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.

Sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the ultimate Irish experience with a Northwest Sherpa 3-10 Day chauffeur-driven private tour of Ulster Province. Treat yourself to exclusive benefits of a private guided tour of Ireland's north and west.

Enjoy all the major highlights such as the Giant's Causeway, Belfast's famous Black Cab Tours, the Titanic Museum, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Derry Walled City Tour, the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery Tour, Dunluce Castle Experience, Glenveagh National Park or Slieve League Cliffs.

Or head off the beaten track down backroads with planned or impromptu stops in this versatile minivan at places such as the Silent Valley Mountain Park, The Hidden Village of Galboly, Glenariff Forest Park with it's spectacular waterfalls, the quaint seaside town of Cushendall with it's coastal caves, Torr Head and it's incredible views of Scotland's finger peninsulas, Kinbane Castle, one of the most breathtaking views you'll find in Ireland, the mighty Marble Arch Caves, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, the Sperrin Mountains, a secluded Napoleonic Martello Tower, the Derry Girls Experience, the Walled City Brewery Tour, an interactive Derry City Treasure Hunt, the Museum of Free Derry and the Tower Museum with it's tales of the Siege of Derry and the Spanish Armada, the Hill of the O'Neill and Ranfurly House, The Argory, the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, the Wild Atlantic Distillery Gin School & Distillery, offering a chance to not just sample their finest quality gin, but have a go at making it yourself, the US Grant Ancestral Homestead, where they can learn all about Ireland's involvement in the American Civil War, the Strule Arts Centre, the Ulster American Folk Park offering a journey back in time for those curious about the plight of the Scots Irish, the award-winning Kinnegar Brewery, and much much more including handmade woolen clothing and beautifully designed artisan crafts stores and samples of local beers and whiskeys in rustic country pubs.

You have full control over your itinerary giving you the flexibility to go where you please and when you please. Stop for lunch in award-winning eateries at a picturesque villages, while enjoying local craft beers or spirits.

So inquire today about a 3-10 Day Ulster Adventure Tour and secure your place on one of the most memorable holidays you can have.

Pick-Up/Drop-off Locations: Anywhere from Dublin in the East to Galway in the West and everywhere northward.

On this tour, you have the opportunity to take in some of Ireland's must rugged and awe-inspiring wilderness as you travel through the wider Connemara region of counties Mayo and Galway. The Charming Connemara tour offers between three and eight days in this most spectacular part of rural Ireland. Many distinguished travel writers have accurately described Connemara as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places on the Earth. The array of mountains, lakes and coastal landscapes in constantly changing light highlights the sheer beauty of the remote terrain that is Connemara.  

Opting for the three day tour allows you to take in the attractions between your arrival airport, be it Dublin, Shannon, Knock, Cork or Belfast. Day two is your chance to enjoy the incredible sights and sounds of this stark region. Day three can be spent either seeing more attractions in the area before a direct drive back to your airport or hotel. Alternatively, you can meander across Ireland catching new sights throughout the hidden heartlands. Some of the major attractions are listed below. However, I would be happy to discuss the many alternative options with you if you are interested.

Each additional day allows you to absorb more of the flavor of the Connemara culture. Here is a list of some of the activity options available to you. Once you've selected your 'must-see' sights or 'must-do' activities, we can craft an itinerary to suit your desires.

Enjoy incredible highlights such as a visit to Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, Connemara National Park or Joyce Country Sheepdog Demonstrations, or take film trail at 'The Quiet Man' Movie Walking Tour @ Cong Town or 'The Field' Movie Tour @ Leenaun Town. Get to know the birds at Ireland's School of Falconry or enjoy afternoon Tea @ Ashford Castle, take to the waves on the Killary Fjord Boat Cruise. Learn about the local people at the Connemara Cultural Centre or enjoy shopping @ the quaint Clifden Town. Discover the Alcock & Brown Landing Site or get grounded at the Farm & Bog: Interactive Turf Cutting Experience, learn about the woolen trade and incredible products which are made locally on the Foxford Woolen Mills Tour or step back in time at the Museum of Country Life. For the adventurous types, why not summit Croagh Patrick or Swim in Dog's Bay. Learn about the geology of the region at the  Glengowla Underground Mine Experience. Enjoy hillwalking @ Old Head Wood or see the Doolough Valley Famine Memorial, venture out to Omey Island (Subject to Tide Times) or soak up a Clifden Castle Scenic Walk. Get inspired by the views on the Sky Road Scenic Drive or try your hand at Fly Fishing @ Ballynahinch Castle. There are some incredible routes to try cycling the Connemara Greenway or sit back and absorb the Derryclare Nature Reserve Drive. Westport House Guided Tour is highly recommended while Tourmakeady Waterfall is a trip into the mystical. Sail along in style on a Lough Corrib Cruise or giddy up, it's Connemara Horse Riding time. Thrill seekers can enjoy Kayaking @ Delphi Resort while others can relax on the Ferry to Inishbofin Island. There really is something for everyone on the 3-8 Day Charming Connemara Tour.

Pick Up Locations:

Anywhere from Dublin in the East to Galway in the West and everywhere northward.

Your vacation is your time to just sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the ultimate Irish experience with a Northwest Sherpa 7-14 Day chauffeur driven tour of the northern half of our little island.

On this trip, you can enjoy the exclusive benefits of a private guided tour of Ireland taking in all the major highlights or head off the beaten track with stops and detours in your versatile and comfortable minivan.

This tour offers you the time to really soak up the culture of the country, getting to know locals on your travels and experiencing what makes this place so special. You can opt to include the highlights, such as; Newgrange Megalithic Tomb, the Guinness Brewery, Christchurch or St. Patrick's Cathedrals, the Book of Kells at Trinity College, the Giant's Causeway, Belfast's famous Black Cab Tours, the Titanic Museum, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Derry Walled City Tour, the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery Tour, Dunluce Castle Experience, Glenveagh National Park or Slieve League Cliffs.

Or why not head off the beaten track down backroads with planned or impromptu stops in this versatile minivan at places such as Monasterboice with it's highest high cross in Ireland, the Silent Valley Mountain Park, The Hidden Village of Galboly, Glenariff Forest Park with it's spectacular waterfalls, the quaint seaside town of Cushendall with it's coastal caves, Torr Head and it's incredible views of Scotland's finger peninsulas, Kinbane Castle, one of the most breathtaking views you'll find in Ireland, the mighty Marble Arch Caves, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, the Sperrin Mountains, a secluded Napoleonic Martello Tower, the Derry Girls Experience, the Walled City Brewery Tour, an interactive Derry City Treasure Hunt, the Museum of Free Derry and the Tower Museum with it's tales of the Siege of Derry and the Spanish Armada, the Hill of the O'Neill and Ranfurly House, The Argory, the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, the Wild Atlantic Distillery Gin School & Distillery, offering a chance to not just sample their finest quality gin, but have a go at making it yourself, the US Grant Ancestral Homestead, where they can learn all about Ireland's involvement in the American Civil War, the Strule Arts Centre, the Ulster American Folk Park offering a journey back in time for those curious about the plight of the Scots Irish, the award-winning Kinnegar Brewery, Carrowkeel Megalithic Tomb, Knocknarea, burial place of the legendary Queen Maeve, the Foxford Woolen Mills, Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, the historical town of Cong or the vibrant cultural capital of Galway City, the Connemara National Park, the mighty Croagh Patrick Mountain, sheepdog demonstrations in the heart of the Connemara landscape and much much more including handmade woolen clothing and beautifully designed artisan crafts stores and samples of local beers and whiskeys in rustic country pubs.  

Having full control over your itinerary, you'll have the flexibility to go where you please and when you please. Soak up the sumptuous cuisine at quaint lunch stops in picturesque villages, or sample locally crafted beers and spirits in cozy country pubs. Even take part in some traditional Irish dancing or music sessions in the evenings. With your northwest sherpa at the helm, you'll be given all the options and recommendations so that you can look back on a fun, fulfilling and informative holiday you'll never forget.

Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Anywhere from Dublin in the East to Galway in the West and everywhere northward.

The Hidden Heartlands chauffeur-driven tour is a unique opportunity for you to enjoy the roads far less traveled by visitors. Experience the traditional farming communities, labyrinth of waterways and unique culture away from the waves. During you journey, just sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the ultimate Irish experience on a tour through the midlands of our little island.

On this trip, you can enjoy the exclusive benefits of a private guided tour of Ireland taking in all the major highlights or head off the beaten track with stops and detours in your private versatile and comfortable minivan.  

Explore some of the more famous attractions like Newgrange Megalithic Tomb or Monasterboice with Ireland's highest High Cross. Then, step off the tourist trail and see the heart of Ireland in places like the Silent Valley Mountain Park, Glenariff Forest Park or the Sperrin Mountains. Take a trip down under at the fascinating Marble Arch Caves or learn about Gaelic Irish history at the Hill of the O'Neill and Ranfurly House. Explore the handsome Irish gentry house of The Argory or experience the wonder of astronomy at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. Try your hand at gin making at the Wild Atlantic Distillery Gin School & Distillery or learn about the former American president's Irish ancestry at the US Grant Ancestral Homestead. Delve into the neolithic past with a hike up to Lough Crew Cairns or Carrowkeel Megalithic Tomb. Perhaps whiskey is more your thing.  See how the masters make it at the Kilbeggan Distillery Visitor Centre or the Tullamore Dew Distillery Experience. If you love to stay active, you'll love hillwalking to the Keshcorran Caves, The Hill of Uisneach, Connemara National Park or the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail. For those who appreciate fine crafts, a trip to the Foxford Woolen Mills, Strule Arts Centre or the Belleek Pottery Visitor's Centre are highly recommended. Corlea Ancient Trackway offers an incredible insight into the customs and beliefs of Ireland's first farmers while Trim Castle, one of the filming locations for "Brave Heart" informs of the Norman invasion and conquest. If you enjoy rolling your sleeves up, why not go on the Interactive Turf Cutting & Farming Tour. For those into Celtic mysticism, a visit to Pat Noone - The Fairy Whisperer or the Hill of Tara is right up your alley. There are so many more attractions and activities to choose from like the Athlone Medieval Castle, Ulster American Folk Park, Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, Cong Village , Athlone Historical Town, Rathcroghan Ancient Royal Settlement, Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement, Strokestown House & Famine Museum, Devenish Round Tower, Castle Saunderson Heritage Site, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens , Seamus Heaney's Home Place and much much more including handmade woolen clothing and beautifully designed artisan crafts stores and samples of local beers and whiskeys in rustic country pubs.

"With your northwest sherpa at the helm, you'll be given all the options and recommendations so that you can look back on a fun, fulfilling and informative holiday you'll never forget."

Pick-Up/Drop-0ff Locations: Anywhere from Dublin in the East to Galway in the West and everywhere northward.

The Irish people have emigrated to the four corners of the globe. Around 80 million claim to have Irish heritage. If you are from the USA, Canada or Australia, chances are that at least one of your ancestors came from this tiny island. As a result, many come to Ireland not just for a fairytale adventure holiday but to delve into their own past. 

Unlike the Ancestral Trail Single Day Tour, the Multi-Day Tour offers you a chance to arrange follow-up meetings with local historians, members of the clergy with access to baptismal records or even long lost relatives after an evening of processing what you have discovered on the first day. You'll also get to visit local pubs and sights of interest giving you a greater sense of connection to the area.  

Tracing your Irish Ancestors can be a fun and exciting way to spend your time here, giving purpose and meaning to your journey. The Irish people were survivors, replete with resilience and optimism. They moved to distant lands to start new lives. What made them take this leap of faith? Where did their journey start? Do any of their descendants remain? Tracing your family history can be an extremely rewarding experience. Connecting with the land of your forefathers can bring a deep sense of belonging. A journey into the past will create everlasting memories for your entire family.  

A Northwest Sherpa Ancestral Trail Tour can assist in organizing your Irish journey of discovery and guide you when exploring the home of your ancestors. Visit the very place where your ancestors lived in the early years of their lives. Explore the land they loved so much but had to leave behind. Talk to the people who still live here and listen to their stories. You might even connect with members of your extended family. This experience will give you a vivid picture of your past. You’ll soon feel at home in Ireland, just like your ancestors did.

Pick-Up/Drop-0ff Locations: Anywhere from Dublin in the East to Galway in the West and everywhere northward.

Each of the Northwest Sherpa Multi-Day Tours have been fine-tuned over time to include the highlights of the areas they pass through. However, if you have a specific interest such as hiking, history or cuisine, why not opt to customize your tour to suit your interests. 

I have accommodated avid golfers who have taken multi-day golfing tours at some of the prestigious courses in Ireland's north and west, such as Portmarnock, The Royal Portrush, Rosa Penna, Narin & Portnoo and the Connemara Golf Links.

Others prefer a more relaxed and informative experience such as visiting the many wonderful breweries and distilleries around the country such as Guinness, Jameson, Bushmills, Kilbeggan, Tullamore Dew, Crolly Distillery, Sliabh Liag Distillers, Kinnegar Brewery, the Wild Atlantic Gin Distillery and Lough Gill Brewery. All of these offer excellent yet unique tours and experiences and are well worth a visit.  

Many groups specifically ask for an active holiday, and I would be delighted to put together a package which offers you hiking to your pace and level, horse riding, sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, cycling (ebikes optional), boat tours, interactive farming experiences, sheepdog demonstrations, cave exploring or even zip lining.

With so many activities to choose from and ways to experience the Emerald Isle, I am always happy to help you carve out the perfect experience for your time here in Ireland's north and west.    

Pick-Up/Drop-0ff Locations: Anywhere from Dublin in the East to Galway in the West and everywhere northward.