Heart of Ireland in 7 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All aspects of the tour went smoothly, our guide was great, and the group got along well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All the cliffs! Cliffs of Moher, Slea Head Drive, Blasket Visitor Center."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was well paced and the local guides were excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour of the jail was a historical highlight and the guide was excellent"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well planned, the hotels and meal locations were very good, and the tour guide did an excellent job explaining the locations and history that linked the different stops together.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite moment was probably seeing the Old Library at Trinity College along with the Book of Kells, but other moments which are close is the falconry experience, the Rock of Cashel and the Slea Head drive. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Had a wonderful time. Gearoid was wonderful. Hotels and accommodations were very good. George the driver was fantastic. I would have like to have seen the tour extended another day or two, but I picked the days based on my timing. 8-9 days would be ideal.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Total “wow” moment was the weather, just awesome, which I know was mother natures choice. Dingle was very nice and the group decided to take a boat ride. Just beautiful and picturesque. The story telling at the pub was entertaining and informative. Ireland is a beautiful country with great people. The overall trip was a “wow” and blended well with transition from location to location "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle. The falconry in Dingle was fantastic and the house we stayed in while there was warm, welcoming, and had a gorgeous view. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I love that we flew to Shannon and started our trip in the quaint town of Ennis. The staff at the hotel were very helpful. Our tour guide, Gearoid was OUTSTANDING! At our welcome meeting he set the expectations for everyone and that was very helpful. His love of his country came through each day as he taught us so much about Ireland's history and culture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many Wow! moments on our tour but if you force me to choose it would be taking a boat out on the Dingle Peninsula which Gearoid suggested. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I’ve been on 1 Rick Steves Tour before and this one continued the exceptional experience I had previously. The hotels were fantastic and I loved the B and B, such wonderful hosts. It was very busy but both Kelli and George were patient, kind and helpful. I enjoy doing these tours with such a small group because you get to know most of the people on the tour. Meeting new people is fun for me. And I can’t forget the amazing experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The falconry experience was a major highlight. We were able to have different kinds of birds land on our fists. You can see them so closely and they are simply amazing! The guides were great making sure everyone had a good chance to hold them."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our first tour was great! An excellent guide, great places to stay, great local guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wow moments was the view from Milltown House and the trip around Slea Head Drive"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was great

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Moher"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A bucket list experience, the tour in Ireland was a spectacular blend of stepping into history, imbibing incredible natural beauty and making wonderful new friends! The variety of experiences, all related to the local people and culture, made me feel like a guest rather than a tourist.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Glendalough, with its breathtaking natural beauty and significant history, in St. Kevin's tower and the stone churches in the valley felt like the heart of the Emerald Isle. I could see why the monk chose this spot for his hermitage, which soon attracted so many to join him. Standing in a place where the Irish kept the flame of civilization alive after the Fall of Rome was an inspirational and memorable experience for me!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first tour experience and it is going to be a high bar for any other tours to reach. Our tour guide was outstanding, the hotels were perfect, meals were delicious. Top notch!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was all wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Interesting, fun, educational, beautiful, great food and a feeling of coming home. There were great surprises along the way and our group was friendly and interesting.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having birds of prey land on my arm. And there are so many others - stunning views on the Dingle Peninsula and Glendalough, funny antidotes, wonderful history, a great walking tour of Dublin and a new appreciation for my Irish heritage. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was my first Rick Steves tour but definitely not my last! Our guide was excellent and added so much because he was a local from Dingle.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many! Maybe Sleigh Head drive and the Basquet center. So interesting and such amazing history. I plan to read more (so many books came from the island)."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a great guide and the tour was everything we hoped it would be.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our stay in Dingle"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ireland has been a dream destination for many years. The RS tour did not disappoint! It was everything I had hoped and more. The beauty and history of this country are breathtaking! And Gearoid was an amazing guide. So knowledgable and passionate about Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many but The Blanket Centre really touched me. This museum was so beautiful and the views were gorgeous. The stories of the inhabitants of the Great Blanket Islands were truly inspiring. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Never having been on any kind of tour like this, I have nothing to compare it to, which is why I gave it a "Very Good." Not really knowing what to expect, I will say that my experience was one I will always remember fondly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! I absolutely loved Ireland! The country is gorgeous and the people are friendly. I really enjoyed the Cliffs of Moher, Slea Head Drive, and Glendalough, as well as some of the ruins and ancient buildings we had the privilege to see. I was so impressed by The Rock of Cashel as well - we just don't have sites like that in the States. The towns we visited were postcard perfect. I was not disappointed."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Sleah Head Drive"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ireland and it's people are beautiful The music impressed me the way the musicians would sit in a circle like they are just jamming together and don't even know we are there. The layout of the tour covered what I was looking forward to most."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We started our trip renting a car at the Dublin airport and driving through the North and Northwest of Ireland visiting relatives which was wonderful. It was great to drop the car off at Shannon airport and take a cab to Ennis where we began to explore the south of Ireland with the Rick Steves' tour. Our guide Gearoid was an enthusiastic and fun guide to Ireland - especially of his native Dingle.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning about the playwright John B. Keane from his writer/journalist son writer Billy - such a unique experience that reflected so much about Irish culture."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fabulous time on this trip. This is our 2nd Rick Steve’s tour and it did not disappoint! We brought our young adult children with us. They loved their experience especially the various tour. Geroid was a wonderful guide- very friendly and warm.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We loved the town of Dingle-the Slea Scenic Highway and Blasket Island Education Center. Plus Dingle gin-:)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent breath of Ireland’s history from Stone Age to present.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Surprise David Irish dance demonstration. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"EVERYTHING from Ennis through Dingle … the Cliffs and more"

Overall rating: rating 2 of 5

I enjoyed all the places and activities on the tour, however, the tour guide was awful

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably the town of Dingle and the Falconry."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had never been to Ireland before and the range of experiences for the week was a great overview and fosters more visits!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cliffs of Moher, the history we don’t learn in school and the absolute beauty of the country. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our guide Kelli was outstanding and George our driver was fantastic! Tour size could have been smaller.. we were a group of 28. Hotels, meals and tours were super!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Kelli had arranged a night of Irish music and dance for us… so good! The big highlight for me was experiencing a Peregrine Falcon, then a barn owl fly and land on my leather glove. To top that, the handler brought our a huge 10lb Eagle Owl just to show us... Awesome!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Beautifully organized with multiple activities each day and plenty of surprises.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing dolphins cavorting with our boat in Dingle harbor."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well-planned and gave a wonderful exposure to venues, culture and history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dingle Peninsula and the boat ride in the ocean - absolutely gorgeous."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour packed a surprising amount of activity into a short period of time. I feel like we got a good taste of history, culture, and felt like we were in good hands throughout the duration of the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Taking the dolphin boat tour in Dingle and actually seeing dolphins! It was unexpected."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Rick Steves Heart of Ireland was amazing! Our tour leader arranged everything so well. We had local guides when necessary, but each day we learned several things about the towns/counties through which we traveled. It was neither too much nor too little.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I liked the organization, the pacing, and also the local tour guides that were prearranged. All the hotels were nice.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well organized, good pacing, excellent tour guide/s, nice hotels, good food, adequate free time, and educational

Favorite "WOW" moment

"seeing the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The 7-day tour of Ireland hit all the high spots we wanted to see.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Great Blasket Center on a picture-perfect day. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Falconry."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wow! Wow! Wow! This was our first Rick Steves' tour after having used his books for years. It exceeded our expectations. Ireland is such a delightful country and the tour highlighted all of the beauty and character to be found. From the hotels to the transportation, the restaurants, the tours and the tour director, we lacked nothing. Even the weather was perfect! Thank you for the best European vacation!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is very difficult to choose one wow moment. Perhaps it was huddling with our group inside the old, ruined church in Glendalough. It was pouring rain, the walls insulated us from outside noise and we felt as those monks must have felt so many years ago. It was inspiring. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was very good. The only complaint is that it went too fast!!! Our tour guide was excellent, knowledgeable and pleasant.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Rock of Cashel was amazing. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was just the right pace for us. Tour guide and all other guides were well informed and personable. Hotels were nice and food was wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Glendalough Monastery. Amazing that it all remains intact. I hadn't realized how long such sites were viable as communities."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved all the areas we were taken to. We had guides that were informative and engaging

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Moher were a sight to behold. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I enjoyed everything about the tour. The sights, accommodations and especially the people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I didn’t really have a “wow” moment."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Just how green Ireland really is!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was both fantastically fun and relaxing

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our visit to interact with Billy Keane in his dad’s pub in Listowel…and the falconry/ owl experience…and Gearoid talking to us as we traveled on the bus…and going out to spot the humpback beyond Dingle Harbour"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We loved the trip! We've taken Tauck tours with our family costing over twice as much as this tour, and I was so impressed with the experiences offered and our guide. It was a great trip, we'll do another.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Slea Head road and the Blasket Islands - then the falconry experience - then the humpback whale sighting off Dingle on the boat trip - then the Cliffs of Moher! The Dublin walking tour was fantastic too..."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

from start to finish our tour was exceptional! the hotels/bed and breafast establishments were top notch. every meals was wonderful. the guide was very organized, informative and funny. Our bus driver was outstanding

Favorite "WOW" moment

"all the little extras that our guide thoughtfully planned out were fun and exciting. The scenery in general was wowing me every day "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

very impressed, I learned a lot!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the scenery! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We were so pleased with the entire tour. Our tour guide was very informative and we enjoyed his sense of humor and the history he provided to us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Moher"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour guide, Conor, was very knowledgeable about Irish history and culture, and tied into the local scene. He also is s a really nice guy. We had a great tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Tom Delaney and Caroline Keene play at Milltown House!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent on All accounts!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Rock of Cashel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I enjoyed the tour very much. There was plenty of free time along with the structured events. The restaurants and accommodations were all top rate.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the World Champion Irish dancer at a bar in Dingle. Seeing up-close Celtic dancing was an absolute thrill!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a truly wonderful and fun experience visiting Ireland! Our tour took us on adventures through a country steeped with unsurpassed natural beauty and vibrant history and culture. We walked through quaint villages, sea-side towns, urban areas and historic sites. The people of Ireland lived up to their reputation of being warm and welcoming! Our transportation and accommodations were very comfortable. Our meals surpassed our expectations as there was so much variety and very delicious food!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite “wow” movement was standing atop the Cliffs Of Moher and seeing fantastic views of the Irish country side as our bus took us along the Slea Head Drive. We also participated in a falconry experience and I now have photos of a falcon and a barn owl perched on my glove! I loved interacting with these large birds of prey!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Connor was nice, knowledgeable, and organized. Brought a lot of local pieces into it which was great. Loved the first 2 hotels and food was great. Aldo loved the Irish players at Milltown. It was nice not having to navigate a country we’ve never been to. Ireland is stunning. Cliffs of Moher and Dingle were our favorite. Everyone we spoke with was so nice which was surprising and has pride in their country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Scenery was breathtaking. Could not have picked better places to show us. Loved the Atlantic Way and Basket islands. Just incredible thinking we were literally on the edge of the country. Amazing "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

It was good but not as impressive as other Rick Steve tours we’ve taken. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable but very matter of fact. The hotels were okay.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dingle peninsula "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We usually plan our own trips. Using this tour made for a more relaxing trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle Peninsula and shoreline. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Educational awakening to what Ireland has gone through over the centuries. The country was lovely to see, all very lush. Scenic shots at waterfront and at visited religious sites made for some fine picture captures. Dingle was my favorite portion of the tour. The falconry was a lot of fun. For all the history that was touched upon, there was too much for me to completely absorb and appreciate

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Falconry"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Slea Head Drive and the Dingle Peninsula in general were my favorite. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall, the tour was very nice. We took the 7 day tour and probably would opt for a longer one covering more of Ireland. The stops in-between stays were just ok and Dublin was disappointing, with not very interesting tours (book of Kell and a walking tour) and lots of pubs. Tour guide was ok.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dingle peninsula overall, with a great B&B, crystal cutting demonstration and falconry demonstration (my favorite)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was everything that we hoped it would be. Our tour guide Robert was a bit subdued at first, but was very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. When he started singing Irish songs in the middle of a city street, I knew that my first impression was wrong. The itinerary was full, but informative and fun. The little "extras" like the whiskey tasting, the pub visit and the dancer made it even more special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dingle peninsula was breathtaking, as were the Cliffs of Moher, but my favorite moment was the 45 minutes I spent speaking with a security guard in the archaeology museum in Dublin on our own time. Harry brought me a chair and gave me access to a phone charger, and we proceeded to chat about all sorts of things. He epitomized what I thought of as a "typical" Irish person - friendly, funny, and opinionated but polite. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The guide, hotels, planned events were wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The scenery in Ireland and seeing the ruins in Ireland was outstanding, but my wow moment from this tour is the Kingdom Falconry falcon/owl experience. The women shared their passion for the birds. I thought I would be afraid, but it is a highlight of our time in Ireland, and I would encourage everyone who has a chance for a falcon experience should take the opportunity, and learn more about these amazing birds!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The combination of the itinerary, hotels, meals, fellow travelers, guide and local guides provided an enjoyable experience that met our expectations. We learned a lot about Ireland's history and economy and how much its climate dictates its "personality". This was our 7th tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment was the falcon landing on my arm. My wife's wow was the Slea Head Drive. "The scenery was spectacular and having the local guide on the bus to point things our ans to add context to all we saw made the drive truly memorable.""

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I have never taken a tour before this one. I have traveled extensively but prefer to plan my own itinerary. The tour exceeded my expectations! I will definitely take another Rick Steves tour. I was completely satisfied with all aspects of this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don't think I can pinpoint just one wow moment. Maybe the overall hospitality of everyone involved with the tour- Robert, our guide, all the other tour guides along the way, and the amazingly warm and friendly Irish people."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was our 7th RS tour. Everything was great, hotels, tour bus, and itinerary. Our guide was a lovely man, Robert, but he did not live up to our past guides. This was his 2nd time guiding with RS and it showed. He did not communicate our schedule well, several people on the tour were confused about where they needed to be and when. As someone who'd been on tours before, I fielded many questions about what to expect.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The crystal demonstration was very cool. I appreciated seeing a craftsman doing his craft up close. Also, the Irish musicians and Irish dancer were fabulous. We were lucky to see such talented people."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Really impressed by the geography, history and culture of Ireland. We experienced a great mix of nature, ruins, demonstrations and current events. And yes, we ate and drink wonderfully.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wow moment was probably the Dingle peninsula and Aran Islands. The beauty of the North Atlantic and rocky coast land with the inland hills shrouded in clouds and rain was amazing."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I had an enjoyable, relaxed week exploring southern Ireland countryside. The hotels and eating places selected were all very good. The days were packed with interesting things to see and do.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cliffs of Moher was very impressive."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

First time on a group tour! Overall it was really enjoyable. Lots of pros and cons to a group tour, as I expected.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Private performances by poet Gabriel Fitzmaurice and singer/songwriter Mickey MacConnell at the John B. Keane pub."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We were able to see some very interesting sights and also a taste of the local history in each location.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beauty of the shorelines of Ireland."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very educational and enjoyable

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beauty of the Irish countryside and coastlines"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Gearoid was fantastic. He set the tone for the tour and he made it fun. He was very organized. His humor, history and stories were really great! I left my charging cord and adapter in Ennis and he figured out a way to get it to me in Dublin! And he re-scheduled our Guinness tour for us to meet the schedule better. I loved the little towns and all the history. The meals were great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The falconry/bird experience was fantastic. The boat tour, something we did on our own, as recommended by Gearoid, was also stunning. The extras that Gearoid offered: our own private dancing performance by the gentleman in Dingle. The preseco toast. Visiting the local bar and hearing the stories from the bar owner were also great. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had such a fantastic time touring with Gearoid. His knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm about every town/attraction we visited was awesome. This was my first Rick Steve’s tour, and it definitely won’t be the last!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Favorite “wow” moment was the Dingle Peninsula. Gearoid recommended a boat tour during our free time here and it left me speechless!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves Tour and it exceeded expectations. The itinerary was well planned out and provided ample time to enjoy every stop while being practical with the time. In our minds a significant part of the experience starts with the tour guide and we struck gold with Gearoid. Growing up in Ireland and specifically Dingle provided a personal, intimate perspective for the entire tour. We can’t say enough about the pleasure it was to see and learn about Ireland through Gearoid.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Moher stand out for me. We had crystal blue skies and perfect weather for the experience which can easily have been cloudy or rainy. We know it was somewhat rare to get such a clear day and with the cliffs it provides such a panoramic view that is tough to describe due to its splendor. It really is impossible to properly describe what a beautiful landscape it really offers."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip itself was amazing, but what really made it special was the tour guide and the driver. We felt safe, relaxed, and able to enjoy every moment of scenery and culture because we were in such good hands. We are already researching our next Rick Steves tour because this one was so wonderful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our favorite "wow" moment was probably dinner on Wednesday night. It was such a lovely restaurant, the food was great, and that was the moment when we realized everyone on the tour really had become new friends. We were all conversing easily and excitedly about the trip, and about life beyond our trip. It was exactly what you hope for when you book a group tour in country that is new to you."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized. Joe our guide was courteous, knowledgeable, and funny. Accommodations were exceptional. Coach driver Pamela was experienced and pleasant.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Went to Ireland and all I got was a sunburn :) Any day where having blue skies would make the experience better, we got (very lucky). Lodging was always at a great centrally located place. The Milltown house in Dingle was the best place to stay thanks to the wee baby Sheamus wolf hound that lives there. Plenty of stops along the way to experience locations off the main roads and hear stories from people who live there. Sad to leave but look forward to future trips. Thanks for everything.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle plus blue skies plus Slea Head Drive is the best. All the stops along the way added to the feel of the trip."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great group, excellent guide, beautiful country. Nice hotels, but a hot tub would have been nice. Very nice meal selections.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cliffs. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic tour! Great guide (Joe), bus driver Pamela, and great group of fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Almost too many to mention: Dingle town and peninsula drive, Blasket Island interpretive center, visits to pubs established by famous Irish writer and Antarctic explorer, falconry, traditional Irish music, terrific restaurant choices (included in the tour). "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves tour and I was so impressed that I am enthusiastically recommending his tours to everyone I know. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and able take us to area he was raised. This made my experience feel much more authentic and personable. I was on a seven day tour but I felt we covered many of the places I wanted to see and being led by knowledgeable local guides provided the right amount of historical knowledge with a local/national perspective that I loved!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the John B. Keanu Pub for a talk by his son Billy. Completely unexpected and wonderful. The weather also fantastic so we had beautiful scenic views throughout our trip."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was my 11th RS tour and it lived up to what I expect of my RS tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning about the Irish Uprising in 1916 from the local guides."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour offered a wonderful mix of being on a guided tour and having freedom to do some exploring on my own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The drive along the Dingle Peninsula was breathtaking!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well planned. Accomodations were awesome. Scheduled meals were delicious.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Slea Head Drive. Falconry experience. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I woke up every morning waiting for what the day would bring. All my expectations were met. Loved Ireland, the people, history, etc. Joe, our tour guide, made us all feel comfortable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many but the beautiful drive along the coast was spectacular."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an absolutely fantastic time and can't wait to go on another one!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The entire experience in Dingle! Staying at Milltown House, falconry, live Irish music, the gorgeous harbor town!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I liked all the hotels we stayed at and the coach was fantastic as well. The Rock of Cashel and the Dingle Peninsula drive were my favorites."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Beautiful green Ireland, has an interesting history told by knowledgeable guides. As always our travel companions were friendly interesting people. There was so much to see and learn.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Falconry on the Dingle Peninsula and the Epoch museum in Dublin. (Visited on our own) . The Cliffs of Mohr did not disappoint. The music, the music, the music!! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very well organized and our tour guide (Kelly) was very knowledgeable, dedicated and shared her enthusiasm throughout the tour. Our bus driver (George) also was very pleasant, courteous and did get a great job getting us around.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cliffs of Mower and the countryside in general, especially in and around the Dingle area."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was good

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliff of Moore"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was my first time overseas. The entire trip was organized and carried out to perfection. Both Kelli and George were excellent guides. The food and the weather were better than I hoped for which made the vacation that much more enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking the streets of Dingle was my favorite part of the trip. The people in the seaside town were very friendly and the food was very good."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide gave excellent insights into Irish Culture and interesting side notes on the towns and scenery we were touring. The bus drivers was fun-loving and very attentive to us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The elective Wildlife Sea Safari tour in Dingle. The tour guide of the boat was fantastic and made the two tour very memorial. We were able to get up close to pods of Basking Sharks, Dolphins, seals lounging on the beach. We were in the middle of flocks of sea gulls, and puffins. The guide would relate stories about the myths about the Dingle Bay area. The John Keane Pub manager, Billy, was a "HOOT"!! He kept us laughing with his stories concerning the pub's local clientele. Funny!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From the very beginning when we all meet for the first time, you v could tell we were going to have a great time. Kelli, our guide, created a greats atmosphere and she was extensively knowledgeable about all the places we traveled to and kept us organized and on time! We always felt comfortable and not rushed. Accommodations were outstanding, the meals were very good and our driver George was spectacular.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! The Cliffs of Mohr and the architecture of the cities and towns were what I thought were amazing! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first travel tour, usually we plan trips ourselves, and it exceeded my expectations. Lots of great activities yet still had plenty of free time to explore on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Slea Head drive on the Dingle Peninsula "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was wonderful! The tour guide was knowledgeable and glad to answer any questions. I really enjoyed how different tour guides from the local area were provided. That added to the experience immensely. The group was so friendly and we enjoyed each and every person. The accommodations and food were exceptional.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Moher were spectacular and the weather was wonderful that day. The falconry experience was amazing! Those gals who handle the birds were wonderful. George, our driver, did an amazing job navigating those narrow roads in a huge bus. Kudos to him! The musicians that played for us in Dingle were so enjoyable. We had such a fun time with them. Kilkenny Castle was the big surprise how they had it staged inside. Loved the Rock of Cashel and the guide was amazing. Loved the Dublin walk. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, the Book of Kells, the countryside"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great guide, very nice fellow travelers. The bus was comfortable and the sights amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our private concert that Dara arranged. It was great!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well-guided. Great places to stay. Really excellent food!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The falconry lesson in Dingle was such a surprise! Unsurpassed!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I enjoyed the tour, the tour guide, and our fellow travelers. Also appreciated the bus driver who was also so courteous and friendly. I appreciate the careful thought put into our itinerary which avoided tourist-clogged sites and gave us a great sense of Ireland today and in the past.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our tour director, Dara, arranged for two musicians to give our group a private concert of Irish music in Dingle. It was wonderful to watch and listen to them play up close and to be able to talk to them about their instruments and music."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was our first tour and we loved it. Our tour guide, Dara, was very professional, prepared, and very attentive to everyone in the group. I was impressed by the fact that almost everyone else on the tour had been on multiple prior Rick Steves tours. Some had been on over 10 prior tours. That's a lot of satisfied customers. Our hotels and B&Bs were very nice and all of the breakfasts were wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The entire Dingle stay - both the town, the B&B, and the tour around the island - all made up my "wow" moment. Also, our tour guide arranged for a private concert for us of traditional Irish music and that was pretty neat. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves' tour and I was overall impressed. I have traveled with the help of his guide books throughout Europe, but the tour made things easy and also full of sights and activities. Our tour guide was amazing and shared so much history that made the trip more fun, interesting, and educational. The tough parts were moving from place to place and getting up quite early most days, and a bit of motion sickness on the bus. But overall it was great and I would do another tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The day we spent in Dingle was pretty magical. Driving the Slea Head route and taking in the scenery, the falconry experience (not something I would ever think to do on my own), and then a private dinner with a whisky tasting and musicians playing traditional Irish music. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had more than one!! The Falconry experience was amazing. Loved the Rock of Cashel…so much history. One of my absolute favorites was the private tour Kelli gave us in the Museum of Archaeology. Her information was so fascinating and helped fill in some the historical background for Ireland. She was the best!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning about the Blasket community. I never knew they existed and was fascinated by their history and story."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour is great for couples or friends traveling together, not as much fun if traveling by yourself

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle Peninsula "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Organized and helpful tour guide (Kelli), well thought out itinerary , and a great balance between many fun and memorable educational experiences as well as opportunities for free time to explore on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"One of my favorite wow experiences was our time in Dingle, which included a delicious group dinner, an informal concert of traditional Irish folk music, and a chance to see falcons and hawks close up, including having them land on our gloved arms. A truly great time!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My 10th RS tour - never a disappointment

Favorite "WOW" moment

"parts of the Slea Head Loop Drive"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wild Atlantic Way"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide provided interesting narration and great music while on the bus. Everyone was warm and pleasant to be with. Loved the RS buddy system as a way to keep track of the group. All stops and highlight visits were well planned. It was a great way to experience a place/country where we were not willing to drive ourselves.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A favorite experience for me was the first rate concert musicians arranged by Dara. In addition the stunning Slea Head drive and the Blasket Cultural Center. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything about the tour was outstanding. From the Guide, Dara, to the sites, the scenery, the accomodations, the group experience, the transportation (especially the Coach operator/magician George!). Can't wait to go on the next RS adventure!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visually, the Cliffs of Moher, we were fortuante to have a sunny day and they exceeded expectations. However the Irish people we met along the way, provided countless, gentle 'Wow!' moments."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I am Irish, and I loved this tour. With family members, we learned so much about Ireland. It was beautiful and despite the cool weather SO enjoyable. Enjoyed the other travellers and the tour guide was excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Had to be Cliffs of Moher. Gorgeous, majestic and the weather cooperated !! It was sunny. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved Dingle ~ Slea Head "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exploring Ireland with this group was amazing. Dara was our tour guide & everything was planned so well. Tours, hotels, dining & the little extras were excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle ~ beautiful beyond words & the bnb was magical. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was great. I wish it would have been have been around a time of year when the weather was more sunny that overcast. I would have liked to seen the sites with clearer skys.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the birds at Milltown"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great time - loved every minute of it. The weather was fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think our favorite 'wow' moment was the falconry experience at Dingle. The falcons were breathtaking but the owls really hit a spot for us!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

tour was great well organized and tour mates were very friendly had a fantastic time only issue was we must have caught covid sometime somewhere towards the end but brought it back with us duty free.

Favorite "WOW" moment

" we enjoyed it all but the birds of pray at the falconry had to be the best part of the tour for us."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ireland was beautiful and super friendly. A great time. Our guide Gearoid did a fantastic job. Kudos also to our bus driver John. I even came home with a sun tan!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I knew nothing about Dingle so I had no expectations. Every aspect of our stay there was a sweet surprise."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great first experience with Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle, what a place and everything we did there."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was so much fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Falconry experience in Dingle. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an exceptional time on our 7 day heart of Ireland tour. I had always wanted to take a trip over to Ireland and this brief 7 day tour did not disappoint, will be returning to visit on my own soon. The people & scenery were spectacular.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our guide amazing guide Gearoid treated us to several local activities that were superb. A ferry ride (gorgeous), a tour of the Dingle harbor and cliffs (also gorgeous), an evening of traditional Irish music for just our group (this was the highlight for me) and a sample of traditional Irish dancing (simply awesome)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was my first time in Ireland and my first time travelling to Europe solo. This was a significant adventure for me, one that will live in my memory forever. I loved the accommodations, the meals, the sites and the history. Our guide, Gearoid, was very knowledgeable and provided great tips/information about each stop along our journey. I felt safe, taken care of and the whole tour was very well-organized.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I absolutely loved Dingle. The town is wonderful and the falconry experience was truly unique. Our guide also arranged a boat ride around the Burnham Cliffs in Dingle, which came with amazing views and even a personal concert from an accordion playing crew member!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was wonderful. Gearoid did an amazing job of arranging for us to see neat sites and some extra things as well like the ferry across the Shannon river, the river dancing (tap) demonstration, the falconry experience, and so many more things. The food was absolutely fabulous and the bus driver John--I don't know how he can navigate turns like that. AND he was so kind to all of the tour members.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Honestly, for me the most "wow" moments were John's driving. The man can parallel park a bus. He can navigate such tight turns you are certain you will hear something scrape but you never do. All while staying calm and being friendly to us. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I love the Ireland tour gave me an unique way to see Ireland

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Holding a Owl and seeing the small down of Dingle "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Just a great group of people and our guide Pasqual was just so kind and knowledgeable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The little town of Dingle and our wonderful little place we stayed at. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This trip was a wonderful week in Ireland. I enjoyed our different experiences and Pascal was an excellent guide. I especially enjoyed our time in Dingle and the peaceful setting of that lovely fishing town. The views on the Cliff of Moher and on Slea Head drive were stunning.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle was the highlight and I really enjoyed the falconry experience. I also appreciated the Trinity Library and the Book of Kell’s in Dublin. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Even though it was an abbreviated 7 day tour, I thought I received a thorough overview of life in Ireland. Pascal was effective in outlining the history, customs and current day challenges facing the Irish people. There was enough down time during the tour to enjoy what I wanted to accomplish outside of the tour schedule.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle was a highlight, boat ride on a sunny day was special for me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Traveled with 6 family members - was great to spend quality time in a beautiful country on a RS tour

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A sunny day at the Cliffs of Mohr, a boat tour in Dingle followed by the beset fish and chips from a truck near the water. Hearing Pascal tell stories of faeries and seeing faerie trees and forts. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic overall. Our tour guide, Joe, was absolutely wonderful. Patient, knowledgeable and very personable. He made the trip better! The bus driver, Pamela, was also fantastic. The hotels we stayed in were lovely. There was always a vegetarian option available to eat at group meals. Breakfast was fantastic. I really enjoyed the homemade dinner we had in Dingle. The weather was perfect. I wouldn’t have changed anything.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Mohr"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was well planned, with almost every important site visited in each city. There was enough "free time" to see other places in each stop if you had a special interest. The Irish people were VERY friendly everywhere we went. The small towns, Adare, Dingle, Cashel & Kilkenny were really special. The Guides in Dublin were excellent & informative. Joe, our Tour Guide, was OUTSTANDING!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Moher were "biggest" WOW, but each small town had its special charm."

Overall rating: rating 2 of 5

This was my 9th tour with Rick Steves. The weather and scenery were wonderful. I enjoyed all the local guides. Our tour guide was dour, not very helpful, talked frequently about the “colonizers” and how they’ve altered everything in Ireland. We didn’t even see much by of Adare because it was all “colonizer's’ architecture “ and not very Irish. Several of the guests who were on a Rick Steves tour for the first time said they wouldn’t use this company again. Previous tour guides have been great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think the museum near Skellig Islands was really fascinating. Itcwas a window into the islanders’ lives atvthat time in history."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour guide was informative, bus driver was professional & countryside & small towns were beautiful. Restaurants/food chosen for the tour was very good..

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Slea head drive was my wow moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour exceeded my expectations. First of all, we had sun five of the seven days — most unusual for Ireland! I liked the pace and the constant flow of history shared by our guide, Joe. He’s lived quite the life!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Slea Head drive in Dingle. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From beginning to end you couldn't ask for a better tour. The pre tour emails and literature took away any apprehension about the tour. Our guide Joe did a fantastic job of keeping us on schedule, making sure we knew what to expect at each stop, and providing informative lessons about Ireland's history and culture. The meals were all tasty and plentiful and the accommodations were beyond my expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I chose this tour because I wanted a multi day adventure in the Dingle peninsula and this tour did not disappoint. The Slea Head drive was beautiful as was the town of Dingle. The planned activities and stops all made you appreciate the culture and beauty of the area and provided motivation to learn more once I arrived home."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Everything went very smoothly and we were able to see a lot in a short amount of time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was a free time activity suggestion from our guide, a boat ride in Dingle. The weather was perfect and we saw lots of wildlife and the islands from a different perspective. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Outstanding! We learned so much about Ireland from our guide Stephen and other local guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dingle Peninsula: its beauty and fascinating history. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first official Rick Steves tour. We have traveled using his books for many years. We enjoyed the tour very much. There were no "grumps" on our tour. We had a fantastic guide Stephen and fantastic bus driver George. George drove down roads we would never consider and he made you feel comfortable with his amazing ability. Stephen made the bus rides go fast with his history lessons and amusing anecdotes.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cliffs of Maher were spectacular as were some of the other scenic sights. I'm torn between the Raptor presentation and the music provided by a family at the Miltown guest house in Dingle for my favorite. Tough choice as both were outstanding. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Stephen McPhilemy was outstanding in organizing our tour each day. We knew what to expect. He shared so much about Ireland with us (culture-music and dance) and history. I also shared with us something about his roots growing up in Ireland which was a treat. He was very generous with group meals and introducing us to other famous friends he knew. Throughly enjoyed meeting him. The other people on the tour also were a great group of people!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So enjoyed meeting and seeing Thomas O'Shea dance for us, who dances for Riverdance and meeting his family who played music and sang for us. Incredilbly talented family! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The overall tour experience was different than other tours we have taken in that the guides were fantastic and we came out of the tour with a much better understanding of the complicated nature of Irish history and politics and how that history is impacting the current residents.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I most enjoyed all the activities at Milltown House including the whiskey tasting, Irish dancing demonstration and Irish music demonstration."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide made the trip interesting and exciting. Steve added so many funny and apropos anecdotes that he had us laughing more often than not.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have to say that our stay in Dingle was a big wow for me! Powerscourt Gardens and Glendalough were amazing"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic - the places that we visited were a great combination of beautiful and historic. The people were lovely. The guides were all very knowledgeable and humorous. Stephen, the main tour guide was fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Driving around the Dingle Peninsula."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Steve made the tour really great. He is funny, engaged and can sing. I would go on a tour with him again in a heartbeat.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Mohr were worth the hike. We had a clear view on a warmish day. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My first, but not my last. On a scale of 1-10, I rate it as a 12!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Its a toss up between the outstanding tour/ sights and the magnificent entertaining from our tour guide, Steve .His funny and informative stories were as fun as the actual tour. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great group and a very good guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From the guide to the places along the way, I could not have asked for a better first time to Ireland experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being in Dingle at Milltown House -- listening to Irish music and seeing the five-time world champion dancer. Dingle was absolutely magical."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My wife and I had an excellent time. Just the right amount of planned events with "free" time. Stephen McPhilemy was great as was Robert O'Branion (sp?)

Favorite "WOW" moment

"With the help of the lady proprietor at Milltown House (sounds similar to Belinda only longer), we were able to make Saturday night mass at St. Mary's Church. We were able to hear mass in English with Gaelic tossed in. Next would be the Cliffs of Moher."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour guides and tour leaders really make the experience a Rick Steves experience. While I always have expectations to stay local most of where we stayed exceeded previous trips hotels.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Falconery - DO IT"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything, itinerary (sites visited), accommodations, tour bus, dining and overall pace were spot on. All of these were made better by our guide Gearoid.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher on a sunny day"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From booking, travel guide, transportation, hotels and information provided was done in a thorough, and professional manner. I left here feeling prepared and ready to relax and be in the moment of the experiences of this adventure. I will only travel internationally, utilizing Rick Steve's Tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"That is a hard one, since there was so many to pick from. To pick one seems unfair to all the special surprises and sight that we went to. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first visit to Ireland. Geroid was an excellent tour guide and made our time very enjoyable. His stories and history lessons were entertaining and educational. Uncle Rick has to know that Geroid is a keeper. Overall, we had a very good time. There were no travelers in our group who made things difficult, everyone got along well and we enjoyed meeting all of them. The tour was a lot of fun, the towns where we stayed and sights there were a lovely experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite WOW moment was seeing the cliffs of Moher on a clear day and watching Dave the fabulous Irish dancer do a short routine for us. The Aviary was also just great to experience, even in the drizzling rain. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great trip and learned a lot about the history and customs of Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several - cliffs of Moher, Falcon Experience, the small towns of Dingle and Kilkenny"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was the right length for me. I loved the Irish country side and all the Irish history we learned from our trip guide and the local travel guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The drive to Glendalough & the Powesourt Estate. I loved the rolling hills. The grounds on the monastic settlement were stunningly beautiful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour of Ireland was above our expectations! While an unpleasant change in airline flights/detours on the first leg of our trip, thanks to Rick’s recommendation to travel with carry on luggage we were able to make it to Dublin WITH our luggage. The balance of the trip was filled with great memories, a fabulous guide, a congenial group of fellow travelers, and a love of Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many “wow” moments. 1) The vast green grass landscape resembling patchwork quilts, divided by rock walls and filled with sheep. 2) Pub hopping with two other tour couples as we shared pints of Guiness (or Dingle Gin and Fever-Tree tonic!), while savoring the music, 3) A deeper appreciation of Irish history, 4) Trinity College."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From the guide, the people, some of the great food, and all the different shades of green made this trip so memorable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Slea Head Drive and the Great Blasket Center, Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum, Powerscourt Estate Japanese Gardens."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Beautiful scenery, weather, and s very well organized tour with a great group of people

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Dingle"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I fell in love with Ireland on this trip. Saw great parts of the country. Had great experiences. My group was awesome and our guide outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Mohr. Just breathtaking. Like stepping into the pages of a movie "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had heard good things about Rick Steve's tours from travelers that we had met on European trips where we used the Rick Steve's guidebooks. We did not want to face driving on the left so we decided this was the time for an escorted tour. The tour exceeded our expectations in terms of the quality of the hotels, provided meals, and attractions. Our guide, Dara was very knowledgeable and personable. Both he and the other guests on the tour made for a memorable experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I expected all of the natural beauty, the countryside, seascapes, and mountains to be great. I was surprised at how we enjoyed the pubs, especially the Guinness Storehouse. Also, I did not expect the quality of all of the food that we had."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I highly recommend this tour. Dara, our guide, gave us good insight to Ireland. He found other guides that provided great information to the areas we were visiting. We were with a good group of people. There were 23 of us. A very manageable size.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle is what you think of when you say Ireland. The town and country side are stunning."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From day 1, everything exceeded all expectations! Our tour guide Joe and coach driver George were absolutely amazing! The knowledge of history that Joe shared with our group was very impressive! He was so courteous and made sure that everyone had all of the information needed to continue with the next days agenda. He and George were both very welcoming and friendly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I felt spiritually connected to the beautiful Cliffs of Moeher, as well as the beauty of the Blasket Islands and drive through the Wicklow Mountains. The landscapes were breathtaking the entire way! Pictures do not do these amazing sites justice, one MUST see them with their own eyes!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent information, experiences, beautiful country, fun side treats (pub storytelling, Irish Whiskeys, etc.), Joe was great and so was the bus driver and bus size.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The falconry at Milltown B&B."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very positive, especially quality of guide

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle Peninsula bus tour"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized , awesome guide

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Billy, his pub, his story "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the falconry experience"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I was very hestitant to go on a tour but I loved it! The tour guide was great as was the bus driver. I enjoyed the pace of the tour. We were definetly busy! Joe, the tour guide, was very knowledgable. His stories and history lessons were a joy to listen to.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dingle Penninsela was gorgeous! The people were fantastic and the seaside town was charming. Our stay at the B&B in Dingle had many quirks from our door not shutting to the house dogs howeling at 4 am, but it made it all the more charming!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves tour and it by far surpassed my previous experience with another tour company. The bus was nicer, the hotels were nicer, the food was much better. There was a nice combination of guided tours, as well as much-needed time to ourselves, to explore the cities and to enjoy the culture. Our tour guide was excellent and even provided little surprises for us! I appreciate it, not having to get up at the crack of dawn every day.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our tour guide and surprised us with a trip to a local pub where we met an author, and enjoyed tea, scones, and a wonderful story. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Gearoid was awesome, the country beautiful, people were wonderful, and Mark did a fabulous job driving.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Slea Head drive. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, the tour offered a balance of history, on site experiences, and reasonable travel time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Rock of Cashel was a profound internal spiritual experience for me. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour guide put it over the top.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to narrow down to one. Loved everything about our Dingle days & evenings"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

The tour guide was very knowledgeable, and the individual tours were what we were looking forward to. Time on those individual tours were usually to short in time though.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cliffs of Mohr were fantastic. Still not enough time allotted for exploring. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Had a great week in Ireland with a wonderful group of travelers! Our tour guide Dara provided great details, music and history throughout out travels!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Slea Head drive on the Dingle peninsula was beautiful and a true highlight of the trip. Thanks to George our driver!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour of Ireland 🇮🇪 was wonderful, smooth and relaxing view. The days were filled of learning history and life of the people of Ireland. We were with an excellent guide that kept us excited each day filling moments with knowledge and fun and excitement about the trip. The group we were with had fun and was excited to walk and see the next areas of Ireland. We had excellent hotels and meals to keep us healthy and safe. We always knew the timing and schedule of the day. It was a blast!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the absolute beauty of Ireland’s greenest grass filled with lambs everywhere over rolling hills for miles. We were transported into another world."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was hands down, the absolute best tour I have ever been on. The knowledge of our guide, the locations we visited, combined with the restaurants and local activities made this such a memorable, fun, and meaningful trip. I wish I could go back tomorrow!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many wow moments, some of my favorites; Sea Head Drive, Powers Court, Dingle and spending time listening to local musicians will stay with me forever. I absolutely loved every minute. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Tour guide was excellent - personable, knowledgeable, patient. Bus driver also excellent. Hotels were good, would not consider each one a four star.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Glendalough."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour guide and his assistant were both fantastic, energetic and highly knowledgeable of the areas of the tour, the sights, suggested side visitation locations, museums and restaurants in the area. Pascal, our main guide made the tour magical by being able to tell us stories of his personal life and personal experiences in Ireland. Connorcur (spelling) was fun and provided us insight in his knowledge of rugby, his musical background. Their ability to lead us (timely) from site to site was great

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Rock of Cashle trumped by the solitude of Glendalough (the most peaceful place on earth - that I've seen or heard)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves tour and I was very impressed. Our tour guide Pascal and his trainee Conner were great. Pascal was not just well versed on Irish history, he had a great way with story telling and with people. It never felt like a "canned" script

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think the falconry demonstration was the most "wow". It really was fabulous."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Pascal was an amazing tour guide and did an outstanding job of providing us with so much of the history of Ireland, how things are currently as well as personal entertaining stories.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Moher and the Rock of Cashel were two of my most favorite wow moments. However, the little things were so much fun as well such as the Dingle crystal cutting demonstration, meeting Billy and visiting his pub, the music entertainment at Milltown House as well as the whiskey tasting there. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was entertaining and very informative!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The falconry experience at Middleton House is Dingle was my biggest wow moment! I was amazed that I could have a peregrine falcon and owls land on my hand. Such beautiful birds. It was fantastic to get up close to these incredible creatures. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Paschall, was outstanding. Weaving in all the Irish history and stories worked perfectly with the absolutely beautiful tour. The Irish people are so kind. And talented. The food and we ate a lot off tour, was fantastic. Hotels were great. I loved the Irish and the history and am so proud to learn about my ancestors who are the most resilient people. The music, the writers, the artists. It is a beautiful Courtesy and kindness. I have recommended Ireland to everyone. It is special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every place was a wow. Ennis, Dingle, Blasket Center, the Rock of Cashel. All of it. So old and beautiful. But I had to dig the kleenex out on trad Irish music. We had a singer in Dingle when it was super rainy with a gitarist. It was beautiful I wept silently. Another wow was at Gendenlough seeing a fawn nurse the doe among the stones. I have deer all over my yard at home. Rock of Cashel. Just haunting beauty. The pop up Hunger museum in Dublin. The British starved the Irish. Trinity Library"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first tour of any kind, and it was perfect! Well thought out, good pace, and Pascal was amazing. He took Ireland’s offerings and made them all better. His knowledge and storytelling ability are what made this trip, without a doubt. Anyone can drive you around, but he brought it all to life and gave us insight to true Irish life now and in the past. Don’t let him go!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The entire Dingle stay was amazing. From the Irish Wolfhounds, amazing birds, and crystal demo, to Slea Head drive, the music, and discovering Dingle gin - 10 out of 10. Only wish we could have been there when the pups are born!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I THOUGHT THE TOUR WAS VERY WELL RUN. VERY ORGANIZED AND FUN.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"THE CLIFFS OF MOHER"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Was just enthralled with the history of Ireland. To the point that I couldn't wait to read more about it when I returned home! Our guide Pascal was terrific as were all the local guides! Enjoyed the group of fellow travelers. Personally I enjoy the countryside and the drive on the Dingle peninsula was special along with all the rock fences. You see pictures but in person a whole other experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle drive and the rock fences were "wow" moments for me. However the history of Ireland from the Vikings to current times is just powerful and is a WOW moment all of its own!!!! Pascal was just amazing sharing his knowledge with us all."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was very impressed with how organized & informative of the overall tour. The accommodations & meals were excellent!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beautiful green terrain and the rock walls were all breathtaking. Our guide, Pascal was very knowledgeable of the history of Ireland. He did a wonderful job!! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I was so impressed with the way the whole tour was planned & coordinated.The bus ride, our tour guides, the scenery, the speakers, the hotel accommodations, the food and the people were all so amazing!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many "wow" moments it's hard to pick one, but the first one was flying over the lush green fields of Ireland as well as our first stop, The Cliffs of Moher. That was breathtaking!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every day was filled with wonderful memories. Pascal is a great guide and storyteller.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having the majestic birds of prey land on my arm."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very enjoyable tour. The tour guide makes the trip and Pascal was congenial, knowledgeable, organized and empathetic. Great combo. Our second trip but first tour in Ireland and we learned “a ton” from Pascal about Irish history, culture and politics while traveling between stops.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having traveled in Ireland, and also having read a bit in Irish history, many “wows” had already been experienced, e.g. Kilmainham prison. This time, the lives of the Blasket Islanders were my wow. I have undying respect for the spirit and resilience of the Irish people wherever they may live. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We were so fortunate to have Joe guide us through Ireland! Through him we learned about themany facets of life in Ireland, the personal and politics of it, and the transitions in lifestyle the country has faced, and how Ireland has weathered and moved through those tomimes. We were treated to local musical talent, conversation with the son of writer John Keane, and delicious, personal meal experiences. Our group was cohesive, fun and interesting. Simply a wonderful trip experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Blasket Islands/ Dingle Peninsula portion took my breath away - I wanted to dive in deeper there, get a greater feel for life in that area, hear more and see more."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had some very special experiences based on connections our tour guide had. Tour was fast paced but I hear that is typically for an 8 day tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really to many to list. If I have to pick it was meeting Michael in his Hole in the Wall pub in Kilkenny. It was a magically evening. Dingle was beautiful. We had so many great conversations with Irish people that we met along our journey. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful time touring Ireland under the organization of Joe (and safe driving by George). One aspect we love about Rick Steve tours is the guides and their special moments they bring that are unpredicted but amazing. Joe brought several of those moments for us, including meeting Billy and taking a ferry over the Shannon River. The planned moments were really great, including wonderful sites and local guides and a Falconry experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had an incredible stop on our way to Dingle to meet Billy, the son of John B Keane, a famous playwright in Ireland. He wrote plays that were about the people in Ireland. They were publicans and Billy still owns and operates the pub he grew up in. Billy was a delightful story teller and had great stories about his parents and his life growing up. He is also a writer of his own accord. It was wonderful!! Top marks for our guide Joe for arranging for us to visit his friend."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was amazing. This was my first time in Europe and being on the tour made it practically stress free.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a number of wow moments. Probably my top two were the Cliffs of Moher and the Dingle Peninsula."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Andrew our tour guide made for a great experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cliffs of Moher and the drive around Dingle peninsula."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Like the previous two Rick Steve's tours I have done (Paris & Rome) I had an unqualified excellent experience. Our guide Andrew was particularly knowledgeable, funny and engaging. Andrew shared just the right mix of serious history enlivened by good stories, humor, and attentiveness to our needs. His rapport with our wonderful driver Mark was a delight.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably Cashel for it's grand location and impressive history."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Enjoyed every moment, seeing the sights of Ireland, but relaxing and not worrying about renting a car, driving in a different country.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well planned and our guide was outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The birds of prey demonstration. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized, every site was an experience in itself. Our guide Gearoid, even threw in a couple of extra cool surprises that were not listed on the tour. Our bus driver George worked miracles with that bus.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Aviary / Falconry experience was just too cool?Three large birds landing on our hands, amazing! And a 45 minute conversation we had with an Irish couple at Murphys bar in Dingle. Wonderful to actually get to talk with them, learn about their lives and families. Isn't that part of the point of the tour besides seeing great historic sites."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great tour guide, Gearrod, and driver, George. Good group of travelers. Pleasant accommodations. Fine choice of stops overall.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle Peninsula. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fantastic time- learned so much about Ireland and it's history and saw so many beautiful sites.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle peninsula and Dingle town- loved the Millhouse Inn"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

great

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Saint Kevin church"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I joined the tour along with 5 family members (cousins) in Ennis. I was a very hesitant tourer mostly due to the bus part but our skillful yet cheerful driver and the well paced commentary and music as we toured made it a very relaxing way to get from one place to tour. As relaxing and educational as the tour was mostly I learned organized tours are not for me, yet maybe in another 10-15 years. For me, there was too much time spent eating. I also acknowledge that is most likely unique to me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite part was Dingle. It was the perfect size town for me. I like small towns that feel like when you walk about you are walking with local people. There we had enough time to wander about on our own and find our own interesting spots. My one cousin and I sought out independent book stores in each town. The stores and their curators were unique and interesting. Also in Dingle there was enough time for a run along the bay. Definitely would have preferred to eat on our own each night."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Out of the 3 Rick Steves Tours I have experienced, this one was my least favorite, although it was good. Maybe because I preferred Sicily and the south of France in general over Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had 3–Falconry at Milltown House in Dingle, Glendalough and Blasket Centre. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Tour was fine but could have been better if some things were omitted and others extended.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Scenery around Blasket island and museum. Also the singer and guitarist at the Milltown house."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves' tour. We have no complaints and found the tour to be first-rate.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher on the first day of tour."

Overall rating: rating 2 of 5

We arrived at the hotel (very nice, by the way) in Ennis Ireland and my wife tested positive for COVID before the group meeting. I reported to our guide and we did not take the tour. I tested positive a few days later. We quarantined in Ennis for several days and then in Dublin for several more days. We had very mild cases so we felt okay and made the best of our time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We were pleasantly surprised by Rick Steves generous refund policy. I did not remember reading about it and assumed our entire trip cost would be a loss. Thank you."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First time on a group tour and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The itinerary was great, our guide Stephen, driver George and all the other tour guides were terrific. The history, culture and scenery of Ireland were amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to name just 1 but the Slea head drive was magical. Also the 2 wolf hounds at the Dingle airbnb were priceless. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very good

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle Pennisula"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Ireland and the Irish people were amazing! We had a great group of fellow travelers! However, the tour, at times, seemed rushed with little time to explore and savory the local culture. We would have joyed two days in Kilkenny and one less day in Dublin.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beauty of the rolling green countryside!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Extremely well done and organized. Guides were so knowledgeable and interesting.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beautiful country, we were lucky to have gorgeous weather while there."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My perfect first trip to Ireland. We enjoyed fantastic accommodations and gained much knowledge of history and culture that on our own we would not have been possible.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The falconry exhibition "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent tour with great transportation, accomodations, tours, and guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved the Kingdom Falconry experience in Dingle. As a birder, it was wonderful to see the birds up close!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 2nd Rick Steves tour, and it continues to and a perfect way to travel for those who are a little bit nervous about doing it on their own, plus not wasting time trying to plan a trip. My family went this time and was enjoyed by all, with ages as young as 19 and as old as 65. I like that the tour had a mixture of organized activities and gave us free time. We enjoyed all the specialized guides that were added on the trip and our tour guide, Anne, was fun and amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle and the peninsula. The Dingle Falconry experience, the Cliffs of Moher and the guide at the Glasnevin Cemetery was witty and very interesting making the cemetery also a “Wow” moment. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Small enough to be an intimate group for dinners and breakfast.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really had to be the scenery, it was incredible. Our bus driver George’s ability to maneuver our bus through the countryside was outstanding. "

Overall rating: rating 1 of 5

We joined the tour in Ireland on 8/20. Had a great meeting with Suzanne. We went to cliff of mahar! Beautiful! We had a wonderful dinner with our group. The next morning my husband wasn't feeling good so for precaution took a Covid test. He tested positive. We were kicked off of tour. There are no Covid restrictions anywhere. We made arrangements to fly home.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having to leave the tour after 1/2 day!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing sights and history, trip of a lifetime, great food!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher, Powerscourt Estates"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exceeded expectations! Learned so much about iIreland with great lodging and transportation and a super fun (no drama!) group

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Trinity college library!! Gorgeous with amazing history "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Suzanne our guide was amazing. She was super organized and kept us informed at all times. She had helpful tips for us for a day trip to Howth.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle was a beautiful area and I enjoyed our time there. Would have liked a little more time in Adare. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My first time doing a tour group. I cannot believe what I have been missing. The tour was perfect in every way. I loved not having to worry about details like parking and where the restrooms are located!!! We had so many unique experiences that I would not have been able to do on my own. All of the other tour members were incredible…truly no grumps in the group. I can’t wait to do my next Rick Steves tour!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The slea head drive was incredible. Loved the retired police commissioner giving the tour!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first international trip and my first Rick Steve's tour. It was everything I could have hoped for and more.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I would say that the knowledge that each of our tour guides had was unbelievable. There was no doubt that they wanted this to be the BEST trip ever."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved Dara. Wonderful tidbits about history, music, etc. Great suggestions for places to eat, and very much enjoyed the guides he brought in for wandering around Dublin (Mary) and Glasnevin. I think Glasnevin had more impact as we'd visited the GPO the previous day and gotten some understanding of the history. I loved Dingle, our BnB, with a definite highlight being the visit to the aviary and getting to play with the Harris Hawk and Barn owl. Blasket Center also amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher, Blasket Visitor Center, Dingle peninsula generally, Glendalough, Dara's history about the statuary at Powerscourt. Trinity College Library. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything; the people, accommodations, food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ireland and the Irish people "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved Ireland, the people, the history, the scenery. Our guide, Dara was fun, helpful and knowledgable. I felt safe with a highly competent driver. The accommodations were excellent. I felt we got a good feel for Ireland in a short 8 days.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The breath taking landscape of the Dingle peninsula"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

A nice trip, and nice tour group. The tour guide was very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beauty of Ireland's landscape was amazing. Both the west coast and interior are stunning."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Suzanne was a great guide and our group was wonderful. All accomodations were comfortable and the itenerary was perfect, giving me a good taste of the different parts of Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our night in Dingle being entertained with Irish music by the talented family of musicians. They were lovely people who shared their talents with us in a small setting. It was great! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well organized, well managed, accommodations were in the middle of the "action" (a good thing), and our leader was superb.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher were stunning in the beauty and their size. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our wonderful guide, Suzanne, and bus driver, George, made our tour informative, organized, comfortable and safe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Cliffs of Moher was breathtaking! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moyer and Slayhead Drive"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

great guides, loved the accommodations, loved the Irish music group provided after the dinner at our BnB, very skilled driver, our guide went out of her way to meet needs and accommodate special requests and she managed a large group with great skill and compassion

Favorite "WOW" moment

"everything was so wonderful it was hard to choose but I guess I liked being in the small town of Dingle best and driving the peninsula and meeting the craftsmen at the Dingle Crystal factory (and buying an anniversary gift for my wife!)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I learned more than I could have expected and saw parts of Ireland that I could not have accomplished on my own. The knowledge of the tour guides was exceptional, presented with humor and professionalism.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking into the Library of Trinity College and seeing the Book of Kells on the tenth anniversary of my mom's death was humbling and magnificent for she loved books like no one I have ever known."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Professional, educational, fun. First time visit to Ireland. Between the guidebook and our guide every single aspect of our trip was covered. Our guide, Suzanne, was one of the best guides I've ever encountered. We were in great hands on the road with our driver George. The local guides added so much character to each location. I loved that as we walked the streets with them, people were calling out their names and waving hello. Excellent adventure.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher, as the sun came out. Rainbow that ended in Dingle Bay. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exceeded all expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Powerscourt gardens"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very well planned and everything went very well. The guide, the bus, the bus driver, the sights, the lodging, and the overall experience was outstanding!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The entire Dingle Peninsula - the cute towns, the beautiful countryside, the ocean, the crystal cutting, and the culture. My second favorite was Glendalough - so beautiful!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My tour experience was overall great! I enjoyed getting to meet the other people on the tour and the experiences from day to day the tour provided. I loved the falconry experience and just driving around to see the country side! I definitely want to return to Ireland!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The day we were at Glendalough was a wow moment. As much as I love the city, something about nature just fills me up and gives me peace. I enjoyed the history lessons throughout the week too as it gave me a greater appreciation for Ireland. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall it was a fantastic experience to travel the southern part of Ireland and have a great guide to tour us around. We learned a lot of history, got to do some really cool tours, and had the opportunity to learn about each cities unique culture for each place we stayed in.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The different architecture, castles, and landscape were awesome. Favorite was either Rock of Cashel or Glendalough. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great trip!!! It was fun and exciting and educational, lots of things to see and experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Even though it was foggy depending on what elevation we were at, I was totally enthralled with the drive through the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I really liked the history and cultural immersion of Ireland. Seeing the places and sites I spoke about during Irish dance performances cemented my love and enjoyment of the country and the people. I enjoyed the wide variety of activities, and the times I could be on my own with my family. Our tour guide and bus driver were fun, helpful, and very knowledgeable. The local guides also did a great job telling us the stories of their towns and country. We came home with many memories and friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many "wow" moments for me. The Rock of Cashel, Glendalough, and the Book of Kells really stood out. But it was so much more. The Irish people are so friendly and helpful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My husband and I decided to take the Heart of Ireland tour for our anniversary. We were very pleasantly surprised to find everything so well tailored to us. The accommodations were superb! Couldn't ask for better places to stay! The food was also absolutely incredible. I have a dietary restriction because I'm a vegetarian but this wasn't an issue in any of the places we went for a meal. We were thrilled with our experience and all the details that went into making is special for our group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think my favorite "wow" moment was a combination of the absolutely beautiful hotel rooms (European rooms tend to be tiny and these weren't) and the amazing quality of the vegetarian dishes served to me. Those two items may seem small compared to the inundation of culture and experiences presented, but it means a lot to be in a space where you feel wanted and are made comfortable. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, the tour was all that and much more than I expected. I saw so much, learned so much, and enjoyed every day. Everything went off without a hitch, and our tour guide, Pascal, was amazing. I feel like I experienced the essence of Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Something I didn’t expect was the falconry in Dingle. I never imagined I’d have a falcon or a snowy owl on my arm!! I also loved the crystal cutting demonstration in Dingle."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was a bit rushed. I would rather have spent more time in the central mountain area and coastal communities than three days in Dublin. Great scenery and Paschal was extremely knowledgeable. His friends in the various cities and counties really made the tour personal. George the bus driver was AWESOME. Back to timing, in my opinion, two days per city is better than a a rush through two, an area, and a quick overnight. Hard to relax, but a great history lesson.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the pride and history that this people has for its country and heritage. As an American, I find this important. Glendalough! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every trip event was well organized. Our guide, Pascal, was a wealth of knowledge regarding this amazing country and a great storyteller. The walking tour guides were all very informative and true experts on their town.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many .... watching David dance in his Dingle Pub, the Falconry presentation, the group meals, meeting and making new friends, Pascal's history lessons, the beautiful countryside and mountains to name a few."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a wonderful tour of Ireland! We really feel our goal of being immersed in the culture, history, natural beauty and citizenry of the country was accomplished.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many "wow" moments, but the Rock of Cashel (from a historical perspective) and the Cliffs of Moher (from a natural beauty perspective) were our favorite parts of the tour. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Really enjoyed Kelly our tour guide and the insight she provided on those sights we visited. Only downside was the weather very rainy and grey, no fault to the planning that went into the tour....just bad weather.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting and touring the town of Dingle, the tour guide was very good and really enjoyed the church and stain glass we saw. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Really enjoy the locations and the views

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cliffs of Mohr"

This was our first Rick Steves' tour, and it was great!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "wow" moment was when I realized that for 8 days I didn't have to worry about any details like where to eat, or how to get from point A to point B, or to tip or not-to-tip."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We felt like we can away with an historical appreciation of Ireland that was different from our history books! We were immersed in the culture, food options, construction, lifestyles...on and on and on. And our guide, Gearoid...the BEST.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Private dance in Dingle by David"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first tour with Rick Steve's and we did not know what to expect but the three of us in our family had a great time. Great hotels, guides, experiences and new friends along the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several but seeing my son's face light up when a hawk landed on his forearm in the pouring rain made the trip for me! Falcon Experience on Dingle Peninsula"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized tour. Good hotels. Needed more time at Powerscourt House and Gardens.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Traditional Irish music from the 2 musicians who played for us at the inn in Dingle."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first guided tour although we have used your books for many years. We were not sure what to expect but from day one to the end, it was a wonderful experience. From the lodging, to the transportation, to the activities, it was grand. But most of all was the quality of the people. Every single person associated with the tour was exceptional, particularly Gearoid and the bus driver Pamela. The balance of events was perfect.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tom truly loved the hawk demonstration in Dingle. He is a major bird lover and to get to actually hold these wonderful creatures, even in the rain, was special. We never thought we would get to see the variety that was there. Excellent! Mary really enjoyed the stories told by Billy in Listowel. It brought a lot of insight into the Irish spirit and the importance of people like John. We appreciate Gearoid's ability to get us to see special people."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

The tour was a good exposure to Ireland for first time visitors. The guide was knowledgable and friendly. The bus was clean, and the driver was pleasant and skillful. The accommodations were good, and the tour was wall planned and executed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Mohur."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Pascal, our very personable tour guide, was an engaging storyteller who provided detailed, historical information about Ireland. Connecting with other guides also enhanced our experience. We met some wonderful people and experienced and learned so much more than we would have travelling on our own. The hotels were well chosen with very clean and comfortable rooms, friendly staff, very good food and in great locations. Our driver Dennis provided us with a safe ride on a really nice bus.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Each experience was a diverse "wow" moment from the beautiful scenery of the Cliffs of Moher and the charming seaside town of Dingle, to areas of historical interest such as Trinity College and Glasnevin Cemetery, to glass cutting, whiskey tasting, our music evening, and the falconry experience. We appreciated the well organized, fun-filled days combined with some afternoons and evenings to explore on our own. Because the tour group was small, we had the opportunity to get to know everyone. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was amazing and knowledgeable! Learned so many historical facts about Ireland and saw so much land!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved Dingle and where we stayed!! The bird of prey show was amazing!!!! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Another fantastic tour! This was our 3rd time and as always it was well done and provided a wonderful experience. Pascal our guide was awesome.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher and the Slea Head Drive are of course the big jaw-dropping scenery spots, but the entire countryside was just beautiful. We had 6 in our party and at end we asked what was everyone's favorite: "City (Dublin) or Country?" and 6/6 all said they enjoyed the country the most."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Pascal was a fantastic tour guide. Very knowledgeable and personable. I would have preferred one less day/half day in Dublin but other than that it was really a great experience

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved the trip around Slea head road and the visit to the Blaskett Island center. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour, and hopefully it will not be our last. Transportation, accomodations, food, and activities were exceptional. Our guide, Suzanne, was knowledgeable, personable, engaging, and extremely helpful. Our driver, George, was also excellent. We felt there was a good balance of the group events and free time. The entire tour was seamless, and we enjoyed having everything planned for us. Our group was fun, considerate and friendly. It was a trip of a lifetime!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think I experienced a WOW moment every day. There wasn't any "sight" that we thought wasn't worth seeing. Some of the best highlights were: Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel, Slea Head Loop, and the Falconry Experience. We also thoroughly enjoyed Riverdance in Dublin on a free night. Glendalough, the Kilkenny Castle, Glasnevin, and the after dinner entertainment at Milltown House were also terrific. The guided city tours in Dingle and Dublin were well done and helpful. An overall WOW trip! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful balance of planned activities and free time

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Having a Harris Hawk alight on my outstretched hand"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent tour guide, Suzanne, and efficient, we’ll organized tour of Ireland

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Viewing Glendalough site."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent choice of venues, adequate unscheduled times were much appreciated, tour guide and bus driver were outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"visiting the Cliffs of Moher"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From start to finish, I loved everything we did on the tour...felt it was very well run and a good balance of tour activities and free time.. Suzanne our guide was excellent in handling everything, friendly, and super helpful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When we walked into Ennis, I could not believe how friendly and how it was so easy to walk this town...did not feel touristy at all..everyone was so friendly. The town of Dingle and the Slea head drive was really WOW"