The Prices of Walking Tours to Ireland
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If you're wondering about the possibilities and prices of walking tours in Ireland, you've come to the right place. Combining our thorough travel experience with our industry knowledge, we've independently analyzed all of the tour options, visited dozens of destinations in Ireland, and reviewed all of the tour operators. With the information below, you can see the overall costs and top tours to help you get on the best possible guided tour for your next vacation.
Ireland offers a wide range of walking tours, from budget-friendly group excursions to luxurious, all-inclusive packages, making it accessible to various types of travelers. The cost of walking tours in Ireland can vary significantly based on factors like the length of the trip, the activities included, and the level of accommodation.
Why does Ireland appeal to walkers?
Ireland's scenic countryside, historic trails, and charming villages make it a walker's paradise. Kinsale is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Connemara, Killarney, and Howth are world-renowned for hiking, with gorgeous trails and stunning natural landscapes. Ireland's well-maintained trails and diverse scenery make walking a delightful way to explore.
How much do walking tours in Ireland cost?
The average price per day for walking tours in Ireland is $287, based on our analysis of 17 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $129 to $440 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $187 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $369 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
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The Best Tours in Ireland
Budget-Friendly Tours
Budget-friendly and affordable walking tours in Ireland average $187 per day, with daily prices from $129 to $275. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out The Dingle Way - Self Guided Ireland 8 Day here.
Mid-Range Tours
For typical walking tours in Ireland that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $308 per day. Daily prices range from $288 to $331. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is Ireland South Daytripper - 8 Days/7 Nights (12 destinations).
Luxury Tours
Luxury walking tours in Ireland average around $308 per day, with daily costs ranging from $333 to $440. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is Ireland South Daytripper - 7 Days/6 Nights.
Which tour companies offer walking tours?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer walking tours in Ireland. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
CIE Tours
CIE Tours is a smaller tour company that offers tours to 5 countries, including Ireland, Great Britain, Iceland, and Italy. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category.
Hilltoptreks
Hilltoptreks offers local self guided walking holidays tours through Ireland. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 1 day to 11 days. Traveling with Hilltoptreks provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 15 people. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. Many of their tours explore the outdoors, giving you opportunities to hike, trek, or spot local wildlife. They specialize in self-guided walking tours, giving you the freedom to have a fun adventure.
See All Tours from Hilltoptreks
Collette
Collette is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Italy, Great Britain, and France. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, and camping.
Brendan Vacations
Brendan Vacations offers local cultural tours through Great Britain and Ireland. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 7 days to 3 weeks. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category.
See All Tours from Brendan Vacations
Walking Destinations in Ireland
Wondering where walking tours visit in Ireland? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Dublin
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland. It's filled with historic buildings and a laid back atmosphere. There are several nice parks and many good museums around town. Staying true to reputation, the residents in Dublin are friendly and welcoming. It's the perfect city to find a local pub and enjoy a Guinness with a group of locals.
Killarney
Killarney is a town that is right by Killarney National Park. It's also part of the Ring of Kerry scenic drive and the starting and ending point for the 200 kilometer Kerry Way walking trail. The area offers wonderful natural beauty and many great walking trails.
Galway
Galway is a cultural city that's located on Ireland's western shores. It offers a mix of history and culture in town, with natural beauty in the surrounding countryside. The population is friendly and welcoming and visitors will quickly fall in love with the city's hospitality and energy.
Dingle
The Dingle Peninsula is one of the top destinations in Ireland. It is filled with natural beauty and breathtaking coastline. The peninsula has many walking trails and beaches that are fun to explore.
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Other popular destinations for walking tours through Ireland include Blarney, Kenmare, Shannon, Cashel, and New Ross.
Walking Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
Choosing whether to join a guided tour or organize your own adventure? Be sure to think about the unique benefits of each option.
Organized Tours
Pros- Some routes may not be well marked, so having a local guide is helpful for safety and accessibility.
- Local experts know the best trails and they understand the regional weather conditions. This allows them to offer the best experience for walkers.
- Stay on the best trails and find hidden spots.
- All logistics like permits and equipment are handled.
- Guides provide first aid and emergency support.
- Travel with like-minded people for a social experience.
- Group dynamic fosters motivation during the trip.
- Discover places you might not find on your own.
- Larger groups may have a variety of skill levels so it can be hard to meet the needs of all travelers.
- Many group tours are limited on time, so some of the routes may feel rushed or impersonal.
- Less solitude if you prefer to walk alone.
Independent Travel
Pros- Independent travel allows you to move at your own pace, and choose trails that are appropriate for your skill level.
- For many, walking is an activity that is best enjoyed in peace, which may not happen with a larger group.
- Flexibility is key when it comes to the weather and skill levels. Many guided tours have set itineraries and don't allow for much freedom or flexibility.
- Many walking trails are located far from public transit, so unless you have your own vehicle, you may have trouble reaching some of the best places.
- Independent travelers may have to buy their own gear, some of which might be provided in guided tours.
- Requires more research to find the best routes.
- Risk of getting lost without proper navigation skills.
- You may need to handle permits and bookings independently.
- You may miss out on local insights or tips.
- Safety concerns without a guide in case of emergency.
Which is cheaper?
Can you save money by traveling independently instead of joining guided walking tours? It's not a simple yes or no. Tours usually include key expenses such as lodging, transportation, meals, entry fees, guides, and activities, which you'd need to manage and pay for individually on your own trip. To figure out the difference, compare the total tour price with the cost of making your own arrangements. Depending on your choices—like opting for budget hotels or premium dining—the cost of a tour might be higher or lower. Be sure to examine the tour inclusions carefully when comparing.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland, The Best Historical Tours in Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Ireland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Ireland, The Best Adventure Tours to Ireland, The Best Eco Tours in Ireland, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Ireland, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Ireland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Ireland, The Best Cultural Tours in Ireland, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Ireland, The Best Photography Tours in Ireland, The Best Educational Tours in Ireland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Ireland, The Best Self Drive Tours in Ireland, The Best Nightlife Tours in Ireland, The Best Religious Tours in Ireland, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, or The Best Contiki Tours to Ireland for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dublin, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Killarney, The Best 10-Day Tours from Dublin, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin for more package tour options.
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