall. Then continue by coach along the Antrim Coast to Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway. Guides such as Una, Maurice, Dave, and Stephen add history, music, and personal stories along the way.

“The tour was a lot of fun. The Giant Causeway was absolutely beautiful. Dave our tour guide and Christian our driver made our experience amazing. They made us feel welcome, comfortable and engaged throughout the day. Dave was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and made sure that we were involved in the process of what was the whole tour experience. I highly recommend this tour to everyone.”

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Dublin to Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges & Belfast - Dunluce Castle and the Atlantic cliffs
Castle Tours, Giant's Causeway Tours, Tour Reviews

Dublin to Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges & Belfast

2.Dublin to Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges & Belfast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,781 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $96

Spend about 12.5 hours traveling from Dublin to Northern Ireland with a guide such as Quiggs, Luke, or Brian. Visit Dunluce Castle, walk the Giant’s Causeway, see the Dark Hedges, and explore Belfast City Hall. The coach has luggage storage, live commentary, and a return to Dublin around 7:30 PM.

“Lisa 10 and our driver Brian were LOVELY. Brian is a wonderful Belfast historian and Lisa explained everything in a unique fun and friendly manner. Our whole family of six loved them both!”

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Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour - Dublin Castle from the outside
Book of Kells Tours, Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Dublin, Dublin Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours

Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour

3.Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,825 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $95

Start at Trinity College with timed entry to the Book of Kells, Long Room reimagined experience, 360 displays, and Gaia. Your English-speaking guide explains the manuscript before leading you through Dublin Castle’s courtyards and gardens, then on to Molly Malone. Guides including Dermot, Noel, Jimmy, Alan, Neil, and Fergus have been praised for warm, lively storytelling.

“Great tour, highly recommend if you’re looking for history. My tour guide was very pleasant and accommodating and knowledgeable..”

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Dublin to Belfast Titanic, Dunluce Castle & Giant's Causeway Tour - Titanic Belfast in two focused hours
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Dublin to Belfast Titanic, Dunluce Castle & Giant’s Causeway Tour

4.Dublin to Belfast Titanic, Dunluce Castle & Giant’s Causeway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,729 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $96

Spend 13 hours traveling from Dublin to Belfast and the Antrim Coast. Visit Titanic Belfast, Dunluce Castle, and the Giant’s Causeway with a guide, coach transport, Wi-Fi, and entry fees included. Guides such as Una, Stephen, Maurice, and David are praised for local stories, music, and humor.

“Three memorable experiences are fitted in to one day. The journey to each place was so informative and entertaining. Passengers were really well looked after with frequent stop breaks and checks.”

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Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour - The Burren from the bus window
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in County Clare, Cliffs of Moher Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour

5.Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,058 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $60

Spend about eight hours touring County Clare from Galway with guides such as John B, Shane, Gerry, or Seamus. See Dunguaire Castle, the Burren, Aillwee Cave, the Cliffs of Moher, and Doolin. Cave entry and lunch cost extra, while Cliffs admission and transport are included.

“Very lovely tours, i like that it was somewhat small .. we had enough time at every stop - our tour guide - Jerry was pretty cool . The pub at Doolin had the best food - really enjoyed it”

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Dublin to Rock of Cashel, Cork City & Blarney Castle Guided Tour - The Rock of Cashel in one hour
Blarney Castle Tours, Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Cork, Cork Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours

Dublin to Rock of Cashel, Cork City & Blarney Castle Guided Tour

6.Dublin to Rock of Cashel, Cork City & Blarney Castle Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,536 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $95

Spend a full day traveling from Dublin to the Rock of Cashel, Cork, and Blarney Castle with a driver-guide. You’ll have time to kiss the Blarney Stone, explore castle gardens, visit Cork’s English Market, and enjoy commentary on Ireland’s past. The group can reach 40 people, though some departures use smaller buses.

“Such a wonderful experience! The tour guide Leo was very friendly and caring, and the trip itself was amazing! Despite the unpredictable weather, the trip to the castles and Cork city was enjoyable and unforgettable! I felt safe on the bus ride, and I met a few new people with lasting memories! I will definitely recommend this to friends and family!”

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Blarney, Rock of Cashel & Cahir Castles Day Tour From Dublin - Meeting the bus at the Molly Malone statue
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Blarney, Rock of Cashel & Cahir Castles Day Tour From Dublin

7.Blarney, Rock of Cashel & Cahir Castles Day Tour From Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,944 reviews · 13 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $108

Leave Dublin at 6:50 a.m. for a full day of Irish castles with a driver-guide, air-conditioned coach, Wi-Fi on some buses, and admission included. Visit the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle and gardens, and Cahir Castle. Guides such as Philip, Colin, Tom, and Richard O’Brien have been praised for lively stories and good timekeeping.

“Good transportation to Blarney Castle with stops at two other castles on the way. Transportation by bus to Cork.”

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Dublin: Fast-Track Book of Kells Ticket & Dublin Castle Tour - Meeting at Trinity College
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Dublin: Fast-Track Book of Kells Ticket & Dublin Castle Tour

8.Fast-Track Book of Kells Ticket & Dublin Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,661 reviews · from $90

Meet at Trinity College for a guided visit to the Book of Kells and the reimagined Long Room presentation, then walk via Molly Malone to Dublin Castle’s gardens and exterior. Guides include Richard, Sean, Alan, Declan, Fergus, Miriam, and Rory. Allow 165 minutes, wear good shoes, and expect stairs and cobblestones.

“Our tour guide Sean was excellent, very knowledgeable and informative, with good stories of Ireland and history on the college and Book of Kells. Thoroughly enjoyed tour and would recommend.”

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Dublin to Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Burren Galway by Rail - The 7:00 a.m. departure from Heuston Station
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in County Clare, Cliffs of Moher Tours, Tour Reviews

Dublin to Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Burren Galway by Rail

9.Dublin to Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Burren Galway by Rail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,202 reviews · 15 hours (approx.) · from $195

Travel from Dublin to Limerick by train, then continue by coach to Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Galway Bay. Guides such as Norman, Andrew, David, and John have earned praise for lively storytelling. It is a long 15-hour day, but reserved rail seats and included admissions make it an efficient way to see western Ireland without driving.

“Amazing experience. Way more extensive than what it says on the tin. Our guide was also amazing and very funny. Great sights, food and information, would highly recommend!”

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Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, Ennis Town & Bunratty Castle Day Tour - Starting at 7 AM on Crampton Quay
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in County Clare, Cliffs of Moher Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, Ennis Town & Bunratty Castle Day Tour

10.Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, Ennis Town & Bunratty Castle Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,138 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Leave Dublin at 7 AM for the Cliffs of Moher, with nearly two hours at the Atlantic cliffs, a pub-lunch stop in Ennis, and two hours at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. An English-speaking guide shares Irish history and practical tips while you ride in an air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi.

“Terrible miscommunication and made us miss the tour. Got an email the tour would start one hour later and we got there late. Tried insisting to get answer I’d we. Kuldip join them later we did not get answer until it was too late”

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Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and Ennis Day Trip - A short pause at Barack Obama Plaza
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Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and Ennis Day Trip

11.Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and Ennis Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 944 reviews · from $56Best value

Travel from Dublin to Bunratty Castle, Ennis, and the Cliffs of Moher on a long but well-planned west Ireland day trip. You get castle entry, cliff access, guided visits, and free time for lunch in Ennis. English and Spanish guides, including Sergio, Maureen, Margarita, and Eduardo, lead the trip on different dates.

“The day trip was good. Each place visited was good. Only downside was that the coach didn’t have a toilet so you had to wait for a stop off”

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St Patrick's Cathedral, Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour - Dublin Castle from the medieval yards
Book of Kells Tours, Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Dublin, Dublin Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour

12.St Patrick’s Cathedral, Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 882 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $143

Spend three and a half hours walking from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to Dublin Castle, Molly Malone, and Trinity College’s Book of Kells and Long Room. Guides such as Fergus, Miriam, Richard, John, and Alan bring the sites to life with history, humor, and useful city context. Expect timed entry, cobblestones, stairs, and no interior visit to Dublin Castle.

“It was great, our Guide Declan Roche was fantastic, funny, and very knowledgeable of history and fun facts”

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From Dublin: Blarney, Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castles Tour - Blarney Castle gives you the longest visit
Blarney Castle Tours, Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Cork, Cork Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Dublin: Blarney, Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castles Tour

13.Blarney, Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castles Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 772 reviews · from $96

Spend 12 hours touring three major Irish sites from Dublin. Kiss the Blarney Stone, explore the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle, and travel through County Kildare and the Galtee Mountains. English-speaking guides such as Philip, Jonathan, Adrian, and Derrick add history, stories, humor, and sometimes music along the way.

“Adrian is super friendly and relaxed and made sure we were all comfortable and had a good time. He’s a very knowledgeable guide, and very passionate about Irish history. We learned a lot from him and also really enjoyed our stops to the castles. Great day overall!”

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Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle & Cóbh Heritage Centre by train - Blarney village is your best lunch stop
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Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle & Cóbh Heritage Centre by train

14.Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle & Cóbh Heritage Centre by train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 510 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $195

Take an early train from Dublin Heuston to Cork, then continue by coach to Blarney Castle and Cobh. You get reserved rail seats, a host, coach transport, admissions, and free time for the castle grounds, Blarney village, and Cobh Heritage Centre. Guides such as Norman, Paul, John, and Peter have been praised for clear commentary, but rail works can lengthen the day.

“Loved the train ride! The weather was so cooperative!! Love Blarney Castle and the grounds. Just wish we had more time there.”

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Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale - Shore Excursion - Cork from the bus window
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Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale – Shore Excursion

15.Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale – Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 504 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $95

Leave your ship in Cobh or Ringaskiddy and head for Blarney Castle before the crowds, with admission included. You get time for the stone, gardens, and Blarney Woollen Mills, then visit Kinsale for lunch and a stroll. Guides such as Jamie, Ian, and Kevin are known for lively local history, with a short stop at St. Colman’s Cathedral to finish.

“Excellent . In depth tour and guide was clear about every aspect. Well priced tour. Guide got us into each attraction without any wait time especially at Blarney Stone”

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