Private tour in Westport Gerard D
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Gerard D.
5.0
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3
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38 hrs
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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.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Gerard D.
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!
The itinerary highlights include: - 15th Century Abbey - Early Christian sites on the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail - Round tower & "Sheela na gig" of Aghagower - Harry Clarke Stained glass windows - Holy Wells & Round Tower We can access all these sites for free. There is an option for a guided tour of Ballintubber Abbey which is €5pp. Please contact me using the orange 'message guide' button if interested in this. Transport included & pick up (approx 10am) / drop off (approx 4. 30pm) available from Newport, Westport or nearby location. We will factor in time for lunch in a local cafe/restaurant but this will be at the guests own expense. This tour can be customised as per your requirements
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.
We provide transport to all sites aboard Stella, our high top, Ford 16 seat, air conditioned mini-bus. If you require a smaller vehicle please contact me for a customised tour.
Westport, County Mayo, Ireland
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