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Liffey River, Dublin, Ireland

Things to do in Ireland

Liffey River, Dublin, Ireland
Famed for its green landscapes, legendary welcome and literary genius, Ireland offers a wealth of things to experience for visitors. Our specialists have carefully chosen a series of activities that offer a new perspective on the island's biggest attractions and give a deeper understanding of Irish life and landscapes.

You could take a literary pub crawl around Dublin's traditional drinking dens, ride along Inis Mór in a horse and cart, kayak to ancient ruins or get to grips with Northern Ireland's political history on a black cab tour. Ireland's food, scenery, history and culture will come to life in the company of local experts, who can offer personal insights as you visit oyster farms, fish for salmon or explore the archaeology of the scenic Dingle Peninsula.
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Audley Travel Specialist Lydia

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Ideas for experiencing Ireland

Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know Ireland, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.

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  • The Cliffs of Moher by boat
    Cliffs of Moher at sunset

    The Cliffs of Moher by boat

    The Burren

    The Cliffs of Moher by boat

    See the towering Cliffs of Moher from the sea on this one-hour cruise along the cliff base, getting you close to colonies of nesting seabirds, dramatic sea stacks and the sheer faces of one of Ireland's most famous landmarks.

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  • Explore Inis Mór by horse and cart
    Horse and cart, Inis Mor

    Explore Inis Mór by horse and cart

    Inis Mór

    Explore Inis Mór by horse and cart

    Explore the island of Inis Mór in Galway Bay by horse and cart with a local driver who will reveal much about the island's history, geology and traditional culture as he takes you to ancient forts, natural wonders and deserted beaches.

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  • Tour of the Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring
    Skellig Michael

    Tour of the Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring

    Killarney

    Tour of the Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring

    Discover the scenery of the Ring of Kerry on this immersive full-day tour that brings you to some of Ireland's most scenic spots. Take in views of rugged cliffs, ancient monastic sites, stone forts and the legendary Killarney National Park.

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  • Giant's Causeway & the Antrim Coast
    Giant's Causeway

    Giant's Causeway & the Antrim Coast

    Giant’s Causeway

    Giant's Causeway & the Antrim Coast

    Discover the Giant's Causeway, medieval castles, rocky islets, film locations and deserted beaches on this full-day private tour from Belfast, which explores the beautiful Antrim Coast and reveals some of its complex history, age-old legends and best scenery.

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  • Behind-the-scenes tour of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
    St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

    Behind-the-scenes tour of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

    Dublin

    Behind-the-scenes tour of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

    Explore behind the scenes at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin's most celebrated church. Learn about the history and legends of this monumental structure, see where Jonathon Swift once preached and walk along the roof for sweeping views over the city.

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  • Gap of Dunloe jaunting car and boat trip
    Jaunting car on Gap of Dunloe

    Gap of Dunloe jaunting car and boat trip

    Killarney

    Gap of Dunloe jaunting car and boat trip

    Discover the stunning lakeland scenery of Killarney National Park on this leisurely looped tour up the magnificent Gap of Dunloe, an ancient glacial valley, by horse and carriage then across the inky Killarney lakes in an open boat.

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  • Glenveagh National Park
    Landscape of Glenveagh National Park

    Glenveagh National Park

    County Donegal

    Glenveagh National Park

    Explore the wild and rugged scenery of the mountainous valley of Glenveagh, its oak and birch forest offering scenic walking. Protected as a national park, it’s also home to 19th-century Glenveagh Castle, a flamboyantly decorated showpiece with formal gardens.

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  • Explore Newgrange & the Boyne Valley
    Newgrange

    Explore Newgrange & the Boyne Valley

    Dublin

    Explore Newgrange & the Boyne Valley

    Join a full-day guided tour to explore the ancient history and rich heritage of the Boyne Valley, just north of Dublin. Visit the Neolithic passage grave at Newgrange, an early Christian church at Monasterboice, and the mythical Hill of Slane.

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  • Hiking in Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains
    Glendalough

    Hiking in Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains

    Dublin

    Hiking in Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains

    Explore the highly impressive monastic ruins of Glendalough and the glorious Wicklow mountains in which they are set on this full-day tour from Dublin which also includes a stop at the James Joyce Museum in Sandycove tower.

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  • Explore the Beara Peninsula
    The Beara Peninsula

    Explore the Beara Peninsula

    Kenmare

    Explore the Beara Peninsula

    Explore the little-visited Beara peninsula, a tranquil place that blends ancient history with dramatic landscapes and cosmopolitan people. Drive down winding roads to marvel at Neolithic stone circles, walk on windswept beaches and hillsides and lunch on artisan produce.

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  • Slieve League cliffs hike
    Slieve League cliffs

    Slieve League cliffs hike

    County Donegal

    Slieve League cliffs hike

    Explore some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League in Donegal on a guided walk along the striking coast, taking in far-reaching views of distant counties, sweeping cliff vistas, ruins and local marine life and wildlife.

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  • Dingle Peninsula with a local archaeologist
    Dingle Peninsula

    Dingle Peninsula with a local archaeologist

    Dingle Peninsula

    Dingle Peninsula with a local archaeologist

    Explore the many fascinating archaeological sites of the Dingle Peninsula on this full-day tour in the company of a prominent local historian. See ancient churches and forts, early Christian monasteries, carved crosses and the region's legendary beehive huts.

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  • Black cab political tour
    Black cab political tour, Belfast

    Black cab political tour

    Belfast

    Black cab political tour

    Explore Belfast's troubled past, political murals and divided communities in the company of a local expert on this black cab tour around the city's most interesting and contentious spots, learning about the political and human cost of the Troubles as you go.

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  • Kennedy homestead, Dunbrody Abbey & Dunbrody Famine Ship tour
    Dunbrody Abbey

    Kennedy homestead, Dunbrody Abbey & Dunbrody Famine Ship tour

    Kilkenny

    Kennedy homestead, Dunbrody Abbey & Dunbrody Famine Ship tour

    Trace your relatives and discover Ireland’s famine history on this full-day tour of Ireland’s southeast. Meandering between Kilkenny and Waterford, it takes in the Dunbrody Famine Ship, explores the Kennedy dynasty’s roots and visits 13th-century Dunbrody Abbey.

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  • Fabulous food trail
    Dublin bakery

    Fabulous food trail

    Dublin

    Fabulous food trail

    A chance to enjoy incredible food and a lively cultural experience, this food trail through Dublin's streets takes you off the beaten track to meet artisan bakers, cheesemongers and chocolatiers on a quest to learn about the contemporary Irish food scene.

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  • Derry/Londonderry city tour
    Old cannons in Derry/Londonderry

    Derry/Londonderry city tour

    Derry/Londonderry

    Derry/Londonderry city tour

    Discover the history, culture and landmarks of Derry/Londonderry as you walk the city streets and fortified walls with a private guide. You’ll hear about everything from the Williamite War to famine history, emigration, civil rights, and the Troubles.

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  • Seafood & farm experience day
    Sheep in Ireland

    Seafood & farm experience day

    Connemara

    Seafood & farm experience day

    Explore Connemara's dramatic landscapes on a full-day tour that takes in the gloriously moody Killary harbor as well as visits to lobster, oyster and mussel farms and a traditional mountain sheep farm to learn about local life.

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  • Historic walk of Kinsale with Don or Barry
    Kinsale

    Historic walk of Kinsale with Don or Barry

    Kinsale

    Historic walk of Kinsale with Don or Barry

    Discover the historic town of Kinsale with a highly engaging guide on this hour-long walking tour. You'll hear interesting details about the town's links to Robinson Crusoe and the Spanish Armada, as well as the Lusitania and the New World.

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  • Behind-the-scenes tour at the Jameson Distillery
    Jameson Old Midleton Distillery

    Behind-the-scenes tour at the Jameson Distillery

    Cork

    Behind-the-scenes tour at the Jameson Distillery

    In use for over 150 years and full of character, the Old Jameson Distillery is an ideal place to learn about the history of whiskey distilling in Ireland. This engaging tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the whole process.

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  • Celtic revival tour
    Celtic symbol

    Celtic revival tour

    Galway

    Celtic revival tour

    Follow the resurgence in Irish literary and esthetic tradition in the late 19th century as you tour a castle once owned by WB Yeats, the country estate of Lady Gregory and the beautiful Arts and Crafts cathedral in Loughrea.

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  • Titanic Trail walking tour in Cobh
    Cobh

    Titanic Trail walking tour in Cobh

    Cobh

    Titanic Trail walking tour in Cobh

    Explore the historic little town of Cobh on a walking tour that reveals its place as the main departure point for Irish emigrants, the last port of call for the Titanic and the hub of the Lusitania rescue mission.

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  • Hands-on hurling experience
    The Gaelic Games — hurling

    Hands-on hurling experience

    Kilkenny

    Hands-on hurling experience

    Learn the basic skills of the ancient sport of hurling with Kilkenny masters during this hands-on experience that offers private tuition as well as a chance to learn about the history of the game and its sporting legends.

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  • Walking tour of Galway
    Galway

    Walking tour of Galway

    Galway

    Walking tour of Galway

    Explore Galway, one of Ireland's most charming cities on foot with a local guide to get an insight into its long and remarkable history and its place as both a bastion of traditional culture and vibrant, bohemian city life.

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  • Medieval Mile walking tour
    Kilkenny

    Medieval Mile walking tour

    Kilkenny

    Medieval Mile walking tour

    Explore medieval Kilkenny on a guided tour that offers an insight into the city’s long history, creative residents and significant buildings. Visit Kilkenny Castle and Black Abbey as well as the meandering medieval streets as you learn about life here over the centuries.

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  • Kayaking on Lough Gill
    Kayaking on Lough Gill

    Kayaking on Lough Gill

    Sligo

    Kayaking on Lough Gill

    Learn about local wildlife and history, explore small islands and enjoy the serenity of Lough Gill on a three-hour kayaking trip. A Special Area of Conservation, the lake and its scenic islands proved an inspiration for poet WB Yeats.

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  • Literary pub crawl around Dublin
    Temple Bar in Dublin

    Literary pub crawl around Dublin

    Dublin

    Literary pub crawl around Dublin

    Explore Dublin's rich literary heritage on this highly entertaining and informative tour. Your guides are a team of enthusiastic actors who introduce you to the city's most famous writers and the pubs they gathered in to discuss their work.

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  • Viking walking tour
    Viking statue in Waterford

    Viking walking tour

    Waterford

    Viking walking tour

    Explore the Viking roots, Norman fortifications and medieval streets of Waterford on a private 90-minute walking tour that takes in the city’s cultural and heritage quarters and offers a deeper insight into the history of this ancient city.

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  • Kayak to Innisfallen Island
    Killarney lake

    Kayak to Innisfallen Island

    Killarney

    Kayak to Innisfallen Island

    Paddle across the inky depths of Lough Leane in a kayak to discover the mysterious ruins of Innisfallen Island, an incredibly romantic spot in the heart of the Killarney lakes where Irish heroes were educated and a herd of deer roam freely.

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  • Walking tour of Cork
    Cork

    Walking tour of Cork

    Cork

    Walking tour of Cork

    Explore Cork's history on a walking tour of the city, learning about its links with ancient saints and fleeing French Protestants. You'll also learn how it came to be an international maritime hub and the impact all these influences had on the city.

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  • Irish whiskey & farmhouse cheese pairing
    Whiskey glasses

    Irish whiskey & farmhouse cheese pairing

    Killarney

    Irish whiskey & farmhouse cheese pairing

    Discover the secrets behind the making of Irish whiskey on this enjoyable experience that introduces key ingredients and the difference they make to a whiskey's taste and tone. You'll get a tutored tasting as well as pairings with wonderful farmhouse cheeses.

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  • Explore Lismore Castle gardens, Dungarven Castle & the Copper Coast
    Dungarvan Castle

    Explore Lismore Castle gardens, Dungarven Castle & the Copper Coast

    Waterford

    Explore Lismore Castle gardens, Dungarven Castle & the Copper Coast

    Explore Ireland’s southeast on this private full-day guided tour, which takes in the formal gardens at Lismore Castle, the 12th-century Dungarvan Castle and the beaches, coves and bays of the Copper Coast with its unusual geological history.

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  • Rebellion walking trail
    Lady Justice, Dublin

    Rebellion walking trail

    Dublin

    Rebellion walking trail

    Learn about the history of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland and the eventual formation of the Free State on this highly engaging and informative tour that brings the political, economic and social situation of the time to vivid life.

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  • Sliabh Liag Distillers
    Copper still

    Sliabh Liag Distillers

    County Donegal

    Sliabh Liag Distillers

    Using traditional heritage, local ingredients and hard-won experience, Sliabh Liag Distillers produces a Maritime Gin seasoned with local seaweed and botanicals. A guided tour presents the history, legend and technical processes behind this family-run, craft-gin distillery in Donegal.

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  • Artisan trail through the Burren
    Poulnabrone dolmen in the Burren

    Artisan trail through the Burren

    The Burren

    Artisan trail through the Burren

    Explore the stark, moody landscape of the Burren, a blanket of limestone karst pavement in the west of Ireland. Here astounding biodiversity has led to a thriving community of artisan producers, brought together on this informative Burren trail.

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  • Walking tour of Limerick
    King John's Castle

    Walking tour of Limerick

    Limerick

    Walking tour of Limerick

    Explore the stately Georgian streets of Limerick, its formidable riverside castle and the fascinating Hunt Museum with a private guide who can bring the story of this historic city to life with a wealth of detail about its heritage and people.

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  • Waterford Crystal Experience
    Waterford Crystal

    Waterford Crystal Experience

    Waterford

    Waterford Crystal Experience

    Touring the Waterford Crystal factory, you’ll learn about the history of this prestigious glassware company, see master craftspeople blowing, cutting, engraving and sculpting the glass, and get an insight into the inspiration behind the distinctive designs.

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