Dublin isn’t just a city for a quick visit; its size and diversity make it an excellent hub for full-day tours that reveal Ireland’s rich tapestry of history, landscape, and culture. Whether you prefer hopping on a bike through Phoenix Park or exploring ancient sites in the Boyne Valley, Dublin offers options for all interests and energy levels. One of our favorites is the Dublin Full Day Bike Rental, which lets you cover 1,750 acres of Phoenix Park, spotting herds of fallow deer and historic buildings with ease. If you want a more personalized experience, the Full-day Private Dublin City Highlights Tour provides a tailor-made day with a guide who shares insider stories.
Looking for a taste of Ireland’s drink heritage? The Private Full Day Whiskey Tour combines distillery visits with a scenic countryside drive, perfect for whiskey lovers. For those wanting a mix of natural beauty, history, and a bit of adventure, the Full Day Wicklow Tour takes you through Powerscourt Gardens, Sally Gap, and even the charming town of Kilkenny. Whatever your style, Dublin’s full-day tours promise a memorable immersion into Ireland’s best.
1. Dublin Full Day Bike Rental
At number 1, the Dublin Full Day Bike Rental shines for offering a flexible way to explore Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest enclosed parks. Covering about 1,750 acres, it’s way too big for a walk, but perfect on two wheels. The rental includes maps and tips for routes, making it easy to navigate past Magazine Fort, Ashtown Castle, and the Dublin Zoo, all while watching herds of free-roaming fallow deer. With an average rating of 4.5/5 from nearly 360 reviews, travelers love how hassle-free it is to pick up and drop off bikes right at the park entrance. It’s ideal for active visitors who want to see as much as possible without the fuss of guided tours. The price of around $46 offers great value for a full day of outdoor exploration.
Bottom Line: If you prefer to go at your own pace, enjoy fresh air, and love cycling, this rental is a straightforward, budget-friendly choice that provides a taste of Dublin’s most famous green space.
2. Full-day Award Winning Private Dublin City Highlights Tour
This private tour is perfect if you want a personalized day with a guide who customizes your experience. It lasts about 8 hours and covers key sights like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with the flexibility to select what interests you most. The tour’s private vehicle means you won’t be stuck with a large group, and you can get out and explore at your own pace. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge—one said, “Jim was an encyclopedia,” and others appreciated the ability to learn stories they wouldn’t find in a guidebook. The cost of roughly $720 per group makes it a more expensive option but offers tailored, in-depth insights that solo touring can’t match.
Bottom Line: Best suited for first-time visitors who want an efficient, customized overview of Dublin’s top landmarks with a personal touch.
3. Full-Day Irelands Ancient Boyne Valley Private Guided Tour
For those intrigued by Ireland’s prehistoric past, this tour delves into ancient sites like Hill of Tara and Loughcrew Cairns. Your guide, Michael Fox, shares over 20 years of passion for the area, making the history come alive. The itinerary includes a visit to Tara, where the high kings once held court, and the Stone Age Cairns at Loughcrew, believed to be over 5,000 years old. Visitors have raved about how knowledgeable and professional Michael is, making the experience worth every penny of the roughly $860 charge. It’s a full 8 hours of exploration that appeals to history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Bottom Line: If you love ancient mysteries and want a private guide’s expertise, this tour offers a meaningful immersion into Ireland’s earliest history.
4. Private Full Day Whiskey Tour from Dublin with Tullamore D.E.W.
Whiskey fans will find this full-day private tour a true highlight. Starting from Dublin, you’ll visit renowned distilleries like Old Kilbeggan, Sean’s Bar (Ireland’s oldest pub), and Tullamore D.E.W. Tasting sessions are included at each spot, giving you a real taste of Irish craftsmanship. The tour lasts around 10 hours and costs approximately $473 per person, which, considering the multiple distillery visits and private transport, offers excellent value. Reviewers mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are. One said, “John was excellent—knowledgeable, kind, and fun,” which shows the personal touch. The trip is perfect for those wanting a relaxed, whisky-focused day with ample tasting opportunities.
Bottom Line: Best suited for whisky lovers eager to explore Ireland’s distilling heritage with the comfort of private transport and insider knowledge.
5. Full Day Private Wicklow Tour
This 8-hour private trip takes you into Wicklow Mountains National Park, a favorite for scenic beauty and lush landscapes. Your local guide, who knows the area intimately, will take you to Powerscourt Gardens, often called one of the world’s greatest gardens, and the Sally Gap, a mountain pass featured in movies like Braveheart. The itinerary is flexible—your guide suggests stops for lunch, but you’re free to choose when and where. The reviews highlight how knowledgeable and personable guides like John make the experience memorable. The tour costs around $825 for up to 7 people, making it a great deal for families or small groups.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a private, personalized day exploring Ireland’s countryside and picturesque towns at their own pace.
6. Dublin: Full-Day Private Tour to Cliffs of Moher, Galway & More
This full-day private tour hits the highlights of western Ireland, including Cliffs of Moher, Doonagore Castle, and Galway City. It’s a long 12.5-hour adventure, but top-rated for its flexibility and personal attention. The itinerary includes stops at Barack Obama Plaza in Moneygall and the medieval Bunratty Castle, giving a well-rounded taste of Ireland’s history and scenery. Reviewers mention how guides like Mac and Alec make the day engaging with stories and traditional songs. At around $963 for up to four people, it’s suited for those who want a comprehensive, private exploration of Ireland’s west coast.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a fully customizable, private experience of Ireland’s most iconic sights in one day.
7. Full-Day Private Tour in West Coast of Ireland
For the luxury traveler, this 14.75-hour full-day private tour offers a chauffeur-driven experience of Ireland’s west coast. Your driver will take you to Dunguaire Castle, the Burren, and Cliffs of Moher, with stops at notable sites and the option to customize your day. Reviews praise the driver Ken’s flexibility and storytelling skills. At around $1,330 for up to five people, this is a splurge, but it provides a seamless, stress-free way to see Ireland at your own pace. The private vehicle allows for spontaneous stops and personal attention, making it suitable for those who prize comfort and exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a private, chauffeur-led day trip with maximum flexibility and luxury.
8. Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full Day Guided Tour
This highly-rated 9-hour tour covers Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Monastic Site, and Kilkenny. It’s a popular choice for its expertly guided commentary and scenic stops. Highlights include walking around the lakes and ruins of Glendalough and exploring Kilkenny’s medieval castle and streets. The coach has free Wi-Fi, and the tour is well-organized, with reviews praising guides like Mac and Alec for their storytelling and engagement. With a cost of about $46 per person, it’s an affordable way to see a lot of Ireland in one day.
Bottom Line: A good choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience with a mix of history, nature, and medieval charm.
9. Waterford Crystal and Kilkenny Full-Day Rail Tour from Dublin
This tour combines scenic train travel with visits to Kilkenny and Waterford. It’s perfect for those who prefer to relax and enjoy Ireland from a train window while exploring key towns. Highlights include Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and a visit to Waterford Crystal. Reviewers emphasize the flexibility of this option, noting how the train journey offers a different perspective of the Irish landscape. For around $463, it offers good value for a full-day tour with a mix of guided visits and independent exploration.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic experience combining train travel with cultural visits.
10. Cliffs of Moher Private Full Day Tour From Dublin
For an exclusive experience, this private tour takes you directly from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher, with stops at Clonmacnoise and Bunratty Castle. It’s the most customizable option, with the ability to set your own pace and include other landmarks. The 11–12 hour trip costs around $2,315, but for a group up to 8, it offers privacy and flexibility. Reviewers mention the driver’s professionalism and how the private experience made the day special, especially when exploring the cliffs at your leisure.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a bespoke, private day with maximum comfort and tailored stops.
11. Dublin Full-Day Tour through Boyne Valley
This small-group tour explores Newgrange, Mellifont Abbey, and the Hill of Slane—all sites tied to Ireland’s ancient past. With a focus on authentic experiences, the guides share stories that bring history to life. At approximately $809 for up to 6 people, it’s a great choice for those seeking a more intimate experience outside Dublin’s city limits, especially if interested in Ireland’s prehistoric monuments.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to see Ireland’s ancient sites with a small-group, guided approach.
12. The Little Museum of Dublin All-Day Flexi Ticket
This flexible ticket grants access to The Little Museum, offering a lively, engaging way to learn about Dublin’s recent past. With a 29-minute to 1-hour tour, it’s a short but lively experience, ideal as a complement to other activities or as a quick intro. The museum’s passionate guides tell stories about Dublin’s rock bands, 1920s civil war, and Georgian Dublin. Reviewers love the humor and passion of the guides, making it a fun, educational stop.
Bottom Line: A quick, entertaining way to understand Dublin’s local stories, perfect if your schedule is tight but you want authentic insights.
$22.59 per person
13. Belfast: Full-Day Tour with Titanic Experience
For travelers willing to cross into Northern Ireland, this 11-hour tour takes you to Belfast, home of the Titanic. It includes a hop-on hop-off city tour, the Titanic Belfast experience, and political murals along the Falls and Shankill Roads. Reviewers highlight the flexibility—many appreciated exploring at their own pace. At around $158 per person, it’s a cost-effective way to see a different part of Ireland with plenty of sightseeing and history.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in Belfast’s shipbuilding history and political murals, with a flexible, self-guided style.
14. Rock Of Cashel And Blarney Castle Private Chauffeur Full Day Sightseeing Tour
This luxury private tour takes you to Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle, with stops at Blarney Woollen Mills. The 8–10 hour experience is customizable, with a driver and guide handling the logistics. Reviews praise the comfort and flexibility—one said, “Stress-free luxury drive,” perfect for those who prefer to sit back and enjoy Ireland’s countryside. At roughly $1,742 for up to 6 passengers, it’s a splurge but offers a private, tailored experience for those who want more exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a high-end, private day trip to Ireland’s top castles with personalized service.
How to Choose Your Dublin Full-Day Tour
When selecting a full-day tour, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. For active travelers, bikes like the Phoenix Park rental are ideal. History buffs might lean toward Boyne Valley or Kilkenny tours, while whiskey enthusiasts would enjoy the private distillery visits. If you prefer a stress-free, private experience, the Wicklow or Cliffs of Moher tours are excellent options, especially for groups. Budget travelers could opt for guided day trips like the Glendalough and Kilkenny or The Little Museum. Booking early ensures availability, especially during peak summer months.
Dublin’s diverse full-day tours cover everything from scenic countryside drives and ancient sites to cultural museums and lively distillery visits. Whether you want to pedal through Phoenix Park, learn Ireland’s history in Boyne Valley, or toast Irish whiskey in private distilleries, there’s an option that fits your style. Two or three standout picks include the Private Dublin Highlights Tour for an all-encompassing city experience, and the Wicklow Day Trip for scenic nature at its best. To make the most of your trip, book early and choose a tour that matches your energy and interests. Ireland is waiting—make sure your Dublin adventure is unforgettable.