Discover the Real Ireland with Local Guides
Connect with authentic local guides who know the hidden gems, the stories, and the experiences that make Ireland unforgettable.
Meet some of our guides
A curated network of local guides across Ireland — each one chosen for their expertise, their stories, and the kind of experiences you won't find in a guidebook.
Cathy Whelan
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 email me and I will get back to you promptly Bye for now - my friends to come :) Cathy
- Historical
- Walking
- Coastal
Patrick Tipper
Hi , I’m a vastly experienced tour guide and driver , who can show you around Ireland through all the major sights, and the more interesting roads less traveled, with all there is to see there . I can advise on accommodation, restaurants, live music venues , around the country. to enhance your stay .
- Cultural
- Food Drink
- Historical
James Byrne
Walking tours of Sliabh Liag and South West Donegal. Local guide with local knowledge, I love this area so let me show you around!! ****I’m a qualified regional tour guide for the northwest of Ireland (ATU Killybegs, 2023), a member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland (ATGI), and I’m fully insured and I am also registered with Fáilte Ireland.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Walking
Michael Fox
I’m a private tour guide and driver based in the Boyne Valley, offering personalized visits to Newgrange, the wider Boyne Valley and Scenic Wicklow. I collect guests from their accommodation in Dublin or Meath and bring them on a relaxed and informative day out in a comfortable sedan for up to three guests or a Mercedes MPV for groups of up to six. Each tour is crafted around your interests, with archaeology, stories and local history woven into the day. I’m a qualified National Tour Guide and a fully licensed driver and my aim is to provide a warm welcome and a memorable experience.
- Private Driver Guide
- Cultural
- Historical
Ilona
My main goal is to make sure my visitors to Ireland feel well looked after and have the best possible time while travelling around this country. I love to share stories and experiences that visitors won’t get in a guidebook or app.
- Cultural
- Hiking
- Nature
Jason Ó Fionnáin
I’m Jason Ó Fionnáin, an Irish filmmaker, professional photographer, storyteller, creative educator and qualified TEFL teacher based near Mullingar in Ireland’s Ancient East. I create private, personalised experiences that bring Ireland’s landscape, mythology, archaeology and living culture to life. My tours are relaxed, immersive and designed around each guest’s interests. Rather than simply visiting landmarks, we explore the stories, ancient beliefs, local traditions and hidden details connected to each place. Experiences can include heritage storytelling, photography guidance, forest walks, creative activities and conversational English practice for international visitors. I specialise in small groups, families, students and travellers seeking an authentic connection with Ireland beyond the usual tourist routes. From 5,000-year-old passage tombs and medieval monasteries to sacred hills, lakes, castles and quiet countryside, every experience is shaped with care, local knowledge and a genuine Irish welcome.
- Adventure
- Cultural
- Historical
Catherine Lavery O Brien
Hello Im Catherine, A seasoned Chauffeur tour of it's over 20 years experience navigating Irelands scenic routes and historical landmarks. Deeply passionate about sharing the beauty of Ireland's coastlines , the richness of its heritage, abd and tge vibrancy of its unique culture. Specializing in personalized tours that showcase hidden gems abd iconic sites, offering insights into local traditions, folklore and history. Dedicated to providing a comfortable, safe and unforgettable travel experience, tailored to your interests and preferences. Highlights: Costal drives along the Wild Atlantic Way, historical exploration s of ancient castles and monastic sites, and immersive cultural experiences in vibrant towns and Islands.
- Cultural
- Food Drink
- Historical
Terry Lambert
Terry Lambert & Hilltoptreks — What Makes Us Special For over two decades, Terry Lambert has been leading people into the heart of Ireland’s natural beauty, sharing the landscapes, stories, and secrets that make this island such an unforgettable place to explore. As the founder of Hilltoptreks, Terry brings a lifetime of experience in the outdoors, a deep love of Irish culture, and a genuine passion for showing guests the Ireland he knows best—authentic, welcoming, and full of quiet magic. With Terry, it’s never just a tour; it’s a personal journey shaped by warmth, humour, and a sense of adventure. Hilltoptreks’ day tours and walking holidays stand out because they go beyond the usual tourist path. Whether it’s exploring Wicklow’s forested trails, stepping back thousands of years at Newgrange, or wandering through the valleys and coastlines of Ireland’s west, every experience is crafted with care. Our routes are handpicked, our pace is relaxed, and our guides—each one hand-chosen by Terry—bring their own local knowledge, personality, and storytelling charm. Guests don’t just see Ireland; they feel it. What truly sets Hilltoptreks apart is our connection with people. Terry has always believed that the best experiences come from small groups, personal attention, and the freedom to slow down and enjoy the journey. This approach has shaped everything we do: the friendly atmosphere, the flexibility of our itineraries, the choice between guided and self-guided adventures, and the genuine relationships we build with our guests. Many return year after year—not just for the scenery, but for the sense of belonging they find with us. From easy day tours to multi-day walking holidays in Ireland and beyond, Hilltoptreks offers experiences that are thoughtful, uplifting, and rooted in a true love of the outdoors. Under Terry’s guidance, we’ve always kept one simple goal at the heart of our work: to help people discover places that inspire them, challenge them, and stay with them long after the journey ends.
- Historical
- Private Driver Guide
- Nature
Christopher Byrne
**Best for solo travellers, older visitors, couples, and small groups who want a relaxed local experience at a comfortable pace** Based in Ventry and Dingle, I offer relaxed local walk, hike, sea swim, and bike outings for visitors who want to experience the Dingle Peninsula at a comfortable pace. These are not extreme adventure tours. They are about getting outdoors, enjoying the scenery, hearing local stories, and getting the inside track on one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland. As a lifelong weather enthusiast, daily sea swimmer, and local guide, I shape each outing around the people taking part, the weather, the tide, and the conditions on the day. Tours can be gentle, scenic, and easygoing, or a little more active if that suits you. The areas covered include Ventry, Dingle, nearby coastal routes, quiet backroads, beaches, safe swim spots, local viewpoints, and places visitors can easily miss. Most outings are 2 to 4 hours, making them ideal for solo travellers, older visitors, couples, and small groups who want a relaxed local experience without committing to a full day. A tour might be a gentle coastal walk, help finding a safe place to swim, a swim followed by a sauna, a relaxed local bike route, or time for coffee and a chat. No special experience is needed. Just bring comfortable clothes, curiosity, and a willingness to see Ventry and Dingle like a local. 2-hour outing: from €120 solo / €150 for 2 people 3-hour outing: from €180 solo / €225 for 2 people 4-hour half-day: from €240 solo / €300 for 2 people Extras such as sauna, bike hire, food, or transport are charged separately. *ventryweather.com/book For solo/couple travellers, I can usually arrange a convenient meeting point in Ventry or Dingle, and where practical I may be able to meet you at your accommodation. Any pick-up or transfer must be agreed in advance and is offered only as part of the guided outing, not as a standalone transport service.
- Hiking
- Walking
- Cycling
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