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The best bus tours in Dublin

Go sightseeing in Dublin on a city bus tour, and see all the landmarks in one day.

If you’re short on time, a bus tour is a great way to see Dublin. You can tick off all the major sights in one fell swoop, without your step counter going through the roof.

Whether you want to pack in as much as you can, or simply see the sights from the comfort of a double decker bus, these tours will show you the best of Dublin.

• 1 . Hop On Hop Off Tour by DoDublin Tours
• 2 . Big Bus Dublin
• 3 . City Sightseeing
• 4 . Vintage Tea Trips
• 5 . What to see in Dublin

Seeing the city by bus means you don’t need to decide between visiting Kilmainham Gaol or the Phoenix Park , because you can do it all in one day, hopping on and off at your leisure. Better still, you’ll often be accompanied by a tour guide who can point out the local hotspots as you sail on past.

It's also a cost-effective way to see the city, particularly if tickets to museums or other attractions are thrown into the mix. As a general rule, you can expect to pay around €30 for a 24-hour hop on, hop off tour, or around €35 for a two-day ticket. On most of the tours, at least one child goes free per adult, making family tours even better value.

But bus tours aren’t just for seeing the city. Nearby attractions are also at your fingertips, on tours that take you all around Ireland without you having to hire a car or navigate public transport. You can head off to places like the Cliffs of Moher or the Giant's Causeway and be back in the city by nightfall.

Hop On Hop Off Tour by DoDublin Tours

You’ll spot these bright green buses all over the city. Their hop on, hop off tours take in all the major sights, including the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum . But they also stop off at the smaller attractions, like Teeling Whiskey Distillery in the Liberties and Marsh’s Library , right next to St Patrick’s Cathedral . A ticket also includes entry to the Little Museum of Dublin and a Pat Liddy's walking tour . Buses depart from O’Connell Street regularly.

Guinness Storehouse

If you want to get out of the city, they also run tours south to Wicklow and Glendalough, or north up to Belfast and the Causeway Coast. They also offer a Ghostbus tour of Dublin, where you’ll visit a medieval vault and a city graveyard, accompanied by some fairly theatrical characters. While their original tour is most definitely not for kids, they’ve now created a version for children aged between 7-14.  

Big Bus Dublin

This bus tour takes in 25 stops around Dublin, with a guide pointing out all the sights of the city, or a pre-recorded commentary available in eight languages. As well as all the locations set in the middle of the city, the tours head out to Dublin Zoo in the Phoenix Park, as well as Kilmainham Gaol and Richmond Barracks . Even if you don’t hop off and explore those sights, the trip will give you a broader sense of Dublin’s geography away from the city centre. The regular tours kick off from O’Connell Street, check Big Bus Tours Dublin for up-to-date departure times.

All tickets include a walking tour, and there’s free Wi-Fi on the bus, too — so you can plot out your next move, or post a video of the on-board singalongs to Instagram. They also offer a night tour , so you can see all the landmarks illuminated after dark, like the lights of St Patrick’s Cathedral or the buildings that line the River Liffey. There’s also a deluxe package available, which includes the hop on, hop off ticket for three days, a night tour and a half day coastal tour to the fishing village of Howth .  

City Sightseeing

There are more than 30 stops on the City Sightseeing hop on, hop off tour, including Jeanie Johnston , a replica famine ship on the River Liffey, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham. Buses run every hour, departing from Trinity College.

As well as the included stops in the city, you can get picked up in the morning from bus stops around Ballsbridge, which is handy if you’re staying in that neighbourhood and want to see the more central sights without getting separate transport into town. 

They also offer a river cruise along the Liffey, giving you a unique perspective of the city from the water. Starting at Bachelor’s Walk, you’ll sail under O’Connell Bridge and past the 18th-century Custom House, all the way to the glass and steel architecture of the Docklands. 

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

Vintage tea trips.

This isn’t a traditional bus tour. Instead of hopping off at various spots, you’ll stay on the vintage bus for the duration of your journey, passing the highlights of the city as you tuck into afternoon tea accompanied by the sounds of 1950s jazz. You’ll see sights like Trinity College, the Phoenix Park and Christ Church Cathedral , with freshly made sandwiches, desserts and pastries on the table in front of you.

What to see in Dublin

Planning your hop off points? Our guide to the great things to see in Dublin will get you started, with most of them included on the bus tours above.

Paddle under Dublin's most famous bridges on a kayaking adventure! Discover more now. Read More

Welcome to DoDublin

No.1 Hop-on Hop-off tour of Dublin for over 35 years. We also provide tickets for Dublin’s top Visitor Attractions, Day Tours around Ireland and Airport Transfers.

Hop on Dublin's No.1 city tour and explore the best of Ireland's capital. Our Bus Tour of Dublin is famous around the world with Dublin's best Tour Guides! We're back and better than ever!

Hop-on Hop-off Tours City Tour

Hop-on board the world's first and still original Ghostbus tour for a great night's entertainment. Discover the darker side of Dublin, with lots of laughs, scares and entertaining tales along the way. Check out the new Ghostbus Kids Tour

Ghostbus Tour Dark Tour

The DoDublin Freedom Ticket combines a 48 Hour Hop-on Hop-off tour + Leap Visitor Card, providing 72 hours unlimited use of the Bus Network, as well as train services (called Dart) and tram services (called Luas) in Dublin. It's great value too!

Freedom Ticket No.1 Card

Visit The stunning Cliffs of Moher, the majestic lakes and mountains of Glendalough, or head to Kilkenny for the day. We have it all on our Day Tours page. Visit some of Ireland's most popular and beautiful destinations on bus day tours.

Day Tours from Dublin Day Tours

Dublin's No.1 Airport Transfer. We provide Airport bus options, mini-bus hire and chauffeur driven car hire. Best value and hassle free solutions to get you from Dublin Airport to your hotel or accommodation provider. Fly into the city in under 30 minutes!

Airport Transfers Airport

Always had a secret list of touristy things to do in Dublin? It's Finally Time to DO with the DoDublin Days Out Card. Six world class attractions on your doorstep. Save 25%!

DoDublin Days Out Card 6 in One

Book Dublin's Top Outdoor based Attractions. Choose from Walking Tours, Boat Trips, Bike Tours and more. Tours are all based in Dublin city centre or Dublin county, and are all easily and quickly reached on public transport.

Outdoor Tours Out&About

Book visits to Dublin's best tourist attractions. We provide tickets for all of Dublin's top attractions, all conveniently located close to a stop on the Hop-on Hop-off tour.

Dublin City Attractions Explore

The whiskey distilling industry has enjoyed a great resurgence in Dublin over the last 10 years. Purchase your tickets for the best of Dublin's distilleries and whiskey museums directly from DoDublin!

Whiskey Tours Spirits

Don't just sightsee, explore.

Check out our latest articles...

Great Value & Family Friendly

• Kids Go Free! 1 Child goes Free with every adult on the Hop-on Hop-off Tour.
• Free entry to Little Museum of Dublin with every Hop-on Hop-off Tour.
• Children under 4 Go Free on the Hop-on Hop-off Always!

Over 7,000 5 Star Reviews!

Bought 48 hour ticket best money we spent, tours very informative, drivers very knowledgeable went round the whole tour first time then went again and got on and off where we wanted. Can’t recommend highly enough.

We had planned to hop on and hop off but ended up staying for a whole round trip ride with Johnny Mac, he was funny shared lots of information and we enjoyed it! Highly recommend hop on hop off bus with DoDublin!

Informative and so funny. Our bus driver called Greg was hilarious and had us in stitches all the way around. So much so that we did the full tour twice in two days with him! A great way to see the city and learn about the history from a Dubliner.

We had a blast on the hop on hop off Green bus tour. The stops were well marked and the best part were the drivers. They are all characters with great personality and wonderful stories to tell and all knew their history. We laughed so hard and had a great time with the drivers commentary. Glad we chose the "GREEN BUS"

Absolutely brilliant. Can highly recommend. Carla was first class! Will tell everyone who visits us here in Dublin to spend the day on the DoDublin Bus tours. Cheers!

Very friendly staff. Loved the little Dublin museum and how it was included with the ticket. Also loved you can get on the bus for two day!

This was easily the best decision we made in Dublin. So many cool things to see and convenient to many places around the city. This is a must do.

No.1 Dublin Tour Since 1988

• More 5-Star reviews on Tripadvisor than any Hop-on Hop-off tour in Europe!
• The DoDublin tour guides are famous around the world for their wit and entertaining tours
• The only Dublin tour with Fáilte Ireland trained tour guides

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Which Dublin Bus Tour is Best?

Big bus vs city sightseeing and more.

In this post, we will provide information to help you pick the right Dublin bus tour, including tickets, availability, and what sets each apart. 

• Hop-on-Hop-off
• Comedy Bus Tours
• Night & Ghost Bus
• Day Trips From Dublin
• Free Tours By Foot

HOP-ON-HOP-OFF BUS TOURS

These tours allow you to jump off wherever you wish to visit many of Dublin's top attractions.

After you’re done at one stop, you can hop back on and resume the tour.

These double-decker buses have open tops so you can get great views of the sites you pass by.

Also, these tours include guides who are native Dubliners, who provide live commentary in English.

There is also the option for pre-recorded multilingual tours in Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese and other languages.

These tours are an excellent way to get an overview of the city, and the flexibility allows you to discover the city at your own pace.

That said, it should be noted that hop-on-hop-off bus tours only offer basic commentary on the city, seating is first come-first served, and there are more efficient tours that will take less time.

Buses typically stop at or near the following points of interest:

• Dublin Castle
• Marion Square
• Parnell Square
• Guinness Storehouse
• St. Stephen’s Green
• National Art Gallery
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Teelings Whiskey Distillery
• Trinity College
• Kilmainham Gaol
• Marsh's Library
• College Green

If this sounds like an interesting service, consider one of the following options.

This company provides three different tour options for between 24 to 72 hours at a time.

Riders will have the opportunity to visit 36 different stops spread across two routes offered.

Unlike other hop-on-hop-off tours, this one includes live tour guides who will provide a lot of valuable information about the area.

Better still, you can also use your ticket on either Big Bus or City Sightseeing buses.

NOTE: The prices below reflect an additional 10% off when making your purchase on their website.

Classic Ticket

24-hour Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour

• €27/Adults | €14.40/Children
• 1 Free Child with each Adult
• Save 10% when you book online.
• Purchase or learn more .

TIP: This ticket is included with the Go City Dublin Pass .

Premium Ticket

• 48-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
• Free Guided Walking Tour
• €36/Adults | €14.40/Children

Deluxe Ticket

• 72-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
• Night Bus Tour
• Half-Day Coastal Tour
• €54/Adults | €14.40/Children

Each ticket is valid for use on any date within 6 months of your original purchase. If you buy either the 48 or 72-hour ticket, you must use it on consecutive days.

You can choose to either print your ticket out or use the Big Bus app to present your e-ticket when hopping on board.

Customers frequently give them a score of at least 4 out of 5 stars , so you can expect a reliable, fun, informative, and safe ride on their buses.

Big Bus Routes and Map

There are two tour routes to choose from during the day. Take a look at the map to see the differences between each route and what attractions are included in each route:

Click here for a larger map .

This is the longest and most extensive route offered.

It’s also the only route that includes commentary from a live tour guide. 

The entire tour will take 2 hours to complete.

This route is a bit more concise, focusing on the most popular sites around Dublin.

There is no live tour guide for the red line, but they do provide an audio guide.

The tour takes 1 ½ hours to complete.

City Sightseeing Dublin

You can expect the same general route and prices as Big Bus.

City Sightseeing offers free admission for one child aged 4-12 when accompanying one paying adult. Additional children require a ticket.

There are more than 30 different stops on this tour, including the top sites listed above , as well as Phoenix Park, Nassau Street, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin Liberties Distillery, Arran Quay, Ormond Quay, Custom House Quay, Dublin Writers Museum, Pearse Lyons Distillery, National Gallery of Ireland, Book of Kells, Collins Barracks, Cork Hill, Windmill Lane Recording Studios, and many more.

24-Hou r Tour

• 24-hour Hop-on-Hop-off Tour
• 2 Free Walking Tours
• €28/Adults | €15/Children
• €23/Senior Citizens

48-Hour Tour

• 48-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Tour
• €35/Adults | €22/Children
• €30/Senior Citizens

As you can probably tell, City Sightseeing offers almost exactly the same service as its competitors.

The main difference between these two services is that you cannot use a mobile voucher with City Sightseeing.

You will need to print out your ticket and present it when you get on the bus.

In addition to the free guided walking tours, you also get 10% off at the Irish Whiskey Museum, Lazy Bike Tours, and Irish Day Tours.

If you need to cancel for any reason, make sure to do so at least 3 days before the printed date in order to get a full refund.

City Sightseeing has an overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and other services ( read reviews here ).

This company currently offers only one route which will take you throughout the city to 31 different stops.

This route includes commentary from live guides as well as a free audio guide.

The entire tour will take approximately 2 hours to complete.

Much like its competitors, this company also provides more than 30 stops throughout Dublin.

You’ll be able to tell these two services apart simply by the color of their buses; while Big Bus and City Sightseeing both use a red bus, DoDublin hop on buses are green.

Tickets are available for 24, 48, and 72 hours.

Live tour guides will provide commentary about the city, and they also have audio guides available in several different languages like German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Italian and Irish.

As with Big Bus, DoDublin Tours allows one child under the age of 15 to ride for free with each adult who purchases a ticket.

A free guided walking tour is included as well.

You also get free entry to the Little Museum of Dublin.

24-Hour Ticket

• 24-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Tour
• Little Museum of Dublin Admission
• €30/Adults | €10/Children * One child under age 15 is free with admission with each adult
• €28/Students, Seniors

48-Hour Ticket

• €35/Adults | €15/Child *One child under age 15 is free with admission with each adult
• €33/Students, Seniors

DoDublin has an excellent combo deal, the DoDublin Freedom Card, that includes a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour as well as 72 hours of unlimited public transport for just €13 more than the 48-hour tour ticket.

The DoDublin Card

• 72-Hour Unlimited Luas Trams
• 72-Hour Unlimited DART and Commuter Trains
• 72-Hour Unlimited Public Bus
• €48 per person

It’s worth noting that this option will cost the same for children as the 48-hour ticket, so you may want to consider it as an alternative if you have more than 2 kids with you.

Both their 24-hour and 48-hour tickets also include discounts on other tours run by DoDublin such as their Ghost Bus whereas the DoDublin Freedom Card does not.

The entire route, if you did not get off at any attractions, will take roughly 2 ½ hours to complete.

If you want to know more about the places you will visit on this tour, check out its full tour map .

DoDublin has received an overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Many reviewers indicated that their tour guides are informative and funny, providing a unique historical look at the city.

PROS AND CONS OF HOP-ON-HOP-OFF BUS TOURS

Given the convenience, hop-on hop-off tours are one of the best ways to see the Irish capital.

That said, there are some factors you may want to consider before making your purchase.

This section will cover the pros and cons of these services to help you make a decision about whether or not this type of tour meets your expectations.

Pros of Hop-On-Hop-Off Buses

Hop-on-Hop-off buses can be a helpful way for travelers to learn about Dublin.

Here are a few reasons you may find this service very valuable.

Excellent City Overview

There are a lot of different things to see and do in Dublin, and hop-on hop-off buses provide a great overview of the most notable landmarks.

You will get acclimated to the city quickly which will make it easier for you to get around on your own after.

Live Tour Guides

If you have any questions about Dublin, you can ask a live tour guide for information.

They will also point out most of the popular and historically relevant locations in the city as you make your way around town.

Flexible Tours

As the name implies, you can hop on and off at scheduled stops and explore various areas of Dublin at your own leisure.

When you’re ready to continue your tour, you can hop back on the bus and pick up where you left off!

Reasonably Priced

Hop-on-hop-off tours are pretty affordable, and their value just increases with each day you add to the service.

Tickets for a longer duration typically include additional activities and attractions for just a few euros more, and they usually cost less per day than a 1-day ticket.

You can also save money on these services by using  a Dublin tourist pass!

Cons of Hop-On-Hop-Off Buses

Although there are several benefits to taking a tour, they aren’t designed for everyone.

Here are a few factors you may want to consider before making your purchase.

Basic Commentary

The live and pre-recorded audio commentary is informative, but they don’t offer in-depth insight into the history of Dublin.

If you’re looking for greater details, consider taking a walking tour instead.

Not Very Efficient

If you’ve got a limited amount of time to spend in Dublin, this isn’t necessarily the fastest or most detailed tour you could be taking.

A hop-on-hop-off tour is better for visitors who have at least a few hours to explore the city at their own pace.

No Seat Assignments

While a fully-guided tour typically provides assigned seating to ensure that you have a comfortable place to sit during your outing, seats are first-come, first-served on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

Depending on how busy the tour is, you may not be able to find a good place to sit when you climb on board.

HOW LONG DOES A DUBLIN HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR TAKE?

Every company has its own routes and how long each one takes depends on the route.

These routes typically take between  1 ½ - 2 ½ hours  to complete if you were to stay on the bus the entire time, and not get off for any attractions.

For each tour listed in this post, we include the duration of that tour.

ARE HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOURS A GOOD WAY TO GET AROUND DUBLIN?

Hop on hop off bus routes stop at or near the most popular areas of the city, making them a great way to get around Dublin.

Also, if you plan to visit many of the points of interest along a particular bus route, then these tours are a convenient and affordable way to get around Dublin to the places you want to go.

Next, these buses are easy to use. Thus, you won't have to waste time figuring out how to use the various forms of public transport. This way you'll maximize your time.

Moreover, your bus tour ticket comes with a free walking tour which saves you the cost of a tour which is on average between €15 to €20 and upwards.

Some tours also include a Night Bus Tour which is an additional savings.

Lastly, if you are traveling with children, hop on hop off tours are a fantastic option since at least one child rides free with an accompanying adult. If you took public transport, you'd have to pay for your child to ride.

If one or more of these factors applies to your circumstances, then yes, these tours are a great way to get around Dublin!

COMEDY BUS TOURS

If you’re looking for a tour that focuses on specific details about Dublin’s history and culture, consider one of the following options.

In this section, we will provide information about specialized Dublin bus tours including some of the locations you’ll visit, how long the tour will take, and prices for each service.

The Comedy Bus

As the name implies, this tour takes you on a trip through some of Dublin’s comedic history.

Professional comedians will host your journey and tell jokes about some of the more hilarious things that have happened in this city.

See sites such as the Garden of Remembrance, Guinness Brewery, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral while riding around with some of the funniest tour guides in Dublin!

Ticket Information

• €25 per person
• Availability: Saturdays at 7 pm
• Duration: 1 hour
• Not currently available

This company has altered its buses to create a stage-like atmosphere in which its comedians can perform.

Although you will be transported around the city to see a lot of the most famous landmarks, you won't be able to hop on and off at your own leisure and there are no stops during the trip.

If you need to cancel for any reason, you can do so up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

The Comedy Bus is still relatively new, so there aren’t many reviews for the service just yet.

That said, many customers who have left a review indicate that this tour is very funny and informative.

NIGHT AND GHOST BUS TOURS

Visitors who are more interested in the spooky side of Dublin’s history might want to think about taking either a night or ghost bus tour.

This section will provide details about these tours, including the length of the tour, which subjects and locations are covered, and the price of each service.

The Gravedigger Ghost Tour

This is a somewhat spookier alternative to the Comedy Bus, as it is both humorous and creepy.

Rather than just scare the daylights out of you, your tour guides will keep things a little more lighthearted while telling you some of the most disturbing stories from throughout Dublin’s history.

In addition to this trip around the city, you’ll also get a free brew (either with or without alcohol) at the Gravedigger’s Pub!

• €29 per person
• Includes free brew at Gravedigger’s Pub
• Availability: Fri and Sat at 7:45 pm
• Duration: 2 hours

You can cancel at any time up to 24 hours before the tour begins for a full refund.

The Gravedigger Ghost tour takes place aboard a uniquely designed bus which includes a lot of decoration for the experience.

Your tour guides will be dressed up as ghouls, ready to terrify you with tales of Dublin’s haunted past – if they don’t make you bust a gut instead!

As with most of these specialty tours, you won’t have the option to hop on or off at your leisure.

Instead, you will be taken around the city to see major sites and learn about their spooky past.

With an overall score of 4 ½ out of 5 stars , it’s clear that most people who take this tour really enjoy themselves ( read reviews here ).

Many customers described the outing as both entertaining and informative, suggesting that it wasn’t necessarily a serious history tour, but there were a lot of interesting facts provided during the trip.

Some even described this service as goofy and fun, indicating that it might be good for families. 

The Dublin Ghostbus Tour

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Gravedigger tour, this is an excellent option.

Much like their competition, they provide a spooky and fun trip through the streets of Dublin.

While there is a focus on somewhat disturbing and frightening stories of the city’s history, your tour guides will also keep things fun and humorous with a comedic take on the macabre.

• €35 per person
• Includes a free walking tour.
• Availability: Mon - Sat at 8 pm
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

Tickets can be canceled up to 24 hours before your tour date for a full refund.

The main difference between the Ghostbus and its competitor is the free services they offer.

While Gravedigger provides a free brew at their pub, the Ghostbus includes a free guided walking tour covering the highlights of this city

When it comes to presentation, both companies take a similar approach to decorating their bus in order to make the experience even more creepy.

The Dublin Ghost Bus is not a hop-on-hop-off tour, but it does make stops are at several notable locations where your guide will tell you some of the more twisted tales from Dublin’s history.

While on this tour, you will enjoy various activities such as a trip to a haunted museum, a stroll through St. Kevin’s Graveyard and more. 

The Dublin Ghostbus has an overall score of about 4 ½ out of 5 stars . 

Ghostbus Kids Tour

If you’re looking for a paranormal outing that your children can enjoy, Ghostbus offers a tour designed specifically for younger guests. 

While on this trip, your kids will hear about some of the creepiest stories from throughout Dublin’s history.

Tour guides will take special care to ensure that the details they share are appropriate for younger audiences.

Unlike their main Ghostbus tour, this service does not include an additional walking tour.

• €15 per person
• Availability: Sat at 11 am & 1 pm
• Duration: 75 minutes
• Not Currently Available.

As with their other services, this company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour begins. 

Guests can expect to hear about a variety of subjects such as Mad Willian, Misery Hill, and the legend of the body snatchers.

As previously established, this company has an excellent reputation and they routinely receive excellent reviews.

Night Bus Tours

If you’re not interested in a ghost tour, there are still a few options for taking a bus tour after dark.

The larger companies provide their own night tours, allowing you to see what this city looks like when the sun goes down and learn a bit about the history of Dublin along the way.

Accordingly, both Big Bus and City Sightseeing provide a night bus tour which includes 11 stops over the course of one hour after dark in Dublin.

In addition to learning more about the city, you’ll also enjoy some music along the way.

• Price: €18/Adults | €9/Children
• Save 10% when ordering online
• Included for free with the 2-Day & 3-Day Ticket
• Availability: Daily at 7 pm & 8:30 pm
• Purchase or learn more . 

DAY TRIPS FROM DUBLIN

There are a lot of different day trips offered from Dublin. Each of these services uses a coach to transport you to-and-from a number of different locations.

Here are just a few of the places you can visit:

• Blarney Castle
• Wild Wicklow
• Glendalough
• Giant’s Causeway

If you’re interested in seeing any of these places while you’re in Dublin, visit this page to find the day trip you want to take.

DISCOUNTS AND DEALS

There aren’t many discounts available on these types of bus tours, but if you’re also interested in a hop-on-hop-off tour, you could save some money with combo packages and other services.

Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour Deals

There are several different deals available for Dublin hop-on hop-off buses, including deals through tourist passes and combo packages.

The Dublin Pass

The Dublin Pass is currently the only service offering admission for a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

This all-inclusive pass includes entry to dozens of popular activities for a specific amount of time (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days).

In addition to including a classic ticket from Big Bus, this service also offers entry to the following locations and activities:

• Jameson Distillery Tour
• Teelings Distillery Tour
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Croke Park Stadium Tour
• EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum
• Newbridge House and Farm
• Irish Rock & Roll Museum
• Aquazone Aquatic Centre
• National Wax Museum
• Malahide Castle

Pass prices start at just €69 per day, so you’ll need to use this service for at least 3-4 activities before you start saving money.

If that sounds like a fun challenge and an excellent opportunity to save a few euros, please read our post covering Dublin tourist passes for more information.

Combo Packages

There are currently two major hop-on-hop-off bus tour companies offering combo deals in Dublin: Big Bus and DoDublin.

Considering that their Premium and Deluxe tickets include activities such as a walking tour, a night bus tour, and even a half-day tour of the coast, one could say their basic services are already combo packages!

That said, it’s worth noting that this company does offer one additional combination deal which includes their hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

Classic Ticket + Dublin Express

• 1-Day Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
• Dublin Express Bus Ticket (Airport Transfer)
• €37/ Adults | €18/Children

DoDublin Combo Packages

This company offers a few different combo packages which include their 48-hour bus tour and one additional activity.

Guinness Storehouse Combo

• 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus
• €46 per person

Jameson Distillery Combo

• Entry to Jameson Distillery
• Guided tour of the Distillery
• €43 per person

EPIC Museum Combo

• €36 per person

GPO Witness History Combo

• €31 per person

Teeling Whiskey Distillery Combo

• €38 per person

Purchase or learn more about these combo deals .

NOTE: As of October 2022, all of these combo deals are currently suspended.

Discount Sites

Depending on when you choose to visit Dublin, you may find some pretty good deals on hop-on hop-off tours through websites such as Groupon .

In addition to whatever deal the tour operator may offer to begin with, these websites typically offer coupon codes that you can use to save an extra 10% - 20% off local activities.

Before you make a purchase, make sure to check the top and bottom of the page for banners that may include coupons you can use to save a few more euros!

RELATED  POSTS:

• Things to Do in Dublin
• Free Dublin Walking Tours
• Dublin Boat Cruises

And much, much more

About the author.

Stephen Pickhardt

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Best Dublin Tours by Bus

The best dublin tours by bus offer a unique and comprehensive way to explore the city's rich culture, history, and landmarks. with knowledgeable and experienced guides, guests can enjoy a hassle-free sightseeing experience on a comfortable and air-conditioned bus. these tours cover popular tourist destinations such as trinity college, st. patrick's cathedral, and the guinness storehouse, as well as off-the-beaten-path hidden gems, trips to ireland's countryside and cities, and even trips to uk and europe. additionally, the best dublin tours by bus offers flexibility in terms of time and route, allowing guests to customize their itinerary based on their interests and preferences. whether traveling solo or with a group, these tours provide a fun and informative way to discover dublin's unique charm..

Finn McCools Tours

Destinations include: Cliffs of Moher tours, Giants Causeway tours, and Glendalough Kilkenny day tours.

  Ph: (01) 882 8344

Wild Rover Tours

Destinations include: Guided tours of Dublin.

  Ph: (01) 284 5560

Rural Pub Tours

Destinations include:  Rural Pub Tours 

Ph: (01) 495 8111

Viaggiare in Irlanda Travelling Ireland

Destinations include: They offer tours in both English and Italian. Medieval tours, Classic Dublin tours, U2 tours, and Howth

  Ph: 087 757 4601

Ole Irlanda Tours

Destinations include: Ireland’s well-known landmarks

  Ph: 087 171 6758

The Perfect Pint Tour

Destinations include: They will bring you to four traditional Irish pubs that serve the best Guinness Dublin has to offer.

Ph: 085 739 1770

Vip Party Buses Dublin

Destinations include: This family-owned business is located in Dublin and covers all of Ireland

  Ph: 087 116 6223

LetzGo City Tours

Destinations include: Dublin’s  top sights and Authentic Irish Experiences and they also offer a wonderful collection of fully guided engaging tours to the best highlights throughout Europe’s top cities 

  Ph: (01) 254 8650

Destinations include: They want to show people the real Ireland in an easygoing way

Ph: 085 151 1131

Carrolls Tours

Destinations include: Irish Tour Operator offering an extensive range of tailor-made tour packages and destination management services across Ireland

  Ph: 087 216 3184

Destinations include:A private tour guiding service is offered. Private tours for group sizes of 1-54 people are offered by them. They offer multi-day custom private tours all around Ireland

  Ph: 087 631 2682

ChaperoneVIP Private Tours

Destinations include: They are a  leading provider of private tours based out of Dublin, Ireland, for up to 7 passengers. You can take a day trip to Dublin City and bay, Wicklow and Glendalough, or anywhere you want.

Ph: 083 877 8448

Butlers Private Tours of Ireland

Destinations include: Bus tours of Ireland. Packages for golf and sightseeing

  Ph: (021) 420 1354

Hilltop Treks

Destinations include: There are Day Tours from Dublin that offer walking and horse riding options. Transport from Dublin is included in the guided day walks

  Ph: 087 784 9599

Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Tour from Dublin

Destinations include: Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Tour from Dublin

Ph: (01) 531 1411

Follow the Camino

Destinations include:walking holidays along the Camino de Santiago.

. Each of their tours is divided into 6-7 days, where you can walk, cycle or horse ride a reasonable and manageable distance each day.

  Ph: (01) 687 2144

15 Top-Rated Dublin Tours to Take in 2023 (Expert Review)

March 18, 2024

Paula Martinelli

Planning a dream trip to Ireland? Then you’ll no doubt be spending time in the country’s capital of Dublin. This fascinating city is one of the most popular cities in Europe and it’s easy to see why! Not only is it famous for being a UNESCO ‘City of Literature’, but you’ll find plenty of awesome Dublin tours you should add to your bucket list!

For those short of time, the best way to explore Dublin is by taking advantage of the city’s many tours . This way, you’ll have a local guide with you who will teach you so much about this incredible destination and its iconic landmarks . Thanks to its central location, Dublin is also a great city for day trips, so you can always head out to explore the nearby counties.

This epic guide covers the top-rated tours in Dublin that you need to be aware of. Whether you’re looking to head out on a river cruise, try the local cuisine, or explore ancient castles, there’s an option for everyone. Below, I’ve included a variety of tours, each in a different category , so you’re sure to find something to your liking. So let’s dive right in!

14. Castle Tours from Dublin: Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin

Companies Providing Dublin Tours

There are many travel agencies out there providing tours in Dublin, but the best two by far are Get Your Guide and Viator, whose tours are featured in this article. Both of these companies have exceptional ratings on Trustpilot, excellent customer service, and offer lots of affordable tours with a very easy and simple booking experience.

Get Your Guide  is one of the top options because they work with high-quality tours and offer flexible cancelation policies. This company has been providing top-notch tours and excursions all over the world for more than 12 years and is known for its highly professional and friendly tour guides.

Viator   is also a safe and reliable option that provides a 24-hour flexible cancellation policy. They are part of TripAdvisor and offer 200,000+ affordable tours worldwide and multilingual customer service.

OVERALL TOP 5 Best Tours in Dublin

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

This hop-on hop-off bus tour offers you one of the best ways to explore Dublin. You can opt for a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket, and the bus stops at all of the city’s major attractions. This includes Trinity College, Phoenix Park, and Merrion Street. As you make your way around Dublin, you can listen to live commentary which is available in several languages. Your entrance fee to the Little Museum of Dublin is also included.

Walking Tour of Dublin

You’ll find plenty of incredible tours in Dublin, but this walking tour is one of the best options! It’s run by Finn McCools Tours and will allow you to see most of the city’s famous landmarks in one go. This includes the Daniel O’Connell statue, Trinity College, the Christchurch Cathedral, and the GPO Museum.

Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour

This 12-hour tour is one of the most popular tour options from Dublin. You’ll be exploring Northern Ireland and will get to visit several iconic locations. This includes the Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and NI’s capital – Belfast. All your transport is included and there will be live commentary onboard too. This is a great option if you’re after a tour that will sort all the logistics for you.

Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey & Galway Day Tour

This fantastic 13-hour tour is perfect for those who are short of time. Not only will you get to visit the famous Cliffs of Moher , but you’ll also explore Galway City, Kilmacduagh Abbey, and The Burren. All your transport is included, and you’ll benefit from onboard live commentary throughout your trip. Your Cliffs of Moher entrance ticket is also included, but you’ll need to pay for your own food.

Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City

For those who want to explore some of Ireland’s other awesome destinations, check out this full-day tour from Dublin . You’ll be traveling along the famous Wild Atlantic Way and will get to visit some of its iconic attractions. This includes the Cliffs of Moher , Galway City , and Burren National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass by some other sights too including Dungaire Castle and Bunratty Castle.

Top-Rated 10 Best Tours in Dublin

Best private tours in dublin: dublin private walking tour.

Why Take This Tour:

This awesome private walking tour is an awesome addition to any Dublin itinerary ! You’ll wander through the city, and learn about its history and culture without the presence of 10-15 other people. This means you’ll have the guide’s full attention and you’ll be able to ask them any questions you may have.

This tour will take you past several of Dublin’s iconic landmarks too including Trinity College, Temple Bar, and the Molly Malone Statue. Other locations you’ll visit include the GPO Museum, Ha’penny Bridge, and Grafton Street. The only attraction you’ll need to pay for is the GPO Museum if you’d like to go in.

• Thanks to the local guide, you’ll get a unique insight into the city
• Your guide will give you insider tips on where to eat and visit
• You’ll have a more personalized experience

Best Boat Tours in Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise

This 45-minute sightseeing cruise will take you along the River Liffey. As you cruise along, you’ll get to marvel at Dublin’s iconic monuments from the river. This includes the famous Temple Bar, Ha’penny Bridge, and Custom House. The River Liffey is rather impressive in itself and will take you past historic neighborhoods, so make sure you take plenty of photographs.

If you’ve only got one day in Dublin then try to squeeze this tour into your itinerary! Not only will you be treated to scenic views, but you’ll get to learn about the city’s history, dating right back to the arrival of the Vikings.

• You’ll get to admire the city from a unique perspective
• On this tour, you’ll learn so much about Dublin’s history
• This river cruise is wheelchair accessible

History Tours in Dublin: Historical 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Dublin

There are plenty of fantastic tours in Dublin but none of them are quite like this historical walking tour ! It’s the city’s longest-established walking tour as it’s been around since 1986. You’ll get to visit some of Dublin’s most important landmarks including Trinity College, the City Hall, and Temple Bar, and will learn about the city’s fascinating history along the way.

On this 2-hour tour, you’ll also get to learn about the events that have shaped Ireland as a country. This includes the Potato Famine, the War of Independence, and the 1916 Rising. Your guide will delve into the Northern Ireland Peace Process too and what that meant for the city.

• Some of the entrance fees are included
• The guides are highly educated when it comes to the city’s history
• You’ll also get to learn about some of Ireland’s most complex events

Top Food Tours Dublin: Irish Food Trail – Walking Tour of Dublin

If you’re looking to try some of Ireland’s best dishes, then check out this Irish Food Trail tour . The tour lasts for around three hours, and you’ll get to visit some of the city’s most popular restaurants and pubs. Your guide will also take you to some fantastic hidden gems, so you’ll be sorted for the rest of your trip when it comes to food options.

Not only will you get to sample some of the local delights, but this tour also includes wine-tasting and craft beers. As such, this food tour offers excellent value for money, so why not include it in your Dublin itinerary ?

• You’ll get to sample the very best Irish cuisine
• Your local guide will give you insider tips on Dublin’s foodie scene
• The minimum drinking age for this tour is 18 so just keep that in mind

Fun Ghost Tours in Dublin: The Dublin Ghostbus Tour

For those after something a bit scary, then check out this Dublin Ghostbus tour . On this tour, you’ll get to learn about some of the city’s most terrifying tales, listen to ghost stories, and understand the real origins of Dracula. Bram Stoker was actually born in Dublin which is really interesting!

Along the way, you’ll visit some creepy and haunted locations including the Hellfire Clubroom, the Victorian Theatre, and St. Kevin’s Graveyard. The onboard guides are fantastic storytellers, so prepare to be thoroughly spooked during this epic tour. They’ll dive into the city’s most intriguing and gruesome tales, so make sure you’re listening carefully!

• Your guide will teach you all about Dublin’s darkest tales and histories
• You’ll benefit from a free walking tour that usually costs €20
• Unfortunately, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or children under the age of 14

Whiskey Tours in Dublin: Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings

Ireland is known for its whisky, and for the best experience, you’ll want to head on this Jameson Whisky Distillery Tour . You’ll be going on a guided tour of one of the world’s most famous distilleries and will get to learn all about the iconic Jameson Whisky. There are three different experiences to enjoy, and you’ll be exploring the original Bow Street buildings.

What’s great about this distillery tour is that whisky tasting and a cocktail are both included. So just make sure you don’t have to drive anywhere afterward, so you can truly enjoy the experience! At the end of the tour, you can head to the shop and even purchase a personalized bottle of whisky if you wish!

• Whisky tasting is included with the tour
• You’ll get to have a signature Jameson cocktail
• The distillery tour has a maximum capacity of 10 people so won’t feel crowded

Bike Tours in Dublin: See Dublin By Bike

You’ll want to check out this incredible Dublin bicycle tour if you’re looking to see a lot of the city in just a short amount of time. Your guide will take you past many of the city’s top attractions including Dublin Castle, the Guinness Brewery, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Temple Bar. You’ll also be cycling through traditional Georgian streets, so you’ll get to admire the architecture as you head past.

As you stop at the locations, your guide will delve into the history of the area. Not only that, but they’ll take you to some fantastic hidden spots including Blessington Street Basin and the Roe Distillery’s Windmill.

• You’ll get to refuel with snacks throughout the bike ride
• As Dublin is a relatively flat city, this tour won’t be challenging
• The minimum age for this tour is 14 so just keep that in mind

Best Day Tours from Dublin: Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin

This fantastic day trip from Dublin is undeniably one of the best options if you’re looking to get out of the city. You’ll be departing Dublin early so you can make the most of your day, and will then get to visit a variety of awesome destinations. This includes Kilkenny City (and its castle), Wicklow Mountains National Park, The Wicklow Gap, and Glendalough.

While on this tour, you’ll also get to experience a working Irish sheep farm. Here, you’ll get to watch a sheepdog demonstration and mingle with the farmer’s animals including the dogs. If you’re short of time in Ireland, then this action-packed tour is one of your best options!

• You’ll be traveling around in a luxury, air-conditioned coach
• Guided walking tours of Kilkenny Medieval City & Glendalough Monastic Site are included
• You’ll get to visit a variety of destinations in just one day

Pub Tours in Dublin: Generation Pub Crawl

Ireland as a country is famous for its pub scene and the capital city of Dublin is no different. For the best experience, check out this Generation Pub Crawl tour as you’ll get to visit the city’s top venues. You’re guaranteed to have a brilliant evening if you hop on this pub crawl, as you’ll get to appreciate the local culture and meet new people.

On this tour, you’ll visit five venues in total where you’ll benefit from skip-the-line entry. Along the way, you’ll listen to live Irish music, party with your new friends, and meet the locals. Don’t forget about the free drinks either!

• This tour includes free shots, a complimentary pint of Guinness, and discounts on other drinks
• Your guide will take you to Dublin’s best nightlight spots
• You need to be at least 19 years of age to participate in this tour

Ireland is full of fascinating ancient castles but one of the most popular has to be Blarney Castle. This day trip from Dublin will take you to this iconic Castle which dates back over 600 years. While here, you’ll have the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, which in turn is supposed to grant you the gift of eloquence.

On this awesome tour, you’ll also visit the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle; both of which are located in County Tipperary. As the coach takes you to these destinations, make sure you appreciate the amazing views along the way. Trust me, you’ll be blown away by the country’s beauty.

• Entrance fees to Blarney Castle are included
• You’ll get to visit three of Ireland’s most popular attractions in one day

Best Dublin Tours Conclusion

As you can see there are so many fantastic tours in Dublin. Whether you’re looking to try the local cuisine, visit the city’s most popular attractions, or learn about Dublin’s eerie history, there’s honestly something for everyone.

The tours you choose will all depend on how much time you have in the city. If you’ve only got one day in Dublin then you’ll want to opt for short tours, so you’ve got a chance to explore some of the landmarks self-guided. For those who have longer, then why not head out of the city on a day trip or two? This way you’ll get to visit some of the most famous landmarks in Ireland !

If you’ve got any further questions about the best tours in Dublin then don’t hesitate to reach out. Simply leave a comment below, or feel free to add additional tours that you’ve experienced!

If you are planning a trip to Ireland, you will love these articles:

• 25 Best Things to Do in Killarney
• Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary
• Top Things to Do in Clifden, Ireland
• 30 Best Things to Do in Kerry
• Top-rated Hotels on the Ring of Kerry
• Ring of Kerry Driving Route
• Dingle Peninsula Drive
• Ireland Bucket List: 30 Places to See
• How to Hike the Causeway Coast Way

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These Are the 12 Best Ireland Bus Tours from Dublin

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What better way to explore the Emerald Isle than by hopping on one of these Ireland bus tours from Dublin ?

Ireland is a country that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Renowned for its lush green landscapes, warm hospitality, and rich history – it’s brimming with reasons to visit. 

I was lucky enough to study abroad in Dublin and was able to take a few bus tours during my time there!

This small island certainly packs a punch, and each region holds unique attractions. This makes it challenging to choose just one area to visit – which is where Ireland bus tours from Dublin come in.

By adding a few bus tours to your itinerary, you can be sure not to miss out on experiencing the real Ireland. 

The many Ireland bus tours on offer boast carefully curated itineraries, encompassing some of the country’s best landscapes and attractions. Choosing a bus tour is a surefire way to get the most out of your Ireland trip.

Table of Contents

Best Bus Tours from Dublin in Ireland

Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant’s Causeway from Dublin

✅ Explore Belfast

✅ Visit Giants Causeway

✅ Visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin

✅ See the Cliffs of Moher

✅ Drive part of the Wild Atlantic Way

✅ Visit Burren National Park

Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin

✅ Visit Kilkenny Castle

✅ Drive the Wicklow Gap

✅ Guided walk of Wicklow Mountains National Park

Ireland Bus Tours from Dublin

⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  13.5 hours | ✅   Book it!

Northern Ireland absolutely should not be missed on your Ireland adventure, and this bus tour is a great way of experiencing its highlights. This 13-hour day tour sets off from Dublin and will start by taking you on a 2-hour drive to Belfast.

Here, you’ll jump into a black cab for a Belfast tour led by a guide who grew up in this city during the ‘troubles’ (the Northern Ireland conflict).

The tour will take you through the neighborhoods that were at the heart of the conflict, as well as the famous peace wall, and along the way, you’ll listen to tales of this city’s bloody past. 

There is the option to swap the black cab tour for a visit to the Titanic Dock and Pump House, the site where the ship was constructed before beginning its tragic journey.

The Titanic Experience, situated next door, is a fantastic museum containing artifacts from the ill-fated ship, as well as many interactive exhibitions. 

Next, you’ll head to the UNESCO World Heritage sight of the Giants Causeway. This natural wonder is a true sight to behold, and learning about the mythology surrounding the causeway is fascinating.

Test your bravery by crossing the nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended 100 feet over the fierce Irish Sea. 

All admission costs are included in this trip, and the onboard guides are informative and will keep you entertained throughout the day. 

⭐ Click here to book this tour! ⭐

⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  13 hours | ✅   Book it!

The Wild Atlantic Way is a popular trail covering the entire east coast of Ireland, taking in some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. The road is windy in many parts, and conditions can be treacherous, thanks to Ireland’s unpredictable weather.

This means that driving the Wild Atlantic Way as a self-guided trip can be a stressful experience, and you’re likely to spend more time looking at maps than appreciating the magnificent views. 

There are many Ireland tour packages that cover this route, and a bus tour of the area means all hassle is removed – instead, you can sit back and take in the epic beauty in comfort.

The Cliffs of Moher Tour takes you through the most scenic spots along the Wild Atlantic Way, and you’re given free time to explore the magnificent cliffs at your own pace.

The trip also makes a stop at Burren National Park, famed for its thousands of archaeological sites and rocky landscapes. 

Your final stop will be Galway City, where you’ll enjoy a 30-minute introductory tour before spending a few hours exploring this waterfront paradise on your own accord.

Wandering around Galway’s brightly colored buildings and sampling fresh local cuisine is an experience not to be missed! 

The day trip lasts for around 13 hours, and your local guide will share their knowledge of the Irish countryside as you pass each stop.

There’s even Wi-Fi on board the coach, so you can keep your Instagram followers updated with all the incredible things you see throughout the day. 

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⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✅   Book it!

This bus tour will take you on a journey exploring Ireland’s mythical folklore and stunning medieval architecture. You’ll start at Kilkenny Castle, an 800-year-old Castle founded soon after the Norman occupation of Ireland.

After spending time exploring this remarkable site, you’ll head to a working sheep farm where you’ll watch sheepdog trials and learn how these dogs heard the farm’s animals.

Getting an opportunity to visit a working Irish farm isn’t part of the usual tourist trail, and this is just one of the things that makes this bus tour a great choice. 

After this, you’ll drive through one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland – the Wicklow Gap. This road is nestled between rugged green hills, and the scenery is breathtaking. Make sure to pack your camera!

This area was used as a filming location for ‘Braveheart’ and ‘P.S. I love you’; it’s one of the most stunning spots in Ireland. 

The nearby Wicklow Mountains National Park is your next stop, and here, you’ll enjoy a two-hour guided walk that takes in impressive views across the dramatic mountain range.

From here, you’ll head to the Glendalough Monastic Settlement. This early Christian settlement was founded in the 6th century, and your guide will walk you through the church ruins and ancient graveyards while recounting folklore tales.

The mystical energy in this place makes it a truly special environment to explore. 

This 10-hour day trip is one of the best Ireland bus tours from Dublin for anyone interested in delving into Ireland’s mystical history while also soaking up some of the country’s best natural wonders. 

Small-Group Wicklow, Powerscourt, and Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours | ✅   Book it!

One of the downsides to bus tours is that traveling in a large group can come with downsides.

Larger queues for attractions, not being able to ask your guide all your questions, and people getting in the way of your pictures – these are all things that sometimes happen in a large group. 

This Ireland bus tour from Dublin is the perfect trip if you’re worried about these problems. With a guaranteed maximum of 16 people, this is a great way of experiencing all the perks of bus tour travel without any of the downsides.

You’ll have plenty of exploration time at each spot, making it the perfect tour for the more independent traveler. 

This 8-hour trip starts and ends in Dublin and makes seven stops. Your first stop is the Molly Malone statue, and then you’ll drive to Powerscourt House and Gardens. These gardens are voted 3rd best gardens in the world by National Geographic! 

Next, you’ll head to the charming Enniskerry Village Square. Traveling as part of a small group means you get to visit more local attractions, and Enniskerry Village Square is somewhere that larger group tours don’t tend to visit. 

Next, you’ll spend an hour driving through the Wicklow Mountains National Park, stopping at all the noteworthy points along the way, such as the Guinness estate and Sally Gap.

You’ll visit the bridge used for filming in P.S. I Love You before heading to the beautiful Lough Tay, also known as Guinness Lake. Guinness Lake is where the series ‘Vikings’ was created, and the view over the lake is one of Ireland’s most spectacular. 

Finally, you’ll head to the Glendalough Monastic Settlement, where you’ll have time to explore the beautiful valley and all its ruins.

This is an excellent Ireland bus tour from Dublin as you get to escape the city for a few hours and explore rural Ireland without having to spend too much time on the road – all of the stops are relatively close to one another. 

Titanic Belfast Experience, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle Day Trip from Dublin

Game of Thrones fans won’t want to miss this Northern Ireland bus tour. You’ll board the bus in Dublin for a 2-hour drive up to Belfast, where you’ll head straight to the Titanic Belfast Experience.

This world-class attraction delves into Belfast’s role in the Titanic’s history and features nine interactive galleries, where visitors will be immersed in the sights and smells of the ship.

Here, you’ll hear stories of life aboard the Titanic and learn about the people who made her – in the very place you stand. 

Following this, you’ll head to the 500-year-old Dun Luce Castle. This iconic castle is located on a cliff edge, towering high above the wild Atlantic Ocean – making it one of the most dramatic views in the country.

It was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones, and fans of the show will recognize it instantly. 

Your final stop will be at the Giant’s Causeway, one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks. You’ll have 2 hours to explore this magical site before returning to Dublin. 

All entry admissions are included in this bus tour, making it a very convenient day out. The day trip is 13 hours long and suitable for all age groups. 

Celtic Boyne Valley Day Trip from Dublin

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✅   Book it!

This is one of the best bus tours in Ireland for history lovers. Ireland has a rich history, and on this trip, you’ll travel more than 5000 years back in time as you explore some of the country’s most significant historical sites. 

The 10-hour-long tour will start and end in Dublin. Your first stop is the famous Hill of Tara, the most sacred ancient site in Ireland. You’ll have an hour to explore this giant mound, which is where the high kings of Ireland watched and ruled over the country.

A quarter of the country can be viewed atop this hill on a clear day – it’s a pretty special place. 

Next up is Trim, an Anglo-Norman castle that is the largest of its type in Ireland. Admission here is included, and your guide will teach you all about the history and significance of the castle.

It has been remarkably well preserved and is surrounded by stunning scenery, and you’ll spend an hour taking it in in all its glory. 

Following this, you’ll go to Loughcrew Cairns, a passage of 5000 Neolithic burial tombs which are filled with ancient rock art.

The next stop is the nearby Fore Abbey, a fascinating area home to 7 wonders – the monastery in the bog, the mill without a race, the water that flows uphill, the tree that has three branches/the tree that won’t burn, the water that won’t boil, the anchorite in a stone and the stone raised by St Fechin’s prayers. Pretty impressive! 

This is a fantastic day out, offering the chance to delve into ancient Ireland without spending the night away from the city. 

Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✅   Book it!

Vintage Tea Trips offer a bus tour with a twist. This hour-and-a-half-long journey is a unique way to see Dublin while sitting in the comfort of a cozy vintage bus, listening to the sounds of smooth jazz and nibbling on divine freshly baked goods. 

There is no structured commentary on the bus, but the friendly tour escorts create a warm and sociable atmosphere among the passengers. You’ll pass all the best sites in downtown Dublin and listen to the team as they share their favorite Dublin stories. 

This trip is a great way to spend an afternoon and is a fun way to experience this quirky city. 

Blarney Castle Day Tour from Dublin Including Rock of Cashel & Cork City

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | ✅   Book it!

This is a great bus tour from Dublin that explores the highlights of County Cork and County Tipperary.

The first stop is the Rock of Cashel, famous as one of Ireland’s most important historical sites. This cluster of medieval buildings is home to a vast collection of Celtic artwork, and its medieval architecture is renowned as some of the best in Europe.

The buildings perch atop a hill and overlook quintessentially Irish rolling green hills. You’ll have an hour to spend here, and admission is included in the ticket. 

Next, you’ll have an hour and a half to explore the city of Cork. There is no guided tour here, so you can spend your time as you please, and you certainly won’t struggle to find things to do in Cork!

The buzzing city contains a truly vibrant Irish atmosphere and is a foodie’s paradise. 

After your time in Cork, the next stop is the famous Blarney Castle. This beautiful castle is famous in Irish legend – the Irish have been kissing the Blarney Stone for centuries, and it’s believed that by kissing the stone, you’ll receive the ‘gift of the gab’… otherwise known as seven years of eloquent speech. Maybe there’s some truth in it – the Irish are great storytellers! 

This 12-hour tour is a must for history lovers, as it journeys around some of Ireland’s most impressive historical landmarks. 

Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey, Wild Atlantic Way, and Galway

⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12.5 hours | ✅   Book it!

This West Ireland tour covers the same stops as the above Cliffs of Moher tour, but it also includes an additional stop that is exclusive to this tour operator. Kilmacduagh monastery is a 1000-year-old ruin and graveyard and is one of Ireland’s best collections of monastic buildings. 

During your visit, you’ll spend time exploring the 12th-century round tower as well as the ruins and graveyard. The area is surrounded by Ireland’s famous verdant green hills and here you’ll spot more cows than you will people!

The tour is 12 and a half hours long and includes all admission fees, as well as fantastic live commentary, which will teach you everything there is to know about Ireland’s wild and enchanting west. 

Dublin Mountain Pub Tour

⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours | ✅   Book it!

Ireland is famous for its pubs, and for good reason – you’d be hard-pressed to find a country with more charming and atmospheric watering holes. 

The best way to experience Ireland’s pubs is by visiting with a local. This Ireland bus tour from Dublin is hosted by a local guide, meaning you can do just that!

You’ll venture into the mountains of Dublin and tour three different pubs, and your guide will share his knowledge and stories with you at each spot. The tour is 5 hours long, so you’ll have ample drinking time in each.

The best part is that you don’t have to worry about being the designated driver as you’re on a bus tour! This trip is a fantastic way to experience Dublin’s pubs. 

The places you’ll visit are real local pubs, rather than the touristy ones you’re likely to find in the city center. Each pub is located in a scenic mountain setting, and you can expect to find live traditional music at each spot.

The Irish are an incredibly friendly and welcoming bunch, so expect to meet some fantastic people and enjoy brilliant conversation along the way. 

Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 45 minutes | ✅   Book it!

If you’re a seasoned city-hopper, you’ll be no stranger to seeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours. These cheery red double-decker buses can be found in most cities around the world, and they’re an excellent way to see all the sights and learn along the way. 

Dublin has multiple tour providers offering Hop-On and Hop-Off tickets, each of which allows you to explore the city at your own pace.

On board, you’ll receive an audio guide with an informative commentary of each sight you pass, along with interesting facts about the city.

These buses all follow a similar route around Dublin’s most popular attractions, including everything from the iconic National Gallery to the world-renowned Temple Bar. 

Your ticket is usually valid for 24 hours and allows you to get off at each site you want to explore and skip the ones you aren’t interested in.

Many of the tour providers (such as Big Bus Dublin) also include a free walking tour within the ticket, led by a local historian who takes you to some of the lesser-known sites in areas the bus can’t reach.

This bus tour is the perfect way to get the most out of the city without the additional expense and stress of navigating transport yourself. 

Game of Thrones – Winterfell Trek from Dublin

⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11 hours | ✅   Book it!

Thanks to its stunning scenery and out-of-this-world nature, Ireland has been used in countless film and television productions over the years.

Some Ireland tour packages offer trips that bring these cinematic worlds to life, and this Winterfell Trek is an absolute must-do for fans of Game of Thrones. 

The tour starts when you board the bus in Dublin, where you’ll be given a cloak to wear for the tour – you’ll be feeling like a member of House Stark in no time!

Along the way to visit filming locations from the series, you’ll stop at some of Northern Ireland’s most scenic locations, like Tollymore Forest Park and Strangford Lough. 

Then, you’ll arrive at Old Castle Ward, which was the location of Winterfell in series 1. The tour is led by guides who were extras in the series, and they’ll lead you on a walking tour of areas like Walder Frey’s Twins and Robb Stark’s camp in the Riverlands. 

The guides will share tales of their experience during filming, and you’ll even get to watch special behind-the-scenes footage on tablets. The final stop is Inch Abbey, the 12th-century ruins where Robb Stark became king in the North. 

This trip is an incredible experience for fans of the series, and when surrounded by the ethereal forests and medieval ruins of Ireland, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re in Winterfell. 

Final Thoughts: Ireland Bus Tours from Dublin

As you can see, there are multiple incredible Ireland bus tours from Dublin. Traveling in this way enables you to maximize your time in the Emerald Isle and discover all the best sites without the headache of organizing your own tour.

The only problem with bus tours in Ireland is… which one to choose?!

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KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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Coach / Bus Tours & Trips from Dublin

See the best Coach / Bus trips from Dublin, Ireland. We have 88 adventures that range from 3 days up to 15 days in length. The most popular time for tours leaving Dublin is August.

88 Coach / Bus tour packages from Dublin with 5,238 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

Wonderful tour and guides. I will defenately recommend them and use them again.

Irish Highlights (Summer, 7 Days)

All around trip was great, excellent tour guide, bus drover, choice of cities we visited and the hotels were the best.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Best of Ireland (10 Days)

The overall experience was excellent.

Irish Discovery

We got to see a lot. Rosemary was an excellent tour guide and Donny was a very safe driver.

Introduction to Ireland

it was a great trip, a little more scheduled than we had anticipated.

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

This was a fantastic tour. It was fast paced, and I was able to see a lot of Ireland and Scotland's highlights from the countryside's to the cities and villages. Our tour guide and bus driver were fabulous and quite entertaining.

Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

Excellent tour and company. Tour guides and accommodations were second to none. If you want to know the real Ireland and it’s rich history in a comfortable setting and without the stress of driving you will not be disappointed. This was a trip of a lifetime and we would recommend to anyone.

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days)

Everything about the tour was wonderful The stops and the time spent at each were just the right amount of time!

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Small Groups, 14 Days)

The tour itinerary was full allowing a broad experience to be gleaned from both Ireland and Scotland respectively. The quality of the travel, hotels and experiences were a complete delight to share with the whole group. We gelled as a group and this made the excursion thoroughly enjoyable, despite the wet weather! Our driver was exemplary which made for safe and enjoyable travel on the coach throughout. Our tour guide was highly knowledgeable and experienced which added plentifully to the daily tours. A very enjoyable tour, highly recommended.

Irish Escape

Our tour guide, Carmel, was great! She was very informative, helpful and fun! The scenery was breathtaking, and the people very friendly. Would recommend this tour to anyone considering visiting Ireland.

Exploring Dublin, United Kingdom and Paris

We had an amazing time on her trip. Everything promised was delivered. Thing that we didn’t know was that we would be transferring to different groups. Initially this was confusing, but I do have to say that all the transitions were very smooth. We went to many beautiful pieces and met many beautiful people. generally are gods more helpful and even caring. I would recommend this tour.

Shamrock Royal

We had a wonderful time! Brian Simpson is an absolute delight and our driver Norman is awesome.... put those two together ( and thank you for doing so!!) and it becomes a party! I did fill out the paper review that you handed us, so I won't get into too much detail, but I very much enjoyed all the places we visited. I enjoy more of the country and historical sites; as archaeology is more my thing so, if I were to be picky I would have liked to see more of that and less of the major cities. As I said, I very much enjoyed our trip with you and would not hesitate to go on another tour. I would not hesitate to advise others to try your tours as well. Thank you for a wonderful time!

Wild Atlantic Experience

Very good tour „Ireland and Northern Ireland“ with great guides (Robert and Tony)????

3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin

We saw the most breathtaking views! We saw a lot in 3 days! The tour guide was very informative. The hotel accommodations were top notch! Ireland was more beautiful than I imagined!

Great Tour of Ireland ( 7 days )

What people love about coach / bus tours from dublin.

This tour was so good! We experienced more of Ireland than the itinerary indicated (because of stops we made along our journey, which I loved!), but never felt rushed. Our guide Diarmuid is such a professional - he provided us with interesting information about the places we stopped and Ireland in general, kept us on schedule with a relaxed demeanor, and is genuinely a very nice person. I've never traveled with a tour group before and this one couldn't have been any better. The Emerald Isle is so beautiful and everyone is so friendly that, even when there was a bit of rain, it was still fun. Many thanks to Mick and Diarmuid (the best!!) for making this a most memorable trip. PS the accommodations were fantastic - especially the breakfasts!

The entire trip was wonderful, very well organized, and satisfying. Peter Flood was an excellent tour guide. He was as knowledgeable as could be, funny, and helpful; and really seems to love what he does.

This was my first time in Ireland. I absolutely loved everything about this trip. Tour guide and bus driver were amazing. Totally worth every penny. Would go back in a heartbeat

Travel Styles

Coach / bus from dublin.

• to Dublin (72)
• to Edinburgh (6)
• Ireland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 10 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Coach & Bus Companies (with Reviews)

14 Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland On a Long Layover With AerLingus

Utilizing a long layover is one of the best traveler hacks out there. With AerLingus offering most flights with a stopover in Dublin, if you're going to stop there anyway, you might as well leave the airport and get some exploring in. Dublin is a relatively small city, and with even just one day, you can tick a few things off of your Irish bucket list. Here are 10 recommended things to do on a long layover in Dublin with AerLingus.

UPDATE: 2023/05/12 13:37 EST BY KHYATI DAND

More Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland On a Long Layover With AerLingus

It can be very hard to kill time on long layovers but that's not something travelers flying to Dublin have to worry about. With the entire city at one's disposal, long layovers in Dublin are an excellent way to explore the Irish capital. This list was updated to include more things that travelers can do on stopovers in Dublin when flying with AerLingus.

RELATED: 10 Places Perfect For Exploring While On a Long Layover

See The Book Of Kells At The Trinity College Library

The Library of Trinity College in Dublin is one of the oldest libraries in Ireland and nothing will make time fly by quicker than the dark aisles of its 16th-century reading halls. The library has over 7,000,000 volumes of books on its shelves but if there's one thing that visitors must see, it's the Book of Kells -- the four Latin Gospel manuscripts dating back to the 9th century. No matter the time of the year, the library always has at least one volume on display for the public to see.

Catch A Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Flights can get pretty darn tiring. Oftentimes, there's very little energy left for anything exciting on a layover, let alone exploring an entirely new city . In that case, hop-on hop-off bus tours offer visitors an excellent means through which to see Dublin without much physical exertion on their part. Simply catch an open-top double-decker bus, grab a seat in a corner, and watch Dublin's top attractions pass by as you listen to audio guides for context.

Get A Taste Of Irish Food

What better way to spend a layover in Dublin than to eat your way through the Irish capital? Food blogger Ketty Quigley's Delicious Dublin Tours take visitors on a three-hour walking trip around the city with stops at plenty of famous eateries in between. As local experts tell tales of Dublin's food history, visitors will not only taste the best of local Irish food, but they will also learn of its past and present. These tours operate regardless of the weather in the notoriously temperamental capital.

Hop Onto A Viking Splash Tour

Long layovers in Dublin are one thing if you're alone or in the company of a fellow adult, but finding entertainment can be a far more tedious task when traveling with kids. A Viking Splash Tour is an excellent adrenaline-filled activity -- and an incredibly unique one at that -- for both adults and kids to take part in when in Dublin. The tours take place on a restored World War II amphibious vehicle that functions much like a bus on the roads but transforms into a boat as it mightily glides into the Grand Canal Dock, splashing passengers on board with the cold waters of the canal.

Drink At Temple Bar

What visit to Ireland is complete without a proper pint of Guinness? Head to the place that does it best, and arguably the most famous bar in not only Dublin but all of Ireland: Temple Bar Pub. Not to be confused with the neighborhood that is called Temple Bar, Temple Bar Pub is an infamous landmark pub with the traditional bright red exterior, welcoming you in to have a pint or two.

Related: 10 Pubs You Need To Grab A Brew At While Visiting Dublin

Dublin Castle

Despite popular belief, there's a lot more to do in Dublin than just drinking. Ireland is home to several castles, and Dublin Castle is one of the finest . Having been built in the thirteen century, Dublin Castle has since served as home to English and British administration. In 1922, Dublin Castle was given to the Irish government, where it now serves as a popular tourist hotspot. For an entry fee of about 8 euros, you can head inside and see the collection of art, as well as take in the majestic red velour and gold-plated interior.

Related: 9 Things To Do In Dublin: Complete Guide Beyond The Pubs To This Irish Capital

Chester Beatty

Within the confines of Dublin Castle is what Lonely Planet has described as one of the best museums in Europe: Chester Beatty. Also known as Chester Beatty Library, this museum is home to the collections of Sir Chester Alfred Beatty, a philanthropist and mining magnate who was given the title "King of Copper" due to his fortune. The collections at Chester Beatty include but are not limited to Arabic treatises on religion, Western manuscripts, pieces from Persian poets, and even Japanese art.

Shop At George's Street Arcade

Looking to get a little shopping in on your long layover in Dublin? George's Street Arcade is one of the best places in the city of Dublin to do so. Centrally located close to other major tourist spots, George's Street Arcade has shops ranging from Brazilian-made fashion at Carnaval to Mystic Ireland Crystals. There are also plenty of eateries on site, like the top-rated vegan burgers at Flip Burgers and proper wine and cheese at Loose Canon.

Take A Guinness Brewery Tour

Back to booze because, hey, it is Ireland, after all. Aside from Irish whiskey, the most popular alcoholic beverage in Ireland is Guinness. The Irish take their Guinness seriously. There's a craft behind pouring each one which amplifies the overall taste. If you're curious to know the art behind this extremely popular beer, head to the Guinness Brewery for a tour.

Related: You Need 90 Minutes To See The Guinness Storehouse, And Here's What The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour Looks Like

Visit Jameson Distillery

If you're more into whiskey, or better yet, if you want to add a second boozy adventure to your layover in Dublin, the Jameson Distillery is a great addition to your activities. Learn the history behind one of the most popular Irish whiskeys in the world. Created in 1780 by John Jameson, the long-standing tradition behind making Jameson can now be experienced as a tourist. The tour options range from a simple visit to cocktail classes.

See Local Music At Whelan's

Who doesn't love a good Irish folk band? While you are bound to find live music at pretty much any pub in the city, Whelan's is one of the best. You can check out their calendar on their website to see who's playing, and it's recommended to book a table in advance since this place quickly fills up. Enjoy a beverage while listening to some classical local Irish music.

Drink High Tea On A Vintage Bus

Are you less interested in whiskey and stouts and more interested in feeling posh with a cup of tea in hand? There are many tours to book in Ireland , but one of the more unique experiences in Dublin offered on GetYourGuide is a high-tea tour while riding on a vintage bus . Priced at about $50 per person, a high-tea tour in Dublin is a fun way to experience the city from a double-decker bus that's been refurbished to be its fanciest self. The tour comes with food options, including those that are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly.

Cross Ha'Penny Bridge

The Ha'Penny Bridge is a pedestrian bridge located in central Dublin. It was built in May 1816 over the River Liffey and remains a popular tourist attraction to this date. Its central location is close to the popular Temple Bar neighborhood, and the best part about ticking Ha'Penny Bridge off of your bucket list during a short layover is that it's only going to take a few minutes to see it.

Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to quickly explore any city while learning a bit about its history is by taking a free walking tour . Explore Dublin by foot, see plenty of major tourist hot spots, and learn the history through a local tour guide, all for zero cost. The tour is offered several times a day, meaning it's likely you can fit it into your Dublin layover regardless of what time you land.