Self-Guided & Independent Ireland Tours & Trip Packages

Self-Guided & Independent Ireland Tours & Trips

1,125 Self-Guided & Independent trips. Tours from 248 tour companies. 1,247 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

90 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Ireland
Self-Drive Wild Atlantic Way (Southwest)
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dingle Peninsula, Killarney National Park

Highlights

  • Tour the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland's loveliest districts
  • Experience the rural Irish setting exploring over 26 acres of impressive park, which features over 30 buildings in a 'living' village
  • County Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland, located in the southwestern province of Munster
  • Discover the town through the eyes of a foodie by joining a walking food tour
  • Visit one of the most important ecclesiastical sites in Ireland - The Rock of Cashel

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Our trip to Egypt was perfect- expert guides, drivers and airport reps. Our guides took us into tombs that others didn’t get to see, we had lunch in a private home with an Egyptian family, we had Nubian coffee made the old way, by a Nubian man, on the banks of the Nile. Everything went so smoothly. The timing was perfect too …our guides had us in temples, pyramids and tombs without crowds. I will use Travelous in the future and I have advised friends and family to do the same. Chris Bazos made all the arrangements for us. Our guides were Noha and Atef."

Trip dates & details
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Dingle Peninsula Walk
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By UTracks
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
62 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Trek through stunning coastal scenery
  • Experience history, mythology and traditional Irish culture
  • Enjoy the flexibility of walking with a daypack from village to village
  • Soak up the atmosphere in the warm family run B&B’s

Themes

Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"A really difficult company to communicate with, slow to respond and not able to accept accountability for poor service. Used Tee Travel in Spain which was even worse. Not able to organize support or assistance and harassed me about luggage that wasn't mine. There were other walkers who appeared to have more support and assistance from their travel providers. Definitely avoid this company as overpriced and no actual service."

Trip dates & details
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Ring of Kerry Walk
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By UTracks
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
62 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Dingle Peninsula

Highlights

  • Trekking through stunning coastal scenery
  • Experiencing history, mythology and traditional Irish culture
  • Enjoying the flexibility of walking with a daypack from village to village
  • Soaking up the atmosphere in the warm family run B&Bs

Themes

Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"A really difficult company to communicate with, slow to respond and not able to accept accountability for poor service. Used Tee Travel in Spain which was even worse. Not able to organize support or assistance and harassed me about luggage that wasn't mine. There were other walkers who appeared to have more support and assistance from their travel providers. Definitely avoid this company as overpriced and no actual service."

Trip dates & details
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A Taste of the Wicklow Way
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By UTracks
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
62 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Dublin

Highlights

  • Magnificent scenery in the hinterland of Dublin, Ireland’s capital city
  • Glendalough, ‘the valley of the two lakes’ where St. Kevin founded a monastery in the 6th century
  • Diverse countryside from the fine country estates of rolling hills to the Wicklow Mountains
  • Traditional Irish hospitality

Themes

Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"A really difficult company to communicate with, slow to respond and not able to accept accountability for poor service. Used Tee Travel in Spain which was even worse. Not able to organize support or assistance and harassed me about luggage that wasn't mine. There were other walkers who appeared to have more support and assistance from their travel providers. Definitely avoid this company as overpriced and no actual service."

Trip dates & details
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The Ireland - County Kerry Untour
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5/5 Excellent
100 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cork, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry

Highlights

  • Visit Skellig Islands
  • Explore Dingle Peninsula
  • Visit Killarney National Park
  • Discover Blarney Castle, Cork and Beara Peninsula

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Rented two bikes in May 2019. Excellent service from Xavier from start to finish. He was extremely responsive and delivered the (brand new Orbea) bikes to our villa and recommended some great cycling routes around the beautiful Basque Country. Will definitely use Bike Basque again - highly recommended."

Trip dates & details
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Cork and Kerry Ireland Walking Tour
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5/5 Excellent
4 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cork, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney National Park

Highlights

  • Discover the southewest of Ireland
  • Visit the Gougane Barra Forest Park
  • Walk around the archaeological site of Bonane Heritage Park
  • Discover Killarney
  • Explore Dingle Peninsula

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Our Azores trip was excellent except for a bit of rain :-); The volcano hikes were spectacular and the side trip notes were very helpful. Doing the volcano hikes was fantastic, especially being high enough to see the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the north, beautiful! We also enjoyed the beach walks and walking to town from our hotel, Santa Barbara Eco Hotel. We stayed at the Santa Barbara Eco Hotel which was excellent. The room, property, pool and spa and services were all excellent. We enjoyed meals everyday at their restaurant which where all excellent. A very relaxing and restful and comfortable hotel. The restaurant at the Santa Barbara Eco Hotel is excellent as is there sister property, The White House, were we enjoyed a spectacular sunset and dinner one night. Your selection of this company “Singular Resorts” is a very good choice. We have been using Intura Travel / Walk Inn Provence since 2014 and will use you again in the future. I have recommended you to family and friends and will continue to do so. You have excellent information and support for travelers. Fantastic trip to the Azores, it was a highlight of our vacation to Portugal."

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6-Night Irish Highlights Special
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Dublin

Highlights

  • Trinity College & The Guinness Storehouse Tour Mystical Glendalough and the Waterford Crystal Factory Visit Blarney Castle & Kiss the Famous Stone Travel the Ring of Kerry & Visit Ross Castle Marvel at Killarney National Park & The Dingle Peninsula Adare Heritage Village & Irish National Stud Trim Castle & The Legendary Boyne Valley

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Brilliant customer service andwerd all me questions met me same day delivery and tracksuite is top notch"

Trip dates & details
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Custom Bed & Breakfasts of Ireland
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Dublin

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Brilliant customer service andwerd all me questions met me same day delivery and tracksuite is top notch"

Trip dates & details
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90 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Ireland

Self-Guided & Independent Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
1,247  Reviews
See all Self-Guided & Independent tour reviews
Excellent
218
Great
49
Average
7
Disappointing
2
Terrible
3
D

David & Frances

Jan 2023

Written on

The actual walks were all terrific and we enjoyed them very much, and all the accommodations were excellent too

We loved the trip and only have good things to say about the experience. The only thing we might have changed would be to have put a rest day in the middle of the it...

C

Cheryl & Michael

Jan 2023

Written on

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The hikes were fantastic, the route notes very accurate

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The hikes were fantastic, the route notes very accurate (we only were confused one time and missed a turn but it didn't take long to ...

B

Beth & Frederick

Jan 2023

Written on

We enjoyed the scenery, all hotels except in Avignon, the food, and the people we met

We enjoyed the scenery, all hotels except in Avignon, the food, and the people we met. Yes, I would travel again with your company and would recommend to friends. Th...

G

Gordon & laurel

Jan 2023

Written on

Thank you again for your good work making our trip so wonderful !

The roadbook notes were generally excellent! The Fort De Buoux was fascinating. Should not be missed but needs at least 1 hour for planning purposes. The recommende...

J

Jayne & patricia

Jan 2023

Written on

Everything was so beautiful yet varied. It’s hard to single out a highlight : so many !!

Everything was so beautiful yet varied. It’s hard to single out a highlight : so many !! We are planning to do our next walking tour in Portugal with Intura Travel, ...

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Self-Guided & Independent Tour Selection Trips

A self-guided or independent tour offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, but it's essential to keep a few key tips in mind:
  • Research your destination thoroughly before your trip.
  • Plan a rough itinerary to maximize your time.
  • Pack light to ease mobility and navigation.
  • Stay connected with reliable communication tools.
  • Prioritize safety and security throughout your journey.
  • Embrace local transportation for an authentic experience.
  • Keep important documents organized and accessible.
  • Learn basic phrases in the local language for convenience.
  • Always carry a water bottle and stay hydrated.
  • Budget wisely to avoid overspending during your trip.
  • Stay open-minded and embrace unexpected adventures along the way.
 

Additional details

Who Will Enjoy Self guided & Independent Tours?

Self guided and independent travel is great for anyone that wants to see the world on their own time, at their own pace and completely tailored to their personal interests. These travelers enjoy working with a tour operator to create a plan, book accommodations and check all the boxes for their perfect trip. They aren’t scared of being alone in a new place but embrace the adventure and responsibility of getting from point A to point B.

This type of travel is great for an independent individual. They enjoy exploring, experiencing and seeing. Traveling with a group is great, but adventuring in a new place with only yourself brings the immersion and freedom to a new level. 

Independent travel isn’t just for the adventure traveler who loves backpacking and adrenaline highs. It’s for any traveler that wants to see the world and experience all the sights, culture and people. It may take a level of boldness to go alone and be entirely responsible for getting to each destination and activity as well as catching flights and trains. However, any traveler, no matter the style whether its luxury, nature, sightseeing or active can be an independent traveler.

Self Guided & Independent Tours Commonly Combined with Budget Travel

Independent travel is often associated with budget travel. This is because when traveling alone, the price for a trip as well as accommodations will be cheaper and easier to book than when traveling with a group.

Self guided and independent travel is great for the budget traveler because when traveling alone, you can decide where the money goes. You can work with a tour operator to include all the things you want but also exclude all the things you don’t want.

Traveling for cheaper will allow you to travel for longer. Instead of traveling for a week with a group it can turn into three weeks alone. While budget travel isn’t for everyone due to the cheaper food, accommodations and transportation, it can be exciting for the independent traveler.

Budget travel is a great way for travelers to unearth hidden gems of an area. This could include finding the best tasting food at a street stall, making great cultural connections through a homestay or making new friends when staying in a hostel.

Staying Safe

It is always important to remember safety when traveling, especially if you are traveling alone. One challenge when traveling alone is not having anyone else there if something does go wrong. However, there are things travelers can do to ensure safety.

Make sure to have back up plans in case your set itinerary falls through or you miss transportation. It’s also a good idea to know where local authorities are if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation or need help when out exploring or doing activities such as hiking or cycling.

Travelers shouldn’t be afraid to go on self guided and independent tours, but it’s always a good idea to be more prepared than less. It’s important to do research both on the destination but all planned accommodations and places that you plan on visiting.

How to Prepare for Self Guided & Independent Travel

One of the most important things to remember about self-guided travel is that you will be on your own. This means that there are important steps you should take when preparing to explore the world independently.

Research:Whether it’s where to go, which hotel to stay in or what to do while you’re there, research is key when it comes to traveling independently. Research is an important part of creating your dream trip because it will ensure you’re including the right destinations and activities that are right for your travel style.

Work with a Tour Operator:When crafting your trip, working with a tour operator is a great way to take the stress off your shoulders. Self guided tours can be pre-planned or custom depending on the tour operator. Depending on how hands on you want to be for the creation of the itinerary you can either choose to decide each thing that is included or allow someone else to do the heavy lifting so you can simply focus on experiencing.

Traveling independently is often related with budget travel. Working with a set budget may deter travelers from working with a tour operator especially when traveling alone because they fear it will be too expensive. However, tour operators often have the key knowledge and understanding of travel to get you the best experience for the best price. It can also save you time and stress.

Pack appropriately:It is essential that you plan appropriately when going on a self guided or independent tour. Often, you will be alone whether exploring, traveling or finding your accommodations. This means that you are responsible for where you’ll go and what you’ll see which also means you should pack according to your personal plan.

If you’re going hikingdon’t forget your gear and hiking boots. If you know you’ll be doing a lot of walking, you’ll want to pack comfortable shoes that won’t hurt your feet after a long day. Depending on what you intend on doing, make sure to not only pack appropriately but bring extras or precautionary items in case things don’t go as planned.

Top Considerations

When traveling independently there’s a lot of factors to keep in consideration. There’s a lot that goes into planning a trip and when you’re crafting a self guided tour there’s a lot of decisions that need to be made.

Right Company: One of the most important considerations when planning a self-guided tour is picking the right tour company. Many of the major companies provide itineraries for solo tours or book your hotels or dinners. However, if you are looking for a particular destination or activities, picking the right tour agency can be extremely important.

Best Location:Not every country is ideal for self-guided tours and some countries may not match well with your travel style. Selecting the best location for your self-guided tour can not only lead to an amazing adventure, but will keep you safe as you travel.

Pre-Bookings: With selecting the right travel agency to help you plan your self-guided tour, it’s important to note how much help the agency can provide. Do they book your hotels and meals, only your transportation, or do they create a simple itinerary? If you are unsure about your travels or need a little more guidance, make sure the agency you use provides the additional services you want.

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