Private tour in Dublin John D

Wicklow Mountains + Powerscourt private day trip

4.7

(9) 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 Last-Minute 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 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

I love taking visitors to Wicklow as it is possibly one the most beautiful counties in Ireland. This very popular tour begins with a pickup at about 9 am at your hotel or cruise ship and takes you south to the famous gardens at Powerscourt voted the third greatest garden in the world by National Geographic Readers. You will then drive through the spectacular Wicklow Mountains via the Sally Gap to a historic pub with great local food for lunch. After lunch, you can continue on to the beautiful valley of Glendalough with its ancient monastic remains in its beautiful valley with two lakes, or return to the city for some sightseeing or shopping if you would prefer

Recent Reviews

Maureen D.United States
September 2025

The tour was exceptional John is incredibly knowledgeable and so very pleasant. His pride of Ireland is contagious Wish we were here longer so as to spend another lovely day with him

Lynda L.United States
May 2022

John was an incredibly knowledgeable professional and personable guide we had a thoroughly enjoyable day. If I could give a score of 10 I would. Highly recommend. The Powerscourt gardens are incredible and Wicklow mountain areas were brought to life by John's commentary. So interesting.

Roy K.Ireland
August 2021

We had a Wicklow Mountain Tour by John for six of us on Sunday. It was well organised and everything ran perfectly to schedule. John is a professional guide who engaged easily with all of us. Not only does he know his territory very well he has an in-depth knowledge of its history. He has a good fund of stories to tell and also happens to be a very good driver. A well enjoyed day.

Mike H.United States
June 2019

John did a great job on our tour. He is an expert on Irish history and culture and willingly shared his insights as we toured. John was friendly and flexible and had an intimate and in-depth knowledge of all the places we visited. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with John and highly recommend him. Mike and Linda Hostinsky Peachtree Corners, GA United States

Teresa M.United States
May 2019

Last minute tour chosen by my travel mate who awoke unwell so it was a bit much for me. John was on time & courteous. He knew everything about everything. I was not really interested in the flora of the Powerscourt Gardens but he was the expert so it mattered not. I loved his stories about the original red wedding and how the servants of PCG did not perish in the famine because the landlord "saw it coming" & overlooking Guinness Lake learned the sad story of the Lucky Man Who Made the Grade. A great day.

Terrance B.Canada
August 2018

John's knowledge of Irish history is extrordinary. He added so much to what we were seeing.

Your Dublin tour itinerary

We will meet at your hotel, cruise ship or other chosen venue. You will be driven around the Wicklow Mountains and see the essential sights: The Powerscourt Gardens, Glendalough, The Sally Gap, Guinness Lake. Along the way at a suitable time you will visit a historic pub with delicious local food for lunch. This tour can be combined with a short Dublin Highlights tour by leaving out Glendalough and returning to the city in the afternoon. 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: Sedan

Transport is either by E Class Mercedes (seats 3-4) or Mercedes Viano (seats 5 - 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
Private Transportation
Other: Bottled Water
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. - Admission fees to the Powerscourt Gardens
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
History
Architecture
Layover
Day Trip
Tour reference number
350154
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

4.7

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Dublin best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to explore the stunning landscapes of Wicklow and Powerscourt with a knowledgeable local guide. It's ideal for those looking for a personalized experience, whether you're a couple, a family, or a small group of friends. The tour is also suitable for cruise ship passengers as 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?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

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 Last-Minute 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 Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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