Guide #28282
Private Tour Operator & Guide | Genealogy Specialist | Irish Heritage Enthusiast About Me As a proud native of Killarney, I have dedicated over 20 years to showcasing Ireland's beauty, history, and charm to visitors from around the world. My journey began as a tour guide at the iconic Muckross House. It later evolved into leading personalized tours across Ireland, aiming to create unforgettable experiences tailored to each guest's interests and pace. Expertise & Education Genealogy Graduate – University College Cork (UCC) Specializing in helping visitors trace their Irish roots with customized heritage tours. Irish Heritage & Folklore Student – UCC Bringing Ireland’s rich cultural stories to life with an academic edge. Higher Diploma in French Language & Culture – Sorbonne University Fluent in French, adding an international flair to my guiding experience. Qualified Driver/Guide – Licensed by the National Transport Authority of Ireland. Global Experience I spent 12 enriching years living and working abroad in Sorrento, Rome, and Paris. My roles included working with American Airlines and serving as a Paris city guide, further honing my hospitality, culture, and multilingual communication skills. Awards & Recognition Private Tour Operator of the Year – Irish Enterprise Awards 2022/2023 Tour Guide of the Year – 2022 National Guide Badge – Achieved in 1992, symbolizing decades of trusted expertise. Memberships & Affiliations Member of Professional Genealogists of Ireland Member of the Association of Approved Guides of Ireland (ATGI) Member of Chauffeur Drive Association of Ireland Member of Kerry Archaeological & Historical Society and Cork Archaeological & Historical Society Member of Killarney Golf Club and the local bridge club Personalized Tours I offer flexible, tailored tours that align perfectly with your interests and pace. Whether you’re exploring Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, uncovering its fascinating history, or delving into its vibrant modern culture, I ensure every moment is memorable. Beyond the landmarks, I provide insider tips on the best shops, restaurants, pubs, and local happenings—plus a dash of Irish wit and gossip for good measure! Hobbies & Passions When I’m not guiding tours, you’ll find me walking my dogs, golfing at Killarney Golf Club, or enjoying a game of bridge. My love for nature, history, and culture fuels my passion for sharing Ireland’s magic with visitors. Let’s Make Your Visit Unforgettable! I aim to provide a personalized and enriching experience showcasing Ireland's splendour. Whether you’re tracing your roots or simply seeking an adventure, I’ll craft a tour that exceeds your expectations.
Killarney
Cork

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64 reviews
Mary was very knowledgeable and took us to several out of the way places. She was very flexible with regard to where to stop and what to skip in the itinerary. We loved the sheepdog exhibition. Torc Falls and the Cliffs of Kerry were beautiful.

Replied from Mary O.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your tour. I appreciate it. It was lovely to meet you all, and I'm delighted that you enjoyed it. Maybe I'll see you again sometime for a different tour! Take care, Mary.
Absolutely first rate job by Mary! From the moment she picked us up, she did everything she could to make sure our tour was meeting expectations. We would never have seen so many wonderful local places & understood local history if not for her. Money well spent, we would hesitate to use her & Tours by Locals again

Replied from Mary O.
Thank you both for your incredibly kind words. I had such a lovely time with you and truly enjoyed sharing some of my favourite local spots and stories along the way. I’m so glad to hear the tour met your expectations and that you felt it was time well spent. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I feel very lucky to do what I do. If you’re ever back again, I’d be delighted...
Mary did a fantastic job guiding us through the Ring of Kerry! She told us so many stories of her growing up in the area and her experiences along the way that it made it such a personal experience. She tailored the sights and stops to exactly what we wanted, with a great mix of beautiful scenery, history, and culture. Her energy and enthusiasm was so genuine and it only...

Replied from Mary O.
Thank you so much Keith for choosing me to guide you around, I had a great time with you and your lovely friends. I'm glad you all enjoyed it. Maybe I'll see you again some other time for a different tour in the area. Enjoy Kilkenny! Mary
Mary was FABULOUS! We loved our day. We saw many things on the ring of Kerry. We stopped at places we were not aware of and throughly loved. We would recommend Mary to everyone who is interested in this tour AMAZING DAY. thank you

Replied from Mary O.
Thank you so much, Katharine, for your wonderful review! 🌟 I'm delighted to hear you had such an amazing day exploring the Ring of Kerry with me. Your kind recommendation is greatly appreciated — I would love to welcome you back for another adventure anytime! Warm regards, Mary G