vagabond ireland tour guides

Spend Your Summer In Ireland — With Us! 😊

Hello from Ireland — I'm Rob Rankin.

If you've been searching for the best tours of Ireland, stop looking!

However, Summer brings settled weather, long daylight hours and plenty of fun festivals, concerts and events.

Summer in Ireland: Good Time To Visit?

What Is The Weather Like In Ireland In Summer? 🌤️

The weather in July & August in Ireland is as good as it gets!

While the average July temperature high of 19°C (66°F) may seem modest, this is the highest average temperatures of any month in Ireland.

The average temperature in Ireland in August can be anywhere between 11-18°C (51-64°F).

What To Pack For Summer In Ireland? 🧳

The main lesson is to pack layers and travel light. 

What Did Guests Experience In August In Ireland?

🟢 🟢 🟢 🟢 🟢 "from the minute we stepped into the van, the magic and adventure began. the only sad part was at the end of the trip when all the fun had to come to an end, and we had to part ways with our newfound friends and guide. this vagabond tour was way above our expectations, and one of our best trips ever. ", vagabond guest,  tripadvisor  - august 2023.

Top Tours. 5 Star Reviews. Friendly Support.

Fair & Flexible

Kayak. Or Kick Back!

Exceptional Quality

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Ireland Changes You"

It changes the way you see the world, and how you relate to it. Vagabond gives you the most incredibly intimate experience with this beautiful country. The itinerary is filled with authentic activities that not only make you feel like you belong there- but that you never want to leave! From the landscape, to the food, and the music... Vagabond Tours gives you everything you want from Ireland. The hotels were wonderful, as were the hosts!

Guest Review - July 2023

Where We Tour

A vagabond   story.

12-Day Giant Irish Adventure Small-Group Tour from Dublin

• Off the beaten track adventure in a 4X4 tour vehicle
• Services of highly trained professional tour guides
• 12 full days on tour
• 11 nights accommodation (10 nights 4* hotel & 3* boutique guesthouse, 1 night in a castle)
• 11 Full Irish breakfasts
• All relevant taxes
• Loads of laughs
• Most daily activities and visits, including:
• Fantastic guided walks
• Demonstrations of local craftsmen at work
• Entry/Admission - Giant's Causeway
• Entry/Admission - Glenveagh National Park
• Entry/Admission - Slieve League
• Entry/Admission - Aughnanure Castle
• Entry/Admission - Cliffs of Moher
• Entry/Admission - Blarney Castle & Gardens
• Entry/Admission - Rock of Cashel
• Some optional entrance fees and additional activity options, for example:
• Horse-riding (Available on request)
• Sea-Kayaking (Available on request)
• Bike touring in Killarney National Park (Available on request)
• Boat trip to the Skellig Islands (extremely weather dependent) (Available on request)
• Black Cab taxi tour of Belfast (Available on request)
• Bushmills Whiskey Distillery (Available on request)
• Walking tour of Derry (Available on request)
• We try and keep any additional costs to a minimum and these activities account for only a small part of the daily activities on tour. As we stated above, most of the historical sites we visit are free to enter, as of course are the walks and beaches. The additional activities we do offer are ones that have proved to be a big success over the years.
• Entry/Admission - Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Entry/Admission - Killarney National Park
• Entry/Admission - Skellig Michael
• Grand Canal Hotel, Grand Canal Street Upper, Dublin, D04 X5X7, Ireland We will meet guests in the hotel lobby.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 4 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

• 860marlynh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 7 day Treasure Island Tour The views were fantastic. Our guides, Brian and David were so knowledgeable and entertaining. They went out of their way to ensure our comfort and overall experience of Ireland. Would highly recommend them for anyone who wants to experience a beautiful taste of the "Emerald Isle"! Read more Written May 3, 2024
• A8771FVbrucen 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Small group touring is the way to go My wife and I went on the Driftwood 7-Day Treasure Ireland Tour. We thoroughly enjoyed the small group approach. The use of a van allowed us to go to more out-of-the-way places that the large tour buses can’t go. Paddie and Alan were excellent drivers and knowledgeable guides. I also like the way Vagabond allows the drivers to modify the itinerary if weather or other factors affect the tour. Well done to Rob and his crew for offering this kind of touring. Read more Written May 3, 2024
• lindseydX304MV 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Family Tour We had the best tour with Vagabond. The van could and did go everywhere, giving us such a special and intimate tour of Ireland. We loved seeing small towns, non-touristy attractions, excellent hikes, and great food! Paddy was so sweet to our young girls we brought along (ages nearly-8 & 9) and we all made fantastic memories. Read more Written May 2, 2024
• gailkY9240IH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So many shades of green! Stone fences, green fields and sheep...I'm in LOVE! The drivers were amazing. They were very knowledgeable about the history, they knew the cities and the countryside and the back roads. They knew how to get us to visit places and miss the crowds. They met our needs before we knew we had any needs. They were kind and friendly and had good stories. Both Paddy and Alan were very helpful, all around great guides. Our visits to each hotel, each town, or each attraction was just wonderful. We loved our visit to Ireland. Read more Written April 30, 2024
• 940NancyW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing trip of a lifetime. Loved every minute: from the expert planning tips to the many detailed tips during the trip. Our guide was experienced and very informative. He listened to our needs and adapted our small group experience s to make it a one of a kind tour. Read more Written April 29, 2024
• georgegK8638RH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles First trip to Ireland was Crazy Fun. This was our first trip to Ireland to celebrate our sister's birthday and bucket list. Choosing how to see the island and experience as much as possible, while doing as little as possible proved to be a daunting task. There are so many options. We were all investigating but we settled on the birthday girl's pick. And wow, did we ever hit the jackpot. I would, and already have, recommend the Driftwood Tour. The experience was stellar. Our guides, Danny and Shane, were perfect. They both had a great balance between archeologist and comedian. And maybe a touch of faerie (the mystical kind, of course). If this review is being read to try and pick a tour to join, then go with these fellows. You won't be disappointed. Slainte! (You will also learn other valuable vernacular, like "eegit") Read more Written April 28, 2024
• 819maryj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing memories made! Amazing Tour Group! Vagabond Driftwood did not disappoint. Our tour guide Jason was extremely knowledgeable, personable and an all around great guy. He went out of his way to help make our trip fun, memorable and exciting! Read more Written April 27, 2024
• R3024ZEshirleyg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Best Irish Vacation Experience Ever! I can’t say enough about our Driftwood tour experience! Our driver/guide, Brian, was an incredible source of knowledge and hysterical! I’ve never laughed so much! We saw incredible sights and our accommodations were fabulous…elegant, comfortable, accommodating, and our provided meals were so delicious. I can’t wait to do another Vagabond tour! PS l have done previous Ireland and UK tours with another company, and l much prefer the smaller groups offered by Vagabond! Read more Written April 26, 2024
• Rinda S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceeded my expectations I went on the Driftwood 7 Day Irish Castles & Kingdoms Tour and it exceeded my expectations for a small group tour! Andrew was our wonderful guide and he shared so much about Ireland. He patiently answered questions and always had us laughing. The ride was comfortable and clean. We learned and saw so much of Ireland. I highly recommend this tour especially since we never competed with crowds and large tour buses. Ireland hands down is the friendliest place I’ve visited! Thank you Andrew for making this a memorable trip! Read more Written April 26, 2024
• Kimberly D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Experience of a Lifetime Vagabond/Driftwood tours are the absolute BEST. We just completed the 7 day Treasure Ireland tour and had a most memorable time. Danny and Shane made sure we were all comfortable, getting the history and traditions of Ireland and that everyone was “happy”! Couldn’t have asked for better accommodations or a better experience. Highly recommend, for the experience of a lifetime. Thank you Vagabond/Driftwood, Danny and Shane! Kim D. Read more Written April 25, 2024
• margaretkJ7252AR 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Vagabond tour is the best way to fall in love with Ireland This is second Vagabond tour I have taken. Both tours traveled to Ireland’s Wild West (Galway, Dingle, Kenmare, etc.) Though similar terrain may have covered , each was different . The guides were fantastic; each sharing his unique perspectives of Ireland as well his wit and his knowledge of the great country. Each guide had different stops along the way where we enjoyed a walk or a stunning view. There were two apprentice guides on my second tour and, even though they were learning the ropes, they too, were fantastic. On the first tour I traveled alone but the small group was welcoming as was the guide. On the second tour I brought along my 12 year old nephew and the both of us felt like we be belonged. I loved the walks we did on each tour as well as the spectacle sights along the way. The accommodations were great. I heartily recommend Vagabond tours to anyone who is thinking of visiting Ireland. It is top notch! Read more Written April 25, 2024
• tnslp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles There are no words to describe how great this tour was! Not only did I go on the Driftwood 6-day Great Southern Tour, but I piggy-backed that tour with the 6-day Northern Tour. Both were just amazing. I can't say enough about Denise & Tomas...they were so incredible. I love that we didn't only go to "touristy" places, we were taken to what I would call "off-the-beaten path" spots as well. Both guides were extremely knowledgeable with the history of places we visited as well as throwing in some colloquialisms in there as well. As we were driving from place to place, the guides were letting us know what we were going to see and the significance of it. The hotels were better than I expected. The recommendations for places to eat were also spot-on. This was my third visit to Ireland; each time it just gets better. The price, in my opinion, is quite the bargain considering the hotels we stayed at and, most importantly, not having to worry about any logistics. I'm telling everyone I know about this company and am looking for another Driftwood Tour to go on in 2025. Read more Written April 25, 2024
• brendarA7879JP 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Best Tour of Ireland!!! Upon my return from my Vagabond tour in Ireland, when asked how I liked it, all I can say is that there is absolutely nothing about Ireland and Vagabond that I didn't love!!! What a fantastic experience. Visiting Ireland has been a bucket list item for me for a lifetime and it did not disappoint. Picking a tour company caused some serious angst, but our choice of Vagabond was spot on. VagaGuide Dave provided some serious craic with his storytelling, and all the while making sure everything and everyone on the bus was comfortable and having a great time. I think we had the cleanest bus in Ireland! All of the people in our group were truly lovely; we all got along so well. I would definitely recommend Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland! Don't wait... Read more Written April 24, 2024
• mikemU5468XQ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful experience Took the Driftwood 6-Day Small Group Tour of Northern Ireland. What a fabulous trip! Our driver/tour guide, Angela, was very knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. Everything was well planned and went smoothly. I would highly recommend using this company for future travel in Ireland. Read more Written April 23, 2024
• marvilles 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Will do again, excellent Value for the money. Andrew was a wonderful guide, with the small group/Van we could go places the larger bus could not. The hotels for the kingdoms tour were excellent. Andrew also went above and beyond, I cannot say enough about what a nice time we had. They even have plan b sites to visit based on weather. It's Ireland so expect rain and wind, at least some days. Read more Written April 23, 2024

More to explore in Dublin

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

12-Day Giant Irish Adventure Small-Group Tour from Dublin provided by Vagabond Tours

Vagabond Tours

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VAGABOND TOURS (Dublin) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

VAGABOND TOURS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Vagabond & Driftwood Tours of Ireland   Reviews

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Reviews 4.9.

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Top-Notch Vagabond Adventure Tour

Our Vagabond Tour was top-notch. Our group seemed to meld very quickly, enjoying each other whether we were riding from place to place, sharing a meal, or hiking to yet another awesome adventure. Our guide, Alan, was personable, easy-going, yet mindful of timing. He gave us lots of background on Ireland's past and was great at knowing and finding off-the-beaten-path places we would enjoy exploring. The 12-person van was comfortable with lots of (clean!) windows and was expertly driven by Alan. We appreciated the contact from Vagabond staff prior to our trip. We also made good use of the Tips for Travelers blog in planning our packing.

Date of experience : November 28, 2023

Reply from Vagabond & Driftwood Tours of Ireland

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with Vagabond Tours. We're delighted to hear that your tour was top-notch. It's fantastic to know that Alan, your guide, contributed to the enjoyment of your tour. We're glad his personable and easy-going nature, coupled with his insightful knowledge of Ireland's past, made your experience memorable. Exploring off-the-beaten-path places is something we strive for, and we're pleased to hear you enjoyed Ireland's hidden gems. Thanks again for the kind words and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Ireland again in the future.

Can’t wait to go back for more!

Having just returned from our trip and still marveling over the amazing sites and people we met along the way! Our guide Shane took us to unbelievable views, off the beaten path spots and taught us so much along the way! We cannot wait to return and spend more time in this beautiful country. Highly recommend Vagabond- they definitely go the extra mile!

Date of experience : October 23, 2023

Thank you so much for your kind words and enthusiastic recommendation! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience with our guide Shane and that you enjoyed the amazing sites and hidden gems he shared with you. We are passionate about providing memorable and unique journeys, and we're delighted to know that you enjoyed the tour. Your feedback truly motivates us to continue going the extra mile for our guests. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure. Until then, safe travels

Great Way to see Ireland

We took the 12 day Giant Adventure Tour of Ireland in early August. Our guide, Shane, was fantastic - knowledgeable, helpful, interesting, and fun! The tour had just the right combination of history, culture, nature, and adventure. Loved the small group - 5 couples who got along famously! This was a great way to see Ireland. We added 2 days in Dublin at the start of the trip and one day at the end of the trip, since the tour doesn’t include any sightseeing in Dublin.

Date of experience : July 31, 2023

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review of your recent Giant Irish Adventure. We're thrilled to hear that Shane, your guide, made your journey truly special with his knowledge, helpfulness, and infectious enthusiasm. It's great to know that you enjoyed the perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and adventure that we strive to provide. We're delighted that the small group dynamic added to the overall enjoyment of the tour, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the 5 couples. Creating connections and shared memories is what we aim for. Thank you for choosing Vagabond Tours for your adventure in Ireland. We hope these memories stay with you, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable adventures.

Tour guide was truly outstanding

Tour guide was truly outstanding. He was extremely knowledgeable, well traveled himself, and very flexible in the daily schedule. He made the tour feel personal and customized to our interest. It was like no other standard European tour(Rick Steves, Insight, etc. Size of group was really ideal…will be hard to go back to 25 or more people.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback with us Kelly! We're thrilled to hear that your experience was outstanding. It warms our hearts to know that your guide's knowledge, flexibility and personalised approach made your journey unique and memorable. Hopefully we will see you again in the future!

We loved the whole experience

We loved the whole experience! Our guide’s knowledge, sense of humor, and story telling/driving skill were top notch! The arrangements were perfect, from the comfortable small bus, the educational stops, the time allowed to explore on our own, the beautiful and cozy inns, and the wonderful food…I have not a single complaint, and we are already talking about a family planned trip in the future. Thank you, Vagabond Tours💕

Date of experience : October 16, 2023

Thank you so much for your kind review. We greatly appreciate your generous rating and are glad to hear you had a wonderful time on tour. We look forward to the possibility of hosting your family on a future trip! Thank you for choosing Vagabond Tours, and we can't wait to create more memorable experiences with you.

6 Days Ancient Ireland Tour

Andrew Duggan was a huge part of our experience being so fantastic. The restaurants and hotels were very good to excellent. Sites were visited were great, especially the sheep dog demonstration. He was fantastic. As usual, the people on the tour are a big factor and because of Andrew, everyone became a family at the end. Seats on the van were a little small and could become uncomfortable if in one too long. Cup holders for a water bottle and power outlets to recharge phones would really be great. All in all, a very wonderful experience and we intend to return next year on a different Driftwood Tour

Thank you for sharing your experience from you tour. We're delighted to hear that Andrew your guide, played played a significant role in making your journey fantastic. It's great to know that you enjoyed the various sites and activities. We understand the importance of comfort during the journey and your feedback is greatly appreciated. We're honoured to have been part of your Irish adventure and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Ireland again in the future.

Tremendous Overview of Ireland!

The energy of Ireland was captured and presented beautifully by our guide Denise Whalen. She was informative, fun and humorous! Filled our travels with buoyancy and she provided the ideal balance of information and time for us to absorb it as well as the gorgeous scenery. She provided history and details of the spots we visited. Denise gave us freedom. Other trips with other companies 'babied us too much.' She managed to anticipate the need for refreshment and restroom stops effortlessly. I adore Ireland. Looking forward to returning one day.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with Vagabond Tours and your guide Denise. We are thrilled to hear that Denise was able to capture the energy of Ireland and present it beautifully to you. Our guides play a crucial role in creating memorable travel experiences, and it sounds like Denise exceeded expectations. We can't wait to welcome you back to Ireland for more adventures. Thanks again.

We loved experiencing Ireland 🇮🇪 via…

We loved experiencing Ireland 🇮🇪 via backroads, away from busy cities. Ireland exceeded our expectations! We enjoyed our driver Danny Dowling! He was patient, an excellent driver and very familiar with Ireland and taking us to out of the way places, in the mountains, narrow roads, on the beach! Danny is personable and kind! He loves his country!

Date of experience : October 09, 2023

Thank you very much for sharing your kind feedback from you recent Irish adventure. We're thrilled to hear that you had wonderful time exploring Ireland. We're grateful for your kind words about Danny. He is a true gem and we are so proud to have him on our team. Thanks again for your kind review and rating. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Ireland in the future.

Great trip. Jason was an excellent tour guide. He was well versed on Ireland's history and all other details about the country. Little side trips, the sheep farm and the peat field especially enjoyable. We had plenty of time to explore other stops, castles, villsgrs, taverns.

We greatly appreciate you for taking the time to share your fantastic review of your recent tour. We're delighted to hear that you had a great trip with Jason as your guide. It's wonderful to know that he provided insightful information about Ireland's history and made the journey enjoyable for you. It's great to hear that you enjoyed all the stops along way. Thanks again for the review and we hope to see you again soon.

Single Traveler on 8-Day Wild Irish Rover Tour

The guide, Sarah, was fantastic, super flexible, and able to pivot when what was planned had to change. She was very knowledgeable about the areas we went to and supportive of our physical abilities and limitations. The hotels we stayed in were very nice, and I enjoyed all the meal options offered. The only downside was the lack of space in the luggage when purchasing gifts.

We greatly appreciate you for taking the time to share your experience of your Irish adventure. It's great to hear that you had a great time travelling with Sarah as your guide. We take great pride in our guides and we are so happy to have Sarah on our team. Her knowledge and love for Ireland shines through every tour. Regarding lack of space for gifts, we are sorry about this inconvenience as it's a great idea to purchase gifts for friends and family. However a lot of our guests request that the retail outlets post the gifts to their homes to save space. Thanks again for choosing Vagabond Tours.

Our tour guide-Dave Lee’s Dirty Dozen

Our tour guide, Dave Lee, was smart, informative, attentive, and a fabulous story teller!! The tour itself was so interesting-it covered your gorgeous scenery and history!! The hotels and meals were also great. I love the Irish people. I always felt so welcome! I would take another one of your tours in a heartbeat!

Thank you immensely for your kind words. We are overjoyed to hear that your experience with Vagabond Tours, especially with our guide Dave, exceeded your expectations. We're equally delighted that you enjoyed the accommodations, meals, and, most importantly, the warm hospitality of the Irish people. Thank you for considering another adventure with us. We can't wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure. Safe travels until then.

Got my dream trip to Ireland!

Thoroughly enjoyed our Driftwood tour, it was wonderful. The only thing I could have hoped for to make it better would have been to perhaps spend a bit more time at places, which of course would necessitate going to fewer places in the course of a day. That being said, I never really felt rushed (I just have a personal preference to be leisurely when wandering around new places).

Thank you for sharing your feedback on your recent Driftwood tour with us. We're delighted to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We appreciate your feedback and we hope to have the opportunity of welcoming you back to Ireland again in the future.

Going to Ireland ? GO WITH VAGABOND!

The absolute BEST way to see Ireland ! Leave the driving, the hotel reservations and the itinerary to Vagabond . Just show up ready for an amazing adventure! It couldn’t be any easier .My friend and I went on the Driftwood 6 day Northern Ireland tour to celebrate her 60 th birthday. Our tour guide Phillip was the best !! Smart, kind, funny and caring , he made sure every person on our trip was having a great time ! When I think of all the beautiful, interesting, and amazing things we did I’m still in awe! There is a reason Vagabond is a five star company…start to finish , the whole team should be commended !

Date of experience : October 15, 2023

Thank you for the incredible feedback. We're delighted to hear that you found your tour to have been the best way to see Ireland. It also brings us great joy to know you had a wonderful time celebrating your friends 60th birthday. We appreciate your kind words about Phillip, and we're thrilled he made your adventure memorable with his smart, kind, funny, and caring demeanor. Your recognition of the entire team as a five-star company means a lot. Thank you once again for the generous review and we hope to see you again soon.

Amazing experience

Our experience was great! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable.He is probably what made our trip most enjoyable and memorable! We really enjoyed the small group experience and really appreciated the flexibility of being able to decide what we do next based on the weather/ time of day/ or individual interest . It was about what we as a group wanted to do! It was also amazing to go places a large bus couldn’t.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's great to know you had a fantastic time. Our guides truly are the heart and soul of our tours. Their extensive knowledge and passion for sharing the wonders of Ireland make all the difference. We're delighted to hear that you appreciated the small group experience and the flexibility we offer. We believe that travel should be tailored to what you want to do and see. Exploring places inaccessible to large buses is one of the unique aspects of our tours, and we're glad you got to experience the charm of these hidden gems. Thank you for choosing Vagabond Tours. We hope to have the opportunity to invite you back to Ireland again in the future.

Ireland is best seen on land with a good guide.

Our tour provided my husband and I with a greater understanding of the beauty of Ireland and the history of the Irish. We made a full circle around the Island and visited many beautiful sites both well-known and some off the beaten path. Our tour guide, Tomas, listened to our requests and tried to please our small group as much as possible. It is highly recommended to use an experienced tour company such as Driftwood.

Date of experience : October 31, 2023

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with Vagabond Tours. We are thrilled to hear that you and your husband had such a memorable journey exploring the beauty and history of Ireland with us. It's our utmost priority to provide enriching and personalized experiences, and we're delighted to hear that Tomas, our dedicated tour guide, was able to cater to your needs and preferences. Thanks again for the review. It would be our pleasure to welcome you and your husband back to Ireland again in the future.

Philip, our tour guide and driver, made our Ireland experience terrific. He was well versed in historical information of Ireland as well as folklore of different local areas. He was a very good driver too and always reviewed our daily activities and timeframes . My son had a fall and injured his arm which required a visit to the hospital. Philip got him there with minimal disruption to our schedule. As it turned out, the injury was minor and put my family's mind at ease. Suggestions: We were booked on a 7 day vagabond magnetic north tour. We could have used one "free" day to catch up on rest or have a non scheduled activity day. Also, I didn't feel that enough emphasis was put on the difficulty of navigating some of the trails

Date of experience : September 30, 2023

Thank you for sharing your feedback on your Vagabond Magnetic North Tour. We're delighted to hear that Philip played a crucial role in giving you the best experience of Ireland. He is indeed a fantastic guide and we are thrilled to have him on our team. We greatly appreciate your feedback and it will be taken into consideration We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable experience in the future. Thanks again.

Vagabond is top notch!

Vagabond did an outstanding job in many areas. Communication, preparing me for my trip, always prompt in responding to emails were all excellent. Then, when the trip began! Our driver and guide Alan was so knowledgeable about history, great places to go, communicating what to expect each day, all with a great sense of humor and ability to “read” people. It was a fantastic trip.The accommodations were lovely, and food so delicious.The only thing I would say is one of the overnights had a horribly uncomfortable bed!

Date of experience : October 02, 2023

Thank you for sharing your positive feedback about your Vagabond adventures. From the initial booking all the way to the end of the tour, it is a priority to give our guests a seamless and stress free experience. We're delighted that Alan, contributed to making your trip fantastic with his extensive knowledge, great sense of humor, and the ability to connect with the group. It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed the accommodations and delicious food, although we regret to hear about the uncomfortable bed on one of the overnights. Thanks again for your kind review and we hope to see you again soon.

The trip exceeded my expectations! Memories of a lifetime!

The trip exceeded my expectations. Traveling with the same small group of people (14 total including the guide/driver) made it all that much more memorable. By the end of Day 1, we were all fast friend. Aside from the beautiful landscapes, the tour guide's tales and sharing of traditional and modern Irish music during the long rides between stops added an entirely other dimension to the experience. It truly felt like a tour through the lens of a local. The guide was exceptional--knowledgeable, fun, entertaining, and he took excellent care of every last one of us. It has been my dream to see Ireland and Vagabond Tours made it a reality.

Date of experience : September 10, 2023

Thank you very much for taking the time to share t=your wonderful review of your recent tour with us. We thank you for choosing Vagabond Tours for your great Irish adventure. Creating memorable experiences is what we strive for, and we're delighted to hear that your tour exceeded your expectations. We take huge pride in our guides and we are so lucky to have such a wonderful and strong team of them. Thank you and we hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences in the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Vagabond 6 day…

I thoroughly enjoyed my Vagabond 6 day Northern Ireland tour with David O. As a solo traveller, it was wonderful to take a break from organizing every aspect of travel myself .David looked after everything. The accommodation was amazing, from utter luxury to quaint and homely. David kept us amused with his stories and he handled the windy roads with expertise. I would highly recommend the tour and David

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience on our Northern Island tour with David. We're delighted to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed your journey with us, especially as a solo traveller. It's fantastic that David's attentive care allowed you to take a break from organizing every aspect of your travel. We strive to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience. Thank you for recommending our tour and David. We look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future.

Great Experience

Loved that the tour took us off the beaten path and I was able to see and experience parts of Ireland that one does not normally encounter with large tour groups. Also the small size made it more personal. Danny, our guide was awsome...provided tons of information and history, with a little blarney added to keep us constantly entertained.

Date of experience : September 03, 2023

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your review of your recent tour. We take great pride in how we run our tours. Showcasing the very best of Ireland along with the hidden gems is what makes the travel experience so special. The small group aspect creates a sense of intimacy among the group members. Danny is an amazing guide and we are so proud to have him on our team. Thanks again

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Vagabond & Driftwood Tours of Ireland   Reviews

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Reviews 4.9.

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Great all around - couldn't have been better

Great itinerary, fantastic guide. Andrew took us to places we never would have found on our own and helped us to have a more intimate experience of Ireland than we had imagined we could get from a tour. The whole thing was so well-planned. We loved the hotels too -- a big plus!

Date of experience : 24 April 2024

Trip of a lifetime

I generally enjoy researching and guiding my wife on our vacations, but I am so very glad she talked me into "having someone else do the driving." Well not only did they do the driving, they educated us so much about Ireland's history, geography, food and fun. The care provided by our guide Jason was truly amazing, and trainee's Hugh and Lisa added different vantage points to our short by amazing trip. Everyone knows that the weather is a wildcard for any Ireland vacation, but having Vagabond lead us ensured even in some rain, we were able to maximize our days and get full enjoyment out of our trip.

This is second Vagabond tour I have…

This is second Vagabond tour I have taken. Both tours traveled to Ireland’s Wild West (Galway, Dingle, Kenmare, etc.) Though similar terrain may have covered , each was different . The guides were fantastic; each sharing his unique perspectives of Ireland as well his wit and his knowledge of the great country. Each guide had different stops along the way where we enjoyed a walk or a stunning view. There were two apprentice guides on my second tour and, even though they were learning the ropes, they too, were fantastic. On the first tour I traveled alone but the small group was welcoming as was the guide. On the second tour I brought along my 12 year old nephew and the both of us felt like we be belonged. I loved the walks we did on each tour as well as the spectacle sights along the way. The accommodations were great. I heartily recommend Vagabond tours to anyone who is thinking of visiting Ireland. It is top notch!

Experience of a lifetime

Darran was spectacular, the travel time was broken down just right, the hotels were all fantastic. The best thing I can say is " I'll be back". Going to start a Spring 2025 trip, hope I can get a group together.

Date of experience : 17 March 2024

Just finished our 7 day Driftwood…

Just finished our 7 day Driftwood Discovery tour (April 2024), and we can't say enough about how pleased we were. This was our first guided tour, and Vagabond exceeded our expectations. I can only echo what so many others have said. Fantastic guides with a wealth of knowledge. We had Brian for 3 1/2 days then Dave finished the remainder of the tour. Both were great, but Dave was fabulous in presenting so much rich historical information about Ireland. I may have enjoyed the history lessons as much as the sights. The accommodations were always first rate and the food at the hotels was always very good. While we certainly visited the high point sights, Dave often took us to little known and out of the way historical sites as well. I could go on and on about all the things that my wife and I liked about the tour, but suffice it to say that I would highly recommend the Vagabond/Driftwood tour company to anyone thinking about taking a guided tour of Ireland.

Reply from Vagabond & Driftwood Tours of Ireland

Hi there, thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! Brian and Dave are indeed exceptional guides, it's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed your time with both. Double the fun! We're also glad that you enjoyed the accommodations and food. Thank you for your kind recommendation. Hopefully we will see you again in the future! Safe travels until then.

Excellent Experience

I just finished the 6 day Northern Island Tour and I can't recommend this company enough! The hotel selections, restaurant recommendations, and tips for each site visited was wonderful. The personalized service and prompt response to questions I had prior to the trip was outstanding. Because of the excellent service before the trip, I had high expectations for the tour itself and I was not disappointed! This was my 5th trip to Ireland and 3rd to the North but it felt like it could have been the 1st. That was because of our wonderful guide, Tomas! He didn't just show us the sites, he gave us history, myths, fables, and sites within the sites to see. He was personable, funny, and a great ambassador for the country and company. It felt more like I was traveling with close friends instead of complete strangers. You will not regret using Vagabond & Driftwood Tours. They really are a fantastic group of people to do business with but more importantly, spend time with!

Date of experience : 14 April 2024

Hi there, thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience on our 6 Day Northern Island Tour. We truly appreciate your recommendation and kind words about our company and team. It was a pleasure to have you on the tour and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Safe travels until then!

Our tour guide (Darren) was awesome

Our tour guide (Darren) was awesome. He went above and beyond to accommodate all of our wants. One guest wanted to paddleboard and he made that happen. I wanted to see a castle a day and made that happen as well. Such a great trip!!

Date of experience : 18 March 2024

Still flying high from my driftwood 7…

Still flying high from my driftwood 7 day castle n kingdom tour! Our driver/leader/entertainment for 7 days made our trip so enjoyable I can’t thank Brian enough. The tour hit all the right spots can’t think of another stop I would go to. The icing on the cake was the historian at one of the excellent hotels that filled us in on our family history!!!!Wow! We felt the hotels were beautiful but some members had small issues that were taken care of very well. Restaurant s we’re all amazing would not do food tour again.

Date of experience : 05 April 2024

Hi there, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. We're delighted you enjoyed your 7 Day Irish Castles & Kingdoms Tour with Brian. Brian is a fantastic guide, it's wonderful to hear that he made your trip so enjoyable. That sounds like an amazing experience learning about your family history, what a memory to have from your trip. Thank you for sharing your feedback, we hope to see you again in the future!

I am a mom, and I had the opportunity to travel with my 21 and 27-year-old daughters. The tour was a seamless blend of the breathtaking beauty of nature with the rich tapestry of Irish culture and hospitality. Every day was different-- a new trail to conquer--tracing the rugged coastline, ascending verdant hillsides, or traipsing through ancient ruins-- and new villages to discover. The knowledgeable and hard-working guides regaled us with fascinating stories of local lore and history, bringing the landscape to life. When the day's adventures were over, we spent our evenings in cozy village pubs, enjoying hearty meals and listening to traditional music. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking. One of the highlights was the chance to visit a traditional sheep farm, where we could interact with local farmers, see how the dogs were trained, and learn about their way of life. We were lucky to be there during lambing season, so we could also bottle-feed the lambs. But don't expect the weather always to play nice! One of the trip's memorable moments might be the day we got caught in a sudden hailstorm while hiking across the Skellig Islands. It turned out to be one of our favorite hikes, and it was a reminder of the wild, unpredictable nature of the Irish landscape and added a bit of excitement to the journey. There are only two things I would change if I could wave a magic wand and make it a "pie in the sky" experience: I might stay more than one night in a few more places, venturing out from there as a base so we were not packing as often and would add more hands-on craft aspects to the adventure--maybe weaving or ceramics? It was an experience that captivated our senses and left us with a treasure trove of memories to last a lifetime. Truly magic.

Terrific guide who was knowledgeable

Terrific guide who was knowledgeable, accommodating, and entertaining. Great hotel accommodations. Would recommend to anyone.

A fabulous trip with great guides!

What a fabulous trip! My family did the small group Vagabond 7 Day World Tour of Ireland. Our guides were fantastic, and the trip was an unforgettable experience. The guides were knowledgable and fun. The office staff was friendly and very flexible during the booking process. We had lots of great off the beaten path adventures during our trip, such as visiting a sheep farm, horseback riding on the beach and taking an off-road adventure to a magnificent picnic location overlooking the sea (just to name a few). I would definitely choose Vagabond again.

Date of experience : 04 June 2023

Hi there, thank you so much for sharing your fabulous experience on our 7 Day World Tour of Ireland! We're thrilled to hear that your family had such a wonderful time. Our team are very special, from the guides to our office staff, we know we are very lucky to have them. Thank you for choosing us for your Irish adventure, we'd be delighted to welcome you and your family back for another unforgettable journey in the future!

Castles and Kingdoms

Our tour was Castles and Kingdoms. Enjoyed every minute, particularly the Drombeg stone circle in county Cork, Gougane Barra, Ballyseedy Castle, Kilkee Cliffs, and the Cahergal stone fort. So much wonderful, interesting history in Ireland. Beautiful country with delicious food in every pub. Our guide, Damien, was helpful, kind, and well informed.

Date of experience : 15 October 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your review of your Castles & Kingdoms tour. It's great to hear you had a great experience and enjoyed every minute of it. Damien is a true gem. His love and knowledge for Ireland shines through on every tour. Thanks again for your lovely comments, we hope to see you again soon.

More Than We Could Have Hoped For

We booked a Driftwood tour on the hope it would be more personal than a big ol’ bus tour…we got so. Much. More. The Vagabond/Driftwood team are not kidding when they say they want you to love Ireland as much as they do- the love they have for their country seeps through everything- care for the environment, sustainable business practices, support of the local artisan/restauranteur/hotelier/farmer, attention to guest’s wants and needs, thorough knowledge of Irish fact and fable. I’m proud to have roots in this country, and I’d be ever so grateful if my paths crossed with this company again. Lots of grá!

Date of experience : 29 August 2023

Hi Laura, thank you so much for your 5 star review of your Driftwood tour with us! We're delighted to hear that your experience surpassed your expectations and that you felt such a deep connection to Ireland and our company. Your kind words mean the world to us, and we'd be thrilled to welcome you back for another adventure filled with plenty of grá!

Irish Adventure

Angela was an absolutely wonderful guide and we now consider her a friend. Our group was funny and so much fun to be with as traveling companions. Angela took us to sites before tour buses arrived so we could enjoy places that tended to become crowded. She taught us a lot of history and local customs and has a beautiful singing voice. She recommended great restaurants and activities on our Irish adventure. I want to come back and do it again and that says it all!

Date of experience : 10 October 2023

Thank you for your wonderful review. We're thrilled to hear that Angela left such a positive impact, not just as a guide but as a friend. It's wonderful that your group became such a fun and tight-knit traveling companionship. Angela's thoughtful approach, taking you to sites ahead of the crowds, sharing history and local customs, and showcasing her beautiful singing voice, exemplifies the unique experiences we strive to provide. We're delighted that her recommendations for restaurants and activities added to the joy of your Irish adventure. We can't wait to welcome you back for another round of exploration and unforgettable moments. Thanks again.

From beginning to end

From beginning to end, our guide, Brian, was a true Irishman filled with the gift of gab along with knowledge. His willingness to take us off the beaten path was awesome! The hotels (except one) were fantastic & Mount Falcon Estate was incredible. Only wish we could have seen Cork City. Best experience was our first night at Gougane Barra hotel! Amazing history, wonderful people in an idyllic setting. Katy is an incredible chef & we were treated to a conversation with her following dinner - so full of fun, family & creating fabulous food. We lucked out on the weather & our guide!! Thank you

Date of experience : 02 September 2023

Thank you for your glowing review. It's wonderful to know that you had a fantastic experience from beginning to end with Brian. We are so pleased to have such an invaluable member like Brian on our team of Guides. His love and passion for Ireland shine through every tour. Gougane Barra is an amazing hotel. it's a truly magical place steeped in history and charm. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your Irish journey. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences in the future.

On our second trip

On our first trip, we were able to participate in a variety of activities. On this Vagabond trip, despite the rain, which never bothered us, our main activity was hiking and longer than listed drives. We arrived too late to enjoy any of the amenities listed at the Falcon Inn, which was very disappointing. Of the activities everyone selected on the clipboard at the beginning of the trip, again hiking was the main activity we did every day. We're from Colorado and enjoy hiking but would have appreciated a greater variety of activities in Ireland. The bike ride was also far too short for a Vagabond group. Yes, the weather was not cooperating, but it didn't prevent us from hiking. Unfortunately the hiking prevented us from enjoying the amenities at the Falcon Inn, as well as enjoying the towns we stayed in and a greater variety of activities.

Date of experience : 31 October 2023

Thanks for your review Carolyn. We always listen to guest feedback in an attempt to improve our standards for future guests. We appreciate that hiking and biking were the main activities on your tour. Our guides are trained to tailor each itinerary towards both the group preferences and the changing weather forecast. Although Mount Falcon Estate does feature a spa, the norm on Magnetic North tours is to maximise available time for adventure activities and give our guests ‘full days on tours’. This results in a normal arrival time at each hotel of around 6pm. For the same reason, we tend to leave hotels again the following morning by 9am. This timetable presents a challenge for guests who also would like to fit in downtime at hotels. We will certainly consider amending our description of Mount Falcon for future departures. Thanks again for choosing Vagabond Tours for the second time. We hope that you can make it back to Ireland soon!

Small Group Tours are the best

I loved the small group setting. Everything was more intimate and since we were in a smaller van, instead of a huge bus, we were able to explore areas that had less tourists, but still showed us the heart of Ireland. The hotels that were chosen were amazing, they had lots of room overall and always had wonderful breakfasts. As a solo traveler I was expecting much smaller accommodations, but was pleasantly surprised with very spacious rooms at the majority of stops. Our tour guide/driver was exceptional, relaying information about our various points of interest as well as places to be sure to see during all of our tour stops. He also made sure to check in to make sure that any experiences that we really wanted to have during our trip happened if it was at all possible. I cannot recommend this tour company enough. If I get a chance to return to Ireland I would not hesitate to book a tour with this company.

Date of experience : 05 October 2023

Hi there, thank you so much for your feedback and for your 5 star review! We're delighted to hear that you had a great experience on tour. Creating authentic experiences is at the heart of what we do, and we're thrilled that you felt the magic of exploring Ireland in a small group. We're honoured by your recommendation, and we can't wait to welcome you back to Ireland whenever you're ready to return. Thanks again!

Best tour EVER

If you are thinking about this just book it. Amazing experience that can not put into words. Small group is so much better than those big bus tours. Our guide Damian was the best part of the trip. He got to know everyone and was able to give us authentic Ireland and customize information and extra things to do based on what each of us enjoy. Nothing but wonderful things to say!!!!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your fantastic time with Vagabond Tours. We're thrilled to hear that your journey through Ireland was an amazing experience. Our commitment to small group sizes is aimed at providing an intimate and personalized adventure, and we're delighted it contributed to your positive experience. Damian, our guide, is indeed a gem, and we're proud to have him as part of our team. It warms our hearts to know he was able to connect with each traveller, and sharing the authentic beauty of Ireland. Thanks again for the kind review. We hope to see you again soon.

You will not be disappointed! Small groups that go where others can't.

From initial booking to our last tour day, Vagabond & Driftwood was superb! We had a great guide, small friendly group, and bonded nearly immediately. Everything was first rate, and Tim Orr our guide was so fun, funny and informative. We had choices each day, and Tim knew the best hidden gems in the area. You would never be able to see Ireland as we did in a larger tour-we felt we got a real authentic Irish experience. Don't hesitate-just choose your tour and book! You won't regret it.

Date of experience : 04 October 2023

Thank you for sharing your Vagabond review. It's great to hear you had a great experience from the initial booking to the very end of the tour. It's fantastic that you had a great guide in Tim Orr and enjoyed the camaraderie of a small, friendly group. We're delighted to know that the choices provided each day and Tim's knowledge led you to discover the best-hidden gems, providing a real authentic Irish experience. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we're so pleased to have been a part of your memorable journey. We look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future.

Magical Ireland

We did a Driftwood tour. I agree with many of the other comments. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and we learned so much about Ireland. We saw things off the beaten path that we never would have found on our own. The small group tour van is the way to go! A couple of items that I hope will be considered "constructive criticism" Time management- there were several stops where we didn't have nearly enough time to see the sights. Example - we enjoyed the carriage ride in Killarney National Park, but not enough time to see the Muckross House. In addition our van made several stops for individuals - coffee, shopping, etc which really cut into our tour time. At the Gougan Barra hotel, my husband was unhappy with the small size of our room as it was difficult to fit 2 people and 2 suitcases anywhere in the room. I, however would sleep in a shoe box just for the gorgeous view from our room. The restaurant there was very special, with a menu of local foods that were described to us by the owner before we entered the dining room. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and we would highly recommend Vagabond Tours, and would do it all over again

Date of experience : 16 October 2023

Thank you kindly for your review of Driftwood Tours. Firstly, it’s most important to us that you enjoyed your experience on tour in Ireland. So it’s especially satisfying to read that you learned about Irish culture and enjoyed the services of your driver guide. We are all about constructive criticism — we aim to improve our tour products each and every year and the only way to achieve this is to listen back to guests. With regard to time management, the role of the tour guide is a balancing act; they are challenged to satisfy a diverse tour group with often widely different preferences and needs. It’s regrettable that you felt there was not enough time in some locations and too many stops in others. We will also take your feedback about the hotel room in Gougane Barra into account. We work directly and exclusively with smaller, independent hotels that are frequently located in remote and beautiful destinations. It’s fantastic to hear that you would return to Ireland with Driftwood Tours. We hope to welcome you back again soon!