Private tour in Galway Derek S

A Taste of Ireland Food Tour

5.0

(3) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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

Derek S.

4.9

Guide rating

73

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

Welcome! I can't to share with you what is special and unique about my country! If you’re looking for a private tour guide in Ireland who combines deep local roots, academic expertise, and over a decade of professional experience, you’re in the right place. I am a Fáilte Ireland–approved National Tour Guide with a BA (Hons.) in History and Heritage Studies, guiding visitors throughout Ireland since 2012. Born and raised in Galway—with family roots tracing back to 1776 and strong connections to the Aran Islands—I offer an authentic, insider’s perspective on Ireland’s history, culture, and landscapes. Bespoke Private Tours of Ireland (1–8 Guests) I specialise in private, tailor-made tours of Ireland, designed around your interests and travel style. You can enjoy luxury transport for groups of 1 to 3 or 3 to 8 guests, with personalised itineraries that bring Ireland’s heritage and scenery to life. Tour options include: • Private day tours from Galway or Dublin • Multi-day Ireland tours starting in Dublin • Luxury shore excursions from Galway Port • Custom itineraries featuring the Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and beyond Every tour is carefully curated to offer a rich blend of history, storytelling, scenic beauty, and local insight. My extensive travels around the world has shown me how transformative a truly great guide can be. My goal is to deliver more than just sightseeing—I provide immersive, engaging experiences that connect you to Ireland’s people, past, and present. As a fully accredited Fáilte Ireland National Tour Guide, I operate to the highest professional standards, holding full insurance and all required driving licences. My commitment to safety, professionalism, and guest satisfaction is consistently reflected in five-star reviews. If you’re seeking a luxury private Ireland tour led by a qualified, experienced, and passionate local guide, I would be delighted to welcome you and help you discover what makes Ireland so special. Below is a selection of the  Private Day Tours from Galway that I offer. The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren National Park Connemara, Kylemore Abbey and Sheep Farm Tour A Taste of Ireland Food Tour: A taste of Connemara Walking in the Connemara National Park Galway City Half Day Tour & Saint Nicholas Colligate Church Tour Mystical Ireland: Connemara, Wesport & Achill Island My Credentials Fáilte Ireland–Approved National Tour Guide • BA (Hons.) in History and Heritage Studies • Guiding professionally across Ireland since 2012 • Former Chairperson, Galway Tour Guides Association • Member, ATGI – Association of Tour Guides of Ireland • Fully accredited with Fáilte Ireland National Tour Guide Badge and a Regional Tour Guide Badge • Full Public Liability Insurance • SPSV Licence Holder ▪︎ Luxury and comfortable vehicles • D1 Driver’s Licence Holder • Proven reputation as a safe, professional, and highly rated driver-guide Private Luxury Tours of Ireland with a Fáilte Ireland National Tour Guide

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Derek S.

Overview of your Galway tour

Discover the flavours of Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way on this fully guided Irish food tour. The Wild Atlantic Way is home to some of Ireland’s most exciting food and drink producers, with a long tradition of local ingredients and artisan production just waiting to be tasted. Visit an oyster farm on the west coast of Connemara and enjoy some of the finest oysters Ireland has to offer. Sit down for lunch at a seafood restaurant, where you’ll sample locally grown mussels, fresh fish, and the distinctive flavour of Connemara lamb (seasonal). Take time to explore the beautiful Kylemore Abbey and wander through its lovingly restored Victorian Walled Gardens. Later in the day, visit an Irish whiskey distillery and learn about Connemara’s rich distilling heritage—from traditional poitín to some of the best whiskey in the west of Ireland. Enjoy a glass or two while discovering how whiskey goes from still to glass on this relaxed one-hour tour.

Recent Reviews

Meghan D.United States
September 2025

We had a great tour with Derek. He organized the activities well, and was very informative of the area we attended. Highly recommend!

Michael D.United States
August 2024

Derek did a great job driving us through the beautiful Connemara region. His knowledge of the Irish history was so wonderful to hear about along our drive.

Susan A.United States
September 2023

We had a great day exploring Connemara with Derek as our knowledgeable guide. He was accommodating for our requests and made sure we were able to see everything on our list. Two of the highlights for us were a visit to the Quiet Man Bridge and a sheep farm deep in the hills. The sheep dogs (and puppies) were amazing. Lunch in a local pub was delicious. We recommend Derek as an engaging and flexible guide.

Your Galway tour itinerary

9:00 AM – Depart Galway Travel through the stunning mountains, lakes, and boglands of Connemara. Visit an oyster farm for a guided tour and tasting Lunch at a seafood gastro pub Visit Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Gardens. Pick up local preserves and handmade chocolates made by the Benedictine nuns. Enjoy a stroll through the beautifully restored gardens Soak up the atmosphere of the Connemara Gaeltacht, where Irish is still spoken as a living language. Return to Galway via the scenic Inagh Valley, nestled between the Twelve Bens and the Maumturk Mountains. 6:00 PM – Irish Whiskey Distillery Visit Wrap up the day with a visit to a local distillery and discover Connemara’s whiskey story, from traditional poitín to a well-earned “wee sup” of the finest whiskey in the west of Ireland. The tour includes cocktails and whiskey tasting.

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

5 seater sedan or MPV for up to 8 on request (for groups greater than 3 persons contact the guide before booking)

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. What's not: Meals •Drinks •(Distillery Tour is €35 pp) including free 1-hour tour and free sampling ( This tour is highly recommended) • Oyster farm tour is €30 • All activities are optional to the client's likes
Food Drinks Snacks
Tastings: Oyster Farm Tour and Distillery Visit
Meeting location

Galway, County Galway, Ireland

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Food And Drink
Art And Culture
Day Trip
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
1055137
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Galway best suited for?

This private tour in Galway is perfect for food enthusiasts and those interested in exploring local Irish culture and heritage. You'll enjoy tastings at an oyster farm, a seafood lunch, and a whiskey distillery visit. It's also suitable for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Derek S. for deeper insights into the region.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Galway 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 Galway suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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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