Welcome to Westport, Ireland's picturesque gem on the Wild Atlantic Way!

Discover the magic of this charming town, nestled between mountains and the sea. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Clew Bay's tranquil waters and stunning landscapes.

Explore the colorful streets adorned with traditional shops, pubs, and friendly locals. Adventure awaits with hiking in Croagh Patrick's shadow or cycling along the Great Western Greenway.

The tours on ToursByLocals, guided by knowledgeable local experts, offer an intimate journey tailored to your interests. Savor traditional Irish cuisine and experience the warm hospitality that defines Westport. Uncover Westport's history, from its Georgian architecture to ancient archaeological sites at your own pace.

Whether you're captivated by nature, history, or seeking a tranquil escape, the expert guides on ToursByLocals will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Westport

Captivating Connemara - Your Private Guided Tour

I love this part of Ireland as it has some of the most spectacular views in the country. My heart always bursts with pride as I hear the reaction of clients to the majesty and magnificence of the ever changing landscape.

On route there are lots of stories to be told, because we Irish love to tell a good story. There will not be a dull moment on tour!

The area has unique scenery with mountains, lakes and valleys created by the glaciers during the Ice-Age. We will also be travelling along the Wild Atlantic Way for a time and you will see the impact of the ocean on the coastline. The tour is along single carriageway roads with lots of opportunity for photos on the way. We can visit a typical Irish pub for pint or an Irish Coffee if you wish (not for me, I'm driving!).

Highlights of the tour include the village of Cong, Kylemore Abbey, Doolough Valley and the lovely town of Westport. You will be captivated by the variety on this tour.

A full-day private Spellbinding Experience with transportation

Take a step back 5000 years to some of the very earliest human settlements on the island of Ireland to the early neolithic period. Visit two of the oldest Megalithic sites in Northern Europe Carrowmore and Carrowkeel. Learn of state of the art genetic research that is shedding new light on the story of our earliest ancestors and rewriting the history of the island as we speak.

The impact the earliest farmers had on the island of Ireland lives today in the complex cosmology that has been passed down through millennia via a rich folklore ingeniously encoded with ancient knowledge.
Learn these stories directly from a local seanchaí or 'Bearer of ancient lore'

Visit the dolmen fields of Carrowmore with their distinctive burial structures as well as the passage tombs of Carrowkeel and learn of ancient astronomical alignments and the myths that preserve their secrets.

Visit the hidden Faery Glen and embark on a journey of the mind into the veiled faery realms of the shee and to the very dawn of myth and time.

A full-day private driving tour into the prehistory and Ireland's origin story

Sligo, to the dawn of myth and time

From Westport town centre location we'll head toward the small town of Newport. Just outside of Newport, we'll visit Burrishoole Abbey where you can see Croagh Patrick across Clew Bay. Next up is Mulranny Village, the views along the way are spectacular. Then it's Ballycroy Visitors Centre at Wild Nephin National Park; one of the few designated national parks in Ireland.

From here, we'll arrive at Achill "Sound", the last outpost on the mainland before cross the short bridge to Achill Island; the largest island in Ireland. You'll visit the haunting "deserted village" and stop off at Keem Bay—home to some incredible wildlife, (basking sharks not guaranteed!) and backdrop to photography and filmography including Martin McDonagh's "The Banshees of Inisherin".

We'll have lunch on the way back to Westport and make regular stops for photos & coffee. This is definitely one for many years-worth of social media content and a true taste of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.

Achill Island tour with stops in villages like Newport, Mulranny and fabulous Keem Bay

Achill Island Private Tour

As my father grew up on Achill island I've been visiting the island since I was a child.

Achill is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in the world. With its rugged coastline, fascinating history and breathtaking scenery Achill Island is a must see!

This is a very relaxed and flexible road trip. We will visit all of the must see spots, mingle with the locals while dining out on the island and perhaps stopping off at some of the noted public houses where you can sample Guinness!

Beautiful scenery & amazing history!

Achill Island Day Trip from Westport

Tour around Mayo's sacred sites with Transportation

Ireland is well known as the land of saints and scholars and consequently our landscape is full of sacred sites and "thin places" from holy wells and standing stones to monastic abbeys.

Our day tour, starting from Westport, will visit some of the most important spiritual and archaeologically significant sites in our sacred heritage.

We will enjoy stories from the pilgrimages of Ireland - take a few steps along the "Irish camino" and gain a closer understanding of the importance Ireland has played in spiritual history; from pagan times to christianity.

This is a tour that engages my guests with the beautiful landscape of Mayo like no other; the county is famous for sites connecting our spirituality and beliefs such as Knock Shrine and Croagh Patrick (Ireland's Holy Mountain); where Saint Patrick himself was said to have spent 40 days and 40 nights.

It's no wonder we have so many sacred sites to visit!

Ireland's saints and scholars in a full day private tour from Westport

An Odyssey to Ballycastle, Belmullet and Beautiful Blacksod Bay

I know every inch of this part of Ireland. I have walked the coastline, climbed the hills and researched the stories. Let me show you the oldest rocks in Ireland, a 5000 year old farm system and spectacular sea cliffs.

This is a truly memorable tour with a great deal of variety. You will visit ruined monasteries, holy wells, a superb sea stack and a boisterous blow hole. It's a whistle stop tour of the history of Ireland from the formation of its rocks more than one billion years ago, through the neolithic farms created 5000 years ago, to Ireland's impact in 1944, on the outcome of the D-Day Landings.

You will have lots of opportunity to take fantastic photographs en-route that will fascinate your friends and family back home. As usual I will tell you lots of stories, to keep you entertained en-route.

If there is anything that you would like me to add to the tour please let me know. My objective it to ensure that you have a memorable visit to this magnificent part of Ireland.

Impressive Cliffs, Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle.

Sea Stack, Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle.

Lobster and Crab Boats at Anchor, Blacksod Bay.

Moyne Abbey (15th Century), Near Killala.

Where the Sun Sets on Europe - a private driving full-day tour from Ballina, Castlebar or Westport

Sligo, the land of heart's desire - a full day tour

Departing Sligo we head north into Yeat's country the last resting place of Ireland's poet Laureate. We visit Drumcliffe churchyard where the poet is buried and the site of an early Christian monastery and round tower.
We visit Lisadell house Georgian manor and one time home of Constance Markievicz the rebel countess and first woman elected to westminster.
We stroll on the hidden gem of Lisadell beach and hear about the ill fated Spanish Armada and the ships that took shelter here in the bay in 1588.
From Lisadell we continue north to Mullaghmore to see classie bawn castle the iconic image of the northwest the fairy-tale castle on the wave swept headland famous for big wave surfing since 2007.

A seafood lunch at Eithne's

We visit Creevykeel neolithic court tomb dating back 5000 years before heading into the gleniff valley to see some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the northwest and see the cave of the Celtic lovers Diarmuid and Grainne and hear the timeless Myths that so inspired Yeats.

A private driving experience through the Literary History of Sligo and Ireland along the wild Atlantic way

Pick up at a Westport Town Centre landmark or hotel and Connemara here we go!

This is my favourite tour, I never ever tire of it, more especially I love the quaint village of Letterfrack, it has a dark history but a pint sitting in Veldons beer garden can obliterate a lot of life's concerns!

Letterfrack is at the entrance point to Connemara National Park if you would like a short stroll or view Daimond Hill from the base.

Coffee stops and photo stops at your request - grab plenty of both! We'll tour at your pace—for your taste.

Roughly a 6 hour round trip

Social media content curation, or just relaxation, this tour should tick many boxes. . .

The Clock, town centre also a good meeting place

Famine Memorial in Murrisk village with view of Croagh Patrick

The beauty of Connemara through the quaint village of Louisburgh and the famous Doolough Valley

Connemara Private Tour from Westport

Croagh Patrick & Kylemore Abbey: Full Day Tour

Croagh Patrick (known locally as the Reek!) is a mountain located in the village of Murrisk, County Mayo. For me, this is a very special and spiritual place where I like to visit regularly.

Croagh Patrick stands overlooking Clew Bay at a height of 2, 507 feet. It is said that Saint Patrick spent forty days fasting on this mountain and there has been a church located on it's summit since the 5th century. Each year on the last Sunday of July thousands of pilgrims from across the world climb this mountain.

Kylemore Abbey, County Galway was built in the 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP. The Abbey is steeped in great history, tales of romance and tragedy, and has been in the ownership of the Benedictine community since 1920. The Abbey has beautiful grounds including walled gardens, a chapel and a mausoleum which holds the remains of Mitchell Henry and his beloved wife Margaret. Walking through the grounds of the Abbey gives me a great sense of peace and tranquility. I would love to show you these special places!

Gastronomy & Astronomy Private Night Tour

The evening starts with a hearty supper in Newport's Award winning Grainne Uaile Gastro-pub featuring some of the freshest local produce, from land and sea. After dinner, I will whisk you and your friends away on board our Starlight Express and into Mayo's Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park for a dark sky safari tour.

After a delicious dinner, featuring local produce in an award winning Gastro Pub, we will journey to Mayo Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park. Weather permitting, I will include a laser pointer night sky tour of the darkest celestial skies - on cloudy nights I will provide an on screen introduction to the night sky, together with take away seasonal sky maps for all attendees

"For my part, I know nothing with any certainty but the sight of stars makes me dream".

Vincent van Gogh

Table set for Gastronomy before Astronomy

A half-day after dark experience from Newport, Mayo!

Superb Sligo - Private Tour of WB Yeats Country and More

William Butler Yeats won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1923. His mother came from County Sligo. He spent a lot of his childhood and ultimately requested, in one of his poems, to be buried there.

While this tour highlights locations associated with the poet, there is so much more to see. The tour includes legends of Irish queens, stories of stone age farmers, a romantic castle and a sad assassination. A recitation of one of Yeats' poems is included for your entertainment. Magnificent mountains and delightful dales created during the ice age contrast with beautiful beaches and super sea views along the Wild Atlantic Way. Lots of opportunities for fantastic photographs and a stop for a tasty lunch.

All in all, a great day tour with lots of variety for the culturally curious.

Streedagh Beach - Three Spanish Armada ships shipwrecked Here 16th Century

Benbulbin Mountain - Created by glaciers in the Ice Age more than 10,000 years ago

Lake Isle of Inishfree - Well known poem by WB Yeats written when he was in London yearning to come and have a peaceful life in Co Sligo

Lisadell House. One time home of the revolutionary Gore Booth sisters.

Sligo Abbey. Founded by the Dominicans in 1253

Statue of WB Yeats in Sligo. Patina (coating) has words from his poetry

Glencar Waterfall - Bringing you close to nature

Come along with me and explore this captivating county

Westport Town and Surrounds - Private Tour

On this tour I'll show you the best places to eat, drink and shop for something special in Westport and the surrounding areas - you'll be equipped with all the local knowledge you need to enjoy some time here!

We'll take a short drive and visit Westport harbour, or "the quay" as it's known to locals. From there, we'll make our way to Westport House through the long and beautiful driveway. Just wait until you hear some of the history of the house itself!

From there, we'll drive to beautiful Murrisk village which is at the base of Croagh Patrick pilgrimage mountain, known locally as "The Reek".

We'll also cover some other points of personal interest along the way. I look forward to welcoming you to my local area!

Famine Memorial at the base of Croagh Patrick Murrisk Westport

Clock Tower, a good meeting place in the town centre

Matt Mulloys famous Irish pub, Traditional music nightly

Ballina tours

Explore with 21 tours and 5 guides.

Neal D.

$ 955 (USD)

Samuel B.

$ 642 (USD)

Patricia C.

$ 573 (USD)

Brendan N.

$ 903 (USD)

Ged D.

$ 868 (USD)

Neal D.

$ 868 (USD)

Samuel B.

$ 648 (USD)

Patricia C.

$ 573 (USD)

Brendan N.

$ 903 (USD)

Ged D.

$ 608 (USD)

Neal D.

$ 804 (USD)

Patricia C.

$ 226 (USD)

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