Private tour in Dublin John D

Dublin Highlights Private full-day Tour

4.9

(68) reviews

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

John D.

4.9

Guide rating

123

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 hrs

Avg. response time

I am a licensed driver guide with my own limousine, a native of Dublin with a passion for my country and explaining both it and its history to visitors. I have had a life long interest in cultural and natural heritage of all kinds and really know the way to all the best and most interesting places. Dublin is a wonderful city to visit with an interesting history stretching back over a thousand years and is full of great architecture, historic places, fascinating museums and is renowned for it's highly educated, vibrant young population (50% are under 45 years old) and its great food. In addition it is famous as a UN World Heritage City for English Literature and for the many famous rock musicians that live here such as U2. Let me make sure you get to see and experience the best it has to offer. The city is located on wide a beautiful wide horse shoe shaped bay backed by the beautiful Wicklow Mountains to the South and the rich farmland of the central plain to the West and North. Around the city in whatever direction you travel there are numerous places full of interest; from one of the greatest gardens in the world at Powerscourt, to the World Heritage Tombs of the Boyne Valley, or the rugged beauty of the Wicklow Mountains. Whatever direction you choose to go I know all theses areas well, having grown up visiting them and studying them as part of my career. Let me bring you to them and I will make sure you get to see as much as time permits while telling you all about them. I retired as Properties and Conservation Manager of the National Trust for Ireland in 2012 to devote myself to a full-time career as a tour guide and I am an Irish Government Approved National Tour Guide. I also hold a National University of Ireland Professional Certificate in Genealogy and Family History. I am licensed to drive up to 16 people in both limousines and mini buses. In the past I was Chairman the Heritage Gardens and Designed Landscapes Committee for ten years, served as Vice Chairman of The National Trust for Ireland, President of the European Network of National Heritage Organisations, a member of the Executive Committee of the International National Trusts Organisation and the Council of Europa Nostra (the pan European Heritage Alliance). I am also a founder member of both The Irish Garden Plant Society and The Tree Council of Ireland. I look forward to meeting you, and sharing the best of Dublin. Hons. Bachelor of Business in Entrepreneurship with First Class Honours Graduate Certificate in Business Management for Sustainable Development Failte Ireland Tour Guiding and Tourist Management Certificate with Distinction Limousine and Minibus Driver Licenses The National University of Ireland Certificate in Genealogy with first class honours (ordinary degree level certificate awarded after three years study, level 7 QQI) Graduate of The National Botanic Gardens in Amenity Horticulture. Member: Approved Tour Guides of Ireland (ATGI) Member: Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) As a licensed guide, I have no restrictions.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message John D.

Overview of your Dublin tour

You will be picked up from your cruise ship or hotel or a venue suitable to you in Dublin and dropped back at the end to your chosen location. In between you will be driven around the city and show the essential sites to visit: The Georgian City, Trinity College, Dublin Castle, St Patricks Cathedral, The Phoenix Park, Guinness Brewery, The Whiskey Distilleries.

Recent Reviews

John M.United States
May 2026

We (5 adults) came in on a cruise ship and want a more personal tour than the typical packed cattle bus that the cruise ships offer. I found John Ducie (through Tours by Locals). John met us once we were off the ship. His vehicle was a very nice (and clean) Mercedes van. John was very knowledgeable of the area and of Ireland. We wanted to visit the Kilmainham Gaol prison tour, Book of Kells, Guinness Academy, and as time allowed, a few other historic sites. Tickets for the Kilmainham Gaol prison are very difficult to get. John let us know he would try and get them for us and he was successful! While we were concerned about getting back to our ship an hour before it sailed, he made sure we did. We felt very comfortable, safe, and educated the entire time. John was very professional and informative. He communicated with me prior to the tour so we were prepared and experienced no unwanted surprises. I would highly recommend John D (John’s Tours of Ireland). 5-stars!!

Jim C.United States
August 2025

Very informative and interesting your John did a fantastic job of showing us Ireland

Steven R.United States
July 2025

John did an exceptional job taking us to the points of interest in Dublin we wanted to see. Exceptionally knowledgeable in his history, with a blend of bringing to life the history behind it. Highly recommend!

Dana P.
July 2025

We had an amazing tour with John! We had only one full day in Dublin and gave John a list of places we were eager to see. He made all of the arrangements in advance to maximize our time - we toured St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College and The Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol (fascinating!), Guinness, etc. John is an expert on all things Ireland and I highly recommend him! It was a fantastic day!

Dorine S.United States
July 2025

This tour was great and our guide certainly knew his Irish history. We saw the museum of The Book of Kells which was amazing. And the infamous prison that played such a great part in Irish independence. Lunch at the oldest pub in Dublin was a special treat. Overall great and our guard was wonderful

Adrian T.United States
June 2025

John was truly amazing. He is a wealth of knowledge and expertise that you would not expect. Our travel mission is to learn what we can about the culture, people, and history. John shared so much with us, and gave us a glimpse into the culture of the Irish. We are so grateful for his time, particularly showing Dublin to my wife for her first time. This was my second experience with John. He was our guide in 2019 when I visited with my sister and brother-in-law. I would recommend John in a heartbeat! He's the best of the best!!

Your Dublin tour itinerary

You will be picked up from your cruise ship or hotel or a venue suitable to you in Dublinand dropped back at the end to your chosen location. In between you will be driven around the city and show the essential sites to visit: The Georgian City, Trinity College, Dublin Castle, St Patricks Cathedral, The Phoenix Park, Guinness Brewery, The Whiskey Distilleries. There may be time to do one or two internal sites like The Book of Kells at Trinity College and Guinness or any of the many other attractions. This Tour can be customized to meet your needs. We can agree changes to this tour and I can also create a brand new tailor made one, so if you don't see what you are looking for all you need to do is click on 'Message' and ask me.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Limousine

Transport is Mercedes Viano (seats 5 - 7).

What's included
Other: In some locations due to traffic restrictions and lack of car parking I will be unable to accompany you inside attractions. This is because there is only set down and pick up options available. When that occurs I will arrange to collect you again at a arranged time and tell you about what to see and do in advance.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Entrance charges. If you have more then 5 people, I can arrange a larger vehicle for bigger groups, provided enough notice is given. Please contact me for the details.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Personal expenses. Entrance charges.If you have more then 5 people, I can arrange a larger vehicle for bigger groups, provided enough notice is given. Please contact me for the details.
Accommodation: Personal expenses. Entrance charges.If you have more then 5 people, I can arrange a larger vehicle for bigger groups, provided enough notice is given. Please contact me for the details.
Meeting location

Harbour Road, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland

You will be picked up from your cruise ship or hotel or a venue suitable to you in Dublin and dropped back at the end to your chosen location.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Layover
History
Tour reference number
350153
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Dublin best suited for?

This private tour in Dublin is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's history and essential sites with the convenience of a private vehicle. It's also ideal for those who prefer a personalized experience, as the tour can be customized to meet your specific interests. Additionally, it's suitable for families, seniors, and travellers with mobility concerns, as it is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Can this private tour in Dublin be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Dublin suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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