Private tour in Dublin John D

Kilkenny City and Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains day trip

4.8

(6) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

John D.

4.9

Guide rating

126

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

As a genealogist and historian, I love showing the best-preserved parts of Ireland's history. Let me take you to the heart of medieval Ireland in the historic counties of Wicklow and Kilkenny Travel south through the Wicklow Mountains among some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland, visiting Glendalough along the way with its ancient Celtic monastic ruins. Then, travel through the rich farmlands settled by the Norman French to visit the ancient medieval Norman City of Kilkenny with its ancient palace, / fortress of the Butler Dukes of Ormond who ruled Ireland as Vice Roy of the Kings of England when Kilkenny nor Dublin was Ireland's Capital Visit Ireland's best-preserved medieval City of Kilkenny with its medieval streets and buildings.

Recent Reviews

Sandy Z.United States
December 2024

After a couple days in Dublin, this was a great introduction to the rest of Ireland. John shared lots of information along the way; I wish I had taken better notes! Powerscourt House and Gardens is where I started thinking I'll need to return sometime in spring to see the gardens in bloom. I especially appreciated our stop at St. Canice's in Kilkenny, as it would've been a little harder for me to get there on my own. Thanks again, John!

Alex H.United States
April 2024

John's punctuality and breadth of knowledge is surpassed only by his beliefs and passion for his country, which he freely shares. We appreciated his kindness and enjoyed the history lessons through Kilkenny City, Glendalough, and Wicklow Mountains.

Anthony K.United States
September 2023

We had an extremely interesting tour with John. The depth of his historical knowledge was truly impressive. We most enjoyed the sheer beauty of Glendalough and the Wicklow mountains.

Renee B.United States
February 2023

We had a car/walking tour with John for a day. It was wonderful. He is so smart and knowledgeable regarding so many things. We felt very safe in traveling with John has our driver and tour guide.

Kristina M.United States
January 2019

John did a great job on our tour. Recommend him if you need a private tour guide.

Your Dublin tour itinerary

Following pick up from your hotel, cruise ship or chosen venue in Dublin you will travel 1 hour or so south to the Wicklow Mountains. You will visit with an expert guide: - The ancient Celtic Monastic City of Glendalough in its beautiful valley - The Wicklow Gap (the highest mountain pass in Ireland) with spectacular views on a clear day. - And then journey 1. 5 hours to the ancient city of Kilkenny for lunch. - Tour inside the ancient fortress-palace of the Butler's, Dukes of Ormond We will then journey back to Dublin with a drop-off to your chosen location on your return. This tour can be customized to meet your needs. We can make changes to this tour and I can also create a brand new, tailor-made customized one, so if you don't see what you're 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

Air Conditioned Mercedes Limousine. 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.

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 are only set-down and pick-up options available. When that occurs I will arrange to collect you again at an agreed time and tell you about what to see and do in advance.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. - Entrance fees for Kilkenny Castle
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Meeting location

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
History
Architecture
Tour reference number
351180
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

4.8

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Dublin best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who are interested in exploring the rich history and beautiful landscapes of Ireland. It's especially suited for those who want to delve into medieval Ireland with a knowledgeable guide like John D., who is a genealogist and historian. Families with kids will find it friendly, and it's also ideal for those who prefer a personalized experience, as the tour can be customized to meet your specific interests.

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?

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 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

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