Private tour in Dublin John D

UNESCO Newgrange + Boyne Valley Private day trip

5.0

(13) reviews

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 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 1-6 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

As a genealogist and historian, I love showing people the ancient birthplaces of the Irish Nation. For anyone who wants to connect with the story of Ireland, the Boyne valley is the best place to start. It's the ancient Royal Valley of the Kings of Ireland and has all the pages of Irish history written on its beautiful landscape. Picking you up at your hotel or cruise ship this tour travels north to The Boyne Valley "the heartland of the Irish Nation" north of Dublin with the location of Ireland's ancient capital of Tara and the ancient passage grave tomb of Newgrange at Bru na Boinne World Heritage Site, also the finely carved early Christian High Crosses of Monsterboice and the site of the famous Battle of The Boyne. This tour explores Ireland's ancient turbulent history and explores how it shaped what has shaped what it means to be Irish. The itinerary can either include a visit inside the Newgrange tomb or alternatively explore more of the valley's many sites - it's up to you (and timing).

Recent Reviews

Lamar H.United States
September 2025

We had an amazing day with John learning Irish History and Culture, This tour is amazing. The Battle of the Boyne site and Newgrange were once in a decade type of visit John was an amazing communicator and a marvelous host. We hope to use him again on our next visit.

Brian M.United States
August 2024

John is an ultimate professional and true expert in his fields. His guided tour of the Boyne Valley and Newgrange passage tombs site were extraordinary. We relied heavily on his guidance on the agenda and timing, and had a fantastic day. He also provided transportation in a comfortable van for our party of five. I highly recommend him for a guided tour

Dean N.United States
July 2024

John was a great guide. He's well-versed in Irish history and helped arrange a very enjoyable tour. We'd recommend John without reserve to anyone touring near Dublin and interested in the history of Ireland.

Rob A.United States
October 2023

John's tour of Newgrange was very formative due to his extensive familiarity with the neolithic sites and with Irish history as well. John very nicely obtained the entrance tickets for us on the monument's website. A large part of the Newgrange visit is lead by guides who are stationed at the monument and are very knowledgeable about it. It's an amazing spot that shouldn't be missed when visiting Ireland.

Thomas M.United States
July 2023

John was extremely personable and informative. We all immensely enjoyed our tour of Boyne Valley.

Lavonne N.United States
July 2023

We thoroughly enjoyed our day in the Boyne Valley. John is a master historian and knows the area very well - so he could fit in several different stops throughout the day, including Newgrange, which was fascinating. The whole Boyne Valley is breathtaking, and interesting to imagine how it has changed over the centuries. We recommend John - he's timely and incredibly educated about this area. Such a fun day. Thank you!

Your Dublin tour itinerary

Suggested itinerary: -Starting in Dublin you will travel north to the World Heritage Site Tomb of Newgrange. Tickets to enter go on sale 30 days in advance and must be reserved separately. -Following entering the tomb it will be close to lunchtime. -You will then journey through the famous Battle of the Boyne site to lunch in a local hostelry before continuing our journey through the historic valley visiting some other fascinating places such as Monsterboice, and other sites along the way before returning to Dublin. This tour can be customized to meet your needs. We can make changes to this tour and I can also create 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 seats 3-4 or Mercedes Viano that seats 6. 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
Equipment: none
Classes Workshop: none
Services: Guide
Perks: N/A
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. - Admission fees for the World Heritage Site Tomb of Newgrange
Food Drinks Snacks
Public Transportation
Accommodation
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
350828
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Dublin best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and heritage of Ireland. It's especially suited for those who want to connect with the story of Ireland, as it takes you through the ancient Royal Valley of the Kings of Ireland. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a genealogist, or simply someone who wants to delve deeper into Irish culture, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore significant historical sites with John D., a knowledgeable guide.

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 1-6 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 1-6 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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