Private tour in Galway Derek S
4.6
(8) reviews
8 hours
1
8 hours
1
Derek S.
4.9
Guide rating
70
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 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.
Immerse yourself in the wild beauty and rich cultural heritage of Connemara on this exclusive private day tour along the Wild Atlantic Way. Travel through the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht, an Irish-language–speaking region celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and enduring traditions. From rugged mountain passes and shimmering lakes to windswept coastal roads, this journey reveals one of Ireland’s most unspoiled regions. Highlights include the romantic Kylemore Abbey, panoramic Atlantic views along the Sky Road, and a visit to Killary Fjord — Ireland’s only true fjord. Throughout the day, your local guide brings the landscape to life with stories of waring families, folklore, and daily life in the west of Ireland.
My wife and I had a wonderful tour of the Connemara area with Derek Spillane and highly recommend a booking with him. He was very willing to tailor our itinerary to match our specific interests while being mindful of time constraints. His knowledge of Irish history and heritage enriched our tour and made our visit to the area memorable. He is very personable and willing to share his personal experiences. The openness made for a terrific cultural exchange. Thank you, Derek!
Thank you so much for a lovely day .
Derek was a wonderful guide for our day spent exploring Connemara! We learned so much about Ireland and Irish history! Kylemore was beautiful as well were the mountains and lakes. We loved the sheep dog demo and lunch with local mussels!
Derek's immense and detailed knowledge of Ireland and the area was really impressive!! He conducted a wonderful, engaging tour, answering every question we had by drawing on his wealth of Irish history and his good-natured humor. He was friendly, engaging and accommodating and gave an excellent tour - would give more than five stars if I could!
Derek was an awesome guide. Super knowledgeable! He knew we are partial to horses so made a special stop so we could interact with some. Great tour and guide!
Derek provided a wonderful walking tour of Galway, and as well a wonderful day in Connemara. He is a lovely man, wonderful to visit with, and very knowledgeable about the area. He tailored the tour to our needs, was responsive to adaptations as the emerged. I highly recommend Derek as a tour guide if you are visiting the area, and deeply appreciate his care. He definitely made a HUGE impact on our experience of Galway.
Departure: Galway City at 9:30 AM Duration: Full Day Return: Approximately 5:30 PM Chauffeur-Driven | Fully Customisable • Cong – Scenic stop in this charming lakeside town on the edge of Lough Corrib • Visit a Sheep Farm and Sheepdog Demonstration in dramatic Connemara Mountains • Inagh Valley – Drive through a dramatic glacial valley framed by Connemara’s iconic mountain ranges • Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens – Self-guided visit with free time to explore the abbey, lakeside setting, and restored gardens, and learn about the Benedictine Sisters • Lunch in Letterfrack – Relaxed seafood lunch • Sky Road Scenic Drive – Elevated coastal route with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and offshore islands • Leenane; Killary Fjord – Visit the picturesque mountain village of Leenane overlooking Ireland’s only true fjord • Joyce Country & the Maumturk Mountains – Journey through remote, unspoiled countryside
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Luxury sedan with AC Mercades Benz V Class 7 seater also for larger groups
Port of Galway, New Docks, Galway, Ireland
Free pick up at your accomodation, train or coach station
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8 hours
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8 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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