Ireland · SELF-GUIDED TOURS
This is the shortlist worth sending to whoever is planning: 13 self-guided tours that hold up, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to check before you commit.
Self-guided entry to St Patrick’s Cathedral with audio guides, Swift’s tomb, the Door of Reconciliation, and interactive Discovery Space for $12.
“The handheld guided audio was great! No issues and very informative.”
A self guided visit to Christ Church Cathedral’s nave and Ireland’s largest crypt, featuring medieval tiles, stained glass, and the cat and rat story.
“I loved learning about all the history of the church. Tom was very personable, knowledgeable and humorous. I am so glad he convinced us to pay the extra money to take the tour.”
Self-guided bike tour of Killarney National Park with bikes, maps and stops for Muckross House, Abbey and Torc Waterfall from $24.20.
“The bikes were great, well marked bike paths. Wouldnt wanna do it any other way, renting bikes was the way to go!”
Walk Cork City Gaol with an audio guide, from neo-Gothic West Wing cells to outdoor perimeter paths. Plan 1 to 2 hours.
“Highly recommend this place. The audio guide was easy to use and full of interesting information. Allow 1-2 hours to fully enjoy tour, audio presentation and gardens. Well worth booking in advance as gets quite busy”
A low-cost self-guided audio tour of St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny, with graveyard stories, high crosses, and child audio.
“Very interesting place and the graveyard stories were to die for !!! Lots of crypts history and beautiful history restoration”
Self-guided Donegal coast e-bike day to Slieve League, Silver Strand Beach, folk village, megalithic tomb, and Ireland’s 32-county map.
“This was a major highlight of our trip to Ireland. Family of 4 with 2 teenage boys traveling from Oregon. Seamus made it easy to get out and get rolling on the e-bikes. This is a breathtaking part of Ireland w fewer tourists. Delicious lobster rolls along the way! Highly recommend.”
Self-guided e-bike tour of the Burren in County Clare, starting Kilfenora. Electric bikes, marked route, and ancient sites for $78.
“We did the shorter 24 km eBike self tour. We enjoyed the scenery and the bikes made it very easy for our group of 23 year old to 59 year old.”
Glide through Dingle’s Wild Atlantic Way on a self-guided eBike with GPS audio, fat tires, and WeWheel app navigation. 2.5 hours.
“This experience was wonderful! The host explained everything to us and we found that our fitness level was just right for the trip around slea head drive. People with more limitations might find in too challenging”
Solve a 1899 murder on foot in Dublin with a self-guided clue envelope from Trinity College to Parliament House, $21.99.
“This was a unique way to discover different parts of Dublin, but it could be better. It rains constantly in Dublin, making the paper guide impractical. A digital guide, perhaps one with GPS guidance to the different spots would have been helpful. Read more”
Galway city centre self guided audio tour from Eyre Square to Spanish Arch, with offline maps and lifetime VoiceMap access for $9.99.
“The tour was incredibly easy to download and follow and gave great information about each spot without being too dense. It was great! Will be doing more audio tours in the future :)”
A self-guided Dublin scavenger hunt with the Let’s Roam app, photo challenges, and trivia at Trinity College, Ha’penny Bridge, and the Spire.
“I dont usually leave bad reviews however I feel this one is necessary. We booked this as a chance to explore the city in a new light, having done other treasure hunts in the past with other providers, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Sadly, this one Read more”
Self guided electric and regular bike ride from Tralee to Fenit on Kerry’s greenway, with easy support from LiKe Bikes and scenic Bay views.
“Excellent customer care. It was my first time cycling on the greenways and renting bikes but Andy was super. We weren't sure what size bike would suit my 7 year old so he brought a few. Met us at the entrance and was willing to pick up the bikes at anytime and any point of our trip along the greenway. Couldn’t recommend them enough.”
Self-guided day return ferry from Cleggan to Inishbofin, with a fast crossing, cliff walks, and white sand beaches at your own pace.
“Loved the whole experience- the boat trip, island fascinating and food great. We had a great walk over the island and over to the beach . Lots of families and children everywhere. Such a lovely feeling.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
