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.
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
Judith ( Judy ) O'Shea
I was born in Annascaul on the Dingle peninsula on a dairy farm , one of 8 children. I grew up on the Dingle Peninsula then moved between the cities of Limerick, Dublin and Cork for work after College. ( I have an honours degree in Economics and Sociology from UCC). I have worked in Community development , I.T. , Accounting over my career. I then moved home to Dingle and I now have 11 years of experience as a driver guide. I have crewed and guided on the Blasket island ferry and driven private Golf and Heritage tours nationally on multiday tours. My favorite parts of the job is showing our quirky neolithic monuments that are scattered everywhere in the country to visitors.....showing them how to see them in the landscape and understand what are they seeing as they drive along. Also bringing families to their last known address / townland before their families emigrated ( usually in the 19th C ) to North America. We often connect with living relatives due to speaking to locals and good fortune ☘️🍀 I also do day tours from Killarney and Dingle...
- Cultural
- Private Driver Guide
- Historical
Seamus Ó Drisceoil
I have been collecting oral history and anecdotes from Cape Clear Island for the past 40 years and can provide an interesting walking tour ( or bus/car tour for smaller groups) anywhere on the Island. I like responding to questions as they usually bring up interesting stories from our rich Island history which also has various deep connections with far flung parts of the Globe. I am an O'Drisceoil, sharing the main Island surname from the ancient O'Driscoll Clan which ruled these parts for 600 years or so. I am deeply involved in INIS, Cape Clear Island & Fastnet Heritage Center. I am a regular guide with visiting bus tours and also play Irish traditional music regularly with the locals. I am a fluent daily Irish speaker, with a good knowledge of the more famous publications from the Island and regularly publish heritage themed articles on local websites and social media. I am a competent Spanish Speaker and not far off in French. My other local interests include small farming, tree planting, kayaking and supervision of the Island walking trails. I am also a founder of the local Island Distillery and can provide gin tastings for groups of 10 +. These involved the 3 different local gins, Classic, Aged and Lavender.
- Cultural
- Coastal
- Photography
Mary G O' Sullivan
Professional licensed national tour guide since 1992. I am a graduate of 'Genealogy' and 'Irish Heritage and Folklore' from UCC. I offer private bespoke day and multi-day tours specialising in the South West along the Wild Atlantic Way. I avoid the fixed 'bus tour' circuit as much as possible and focus on off-the-beaten-path places as well as the main attractions.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Private Driver Guide
Gerry Kelly
I asked an old friend if I should switch from community work into tour guiding......."great idea" he said; you'll get paid to talk. My motto is "Where facts and fun meet". My aim is always that clients will learn some new & interesting facts about our country, AND enjoy themselves along the way. Before taking up guiding i worked in Community and Youth work for 15 years, and this was great preparation for treating everyone as an individual, and that everyone had a story to tell. I enjoy working with all sorts of groups and individuals, and I would list my own special interests as sports, current affairs and utterly useless trivial information. Whether it's a half day stroll around Dublin city centre or a full tour of the Emerald Isle I always aim to inform and entertain, and help provide lots of good and happy memories. In case you are wondering.......I do not have a social media presence. Without being too preachy, i kinda think it's causing the collapse of western civilisation as we know it. That and old dogs & new tricks etc.
- Historical
- Walking
- Coastal
Martin Haugh
Check out the wild Atlantic way with loophead walking tours on the West Clare loophead peninsula. We specialize in of the beaten track gems, places and treks you won't find without us. " Spectacular cliffs, smugglers cove, shipwreck, 10th century Church & graveyards, Saints tombs & blessed wells,19th century battery built by the British. And lots more. We can offer tours & stay @ 3* Stella Maris hotel ,and we'll look after all your needs. Just check out our website, loopheadwalkingtours.ie or call / WhatsApp @ 00353 86 8260987. Cheers Martin 😊 👍
- Hiking
- Adventure
- Walking
Marius Marosan
I'm a Romanian living in Ireland, passionate about meeting new people, travelling, cooking, history, photography and music. I'm also very passionate to discover and get to know new cultures, cuisines and places. I do official tours since 2018 and I can show you amazing places far from the tourists' paths.
- Adventure
- Historical
- Nature
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
Alan Markey
Cead Mile Failte - a hundred thousand welcomes Born and bred in Dublin, I offer half-day and full-day tours to major tourist attractions around Dublin City and nearby counties for local, national and international guests. My tours take you touring in the footsteps of Irish History. I look forward to being of service to you. Slainte Alan
- Historical
- Walking
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 middleman, no booking fees — just you and a local who knows the place inside out.
Find a guide