A Guide to Dublin's Leading Day Tour Operators
When booking a day trip from Dublin, you'll quickly notice that many tour operators visit the same iconic attractions. Whether you're heading to the Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, Glendalough or Galway City, the real difference often comes down to the style of tour rather than the destination itself.
At DoDublin, we work with some of Ireland's most popular and trusted tour providers, each offering a slightly different experience. Here's a closer look at what makes each one unique.
Paddywagon Tours – The Classic Irish Day Tour Experience
Paddywagon is one of Ireland's best-known tour brands and has been operating tours to Ireland's top attractions for over 25 years. Their tours are known for their relaxed atmosphere, entertaining guides and wide range of destinations across the country.
Best for:
- First-time visitors to Ireland
- Solo travellers
- Guests looking for a fun and social experience
Popular tours include:
If you're looking for the traditional Irish coach tour experience with plenty of local stories along the way, Paddywagon is often the first choice.
Wild Rover Tours – Scenery and Award-Winning Experiences
Wild Rover has become one of Dublin's most popular day tour operators thanks to its award-winning tours and carefully planned itineraries. Their tours often combine major attractions with scenic routes and additional experiences such as sheepdog demonstrations or guided city walks.
Best for:
- Scenic routes
- Photography enthusiasts
- Visitors wanting a full-day experience
For example, on their Cliffs of Moher tour, guests also travel along the Wild Atlantic Way, visit The Burren and spend time in Galway City.
Wild Rover's Giant's Causeway tour also includes stops such as Belfast, the Dark Hedges and other highlights along the Antrim Coast.
Railtours Ireland – Let the Journey Become Part of the Adventure
Unlike most operators, Railtours Ireland combines rail travel with guided sightseeing. Rather than spending the entire day on a coach, guests travel by train before joining local touring vehicles.
Best for:
Visitors looking for a premium experience
Train enthusiasts
Travellers seeking extra comfort
Popular options include:
Cliffs of Moher by Rail (LINK)
Giant's Causeway by Rail (LINK)
Cork & Blarney Castle (LINK)
Ring of Kerry (LINK)
Railtours appeals to visitors who enjoy the journey itself just as much as the destination.
Irish Day Tours – Ireland's Famous Attractions Made Simple
IMAGE: Irish Day Tours coach at the Giant's Causeway
Irish Day Tours has built its reputation on offering straightforward, well-organised trips to Ireland's most famous destinations.
Best for:
Traditional sightseeing
Families
Visitors looking for a wide selection of tours
Popular tours include:
Cliffs of Moher (LINK)
Giant's Causeway (LINK)
Belfast (LINK)
Wicklow & Glendalough (LINK)
Their tours focus on delivering the major highlights efficiently, making them a great option for visitors with limited time.
Hilltoptreks – Small Groups and Outdoor Adventures
IMAGE: Small group hiking in Wicklow Mountains National Park
If you're looking for something a little different from the larger coach tours, Hilltoptreks specialises in smaller-group experiences with a stronger focus on nature and outdoor exploration.
Best for:
Active travellers
Small-group experiences
Visitors wanting to get off the beaten path
Popular tours include:
Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough (LINK)
Celtic Boyne Valley (LINK)
Hiking and adventure tours (LINK)
Hilltoptreks is particularly popular with travellers who want a more personal experience and extra time in Ireland's natural landscapes.
Which Tour Operator Is Right For You?
IMAGE: Tourists enjoying views at the Cliffs of Moher
If you're looking for...Consider...
A classic Irish coach tourPaddywagon
Scenic routes and award-winning itinerariesWild Rover
Rail travel and extra comfortRailtours Ireland
Traditional sightseeing with plenty of choiceIrish Day Tours
Smaller groups and outdoor experiencesHilltoptreks
The good news is that there isn't a wrong answer. Whether you choose Paddywagon, Wild Rover, Railtours Ireland, Irish Day Tours or Hilltoptreks, you'll be travelling with experienced operators who showcase some of the very best attractions Ireland has to offer.
The key is simply choosing the style of tour that best matches the kind of traveller you are.
