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DublinCastle & palace tours

Our most recommended Dublin Castle & palace tours

Dublin: Boyne Valley with Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne Entry

1. Dublin: Boyne Valley with Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne Entry

The Boyne Valley and the Boyne River extend through the counties of Meath and Louth in the east of Ireland to the sea at Drogheda. Explore this historically important and wonderfully scenic area on a guided tour from Dublin. This tour includes your entrance fee and skip the queue at Newgrange Monument and Bru Na Boinne. Discover the sites and monuments in this area that date back over 5,000 years.  Learn about the story of Ireland and the Irish people that can be traced back in this valley to the first Neolithic settlers and their megalithic tombs and to the Celts and their pagan beliefs. Continue to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre for about 1.5 hours. The Battle of the Boyne in 1690 was the deciding battle not just for the ruling class in Ireland but also in Britain and Europe. It explains the troubles of Northern Ireland and why it is celebrated each year on July 12th by the Loyalist community. Uncover the story of the battle that would eventually lead to the displacement of Irish Celts and their culture throughout the Island of Ireland. It was also a battle for the Throne of England between the catholic King James II and the Protestant King of Holland (William of Orange). Finally, reach Monasterboice for a half-hour stop. Head to the “monastery of Buithe,” a 5th-century monastic site founded by St Buithe which includes two churches built in the 14th century and a Round Tower from the 10th century, but it is most famous for its Celtic High Crosses. Admire the round tower which is about 28 meters tall, and is in very good condition. It was likely built shortly after 968 and damaged in a fire in 1098. The three high crosses date from the 10th century and form part of the scriptural group (showing biblical scenes). Take in the 5.5-metre Muiredach's High Cross which is regarded as the finest high cross in the whole of Ireland. It features Biblical Carvings from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. It is named after an abbot, Muiredach mac Domhnaill, who died in 923. Relax on the drive back to Dublin arriving around 5:00 PM.

From Dublin: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour

2. From Dublin: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour

Set off on board a luxury, air-conditioned bus and watch Dublin's urban cityscape give way to the rolling, green hills of the Irish countryside. Drive through several areas of interest, including the Galtee Mountains and the Curragh in County Kildare, which is home to Ireland's National Stud Farm. First, arrive at Blarney Castle which is known around the world for its famous Blarney Stone. Kiss the stone and receive the “gift of the gab." Be sure to explore the rest of Blarney Castle as well as its lush grounds and woodland walks. Discover the scenic Rock Close by taking the Wishing Steps.  Depart Cork and arrive at one of Ireland’s 7 Wonders, the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. Explore the Hall of Vicars, Cormack’s Chapel, the Celtic Cathedral, the Round Tower, and the surrounding grounds filled with ancient high crosses. Admire one of Ireland’s oldest Romanesque wall paintings inside this world-famous historical landmark. For your final stop of the day, visit one of Ireland's largest and best-preserved castles, Cahir Castle. The Castle was built in the 13th century, to house the Butler family. Built as a defensive castle it still boasts a lot of the original structure. Afterward, return to Dublin city center to complete your tour.

Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

3. Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

Visit Ireland’s most famous castle on a full-day tour from Dublin. Enjoy free time to explore the city of Cork and visit Blarney Castle. Stroll in the footsteps of St Patrick at the Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Meet your guide at Paddy's Palace in Dublin and hop aboard a comfortable and climate-controlled van for a scenic drive through green fields and dairy farms of the Golden Vale of County Cork. Enjoy panoramic views of the Galtee Mountains and County Tipperary. Stop in Cork on banks of the River Lee and spend an hour of free time exploring the city at your own pace. Have the option to visit the historic English Market, or marvel at the architecture of St. Finbarre’s Cathedral. Drive on to Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Blarney Stone. It’s said that if you kiss the stone you will receive the “gift of the gab” for 7 years. Pucker up and kiss the stone or snap a picture.  Explore the castle grounds and gardens to discover the Witch's Cave. Take advantage of the tax free shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills and craft shop. Step back in time at the evocative Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Depart for Dublin on a path through the Golden Vale of County Tipperary and arrive back in the city at night. 

Dublin: Giant's Causeway & Belfast (Titanic or Black Taxi)

4. Dublin: Giant's Causeway & Belfast (Titanic or Black Taxi)

Travel through the Boyne Valley on a full-day scenic tour from Dublin, and discover the home of the 5,000-year-old Hill of Tara, the ancient capital of the High Kings of Ireland. Upon arrival in Belfast you have the option to take a political sightseeing tour in an iconic black cab (taxi) or visit the Titanic Experience For the black cab tour you will see sites that have played a key role in the city’s political history, such as the Falls and Shankill neighbourhoods. Learn about the industrial roots of Belfast, and the 4 decades of civil unrest in the late 20th century. Sign the peace line, the towering wall that divides the communities, and read the political murals. A guide will relate their own family experiences to give your tour a more personal touch. Alternatively, go to the world’s largest state-of-the-art Titanic experience in Belfast’s new Titanic Quarter, located in the former shipyards of Harland and Wolf. Relive the liner’s tragic voyage, sinking, and eventful discovery on the seabed, via exhibits that explain her construction, launch and history in 9 different galleries. Typically the tour would visit the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge. However, it is currently closed for tour operators and it is not yet clear as to when it will reopen. As an alternative attraction, visit the very popular Dun Luce Castle. Enjoy this historic castle that dates back over 500 years and which is dramatically positioned on the edge of a cliff over the Atlantic. Discover this castle which has been used to film things like Game of Thrones. Visit and peruse the castle and grounds for 35 minutes. Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Giant’s Causeway, formed over 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions. Admire its distinctive rock formations that span nearly 18 miles of coastline. Hike to the formations known as “The Wishing Chair”, “Giant's Boot”, and “Giant's Organ.” Learn the legend of the Irish giant Finn McCool, said to be the Causeway's creator. This is where you have the option to have lunch in a number of venues located at the Causeway. With 2.5-hours there is ample time to lunch and walk this fabulous coastal landscape. Continue along the Antrim Coastal, driving past spectacular scenery of stony shores, wooded glens and sheltered harbors. See the remains of Dunseverick Castle, and admire views of the Mull of Kintyre. On a clear day, see Scotland in the distance. The route back to Dublin is different than the route taken to the Causeway earlier in the day, giving you different scenery to enjoy. Arrive back in Dublin City Center at 10:00 PM and enjoy the rest of your evening. The tour guide will be on hand to help you with any directions or information you need.

Historical 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Dublin

5. Historical 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Dublin

Get to grips with the turbulent and fascinating history of Dublin in just 2 hours. This tour is led by history graduates of Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin and aims to inform and entertain you all at once. Visit sites and hear stories detailing the complex history of Ireland. Learn about the influence of the American and French revolutions, the Potato Famine, the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence. Visit sites such as the Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, the City Hall and the Medieval City. Delve into modern history and explore the effects of the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Take a walk around the city and experience modern day Dublin. This award-winning tour scores top marks for educational, entertainment all at once, with its guides possessing that natural Irish flair of combining history with wit to an extraordinary effect.

Dublin: Full-Day Tour to Cork, Cobh and Blarney Castle

6. Dublin: Full-Day Tour to Cork, Cobh and Blarney Castle

Escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin on a full-day tour south to the vibrant city of Cork. Kills the Blarney stone at Blarney Castle, admire Georgian buildings in the city center, and visit Cork Harbor to see a Victorian era train station and transatlantic terminal.   Depart by train from Heuston Station in the early morning for the InterCity service to Cork City. Upon arrival, head to Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone and acquire the gift of eternal eloquence. Relax with some free time to shop and enjoy lunch in Blarney village. Head to Cork for a short city tour of Ireland’s southern capital, famous for its arts, music and literature scenes.  Built on the site of a 6th-century monastic settlement, the city center is full of Georgian buildings, 17th-century alleys, and dynamic new architecture. Continue your journey along Cork Harbour to Cobh, location of the Queenstown Story Heritage Center.  Set in a beautifully-restored railway station of the Victorian age, it was also the transatlantic terminal that served as the point of departure to the New World for generations of Irish emigrants, from the time of famine up to recent years. Transfer back to Cork City center to catch your return InterCity train back to Dublin, with a scheduled arrival at Heuston Station at in the evening. 

Dublin: Howth Coastal Hiking Tour

7. Dublin: Howth Coastal Hiking Tour

Enjoy an unforgettable day at this beautiful Dublin coastal harbour and village. Gain a unique insight hearing tales, legends, and history of Howth. Be surrounded by nature along with your guide and canine companion, Loki. Hike to St Mary’s Abbey which was founded by the Viking King Sitric in 1042. Then on up to the Ben of Howth and across blankets of wildflowers and heathlands to the Summit.   Take in the world-famous cliff path and best panoramic views on the east coast of Ireland which lead you back to the village and all the famous hospitality Howth has to offer.

Rail Tour: The Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle Tour

8. Rail Tour: The Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle Tour

Check in at Dublin Heuston Station at 6:40 AM to take the InterCity train service to Limerick. Upon arrival, join your coach bus and have a short tour of the treaty city, the setting for "Angela's Ashes". From there, head north to Bunratty Castle and Folk Village (admission included), then to a Doolin Pub for our traditional Irish lunch stop. Then, it's on to the majestic Cliffs of Moher on the country's wild Atlantic coast, one of Ireland's most famous and beautiful attractions.  After that, enter the unique lunar landscape of the Burren, rounding Black Head before heading along the shores of Galway Bay to reach Galway, the city of the tribes. After taking some time to take in this beautiful city, board our Dublin-bound train, arriving at Heuston Station at 9:00 PM.

Dublin: Trinity College, Castle, Guinness and Whiskey Tour

9. Dublin: Trinity College, Castle, Guinness and Whiskey Tour

Step back in time and delve into the city's rich history, from Viking invasions to Georgian grandeur. You'll be swept away by the charm of the locals, who are sure to make you feel right at home. As you explore the city's key sights, you'll uncover surprises around every corner - it's no wonder so many people fall in love with Dublin! No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to Trinity College, one of the world's most renowned universities. Marvel at the staggering library and the magnificent Book of Kells - a true celebration of meticulous craftsmanship. With only one page displayed each day, every visit to Trinity College is a truly special moment. Travel back in time to the Norman period as you explore Dublin Castle, a historic spot that played an integral role in Irish history for centuries. You'll also have the chance to marvel at the breathtaking arches of Christchurch Cathedral and hear interesting tales about St. Patrick's Cathedral during your short stroll across Dublin. Ready to indulge in the best of Irish culture? Head to The Liberties, Dublin's most charming neighborhood, for a whiskey-tasting session after a guided tour. Savor the unique flavors of craft whiskey and relax with a whiskey-based cocktail - a true taste of Ireland! And of course, no trip to Dublin would be complete without a pint of Guinness. Take a self-guided tour of the brewery that brews it and learn about the brewing process, the Guinness family, and the astounding 9,000-year lease. Then head to the rooftop bar for 360-degree views and let a Guinness pro pour you the best pint you've ever had. Dublin is a city unlike any other, with a truly unique mix of culture, history, and fun. Join us for an unforgettable tour that showcases the best of this vibrant city in just one day!

Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour

10. Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour

Start your tour as you depart from Dublin and explore the nearby coast of Dublin Bay, moving through the interior and then the coast. Make a photo stop at the curious Casino Marino for the chance to learn about the use of this little architectural jewel. Take a tour inside Malahide castle and enjoy some free time to explore its gardens at your own pace. This castle was owned by the same family, the Talbot, for 800 years. Hear the ghost stories that are associated with its walls and corridors. It dates from the 11th century and was enlarged and restored at the time of Georgian splendour. En route, marvel at pretty villages like Malahide, parks like St Anne's, and beaches like Portmarnock. Take an optional walk from Howth's Summit cliff to the village to enjoy breath-taking views of Dublin bay and the Wicklow mountains. In the fishermen's harbor of Howth, have the chance to see seals swimming and begging for food from the boats. Finally, return along Bull island and the park of Santa Ana and Fairview.

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What people are saying about Dublin

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 3,078 reviews

I am irish and have been to these places many times throughout childhood. However my 6 year old son and husband (who is American) have not. I picked this railtours as it was great value for money and we could see lots without having to rent a car or book accommodation and it was also child friendly. The guide was great he had loads of knowledge ,and we got to see loads in one day! I'm also 6 months pregnant, and it was great that there was loads of time to rest between each excursion due to the coaches and the time being allocated well at each place we visited. Every route the driver took had lots to see along the way also and the tour guide filled in about lots of the history. As someone who's irish, it's great to go on a tour that presents ireland in a way that made me proud and I'll recommend railtours to family and friends. Go raibh maith agat agus beannachtaí !

Booked the tour very last minute - and SO glad I did! Daragh was knowledgeable, entertaining, and a true Dubliner in showing us his native city with passion and bringing us into its rich and complex history. Truly the best walking tour I’ve ever experienced.

We had a fun time with our guide, Daragh. He was animated, passionate and knowledgeable about Irish history. We learned a lot about both past and present Irish culture. Great intro to getting around the area. Highly recommend!

Sylvie was amazing, best walking tour we’ve ever been on, made our trip to Dublin!

John was great and made the tour more fun! Definitely worth every penny.