The 5 Off-Road Safaris in Ireland That Earn Their Price

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 ride along Dingle Bay, Slea Head, and the Blasket Islands. Your captain, names such as Mikey, Colm, Callum, or Dave, shares local geology and wildlife facts while seeking seals, dolphins, whales, puffins, sharks, and sea caves. Warm waterproof gear is provided, but expect a brisk, bumpy ride.

“Our guide was amazing both with information and his ability to cut the boat thru the Wild Atlantic like butter! We saw so much sea life and the Puffins were my favorite!”

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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 Philip, Eavan, Jenny, and Dave. You will receive a wetsuit, kayak, paddle, and buoyancy aid, then look for seals, seabirds, and possibly porpoises. Weather may change the route, and you must be able to swim and bring spare footwear.

“**********Please Read Before Booking************* You will need to wear a wetsuit and change into said wetsuit in front of all the other people on your tour and anyone else who is standing nearby. I did bring my own wetsuit and they allowed me to wear it. Your shoes will get wet! Your body will probably get wet! You will have to walk in the water to launch / land your kayak. They don't specifically say not to bring a camera (or phone), but there was some confusion about my camera and when I could / should use it. I didn't know I was breaking a rule by bringing a camera.…”

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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 hike 6 to 9 miles across heathland, cliffs, beaches, and rough coastal paths. Guides such as Shane, Zack, Dee, and Sean share local stories while you see Martello Towers, sea caves, Baily Lighthouse, and Dublin Bay. Loki the guide dog may join on some departures.

“This was our favorite part of your trip to Ireland! Amazing time our guide was terrific, had so much information to share while showing us some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. Loki made the hike even better and was a joy to watch. It was so good we plan to come back to Howth for sure loved this adventure.”

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4.Sea Safari by RIB Boat

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

Join Dingle Sea Safari for a 2.5-hour RIB boat trip along West Kerry. Your English-speaking captain guides you past cliffs, caves, rock formations, and Great Blasket Island while you watch for seals, dolphins, puffins, whales, and seabirds. Weatherproof clothing and lifejackets are provided, but bring warm layers.

“EXCELLENT! Colin was an amazing guide! It was wonderful! We had sunshine too! It is a breezy chilly experience at times. We went in mid May. ENJOY!”

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5.Howth Safari Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $67Best value

Spend about five hours hiking 10 to 15 km around Howth with a local English-speaking guide. Start with scones, tea, and coffee, then follow rough coastal paths to Shielmartin Hill, Red Rock, Doldrum Beach, Jamesons Cove, and Baily Lighthouse. Guides such as Shane, Isaac, and Conor add local stories, while the tour ends with a free photo video.

“Nothing to improve …was very happy with what we were able to see and learn about!”

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