Private Chauffeur-Driven Tours of Ireland's North & West

Chauffeur-Driven Day Tours

"great stories & epic scenery."

A luxury private day tour of the north and west of Ireland is an ideal way to immerse themselves in an authentic Irish experience filled with learning, laughter, relaxation and comfort. Choose from several of the most popular Day Tour options or feel free to custom-design your trip based on your needs and interests.

Chauffeur-Driven Multi-Day Tours

"the trip of lifetime awaits."

A relaxed, comfortable and adventurous multi-day tour of the north and west of Ireland is an ideal way for individuals and families to immerse themselves in an authentic Irish experience filled with learning, laughter, relaxation and comfort.

A Northwest Sherpa's private multi-day tour ensures that you make the most of your vacation. Whether you are planning on heading on an ancestral trail or seeing some of the most spectacular attractions, a custom-made itinerary can be drawn up just for you.

My experience and knowledge of the landscapes, culture, history, mythology, cuisine and genealogy can help you to have a unique visit to Ireland. Discover charming off-the-beaten-path spots in a small group for more comfort and a better connection with the locals. I usually plan northwest private multi-day tours of between two days and two weeks. Pick-up points for multi-day tours can be from anywhere north of Dublin, Athlone and Galway, and you are most welcome to make enquiries about what needs you may have to enjoy a holiday you'll never forget.

About Your Private Driver Guide & Vehicle

"Let me guide you along Ireland's less traveled trails."

Hi. My name is Martin. I am an experienced tour guide living and working in the beautiful northwest of Ireland. I have spent many years working as a nationwide tour guide showing people around the island. I have a love of history, the great outdoors and traditional Irish music and dance.

A professional tour guide since 2015 and an avid global traveler since I was a teen, I have a lifetime in tour planning experience. While working as a tour guide for Ireland’s favorited private tour operator for over 6 years, I have learned what it takes to offer a truly luxurious private chauffeur tour which is tailor-made for individual guests, taking them off the beaten path for a unique and authentically Irish experience.

Testimonials

"Thanks to Martin, our guide for the trip of a lifetime." ★★★★★

"Best Tour Ever! Thanks to Martin, our guide for the trip of a lifetime. Martin went above and beyond to make this a trip the four of us would never forget. We asked him to put together a tour plan that got us outdoors, away from the crowds, and close to nature. He is a wealth of knowledge and was there along side us hiking the countryside to see each site. This is definitely the way to see Ireland."

Judith Furlong

Donegal Guided Walking Adventures

"Hiking and happiness go hand in hand."

With so many incredible hillwalking and hiking opportunities in County Donegal, there's no better way to experience the majesty and truly awesome beauty of these rugged landscapes than with a private walking tour tailored to your needs. I combine history with mythology, ecology with culture and photography with fun to offer you a hillwalking tour you'll never forget.

Sherpa Travel Blog

22 May 2024

Top 4 Farmstays in the 4 Provinces of Ireland.

Spending a few nights on an Irish farmstay offers fresh air, locally produced food, and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Enjoy interactive demonstrations of traditional farm activities like gardening, cutting turf, feeding animals or even dry stone wall building.

Connect with nature, and experience rural culture, all while supporting sustainable farming practices. Spend your evenings by the fire while sampling local produce and listening to the natural sounds outside.

In this blog post, I'll showcase which in my opinion, are the most authentic, informative, luxurious and unique farmstays in each of Ireland's four provinces.

1. Leinster: Johnsfort Luxury Farmstay

Take time out to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings in either the Marianne Cottage or Bartholomew's Loft at Johnsfort, beautifully restored by the creativity and class of Richard and Bairbre. Original stone buildings from the 1700's, a limestone hearth combined with exposed steel beams and industrial chic lend to unique accommodation in the Boyne Valley and Hidden Heartlands. Comfort and style is central to what Marianne Cottage and Bartholomew's Loft affords the discerning guests who stay there.

Whichever boutique accommodation you choose, you can spend time meeting their friendly farm animals, like their highland cattle, four-horned Jacobs sheep and entertaining hens who also will supply you with fresh eggs. Relax in front of the log stove and while your time away through the many books left for your perusal. Walk down to their local coffee shop for great coffee, home baking, hot breakfasts and sandwiches. You'll be enthralled by the history and wonder of the surrounding area, making lasting memories and exploring hidden gems throughout your stay.

https://johnsfort.ie/

richard@irelandatyourleisure.ie

+353 (0)86 8786194

2: Connacht: Ireland West Farmstay

A lot of love went into the restoration of Ann and Eddie's 19th century traditional Irish farm cottage accommodation. They invite you to stay a few nights and experience Ireland how it should be. Feel the cozy warmth of a traditional style Irish cottage with all it's old-world features like the stonework facade, the original hearth and hag, the alcoves and other heritage trinkets. This tastefully decorated County Mayo farm cottage benefits from modern comforts like underfloor heating, a fully equipped kitchen and ensuite bedrooms.

At Ireland West Farm Stay, the Dooney family offer a delicious local breakfast basket containing local area produce such as delicate cheeses, bread and eggs from the local farms & cheesemakers.

Throughout your stay, why not take a tour of the working farm with host Eddie, and learn all about farming in Ireland old and new. You will meet the animals and hear the history and folklore of rural Ireland. You will see how the turf is cut and used as fuel in the west of Ireland. You will learn of both the Living Bogs and Working Bogs and their intrinsic connection with rural Ireland. You can try your hand at cutting turf yourself whilst exploring the fascinating flora and fauna of this unique habitat, all in the beautiful surround of County Mayo's rural heartlands.

www.irelandwestfarmstay.com

eddiejoe@irelandwestfarmstay.com

+353 (0) 86 058 5858

3: Ulster: Ballylagan Organic Farm

Located on the edge of working farm in the picturesque countryside of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, this is one of the most unique accommodations I've seen. In the village of Straid, just 15 minutes from the Giants Causeway, Ballylagan Guesthouse has comfortable accommodation in a 19th-century farmhouse on a working organic farm. It has its own farm shop, too, and a tea room with outside seating.

The accommodation is a one double-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to four. It has a comfortable living area and a small but functional kitchen. It’s self-catering but you can order breakfast every morning for an extra fee, plus light meals and snacks in the tea room later in the day. There are tennis courts nearby and the farm owners can organise a bike hire to explore the surrounding area.

They have two self guided trails on the farm for visitors to enjoy that is a haven for wildlife. Wood burning stoves will welcome you home after a day exploring Belfast or the Antrim coast. This is a place not to be missed.

www.ballylagan.com

+44 (0)28 9332 2129

info@ballylagan.com

4: Munster: Reenmore Farmhouse & B&B

Reenmore Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast near Bantry in West Cork is an exquisitely well presented 300 year old traditional Irish Farmhouse situated in a delightful location on the shores of the Atlantic. Kevin, Jennie and their daughter Mary work a beef & sheep farm as well as providing authentic Irish Farmhouse Accommodation in the heart of the Sheeps Head Peninsula - an ideal location for walking, cycling, fishing and swimming.

With tea and biscuits served on arrival, lovely spacious rooms that are bright and spotless, and a breakfast cooked to order with lots of choice of locally sourced ingredients, you'll fall in love with it's charm, character and outstanding hosts.

www.reenmore.com/

+353 (0)27 67051

jenniebarry@reenmore.com

BOOK A TOUR or ENQUIRE

"Let me help you plan an authentic private Irish tour and guide you along Ireland's less traveled trails."

If you're considering an authentic Irish adventure in the north and/or west, please do not hesitate to ask any questions. I am happy to help. If you're happy to book your desired tour option, please let me know which tour you're interested in and I will send you a PayPal invoice. To reserve your tour, a deposit of 25% can be paid. The full amount can be transferred 30 days before your tour commences. For more information, check out booking, tour and cancellation policy in terms and conditions. Should you have any other queries about this, please feel free to get in touch.

My office hours are Monday – Friday, 11:00am – 7:00pm (GMT). If I am on tour, I will strive to reply as quickly as possible to your query. Happy Planning and regardless of what you decide to do on your vacation, I hope you have a wonderful time here in Ireland.

Contact: +353 87 6433 684

Email: northwestsherpatours@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

"Allow me to take some of the stress out of planning your trip by answering my most commonly asked questions."

It's been well said that "There is no such thing as a dumb question". Well that's certainly true when you're planning a foreign adventure. Knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect can give you a much greater sense of relaxation on your vacation. Here, I'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions I've received from visitors to Ireland, in the hope that you can feel the peace-of-mind you deserve when exploring our little island. If I've missed a question which you deem to be important, please don't hesitate to get in touch and I'll be happy to assist you with your query.

Choosing a Northwest Sherpa Tour means choosing a CO2 positive experience.

"By fueling your vehicle with hydrotreated vegetable oil which is up to 90% renewable, planting a native Irish tree at our 30 acre Sherpa Reforestation Project for each day's tour, and using ecological cleaning products where possible, your tour can be not just a memorable one, but a carbon positive experience too."

BOOK A TOUR or ENQUIRE

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