In Ireland, you’re never far away from a historical site or artefact. This is a land where you can stumble upon megalithic tombs at the side of the road or happen upon a quirky museum in a tiny village.

Among the rolling hills, the ancient castles and the crumbling Viking walls, you’ll find a host of fascinating tours and activities that will capture the imagination of any history-loving delegate.

Discover our pick of the best historical experiences in Ireland and transport your delegates to another time with special access to historical sites and VIP tours led by expert guides.

Spike Island, Co Cork

From its incarnation as a 7th-century monastery to the world’s largest prison in the 19th century, Spike Island has taken many forms over the years. Just a short ferry ride from the pretty town of Cobh in Co Cork, there are 1,300 years of Irish history to be uncovered here. Incentive participants can hear all about the island’s dark and fascinating past on an exclusive ‘After Dark’ tour where they’ll be guided through the secret tunnels illuminated by torchlight.

Doolin Music House, Co Kerry 

Just a few miles from the Cliffs of Moher, at the private home of an award-winning flautist and his artist partner, incentive groups can enjoy a traditional Irish music session by the turf fire, as the music, stories and wine flow. It’s here where the ancient art of ‘Ragaire’ is celebrated. This old Irish tradition marks the gathering of neighbours in a home, where they sit around the fire to share stories and song. Ragaire has been an intrinsic part of Irish life for centuries, and this incredible experience will immerse delegates at the very heart of Irish culture.

Dublin Decoded Tour

One of the best ways to introduce delegates to the cultural secrets of Ireland’s capital is on a walk with Dublin Decoded Tours. Led by a passionate historian and writer, these tours span a huge range of topics, from art history to architecture, weaving through parts of the city that are often overlooked. Discover Dublin’s medieval past, amble through the finest Georgian architecture and explore the Jewish history of Portobello, a charming neighbourhood south of the city. And if delegates have a particular area of interest, the bespoke private tours are a dream come true, combining exclusive access (in buildings that are usually out of bounds to the public) with intimate music recitals and whiskey tastings.

Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin City

Part of the tapestry of Dublin for almost 1,000 years, Christ Church Cathedral is a well-loved icon of the capital. Delegates can take a guided tour to learn about the history and even ring the famous bells while visiting the belfry. The cathedral is home to the city’s oldest working structure in the form of its crypt, which is home to some quirky treasures, like a mummified cat and rat, and a rare copy of one of the most famous documents in the world, the Magna Carta.

The Burren Perfumery, Co Clare

Heritage isn’t found only within ancient sites and historic landmarks. Take The Burren Perfumery, for example. Set among the wilds of the Burren in Co Clare, this spot takes all that’s treasured about this unique landscape and turns it into a range of scents and products made from local herbs and flowers, like wild roses and comfrey. Visit the perfumery and delegates will not only be treated to the spectacular, windswept beauty of the Burren, but they can also create their own bespoke perfume during a private workshop, leaving them with a luxurious souvenir they'll cherish forever.

Reach out to the Meet in Ireland team for expert advice and assistance when planning your next incentive experience in Ireland.