Heart of Ireland in 7 Days

We took the Heart of Ireland tour in 2024, and enjoyed it very much. We flew into Dublin, took an early bus to Killarney, and stayed at the McSweeney Arms hotel (very nice, great central location). The next day we walked to the tourist office and got on a Paddywagon tour bus and toured the Ring of Kerry from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. It was a great tour, very interesting. We had a great meal at an Indian restaurant near the hotel. Next day, we took a nice bus ride from Killarney to Ennis, where our RS tour started.

Some of the folks on our tour came early and took a day trip to Galway or Limerick. We saw all we needed of Dublin on the tour but took an extra day to visit Howth ( a suburb of Dublin on the coast which was worth it. Honestly, the all "must dos" are on the tour. If I wanted extra days, I think I'd go to Northern Ireland or over to Britain.

I would recommend a tour of Newgrange!

Is this the tour that starts in Ennis and finishes in Dublin? If so that is a choice between doing something from either ennis at the start of Dublin at the end.

What sort of things are you interested in doing/seeing? My top ten list could be the list from hell to you...

There are lots of ideas of things to do by bus from Ennis here. Kilkee would be a lovely relaxing day out. Alternatively there is
Bunratty Castle and Folk museum, great fun and a blast of the past...

OR catch the bus to Galway for a couple of days (Expressway 51 is the quickest. 350 takes a lot longe but more scenic as it goes via Cliffs of Moher and along the coast.)

As well as Galway city itself, you could do a day trip around Connemara which is scenically very different to places you will be visiting on the 7 day tour, but equally as good. either the Guided tour of Connemara National Park, or the Connemara and Kylemore Abbey would be lovely. (I must admit, I much prefer Connemara to Dingle or Kerry... )

You also have the option of a day trip to the Aran Islands. You can either do this from Galway City or catch the shuttle bus to Rossaveal and ferry from there. ALTERNATIVE - catch 350 to Doolin and get a ferry to the Aran islands from there.

If taking the two extra days in Dublin, then Newgrange would definitely be top of my list . If possibly try and book a place on the Mary Gibbons tour. These are very highly recommended by everyone BUT do book up very quickly so you need to book well in advance. Alternatively Hilltop Treks also offer a day tour.

First, you have to decide whether you will fly into Shannon or into Dublin. I suggest flying into Dublin and staying there for as many nights as you have (visit Newgrange, as suggested) and take the bus to Ennis on the morning of the tour. After the tour, head to Belfast for as many days as you have and do a day trip to the Giant's Causeway. If you're going to cross the Atlantic, I think you ought to stay as long as you can. Arriving before the tour gives you a chance to acclimate to the time change.

Thanks for all of the thoughtful replies. Has anyone had an experience with Rabbie's Tours? We're thinking of adding on a 5-day tour to Northern Ireland at the end of our RS tour, and I've heard good things generally about Rabbie's, but would appreciate feedback from Rick Steves folks...his tours are so very special! I'm somewhat reluctant to try another company, but the way our calendar works, we can't make the 14-day tour of Ireland fit in the dates we need. I'm searching for alternatives. TIA.

You really don't need to take a tour to visit Northern Ireland. Easy to take a bus from Dublin to Belfast and you can walk from the bus station to your hotel. Then book your tours independently. We took a day long bus tour to see Giants Causeway etc, a half day to learn about the conflict, visit the Titanic Museum and all of the other major sites. Belfast is a fun city with good restaurants and plenty to see and do. If you decide to take a bus to Belfast, be sure to buy your ticket when you know your plans, buses do fill up. This holds true for bus trips to the airport.

Has anyone had an experience with Rabbie's Tours?

Yes! I’ve done several one-day tours with them and this past May, I did their 3-day tour of Dingle.

I like Rabbie’s because it’s not guided and you are on your own for meals. So, you’re not spending all your time with the group.

I also did a great one-day tour of Northern Ireland with wild rover:

https://wildrovertours.com/activity/giants-causeway-belfast-city-carrick-a-rede-rope-bridge/

Northern Ireland is so beautiful. Do try to fit it in if you can.

My trip report might give you some ideas for your extra days:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-ireland-may-2025-my-trip-report