Welcome to Westport, Ireland's picturesque gem on the Wild Atlantic Way!

Discover the magic of this charming town, nestled between mountains and the sea. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Clew Bay's tranquil waters and stunning landscapes.

Explore the colorful streets adorned with traditional shops, pubs, and friendly locals. Adventure awaits with hiking in Croagh Patrick's shadow or cycling along the Great Western Greenway.

The tours on ToursByLocals, guided by knowledgeable local experts, offer an intimate journey tailored to your interests. Savor traditional Irish cuisine and experience the warm hospitality that defines Westport. Uncover Westport's history, from its Georgian architecture to ancient archaeological sites at your own pace.

Whether you're captivated by nature, history, or seeking a tranquil escape, the expert guides on ToursByLocals will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Westport

Captivating Connemara - Your Private Guided Tour

I love this part of Ireland as it has some of the most spectacular views in the country. My heart always bursts with pride as I hear the reaction of clients to the majesty and magnificence of the ever changing landscape.

On route there are lots of stories to be told, because we Irish love to tell a good story. There will not be a dull moment on tour!

The area has unique scenery with mountains, lakes and valleys created by the glaciers during the Ice-Age. We will also be travelling along the Wild Atlantic Way for a time and you will see the impact of the ocean on the coastline. The tour is along single carriageway roads with lots of opportunity for photos on the way. We can visit a typical Irish pub for pint or an Irish Coffee if you wish (not for me, I'm driving!).

Highlights of the tour include the village of Cong, Kylemore Abbey, Doolough Valley and the lovely town of Westport. You will be captivated by the variety on this tour.

A full-day private Spellbinding Experience with transportation

From Westport town centre location we'll head toward the small town of Newport. Just outside of Newport, we'll visit Burrishoole Abbey where you can see Croagh Patrick across Clew Bay. Next up is Mulranny Village, the views along the way are spectacular. Then it's Ballycroy Visitors Centre at Wild Nephin National Park; one of the few designated national parks in Ireland.

From here, we'll arrive at Achill "Sound", the last outpost on the mainland before cross the short bridge to Achill Island; the largest island in Ireland. You'll visit the haunting "deserted village" and stop off at Keem Bay—home to some incredible wildlife, (basking sharks not guaranteed!) and backdrop to photography and filmography including Martin McDonagh's "The Banshees of Inisherin".

We'll have lunch on the way back to Westport and make regular stops for photos & coffee. This is definitely one for many years-worth of social media content and a true taste of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.

Achill Island tour with stops in villages like Newport, Mulranny and fabulous Keem Bay

Achill Island Private Tour

As my father grew up on Achill island I've been visiting the island since I was a child.

Achill is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in the world. With its rugged coastline, fascinating history and breathtaking scenery Achill Island is a must see!

This is a very relaxed and flexible road trip. We will visit all of the must see spots, mingle with the locals while dining out on the island and perhaps stopping off at some of the noted public houses where you can sample Guinness!

Beautiful scenery & amazing history!

Achill Island Day Trip from Westport

Tour around Mayo's sacred sites with Transportation

Ireland is well known as the land of saints and scholars and consequently our landscape is full of sacred sites and "thin places" from holy wells and standing stones to monastic abbeys.

Our day tour, starting from Westport, will visit some of the most important spiritual and archaeologically significant sites in our sacred heritage.

We will enjoy stories from the pilgrimages of Ireland - take a few steps along the "Irish camino" and gain a closer understanding of the importance Ireland has played in spiritual history; from pagan times to christianity.

This is a tour that engages my guests with the beautiful landscape of Mayo like no other; the county is famous for sites connecting our spirituality and beliefs such as Knock Shrine and Croagh Patrick (Ireland's Holy Mountain); where Saint Patrick himself was said to have spent 40 days and 40 nights.

It's no wonder we have so many sacred sites to visit!

Ireland's saints and scholars in a full day private tour from Westport

An Odyssey to Ballycastle, Belmullet and Beautiful Blacksod Bay

I know every inch of this part of Ireland. I have walked the coastline, climbed the hills and researched the stories. Let me show you the oldest rocks in Ireland, a 5000 year old farm system and spectacular sea cliffs.

This is a truly memorable tour with a great deal of variety. You will visit ruined monasteries, holy wells, a superb sea stack and a boisterous blow hole. It's a whistle stop tour of the history of Ireland from the formation of its rocks more than one billion years ago, through the neolithic farms created 5000 years ago, to Ireland's impact in 1944, on the outcome of the D-Day Landings.

You will have lots of opportunity to take fantastic photographs en-route that will fascinate your friends and family back home. As usual I will tell you lots of stories, to keep you entertained en-route.

If there is anything that you would like me to add to the tour please let me know. My objective it to ensure that you have a memorable visit to this magnificent part of Ireland.

Impressive Cliffs, Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle.

Sea Stack, Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle.

Lobster and Crab Boats at Anchor, Blacksod Bay.

Moyne Abbey (15th Century), Near Killala.

Where the Sun Sets on Europe - a private driving full-day tour from Ballina, Castlebar or Westport

Pick up at a Westport Town Centre landmark or hotel and Connemara here we go!

This is my favourite tour, I never ever tire of it, more especially I love the quaint village of Letterfrack, it has a dark history but a pint sitting in Veldons beer garden can obliterate a lot of life's concerns!

Letterfrack is at the entrance point to Connemara National Park if you would like a short stroll or view Daimond Hill from the base.

Coffee stops and photo stops at your request - grab plenty of both! We'll tour at your pace—for your taste.

Roughly a 6 hour round trip

Social media content curation, or just relaxation, this tour should tick many boxes. . .

The Clock, town centre also a good meeting place

Famine Memorial in Murrisk village with view of Croagh Patrick

The beauty of Connemara through the quaint village of Louisburgh and the famous Doolough Valley

Connemara Private Tour from Westport

Croagh Patrick & Kylemore Abbey: Full Day Tour

Croagh Patrick (known locally as the Reek!) is a mountain located in the village of Murrisk, County Mayo. For me, this is a very special and spiritual place where I like to visit regularly.

Croagh Patrick stands overlooking Clew Bay at a height of 2, 507 feet. It is said that Saint Patrick spent forty days fasting on this mountain and there has been a church located on it's summit since the 5th century. Each year on the last Sunday of July thousands of pilgrims from across the world climb this mountain.

Kylemore Abbey, County Galway was built in the 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP. The Abbey is steeped in great history, tales of romance and tragedy, and has been in the ownership of the Benedictine community since 1920. The Abbey has beautiful grounds including walled gardens, a chapel and a mausoleum which holds the remains of Mitchell Henry and his beloved wife Margaret. Walking through the grounds of the Abbey gives me a great sense of peace and tranquility. I would love to show you these special places!

Emerald Isle Luxury - 7 Day Private Tour from Westport

Arriving on Achill island fifteen years ago, had such an impact on me, I realised I needed to explore a little bit more, so I decided I should move to the rugged Atlantic coast of County Mayo, the place I am proud to call home for the last 12 years. I have spent the last decade exploring and introducing visitors to unspoiled rugged beauty of this sparsely populated county.

This knowledge has helped craft this multi activity tour, that will indulge your sensibilities into the west of Ireland culture. You will spend your days exploring ancient landscapes and sacred sites and your evenings nestled into unique Irish accommodation. Enjoy traditional stories by the fireside, with our friend and seanchaí (storyteller), or a starlight tour of Mayo's gold tier international dark sky park.

Ireland has some of the finest produce from land and sea. So after building up an appetite exploring, you'll be treated to the freshest locally sourced ingredients prepared with care.
The beauty of Connaught awaits you!

This is the per person sharing price for the whole itinerary as per description. This is based on minimum of six and maximum ten travellers.
There is a single person supplement which can be priced on request.

Multi-day Mayo and Connemara private driving tour

Westport Town and Surrounds - Private Tour

On this tour I'll show you the best places to eat, drink and shop for something special in Westport and the surrounding areas - you'll be equipped with all the local knowledge you need to enjoy some time here!

We'll take a short drive and visit Westport harbour, or "the quay" as it's known to locals. From there, we'll make our way to Westport House through the long and beautiful driveway. Just wait until you hear some of the history of the house itself!

From there, we'll drive to beautiful Murrisk village which is at the base of Croagh Patrick pilgrimage mountain, known locally as "The Reek".

We'll also cover some other points of personal interest along the way. I look forward to welcoming you to my local area!

Famine Memorial at the base of Croagh Patrick Murrisk Westport

Clock Tower, a good meeting place in the town centre

Matt Mulloys famous Irish pub, Traditional music nightly

Tour Westport town and local scenic areas with a local guide

Museum of Country Life, Turlough House & Foxford Woollen Mills

The National Museum of Country Life is located in the village of Turlough, Castlebar, Mayo. While visiting the museum you will get a true sense of rural Irish life for people between 1850 -1950. Exhibitions include many objects from this period, rare photographs and short films.

On the beautiful grounds of this museum stands Turlough Park House, a Victorian house which was built in 1865. Known locally as the 'Big House', in an Irish context this referred to a large building on an estate inhabited by Anglo-Irish gentry.

Foxford Woollen Mills is located in the town of Foxford, Mayo. The mills date back to 1892 an they continue to operate to this day. While visiting the mill you will experience a virtual tour of the woollen mill which will give you insight into life in Ireland in the late 19th century. Following the tour you will relax in the adjoining café and you can rouse the beautiful gift store where products produced in the mill are available to buy.

Irish Heritage & Craft Tour in Westport

Hiking the Best of the West of Ireland - Full Day Private Tour

Discover your wild side and reach a Natural High by exploring the beauty and wide open spaces of the West of Ireland. This is a great way to free your wandering spirit in some of Ireland's most remote hills. With several route choices to suit any walker, we can guide you through the Nephin mountain range described by 19th century botanist Robert Lloyd Praeger as an "inspiriting" landscape.

Another option is Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain overlooking Clew bay, with its 365 islands it is the most spectacular bay in Ireland. Choose the highest mountain in the province of Connaught, Mweelrea or the highest stand alone mountain in Ireland, Nephin.

Whatever the choice, you'll be in awe of the beauty of Mayo!

Looking towards the Delphi valley on the shoulder of the highest mountain in Connaught - Mweelrea

Hiking the Bangor Trail - A remote Iron Age cattle droving route

On the shoulder of Irelands highest stand alone mountain - Nephin

Feeding the horses along the Bangor trail

Matchoo the Mascot on the way up to the highest sea cliffs in Ireland - Croaghaun, Achill island

Sunset over the ancient landscape of the West of Ireland

Wide open space, in the most remote mountain range in Ireland, the Nephin Beg mountains

Jumping for joy on the summit of Connaught's highest mountain - Mweelrea on Irelands Wild Atlantic way

Time for tea, overlooking Silver Strand and the Atlantic Ocean.

Looking towards Irelands only Fjord, Killary, the natural border between Counties, Mayo and Galway

The Northern slopes of Nephin Mountain - Ireland's highest stand alone mountain, County Mayo

See what Wild Atlantic Way has to offer, from sea to summit! (From Westport)

I have published THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO ACHILL ISLAND so you can book me with confidence.  The Island was one of the main locations for the filming of The Banshees of Inisherin!  Let me show you some of the sites.

It is connected to the mainland by a bridge. However, you will encounter spectacular sea cliffs, beautiful beaches and vacant villages with their ruined houses. You will experience the mystery and majesty of nature. The scenery is superb  and you will be amazed at how the locals survived on an island on the edge of Europe.

Stories of rebellion, tragedy and sorrow will help you to understand the Island.  Mountains, valleys and bogs will impress you with their rich colours, ever-changing, as sunshine and cloud create the picturesque landscapes that has drawn famous artists to the island for many years.  Irish painter Paul Henry, came in 1910, was so impressed that he tore up his return ticket and stayed for 10 years!

If you have a specific itinerary in mind  I can customize the tour.

A private driving experience from Westport

Achill Island an Amazing Day Tour With a Private Driver Guide

Gastronomy & Astronomy Private Night Tour

The evening starts with a hearty supper in Newport's Award winning Grainne Uaile Gastro-pub featuring some of the freshest local produce, from land and sea. After dinner, I will whisk you and your friends away on board our Starlight Express and into Mayo's Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park for a dark sky safari tour.

After a delicious dinner, featuring local produce in an award winning Gastro Pub, we will journey to Mayo Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park. Weather permitting, I will include a laser pointer night sky tour of the darkest celestial skies - on cloudy nights I will provide an on screen introduction to the night sky, together with take away seasonal sky maps for all attendees

"For my part, I know nothing with any certainty but the sight of stars makes me dream".

Vincent van Gogh

Table set for Gastronomy before Astronomy

A half-day after dark experience from Newport, Mayo!

Are you coming to County Mayo in the west of Ireland?  If you fancy a delightful day out with spectacular scenery and an abundance of activities, this is the tour for you.   Along with spectacular scenery we will visit a Sheepdog Farm, a Distillery and take a Cruise on Ireland's only Fjord.  Along the way I will entertain you with stunning stories and awesome anecdotes that you will recall and recount to the folks back home.  You will hear about Irish history, language, writers, music, films and lots more besides.  If you have any area of particular interest I can cover that too.  All in all, I promise you a exceptional day out.  

Newport tours

Explore with 14 tours and 4 guides.

Neal D.

$ 945 (USD)

Patricia C.

$ 567 (USD)

Brendan N.

$ 894 (USD)

Ged D.

$ 859 (USD)

Neal D.

$ 859 (USD)

Patricia C.

$ 567 (USD)

Brendan N.

$ 894 (USD)

Ged D.

$ 6,633 (USD)

Patricia C.

$ 223 (USD)

Brendan N.

$ 894 (USD)

Ged D.

$ 916 (USD)

Neal D.

$ 888 (USD)

Ged D.

$ 601 (USD)

Neal D.

$ 1,068 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Newport

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