7 Castle Day Trips in Ireland Worth the Trip

1.Blarney, Rock of Cashel & Cahir Castles Day Tour From Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,944 reviews · 13 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $108Our pick

Leave Dublin at 6:50 a.m. for a full day of Irish castles, medieval ruins, and countryside views. Visit the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle and gardens, and Cahir Castle with a driver-guide, Wi-Fi-equipped coach, and admissions included. The day lasts about 13.5 hours, with steep steps at Blarney and several hours on the road.

“Excellent organisation, friendly & knowledgeable driver/guide which enhanced the trip experience. Highly recommend.”

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2.Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, Ennis Town & Bunratty Castle Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,138 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) Top rated

Leave Dublin at 7 AM for the Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, and Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. You get entry fees, Wi-Fi, a comfortable air-conditioned coach, an Ennis walking tour, and about two hours at the cliffs. Guides such as Matt, Daniel, and Keith add history, music, and useful Dublin tips. Expect a long but well-planned day.

“Eve & Michael were superb throughout our very long day. Very accommodating throughout: and thoroughly watched after us with helpful suggestions etc etc”

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3.Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and Ennis Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 944 reviews · from $56Best value

Travel from Dublin to Bunratty Castle, Ennis, and the Cliffs of Moher on a 12-hour guided day trip. You get castle admission, cliff entry, bilingual English and Spanish commentary, and free time in Ennis. Guides such as Sergio, Maureen, Margarita, and Lorena have led departures, though the experience can vary by guide and bus.

“So glad that I booked this day trip! It was a wonderful experience and allowed us to see so much. Our tour guide, Maureen, was especially amazing with a wealth of knowledge on Ireland. She was there to answer any questions we may have had and give great recommendations. Couldn’t be happier!”

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4.Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale – Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 504 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $95

Travel from Cobh or Ringaskiddy to Blarney Castle, its gardens, and Blarney Woollen Mills, then enjoy Cork commentary, Kinsale, and St. Colman’s Cathedral. A local driver-guide such as Jamie, Ian, or Kevin handles the road commentary, while Blarney Castle is self-guided. Early departure is key to avoiding long queues.

“Excellent tour knowledgeable and friendly guide highly recommended cork is a great place to visit!!!”

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5.Shore Excursion From Cork: Including Blarney Castle and Kinsale

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 470 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $107

Start early from Cobh and head for Blarney Castle before the queues build. Your driver-guide handles transport, commentary, and admission, then takes you through Cork and on to Kinsale for lunch and free time. Guides such as Kevin, Paul, and Zikor have earned praise for clear history, humor, music, and careful timing, though commentary can vary.

“An excellent tour, with a cordial, competent and safe driver. Kevin did a great job driving and informing our bus of passengers through the day. The visit to the Blarney Castle was great fun and kissing the Blarney Stone was a uniquely enjoyable experience. I highly recommend this excursion and Kevin as your driver/leader!”

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6.Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 469 reviews · from $90

Travel from Dublin by climate-controlled van with an English-speaking guide such as Richard, Alex, or Brian. Visit the Rock of Cashel, Cork’s English Market, and Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the stone and explore the Witch’s Cave, gardens, shops, and castle grounds.

“I would have love more time at Blarney Castle and given up the visit at Cork.”

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7.Dublin to Belfast, Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 278 reviews · 12 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $66

Travel from Dublin to Belfast, Dunluce Castle, and the Giant’s Causeway in one long day. Expect a 70-minute Belfast walking tour, live coach commentary, WiFi, a comfortable air-conditioned bus, and about 2.5 hours at the famous basalt columns. Guides such as Dave, Una, and Rory add history and practical tips along the way.

“Our guide & driver were fantastic with both being very informative & friendly. They definitely made it a memorable tour.”

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