Top 5 Places to Visit on a Small Group Tour of Ireland

Ireland is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. A small group tour is the best way to access unique experiences that may not be available to large groups or solo travellers. Here are the top places to visit in Ireland on a tour with 20 or fewer people.

1. Dublin

Ireland's bustling capital is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, St. Stephen's Green, Christ Church Cathedral, The Temple Bar, and Abbey Theatre. Soak in the lively spirit of the city, enjoy the traditional music and sip on a pint of Guinness in a cozy pub. Take day trips from Dublin to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and Wicklow Mountains National Park. Dublin is also a great base for a trip into Belfast in Northern Ireland.

2. Galway

Galway is famous for being the festive capital of Ireland, hosting, on average, 122 festivals and events per year. In an intimate group, you have more flexibility to experience the city's traditional pubs and live Irish folk music, vibrant nightlife, museums, and stunning natural beauty, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands, and the wild beauty of Connemara. Stop at a distillery to savour a legendary whiskey and visit some of Ireland's earliest Christian sites at the Shannon River. 

3. Westport

Westport is a picturesque town on the Mayo coast. The vibrant town is home to Croagh Patrick, the holiest of all mountains in Ireland. Located at a height of 2,510 ft (765 m) above sea level, Croagh Patrick can be conquered in two hours, which is well worth the spectacular views at the summit. If you enjoy water-based activities, you're in luck as you can spend a day snorkelling, kayaking, coasteering, and paddle-boarding. For a sedate experience, head to 3000-year-old Westport House, one of Ireland's most beautiful historic homes, which has 30 ornate rooms, six permanent exhibitions, and manicured gardens. It really is a home with a view, offering stunning scenes of Clew Bay and upwards towards Crough Patrick. Afterwards, you can unwind with your favourite tipple at one of several pubs in Westport.

4. Donegal

Wild and rugged, Donegal is a base to set off on scenic drives through County Sligo, famous for inspiring some of the famous works of the Nobel-prize-winning Irish poet W. B. Yeats. Visit Carrowmore Cemetery with its 60 stone circles and passage tombs dating back to the Stone Age. Also visit the Ben Bulben rocky mountain formation, and later, arrive at Achill Island in County Mayo, the largest of the Irish Isles, with a long history and a number of megalithic remains. Set off to Connemara, a land of profound beauty and the wildest and most remote part of the country.

5. Killarney

Killarney, located in County Kerry, is known for its natural beauty and proximity to several major attractions, including the Ring of Kerry, a scenic drive offering breathtaking views of the Irish countryside and Gap of Dunloe, a beautiful mountain pass between the Purple Mountain and MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Killarney is a popular stop on the famous Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. It is home to Ireland's tallest mountain and Killarney National National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Have a look at small group tours of Ireland from Goway. Join our escorted tours comprising no more than 20 people and travel in luxury mini-coaches that go on scenic back roads and to some of the most enthralling places in Ireland.