Top Ireland Outdoor Activities

Trade the big city for a day in nature on this full-day tour from Dublin. Your destination is the wild and beautiful County Wicklow, located just south of the capital. Upon your arrival in Wicklow Mountains National Park, you’ll get up close and personal with the scenery when you embark on a several-hour horseback riding tour of the area. Following lunch in the quaint village of Enniskerry (own expense), see more of the area’s highlights and make your way to Glendalough: site of a sixth-century monastery.

Visiting Dublin is not experiencing the real Ireland. Or at least not all of it. This guided day trip from Dublin to Wicklow National Park will shuttle you to a different side of Ireland. Take a leisurely 1.5-hour hike through the park. After the hike, indulge in a hearty Irish lunch in a Victorian village and then spend 90 minutes in Glendalough, taking in the medieval ambience of the place.

Take off from the village of Cleggan in County Galway, and enjoy a day of horseback riding during this tour. Ride across Omey Beach on Omey Island, and catch sight of historical sites, the Atlantic Ocean, and picturesque landscapes. No matter what your skill level, enjoy a leisurely ride across the white-sand beach.

Winter is coming! Here’s a chance to represent House Stark and roam the grounds of Winterfell on this comprehensive Game of Thrones tour. Visiting several set locations south of Belfast, guides use video clips and VFX breakdowns to show how scenes were made. Putting on winter cloaks, carrying the Stark banner and wielding a prop sword (all provided), guests will be immersed in the scenic fantasy world of Game of Thrones.

The Ring of Kerry and the Killarney National Park take pride of place on the Iveragh Peninsula, with some of Ireland’s finest coastal scenery — but the 177-kilometer (110-mile) journey makes sightseeing a challenge. This convenient 6-hour coach tour from Killarney makes it possible to complete the route in a day, plus take in traditional coastal villages such as Cahersiveen, Derrynane, and Glenbeigh. Visit the historic Bog Village with a guide, and discover top natural attractions including the Killarney Lakes, Rossbeigh Beach, and Macgillycuddy's Reeks.

Explore Ireland’s sporting heritage and discover the ancient sport of hurling on this 2-hour tour in Kilkenny. Visit Nowlan Park — home stadium of the ferocious Kilkenny Cats hurling team — with a guide and gain insight into the sport’s history. During your tour, explore the stadium and visit the Legends Hurling Museum, where the sport’s story comes to life. Learn of the players who made their name in hurling, hear of the 3,000 year-old ancient Celtic Games then hit the pitch and see a side of Irish culture many visitors miss.

Exploring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way on horseback is a thrilling way to experience Connemara’s beaches and rugged coastline. Depending on your level of experience, you’ll safely trot or gallop across white sandy beaches while enjoying sweeping views of the sea. This half-day guided horseback tour is suitable for riders of all levels. Those with little or no riding experience will be given plenty of instruction to ensure you feel safe and comfortable on your ride.

Trek the coastal paths of the Howth Peninsula on this walking tour. Follow your experienced adventure guide along the cliffs and through the woodlands of this area, stopping at scenic overlooks and areas of spectacular natural beauty. Listen as your guide's commentary takes you back through the millennia in Irish history, including tales about the Vikings, Normans, Druids, and Celts.

Discover one of Ireland’s most photographed natural landscapes on a half-day tour of the Gap of Dunloe from Killarney. Visit Kate Keaney's Cottage, admire spectacular views of the McGillycuddy Reeks and the Purple Mountains as you hike or ride a pony trap (own expense) through the Gap, then cruise around the Lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle.

Explore Ireland’s rugged coastline with this two-day Wild Atlantic Way tour. The comprehensive itinerary includes the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and an overnight stay in Dingle Peninsula. See the charming villages and dramatic ocean views of the Wild Atlantic Way without the hassle of a rental car.

Get into the spirit of Ireland’s traditional sports on this 3-hour Gaelic games experience in Dublin. Perfect for families, friends, or solo sports fans, this experience allows you to learn about the Gaelic games Ireland holds dear. After a quick rundown of how to play Gaelic football, Gaelic handball, and hurling, set out on the field to test out your skills with other players.

Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced rider, experience the beauty of Connemara’s Wild Atlantic Way on horseback. Soak up pristine seascapes as you walk, trot, or canter from the village of Cleggan to Omey Island, a tidal island with sweeping Atlantic views. This half-day horseback trekking package includes guide, helmet, and riding boots.

Explore the sheltered waters of Ireland’s only fjord on this narrated, 90-minute boat tour. Enjoy the Connemara scenery — stunning mountain views along Killary Fjord — from inside the luxury catamaran or outside on the open-air deck. In the waters below, look for dolphins and other native wildlife swimming alongside the boat.

Coastal Connemara is one of western Ireland’s loveliest corners, and on this full-day tour, you’ll explore its wild scenery from a new perspective. Begin at the village of Cleggan (or select the tour option which includes round-trip coach transit from Galway); upon arrival at the riding center, you’ll meet your guide, find all the equipment you need, and get acquainted with your horse. The first ride of the day includes Omey Island and Claddaghduff; after lunch (own expense) you’ll go for a second ride along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline.

Set sail from Portmagee on this small-group eco-cruise, and enjoy a perspective on Kerry's Atlantic coast that many visitors miss. With a guide for company, you’ll see the bird sanctuary of Puffin Island, admire the rugged Blasket Islands, and attempt to spot dolphins, whales, basking sharks, and more. The highlight comes when you reach the Skellig Islands: famous for their exceptional geography and the fact they were a Star Wars filming location.

Widely considered to offer some of Ireland’s most beautiful wilderness scenery, the Connemara Peninsula is a haven of outdoor adventure. On this tour, hop into the saddle and explore the coastal landscapes on horseback with your guide. With safety equipment included, hit the beaches of the Wild Atlantic Way and Omey Island, and canter or gallop through the rolling surf at your own comfortable pace.

Explore rural Ireland in style and discover a pace of life far removed from the city on this 2-hour mountain trail ride by horseback in Tipperary. Climb onto your horse and follow your guide deep into Ireland’s beautiful countryside. Discover bronze-age settlements, ancient quarries and quaint farmyards, and listen as your guide shares tales of Irish folklore and legend. Climb Black Hill for breathtaking views over the surrounding counties, and take time to capture the scenery on camera. Stop for a rest, then return to base via a different route.

Get in touch with a side of Ireland you won’t experience on the busy streets of Dublin with this full day tour into the Irish countryside. In the morning, head to the northern border for an outdoors adventure: kayak to an ancient ruin, hike across the mountains or go rock-climbing in County Cavan. No experience is needed for these adventures – enjoy plenty of personalized coaching from your guides on this private tour. Afterward, head to a classic Irish pub for a pint and some traditional folk-singing.

Beat the crowds and enjoy nature’s tranquility on this private tour of Killarney National Park. The first national park in Ireland, Killarney is famed for its wildly scenic landscapes, its herd of red deer, and its medieval castle; it has also served as a film set and host to famous visitors like Charles de Gaulle. Pick a start time and duration that work for your schedule, and explore at your own pace.

Spend a full day in an air-conditioned minibus exploring Ireland with a private guide and your group of up to seven people. You can work together with your guide to construct an itinerary that takes your preferences and interests into account; then set off from Dublin to see as much of Ireland as you can in a day.

The soft-sand beaches of Connemara are widely considered among the Wild Atlantic Way’s top natural attractions, with sweeping coastal views as far as the eye can see. During this tour, explore the shoreline on horseback and see the best of western Ireland. With routes adapted to all levels of rider and all your safety gear included, jump into the saddle and trot or gallop through Ireland’s great outdoors.

Explore the peaks and valleys of Killarney and see a side of Ireland many travellers miss on this 1-day Carrauntoohil guided hiking tour. Head deep into Ireland’s spectacular countryside and follow a guide up Carrauntoohil’s rugged hiking routes — widely considered to be among the country’s most challenging mountain trails. As you make your 3,412-foot (1,040-meter) climb, admire sweeping views over the shimmering lakes, lush forests and rocky landscapes for which Killarney is famous.

Get acquainted with the Dingle Peninsula—the westernmost part of mainland Ireland—when you explore the region on foot. Set off from Tralee in the morning with just a small group for company: you’ll discover the Wild Atlantic Way, will pause at Inch Beach, will admire the scenery during a drive along Slea Head, and will follow locals to seaside hiking paths. Following your hike, head to a traditional pub in the town of Dingle for seafood and craft beer (lunch own expense).

Experience the raw beauty of southern Ireland on this 5-hour horseback trail ride including pub lunch in Tipperary. Hop onto your horse at the Tipperary Mountain Trekking Centre, then follow your guide through the yard and up into the rolling hills. Explore winding single-track trails through the pristine landscape and take in panoramic views over bronze-age landmarks and Celtic ring forts. Stop off at a local pub for a delicious lunch of soup and a choice of sandwiches with a drink. Then, head onward on your round-trip tour.