20% off all tours

We have a special discount code for you to celebrate the launch of our new website and VIP tour. It's valid until January 6th. Enter the following code in the checkout when booking your tour to get 20% off

seamus20

Our passion is you meeting the locals. Live like the Irish for a week on an Essential Ireland Tour
7 Day Essential Ireland Tour

WILD ATLANTIC TOUR

THE ULTIMATE INTRODUCTION TO IRELAND’S SOUTH WEST

Click to See Dates

Friday 10th to Thurs 16th March 2023 SOLD OUT

Saturday 8th April to Friday 14th April SOLD OUT

Tuesday 31st May to Monday 6th June SOLD OUT

Saturday 25th June to 1st July 2023 SOLD OUT

23rd July to Saturday 29th July 2023 SOLD OUT

13th August to 19th Aug 2023 SOLD OUT 20th August to 27th August 2023 SOLD OUT

3rd September 2023 SOLD OUT *

11th September 2023 SOLD OUT *

18th September 2023 - OPEN Some spots left

* new and extra departures dates will be added for September 2023. The month is exceptionally busy because Notre Dame, 'The Fighting Irish', are playing in Dublin. 50,000 fans will arrive, the biggest mass-movement of Americans to Europe since D-DAY!
To express interest in these dates email Stephen at info@essentialirelandtours.com











Wild Atlantic Tour Departure Dates for 2023 from Dublin:

This is a VIP tour, a lifetime experience and the small group size ensures wonderful personalised service!

PRICE: ONLY €1,999 - 2,299 PER PERSON

Book now
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Reserve your space with a 20% deposit!

5 day tour of the North of Ireland

IRELAND'S TRUE NORTH

EXPLORE NORTHERN IRELAND WITH US, TRULY ESSENTIAL!

Click to See Dates

28th May - 1st June 2023

25th September - 29th September 2023

Ireland’s True North Tour Departure Dates for 2020 from Dublin:

Our tour-guests are fascinated by the story of Historic Derry, the beauty and legends of the Causeway, modern peaceful Belfast and its troubled past, the characters and the communities of this beautiful part of Ireland that only 25 years ago was a no-go zone for tourists and is now one of Europe’s top attractions.

PRICE: ONLY €1,150 - €1299 PER PERSON

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Reserve your space with a 20% deposit!

Our small groups can go places larger ones cant, and experience the local culture
Experience the thrill of staying in a castles that have stood for centuries
7 Day Essential Ireland Tour

CASTLES & CLASSICS

5 STAR LUXURY TOUR OF IRELAND'S CASTLES

You’ll never forget checking in to a 12th century fortress and sleeping in its luxurious bedrooms.

This tour features all the fantastic activities and experiences Essential Ireland Tours are famous for, but the extra magic is the luxury accommodation and the small group size (16 tour guests only).

Castles & Classics Tour Departure Dates for 2020 from Dublin:

Click to See Dates

Saturday 19th to Friday 25th March, 2023 SOLD OUT

Saturday 23rd April to Sat 29th April 2023 SOLD OUT

Saturday 21st May to Sat 27th May 2023 SOLD OUT

Sunday 23rd to 29th July - OPEN - some spaces left

Sunday 27th Aug to Sat 2nd Sep 2023 - OPEN

Saturday 9th to Sat 15 Sep 2023 SOLD OUT

Friday 6th Oct to Thurs 12th Oct 2023

PRICE: ONLY €2999 - €3299 PER PERSON

Book now
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Reserve your space with a 20% deposit!

Create your own tour

PRIVATE TOURS of ireland

WANT YOUR OWN PRIVATE VIP TOUR OF IRELAND?

North, South or Plan Your Own Tour.
Your group can avail of one of our 7 day Wild Atlantic Tours or 5 day Northern Ireland Tours.Or perhaps you will enjoy combining both into an unforgettable All-Ireland tour for your friends and family to remember forever.

You will have our full professional planning experience to assist you. All tour itineraries are personally designed and advised by both Stephen McPhilemy, Ireland’s most experienced Tour-Guide and travel expert and Patrick Wade, one of the most frequent Irish-American visitors to our cherished nation.

Design your own Essential Ireland Tour with our expert travel guides

gift amazing EXPERIENCES

Essential Ireland Tour gift vouchers make ideal gifts for your loved ones
Essential Ireland gift voucher

GIVE the gift of ireland

Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable experience with an Essential Ireland Tour. Give them the choice of exploring the marvelous sites and sounds of Ireland.
Chose from one of our three tour types and let your loved ones chose their ideal trip

WILD ATLANTIC TOUR: €1,500

TRUE NORTH TOUR: €1,150

CASTLES & CLASSICS TOUR: €2,500

USING YOUR GIFT VOUCHER: your voucher may be redeemed against any of our tours

ABOUT US

WHO WE ARE

Stephen McPhilemy and Patrick Wade are the co-founders of Essential Ireland Tours. One Irish and one Irish-American, they met 20 years ago while Patrick was backpacking through Ireland and Stephen was his tour-guide.

Two decades later they (and their Irish Wolfhounds) are experienced and respected figures in the Irish tour and hospitality scene with a passion for providing high quality tours. Authentic Irish experiences for unbeatable value.

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