Best of Ireland in 14 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great experience! A perfect blend of history, contemporary culture (music, food, etc.) at a fast but manageable pace. The Irish people are so friendly. I am ready to go back.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"One wow moment after another, but what makes a RS tour so special are the guides. Susie is brilliant, kind, sensitive. Alan, our bus driver, a consummate professional, and a great photographer. Tommy, Barry and all of the local guides are world-class historians that make the great sites and scenery come alive."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Best Rick Steve’s tour out of 4 we’ve been on.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Belfast and the Titanic museum"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my fifth Rick Steves tour, and it was by far my favorite. Our outstanding guide Susie Millar is from Belfast, and she gave us a personal and heart-felt tour of her beautiful country. We traveled to Ireland because we love Irish traditional music, and we were hoping to experience many live performances. Our tour included two private performances by Irish musicians for our group. On our own we explored the pub scene in Dublin, Dingle and a few other places.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had a “free day” on a Saturday in Dingle with no group activities. My husband and another tour member golfed. I wandered into Dingle by myself and absorbed this charming town’s sights and sounds. I watched a wedding party celebrate the bride and groom outside the cathedral, and I met some of the locals in the shops. I ran into another couple from our tour, and together we found the hiking trail to the lighthouse and the mouth of Dingle Harbor. It was a beautiful day that I will never forget."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Even though I wasn't crazy about the weather--which the tour had no control over--my brief time in Ireland will be among my "good memories". Our guide, Susie, was phenomenal with the information she imparted , her guidance for what to do on our own, and just being the warm individual she is.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment would have to be the time spent at the Titanic Belfast. I found it to be the most profound exhibition from the architectural symbolism to the numerous exhibits."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Outstanding trip, terrific tour guide, and a magnificent tour of Ireland in a way we could could never have accomplished on our own in the same amount of time. Special kudos to a phenomenal bus driver - Pamela. She was awesome!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sheep dog exhibition, cliffs of moher and giant causeway"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour group brought the sunshine to Ireland. Gorgeous scenery, nice accommodations, tasty food, Guinness (??), a group that was easy to befriend, a much appreciated coach driver Pamela, and best of all our guide Joe. The many locals that were called upon to entertain our group: a man in a pub where we enjoyed a happy half hour who plays the tin whistle for us, a father and son at another location who accompanied their family member who is in the River Dance ensemble, each fantastic

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s a tie between the raptor flight and the sheep herding experience. Also the drives from location to location. To see from the bus windows the topography and the fields of green grass with dairy cows and sheep grazing, the fields of brilliant yellow that we learned was canola (rape)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour content was great, the guides were excellent and the tour group participants all got along well together.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher. Definitely a wow moment. The climb was well worth the vista at the top of the climb. It was magnificent."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Enjoyed our time in Ireland on this amazingly green island. Learned a lot about the history and culture of the people and it gave me a better understanding. Our guide, local guides, and bus driver were all great - they really added to the experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The School of Falconry at Ashford Castle and having a Harris Hawk land on my arm."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great experience. Everything ran smoothly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Enjoyed the Dingle Peninsula. Two days well worth it!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ireland is just as they say “50 shades of green”. The tour did not disappoint at all. The other members of the tour were all very nice and fun to be with, which helped make this tour an all around positive experience. Since being home I have had friends and family asked me if would take this tour again and YES is my answer.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Toss up between Giant Causeway and Cliffs of Moher. Also there was a “wow this is good” every time we tried the local beer."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Tour was very interesting and informative. Not for foodies!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"How cold and windy it was on Giant’s Causeway."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was well organized and executed to the tee based on the preplanned itinerary. Our guide, Dara, was very personable, knowledgeable, and informative. He appeared to be well connected to many others in the towns and events we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Interacting with the people of Ireland... they are so joyful and happy. The tour guides, people on the streets, musicians in the pubs... they all had a fun, easy going sense of humor."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour provided a great overview of Ireland and its history/people. During our bus rides, our guide Dara expertly wove the islands history with topical music selections (mostly Irish artists). The local guides (in Dublin, Kinsale, Dingle and Belfast) provided more context and offered additional reading/viewing selections. The scenery was just so beautiful and green! I really enjoyed the tour overall and would recommend it to anyone.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There are so many memorial moments on this two week tour. My “wow” moments was the tour at the Dingle Crystal factory and the Falconry School on the grounds of Ashford Castle."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very good experience for the most part. Good mix of structured activities and free time. Two minor disappointments probably based on my expectations from the Rick Steves guidebooks. 1. The Burren portion of the trip was a major disappointment. We did not see any neolithic sites. In Derry we drove quickly past the murals and could not even take a photo unless you were on the right side of the bus. Would havre preferred a walk by the murals in lieu of the guided walk on the wall.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dun Aengus on Inish Mor"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As always a wonderful tour. I feel like I got a very good comprehensive tour of Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"2 weeks is a long time to have just one WOW moment. I loved Giants Causeway. Also falconry. And in general I loved learning all the history of Ireland and Norn Irld."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our fourth Rick Steve's tour and we have always been pleased, but this tour had an additional perk. Our tour guide was not only excellent, but she was very knowledgeable in Irish history, which made the trip not only enjoyable, but educational too. I left Ireland knowing so much more about the land and the people, that now I have much greater empathy for their struggles and endurance through it all.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Rock of Cashel really stands out for me. The history and the beauty of the location were outstanding and awe inspiring. The fact that so much of it is still standing is amazing. Excellent guide also."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Ireland tour was truly outstanding. The itinerary was well conceived and executed and provided a diversified schedule of the best Ireland has to offer. Our tour leader, Lolly, is passionate about her country and gave us a great deal of insight on much of the complicated history of Ireland. The local guides were spot on and also added a great deal of expertise. There is very little we would change

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many, but for us the hike through the Giant's Causeway was breathtaking and magical. Belfast was also so much more than we expected and the Titanic museum was superb."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ireland is beautiful; the people are friendly, and history abounds. The tour was great! We have done two other RS tours and loved them both and had great tour guides on both as well. Lolly was our guide in Ireland and she sets a new standard for what a great tour guide is. She is charming, funny, and has an amazing knowledge of Ireland and it's history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Aran Islands and the Giant's Causeway, but really the whole tour was one "wow" moment after another."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyed our time in Ireland-felt like we learned a lot about the history and culture of the country and saw many sites that we probably wouldn't have seen on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really enjoyed the Titanic experience. It was especially memorable, as my grandfather had been on the rescue ship Carpathia."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was amazing. Learned so much about Ireland that I didn’t know before. Didn’t really have to lift a finger, everything was taken care of, and planned out. So nice. Accommodations were Gucci compared to what I expected. Tour guide Lolly made us feel like we were in for a wee visit to her house. Her pride of her country shined through. Our bus driver Mark was a very skilled and professional with a great demeanor and sense of humor.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Northern Ireland coast line, causeway especially. Rivals the Oregon coast back home. Also listening to traditional Irish music in any pub!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour, everything went well, and I felt like I got to know Ireland. The local guides were excellent, and I learned a lot of history. Our guide Lolly was exceptional, went above and beyond to be sure we were all having fun. Lolly has unlimited energy and knowledge! I always liked the days that incorporated little hikes. The food was good and people friendly. I felt like it was money well spent and would have been a challenge to do on my own. I also appreciated the smaller group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many, but I loved the dramatic, stark beauty of Inishmore, of the Aran Islands. And I was not expecting the brilliant, rugged scenery of the coastline or the bright yellow canola fields in bloom. Also, the visit to the sheep farm and the dogs in action was such fun. Too much?"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide, Lolly, began to weave the people in our group together from the first introduction. Lolly created an overall wonderful experience for us all, while somehow managing to make the tour uniquely special for each individual in our group. The sights, the history, the stories, the music -- all exceeded my expectations. We had wonderful food and accommodation throughout. Our driver, Mark, was a wizard behind the wheel of our bus. What wonderful memories I have!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"What a difficult question to answer! Just when I thought Lolly couldn't make it any better... she did! She continued to provide wonderful "wow" moments throughout. From falconry, to providing live music in our hotel, to learning to make Irish coffee, to.... Every day was special."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide, Lolly Spence, was outstanding ... very knowledgeable, attentive, funny, caring. She made the trip a huge success. All the events were well-planned and interesting; the accommodations ranged from decent to fantastic; the group grew in friendship over the two weeks.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably the School of Falconry at Ashford Castle."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

There was a lot of great scenery, history, flavors, sounds, and experiences crammed into two short weeks. It would have been great with any tour guide, but Lolly pushed it to the outstanding level.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Several: Although my turn only lasted a minute, I loved the falconing experience. Getting a good spot at a pub for music and dance can be hard, so Lolly set up exclusive performances for us. I have always been fascinated by ancient people, and visiting several ancient sites were highlights for me."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great trip, our guide Lolly was incredible, the accommodations exceeded my expectations and the group dinners were delicious!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wow moment was actually several, enjoying the trad music in the pubs of Kinsale and Dingle. So personal and authentic. All throughout Ireland the people were friendly and welcoming."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We saw all the best sights in Ireland, had a great group and the very best guide. What more could one ask? A really good driver, hotels in the best locations and learning a lot. We had that too!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many but probably being able to fly a hawk."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour guide Lolly was fantastic and made the trip great with her humor and knowledge of Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The breakfasts in Dingle. LOL The giants causeway!!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 5th tour and it was such an outstanding experience, all due to our guide Lolly. I can’t imagine it going any better. She truly made magic happen for us all. She literally took our tour out of the way so members could see where their family roots were. She connected us all on WhatsApp and always kept in touch, sent us videos, recipes, reminders and lovely messages. She really became a friend to us all. Best guide ever!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When we went to the Aran Islands, Lolly showed us all how to crawl to the edge of a cliff and lie down and reach our arms out like we were flying over the edge. Greatest photos! We all had a great time and it got even better when she pulled out a bottle of Bailey’s that she had been carrying with her. We all toasted to ourselves, feeling fantastic and literally on top of the world."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent guide and fun events

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The time in Dingle was awesome, my favorite part"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I got Covid during the trip and missed the last 6 days of the tour. The first part of the tour was fabulous - a variety of experiences which were all wonderful. I was so sad that I missed the last part of the tour - I was looking forward to the School of Falconry and Giant's Causeway, and I missed the bus rides where Paul would explain the history of Ireland and tell great stories.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Everything was a WOW moment! I loved learning about the history of Ireland and visiting Kilmainham Gaol. I loved the beautiful scenery. I loved the Library at Trinity College. Watching the sheep dog demonstration - WOW. Cliffs of Moher - WOW. Watching Irish Dance and hearing Irish Music - WOW. Great Blasket Center - WOW (these are a few of my favorite memories)"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Paul, the guide was outstanding in difficult circumstances. Many of the sights we went to, in particular the cliffs of moher and the giants causeway were literally overrun by bus after bus of tourists. I would hate to see the high season. I enjoyed the more intimate, private tours, especially Barry in Kinsale as well as Paul's personal insights. I really enjoyed Dingle and the Falconry school. Hotels were fair to very good. Provided meals were all excellent. Not a big fan of the COVID policy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Short drive through the sectarian neighborhoods in Belfast. The sheer natural beauty of the areas around Cong."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Well organized. A lot of details led to a great experience

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being able to hold a baby lamb and watching the dog round up those sheep."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first tour with Rick Steves' Tours and I enjoyed Ireland as much as I thought I would. The country side is beautiful and serene and the Irish people were welcoming and fun to be around. My hotel rooms were clean and the beds were comfortable. Our bus driver was excellent and everyone loved him. Our tour guide Paul was so knowledgeable, kind, funny and could always come up with a good story. I was very impressed with my tour and hope to take another tour in the future.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the quick response our tour guide Paul had in dealing with one of our "own" taking a tumble and hitting his head on a group walk was my "wow" moment. Paul's handling of the emergency was very professional and thank goodness due to the care our injured man received he made a very good recovery. I felt we were all in good hands for the remainder of our tour in seeing Paul in action."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Almost every day, there was something memorable and new. Lodgings met or exceeded our expectations. Events were well planned and presented. It did not feel like we took a bus completely around Ireland, as stops and event were well timed to achieve that.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many great moments/memories throughout the tour. I would not single out one as significantly better than the others."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I was happy to experience the Irish people, to explore Irish history and to see so many breathtaking sites.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Listening to the private music session with Matt Griffin and Teresa Horgan. To listen to the reels, jigs and ballads was to listen to the soul of the culture."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

This was my second Best of Ireland tour so there weren't the 'surprises' of a first time. Ireland remains beautiful with its green- and blue-scapes, friendly and helpful people, and rich history. I got Covid just over half way through... I was disappointed with a group of 4 who resisted the Guide's directives about mask use and their general attitude toward Covid precautions.

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I was excited to see more of Ireland than my previous trip in 2008 and the sights did not disappoint! I expected more from a Rick Steves tour since our family has read his books and followed his itineraries for more than 2 decades. I was extremely disappointed in the handling of Covid. I do not think people were treated well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Sea Safari we booked on our own in Dingle."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The 1st 8 days were glorious! Just what I expected from a Rick Steves Europe tour. Our guide, Paul, was friendly, knowledgeable, funny, helpful -- an experienced guide who made everyone feel welcome & comfortable. The bus & driver Alan could not have been better. Our stops/hotels/meals were great. And then I tested positive for Covid. Bye Bye, tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In Kinsale I walked from Fort Charles back to town & had at the opportunity to take pictures slowly. I met a man with a dog, Terry & Countess; he liked the pictures I took of them. We've emailed a few times & call ourselves penpals. The Sheep dog demo ranks up there also. It's hard to say what is the best as I love all the stops, food, guides, sights. The history is a bit overwhelming but now I feel i have a foundation to make more of a study of Irish history."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a very good time on this tour with only minor problems that cropped up. The tour's itinerary was full and the pace was excellent - not a day went by where we felt we could have packed in more. Our guide was also excellent, being a good shepherd, knowledgeable and charming. Accommodations were fine. The bus was comfortable although did not have a sufficient filtering system to prevent covid-19 exposure, resulting in at least 9 tour members having to drop out early.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to say one favorite. Wonderfully scenery and dramatic sites."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour Guide was exceptional with his onboard bus dialogue interjecting humor to keep us interested in the historical i sites that he shared along the way throughout the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The realization of what “The Troubles” really were about."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was absolutely incredible. We learned and saw many amazing sights. I felt like the whole tour covered every place that I would have wanted to see and didn’t miss anything.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have never been on a tour before so I wasn’t sure that it would be a good fit. It turned out to be a great decision. It went smoothly and everyone on the tour was super nice. I think everyday had a wow moment for me. The people in Ireland are great storytellers and they welcome travelers. I love their phrases and words they use. Our guide, Lynn, was fun and very knowledgeable and we had a lot of craic! Ha!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From day one of the tour I felt we were being take care of with every minor detail thought out. Such a terrific experience for my husband and I to not have to worry about all the planning or logistics involved in a 14 day European vacation. Our tour guide Lynn put as such ease with her wonderful personality and charm!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The absolute ease and flow of how well organized each day was timed so well with just the right amount of activities and gorgeous views along the way."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We were impressed with the general quality of the hotels, the outstanding tour guide and bus driver, all we learned and saw about Irish history, the friendliness and compatibility of our group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Standing on the cliffs of Moher, and thinking about the number of centuries people have been coming to this remote place and claiming it for their own. Dun Aengus and Inishmore of the Aran Islands because of its uniqueness. The Titanic museum was a wonderful visit for us."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The guide and bus driver were a terrific combination that had worked together prior to our trip. The pace and the time we spent in each location was perfect. The restaurant choices for group meals were absolutely delicious. The hotels were right in the heart of the action in every city we stayed, making easy access to the local culture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our favorite “wow” moment was the evening we spent at Dalton’s Pub in Kinsale. At 9pm the Charmers came in and sat in the middle of the establishment, and played upbeat authentic Irish pub music, with three concertinas, a percussionist, a guitar player and two singers. A 96 year old local lady sang “Danny Boy”, acapella for the crowd. A different local lady read the poem, “Tiger, Tiger Burining Bright, and a local man sang two traditional Irish ballads. We’ll never forget that night"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved everything to a degree, organizationally it was very well planned and executed, Lynn our tour guide was just wonderful Stephen the coach driver was awesome and we had a great fun tour group!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Falconry"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Lynn is a wonderful team leader, if not the best, in the top five!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Biking the Dingle Peninsula"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had high expectations for another great Rick Steves tour and this experience did not disappoint! We could not have asked for a better group of travelers. Our guide, Lynn, was an absolute fantastic wealth of Irish knowledge! She made the experience educational, personal, and fun! Also, I am pretty sure we had the best and most professional driver (Steven) in Ireland, if not in the world! :)

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Heading to Inis Mor and then hiking up to Dun Aengus to peer out over the sheer sea cliff!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great people, and felt like we saw the highlights of Ireland. There was time to enjoy the pubs and the people as well as some quiet time when needed. OK when was available for suggestions on places to eat and did a good job, including some history, some local color, and locks of expertise.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment was probably the people on our tour and the people we met. The evening in Foxy John’s Pub/hardware store was the one that was the most fun. Ireland was full of friendly people that welcomed you to sing along, to listen or to just share in fellowship. We met them mostly at the pubs, but were welcomed wherever we went."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

we had a great group of travelers, all of us got along well and we had plenty of opportunity to bond and talk to each person at the group dinners. Our guide, Lynn, was excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the cliffs of Moher on a clear, but windy, day. We heard from several locals how lucky we were to get a clear view."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Maybe it's the"No Grumps" policy or the ability to choose your free time or maybe something else altogether but a RS Tour is special. This was my 8th, and counting, tour and without exception they are a reflection of the guy whose name is on the door. This tour was no exception.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking into any Pub and within 5-min. or less being involved in conversation with the locals."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well planned

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Enjoying trad music in the pubs"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, this tour was one of the best we have been on and it is our 8th RS Tour. Our guide Pascal and driver Paul were excellent. The places visited and scenery were exceptional. Ireland is exceptionally beautiful and the Irish people are the most friendly, genuine, gracious, and welcoming that we have experienced in all our travels. We learned so much about Irelands history, the people, their passions for freedom, their love of music, and their culture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This is difficult to answer as there were so many WOWs: the overall beauty of the scenery, the people and music; the sheep dog demonstration—the skill of the dogs to bring in all of the sheep together and holding a lamb; the falconry school—experiencing a hawk flying down from the trees onto your outstretched arm; the Titanic Museum—quite moving, and then to have a local guide whose great grandfather who died on the Titanic."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wow where do I start, the tour exceeded my expectations in every area. I guess the word would be spectacular

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Everything was a wow moment but if I had to pick it would be the giants causeway and coastline"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I finished the tour with better understanding of the history of Ireland, the warm hospitality of Ireland's people, and the beauty of its landscape. Pascale Fitzpatrick, our guide, was a talented storyteller. I knew that every day we would be engaged and amused by his narrative. His tips were always useful. Paul, our bus driver, maneuvered us through some challenging terrain. The local guides were knowledgeable and, for the most part, engaging. My enjoyment was enhanced by beating crowds.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giant's Causeway was a unique wonder with its hexagonal stones. It deserves its designation as a World Heritage Site. Climbing the mountain and the steps provided an incredible, unobscured view of the lovely landscape of the cliffs. I enjoyed the story of Fiann McCool and searching for the landmarks he left."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour was great. Everything ran on time and was well organized. The various activities were fun and informative. Sadly my husband caught Covid at the end our trip and we had to leave the tour just before it ended. Overall we still had a really good experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The WOW moment was our visit to the Ireland School of Falconry at Ashford Castle. Our group actually was allowed to “fly” the Harris Hawk. It was magnificent watching the hawk circle and return to the arm of the tour member! On top of that, the Castle grounds were absolutely beautiful and all this fun took place in a fairyland of blossoms!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Pascal, our guide,and Paul our driver, were exceptional and made our trip fabulous. The history, local stories, folklore, and personal stories that Pascal shared were so interesting! The long bus rides were so enjoyable because of this and the wonderful Irish music that was played during quiet times. The group dinners were great and really helped us to get to know our fellow travellers. All of those meals were delicious and much appreciated! The planned activities were all a lot of fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giants Causeway and the hike up the trail to the top of the cliffs! On a gorgeous clear, sunny day! The trip to Aran Island and the hike to Dun Aengus. How well organized the whole tour was! It was amazing! So we’ll planned and detailed!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great time. Well organized tour. Pascal terrific. A number of Times he had our bus arriving 1st at various sites ie Giants Causeway.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Interacting with animals a visit to ship farm( ie holding baby lamb) and falcon school in Cong. Hiking in Giants Causeway."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great tour to get a feel for Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Driving through the countryside in the northwest corner of the island. I would have liked to spend more time there. Also, the burren was amazing space. And, I LOVED the hike and the cliffs at Dun Aengus on Inishmore."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent. Tour guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. Transportation and lodgings were excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The entire tour was a wow moment. I especially liked the history provided by the tour guide which supplemented the history provide by the many sites we visited."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Educational, fun, great people, yummy food, excellent value, nice accommodations!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There was a WOW moment every day but here's on of my top ones: Walking through the gardens at Ashford Castle, Cong, with a 5 year old female Harris Hawk, "Putog" (black pudding in Gaelic). Her trainer, and our guide, was terrific!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was everything & more than I had hoped for. The planning to get us to the places we wanted to see was so well done. Our tour guide & the guides at our various stops provided such interesting information & great stories.! The extra experiences like hawk walks, music, sheep herding, etc.were such fun! I felt we had been well prepared for what to expect as far as activity level, how to pack, & understood we would have independence but we're very much functioning as a group which was successful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I felt like the tour was filled with "wow" moments! Looking out over the Cliffs of Moher; the unique rocky beauty of "the Burren & Aran Islands; hiking at Giant's Causeway ; having our own music performance in Dingle & then Irish dancing in Belfast. I did not have any particular expectations for the Titanic Museum but it was so interesting. It also became a "Wow"!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded all of our expectations/ It was fun, informative, wee-conducted

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beautiful land and people"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Perfect blend of comprehensive immersion in Irish history, vistas and self exploration. Declan is the man! Best Irish tour guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Wow? The Peace Wall in Belfast is a modern day Berlin Wall."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a great tour with a great guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Riding through Derry, (Londonderry) and viewing all the murals from the troubles. Standing across from Sinn Fein Headquarters and realizing how much history had passed and viewing the Peace wall in Belfast."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

While I have travelled abroad, I have never gone with a tour group. The Steves' tour to Ireland was an excellent introduction to the emerald island.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our tour guide made the entire trip a "wow" moment. Whether on the bus telling us stories and histories of Ireland to being in a pub one evening and asked to sing a song with the musicians that evening. Ireland is enchanted, but the guide made it especial as he shared his love for his country."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I have been on a couple tours in other countries with other companies- the others were good but this was the best experience of the three.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Rock of Cashel and other archological sites."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

There were unusual activities (sheep herder training and the hawk flying activity) which I enjoyed very much although I didn't think I would like it as much as I did when I read about it on the agenda. I also enjoyed the variety of places we went and learned much about the history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The scenery and expertise of the bus driver. I certainly wouldn't feel that comfortable driving on some of the roads we went on."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

So glad I did the 14 day tour which enabled me to see the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Such a variety of landscapes, cities, and towns, political and cultural aspects, music and poetry and literature. The tour gave me a great glimpse of the entire island.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"5 wow moments. 1. Looking over the cliffs at Dun Aengus fort on Inishmore on the Aran islands. 2. Slea Head drive and Dingle Town. 3. Giants Causeway. 4. Holding a hawk at the school of falconry at Ashford Castle. 5. Watching the border collies round up sheep at Kissale Farm."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was the trip of a lifetime! I got to see so much of Ireland and learn so much of its history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Standing at the cliff on Inishmore was WOW!!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I enjoyed my tour. The schedule was well organized and our guide Lynn did a great job.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Several wow moments. One was watching the National Irish Dance Champion perform in the bar across the street from our hotel in Dingle."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I really enjoyed how engaged everyone in the was, not just with the sights & adventures, but also with each other.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, & Blasket Islands the vast, stunning, windswept, & desolate beauty was what I came to see!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As I have come to expect from RS tours, very well organized with excellent guide and coach driver, interesting hotels and great balance of activities and free time. Most importantly no visits to tourist traps that provide kickbacks to the guides and drivers and overcharge for the goods they offer.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For the first time on 3 RS tours I have a definite "wow" moment. The visit to the Falconry School was a fantastic experience. Not just personally to have a hawk land on and take off from my arm, but for the expressions of delight and wonder that the other members of the group expressed. This is a must keep visit on the Ireland tours!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I greatly enjoyed the entire tour and learned so much from our guide Lynn and the other local guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The jail outside Dublin and the story of the Easter Rising and the patriots. The song Grace still is echoing through my mind."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything from our full time guide,our regional guides, our bus driver, our accommodations, to the tour itenary--EXCEPTIONAL!! We've been on many European tours--self guided and otherwise and our recent Rick Steves' Ireland tour ranks number one!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Falconry stop was "wow" and Atlantic cliffs breathtaking!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 9th RS tour. As with the others it was well planned as to highlight the beauty of Ireland. , the warm people, rich history (both good and troublesome).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many “wow” moments. Rock of Cashel, Wild Atlantic Way, Falcon experience at Ashford Castle, Aran Islands. Painful WoW moments were Kilmainham Gaol and the walls in Derry and Belfast."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I enjoyed the tour very much. This was our 5th RS tour and probably the 2nd best behind the Best of Italy. The locations were great, but our tour guide, Lolly, was excellent and is the primary reason for the outstanding tour. She was very knowable on the Irish history, witty, fun, a great story teller and super organized. Her leadership, historical/cultural knowledge and communication skills made each location much more interesting. RS's format for the Ireland tour is very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"On this trip, there was not a single moment significantly "wow" above all others. There were many wows. I'll name the top three: The ride around the Dingle Peninsula, walking around on those bizarre basalt formations at the Giant's Causeway, watching 5-times Word Champion Irish dancer, David Geaney, perform at the Dingle Pub"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We experienced excellence all around, including the choice of attractions, the schedule, our guide and driver, as well wonderful trip mates! We felt our expectations were exceeded. The countryside was beautiful, the history rich and interesting and we definitely had many opportunities to experience Irish culture. We have highly recommended Rick Steves as a tour company and felt very fortunate to have had Lolly Spence as our guide. This was our first Rick Steves tour as well as group tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My Wow moment was the Slea Head Drive Day and the Blasket Island Center. I loved reading all the personal accounts and imagining what life on the lsland was like."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Titanic museum, dingle peninsula"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was so much fun. It was full of things to do and places to see. There was enough free time to do your own thing. The food was amazing. It was a great experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway were spectacular, but the ocean walk around Portrush was my favorite. It wasn’t a group event and done on our own time, but it was so beautiful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was everything and more than I expected.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The gorgeous scenery on the Antrim coast."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was great. Trip and activities well planned. Bus was great. Food and hotels were outstanding. The cultural experience was comprehensive. Our tour guide, Lolly was incredible.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Mother, if I had to pick one. I felt like I had a wow moment every day."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ireland was our fifth Rick Steves tour and it did not disappoint! What a wonderful way to visit this beautiful country and learn so much about its fascinating history, amazing culture and the friendly Irish people. All of the towns we visited were such a delight. The drive in between each was spectacular and our driver Stephen was fantastic. Lolly, our guide, was the best! She’s smart and witty and kept us entertained with the right mix of her vast knowledge of Irish history, music and folklore.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This entire tour was a “wow” for me from the start. Seeing, experiencing, tasting Ireland was a “wow”. Watching 5-time World Champion David Geaney perform at the Dingle Pub was a “wow”. Drinking Irish coffee at Kehoes Pub in Dublin was a “wow”. Staying in Dingle at Castlewood House and enjoying their wonderful porridge was a “wow”. However, I think the day along the Antrim Coast was my favorite “wow” moment. The Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway were both an exceptional “wow” for me."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved to learn the history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This tour visits the most important sights is Ireland. Too many wow moments!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Lolly made this an incredible experience. Her knowledge of Irish history and her sense of humor made this a very enjoyable adventure.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the sheep dogs rounding up the sheep! I’m a got lover so to see these dog at work was fantastic."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well-planned, our guide (Lolly) was awesome, our driver (Stephen) navigated superbly, fellow travelers were friendly, and Ireland was more beautiful than published photos. We came away with a much deeper appreciation of the Irish people and their land, culture, history, and political issues. The mixture of perspectives provided by our guide, local guides, and the sites visited provided both broad and deep insights. This was our first Rick Steves Tour; we look forward to another.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giant's Causeway captured the essence of all that was wonderful in Ireland: the scenery, the land, the cliffs, the wind, the green hills, the rolling pastures, the endless ocean, the wild waves. And along the paths, everyone seemed enthralled."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ireland is a beautiful country with wonderful warm people, great food, music, stories and culture. Our Guide Lolly captured and share the essence of this wonderful country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning the history of this country, the resilience of it people, the impact of it’s invaders, especially the “English” on it society in the past and still today. Lolly expertly intertwined tales with the history as we circled the island."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Had a fantastic time. The tour was well organized and expertly designed

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I would say the Rock of Cashel castle."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour exceeded expectations, we always value the educational aspect of the commentary. The opportunity to meet other tour members from all over the US is always a highlight especially since everyone is kind, caring and fun to travel with. We appreciated the expertise of the guide and the way the days were organized to avoid endless bus time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ashford Castle and the chance to learn to work with the hawk. Group dinners were always very enjoyable and the menu options were excellent."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was outstanding! Our guide, Susie, was excellent! She has a great personality, and was extremely knowledgeable and articulate in conveying the history of Ireland, and she loves her country. Each day was an adventure for us and we had a wonderful time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many things come to mind, but I have two moments in particular that I will never forget. The Falconry School in Cong was something I never expected. To have the opportunity to have a hawk fly off and then fly back to your gloved arm was amazing! My second wow moment was standing outside of the Titanic museum at the slipway in Belfast, and listening to Susie relate the story of her great grandfather who was on the Titanic and did not survive was an emotional experience. She was very eloquent."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves Tour and I enjoyed every minute. Meeting new people, new places, getting rained on, sampling Whiskey, touring Guinness Storehouse, beautiful landscapes, Castles, Forts, Prisons, Stainless Windows in Churchs, visiting an Owl and watched a Falcon fly then land on my arm. Susie is a fantastic guide, Martin an experienced and friendly driver. All the guides were great. Traveling as a single I was welcomed into the group and never felt left out!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My WOW moment would be the Town Of Dingle. Experienced Dingle Food Festival with bands performing in the streets, food, wine and whiskey tasting, Took a hike to the Lighthouse on the coast, people swimming in Dingle Bay, watched etching demonstration at Dingle Crystals factory. So many more experiences, all of them had their WOW Moments."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Ireland trip was fantastic. Great people who are interesting, interested, kind, and fun take Rick Steves trips. As a solo traveler, I was embraced by the entire group. The guides at each of the sites and towns are passionate, brilliant individuals, happy to share their stories. We learned about Ireland's history as we traveled through this beautiful country. Our visits allowed us to connect with the culture and people of the land.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giant's Causeway was the coolest thing I have ever seen. Hearing our guide, Suzie's personal Titanic story had many of us in tears. It was amazing to have such a knowledgeable, experienced guide lead on us on our journey. The Dublin Guide Donnel was amazing and passionate as he shard Irish History. Barry in Kinsale was captivating. The visit to the school of falconry which afforded us all with the opportunity to have a hawk land on our hands was a once in a lifetime experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From the circle of introduction's to the last evening dinner together, our guide SUSIE and the entire tour group melded and we all felt we were saying goodbye to new dear friends. That’s pretty amazing for 28 strangers in one to become friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The dinners together were always fun, delish and enlightening. In fact what a WONDERFUL and most welcome surprise we encountered at our home airport when 2 others from our tour, walked up and said, “Hi guys!”"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour provided a wonderful combination of experiences exposing us to culture, history, music, and nature. It was an incredible experience that we often reflect on.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our “wow” moment was our wonderful guide, Susie, standing in front of the Titanic memorial with names of those lost in the sinking of the great ship behind her - including her great grandfather. She was holding two 1912 pennies that her great-grandfather, who was lost in the sinking, gave to her grandfather who was a little boy. He was told not to spend them until his father returned and he never did."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Every day exposed us to something new and the pace was just right. I never felt it was too strenuous! Spending time in cities as well as small villages gave us more in-depth exposure to Ireland’s beauty, political struggles, the famine and immigration effects and the resiliency of the Irish people. But most of all management of our activities, the beautiful countryside, the Irish people and fellow travelers made the trip special for us. Our tour guide, Susie, a proud Irish woman, was great!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My WOW moments were many: The rugged coastlines, castle ruins and green fields separated by stone fences and speckled with sheep were breathtaking. The Book of Kells and Giant’s Causeway were experiences we won’t forget. But the hands-on experiences (falcon arm landings, learning to make Irish coffee, whiskey tasting, finding Irish music venues, speaking with the locals and group dinners were what made this tour so special. Smiles on our faces every day!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a real fun group. Susie was a wonderful leader and led with grace, humor and a depth of knowledge of history, culture and a great use of local guides. The trip was well broken up each day, but filled with interesting stops, great meals and many opportunities for individual explorations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our favorite wild moment came in Dingle when my wife asked Susie if she knew where the Dingle Lighthouse was. She has some family history of caretaker of the lighthouse in the 1880s. Susie just lit up and said not only do I know where it is but I'll show you how to get there and make sure we have time to get you there. We were able to walk there from our hotel and several other guests joined us and we're just as thrilled as we were to be able to step back 160 years and enjoy a piece of our histo"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was fantastic! I loved Ireland and feel I took a trip of a lifetime. This was my first Rick Steves tour and I couldn't be happier. What a beautiful country--the people, the beauty, the sightseeing... Our guide, Susie was excellent--fun and very knowledgeable! We learned a lot about Ireland's history as we toured and had excellent tour guides in various settings all along the way. It was well organized. The group of people were so great and we had a lot of fun together.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's hard to choose a favorite. There were so many--the music, cottage pie, the fantastic walking tour in Dublin, Kinsale, Charles Fort, numerous castles and especially Dingle. (Music/food/Dingle Crystal tour/beautiful town on the water) Other major highlights: Giants Causeway, Cliffs of Moher and Portrush were stunning. At the top of my list was hearing our guide Susie talk about her personal family story about the Titanic. It was extremely moving. The Titanic Museum in Belfast is a must see."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was beyond my expectations. Beautiful country, great food and music and excellent tour guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me, I enjoyed the music which was organized by our tour leader."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great tour. My first time touring, and I see now that the cultural and historical perspectives provided by our tour guide and local guides are absolutely invaluable. Although there is still so much more to learn and understand about Ireland, I feel like I received a good foundation for understanding Ireland on the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Moher were my “wow” moment, even though the whole tour was great. I also especially enjoyed breakfasts and group meals as they provided an opportunity to chat with and get to know others on the trip. AND the hotel that offered Bailey’s for your porridge was definitely memorable!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Wonderful accommodations; great knowledgeable and fun guide; opportunities for private entertainment; great local guides; transportation driver and bus always felt safe and comfortable,

Favorite "WOW" moment

"our 'day off from our vacation" midway through; we went to the top of the beacon hill in Dingle. Having said that, we had very positive experiences every day."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide, driver and itinerary… of course, would have loved more time in every stop but especially in Cong and Westport. Portrush in Autumn seemed a bit depressing and empty but I understand the need for a stop along the Antrim coast. Perhaps a more charming small town off season would be a better choice.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Cliffs of Moher and Inishmor were spectacular stops. Loved all the drives along the coast and in Connemara."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Excellent guides

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

nice fellow travelers, good tour guides, went to places I’ve dreamed of

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our tour guide, Sam can sing, his beautiful singing highlights the sites and stories he shared with us"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide , Terrific group of fellow travelers . Beautiful country with a love of music and dance , and a pint!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Inishmore"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The walking tours of Dublin, Kinsale, Dingle and Derry were truly outstanding. The Slea Head Drive, Inishmore with Dun Aengus fort, Ireland School of Falconry and Cliff Walk at Giant's Causeway were fantastic. Best evening was Irish Dancing performance by 5 time world champion David Geaney at the Dingle Pub, followed by Folk Concert at St. James Church next door. Be sure to get dinner reservations at Davy Byrnes in Dublin, Fishy Fishy in Kinsale and Out of the Blue Seafood in Dingle.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our favorite day was the free day in Dingle. Casual to competitive golfers will totally enjoy the Pitch & Putt golf course west of town (especially close if the tour stays at Heaton's Guesthouse & Castlewood House), 10 euros for 18 holes or more, we played 72 holes in about 3-4 hours. Back to town to see Henry Clarke stain glass windows at St. Mary's church, then dinner at Out of the Blue Seafood, which is the absolute must for this tour, get reservations, get the highest priced item on menu."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had the BEST guide, Paul, the best tour members and the most fun!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Donal, who gave an outstanding tour about Irish history in Dublin. He was a last minute substitute and we were the lucky ones to hear his enthusiastic information plus he has a booming voice. Hire this man for RS tours in the future!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great, as always

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dun Angus Cliffs"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first group tour, although we have traveled independently a lot. I was very impressed. It was well organized. A nice balance of time on our own and time with the group. I loved having the tours of various sites organized for us and hotels and many meals already arranged. A+ in my mind!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I suppose for me it wasn't a single "wow", but rather a pervasive wonderment at Ireland, it's people, history and the wild beauty of the country."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fantastic tour experience and would hardly change a thing. Luckily, we had very good weather, a very fun, cohesive group and the itinerary seemed very well planned. Our guide, Paul, brought the humor and magic of Ireland alive while providing interesting history and information for each sight and town. He was helpful, fun and responsive to any group need. It was clear he loves his home country, knows how to lead a group and made us feel safe and comfortable during our travels.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved our group dinner in Dingle and private music concert after dinner. I also loved our tour of Trinity College (Book of Kells) and our walking tour for Dublin - our guide was excellent."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I enjoyed everything about the tour. The Irish countryside was beautiful. Our guide, Paul, was well-versed on the history but also very entertaining with his humor and "singing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great group of fellow travelers and the cooperative weather enhanced everything.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"After the farewell dinner we all joined together in the hotel lounge to reminisce, laugh, praise our tour guide, and relive our wow moments along the way. Truly a tearful but happy chance to say goodbye to new friends like family."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hike to the Giant’s Causeway."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A great tour experience. The group as a whole was very enthusiastic which made the trip more enjoyable. There were several events that I was not particularly interested in, but the groups enthusiasm made it even those events more enjoyable for me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giants Causeway was spectacular plus the strong wind made it even more exciting."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Guiness castle, Trinity College, Dingle"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, LOVE Rick Steve's - from the pre-tour information and updates, our awesome guide Paul, the other tour members, our itinerary, our hotels, the food, and all the learning, as well as individual support in the event of Covid - everything is done thoughtfully and implemented thoroughly. Cannot beat it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Standing on the headlands above the Giants Causeway and being blown about by the powerful winds, the walk down to causeway, and walking about on the causeway. Nature is so amazing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

After waiting 2 pandemic years to finally go on this RS Ireland tour, it was an amazing experience -- our incredible guide, Lolly, the varied cities & towns, the beautiful countryside, the excellent local guides, our centrally located hotels, great group meals, the camaraderie of our group, and the weather! The sun was out most days! The cloud of possibly getting Covid & getting cut from the tour did put a damper on thoroughly enjoying the pub culture but there's more to Ireland than pubs!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" was 14 days long -- our guide, Lolly! This was my 5th RS tour over a span of 11 years & all of the guides have been excellent. But Lolly was the absolute best! Her knowledge of Irish history, poets & writers & folklore, castles & kings & customs, the Celtic language, the influences of the conquerors who crossed the sea -- it was all relayed in her story-telling way that made it both fascinating & often funny. We were thoroughly entertained & charmed! Lolly was the "Wow"."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had a wonderful tour with a fantastic guide (Lolly), a fun group of travelers, a thoughtful and varied itinerary well balanced between structured and free time, great food, and miraculously good weather.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The falconry school experience stands out as a "wow" moment due to how unique it was. But all the "experiences" -- watching the sheep dogs work, seeing a sheep shearing, seeing a crystal cutting, going to an Irish music concert -- were all memorable."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had never been to Ireland before - so everything was new. Lolly taught us so much about Ireland and helped us to experience so much more

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our visit to the Aran Islands"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide, Lolly, was what made the tour outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Aran Islands"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 2nd RS tour and it exceeded my expectations. I knew I was going to enjoy it, but with Lolly as our guide it made the tour experience so much more. Her knowledge of all things Irish - history, people, literature, culture, food, music, fashion, jokes - was inspirational and entertaining. I found her personal stories of her family and growing up in Northern Ireland heartwarming. Those are elements you don’t get if you travel on your own. Plus our group and driver Martin were awesome!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Falconry School. I appreciated the Falconer telling me to not look at the bait (a mouse body part) he put in my glove so that the hawk flies to you."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wunnerful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to count. The "off the bus" events even more enjoyable than the "on the bus" times."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent. I was kinda reluctant to travel on a tour- I have traveled a lot but never this way. It was my elderly dad’s idea. I can just say that Lolly made it a great experience. To me, her job seems as hard as herding bees. Keeping every person’s personality in mind but also keeping us all together as a group and engaged. Lolly did that with extreme competence and grace. The whole 2 weeks were interesting and perfectly paced w group time and solo time. She chose everything perfectly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giant’s Causeway. Far and Away the best day of the tour. From start to finish. Lolly got us an early start time so we had it to ourselves. Ahhhmazing and so special!! Then the castle after was fantastic."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything about the tour was beautifully organized, efficient, timely, professional and very friendly. Our guide, Lolly, was extraordinary, and our driver, Martin, was terrific.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The highlight of the trip, for me, was the Irish music in the church in Dingle. The Irish pipes moved me to tears."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We enjoyed our trip and travel companions on this, our first RS trip. You would be hard pressed to find a better tour guide than our Lolly. She has the right amount of herding instinct, knowledge, personality to handle 28 (20 after COVID hit) people. We had a blast and enjoyed meeting and making new friends. This trip had the right amount of touring and free time for our liking.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giant's Causeway - we got the early 9am slot and had almost the entire place to ourselves for about a half hour, before the other tours started to show up. Lolly related the Irish tale of Finn to us on the way there. After that, Lolly took us on a detour down the Northern Ireland Coastline through the Glens instead of taking the motorway to Belfast. A gorgeous day with some of the most beautiful coastline we have seen which would not have been possible without Lolly's foresight."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved everything about this tour, which is saying a lot when you consider that we had drop out of the tour at the end of the 1st week. That was when I tested positive for Covid-19 in Dingle of County Kerry. We would have loved to finish the tour because we were having a great time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Watching the trained dogs herd sheep. They loved doing the work and the other dogs obviously wanted to join in (only 1 dog works/herds at a time)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was extremely well organized. Our guide (Lolly) combined her amazing knowledge of Irish history and lore, with her ability to communicate so effectively and to do so on a personal level. The hotels we stayed out were all good and centrally located in the towns/cities in which we stayed overnight. Their was a nice balance of planned activities and free time. The bottom line is that we toured Ireland with a fantastic guide, a great group of fellow travelers, on a great tour bus.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Their was several. Hiking the Giants Causeway and the day on the Aran Islands was special. I loved Kinsale and Dingle. The story of the Blasket Islands was very interesting. The Emigration Museum in Dublin was a must visit for people with ancestors that emigrated from Ireland. The beautiful landscape throughout Ireland offered a number of wow moments"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour! Felt like I really saw Ireland. Lolly our tour guide made the trip for us and contributed greatly to the comeraderie among the group . Her passion for Ireland was very contagious”.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Enjoyed hiking at the “Giant Causeway”."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I wasn't prepared for the spell that Ireland cast over me. I have been told by many RS vets that Ireland was their favorite tour and now I understand. Not the highest mountains nor the grandest cathedrals. Not the most delectable cuisine nor the oldest ruins. Just warm, genuine people who all know how to tell a story, music that moves your soul, seascapes that transport, colorful villages that charm and more shades of green than the rest of the world combined.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My 4th RS tour of 2022 and the merriest band of travelers. My "wow" was not a moment, but just getting to spend every day with such a great group of people led by our very own Pied Piper, Lolly Spence."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a lovely trip, full of beautiful sights/sites and learning. My only problem with all RS tours is the jam-packed itinerary. I love seeing all the places, and always wish we had at least a day longer at each place to fully ground in the experience. I get exhausted, over-stimulated, and it all starts to run together! Only now can I stop and & recall (thru photos) what actually touched me deeply. Some things I barely recall. How about a tour for introverts & those who like more time?

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many! The most unique moment was at the Falconry and having a hawk land on my arm! A true "value-added" experience!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was very well orchestrated. We had a great time making new friends and seeing a wide variety of interesting sights. I especially appreciated the pre tour planning assistance. I felt very prepared and conformable with our first international trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's a little hard to pick one but Dunluce Castle rises to the top of my favorites. An amazing castle in a beautiful setting."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was one of the best tours I've taken. I've followed Rick's books for years but this was the first of his tours I've taken. The tour guide was exceptional and the group was just the right size. Very enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cliffs of Moher"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was great. I can't imagine having to make lodging, transportation, and event admission arrangements. The tour took all the stress out of the trip. The tour leader was very personable and informative. He set us up with background details that helped when hearing the guides at the various stops.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to list! I enjoyed our lengthy stay in Dingle."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was an amazing experience. I had high expectations and the tour met them. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and excellent at conveying his thoughts. The group size was manageable and all were great traveling companions!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The breathtaking views at Dun Aengus castle! I had read about the Cliffs of Moher but the cliffs at Dun Aengus were a complete surprise!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was perfect! The food, the guide and bus driver, the stops, our hotels, and the weather!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the school of falconry, and that we each got a chance to have the falcon come to us to grab a bite!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had the best guide, Joe, who made our trip very memorable. We learned so much Ireland History and ate and drank many of the Irish specialties. The scenery was beautiful, so much more than expected. We would highly recommend the Ireland Tour to anyone. It was very active, but that helped us to see everything we needed to see.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All the beautiful landscape of Ireland, especially the Slea Head Tour. Also all the little Irish towns we passed through. They have so much charm and character."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

An amazing tour of some of Ireland’s largest cities and Ireland’s quaint countryside and small towns. A wonderful combination of guided experiences and time to explore ourselves!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giant’s Causeway was an incredible, natural structure that we were free to explore. I’ve never seen anything like it!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I gained a real feel for the history, culture, and beautiful scenery that makes up Ireland. Our guide, Joe, was great and our group became a “travel family” over the 2 weeks we were there.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The natural beauty of Cliffs of Moher, Dun Aonghasa, Aran Islands, and Giant's Causeway were all wow moments for me."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our exceptional guide Joe, skilled and friendly driver Mark, and the wonderful people on the tour made this an outstanding experience! Even the weather cooperated. Ireland is a beautiful place with a very interesting history and lovely people!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Although there were many wow moments, I have to admit the beauty of the Cliffs of Mohr and the interesting formations of the Giants Causeway were my favorite. I also really enjoyed walking the trails around Dingle."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was wonderful. We saw so much and did so much in such a short period of time. Declan was a great guide and he had set up some great guides through out the tour. I wish we had more time in Derry, it seemed short. The weather was great for most of the time but we did have some torrential down pours. It was nice to have the free time especially in Dingle. It was disappointing that we lost 10 people to Covid, that really sucked. We met some great people on the tour though.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The falconry school in Cong. That was truly magical. Flying the falcon was awesome. It turned out to be a great day overall"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Declan was amazing!!! He is very knowledgeable plus he sung for us more than once, recited poetry for us, very funny, very helpful. We were amazed every where we went people knew him by name and were happy to see him. He made our tour even more wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The views while driving down the coast, the views in Dingle ...oh my, did I say the views?!?!?"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We loved our guide, Declan. He was personable, funny and extremely knowledgeable. We also had a wonderful bus driver, Alan, who was friendly and a great driver. The length of the tour was great and the amount of time spent in each location was good. We really appreciated the varied scenery and activities. We had an unfortunate number of tour members (10 total, including my husband) who had to drop out along the way due to positive COVID tests-very disconcerting.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lots of Wow moments given the amazing coastline and scenery in Ireland, but my favorite was visiting the grounds of Ashford Castle and participating in the “Walks with Hawks”. The birds were truly majestic and as I read in the tour summary, interacting with them personally was a “bucket list item I didn’t know I had”."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was our first tour of any kind. We felt it was very well organized and we saw much more than we would have been able to do on our own. We appreciated the wonderful hotels and great breakfasts. We learned to ask for 'porridge' as it was not often seen but almost always in the kitchen and available. As mostly vegan (but flexible and realistic) we were able to have plenty of choices. The group dinners almost always had a vegetarian option. We will travel again on a RS tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"On our free day we hiked out beyond the lighthouse outside of Dingle. Breathtaking views."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved our guide Declan. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. He did an amazing job.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dingle Peninsula."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I had to drop out of the tour halfway through due to Covid, so my impressions are colored by that. Still, overall, I thought the tour was expertly organized and covered a lot of the history, culture and landscape of Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was the surprise musical performance at the Benner's Hotel on Thursday, September 8. The musicians were excellent, and this was the kind of experience I had hoped to have in Ireland. My second "wow" experience was the tour of the Blasket Island museum. What a beautiful building, what an incredible setting! I could have spent more time there. I found the story of the Blasket Islanders moving."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our group got along well and Declan was a delight

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle. The bus tour of the peninsula and the free day. Also loved the Aran Island trip"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a wonderful tour of Ireland, specially because I am 88 years old. I want Rick Steves possible older travelers to know that this tour was great. I used my cane and had no trouble getting around. I only had to sit out the hard parts of two walks.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Titanic Museum in Belfast."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Knowledgeable guide brought Ireland history to life. Bus life had its upside and downside.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Harry Clark stained glass windows in Dingle."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Really enjoyed tour ! People we met, both fellow travelers and the Irish we encountered, were wonderful. I was concerned with the myriad warnings about the activity level, that I would have difficulty keeping up, but not the case.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to chose one. Loved the Giants Causeway, the sheep herding, the Titanic museum, Trinity College, Dingle especially."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We saw the highlights of Ireland, but also got to do things we would never have experienced on our own. Our group was congenial, our tour guide, Susie, outstanding, the balance between group time and free time was just right, and we were in a country that knows how to make tea. What could be better?

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many...but one that wasn't on the itinerary was when our bus driver stopped in a Belfast neighborhood so we could visit a floral outpouring of love for Queen Elizabeth and pay our respects. Being in the Republic of Ireland when she died and then Northern Ireland gave us interesting perspectives on how the Queen and England are viewed in those two cultures...and why."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Made new friends, saw beautiful scenery, learned fascinating history of the country, and ate delicious food!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several "wow" moments...the archeology museum in Dublin, Book of Kells, and Kilmainham prison. Additionally, the beautiful green hillsides of Ireland continued to "wow" me throughout the trip!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a "grand" time, facilitated by Paul, our fabulous guide. The days were well paced. Hotels were central and charming, particularly Buswells in Dublin and Mrs. Benners in Dingle. Loved that our guide organized music and dancing performances for our group, as we were nervous about hanging out in pubs and risking Covid. The local guides provided meaningful connections to Irish history and culture. Favorites were Barry in Kinsale, Tim on the Slea Head drive, and Charlene in Derry.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Day 10 was especially memorable. We visited Cong, site of the The Quiet Man film, and location of a notable stained-glass window, flew hawks at the School of Falconry, drove through the beautiful Connemara countryside and the mountainous Doo Lough Valley, had a group lunch, heard a tragic account of local famine victims and the support of the Choctaw Nation, toasted with Baileys, bog jumped, stopped at a harrowing coffin ship sculpture, and learned how to make perfect Irish coffee in Westport."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had a fantastic time in Ireland! From the scenery to the music to the pubs to the people, it was all exceptional. I had a great time with Paul and Mark. Their north/south banter was very entertaining. Paul’s humor and love of music was right up my alley. I learned a lot about Ireland from him. It was interesting to have a guide from Belfast to hear about what it was like to be there during all the unrest.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"1 favorite? Impossible! Let’s see....there was the peace wall in Belfast, the causeway, the cliffs, the pubs, the music, the dancing, the sheep dogs, the titanic museum, the Harris hawks, the Dingle crystal demo, the history....all amazing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

11 out of 10 stars for Paul Corken, our tour guide. He did an outstanding job keeping things interesting during a few long bus drives. Thanks also to Mark the driver. Overall the itinerary and stops were very interesting. My only serious comment is that there wasn't enough time to really explore some of the most interesting places, but I realize that's the nature of a tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Can't limit it to just one. Simply being in Ireland was a high point. The trip to Inishmore, Dunluce Castle, the walking tours of Dublin, Kinsale, Derry and Belfast all rank high. And the pubs."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

In general I was amazed at the emerging picture I experienced of Ireland. I deeply appreciated the connection of Ireland to the world and to my world. I valued being able to take in the history, the land and the people from the structure and ease of the tour schedule, accommodations and experienced guide. Guide Paul was definitely the glue that held it all together with his knowledge, humor and kindness making so much of what is Ireland accessible.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Couched in the middle of our tour schedule and all that we saw and learned was “a day off” where we had suggestions for things to do with a day to follow our noses. I felt like Ireland was mine to discover with a base of knowledge that helped me see what I was experiencing. I went for a long walk along the shore and countryside with a Norman tower and lighthouse pulling me on. I knew what I was looking at from what I had learned and loved that independence to just be in Ireland."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well thought out. The organizations and stops on the tour worked well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite WOW moment was the various music options organized by Lolly. She had 2 excellent musicians come to the B&B in Dingle and especially the concert at the church. We were really looking forward to traditional Irish music but many of the Pubs were very crowded and we were not comfortable given the Covid situation"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was beyond anything we could have imagined. Our guide, Lolly brought the country of Ireland alive for all of us. From the history to the landscape to the music and local folklore, her passion for her country was felt by all.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too difficult to choose a landscape favorite as the entire country is of spectacular beauty. My WOW moment was watching the sheep herding dogs. From the skill of the herder and his whistle to the exuberances of the dogs wanting to herd and the sheering of the sheep resulting in one single fleece. An experience not seen every day."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ireland has been at the top of my list of places I wanted to see and it did not disappoint. I have heard about the vast shades of the green landscape but seeing it in person is so much beyond pictures. We had the best tour guide and bus driver in Lolly and Paul. I really enjoyed staying in privately owned hotels. The owners pampered us and gave us a taste of Irish hospitality. The local cuisine and all the fresh fish and seafood was wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ireland is such a beautiful country with its lush green pastures dotted with sheep. Each day I thought can today top yesterday and each day there was a new and exciting treasure. Driving and looking out the window to see the Ring of Kerry. the forests of Killarney National Park and the Cliffs of Moher was the wow moment. Then Lolly would have Paul pull the bus over and we took in the most amazing views."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had the best guide, great food, great weather and a really good traveling team. Given the need to be careful with Covid, it was a smashing success.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The spectacular coastline in both the Dingle Peninsula and the Antrim Coast. Simply gorgeous and geologically fascinating."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Honestly, I believe I had a golden experience. Our guide, Lolly, was amazing. I felt like I was totally immersed in the Irish culture in 14 days. I couldn't have had a better experience than I did.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved how I was wrapped up in the Irish culture from beginning to end. Irish people are kind, generous, loyal and gracious."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an awesome experience in Ireland with Lolly and our Rick Steves' tour group. It helped that the weather was very nice and that we got to see and experience many sights. The hotel accommodations were very nice as were the meals. We had enough time on our own and our guide was very helpful in suggesting things to do and how to get there.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The weather!! The Cliffs of Moher; Dun Aengus on Inishmore Island; learning to make Irish Coffee; touring castle ruins, I could go on and on."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour, and it exceeded my expectations. Our outstanding tour guide, the comaraderie among our tour group members, and the beautiful coastal regions we explored made this a very memorable experience. We completely lucked out with the weather, as it didn't rain until the very end of our tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's really hard to pick only one. I loved the drive along the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland and particularly enjoyed the hike along the top of the cliffs at the Giant's Causeway, with incredible views of the cliffs and ocean. I really enjoyed the drive along those very narrow, curvy roads through the Connemara countryside and particularly enjoyed our visit to the bog."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

excellent, Loly and paul were wonderful and safe, food was usually very good. The Vox sets work but the provided single earpiece. It too hard and hurt my ears in a few minutes. Please provide dual soft earpieces or advise the travelers to bring their own comfortable sets. Also the side tours by other guides were great

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Falcones"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything about it was wonderful, really. We loved the itinerary and our guide and the group members - we were very lucky with the weather but truly it was one of the best trips we have ever taken.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was very hopeful to see dolphins in Dingle and we saw many of them during a Dingle wildlife tour. It was a spectacular experience and I recommend it to everyone - even though it was during our free time, we would not have known to even try it if we were not on the tour and visiting Dingle. So awesome. I also really loved visiting the Giants Causeway - so amazing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour had it all. Music, poetry, beautiful landscapes, myths and legends. A great variety of experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two musicians and two dancers gave us a private performance at our hotel in Belfast. It was our own private River Dance experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Lots of high quality experiences. The tour was always interesting and informative. You could tell there was a lot of thought that went into your decisions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hanging my phone over a cliff to get a video of a lifetime."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Lolly was the best tour guide. She poured her heart and soul into her talks which she augmented with poetry and music. I love Ireland and that is due to Lolly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"After visiting the Giant’s Causeway and hiking up the steps, our bus took the coastal road to Belfast and the drive was breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Much thought was put into the organization and stops of the tour. It worked well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lolly"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was run flawlessly. Our Northern Irish guide Lynn had a great historical understanding and love of her country. She always gave us extra things such as bringing entertainment to our group in Dingle and Belfast plus giving us such great choices of meals on our group dinners! Lynn and our bus driver Allan made our two weeks very special and allowed us all to experience every moment of their beautiful country with love! This is our second Rick Steves tour and it did not disappoint!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many WOW moments- the Kissane Sheep Farm and the border collie herding skills, the whole Dingle experience, and the David Geaney dancing(which I had fun dancing in myself) plus the multitude of Irish music experiences! The beautiful town of Kinsale, visiting the Falconry School where Mel introduced us to Joyce the hawk and we each had a chance to receive this beautiful creature on our arm to feed! Most of all the spectacular scenery and being received by the friendliest people on earth!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very diverse and informative of the culture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The thought that some of the sites were over a 1000 years old."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic guide and hotels to stay at. This is our second tour and it is so interesting to be able to find a great group to travel with

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This is my second tour and it is always more than expected."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Lynn was great. She kept us all on time, and happy about it. She kept us informed and made each stop relevant. We had a good group. Food was always delicious, and not at all what we expected. Alan, our bus driver, was awesome. The whole experience was even better than we had imagined it would be. We did hit beautiful weather! Bad news: we caught Covid and had to leave the tour four days early. The hotel we stayed at took exceptional care of us - Clew Bay Hotel in Westport.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Flying the Harris hawk Joyce was amazing. We walked through Ashford Castle Estate to get to the Falconry School, so already we were in a different world. Mel, the falconer, was thorough in explaining how the birds work, and then we each got to call the hawk to us; and after she fed from our gloved hand, we sent her away. It was a surreal moment, in a beautiful movie-like setting, on a sunlit day with a happy group of people, engaging in the same experience. For a moment we were all kids playing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I learned so much about how life in Ireland from 3,000 BC to present day was impacted by outside forces. I came away with an understanding for how the Irish proudly embrace their roots and actively work to defend & preserve their culture.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Much more than I expected. Lots of attention to detail and we’ll planned out.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s hard to pick only one but probably the School of Falconry."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic; the itinerary was great and provided the right mix of planned activities with free time , and there were some outstanding planned activities.We learned a lot about the history, politics and culture of Ireland; it was great fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The visit to the Ireland School of Falconry and the experience of “flying” the Harris Hawk."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Amazing sights and history—and people! Pictures galore; people welcoming, generous, helpful, ready for a good laugh. Most of the guides—top notch! All of my best teachers have opened up large portions of the world. Such teachers have large minds and hearts, which pre-supposes an ability for “digging” into and under the surface of things, for making insightful connections. So it is with our tour guide, Lynne. The tour was full of teachings—and never had long hours of bus-time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"An abundance of great moments. Gwyneth rounding up the sheep. Joyce, up close & personal, landing & taking off. Scenery consistently beautiful & interesting. Learning about history & ancient structures. The two museums & the glass cutting. Great food and entertainment. The guides’ knowledge & humor—their insights! The whole coastline drive. Some fine outdoor exercise. A bus-load of enjoyable people—with an outstanding driver!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a grand time...saw so much...learned so much...ate so much...

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's hard to pick out one "wow" moment. The scenery was magnificent; from pastoral to dramatic. The history was enthralling. The people were gracious and friendly."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very well organized, and the guide was outstanding.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really enjoyed Kinsale."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fabulous visit to Ireland. Everything from the first moment to the last was tip top; well-organized, informative, a good balance of scheduled and free time and a companionable group of people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Exploring Dingle! We loved walking through the town, out to the edge of the harbor, enjoying great meals in town, and the amazing Heaton's Guesthouse. We were touched by the friendliness, hospitality, comfort and good food at the guesthouse. Dingle was truly the highlight of the trip for us."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Declan, as our tour guide, Steven, our driver, and all of the other guides along the way were excellent. Each guide was well informed and shared information in a very understandable manner. We both came home feeling like we had really got to know the history, culture, and people of Ireland

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We can't pick out one "wow" moment. There were "wow" moments throughout the tour. It seemed like we experienced "wow" moments at each stop of our tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a trip of a lifetime. We met so many wonderful people in Ireland. Our tour guide Declan was knowledgeable, fun, attentive and never seemed to tire of us. Our group was amazing and we all had a great time together. Can't wait for our next trip Rick Steves,

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Killary National Park - wish we could have spent time there rather than just riding through it."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Declan made the trip as has been for our previous Rick Steves' gides. And the local in-county guides are 5 star, too

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Meeting the other travelers on out trip"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip far exceeded my expectations. Pascal did a great job keeping us entertained and informed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"seeing the giants causeway"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I was very happy overall but there are areas for improvement.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The falconry experience was awesome!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved every minute of the tour. It was wonderful and exceeded all expectations

Favorite "WOW" moment

"very difficult question but truly enjoyed the Giant's Causeway"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is my 3rd Rick Steves tour and as always, the locations of the hotels/B & Bs made exploring the area easy. Our guide, Pascal was GREAT and our bus driver was equally impressive. The weather was much better than we expected!! Learned a lot about Ireland which corrected some misconceptions I had. Enjoyed the use of local guides to give a fuller picture of the site we were visiting.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite WOW moment was at the falconry at Ashford castle."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I really liked this tour. The tour guide was excellent and provided many extras I had not expected including extra group lunches, one extra group dinner, and musicians and dancers who performed just for our group. He also had many wonderful stories and knew all of the history of this very enchanting place.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The falconry experience at Ashcroft Castle with a chance to put on the glove and have the big hawk land on my arm and take the food in the glove. Also the two giant Irish Wolf Hounds on the grounds at the small bed and breakfast inns in Dingle. Very friendly and very Irish."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was so great to travel again. Our guide, Pascal, was delightful, informative and filled with Irish lore! We appreciated the Covid caution of mask wearing on the bus and didn’t find it to be an issue. The diversity of the countryside was truly a surprise as we looped around the coast.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"If I had to pick one place I’d probably pick the Giant’s Causeway as it was so unique. It was much smaller than I had imagined and also much more challenging to walk about; you had to pay attention. Second place would be the Falconry school - it was fascinating, too!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Ireland tour was everything I hope to get out of the tour. Pascal was knowledgeable, organized and hilarious. I would honestly take the Ireland tour again just to hear him tell stories. I would also give a shout out to Mark, our bus driver, who was more a magician. He took the bus to places it would seem impossible.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Ireland countryside was beautiful! I was especially impressed with the Giant Causeway."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 6th RS tour and once again the tour exceeded all of our expectations! Everything went smoothly. Our guide, Pascal, was exceptional. He's a great storyteller. We learned a lot about Irish history from him which, I admit, I had always found a bit confusing. The accommodations were very nice, and the group meals were well done. We've always enjoyed the bus rides on previous trips, and this was no exception. One of our favorite things about the RS tours are the local guides!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many on this trip, it's hard to choose. I would say the sheep dog demonstration probably tops our list. This was something we almost certainly wouldn't have done if we had been traveling on our own, and yet it proved to be an amazing experience! Next in line would have to be the falconry experience. Seeing a demonstration show is one thing, but actually being able to personally fly the bird was special!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our overall tour experience was outstanding. Our tour guide, Paul, is extraordinary. He is very knowledgable about the history, politics, and geography of Ireland as well as being funny and entertaining. We also appreciated the guides, many of whom were historians, that provided a lot of insight into the specific places we visited. We were pleased with the accommodations, particularly Heatons Guest House in Dingle. Visiting Ireland has been a lifelong dream, and we weren't disappointed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This is a difficult question because there were so many "wow" moments on the tour. We found the tours of Kilmainham Gaol, Kinsale, and Charles Fort fascinating. We both love history and learned so much on this trip. The sheep shearing, crystal cutting, and falcon demonstrations were great fun. The views of the Cliffs of Moher, and the Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle were breathtaking. Even the bus rides were delightful because of the picturesque scenery all along the chosen route."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Your was everything I expected. Well organized, excellent guide, nice hotels and great food. We hit all the highlights of Ireland but with the Rick Steves twist of many non-touristy sites and hotels

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Drives along the East coast…spectacular scenery"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had a great time! This was my first trip to Ireland but hopefully not my last. The Rick Steves 14 day tour was a great overview of both the Republic and Northern Ireland. The people, sights, experiences, lodging and meals were unforgettable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many “wow” moments that it’s hard to choose one. The “hawk walk” at Ashford Castle was my favorite experience. The Cliffs of Moher and the Inishmore trips were breathtaking. A real “wow” moment was in Dingle where we saw David Geaney, 5 times Irish World Champion, perform stunning Irish step dancing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide and driver, fun people in the group, excellent activities and accommodations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Burren walk, the Hawk walk, the walk from Charles Fort back to Kinsale, the Archeological museum in Dublin…."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ireland was spectacular. I truly enjoyed this trip. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and thankfully Covid passed us by. Although I hate having to wear masks on the bus , it was the right thing to do in order to protect everyone.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I still get excited thinking about the day we took the hawk walk and I got to hold and fly that beautiful animal. And our evening in the pub with the Irish dancer was super fun."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well organized. Paul was our tour guide; exceptionally knowledgeable, personable, charismatic, articulate. Always on time, Kept the tour organized but still gave us room for independence.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Friendliness of the the people all across the island; beauty of the land; stories told; stunning geography"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Paul, and bus driver both did a phenomenal job. Very informative. The trip went to beautiful places. Enjoyed getting to know all of my fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Starved for fun during COVID and really enjoyed the Irish pubs and especially the special performance by Michael Ganey that was arranged in Dingle."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Really enjoyed the guide and hotels. Feels like I saw a most of Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giants Causeway and the Old ruined castel."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We waited 3 years to get to go on this tour (thanks to COVID) and it was worth the wait, and worth every penny. This was our first Rick Steves tour, but it certainly won't be our last. The RS organization, the responsiveness of the staff, all helped alleviate any jitters or worries we had before the trip. And the trip itself - wowsa! Granted, it's an overview of the country, but I was so thankful that the guides all went deeply into the history and culture. Thank you!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many! the book of Kells, all the ruins that I had only read about, David Geaney dancing for us, the cliffs of Moher, the entire island of Inishmore, the hawk walk, the Giant's Causeway, the Titanic Museum - every day had a 'wow' moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Lolly was our guide, and she made all the difference! Her knowledge of local culture, expressions, and history was astounding. We enjoyed rubbing shoulders with locals as we visited the pubs, looking for local trad music. We participated in 3 concerts (2 were arranged by Lolly/Rick Steves) right in our hotel.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Falconry School"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was great. Our tourguide Lolly was super friendly and knowledgeable. I learned a good bit about the areas we were in while on the bus and on the various activities we did.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Kilmainham Gaol and learning the history behind it."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Lolly made the tour for me. She had all the history but did not make it dry and boring. She mixed history with current events and some great Mick and Paddy jokes. The coach was comfortable and our driver was excellent and friendly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Going to the 'factory' to watch the hand cut crystal was a wow moment. For natural beauty it was the Cliffs of Moher. The entire experience was amazing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Weather great - no rain and hotter than I planned for (80's). Loved all the sights we visited. Our tour guide Lolly was amazing - a historian full of so much info. My only complaint was that I would like to know how far and long we are walking at the site. For ex. it was a long walk to the falconry and most of us did not bring water and I should have had my knee brace. I did not realize that Cong sights and the falconry were so close together and would be doing all at same time. Great trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I liked the pub scene in Dingle - lots of locals came in and jammed together for hours."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Best of Ireland with our guide, Lolly, could not have been better! Lolly was a master of history, poetry, humor and was able to hold our attention for hours each day!! She was also efficient and reliable to keep our group together, engaged, and always kept us informed of our events by posting notices of our schedule. She was receptive to suggestions and made adjustments as necessary. Her flexibility was very helpful! Lolly is a master guide who gave us the best tour ever!! Lucky us!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The visit to the falconry was spectacular! We walked along a road in a beautifully manicured garden until we found the falconry. We were met by a bird expert who explained about keeping owls and falcons. We were introduced to a gorgeous owl and then to a beautiful falcon named Joyce! We walked further through the woods to where it was time to let the falcon fly. Each of us had a turn to watch and hold Joyce as she flew toward us and landed on our arm where she was fed raw chicken parts. So Fun!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour is well planned and the attention to detail and execution is outstanding. It offered a good mix of time on our own, as well as planned activities. There were plenty of opportunities to hear local music. The historical narration was excellent and the tour guides starting with Lolly, were outstanding--clearly a cut above what one typically finds when arranging such activities on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is hard to pick just one. Having a falcon land on your arm has to be near the top of the list. The Dingle peninsula and the Blasket Island center were spectacular. Honorable mentions are Cashel, Kinsale, Dunluce castle, the Giants Causeway, and the Titanic Museum."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was beyond my expectations. The country is so beautiful and picturesque in landscapes and seascapes. Our guide Lolly helped me appreciate the richness and complexity of Irish history. There’s nothing I would take off the itinerary. We enjoyed museums, art galleries, boat rides, crystal making, historical and geological sites, Irish dancing and music, strolling parks and gardens, castles and causeways, sipping Irish coffee, admiring native crafts, laughing, savoring new friendships.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Gaining a new perspective of the resilience of Irish people and their experiences today through the lens of their rich and varied history."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was great to be back in Europe after a long "Covid Winter". I've been to Ireland 3 times, 2 with RS Tours, and it's become my home away from home. I renewed friendships with old friends and made new ones. Tour members followed face cover requirements very well. Maybe next season we can safely put members closer together at dinner tables to better develop comradery; most times it was like we were unrelated groups of people at a restaurant.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Since I was last in Ireland 4 years ago, we've had 3 seasons of the Derry Girls TV program. I would ask most locals if they had seen it, and they all had so, we would talk on about our favorite scenes and characters. I got a photo of myself and Charlene, of Martin McCrossan City Tours, a true Derry Girl, in front of the giant mural! There were also 3 fun nights of music and pints at my favorite pub in Dingle, Neligan's."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was amazing! Our tour guide Lolly was simply the best! The goal for my wife and I was to see Ireland, but also experience Ireland. The way in which Lolly enveloped us with her historical knowledge, story telling, humor, and music related to the heart of Irish history was nothing short of amazing!! We experienced so much and met so many wonderful people during our trip. I would suggest increasing the length of the tour similarly to the best of Italy so you have more time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tough to answer there were several. The music in Dingle was so much fun. In two nights we were treated to an Irish dance champion and his musician family which turned in to a community Irish folk music pickup at M. Neligans, then the next night was an amazing concert at the church!! The Falconry at Ashford Castle was unforgettable. Hiking through the fields to the Dingle lighthouse on a sunny day! Lolly's perspective on Northern Ireland as a child of Belfast.. OK pretty much the whole thing!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized tour. It took all the stress out of planning where to go and what to see. We met so many fun and interesting people including our tour guide, Joe Darcy, and even the bus driver, Steven. I also appreciate the smaller tour group size and the fact that there is NO tipping!! This was an overall, hassle free experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had many "wow" moments but my top few were going to the pub in the evening in Kinsale and listening to Irish music! Everyone singing and clapping and having a good time together. The other was visiting Giants Causway. I got so caught up in the sites and experience of it all I was almost late for the bus!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I believe everything went as expected. The hotels and meals were great. The guide and bus driver were amazing and charming.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment has to be the stop at falconry school. It was an unexpected and fascinating experience to have the falcon land on my arm and observe it up close."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very professionally run.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There is not a single square foot on the island of Ireland that has not already been consumed by deforestation and replaced by agriculture. There's now some reforestation in some parks that are established. However, it will take many generations before there is anything that resembles a wild Ireland."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I really enjoyed spending time with our group. I could not imagine having a tour guide better than JOE!!! He took care of everything expected and unexpected. Joe was funny and entertaining. His knowledge of everything Irish (history, song, pubs, castles, villages and cities) made the tour so interesting. We loved his songs. Our bus driver Steven was amazing handling the very narrow and terrifying curving roads, he made us feel safe at all times.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The falconry experience, making Irish coffee, sheep shearing, the Joyce book reading, the Dingle peninsula, the walled off neighborhoods in Belfast, the pubs, and the castles. Touring the prison and seeing the Coffin Ship was so moving. I had waiting my whole life to go to Ireland, the trip was part vacation and part pilgrimage since my ancestors were never able to go back to Ireland. I will return to Ireland and I will only travel with a Rick Steve’s tour!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was wonderful! Literally everything good I've ever heard about Ireland is absolutely true! I'm so glad I went with a Rick Steves' Tour. I think if I had tried to go it on my own, I would have missed so much. Our guide, Joe, was fantastic! He really helped us live the Irish experience through stories, song, history. He (and the rest of the tour members, who were also fantastic) really added something substantive to the trip that would have been missing if I had gone by myself.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me, it was the landscape. And it wasn't a single moment, but multiple moments of pure speechless wonder. Every time I thought it couldn't possibly get more beautiful, the bus rounded a corner or crested a hill and the view was more awe inspiring than the last."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Joe and Stephen the bus driver combined to make this a very enjoyable trip. I was interested in Ireland because my family emigrated from there and I got more history than I could really absorb and music and fun to boot.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Titanic museum was my favorite. I'm a museum kind of guy and they did a magnificent job from beginning to end. I could have spent more than the allotted time there."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful trip, great people, sites, hotels, and food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dingle was my favorite part of the tour. I spent the day on Great Blasket Island and hiked around the island on a beautiful hot sunny day. But beyond that, the food and accommodations in Dingle were the best of the tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A wonderful journey through Ireland with our very knowledgable and entertaining guide, Joe Darcy. The sights were amazing, the history is intriguing and the weather was unexpectedly beautiful. We shared many laughs and stories with our travel group and enjoyed every part of the journey.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The little “extras”....the sheep herding demonstration, the hawk walk, the Irish coffee making. These were all experiences that just added to the specialness of the tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a maiden Rick Steves trip for us. It was above and beyond what we could have imagined. The group was so cohesive, our guide was fun and knowledge and our driver was amazing getting us through such tight streets and corners.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many "wow" moments, hard to have just one favorite!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We have returned from our tour again thinking this is money well spent. We could undertake all the planning and coordinating for a 2 week intensive travel tour but we find it so nice to have your company's expertise provide all of this. We appreciate a travel style that educates and connects us to the new country - which you provide. Ireland is a very old island, and the many local guides and our tour's guide, helped widen our appreciation of the country's past and present.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We experienced an interaction with a hawk at the 'School of Falconry' at Ashford Castle which was so special. The bird's gentle gliding and easy landing on my arm was a calming reminder of the wonder of nature. This was such a personal experience, rather than understanding of history, culture etc.; I wouldn't be surprised if many others on the tour rated this their top experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first tour ever but it was the best trip of my life. Not just because it was a bucket list destination but because of Declan the tour guide, most of the accommodations were amazing, the included meals were at great restaurants, etc. I liked learning so much Ireland history but without the pressure of having to retain it all.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I just loved Dingle. I'm a sucker for a waterfront town and Dingle has the harbor, the hiking, the beauty, the history, etc. I was hoping to win a house there (I had bought a fund raiser ticket for 100 euros that they were selling in the town) but I'm so glad I had the few days there."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire trip, beginning to end, was well planned. It was educational and the sights were stunning. Each place we stayed was unique and the lodging hosts spoiled us! Meals were incredible. Declan, our guide, was fantastic. He educated us on Ireland's history, on plant life, on unique local stories. He played music for us on our bus rides...he even sang songs for us! He was funny, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. This was our first RS tour. I'm ready to go on another. Highly recommend!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many "wow" moments. Day 5 in the Killarney national forest. Day 8 at the Cliffs of Moher. Then there was day 10, our lovely walk through the scenic village of Cong, to the falconry where we all had a turn at handling a falcon. Next we stopped in the Doolough Valley of the Connemara Forest to walk - and hop - on a bog (kind of like a water bed!). The National Famine Memorial left me speechless. We topped off the day in Clew Bay with a lesson in making Irish Coffee. Best day ever!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent group of travelers and guides

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a “perfect” tour - great itinerary, great guide, great group and great weather. We were blessed to have had such a wonderful experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Brian Boru harp in the Old Library at Trinity College, Dingle and it’s surroundings, and Dun Aengus on the Aran Island of Inishmore we’re particularly spectacular."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every day was a wow moment!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great guide, Declan, and a great group of experienced travelers who were fun to be with. The tour was well organized, people were on time, there was time to explore on your own and everyone shared tips and discoveries so others could also enjoy them.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Brian Boru Harp in the Trinity College Library Long Room. The room itself is breathtaking, but the harp was stunning. Other "wow" moments - the Slea Head drive, the Rock of Cashel and the Titanic Museum."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We typically travel on our own so I was apprehensive about traveling with a group but interacting with the other travelers was enjoyable, and everyone was on time and respectful of others. The guide struck a perfect balance between taking care of business and having fun, she was extremely knowledgeable and went above and beyond in taking care of us. The bus driver was an amazing driver, it would not have been fun driving a rental car on those narrow road, and he also informative and fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Giant's Causway"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was our 10th RS tour and was scheduled for 2020 when COVID hit. We were traveling with another couple who unfortunately had to leave the tour as COVID did affect our tour group regardless of the efforts of our tour guide and the RS office requiring COVID tests and masks. The fear of COVID and the end result diminished our experience over past RS tours. The weather was not great as well but we love what the RS team provides and will keep in travelin' with RS!!!!!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"As I reminisce on our 2 week adventure I always love the local guides who make each town come alive with their passion and enthusiasm!!! They were all outstanding! our Tour Guide, Lynn made this trip unforgettable! The Rock of Cashel was stunning! Kinsale had much charm. The wild west coast scenery is all gorgeous. The falconry experience was definitel a highlight. The little stops along the way totally enhance the vacation! The group Dance presentation at our Hotel in Belfast was my WOW!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

AWESOME. This was a marvelous, low-stress way to see Ireland for a first-time European trip and being with an organized tour and unknown group of people. It was an appropriate mix of sights, organized activities, and personal time. The guide was terrific and ensured we were always taken care of and knew what was on our agenda. She was very knowledgeable and added humor. The bus driver was awesome and was very thankful he was doing all the driving, especially on some of the roads we traveled.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Library at Trinity College was breathtaking. There were many more but that was spectatular!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We loved seeing so much of Ireland; our guide was excellent; we were pleased with our accommodations and it was a delightful group of fellow travelers! We had a great bus driver who was always helpful in answering questions and directing us to his favorite pubs. We did not love the weather!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Both the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway were wow worthy!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great group of people. Great Tour Guide

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visit to the sheep farm where the sheep dog gathered the flock"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my 1st Rick Steves tour, and it was everything I hoped for! Fun, great group, a cultural learning experience and terrific accommodation and meals.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Slea Head Drive"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Bring our first experience with group travel we had no idea if we would like it out not. We were very excited to find that we had a lot in common with so many of our fellow travellers. The guides and driver were super helpful, informative and fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All of Day Six; Slea Head Drive and Great Blasket Centre"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The "Best of Ireland" tour was very comprehensive in covering a lot of Ireland's diverse culture. As usual, our guide was very knowledgeable and was a pleasure to travel with. This is a very active tour, we covered all of the itinerary but had plenty of free time to indulge in our particular special interests.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"An unexpected pleasure was the Falconry. All 28 of us were able to land and fly the falcon! I was not expecting such a "close encounter"!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Paul, our tour guide, was the best. He was knowledgeable and kind. The tour members were seasoned travelers prepared for adventure and expectations were met.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Listening to a private concert in our Dingle hotel performed by one of the best Irish musicians, Gerry O'Beirne."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour of the island was amazing. The natural environment was awesome. Several of our guides were were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and personable. The day to day variety kept my interest. Our group was great to be with. the bus and driver first class. Our tour guide Paul was fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the outdoor experiences. The cliffs of Mohr and the Blasket islands were awesome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Ireland itself the beauty and the people were the star of the trip, we really enjoyed our experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Kinsale-walking tour with Barry, touched the wreckage from the Lusitania, which my great grandmother sailed to Ellis Island in 1909 from Wales/Liverpool before she was sunk. Barry was Amazing."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We loved our guide, Paul, and had a great group to travel with! Ireland is amazing, and the tour gave us a great variety of experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour gave us some exposure to fantastic musicians and dancers. Scenery was outstanding. Found out Paul loves to sing and is good - also not a bad dancer! One wow experience was staying at the B&B in Dingle - atmosphere, management and food outstanding!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Wonderful tour! Two full weeks of "craic" as our group of 28 new friends, together, experienced the Best of Ireland, We saw the beauty of the island, tasted the food and drink, let the music in and enjoyed the hospitality of the people. We learned of the Irish history, stood where history happened and gained a greater understanding of who the Irish are and their contributions to our global community.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Here's a few: Flying a Harris Hawk on the Hawk Walk. Attending a Session at Daltons, where one of our tour members sang some songs. Our private concert with Niamh Varian-Barry and Gerry O'Beirne, in Dingle."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was a wonderful blend of history, culture, natural wonders, and connecting with our tour guide and fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting EPIC museum in Dublin and hearing about the history of Irish emigration."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very good, perhaps a little heavy on Irish history. Paul was a great guide and helped me recover my shoulder bag which I foolishly left in a bar.

Favorite "WOW" moment

""The falcon school was great, The sheep dogs were amazing. Best was that amazing eco-system with limestone near Dunseverick, The quinnes was great not like you get at home."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved being able to interact personally with all guides, artisans, hotel owners, musicians, business owners, etc. Enjoyed learning and experiencing culture, history, politics, arts, cuisine and more. Very engaging. Drive-by or walking tours well done to show options for free time meals and activities. Efforts that nurture tour group relationships made for a great experience, also.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many great experiences and new insights...appreciated visit to 2 countries ( Rep of Ireland and No Ireland) still working to heal from past tragedies, to see and hear some of the effects and efforts toward reconciliation as our country is trying to respond to and heal from past and present tragedies."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved everything about the tour, the beauty, the history and the welcome.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The warmth and the welcoming by staff, felt like I came home."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had COVID concerns before tour, but we didn't get sick. We were well looked after by our guides Susie and Kelli. Susie is happy and warm. Kelli is intelligent and knowledgeable. They helped us learn more about Irish history, people, and culture. Ireland is a beautiful country. The Irish people we met were warm and welcoming. We had a wonderful group of friendly tour members. We all wore masks on bus, no reminder needed. Group meals were always in a separate room or away from other diners.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beautiful Irish landscapes, all green! We enjoyed the walk from Charles Fort to Kinsale, Dingle lighthouse walk, and the Great Causeway walk. Wow moments included the falcon hawk landing on my arm, the Atlantic Ocean view from Cliff of Moher, and the scenic Slea Head Loop Drive in Dingle."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The chance to really have a varied experience over 2 weeks in Ireland and N. Ireland was wonderful and kept us looking forward to a different day at the end of each day. From walking thru a true manor to do the falconry walk to laughing and dancing in Belfast on the penthouse floor with trad musicians, fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our guide was Susie Millar and her personal family story with the Titanic made us want to explore the reasons so many Irish immigrated and made the history come alive, appreciation of the Irish spirit."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Terrific time in Ireland until my husband and I tested positive for covid. We were so disappointed in leaving the tour as we were just getting started. The Rick Steves company took great care of us with help and refunding of fees as we worked our way through quarantine and back home.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tour guides for Dublin and Kinsale"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide was wonderful about building a sense of "team" among our group. People were kind and caring. There was a balance of learning together, and exploring on our own. I was never bored and feel like my understanding of the history of Ireland, and its current state was greatly enhanced. My access to museums and sites was heightened by being a part of this tour. My safety and wellbeing was cared for by our skilled driver and the thoughtfulness of those that planned the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Giant's causeway was outstanding. We arrived at the start of the day and had the site to ourselves. I appreciated the opportunity to experience the natural beauty, and to challenge myself to climb the trail and stairs from the beach. It was on this day that I realized how much my fitness had grown by participating in the tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a fantastic experience! A+ to all involved, from the itinerary, to the hotels, tour guides and behind the scenes staff, thank you to you all for this flawless tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The overall understanding of our great grandparents backgrounds."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was my first time in Europe, and my first Rick Steve's tour. I felt the overall experience was exceptional and felt comfortable with the group, the guide, and the driver. I did feel like once we crossed over into Northern Ireland the whole vibe changed. Maybe to be expected, but the reception at to Portrush hotel was "cold" and it was disheartening to arrive in a town at 5:00 and realize that most places were closed on Monday's. Good warning to tour members to make reservations in advance.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Exploring the culture of various towns and the sites Rick Steve's had chosen as part of my experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

RS Ireland itinerary is excellent. Our tour guide Declan Field was wonderful. He is an actor as well as a wonderful singer and also a story teller. He kept us entertained on our bus tours. He is also very calm that he made the whole tour stress free. This is our 6th RS tour and as long as I can lift my own bag, I would take RS tours to Europe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Dingle peninsula, Giant causeway and Titanic museum."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I feel confident that a better tour cannot be found for any price.There

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many. I truly enjoyed our tour of the Dingle peninsula, demonstration of how sheep are herded (the scenery was magnificent), and cliffs of Mauer"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful tour guide who was enthusiastic and who really cared that the tour members not only had a good time and saw the important sights, but also learned about the history and culture of Ireland.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sitting in a pub in a small town drinking a pint of Guinness and listening to local musicians playing and singing traditional Irish songs.."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Frankly, Ireland had always been rather low on my personal list of places to visit in Europe. (This was our sixth Rick Steves tour, and would have been our seventh had the Portugal trip not been cancelled in 2020.) The Ireland tour greatly exceeded my expectations, thanks in large part to Lolly Spence, our outstanding tour guide. (More about that later.)

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many. The first that come to mind are the Dingle Peninsula, the falconry demonstration and the Titanic Museum in Belfast."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was well organized. I enjoyed the history of the country and how we were informed of it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The scenery of the rural parts of Ireland."