Small Tour and accommodations

Looking at touring Ireland in 2026. Seeking a cultural, all country, BnB & castle stays, agricultural, small travel group travel company, quaint villages, with medium walking for exercise . 10-14-day country tour and a few in Northern Ireland. Seeking names for local or global touring companies to look into for this.

Hi Nancy,

It's nice to see that you're planning a trip to Ireland next year. I would encourage you to check out various pages on our website, which should assist you in your travel planning:

- Accommodation
- Castle stays
- Travel operators
- Things to Do
- Walking and hiking
- Ireland's towns

The Travel Operators page, for example, has a list of recommended touring companies that you can look into.

I hope this information will be helpful to you and please let us know about your plans!

Best,
Eoin

Hi Nancy,

It's lovely to hear about your planned trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland next year!

You have mentioned perhaps spending a few days in Northern Ireland. An example itinerary might be:
Day 1 Belfast → Antrim Coast - Drive along the Antrim Coast, stopping at Carrickfergus Castle, or perhaps Glenarm or Larne. Walking along coastal paths (for example near Cushendun or Carnlough) and then overnight in a cottage or small guesthouse on the coast.
Day 2 Antrim Coast / Giant’s Causeway - Walk around the Giant’s Causeway and nearby clifftop paths, then explore Carrick‑a‑Rede Rope Bridge. Perhaps an overnight stay near Ballycastle or Bushmills.
Day 3 Causeway Coast → Derry / Donegal border area - Spend the morning exploring the Old Bushmills Distillery and perhaps Dunluce Castle followed by a scenic drive into Derry; short walk around Derry walls. Overnight in Derry (historic guesthouse).

For a full list of tour operators who can customize and offer bespoke tours based on your requirements, please see the Tours/Tour Guides section of our Visitor Guide here 

I wish you the best in planning your trip!

Alison

If you’re open to a private tour, I’d really recommend Little Gem Tours. I went with them and it honestly ended up being one of the best trips I’ve ever done. They do small, personalised tours all around Ireland (North included) and you can stay in B&Bs, little villages, even castles if you want.What I loved is that it didn’t feel like a big organised tour at all,  more like travelling with a local who knows the history, the farms, the hidden places and the good walking spots. You can include cultural stops, rural life, light hiking, whatever you’re into.Worth checking out if you decide to go the private/small group route!
https://www.littlegemtours.com/