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
John Ducie
We offer private, tailored guided tours that take you on an unforgettable journey across Ireland. From the vibrant city of Dublin to hidden gems throughout the country, John, an experienced historian and licensed Irish Government Approved National Tour Guide, ensures every tour is filled with fascinating history, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Tours For The Thinking Traveller With so much to explore, you’re in control. Whether you dream of wandering ancient castles, savouring Irish cuisine, or immersing yourself in the local culture, we’ll help you create an itinerary that suits your interests. Our experienced guides provide unique insights into Ireland’s history and culture. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit, making your journey more meaningful.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Literary
Mark McHale
Mark is a born-and-bred Irish local who fell in love with Howth and its wild coastal beauty — from dramatic cliff paths to hidden corners most visitors never find. What started as a passion for exploring and storytelling turned into Hidden Howth Experiences — a collection of award-winning tours blending breathtaking scenery, rich local history, great food and drink, and plenty of laughs along the way. Joined by his iconic sidekick Missy the dog, Mark creates experiences that feel less like a formal tour and more like a day out with friends. Guests get the real Howth: local stories, secret viewpoints, colourful characters, and that warm Irish welcome that keeps people coming back again and again. If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed adventure with a local who genuinely loves what he does — you’ve just found it.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Food Drink
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
Dermot O’Connor
Fully accredited national tour guide covering the 32 counties of Ireland. Discover Ireland at your pace. Discover Ireland at your leisure.
- Cultural
- Hiking
- Nature
Paula Moore
Hi There My Name is Paula. I’m a qualified Tour guide and am very passionate about telling you about my knowledge of history and culture here in Ireland. I have good knowledge of Ireland in Celtic times, Christian, Viking, Anglo Norman, Tudor times to Ireland’s independence in 1922. I would like to take you to the landmarks where such big events happened. I am your Ambassador here in Ireland and I am to show you around. I know you will enjoy this journey with me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Walking
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
Joe Ormonde
Experienced and insured chauffeur providing premium limousine tours across Ireland. Located in Tipperary, I handle airport pick-ups and drop-offs. Award-winning landscape photographer dedicated to showcasing Ireland's stunning scenery.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Photography
Liam McCauley
Whether you’re curious about Irish history, looking for outdoor adventures, exploring your family roots, or just want to slow down and take it all in — I’ll work with you to build an itinerary that fits your interests and budget. Each journey begins with a conversation, and from there, I’ll design your route, suggest ideas and make it seamless from start to finish. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-awaited return, I’ll help you discover landscapes, stories and places that speak to your interests — all at your pace.
- Private Driver Guide
- Historical
- Cultural
Three steps to your Ireland
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