Breathtaking scenery. Inspiring people and hospitality. Legendary history and culture.
Since 2002, Vagabond have been THE leaders in small-group Ireland tours.
Voted one of the World's Best Tour Operators by Travel+Leisure and with 1000s of 5 Star reviews from our guests, you are always in safe hands on epic tours of Ireland.
Make life-long memories, see iconic destinations and get off the beaten path touring Ireland in our unique customised tour vehicles.
☘️ 10% OFF SELECTED ACTIVE TOURS IN 2026 |GO ON... JUST BOOK IT.
The Driftwood 11 Day Discover Ireland Tour exceeded our expectations, much to our delight! I have to say that every stop painted an unforgettable picture of Ireland. Each and every one will be etched in my memory forever along with the friends we made.
Each and every stop will be etched in my memory forever
If you're struggling to make a decision, just stop and go with Vagabond. It was, hands down, the best holiday we've ever been on. Our tour guide, Andrew, was amazing every leg of the way. We absolutely felt like family. I would 100% recommend them to anyone who asks!!!
The best holiday we've ever been on
I just finished up the Vagabond 12 Day Giant Irish Adventure and it was a lifetime experience. Everything ran like clockwork and Vagabond had anticipated and taken care of every single detail. It was really impressive. I highly recommend this active adventure.
I just finished up the Vagabond 12 day Giant Irish Adventure and it was a lifetime experience.
We just got back from the 12 Day Giant Irish Adventure Tour, and we're still buzzing! This was, without a doubt, the best trip we’ve ever taken. We laughed so hard our faces hurt, saw some of the most beautiful places on Earth and made memories we'll cherish forever.
We're still buzzing! This was, without a doubt, the best trip we’ve ever taken.
I went solo for the 7 day world tour of Ireland. This tour truly went beyond my expectations. I also thoroughly enjoyed the company of my fellow travellers, especially as someone traveling solo, it was a much welcomed bonus to have a fun-loving and curious bunch to travel with!
I went solo for the 7 day world tour of Ireland. This tour truly went beyond my expectations.
I couldn't be happier! I had done a tour of Ireland years ago with another company and this was SO much better. The staff at Vagabond were extremely helpful during the booking process all the way to our arrival. I would HIGHLY recommend this company!
I couldn't be happier! I would HIGHLY recommend this company!
In 2002, Rob led his first ever small-group tour of Ireland. Twenty-two years later, we are still listening, learning and improving every season. Every Vagabond & Driftwood itinerary distils decades of experience into one amazing adventure!
Based in Ireland, Vagabond & Driftwood has always been family-owned and operated. We recruit and train our driver guides locally. Our network of independent hotels and activity suppliers helps our tours contribute directly to the local economy.
Exceptional quality runs right through our Vagabond & Driftwood Ireland tours. Our standards have been recognised internationally. Most recently, we were the first B Corp from the Irish travel industry and the only tour operator awarded in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2023 and again in 2025.
Relax on a Driftwood small-group tour of Ireland featuring quality time to explore Ireland's scenery, history & culture.
Get active on a small-group tour of Ireland featuring adventure, history, culture and wild destinations.
You’ve been talking about going to Ireland for how long now?
Enjoy 10% OFF* ALL of our 5, 7 & 8 day active Vagabond tours departing in August 2026.
Pick your perfect adventure and give yourself an epic adventure to look forward to in 2026.
*10% off the main season price
Confirm your tour for only €250 deposit per guest then pay the balance in bitesize chunks.
Reserve your desired dates for up to 7 days with ZERO upfront cost.
Like you, we want our children and grandchildren to be able to enjoy authentic travel experiences into the future.
We aim to bring long-term benefits to both community and planet as part of our responsible tourism mission.
That's why we're a certified B Corp.
Rob & Amy Rankin
+ the Vagabond Team
Our expert VagaGuides know every last corner of Ireland!
We tour Northern Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East.
If you want to visit multiple regions, we have longer 11+ day tours of Ireland too.
Highlights include the Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Giants Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, Connemara, Kilkenny Castle and the Blarney Stone.
The counties we visit include Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Donegal, Galway, Waterford, Sligo, Clare, Cork and Tipperary. For convenience, all of our small-group tours depart from Dublin.
To make everyone's tour run smoothly, we operate strict limits on baggage size. Plan to bring 1x compact suitcase as well as 1x daypack or backpack, per guest booking.
Your single large piece of luggage should weigh no more than 51lb (23kg) and measure no longer than 31” (79cm) along its longest side. This 31 inch (79cm) limit includes any wheels that may protrude from the suitcase or bag.
When full, your daypack or backpack should be light enough to easily carry on your back. It should be compact enough to fit into the space at your feet and measure no larger than the following:
Because your tour with us will be small-group, your tour vehicle will be compact in nature and have limited space for luggage.
Travelling as a couple? You can bring along one larger suitcase instead of two compact suitcases. This single piece of luggage should weigh no more than 51lb (23kg).
Soft-sided bags work better than hard shell luggage.
Besides your larger bag, we recommend bringing a small day pack or backpack with you.
This allows you easy access to essentials such as your wallet or purse, your phone, a reusable drinks bottle, snacks and any medications you might need throughout the day.
Larger luggage is difficult for your VagaGuide to access between hotels. On a Driftwood Journey of Discovery, it's stacked in the trunk. On Vagabond Cultural Adventures, large luggage is towed behind the tour vehicle in a locked trailer.
A fannypack or bumbag can also come in handy for smaller items, but is non-essential.
Most Dublin hotels offer a left luggage service.
You can leave luggage at the hotel while you tour and return to it when your tour is complete.
Will you need to do laundry while on tour?
Your hotel can organise laundry facilities on tour if your tour stays for 2 nights in any of the following towns:
Just ask your VagaGuide tour guide in advance.
The main differences between our two tour styles are the level of fitness required, the pace and the tour vehicles.
On both Vagabond Cultural Adventures and Driftwood Journeys of Discovery, you are guaranteed fun, history, culture, outstanding tour guides, spectacular scenery and excellent hotels.
Watch Johnboy's video for a quick overview of the differences...
This is probably the most important difference between our tour styles…
For example, on a Driftwood Journey of Discovery, you might choose to go riding in a horse-drawn carriage — you'll be riding the horse itself on a Vagabond Cultural Adventure!
Even though you don't need to pack hiking boots, Driftwood Journeys of Discovery do involve walking. Driftwooders will need to have basic mobility and fitness.
Find out more about how fit you need to be for both tour styles in this FAQ
On an active Vagabond Cultural Adventure, expect to squeeze the juice out of each day.
Typically, your tour will depart your hotel by 9am and return around 6pm. Vagabond Cultural Adventures generally move at an upbeat pace between each stop.
Driftwood Journeys of Discovery feature a more relaxed pace.
As a Driftwooder, you'll spend more quality time strolling around quaint villages, browsing craft shops and exploring elegant period homes.
Your Driftwood Journey of Discovery will typically leave your hotel at between 9 and 10am each morning, returning between 5 and 6pm.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Please consider the duration of your itinerary carefully.
Our longest Driftwood itinerary is 15 days long and our longest Vagabond itinerary is 12 days long. Regardless of pace or activities, both tour styles change hotels on most days.
Browse our range of shorter 5-6 day itineraries if you feel they would better suit your needs.
While both of tour styles travel in stylish Mercedes-Benz tour vehicles, there are some important contrasts.
Guests on Vagabond Cultural Adventures travel in customised 4x4 Mercedes Sprinters.
We call them VagaTrons.
They are chunky, funky, can go anywhere and seat up to 13 guests.
VagaTrons pull guest luggage behind them in a trailer. There are no overhead storage units for personal items on Trons.
Driftwood Journeys of Discovery use slick and comfortable mini-coaches.
We refer to them as Drifters.
Like Trons, Drifters are also Mercedes Sprinter models. But up to 15 guests can tour on a Drifter.
Another important difference; on a Driftwood Journey of Discovery, guest luggage is stored in the trunk — we call it the boot in Ireland! There is also overhead storage on a Drifter for personal items and daypacks/backpacks.
Lastly, Drifter tour vehicles are lower to the ground than VagaTrons; they little are easier to step in and out of.
Whether you choose active Vagabond Cultural Adventures or gently-paced Driftwood Journeys of Discovery, you are going home with a suitcase full of magic memories!
It's really a matter of how fit and adventurous you feel.
Still puzzled by the difference? Compare Vagabond and Driftwood tour styles
All of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.
We call them VagaGuides.
Our VagaGuides are the most passionate, talented and professional tour guides in Ireland, if not the universe!
They'll masterfully guide your tour vehicle.
They'll organise your daily activities and answer all of your questions.
....They've even been known sing!
The cornerstone of any good vacation is the tour guide.
We invest painstaking time and resources in guide recruitment and training.
All VagaGuides are continually assessed and trained with the following skills/qualifications:
Stunning scenery. Magic moments.
Your VagaGuide mixes it all together to give you a unique and extraordinary tour experience.
As you travel through Ireland's wild and rugged landscapes on a Vagabond or Driftwood tour, your VagaGuide will keep you informed and entertained, while also providing a snapshot of life in Ireland today.
Maybe it's time to meet our VagaGuide team?
You may be wondering, just what is a small-group tour?
We define small-group as a tour group that can fit on one of our minibuses; they carry a strict maximum of 15 guests.
Other tour operators in Ireland describe their products as 'small group'. However, on closer inspection, they may offer large tour buses with up to a 40-seat capacity. We strongly advise you to check the exact number of guests who will be joining you on tour before you book.
In this sample budget, we've imagined a typical guest who plans on eating well, doing as many optional activities as they can and buying a moderate amount of souvenirs.
| Lunch + Drink | €25 - €30 |
| Dinner + Drink | €35 - €45 |
| Optional Activity Per Day | €30 - €70 |
| Souvenirs | €30 |
| Total Per Day | €120 - €175 |
Remember, all of your tour hotels, breakfasts, guide services, transport and admission to essential attractions are included on your Vagabond or Driftwood tour.
But there will be some additional costs to consider....
You'll need to choose a spot for lunch and dinner each day (we'll recommend our favourites so you're never stuck!).
You'll also want to try out some, or all, of our optional activities.
Love crafts? You may also be tempted by Irish craftwork on tour.
Read our full guide to money, budgeting and credit cards in Ireland
Rest assured, you can count on us for fair pricing, fantastic service and flexible booking terms.
Here's our 2026 price list:
| Mar, Apr & Oct | May-Sep | |
| 12 Day Giant Irish Adventure | €3510 | €3895 |
| 8 Day Wild Irish Rover Tour | €2285 | €2685 |
| 7 Day World Tour of Ireland | €2060 | €2285 |
| 7 Day Magnetic North Adventure | €2060 | €2285 |
| 5 Day Edge of the World Tour | €1530 | €1695 |
| Mar, Apr & Oct | May-Sep | |
| 15 Day All Ireland Tour | €4495 | €4995 |
| 11 Day Discover Ireland Tour | €3315 | €3895 |
| 8 Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour | €2425 | €2690 |
| 7 Day Treasure Ireland Tour | €2295 | €2545 |
| 7 Day Castles & Kingdoms Tour | €2295 | €2545 |
| 6 Day Great Southern Tour | €1905 | €2115 |
| 6 Day Northern Island Tour | €1905 | €2115 |
If you are travelling solo, we charge a single supplement to cover additional hotel charges.
Find out how much each tour single supplement is on this FAQ
Anytime is a good time to visit Ireland!
Ireland warms up in springtime. Days lengthen. Colour returns to the landscape with wildflowers blossoming.
Our tour prices are reduced by 10% each March and April.
Find out more about springtime in Ireland
Ireland does not see heatwaves and crowds that are common in mainland Europe during summertime.
You may be surprised by how much daylight there is in Ireland. In mid-June, the sun doesn't set until nearly 11pm!
September is usually a settled month. Hotels and airlines often offer autumn/fall deals, lowering your costs overall.
In October, our peak season tour prices are reduced by 10%.
Ireland rarely experiences major snowfall and the temperature never drops far below freezing, even in midwinter.
Vagabond tour guides take a break during the winter!
Read our dedicated blogs about the best time to visit Ireland.
