I am a Wicklow native, and qualified tour guide, brought up on a sheep farm, high in the hills, close to Dublin city. I read widely and have a broad range of interests including history, gardening, architecture, politics and travel and love meeting my guests. While I would describe myself as a "country girl", I worked in the property industry in Dublin for many years, and then in the political world, so am also very familiar with our capital city, and it's fantastic range of architecture. Since 2010 I have been working as a guide and love it - meeting new people and showing them over a country I am very proud of, is both a pleasure and privilege!
I am fully licensed to drive a luxury Mercedes limousine, taking up to four people so can bring visitors touring throughout Dublin city and the surrounding areas. For city tours, some walking is necessary, as many of the interesting attractions are close together, and you can see a lot more on foot - we go at a pace that suits you!
NB: Make sure you only travel in a vehicle that is licensed to carry passengers - you may not be insured if the vehicle does not have a Small Public Service Vehicle licence.
On my country tours I can offer long or short walks as part of the tour to those who fancy strolling in the large National Park that is less than 40 minutes from Dublin city. As a private guide, I pride myself on being able to adapt an itinerary (within reason!) on the day, if the weather is challenging or the client requests it - a good guide should always have a Plan B!
As a Guide for Dublin & Environs, and as a ToursByLocals Guide, I have a range of Dublin based tours which have proved very popular. My tours in the city combine walking and driving and I usually cover the major museums/galleries/Georgian Dublin/Dublin Castle/St Patrick's Cathedral plus time for lunch/coffee! I like to communicate with clients beforehand to learn what they want from their time in Ireland and accommodate them if possible. Another tour that has proved very popular is my "Farmer's Tour" and I have access to a variety of farms close to Dublin, one of them being my brother's sheep & cattle farm. My family love meeting visitors, and showing them around a farmstead, over 300 years old.
I am also a great believer in being spontaneous. If, on the day, something is mentioned as being of interest, we will try and incorporate it - that is why private tours are the way to make the most of your time in Ireland.
I am a Failte Ireland Badged Guide for Dublin city and the surrounding counties. I also hold a SPSV licence and have a fully licensed Mercedes (2019) limousine, taking up to four people. (Make sure any vehicle you travel in is licensed to carry passengers - you may not be insured otherwise).
I am also a qualified Nordic Walking Instructor, and for the past ten years I have been leading walking groups throughout County Wicklow, visiting historic sites and houses as part of a walking experience. My family have a farm close to Wicklow National Park, and I often bring visitors there, particularly at lambing time!
As a keen local historian, and founder member of one of Ireland's largest History Societies, I have an interesting CV - estate agency, politics, and outdoor pursuits, so a tour with me will cover a broad spectrum of topics!! I love guiding and have met some fabulous people since I started and take great pride in ensuring that I add something extra to your visit - in a good way!
