Discover the Real Ireland with Local Guides

Brede Merrigan

Brede Merrigan is the founder and badged driver-guide behind Crystal Tours Ireland. Brede wanted to do the most important thing that she loves most in the world—showcasing the breath taking beauty of Ireland to visitors and ensuring they have the best vacation of their lives. With a heart full of Irish pride and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Brede built this company to offer more than just a tour; she offers a genuine connection to the land, its history, and its people. Brede absolutely adores what she does, and that passion is the crystal-clear foundation of every journey we create. She has assembled a remarkable team of professional, badged tour guides who share her vision and enthusiasm. Behind the wheel of our fleet of modern, comfortable vehicles, you'll find knowledgeable storytellers who are eager to share not only their extensive knowledge but also their own personal stories and local insights. They are the key to unlocking the real Ireland, taking you beyond the guidebooks to experience the hidden corners, the warm welcomes, and the inside stories that make this island so unforgettable. With Crystal Tours Ireland, you're not just seeing the sights; you're experiencing Ireland through the eyes of people who cherish it most. I also suggest you check out TripAdvisor and read the outstanding reviews our drivers have received since setting this up in April of 2025 - https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g186616-d33054246-Reviews-Crystal_Tours_Ireland-Kilkenny_County_Kilkenny.html.

• Driver Guide
• Literary
• Photography

Aoife O'Brien

Born and raised in Galway City, I've spent my life exploring the rugged beauty of Connemara and the vibrant culture of the West. From traditional music sessions to ancient stone walls, I'll show you the real heart of the Wild Atlantic Way.

• Cultural
• Food Drink
• Walking

Aisling Murphy

Marine biologist and coastal guide passionate about Wexford's stunning beaches and marine life. I offer educational tours exploring our pristine coastline, from Curracloe to Hook Head.

Liam Byrne

Nature lover and hiking guide. Let's explore the rugged coastlines and hidden trails of West Cork and Kerry.

• Hiking
• Nature

Balor Otherworld

I am a storyteller and private guide living in the west of Ireland all my life. After years working in the private sector I chose to create my own business to sustain and nurture Irish storytelling and offer immersive private tours of Ireland. The tours include visits to hidden gems and a personalised experience. Based on your interests and timings, I craft the most practical experience to ensure you get the most from your time with me. When I am not touring or performing storytelling, my time is spent researching and expanding my understanding of the stories from across Ireland. The stories I tell suit all ages as the topics include history, heirtage, folklore, mythology, urban myth, true crime, fantasy, literary tours, ghost tours etc. The focus is on you, and making sure you get not only excellent value for money but an unforgettable experience to share with your loved ones.

• Cultural
• Historical
• Literary

Tony Carey

As a lifelong resident of Limerick, I have an intimate understanding of the city's hidden gems and historical significance. and create walking tours to suit all tastes. I am qualified as a local and national tour guide and fully insured.

• Cultural
• Historical
• Walking

Jessie Mc Donald

Jessie McDonald is the founder and driver-guide behind Jessie's Tours of Ireland. A qualified tourist guide, with an honours degree in Archaeology, and with full NTA-SPSV licencing and a comfortable ŠKODA Superb, I combine professionalism and reliability with a deep love of Ireland’s landscapes, history and folklore. My background in guiding — enriched by a keen interest in geology, archaeology, native flora and fauna — means every tour is crafted with care, attention to detail and a genuine desire to reveal the real Ireland.

• Cultural
• Historical
• Food & Drink

Dermot Lambert

I've lived in Dublin city centre and suburbs all my life, and the history of Dublin and it's stories are endlessly surprising, even to someone who lives here. Since I've started as a tour guide I've found it to be a lot of fun, and very rewarding to see visitors really engage with the real Dublin! These are the streets of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Sinead O'Connor, Arthur Guinness (as well as Henry V111 and a couple of Cromwells), . . I take little detours when asked (which is a LOT), and I like to make sure that my clients who book onto my tours have the best of times! As a professional musician and producer I've also got some unusual insights into some of the secrets of this world, with the ocassional behind the scenes tale or two. I also have a very special relationship with Dublin's Ha'Penny Bridge, as I'm personally responsible for overseeing the conversion of some of the Bridge's original wooden decking by Fender Guitars California into beautiful Stratocasters and Telecasters! Dublin is an old city, but it's not a museum, it's also a brand new city - this is the same throughout all of Ireland - and I enjoy showing visitors how these worlds live side by side, so you can have fun while being amazed at the same time!

• Historical
• Cultural
• Driver Guide

Joanne Kavanagh

I am a qualified national tour manager and guide with years of experience in leading tours in Ireland both North and South. My passion has always been in travel and in sharing the experiences with those I showcase my country too

• Cultural
• Food & Drink
• Coastal