Private tour in Galway Derek S
5.0
(18) 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.
The Cliffs of Moher is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding rugged coastline. The northwest region of County Clare has a unique landscape, unlike any other place in Ireland, it makes for the most scenic drive in Ireland. Explore the Wild Atlantic Way along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher, it's a perfect day excursion for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and walkers. Return via the stunning Burren uplands through the picturesque villages of Carran, Ballyvaughan, Kinvara and Lisdoonvarna, Lahinch, and Kilfenora. Expect stunning views, history, visits to archaeological sites and natural wonders, folklore, and plenty of stories about the people and places in this fascinating part of Ireland.
Derek is a wonderful guide who shows you so much information in one day, but you don't feel overwhelmed. We had many stops throughout the tour and Derek was great at telling us all about the region and showed us a lot of the history of it as well. And of course, the Cliffs of Moher are pretty astonishing to see in person! If you're looking for a great day trip that takes you to a lot of places in a very relaxed setting, this trip is it!
My sister and I picked Derek Spillane for The Cliffs of Moher and Burren National Park Tour. We are so happy that we did. I echo all the positive comments below. It was exactly what I was looking for and Derek delivered. If you are looking to take this tour, you won't go wrong with Derek. Cheers
Derek is very knowledgeable and delivered us to all the spots very efficiently.
We had a full day tour with Darek Spillane who drove us in his very comfortable Mercedes automobile to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Darek is a fantastic tour guide. He is very knowledgeable about Irish history, it's people and towns. He is also a very good story teller. We enjoyed our day immensely!
Amazing! My client had a wonderful time with Derek and really enjoyed all his knowledge. I appreciate Derek making this tour work for my client. ToursbyLocals is very lucky to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable guide. Thank you Derek!
Derek was prompt and friendly. We had a nice tour out to the cliffs with several interesting stops along the way. He was responsive to our interest and requests. He is very knowledgeable making the experience very informative. Our only issue was with the Tours by Locals messaging system. We kept getting automated messages about pickup location after repeated responses. And an automated message the day before changing our pickup time that he did not send. System needs improvement.
Meet and greet in Galway at 9. 30 am • Visit to Dunguire Castle and the picturesque village of Kinvara (photo opportunity) •Hazel Mountain Chocolate (Break) •Corconmoe Abbey (in ruins) •Coastal Route with stunning views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands •Cliffs of Moher Experience (self-guided and free time) •Lunch in a seafood restaurant at the surfers’ village of Lahinch (or Doolin) •Holy well visit •Kilfenora and it's Medieval Cathedral and crosses •Poulnabrone Dolmen Neolithic site and tour • Option to visit the The Burren Perfumery in the heart of the Burren Geo Park Return 5.30 pm
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Luxury Mercedes Benz E Class four-door sedan with air con MPV available for up to 8 groups upon request
Port of Galway, New Docks, Galway, Ireland
Hotel, Galway City Railway Station, Galway Port ( shore excursion)
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8 hours
1
8 hours
1
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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