Private tour in Galway Derek S

Mystical Ireland: Connemara, Westport and Achill Island

5.0

(3) reviews

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Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 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 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 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

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.

Overview of your Galway tour

Drive through the stunning landscape of Connemara to Achill Island on this full-day private tour. Visit the beautiful Killary Harbour in Co. Galway, Ireland's only Fjord before a wander around the mountain village of Leenane. Visit the eerie yet beautiful Doolough Valley, and discover the tragedy that unfolded during the Irish famine. Visit the picturesque town of Westport and view Ireland's holy mountain, Croagh Patrick in Co. Mayo. Explore the ancestral home of the Browne family, Westport House. Take the stunning drive to Achill Island and visit Keem Beach, the location for the Banshees of Inisherin. View Ireland's highest cliffs, Croaghaun Mountain. Wander amidst the ruins of the Deserted Famine Village and discover more about this sorrowful time in Ireland's past. Expect awesome views and fascinating stories throughout this tour.

Recent Reviews

Norman B.United States
June 2024

This is the second of three tours that we took with Derek on our trip to Ireland. We really enjoyed all three. Westport House and Achill Island were some of the highlights of this day. Derek's knowledge and enthusiasm and depth of understanding that he conveyed helped us to appreciate all. Again, thank you Derek!

Ann O.United States
May 2023

One couldn't ask for a better driver and guide. His knowledge of myths and history had our heads spinning with facts about Ireland. The beauty of his knowledge is that he can relate it to all the future travels with him as we had three tours with him as we travelled from Galway to Derry. If you want an immersion in Irish history and mythology Derek is your guy!

Your Galway tour itinerary

Depart Galway City at 8.00 am Drive through the mountains, lakes, and bogs of Connemara in Co. Galway View Killary Harbour before a break stop in the village of Leenane Travel the famine relief roads constructed by the starving labourers Visit the hauntingly beautiful Doolough Valley and discover the tragedy that unfolded here during the famine of 1845-50 Visit Westport, voted Ireland's most beautiful town with an option to visit Westport House. View Ireland's holy mountain, Croagh Patrick and discover how Patrick came to Ireland, escaped, and why this mountain is so special in his mission to convert the Irish to Christianity. Explore the Deserted Famine Village. Delve into over 5, 000 years of history and the assisted migration scheme that operated here in the 19th century. Visit Keem Beach, the location for the movie, The Banshee of Inisherin. View Croaghaun, at 2300ft, Ireland's highest cliffs (30-minute ascent required) Arrive in Galway City at 6.30 am

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

Luxury 5 seater sedan with AC or Mercades Benz V Class 7 seater available ( additional cost)

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
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
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
History
Day Trip
City Highlights
Tour reference number
861701
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Galway best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers interested in exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of Ireland. It's ideal for those who want to delve into the stories of the Pirate Queen, Grace O'Malley, and discover the beauty of Connemara, Westport, and Achill Island. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travellers with mobility needs.

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?

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 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 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 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 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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