Meet Our Expert Guides and Travel Planners
At Little Gem Tours, our team of professional tour guides and specialist travel planners are dedicated to creating the perfect private tours in Ireland. With expert knowledge of Ireland’s landmarks, history, and natural beauty, we design customized itineraries tailored to your interests, ensuring a memorable and stress-free experience.
Let us be your travel companions on your journey across Ireland.
When you choose Little Gem Tours you will be exploring Ireland in a personal environment with an Irish family-owned tour company and with the best local, private tours guides in Ireland. We pride ourselves on providing the best and most personal guided tours of our island whilst making sure the tour is designed to suit you.
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Our Mission Statement..
Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland's mission is to craft extraordinary, personalised journeys that reveal the hidden gems and authentic spirit of Ireland. We are dedicated to providing exceptional 5* client services, showcasing local culture and heritage, and promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit both our guests and the communities we visit.
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Your Irish Tour Guide from the Ancient East.
Robbie McGrane
Hi, I am from Ireland's capital city, Dublin in the east of Ireland. My background is in historical walking tours of Dublin and coach tours around the island. I have always had a huge interest in Ireland's compelling history and charming culture. From Ireland's rebellious heroes to our great sporting, music & cultural achievements the island is bulging with stories to be told.
My hope is to be able to complement the incredible Irish scenery and heritage with Irish stories, historical anecdotes, yarns and music along your journey.
I have been a professional tour guide and been working in the tourism industry for the past 10 years. With an educational background in business management and marketing I am one of the founders of Little Gem Tours. I hope to bring my expertise and professionalism on your journey around Ireland.
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Your Private Tour Planner from Magic Mayo
Rosie Dooney
Rosie hails from the West of Ireland in County Mayo and lives and breaths everything Irish. A huge sports fan Rosie can be always found cheering on the Irish and Mayo teams in Gaelic Football, Gaelic Hurling, Rugby, Soccer and every other sport there is. Rosie knows Ireland intimately from her extensive travels around the country and is a huge fan of visiting the wild islands of the rugged west coast.
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" There is something about Ireland that makes it a special place to travel. The winding roads with grass in the middle always take you on an adventure into the wild unkown."
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You are in safe hands with Rosie when it comes to planning your customised, private Irish adventure.
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Your Dedicated Private Tour Planner from The Rebel County
Niamh Crowley
Niamh grew up in a rural household in West Cork where in Summer, she forgot about town and worked either on the farm, in their family-run museum, or at home. Her parents owned the Arigideen Heritage Centre, which later became the Michael Collins Centre. Tales of faerie abductions, banshees and headless coachmen were etched into her imagination from an early age.
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After spending some time in Spain, she returned to Ireland in 2020 with a renewed appreciation for home. She has since lived in Doolin, County Clare, on Inis Mor in County Galway, and is currently based in Cork City.
Your Dedicated Tour Planner &
Marketing Executive
Sonia Rodriquez
Originally hailing from the capital of Spain, Madrid, Sonia now fondly calls Ireland her home. Sonia has always had a deep love of Ireland with a particularly strong interest in its mythology and legends that connect the island of Ireland with the Iberian Peninsula from ancient times.
After living in the west of Ireland in County Cork for several years and now residing in Dublin City, she hasn’t stopped exploring the island with an unrelenting passion. Sonia loves discovering hidden gems and venturing off the beaten path, always in search of places that capture the true essence of Ireland. Her fascination with Celtic myths, combined with her love for architecture and photography, allows her to uniquely connect with Ireland’s rich history and magical landscapes.
Your Guide from The City of Literature
Julian Vignoles
Julian Vignoles worked for over thirty years as a radio and television producer in RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster. He started working in tourism in 2012, jointly founding a successful bike tour company in Dublin. He is the author of three books, including a biography of Ireland’s great blues guitarist, Rory Gallagher, published in 2018. He has a keen interest in all aspects of the Irish experience: history, geography, music and literature. He joined the team at Little Gem Tours in 2019.
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Your Guide from the The Boyne Valley...
Richard Ball
Richard has been farming sheep and cattle for 20 years on the lands of Sliabh Ri and Boherard in Co Meath that have been farmed by his family for over 2 centuries. Growing up on the farm allowed him to play and learn among fairy forts, ruined monasteries, holy wells and ancient settlements.
"The knowledge of my land has been passed down from generation to generation, the myths and legends as well as the hard facts of farming life, having seen an Irish history and culture defined by 'the land' and its ownership"
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Richard looks forward to sharing stories from his own experiences of rural Ireland and showing off the true Ireland, young and old.
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Your Guide from The Wild North West
Martin Dooney
Martin was born and raised on a County Mayo farm in the west of Ireland and now leaves in the wilds of Donegal. His love and respect for the natural world and his commitment to continual research into the ‘old ways’ of his ancestors makes him the perfect tour guide for your experience of a lifetime in Ireland.
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“Ireland, with its unique position on the edge of the continent, holds a magic in its landscapes, music and traditions. It would be my great pleasure to offer you a glimpse of this by taking you down the roads less travelled and sharing with you a nice balance of fact and folklore”
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On his tours, Martin aims to offer a unique insight into the diverse history and sacred landscapes of this tiny island. He endeavours to take you beyond the tourist trail and immerse you in Irish culture, tradition and idiosyncrasy.
Your Guide from the Midlands...
Ruth O'Meara
Ruth is from Mullingar in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, in the centre of Ireland.
For the past 3 years, Ruth has been working as a guide and has loved showcasing our beautiful Emerald Isle to lots of international visitors. Ruth has a strong interest in Irish mythology and our unique cultural and linguistic background, as well as our rich and diverse music scene.
Ruth’s background is in international sales & business development, for which she worked for many years, until 2020 when she decided to follow her passions and qualify as a National Tour Guide, Regional Coastal Guide, Mountaineering Ireland Lowland Leader, Irish Surfing Instructor and Leave No Trace Trainer.
Ruth loves sharing her knowledge, stories and her joy of the outdoors with others.
Your Guide from the Dramatic North...
Bobby Walsh
Bobby is a native of Belfast , Born Bread and Buttered in Clonard on the Falls Road. He has been married for 32 years and has 5 adult children and has worked on the road in the city for 28 years serving communities on both sides of the fence in the heart of Belfast City. Until 20 years ago tourists tended not to venture North of the border and only those in the north were privy to its extraordinary beauty. The only visitors that visited during the times of the troubles were Journalists.
19 years ago it all changed with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and suddenly tourists from around the world learned of the marvellous secret that is Northern Ireland. From this point he has been guiding visitors across the north providing insights into it's politics, history and exploring it's hidden gems along the way.
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" I Like to think all my visitors come as guests and leave as ambassadors! "
Your Irish Tour Guide from
Magical Galway
Elva Deegan
Elva is a native of Galway in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. She is passionate about Ireland's culture, history. & folklore. Elva has worked in the tourism industry for over thirty years and has a deep understanding of the island. She is a effervescent "Galway Girl" who's passionate all things West of Ireland from the quintessential stone walls to the wilds of the Burren and everything magical in between.
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" The world is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper" WB Yeats
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Elva is waiting to bring the magic of Ireland alive for you !
Your Guide from The Fair City
Colm Fitzsimons
Colm Fitzsimmons comes as one of the most experienced, professional driver/guides in the Irish tourism industry. With vast experience of all corners of Ireland under his belt he is the consummate professional who prides himself on providing a service that is nothing short of excellence.
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From the best dining experiences in the cities to the hidden gems of rural Ireland, Colm's vast knowledge will help you have the perfect Irish experience.
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"I look forward to showing you the best of the treasure trove of Ireland's wonders and providing you with a 5* luxury service that will mean you will leave Ireland with the fondest of memories."
Your Guide from the Mystical Midlands
Tony Corcoran
Tony has guided professionally in Ireland for the past 8 years and his tours have been rated for their depth, warmth and passion.
" My aim is to make the story of Ireland live through your imagination - to share a unique moment, to hear ancient stones speak, to feel the heart of our motherland beat in your chest. "
His tours provide 'off the beaten path' experiences that so many travelers desire. This is even possible at the biggest attractions in Ireland such as the Cliffs of Moher, Giants Causweway and Newgrange. Outside of work you will find Tony hiking the mountains of Ireland, exploring caves in County Fermanagh and helping his father farming the land in County Laois.
Your Guide from Ireland's Ancient East
Jimmy Mulrooney
Jimmy is a private driver guide from the heart of Dublin City. He crafts immersive, private journeys across the country of Ireland, giving travelers a true taste of Ireland’s magic.
Known for his deep local knowledge and engaging storytelling, Jimmy offers customized experiences that go beyond sightseeing, allowing guests to explore Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
From ancient sites to hidden gems, his tours provide a unique blend of discovery, relaxation, and authentic Irish hospitality, tailored to each guest’s interests and pace. Go off the beaten trek and see Ireland through the eyes of a local.
Your Guide from The Hidden Heartlands
Trudy Carmody
Jimmy is a private driver guide from the heart of Dublin City. He crafts immersive, private journeys across the country of Ireland, giving travelers a true taste of Ireland’s magic.
Known for his deep local knowledge and engaging storytelling, Jimmy offers customized experiences that go beyond sightseeing, allowing guests to explore Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
From ancient sites to hidden gems, his tours provide a unique blend of discovery, relaxation, and authentic Irish hospitality, tailored to each guest’s interests and pace. Go off the beaten trek and see Ireland through the eyes of a local.
Your Guide from Derry City
Dermot McClooskey
Dermot McCloskey, a local of the Maiden City of Derry - has been unveiling the incredible history of his beloved city for years. Join him on an exploration of the historic Walled City and it’s rich maritime history. In the company of Dermot visitors will learn about his city’s complex history from medieval times through to the dark episode of the troubles and its dynamic future. Discover the lesser known gem of Derry with a historical expert.
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Your Guide from Kilkenny
Thomas McQuinn
Thomas is a proud "Cat" from the medieval city of Kilkenny. He is passionate about his Irish heritage and takes delight in showcasing this beautiful land and people to his guidees.
Thomas has been a client-focused driver guide since 2017 and has over 40 years experience of incident-free driving. He began his career as a guide after 30 years of service in the public sector. Using a combination of historical facts, storytelling, sightseeing, humour and music, Thomas takes you on a fun, informative, and personalised journey through the Emerald Isle.
Thomas is so enamoured with Ireland that when he is not guiding, he will most likely be found exploring “off the beaten track" in his little campervan called Saoirse (which is the Irish word for freedom)!
Your Guide from the Ancient East
David Lawless
A native of Dublin who was to be found out walking in the Wicklow hills any chance he had, David left the corporate world and the city, ‘upped sticks’ and moved to a wee village in North Sligo called Cliffoney in 2015. Since then, he has developed a healthy addiction to traditional Irish music, as well nurturing a love for Irish natural & built history, mythology & folklore, and exploring the landscape we’re blessed with.
David has been guiding for eight years, and loves the opportunity to show people around Ireland, bringing them off the beaten path, and giving them an insight into Ireland’s wealth of cultural, natural and historic heritage.
Your Guide from the Kingdom of Kerry
Dominic Kissane
Dominic hails from the Kingdom of Kerry and has a keen interest in Irish history. He particularly enjoys attending lectures and outings organised by the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society. Dominic enjoys playing hurling with his local club in Killarney and has a keen love of Irish traditional music catching the Irish festivals around the island whenever he can.
Your Guide from Kerry
Philip O'Neill
Philip is a driver guide coming with over 12 years of experience. As a Failte Ireland (Irish tourist board) National tour guide Phillp is proud to show visitors around the island of Ireland. He has a deep interest and understanding of the history, culture and geography of Ireland.
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Philips favourite area is the west coast, the famed wild Atlantic way but he feels Ireland is more than that with its excellent restaurants, historic castles and old monastic settlements he comes with many hidden gems under the belt which he is eager to show guests.
" My role is to deliver the promise of everyone involved in bringing you to our beautiful country , that you will have the most amazing experience and hopefully want to return with more friends! "
Your Guide from the Kingdom of Kerry
Tony MacCarthy
Tony Mac Carthy was born in 1958 on the mountains that overlook the world famous 'Lakes of Killarney'. When he was 5 years old he walked 3 miles to and from primary school. At the age of 13 he started his 5 years of high school education in a school that was run by the Christian Brothers. They were tough but he got a good education. The school was in a Gaelic speaking region known as a gaeltacht. Gaeltachts are predominantly in the west of Ireland and about a hundred and twenty thousand people speak Gaelic as their first language.
Tony has a love for history; as a young man he was fascinated to learn that his cousin Eugene McCarthy had sought nomination for the US Democratic Party but was unsuccessful on a few occasions in the 1960s. He remained a very popular senator and a great author also. This ignited his love for the USA and its relationship with Ireland.
" People like me who have worked for a lifetime in tourism are passionate about what we do. My job is done when people go home happy and fulfilled. "
Your Guide from Kerry
Niall Dennehy
Niall is a driver guide hailing from the mountains of Killarney. He is an ex school teacher as well as an ex dairy farmer and has now found a new love in tour guiding. Along with a deep understanding of Ireland he also has a love of travel and has been fortunate enough to travel the world doing what he loves, hiking. To date he has completed amongs others, Kilimanjaro, Ben Nevis, Scaffel Pike & Snowdon in 24hrs, Highest peak climbed in each of the 4 Irish provinces in aid of Kerry Mountain Rescue Tom Crean Challenge. His upcoming adventures include - The West Highland Way (Glasgow to Fort William), The Kerry Camino (Tralee to Dingle) & the Celtic Camino (A Coruna to Santiago de Compostela)
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Niall looks forward to joining you on your adventures through Ireland!
Top Ireland Travel Recommendations from Expert Guides and Tour Planners
Want to know where the experts go? Our experienced tour guides and travel planners have shared their favorite hidden gems and must-see spots across Ireland. From breathtaking landscapes to charming villages, these personal recommendations will ensure your private tour is filled with unforgettable experiences. Whether you're exploring historic castles or discovering local treasures, trust our team's insider knowledge to guide your journey through the very best of Ireland!
