Private Tour
History & Heritage Tour: Kells, Trim, Loughcrew, Fore, Distillery
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Looking for a memorable day trip from Dublin? This private guided tour to County Meath—Ireland’s Middle Kingdom—is ideal for travelers short on time who want to explore history, ancient sites and stunning countryside in one day.
Start with pickup from your Dublin hotel and head into Ireland’s Ancient East with your expert local guide. Enjoy a relaxed drive through County Meath as your guide shares fascinating stories that bring the landscape to life.
Tour highlights include:
-The Loughcrew Cairns, Neolithic passage tombs older than Newgrange
-A tour and tasting at a local Irish whiskey distillery
-The 12th-century monastic ruins of Fore Abbey
-The Norman stronghold of Trim Castle or the heritage town of Kells, linked to the Book of Kells
This private day tour from Dublin is fully customisable to match your interests.
Escape the city and immerse yourself in the authentic charm of Ireland’s past and present on this flexible, story-rich experience.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Distillery tour (€15 pp)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Loughcrew Cairns
Go back in time and touch upon ancient history of one of the largest prehistoric sites in Ireland - Loughcrew Cairns - passage tombs that neolithic people built almost 6000 years ago. Do a short walk up the hill and get guided around “the most extraordinary collection of archaic monuments to be found in Ireland”. Take some time to enjoy the wonderful panoramic view on 18 Irish counties on a clear day.
Fore Abbey
Explore legendary Fore Abbey, standing in the dramatic landscape of the Valley, the story of St Feichín and The Seven Wonders of Fore (including The Stone Raised, The Mill without the Stream, The Water that flows uphill, The Tree that will not burn and others). Take a short walk and main features of Irish countryside and rural Ireland - fields with dry stone walls, cows and sheep, beehives and more.
Options
Private LuxuryTour for 4-6 ppl
Toyota Alphard Luxury Vehicle: Experience ultimate comfort and style in our luxury Toyota Alphard, where every journey is smooth, spacious and stress-free.
Pickup included
Mysterious Middle Kingdom & Local Distillery Day Tour from Dublin
Pickup included
Trim Castle Option
Trim Castle: As an alternative, instead of going to Kells, we can finish the tour by stopping at the largest Anglo-Norman Castle in Trim
Duration: 2 hours
Pickup included
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Diana customized our day...
Sheri L,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Diana customized our day to our interests in sites with ancient healing plants and energy. She shared stories and facts about each area we visited that helped us see the life of the ancestors. It was a magical day for our group brought to us by Diana's thoughtful planning and guidance. We visited Beckive Abbey, Tara, Louchcrew and Kells.
The best way to tour Ireland
Sheri L,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Diana was absolutely lovely. She researched what she could highlight for us according to our interests for a personalized tour. She did an amazing job giving us all kinds of information. The accommodations were fabulous and we had a lovely day with her. We would definitely use her company again!
Amazing Private Tour of Ireland!
Stephen H,
Jun 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Diana is the best! So friendly, knowledgeable and prompt. She worked with us to cater the perfect “Hidden Gems” private tour of Ireland that almost nobody else does. Her car is spacious and immaculate. She took us to many sites that no one else was at. Her knowledge of the history, the people and the island is second to none. Book with her now, she sells out fast!
Incredible guided tour of Irish cairns
Z5671AXmaxh,
Jun 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friends and I had an incredible and immersive experience touring with Diana here. Loughcrew was an absolutely gorgeous and picturesque site to visit. What made it all the more special was Diana's informative and enthusiastic tour. She really painted a picture of how incredible the construction and function of the site was, and what ancient Ireland may have been like. Her knowledge is in-depth, and she was not thrown by the myriad of different questions that our group asked. I left the tour feeling a deep sense of awe and delight by the cairns around us and their rich, vibrant history. Cannot recommend this tour enough!
Sacred sites with an amazing, knowledgeable guide!
E4856CWkaties,
Jun 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible time! Diana created an unforgettable experience for our group and was so kind and flexible under pressure (we were a little disorganized). She shared so much knowledge about the Hill of Tara and Loughcrew Cairns that made our visit richer and more impactful. Ireland's beauty is obvious but we wouldn't have enjoyed it half as much without an understanding of the history, legends, and culture surrounding the sites. Thank you Diana, and thank you Gateway to Ireland!
Wonderful guided tour of Irish ancient sites!
jenet2017,
Jun 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Diana was a wonderful and flexible tour guide whose knowledge of Irish history and folklore was terrific. She was warm, extremely accommodating and worked with each of us to create a wonderful experience. I would recommend her tour for anyone looking to explore Ireland while also learning lots of interesting history!
Awesome day and so accommodating!
foleyrose,
Jun 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Diana was truly the most amazing tour guide. When I say she went above and beyond that does not even begin to cover it. We had people arriving at different times due to travel delays and she did so much to make sure we all joined up and were able to go on the tour. She truly wants you to have the best experience and will cater the day to fit your needs.
Found hidden gems in the Irish countryside.
A5883QOtomh,
May 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Diana was great! Knowledgeable, friendly, and a very safe driver. We saw a magical part of Ireland that was fantastic. I would highly recommend this hidden gem of a tour.
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Operated by Gateway To Ireland Tours