The 7 Best Safari Tours in Ireland

1.Exhilarating Rib experience – Dingle sea safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,349 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120Our pick

Set out from Dingle Tourist Information Centre for a three-hour open-RIB trip around Dingle Bay, Slea Head and the Blasket Islands. Your captain, such as Mikey, Colm or Callum, shares local facts while looking for dolphins, seals, puffins, whales, sea caves and dramatic cliffs. Warm waterproof clothing is provided.

“Excellent day on the water. We were able to see a lot of wildlife up close. Our captain Mikey was great.”

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2.Dublin Bay Seal Kayaking Safari at Dalkey

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 380 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $143

Paddle from historic Bullock Harbour along the Dalkey coast with guides such as Phil, Dave, Eavan, and Jenny. You may reach Dalkey Island, see seals close to your kayak, and hear about local wildlife and history. Wetsuits, kayaks, paddles, and buoyancy aids are supplied.

“Susan and Jenny were great. Very friendly and explained everything very well. I would abosolutly go back if i am in Dublin again. Having never kayaked before, they looked after us very well and we felt safe the whole time.”

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3.Howth Safari Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 279 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $71

Meet your guide in Howth for scones, tea, and coffee, then walk 6 to 9 miles across cliffs, heathland, beaches, and rocky paths. Hear local stories, visit sea caves when tides allow, and finish at Howth Summit or descend to the village. Guides may include Shane, Zack, Dee, or Sean, and Loki the dog sometimes joins.

“We lucked out with amazing weather for this hike. A lot of uphills, a lot of different kinds of scenery and terrain very enjoyable great views.”

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4.Sea Safari by RIB Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 94 reviews · from $125

You’ll board a fast RIB boat in Dingle for a 2.5-hour trip along Dingle Bay and the West Kerry coast. An English-speaking captain shares local stories while you watch for seals, dolphins, puffins, whales, birds, caves, cliffs, and Great Blasket Island. Warm waterproof clothing and lifejackets are provided.

“The Guide was fantastic . Saw 2 types of dolphins, a Minky whale, a colony of seals and a flock of birds dive bombing in the sea . Incredible tour … lasted almost three hours .”

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5.Private family sea safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from Dingle with Captain Jimmy on a private 2.5-hour sea safari for up to eight people. Cruise toward Great Blasket Island, viewing cliffs, caves, seabirds, seals, dolphins, and possibly whales or basking sharks. The boat returns to Dingle Pier.

“Captain Jimmy was a wealth of information and shared local stories on our incredible boat ride. We saw seals, puffins, dolphins and a whale! Our whole family enjoyed this epic experience. We highly recommend Jimmy and Sea Safari!”

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6.Howth Safari Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $67

Meet your English-speaking Howth Adventures guide at The House Restaurant for scones, tea, and coffee, then walk 10 to 15 kilometers over cliffs, heathland, beaches, and muddy paths. Expect local stories, Dublin Bay views, historic towers, Baily Lighthouse, and a complimentary photo video.

“Spectacular experience. The hike was the right length & vigor. The environment is breathtaking. Zack is experienced, interesting, full of lore and a genuine pleasure. I would do it again.”

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7.Bog Safari Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $50Best value

Walk an ancient Donegal bog with guide Sharon, learning how peat formed, why it matters to Irish culture, and how turf cutting, myths, biodiversity, and climate concerns connect. This two-hour hike reaches broad views across Inishowen and West Donegal, with a maximum of 12 people.

“I highly recommend taking the Bog Tour. Sharon shares wisdom, information and lore in a chatty and approachable manner. Plus you get to hike in a BOG! I was lucky to have Sharon to myself and relatively good weather. We met up with one of her neighbors out working in the big so got to see how the bog places a role in the daily lives of people still. It is a unique experience that I thoroughly enjoyed!”

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