At Gateway to Ireland, we believe that the best way to discover Ireland is on your terms. That’s why we specialise in custom private tours designed around your interests, pace, and travel goals. Whether you want to explore ancient castles, trace family roots, photograph dramatic coastlines, or sip whiskey in a traditional pub, we create an itinerary that fits you perfectly.

Why Choose a Custom Tour in Ireland

Unlike group tours with fixed schedules and one-size-fits-all stops, our private guided tours of Ireland offer flexibility and personal attention. You get to decide what you want to see, how much time you spend at each stop, and what kind of experience you want—whether it’s immersive, relaxed, adventurous, or all of the above.

We tailor your tour by:

• Discussing your interests before you arrive (history, food, genealogy, nature, film locations, etc.)
• Suggesting hidden gems and must-see landmarks based on your preferences
• Adjusting the pace and activity level for comfort and enjoyment.
• Including optional experiences like distillery tours, local markets, coastal walks, or even pub storytelling evenings.

A Sample Custom Tour

Let’s say you’re interested in a mix of history, nature, and Irish heritage. Your day might begin with a visit to the beautiful Russborough House, followed by a scenic drive through the Wicklow Mountains with stops at Powerscourt Gardens and Glendalough. Along the way, we might stop in a cozy village for lunch, or detour for a whiskey tasting at a local distillery.

Traveling with mobility considerations? We can modify your itinerary to minimise walking or include only wheelchair-accessible sites. Visiting with kids? We’ll keep it interactive and fun with storytelling, nature trails, and plenty of time to explore.

Please have a look at the reviews below.

The Gateway to Ireland Difference

Our guides aren’t just drivers—they’re local experts passionate about sharing authentic Irish experiences. With storytelling, historical insights, and personal recommendations, they make every moment meaningful. We also take care of the logistics so you can relax and enjoy the journey.

Whether it’s your first trip to Ireland or a return to your roots, we make sure your tour reflects YOUR Ireland.

Ready to Plan Your Custom Tour?

Contact us today to start crafting your personalised Irish adventure. We’ll take care of the details—you just show up ready to explore.

Don’t just take our word for it—see what our guests say about our custom private tours.

“Diana is an excellent tour guide. We elected a private tour because my partner has a walking challenge. Diana was very open to asking about the pace we could keep and whether stairs or other climbing was too difficult. She helped us modify our itinerary to omit those places where my partner would not be able to access. That’s a primary reason why we wanted a private tour; the ability to take our own pace and not be forced to do the big busy tour frantic walk thru everything quickly. Diana’s knowledge of Irish history was very good, and she is highly educated and can engage in interesting conversation along the way. If you take a tour with Diana, you will be well informed and learn about the places you’re visiting. It was worth the additional expense to have such a pleasant and manageable pace and experience for our day tour.” Delia, Apr 2025

“I had one full day to pack in as much as I could, and I figured a private tour was my best bet. I told Diana my top 3 wishes for my time in Ireland, and she crafted a custom day so I could see what I most wanted. What a beauty experience! From her knowledge of the country and the sites we visited to her personable and friendly company, I thoroughly enjoyed my day and highly recommend her tours.” Cheri, Mar 2025