City of Limerick

Culture & history tours

Escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin for a scenic full-day drive through the counties of Kildare, Limerick and Clare, passing the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and world-class golf and surf resort of Lahinch. Your ultimate destination is the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, where you will get 2 hours of free time to explore and premium entrance to the new Atlantic Edge, an interpretive visitor experience that gives you a virtual reality birds’ eye view of cliff edge life above and below sea level. Then, you can choose to walk along the cliff face and experience the power of nature at work. Feel the fresh air blowing off the ocean, and the sheer height of the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Visit O'Brien's Tower, standing proudly on the headland, with panoramic views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Next, drive deep into the Burren, traveling along Europe’s edge! See native flora, ancient monuments, and megalithic tombs in Burren National Park, and look out for the unique Fairy Forts and Celtic Crosses. Continue around Galway Bay to medieval Galway City, passing the Blackhead Lighthouse and fishing village of Kinvara, famed for its Galway Hookers (boats). Upon arrival in Galway, described by W.B. Yeats as “The Venice of the West”. Enjoy a 30-minute guided walk, and learn about the city’s trade connections with Spain. You will have some free time to explore the narrow streets on your own, or relax in boutique stores and quaint cafés. 2 hour stop. Then, sit back on the return drive to Dublin, enjoying the on board entertainment, including extracts from the show “Riverdance” and other examples of Irish culture.

Your tour on Ireland’s west coast begins in the morning with a check-in at the Bridge Street tourist office in Cork city. Head off on a drive to Limerick, the capital of the mid-western region, with a stop on the banks of the River Shannon. Continue on the way to the Cliffs of Moher, where you’ll have a stop to explore this site of incredible natural beauty. Receive a complimentary ticket to see the award-winning Atlantic Edge exhibit, which examines the mighty Cliffs of Moher from a variety of perspectives. Next, your driver will take you along the Atlantic coast, as you enjoy stunning views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Travel through the Burren region, and take in the unusual sight of its unique rocky landscape. Then you’ll make a short stop at Bunratty Castle before the pleasant return drive to Cork city, passing through the rolling hills of the Golden Vale en route. Arrive back in Cork in the evening.

Experience the highest cliffs in Europe on this full-day tour from Limerick. Embark on a journey to the historic city for the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. Admire the stunning natural biodiversity of Galway Bay and stop at Bunratty Castle. Hop aboard the spacious and climate-controlled bus at Arthurs Quay in Limerick. Lean back and take in the views on the comfortable drive. Stop along the way to view King John’s Castle and the River Shannon. Continue to County Clare to explore the Cliffs of Moher. Spend 1.5 hours to enjoy the geological beauty of the cliffs. Receive a complimentary ticket to the award-winning Atlantic Edge exhibition which examines all aspects of the mighty cliffs. Depart the Cliffs of Moher for Doolin village, where a pint and lunch in a traditional Irish pub can be purchased. Along the way, enjoy superb views of the Atlantic Coast and Aran Islands. Visit one of the unusual limestone landscapes of the lunar-like Burren where the Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean flowers flourish side-by-side. If it's the right season, see one of 26 different types of orchids that grow on Galway Bay. Drive along Galway Bay and take a rest stop at Bunratty Castle. Imagine the days when Norman knights, Gaelic warriors, and jousting chieftains hung out at the hallowed spot. Depart from Bunratty Castle and drive back to your meeting point in Limerick. 

The Ring of Kerry boasts some of the finest coastal scenery in Europe and provides insights into the ancient heritage of Ireland. See stone forts, standing stones, and a landscape carved out of rock by the last ice age, some 10,000 years ago. Your journey begins on the official Ring of Kerry driving route, where you’ll begin to see views of the famous mountains and lakes of Kerry. Pass through Killorglin, home to the ancient Celtic festival, when a goat is crowned king of the village. See the statue of King Puck as you cross the River Laune. As your drive continues, you’ll have amazing views of Dingle Bay. See the famed Inch Beach and you may even see the Blasket Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The picturesque little village of Waterville overlooks Ballinskelligs Bay, best known for the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and was a regular visitor. You’ll see a statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. En route to Sneem you’ll make brief stops at some of the most famous viewing points in Ireland. Visit the colorful village before continuing on your Ring of Kerry route. Killarney National Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful national park in Ireland. Take in the magnificent views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley during stops at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View. Torc Waterfall, 18 meters high, cascades through the wooded Friars Glenn. Enjoy a break here before continuing to Killarney. When you reach Killarney you’ll have time to relax and grab some refreshments before departing for Limerick, where you’ll arrive at around 7:30 PM.

Discover Ireland's beauty on a day trip from Dublin. See the Cliffs of Moher from above or from the water, Cliffs of Moher (from above or below), see the 15th-century Bunratty Castle, and relax in the comfortable Durty Nelly's Traditional Irish Pub. Begin your tour with a pickup from your Dublin hotel and head straight to the Cliffs of Moher. Choose from an optional boat tour (not included) or enjoy the view from the visitor center's telescopes. Skip the line at the visitor center and spend some time learning about the cliffs. Next, head to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. As you explore, learn about this beautiful castle's rich history. Stroll through the Folk Park and enjoy some time in nature. Finish your day with a cheeky pint of local beer at Durty Nelly's Traditional Irish Pub just outside the park. On your drive back to Dublin, stop for refreshments before returning to your Dublin hotel.

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.

Experience the dramatic landscapes of the southwest of Ireland on a 2-day budget tour to the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and more. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone, enjoy panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean, and stay in the historic city of Cork to enjoy the local life up-close. Day 1: Dublin - Rock of Cashel - Blarney - Cork Depart Dublin at 08:00 for a relaxing drive through scenic County Cork. The first stop will be the world famous Rock of Cashel. One of Ireland's most evocative sites, you can stroll in the footsteps of St. Patrick flanked by ruins, Celtic crosses and round towers and feel the soul of Ireland. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster until they donated the complex to the Catholic Church almost 1,000 years ago for use as a cathedral. The site is one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Europe. The next stop is Ireland's second city, Cork. Here there is time to visit the English Markets recently visited by Queen Elizabeth II, that offer a wide range of local produce from artisan meats and cheeses and all that is good about Irish fine fare. This is an ideal place to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon you will go to the quaint town of Blarney to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone (optional) at the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle. Learn the story behind the tradition as you explore the castle’s dungeons, caves and hidden bedrooms. Return to Cork, where you will spend the night. Day 2: Cork - Burren - Cliffs of Moher - Dublin Start the day with a drive through the beautiful Golden Vale, home to some of the best farm land in Ireland. Stop in Limerick to see the River Shannon and get some fine photos of King John's Castle. Continue west to County Clare, enjoying views of the wild Atlantic Ocean as you drive along the West Coast. Marvel at beautiful beaches of golden sand, looking out for dolphins and whales. Admire the lunar landscape of The Burren, where Alpine, Arctic and Mediterranean flowers grow side-by-side. Hear inspiring tales of how the Irish overcame the horrors of the Great Potato Famine of 1845-49, when over 1 million Irish fled to all 4 corners of the earth to escape. Upon arrival at the Cliffs of Moher, gaze in awe at the sheer majesty of the cliffs and crashing waves. See why world surf champ, Kelly Slater, came here for the award-winning surf movie “Wave Riders.” En route back to Dublin, enjoy a short photo stop at the 15th-century tower house of Bunratty Castle.

You will stop at the famed Inch Beach, an extensive beach in a rural environment and is a site of outstanding natural beauty. Then to the most westerly drive in Europe known as the Slea Head drive. Marvel at the Atlantic Coast as you travel on this spectacular road which hugs the western shoreline. Enjoy great views of the Blasket Islands and maybe even see the "Sleeping Giant." You will also stop in Dingle town, one of the most picturesque fishing towns in Ireland. Dingle town is the heart and soul of the Peninsula. Today it attracts visitors, including artists and musicians, from all over the world. ITINERARY Departure from Limerick -We leave Limerick City behind and travel via the charming village of Adare down through the mountains to County Kerry Killarney - Make a stop in the charming town of Killarney, as you make your way towards the Dingle Penninsula Inch Beach - Take a stop at Inch Beach. This is one of Ireland's most famous beaches. The home of a surf school, this beach is loved by all in Ireland. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Atlantic coast from this awesome stop Slea Head - Travel around the Slea Head drive, the most Westerly drive in Europe. From this point travel along the Atlantic coast with stops for photos at the most dramatic locations Blasket Islands - On a clear day enjoy superb views of the Blasket Islands. Your guide will explain that the Island's people had to leave their Island home and move to the mainland Return to Limerick - Following a chance to grab refreshments, make your way back to Limerick, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM depending on traffic, after a fun day on the Dingle Penninsula

Depart at 7:00 AM from the central Dublin meeting point to start your adventure. Travel through Kildare, Laois, and Limerick before arriving in County Clare. Arrive at the Cliffs of Moher at approximately 10:45 AM and be struck by their enormity. Marvel at cliffs that are 214-meters high at the highest point and run for 8-kilometres along the coast of County Clare. During your nearly 2-hours stop at the Cliffs of Moher, you can choose to visit O’Brien’s Tower and this tour also includes admittance to The Atlantic Edge interpretive centre. Departing the Cliffs of Moher, head to Ennis, Ireland’s friendliest town. Stretch your legs and uncover Ennis' hidden gems on an optional guided walking tour to explore the town's culture, people, and history. Traditional Irish music is an important part of Ireland’s culture and heritage, and Ennis is at the heart of the trad scene in Ireland. It is home to musicians famous both at home and abroad. Feel free to visit one of the local pubs, for wholesome luncheon menus, and you might also catch one of those famous trad sessions. Your next stop takes you to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park for one hour and 45 minutes. The exact military site of Bunratty Castle dates to 900AD. Originally being a Viking fortress and trading post, it was vanquished in 970AD by the legendary military leader Brian Boru, who eventually drove the Vikings out of Ireland. Explore the current castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland construction completed in 1425 AD and hear all about the fascinating history of this gorgeous castle. Your 1-hour and 45-minute stop at Bunratty will also give you an opportunity to explore the Folk Park. This park features thirty buildings in a “living" village and rural setting. Entrance to the castle and the folk park are included. Departing Bunratty, you can now sit back and relax as we begin our journey back to Dublin with wonderful memories to share. Return to Dublin will be at approximately 7:30 PM on D´Olier Street, Dublin 2 (near O´Connell Bridge in the city centre).

Discover the highlights of Ireland’s 4 corners, including all the sights of Northern Ireland. Enjoy a night at a traditional Irish pub, plenty of opportunities to dance the night away, hikes through bogs and castle ruins, and much more.  Day 1: Dublin - Belfast Visit Belfast and discover Titanic Belfast and the historic downtown quarter. Spend the night in Belfast. Day 2: Belfast - Derry Explore the Antrim Coast with visits to Dunluce Castle and Giants Causeway and photo opportunities at the Dark Hedges and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Enjoy a historic walking tour in Derry. Spend the night in Derry. Day 3: Derry - Galway Depart Northern Ireland and road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way to Galway. Stop in surfing hotspot Strandhill for lunch and enjoy a walk on the beach. Enjoy a free walking tour in Galway. Spend the night in Galway. Day 4: Galway - Dingle Head to Annascaul via the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Spend the night in Annascaul on the Dingle peninsula. Day 5: Dingle - Killarney Enjoy a full day of touring on the Dingle Peninsula, one of Europe’s most spectacular road trips. Spend the night in Killarney. Day 6: Killarney - Dublin Depart Killarney for Dublin. Enjoy a tour of the Killarney National Park and a visit to Blarney Castle in Cork. The tour ends in Dublin by the early evening.