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.
Ciaran Hayden
Ciarán Hayden is a fully qualified national tour guide based in Dublin and Wicklow, with a passion for bringing Ireland’s rich past and vibrant culture to life. A graduate of the Bord Fáilte National Tour Guide programme at the Portobello Institute in Dublin, Ciarán has spent the past three years guiding visitors through the stories, streets, and flavours that define the region. Specialising in modern Irish history and the elegance of Georgian Dublin, Ciarán blends deep historical knowledge with a natural gift for storytelling. His tours explore everything from cultural landmarks and hidden corners to the best of local food and traditional pubs, offering guests an authentic and immersive experience. He also brings a particular depth of insight into Huguenot Ireland, tracing the influence of refugee communities such as the La Touche family, whose Delgany branch played a significant role in the social and economic development of Wicklow. By weaving these narratives into the broader story of Ireland, Ciarán highlights the lasting legacy of migration, enterprise, and identity. His storytelling further extends to Ireland’s long and complex struggle for independence, from the uprising of 1798 through the revolutionary period of the early 20th century and into the present day. With a balanced and engaging approach, he helps visitors understand the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation. Before becoming a guide, Ciarán served for 28 years as a firefighter — a career that shaped his calm presence, sharp insight, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Today, he brings that same dedication and energy to every tour, ensuring each group leaves with a deeper understanding of Ireland and a few great stories to tell.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Coastal
Maeve Brennan
Donegal is Ireland's best-kept secret, and I'm passionate about sharing its wild beauty. From the towering sea cliffs of Slieve League to the pristine beaches of the Inishowen Peninsula, I'll show you Ireland at its most untamed.
- Adventure
- Coastal
- Photography
Christy Woods
We are a family that have been doing tours all over Ireland for the last 70 years we guide an drive you threw our beautiful country from the Giants Causeway in the North to the beautiful town of Kinsale in the south . We do from one day tours around the Cliffs of Moher to a 20 day tour all over Ireland all tours to suit your budget .
- Food & Drink
- Cultural
- Walking
James Given
I am a very personal professional tour guide. I am very easy to spend time with. I am very flexable and have a good range of excursions in and around sligo that will inform and amaze you.
- Cultural
- Nature
- Hiking
William
My name is William, i am a tour guide of the Town of Thurles, famous for the Founding of the GAA, the national body for the Irish games of Hurling and Gaelic football. In my walking tours, you don't just know the local history of the town, but its connection to national history.
- Historical
- Walking
- Cultural
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
- Driver Guide
Owen Mullan
I’m Owen Mullan, your guide with Newgrange Day Tours. I want to welcome you to experience Ireland in a way that’s close to my heart. I’ve been a qualified national tour-guide for many years, with a deep love for Irish history, culture and landscape. I founded Newgrange Day Tours because I believe a journey is more than landmarks — it’s stories, memories, and a personal connection. I enjoy meeting new people, sharing tales of ancient Neolithic monuments, medieval castles and Celtic legends — and seeing the wonder in their eyes when they learn, laugh, and connect with the land. What makes my tours special is that they are private and tailored to you: your interests, your pace, your curiosity. Want to explore the passage tomb of Newgrange and the ancient tombs at Knowth? Or maybe prefer a more relaxed stroll through historic abbeys or medieval castles? I adapt the day so you get the experience you’ll treasure most. With a comfortable, luxury car and my stories bringing history to life, I aim to make every tour unforgettable. So come along — whether you’re visiting for the history, the mythology, or simply the beauty of Ireland — I’ll make sure your time here becomes a cherished memory.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Driver Guide
Michael A Potter
Professional tour guide, all areas in Ireland covered, Coach tour's, Walking tour's, Private tour's Heritage tour's, bespoke to your requirements
- Cultural
- Driver Guide
- Historical
Padraig O'Sullivan
Professional photographer and tour guide specializing in capturing the magic of the Ring of Kerry. I'll take you to hidden viewpoints and teach you to photograph Ireland's most stunning landscapes.
- Photography
Three steps to your Ireland
No tour bus, no cookie-cutter itinerary. Just real people showing you where they're from.
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