Private tour in Dublin John D

Malahide Castle and Howth Village Private Tour

5.0

(13) reviews

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 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 1-5 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

Journey north of the historic city of Dublin along the coastline in the company of an expert on Irish History to the 800 year old castle of Malahide that was home of the Talbot family until 1979 with all its contents still there. After going inside the castle visit the exceptional gardens which are full of botanical rarities. Following a visit to the castle you will move on to the picturesque fishing village of Howth with its many fish restaurants (other options are available for non fish eaters) for lunch, after which we can then travel over Howth Head with its panoramic views and cliff walks along Dublin Bay towards the city. I know 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 am an Irish Government Approved National Tour Guide. I also hold a National University of Ireland Professional Certificate in Genealogy and Family History.

Recent Reviews

Peter T.United States
July 2026

John is a veritable wealth of knowledge. His transportation was a great way to travel as he provided a running commentary of the surrounding sights.

Deb P.United States
September 2023

John was a great guide who is very knowledgeable and pleasant.

Michelle S.United States
August 2023

This was an amazing experience. John has so much knowledge and my kids learned so much! We will be back and book another trip with him. He accommodated my last minute request and gave us lasting memories! I highly recommend!

Susan R.United States
June 2023

John was punctual, personable, and very informative. Our group really enjoyed a beautiful day touring Malahide Castle and Howth!

Traci P.United States
May 2023

We really enjoyed our day trip to Malahide Castle and Howth. John was a good guide for us. He is very reponsive to questions and catered the tour to suit our needs. My parents have limited mobility and he was very contientious about their comfort. They had doubts about touring the castle, but he reassured them that there was a lift for the main part. They really enjoyed it. John's knowledge of horticulture was particularly useful when we walked through the castle gardens. Howth was spectacular.

Laura S.United States
May 2023

We had a great day with John. He was super knowledgeable and accommodating to our needs. (In fact we delayed the start of the tour to do a Covid testing detour before our flight the next day). We enjoyed the beautiful gardens at Malahide Castle, a lovely lunch in Malahide village and a stroll on the gorgeous beach. Would highly recommend this tour!

Your Dublin tour itinerary

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 venue. In between you will visit: - Malahide Castle and Gardens, - The North Dublin Coast with its beautiful beaches, - Howth Village with its numerous restaurants for lunch - Howth Head with its great views over Dublin Bay and its many cliff walks for you to explore on foot if you are feeling energetic. This tour can be altered to return to the city early and visit some historic sites or shop if desired.

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: Sedan

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
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. - Admission charges for Malahide Castle
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.
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
Day Trip
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
History
Architecture
Tour reference number
350837
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

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 historic and scenic areas north of the city, including Malahide Castle and Howth Village. It's ideal for those interested in Irish history and culture, as well as anyone looking to enjoy a leisurely day with minimal physical activity. Families with children will find it suitable, and it's also a great option for cruise ship passengers looking for a shore excursion.

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 1-5 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 1-5 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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