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.
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.
- Private Driver Guide
- Literary
- 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
Iain Miller
Unique Ascent offers exceptional outdoor adventure holidays, activities, and mountain training in County Donegal, Ireland. Specialising in tailor-made instructional and guided packages, we provide experiences such as hill walking, mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, coasteering, and sea stack ascents. What we provide is a range of unique guiding and instructional packages tailored to take you safely to the summits of the most outstanding Sea Stacks in Ireland and the UK. What is involved in an average sea stack climbing day will take you way beyond any other currently available adventurous activity in Ireland. This activity is open to everyone and does not require any previous climbing experience, just a sense of adventure and humour.
- Adventure
- Nature
- Hiking
Eoin Cusack
Hi there, this is Eoin from Galway Chauffeurs. We are based in Galway, in the west of Ireland, but we provide private tours throughout the entire country. All of our drivers are qualified tour guides affiliated with Fáilte Ireland, and all our vehicles are luxury vehicles, including Mercedes V-Class models and similar premium transport. We would be delighted to help put together an itinerary tailored to your trip. Please check out our reviews on TripAdvisor through our website: galwaychauffeurs.ie� Best regards, Eoin
- Cultural
- Food Drink
- Historical
Stephen Payne
Stephen Payne began his story with passenger travel & tourism back in 2003 and since then has gained almost unrivalled knowledge on showing the very best Ireland has to offer, from castles and country estates, to small remote beaches in Connemara and Kerry. Having been organising bespoke tours for just over 20 years, Stephen leaves no stone unturned when it comes to accommodation, food and lunches, points of interest stops, as well as small details such as tour diaries and giving a truly immersive Irish experience to everyone who travels on board. Having a Fáilte Ireland Irish National Driver Guide qualification means you're not just getting a driver, you're getting a knowledgeable, passionate storyteller who can bring Ireland's history, culture, music, landscapes and people to life as you travel around the country. From the ancient passage tombs of the Boyne Valley to the spectacular views along the Wild Atlantic Way, the breathtaking gardens at Powerscourt to the intricacies of the Book of Kells, the silence of the Famine Memorial to the wonderful Irish music in Tralee — Stephen has guided groups from all across the world and knows the nooks and crannies to make each and every journey one to remember forever.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Music Arts
George Preda
Dublin Group Minibus offers comfortable and flexible tours from Dublin, perfect for small groups looking to explore Ireland with ease. We provide reliable transport, local expertise, and personalised itineraries, helping you discover both iconic landmarks and hidden gems in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
- Photography
- Cultural
- Hiking
Desmond Phelan
Originally from County Kilkenny, Desmond is an approved tour guide with decades of experience. He combines a deep love of Irish history with a warm, witty personality. Having lived along the Wild Atlantic Way for years, he knows Ireland’s rugged coast intimately, while his heart remains in County Kilkenny, in Ireland’s Ancient East. Professional, personable, and passionate about authentic experiences, Desmond goes beyond the guidebooks - effortlessly adapting each day to suit his tour guests, creating seamless, memorable tours filled with local insight and genuine Irish charm. DESMOND TOURS - Unforgettable Tours. Not a Single Review Under 5 Stars. - https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g186616-d15692046-Reviews-Desmond_Tours-Kilkenny_County_Kilkenny.html
- Cultural
- Historical
- Private Driver Guide
Damien Kennedy
Hi, I'm Damien, founder of Wicklow Hikes and Wicklow Mountains Guide. Based in Greystones, I am a qualified Mountain Leader, fully insured, and REC 3 First Aid certified. I specialize in guided hikes and walks throughout the Wicklow Mountains, from scenic coastal trails and forest walks to challenging mountain adventures. My tours focus on more than just the walk itself. Along the way, I share local history, folklore, wildlife stories, and insights into the unique landscape of Ireland's Garden County. Whether you're looking for a relaxed nature walk or a rewarding mountain hike, I aim to provide a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for every group.
- Hiking
- Nature
- Walking
Jarlath Burke
I am a driver guide in Ireland for the last 9 years. I grew up on the Aran Islands and can speak Irish(Gaelic). I have lived and worked around Galway city and county for 45yrs and have extensive knowledge of those out of the way places that any discerning traveller will appreciate. I have travelled extensively around the island of Ireland.
- Historical
- Coastal
- Private Driver Guide
Three steps to your Ireland
No tour bus, no cookie-cutter itinerary. Just real people showing you where they're from.
Find your guide
Browse our directory of local Irish guides by region, experience, or specialty.
Connect directly
Send an inquiry straight to your chosen guide. Chat about dates, itinerary, preferences.
Plan your trip
Your guide crafts a custom experience around what you want to see, do, and taste.
Plan your Irish getaway
Browse our guides and reach out directly. No booking fees, no markup, just you and a local who knows the place inside out.
Find a guide