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.
Derek Spillane
I have a BA (Hons) Degree in History and Heritage Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. I hold SPSV licence and I'm an accredited National Tour Guide and limousine driver. I can trace my Galwegian roots back to 1776, to the Aran Islands and I can assist you trace your Irish roots if required. Throughout my life, I have travelled extensively around the world and realised the value of a good guide in bringing a place alive. I resolved back then to become a professional guide one day and show visitors the places I feel are unique and special. I was born in a Gaelic speaking area and would love to share a few words with you and share my passion for history and folklore. Credentials I hold a BA (Frist Class Honours) Degree in History and Heritage Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, achieving a Distinction in my Level 9 Postgraduate Degree. I am a fully Accredited Failte Ireland Natiinal Tour Guide and have been offering guided tours since 2012. I have full public liability insurance and hold a B and D1 full drivers license. My expertise include Ireland's history, archaeology, architecture, literature, folklore and folklife (including Ireland's food heritage).
- Private Driver Guide
- Walking
- Historical
Shane Maher
Storyteller by night, tour guide by day. I drive and guide tours daily for Irelands biggest tour company. I offer a premium and professional tour guide experience to tourists who want a special experience in Ireland. I love to bring my tourist to places that are less crowded and less known buy more Irish and interesting!
- Cultural
- Food Drink
- Historical
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
Alberto Duarte de Oliveira
I am Alberto, I am passionate about travel and sports, and both together are even better. I am happy to help you to discover Ireland and its nuances. I speak English, Portuguese and Spanish, happy to explain in your language as well.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Private Driver Guide
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
David Matthews
A qualified National Tour Guide and member of the Association of Tour Guides of Ireland, I can work with an existing itinerary or help design the perfect Irish experience.
- Cultural
- Private Driver Guide
- Food Drink
Joe McKinney
Hi there. My name is Joe McKinney and I'll be your Tour Guide for a nice leisurely stroll through Dublin City. I'm an Actor and Artist, and I work with Energy Medicines, including Reiki and Shamanic Practices. There's a lot of Energy in my City, with Poetry, Prose, Art and Rock'n'Roll. Join me in a ramble through Dublin City.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Walking
William Duffy
Really Great Tours Discover the authentic pulse of the west of Ireland with Really Great Tours, led by local guide, storyteller, and ecotourism specialist Bill Duffy. Deeply rooted in County Mayo, Bill steers clear of the crowded, commercial tourist trails, inviting you instead to experience the magic of "Slow Travel." These immersive, unhurried journeys connect you deeply with the living culture, folklore, and pristine wilderness of the coast. From the rare, colourful flora of the Atlantic blanket bogs to the captivating stories of our offshore islands, Really Great Tours offers a genuine escape into Irish heritage. It is the perfect getaway for those looking to slow down, listen to the land, and discover the region's best-kept secrets.
- Cultural
- Hiking
- Nature
Paul Barry
I do a walking loop starting at blackrock castle cork .its 5km and it takes approximately two hours . It introduces participants to the history of the area over the last 100 years .
- Walking
- Cultural
- Historical
Three steps to your Ireland
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