Luxury Tour Operator Ireland | Ancient Ireland: Top Places to Visit
A bespoke journey through Ireland opens the door to the ancient lands of saints and scholars. The island holds such an immense depth of history that it’s almost impossible to decide where to begin or which treasures to prioritise. With a private driver arranged through a top Tour Operator Ireland, you can maximise every moment of your adventure on the Emerald Isle, exploring as many historic sites as possible without the stress of planning routes or navigating narrow rural roads. Below are just a few highlights you might enjoy on Family Tours Ireland or Deluxe Tours Ireland, though the list of discoveries is endless.
Brú Na Bóinne, situated in the Boyne Valley in County Meath, has seen human activity for at least 6,000 years. While traces of this remain visible across the region, the most remarkable features are the prehistoric monuments—especially the extraordinary Neolithic tombs. Meaning “Palace of the Boyne,” Brú Na Bóinne includes Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, with Newgrange the most celebrated. Its passage tombs mirror designs found in ancient Egypt. Named Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, it hosts a famous Winter Solstice event each year. This mystical region is one of County Meath’s most legendary treasures.
Nearby, the Hill of Tara rises proudly above the River Boyne. This archaeological landscape stretches between Navan and Dunshaughlin and is home to a collection of ancient structures. Traditionally known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland (Árd Rí na hÉireann), the hill reaches 500 feet and offers sweeping views of Meath. Tara consists of two connected ring forts, one dating to the Iron Age and the other, Ráith na Ríogh, known as the Fort of the Kings. At its centre lies the Stone of Destiny, which (according to folklore) would cry out when touched by the rightful King of Ireland. Visiting with a private guide is the ideal way to uncover the fascinating secrets that lie here.
No trip to Ireland is complete without seeing the legendary Rock of Cashel in the heart of Tipperary. Known as St. Patrick’s Rock or Cashel of the Kings, local mythology claims it originated when Satan was banished by St. Patrick, causing the stone to fall into Cashel. It is said to be where St. Patrick converted the King of Munster in the 5th century. After the 12th century, the buildings on the limestone outcrop were granted to the Church.
Your private Irish driver will also escort you to Blarney Castle (Caisleán na Blarnan). Though partially ruined today, it has been rebuilt multiple times—first constructed in wood, then replaced by stone in the 13th century, demolished in the 15th and rebuilt once more by Cormac McCarthy, the King of Munster.
The Blarney Stone is the castle’s most iconic feature. For those enjoying Family Tours Ireland, kissing the stone remains one of the most entertaining traditions to experience. For more than 200 years, millions have travelled to Blarney to test its legendary “gift of eloquence,” making it a beloved stop for visitors from around the globe.
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is Ireland’s largest collection of megalithic tombs and one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to around 4000–4500 BC. Many structures are ancient stone circles, while others feature central passages. Archaeologists have identified over 60 tombs, with 30 still visible. A personalised tour through this extraordinary landscape gives you an unforgettable look into Stone Age Ireland.
The dramatic Skellig Islands were formed during mountain-building activity 360–374 million years ago, off the coast of County Kerry near the Blasket Islands. Skellig Michael rises an impressive 714 feet above sea level. Its summit hosts an exceptionally preserved 6th-century monastic settlement, often considered the highlight of any visit—particularly for travellers seeking unforgettable moments on their trip.
A private visit to the Céide Fields offers a truly unique experience. Stretching over 1,500 hectares in north County Mayo, this vast Stone Age landscape includes field systems, house remains and megalithic tombs dating back nearly 5,000–6,000 years. The discovery began in the 1930s when a local man noticed stones emerging as he cut peat, eventually revealing an extraordinary window into the daily lives of Ireland’s earliest farmers.
Cliffs of Moher | Personal Driver Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top Visitor attractions. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O’Brien’s Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. The Cliffs of Moher take their name from a ruined promontory fort “Mothar” which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower. Your Personal Chauffeur Ireland will bring right to the cliff pathway and be waiting for you to return from a refreshing walk, breathing in Irish air.
The Burren | Family Tours Ireland
The Burren National Park is a short journey from the cliffs in your private driven vehicle. The name Burren is from the Irish word ‘boireann’ meaning rocky place, and it certainly is! Mainly formed of limestone rock the Burren stretches over 15,000 Acres and is the smallest National Park in Ireland. There have been many tombs found around the Burren, made from the rocks, the famous being the Portal Dolmen, proving people have lived in the Burren for over 5,000 years. It’s a very different landscape during your trip to Ireland as there’s no lush green grass and it’s easy to forget the the vast area of rock landscape is still the Emerald Isle.
We can help you plan any part of your luxury vacation in Ireland and if you have any questions please do contact us and we’d be happy to help. If you are interested in an Irish Vacation Package and would like more information, please click on the Enquire button below. All the best, Mike Ryan.
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