Ireland Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

Hello, and welcome to my tours page. I have been a licensed tour guide since the eighties, initially working as a tour director on coaches for Ireland's largest incoming tour operator. I started my private luxury car tours after two decades as a tour director. I love sharing the passion and knowledge I have accumulated with visitors today. I travelled a lot in my youth and lived in France for 12 years, where I worked initially for American Airlines and later as a city tour guide. I am bilingual in French. I also spent two years in Italy, both in Rome and Sorrento. I no longer speak Italian, but I can understand it and absolutely love listening to it. I like to read, walk my dogs, and play bridge in my spare time. I operate all the classic tours but can customise each to your interests. I am a recent graduate in genealogy from University College Cork, so I can put you in the right direction as to where to find the necessary records if you're researching your Irish ancestry. If you already know where they come from, I can tailor a tour around that for you. Don't hesitate to contact me and let me know what you want. Thanks for reading. Mary

Caitlin W.

5.00 / 5

I am a historian and postdoctoral researcher based in Dublin city offering tours of the city focusing on the modern period - approximately the last 250 years. I completed my PhD in Public History at Trinity College, Dublin, where I studied how history was used to create different identities in the two Irish states after partition. I chose to study public history because I am really passionate about connecting the public with the history all around us and engaging them with it in their everyday life. I have over 7 years of experience working within the tourism industry, many of those were spent devising new tour scripts and completely overhauling the backstage tours at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin (Ireland's national theatre), where I worked for over 4 years. At the Abbey I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to develop a whole new revenue stream for the company based around boutique experiences at the theatre ranging from VIP nights, meet & greets, and historical talks. There I developed crucial skills in communicating and engaging a range of different groups and demographics, from intimate tours for the former UN Ambassador Samantha Power and an tÚachtarán Michael D. Higgins to larger tours for groups of active retirees with varying levels of accessibility. Since leaving the Abbey I have worked as a local tour leader for Peter Sommers Travel, a guide for the National Museum of Ireland and the 1916 Walking Tour, and Glasnevin Cemetery, and as a freelance tour guide. I have curated bespoke experiences for guests visiting Dublin such as a walking tour of the city designed with their interests in mind. I have worked with a variety of tour operators to ensure that their important guests had an enjoyable and educational experience. I would love an opportunity to work with your company and some of the guests you have visiting Ireland.

Kyoko D.

4.00 / 5

I've been living in Dublin for 30 years, and I've worked as National Tour Guide for 6 years. My customers are mainly Japanese but I can guide visitors of other nationalities as far as they speak English. I worked as an English teacher in Japan. I came to UK on a career break under the Cultural Exchange Programme. During the period I visited a friend in Dublin. I liked, decided to stay in Dublin, and consequently met my husband. I have been living in Dublin for 30 years. As well as business people, many of my friends visited me from Japan. I showed them around in Ireland many times, and enjoyed it very much, which made me to decide to become a Tour Guide. ダブリン在住の日本人ツアーガイドです。ガイド歴は6年です。個々の異なるご要望にきめ細かな対応ができるのが強みだと思っています。私が大好きなアイルランドをぜひご紹介したいです。大学卒業後静岡の高校で英語を教えておりました。文化交流プログラムの一環でイギリスに1年滞在しました。その際に友人を訪ねてダブリン訪れ、この地が気に入って居ついてしまいました。その後アイルランド人と結婚。主人と日々暮らす内、あっという間に30年が流れ去ったように感じます。その間に多くの友人がアイルランドを訪れてくれました。友人たちを案内してアイルランドについて語っている内に、もっと多くの人にアイルランドのことを知ってほしいと思うようになりました。それで一念発起して勉強し、アイルランド政府公認ツアーガイドの資格を取得。フリーランスとして、ガイドと同時に通訳業務も受け、現在に至っています。

Fiona D.

I am a professional singer and qualified tour guide offering a unique and fun interactive experience, taking in six historic locations and famous songs connected to them. Twenty years professional singer, amateur dramatics and a radio host. I am passionate about Irish history and travel and of course sharing my musical talent. I love meeting new guests from all over the world who visit my wonderful city and share with them my local stories, songs, recommendations and most important having fun, so I would love to work with you and your guests to experience my Dublin.

Brendan K.

Hi there. I'm Brendan. I am a native Dubliner. I was born here many years ago and spent all my life living and working all over the city. I love food, music, sport, history, politics and of course, the odd pint of Guinness. I retired in 2019 after a 40 year career in the technology industry, working for some of the biggest global names in the business. Because of my passion for all things historical my dream had always been to become a tour guide and I qualified as a official guide in August 2020. I have been taking my guests on journeys around the city since then. I love the idea that when someone tours with me they learn in a fun way about the very long history of Ireland and its people. They also see lots of places and things which I hope I bring to life for them as we stop for a while and discover the many stories to be told about this ancient city. With me you will learn about how Dublin has changed from the time of the Vikings to the time of Google. There are lots of funny stories to be told about that long period of time – I can assure you of that. So – if you are visiting Dublin please consider me as your guide. I am sure that if you choose me we will have some fun and interesting hours together as we walk the streets once used by the Vikings and the Normans and now the home of modern day Irish folk.

Liam R.

Hi, my name is Liam. I am an experienced Irish storyteller in Dublin. I have a huge knowledge of the history of Dublin and Ireland. I am well known as an entertaining and personable companion. My speciality is my Dublin Highlights tour.

Liam G.

Chad mile failte (A hundred thousand welcomes). I am a native Dubliner both obsessed and captivated by my city. Every stone has a story to tell, from Viking origins to Georgian splendor. I love nothing better than telling stories to my guests and giving them a true feel for Dublin. I don't just give information but like to entertain also, laugh a little, learn alot is my ethos. My general Grand Tour is my most popular but I also offer other tours. Architectural tours, Writers and literary tours, James Joyce specific tours and an Easter Rebellion tour. Each tour is bespoke, not scripted and is designed to be both memorable and enjoyable.

Conor H.

View All Ireland Tour Guides

I have being providing private driver guiding services around the Dublin area and surrounding counties since 2017 . I use a Mercedes E Class as transportation so my private group is 1-3 pax .

New Ireland Tour Guides

Darran K.

Showcasing Ireland is a passion for me and I have enjoyed showing many visitors the best of Ireland along with its hidden gems. Now based in my home county, Wicklow, I am happy tailoring tours. Working with local suppliers I can tailor to active, mountain biking, adventure, golf, food and drink experiences. I am a qualified Mountain Leader and have worked with groups in the outdoor adventure sector over a decade. Tours can range from one to five full days with transport.

Cathy W.

Cead Mile Failte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes :) Hi ladies and gents abroad and a warm welcome to my profile page here. My name is Cathy and I am an Irish born and bred tour guide based in our beautiful capital city, Dublin. I have been in the travel industry for over 20 years now and have worked as both a world wide travel manager for a large American company and also as a host and tour guide across Ireland and Europe for the past 8 years. Having worked and travelled quite extensively in the past, I have had the great pleasure of meeting a number of different nationalities and experienced their cultures It has been a great experience for me to work with so many different types of people from young children to the more mature folks enjoying their retirement years Nowadays however, my greatest joy is to show off my own beautiful city and country to all of you from around the world I am always delighted to meet and engage with new people and show them the very best of this lovely little country and help them make memories that will last a life time I am a very friendly and fun but sincere person and I aim to give my guests interesting but fun tours during their time in the city or country I am always open to reworking tours and tweaking or designing new tours to satisfy what any particular individual or group is interested in too and this has made me a popular guide here in Ireland I am like most Irish people in that I do not over brag about myself but I can say with honesty that I am a genuinely professional guide who wants nothing but my groups to home happy and fully satisfied that they have been shown a good time and had lots of fun with me during their time in Ireland If you want to get in touch with me to arrange or book a tour or discuss and preferences or things you would like to do here that are specific, please feel free to message me and I will get back to you promptly Bye for now - my friends to come :) Cathy

Janet C.

I have been working as a cycling and walking tour guide in the Burren in County Clare for more than 20 years. My tours are immersive experiences, where we explore everything the location has to offer: history, archaeology, geology, folklore, flora and fauna. I am fully certified in First Aid, and have public liability insurance to cover cycling and walking tours. I am also a golfer, and a member of Lahinch Golf Club, so can advise on the best courses to play while you are in Ireland.

Dave K.

I have been guiding in Dublin for the last 4 years, I own and operate a walking tour business here in Dublin, my passion is history and culture and showcasing Dublin's great landmarks and buildings, I am a people person with the gift of the gab and I love what I do. I would very much look forward to meeting with you.

Anthony K.

Anthony Kelly is a native Irish tour guide, from Dublin. Anthony delivers walking tours in Dublin, Kilkenny, Galway and along the Giants Causeway . Anthony is an experienced day tour guide on coaches to Glendalough, the Cliffs of Moher and Game of Thrones locations in Antrim. A storyteller who loves the Irish verbal tradition of storytelling, his tours have a mix of politics, geography, history, myths and legend and ghost stories. Anthony is creative, he enjoys landscape photography, nature and has won prizes for short story writing. He likes drawing little sketches to go with his stories and novel.

Ann T.

Hi ! My name is Ann and I am very proud to say that my hometown is Dublin. Like most of the Irish I have what we call the gift of the gab .. I love to chat with people and that combined with the experience of cooking a meal together and meeting other visitors from all over the world makes this a different type of evening ! It's not fancy complicated food, I use the best of Irish ingredients and traditional recipes and you will take home my little recipe book so you can recreate the meal for your friends and family ! As well as years experience in the Irish hospitality and catering I am also a qualified tour guide so I am always happy to advise you on where to go and what to do while you are in Ireland. It would be really great to meet you and welcome you to my home for a unique Irish experience.

Mary B.

I was born and raised in Wicklow a mile from glendalough and have in-depth knowledge of the area, that I’m passionate about and so as I’m now a qualified tour guide And good story teller I’d like to share my personal and professional experience of glendalough dating back to 6th century, in this beautiful monastic city.

Popular Ireland Private Tours

3-Hour Private Walking Tour: Dublin Highlights

In this 3-hour walking tour, I'll take you to see the best part in Dublin, including the Book of Kells, Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and a lovely stop at Molly Malone Statue to finish our tour.

The Making of Modern Ireland Walking Tour

Join me as we explore the making of modern Ireland through key sites in Dublin city centre. I have been doing tours of Dublin since 2015, and hold a Masters and PhD in Public History from Trinity College, Dublin. This tour connects history and the present day, starting with the most infamous event in Ireland's history - the Great Famine - and explores the key events that shape our modern nation. Tours can be booked for weekends or midweek and can be scheduled at any time to suit your group.

Gothic Dublin Ghost Tour

1 hour 30 min

A ghost tour spectacular by night through the glowing illuminated streets of Dublin, filled with storytelling and beautiful architecture, you'll be chilled and terrified by the dark history and the Ghosts and Vampires of Dublin!

FROM$30/ per person

Anthony K.

1 Day Private Tour-Wicklow Walking Tour

Wicklow

9 hours

The tour will give you an insight into life for St. Kevin and his followers while walking around the Monastic City where you will discover the Holy Well, High Cross and the Deer Stone.

FROM$30/ per person

Mary B.

Historical Walking Tour

2 hours

Walk with Anthony as he takes you on a quirky walking tour through Dublin's fair city. Home to famous writers like the notorious Oscar Wilde and James Joyce. Anthony's guided tour takes you through the sweeping history of Dublin from its foundation by Viking Norsemen through the conquest by the Norman's and its development under English rule. Through plagues, revolutions, through opulence and despair, filled with high romance and treason, dark murders and gang wars.

FROM$30/ per person

Anthony K.

Dublin - From Strongbow to the Georgians.

Dublin began life a a tiny riverside settlement. As the centuries passed it was colonised by the Vikings, the Normans and finally, the English. By the time of the Georgian era the population had risen to one hundred thousand people, who lived mostly between the boundaries of the Royal and Grand canals. The story of what happened in the centuries between the Norman invasion in 1167 and the end of the Georgian era in 1804 sets the scene for how Dublin became what it is today.

Brendan K.

Revolutionary Dublin - 1916 to 1923.

Discover the part played by Dublin in Ireland's long struggle to establish an independent republic. The bloody struggle ended in the Irish Republic with the signing of the 'treaty' with the British in 1921, at the end of a particularly bloody and brutal guerilla war against the forces of the British crown. There was further bloodshed in the civil war that followed the signing of the 'treaty' but peace was established in 1923. Discover what happened on this 3 hour tour.

Brendan K.

Dublin Landmarks Walking Tour

Dublin Landmarks Walking Tour is a three hour walking tour taking in all the great buildings of Dublin City including Dublin Castle, Dubh Linn Gardens, St Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, Fishamble Street, the River Liffey and Temple Bar. The tour will start at the Molly Malone Statue and Finish at O'Connell Bridge.

View All Ireland Private Tours

Dave K.

New Ireland Private Tours

Dublin - From The Vikings to Silicon Docks.

On this tour, I'll take you through the streets of Ireland's capital city and tell you the story of how it evolved from a small Viking settlement to become one of the world centres of the digital revolution. Did you know that Ireland's history can be reflected in three paintings I have chosen from the collection in our National Art Gallery? Admission to the gallery is free so please allow me to take you through the paintings, their history and their hidden meanings.

Brendan K.

Dublin Highlights with Liam

4 hours

You will love the Dublin Highlights tour with Liam. Liam is so entertaining and informative. He is an amazing storyteller with an unbelievable knowledge of Dublin and it’s history and culture. He will show you all the best places for shopping and to eat and drink and of course to have the Irish craic. Liam is simply bursting with energy and Irish wit and charm. You will love your time in Dublin with Liam.

FROM$250/ per group

Liam R.

Co Wicklow Full Day Tour by car

7 hours

This full day tour takes in some of the beautiful sites and scenery of County Wicklow known as " The garden of Ireland" Highlights include Powerscourt House and Gardens and the ancient monastic site of Glendalough dating back to the 6th century AD.

FROM$675/ per group

Conor H.

Wicklow Half Day Tour (Glendalough) by car

5 hours

This half day 5 hour tour will take you into the heart of Co. Wicklow also known as "The Garden County" or "The Garden of Ireland" which is located just south of Dublin city. Experience the tranquillity and natural beauty of the monastic site at Glendalough which is set in a deep glacial valley in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains.

FROM$480/ per group

Conor H.

Wicklow Half Day Tour (Powerscourt Gardens) by car

5 hours

This is a half day tour that features the wonderful Powerscourt Estate & Gardens in Co. Wicklow along with a scenic drive through the Wicklow Mountains while still returning you to Dublin city by early/mid afternoon giving you time to be left to your own devices for the rest of the day in Dublins Fair City.

FROM$480/ per group

Conor H.

1916 Rebellion in Dublin (3H)

A walk designed to investigate and explain the traumatic events that occurred at Easter 1916. Visit battle sites around the city where intense fighting took place. See the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin Castle, General Post Office and Moore Street battle ground amongst others. Learn of the eventual surrender, trials and executions that became a catalyst for Irish freedom. These were some of the most important events in Irish history and helped shape the modern Ireland of today.

FROM$230/ per group

Liam G.

Dublin's rich literary heritage (3H)

This tour highlights the many diverse literary lives of the City, a UNESCO city of literature. See the beautiful Georgian squares and find out who inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula, see Oscar Wilde's home and statue. Visit the Abbey Theatre founded by Gregory, Yeats and Synge and hear of the riot that marred 'Playboy of the Western world' Find out why Guinness taste better in it's native City and see the pubs that were a second home to Kavanagh, Behan and James Joyce.

FROM$230/ per group

Liam G.

The Grand Tour of Dublin (3H)

View All Ireland Private Tours

Dublin is perfectly suited to walking tours due to its compact size and abundance of interesting historical and cultural sites. This general walk is designed to reveal the city's famous characters, historical events, architecture and our writers and their pubs! Learn of our Viking and Norman past and the Rebellions that shaped modern Ireland. All this and more in a relaxed stroll designed to give you a solid orientation and knowledge of Dublin.

FROM$230/ per group

Liam G.

Popular Ireland Private Cars

Private Tour of Dingle and Slea Head Drive

Comprehensive tour of the Dingle Peninsula, considered by some to be the most beautiful place on earth! Sandy beaches and green rolling landscapes with many ancient archeological ruins.

FROM$650/ per group

Ring of Kerry, Valentia Island and Skellig Ring Tour

Comprehensive tour of the Ring of Kerry, including a visit to Valentia Island and the Skellig Ring, from where we can view the Skellig Islands where 'Star Wars' was filmed.

FROM$650/ per group

Private Tour of the Beara Peninsula

It is one of the less travelled roads, but the Beara Peninsula has the most magnificent scenery. A mixture of coastal, mountainous, and the lakes in the Killarney National Park make for a great day sightseeing.

FROM$650/ per group

Private Tour of Killarney National Park

Drive through the incredible scenery of the Gap of Dunloe and visit the various attractions in the National Park. Travel off-the-beaten-path roads by car and enjoy getting your steps in whilst making your way on foot to the abbey. Flexible to suit your needs.

FROM$600/ per group

Ireland Tour Reviews

Emma D.

5 / 5

Sep 7, 2023

The Making of Modern Ireland Walking Tour

Sep 7, 2023

“Highlight of our Dublin visit”

Caitlin was a great guide. Responsive to inquiries before our tour, really personable, and beyond knowledgable. I highly recommend her.

Caitlin W.

Thank you Emma! It was a pleasure to bring you and your family around the city and I hope your parents enjoy their stay!

Dean N.

4 / 5

Sep 5, 2023

5 hour Shore Excursion

Cork

5 hours

Customized

Sep 5, 2023

“Good tour of Cork & surrounding”

Tadhg was very knowledgeable and personable. Took us to some spots not on the general tour routes that were excellent. Highly recommended.

Tadhg O.

Thank you Dean, It was wonderful to have you if only for a short excursion!

Carmen S.

4 / 5

Aug 30, 2023

3-Hour Private Walking Tour: Dublin Highlights

Aug 30, 2023

“Great time with Kyoko ”

Thanks Kyoko for your flexibility and customizing the tour to our needs. We had fun and learned a lot of history behind key landmarks. We definitely recommend the tour with Kyoko.

Kyoko D.