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

Hello fellow travellers, my name Gerard, but everyone, including my Mum calls me Ged (unless I'm in trouble) :-) I am happy to call Newport, Co. Mayo on the Atlantic coast of Ireland home. I live here with my partner Georgia (also an experienced guide) whose family are from the area. We live at the foothills of the most remote mountain range in the country- The Nephin Beg Range and on the shores of Clew Bay, with its 365 islands , we consider this to be our little piece of paradise. Over the years we have enjoyed exploring every part of county Mayo, the third largest, with the longest coastline in the country. I love to take visitors to our favourite places, a lot of these you wouldn't find in any guide book. My tours, share the stories and folklore we have gathered over the years, show the rich variety of built and natural heritage, which is abundant throughout the county and enjoy the finest fresh produce and seafood on offer throughout the county. I may sound biased about county Mayo, considering it it only one of 32 beautiful counties in Ireland, however I feel qualified to express my Grá (love) for my home turf, I have travelled extensively over the years and guided tours throughout the island of Ireland and beyond, but the draw of the beauty of this landscape keeps calling me back. My tours are not limited to county Mayo, the experience I have gained over the years extends to all parts of our beautiful country, but I would recommend the diversity of Mayo as a way to experience the best the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland has to offer. I have always had a passion for walking, finding it the best way to experience the landscape. John Muir, the Scottish-American naturalist said in the early 20th century: "In every walk with nature - one receives far more than he seeks". Whilst at college studying outdoor/environmental education, this philosophy inspired the research for my dissertation: "Walking for Wellbeing", a study on the benefits of walking in a natural environment. The results affirmed my belief that walking in nature is good for the mind as well as the body. Although not a new concept, this connection with nature is becoming more relevant, as many people are living in urban environments, far removed from the natural world of our ancestors. My interest in the therapeutic approach to the outdoors, has allowed me the opportunity to become involved in the development of personal and social development wilderness courses, which are continuing to gain recognition. To quote John Muir again: "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. " If for any reason you choose to or are restricted from walking too far, don't worry, you can sit back and allow me to show the beauty of our wonderful country, from the comfort of our fully licenced mini-van. If the tours I have listed do not meet your requirements, I would be happy to hear from you and discuss your travel plans, we could tailor a tour together to suit, whatever is on your wishlist. I look forward to welcoming you as our guest to Ireland and I'm confident we'll say goodbye as friends. Until then, Go raibh míle maith agat. Slán. I have always had a love of the outdoors, whether it is up the mountains, in the sea or anywhere in between, I am at my most content when I am immersed in nature. My passion for the natural environment has led to me guiding people around Ireland, from sea to summit for many years. This has included, multi-day/activity -hiking, biking, kayaking, culture, heritage and driver-guided tours. Your enjoyment and the memories you take away with you are of the utmost importance to me. So you need to know you are in capable hands. My qualifications include: Fáilte Ireland Ambassador (Irish Tourist Board) BA Hons. Outdoor/Environmental Education Wilderness Expedition Leader Irish Heritage Council Schools Expert Remote Emergency Care Practitioner Mountain Leader & Mountain Skills Instructor Licenced Professional Driver Kayak & Windsurfing Instructor National Safety Boat Certified Leave No Trace Advanced Trainer Climate Ambassador "When you find something you love doing, you'll never work a day in your life" Some tours require a good level of fitness and mobility. All tours can be tailored to suit your personal requirements. I would be happy to discuss any special requests.