Private 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.
"We spent the entire day viewing unusual sights with incredible stories." Judith Furlong
Enjoy the comfort and adventure of a chauffeur-driven private day tour in the north and west of Ireland. As your local driver guide, I offer my experience of the many highlights this island has to offer and a flexible attitude to ensure that you make the most of your vacation. Whether you are planning an ancestral trail or visiting some of the most scenic and iconic attractions, I can tailor-make an itinerary 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 day tours departing from a hotel or designated pick-up point in towns and cities in the northwest counties of Donegal, Derry and Tyrone, and you are most welcome to make enquiries about what needs you may have to enjoy a holiday you'll never forget.
For those docking into Killybegs for the day, here's the perfect chance to get a glimpse of the weird, wild, sometimes wet, but always wonderful County Donegal. The Killybegs Cruisers Chauffeur-driven private Day Tour offers you an ecclectic range of attractions including; Slieve League, the second-highest sea cliffs in Ireland, the impressive Assaranca Waterfall, the pristine horse-shoe shaped Silver Strand Beach, the mighty Glengesh Pass, a haunted Napoleonic Signal Tower, megatlithic tombs, handmade woollen clothing and beautifully designed artisan crafts stores and samples of local beers and whiskeys in rustic country pubs.
Added extras include a local whiskey distillery tour, Glencolmcille Folk Park, a boat tour of Slieve League, golfing at Narin & Portnoo Golf Club, and a sheepdog demonstration.
This tour of southwest county Donegal is the ideal way to experience the county that's kept it's traditional spirit and maintained it's rugged and majestic landscape. If you had just one day in Ireland, there is no better way to spend it than the Killybegs Cruisers Chauffeur-driven Private Day Tour.
Pick Up Locations:
Killybegs, Letterkenny, Donegal Town, Stranorlar, Rathmullan, Ramelton, Milford, Ballybofey, Glenties, Ardara and anywhere in between.
For a more relaxed way of seeing what is often called "The eighth wonder of the world", the Giant's Causeway Chauffeur-Driven Private Day Tour offers guests a chance to soak up the splendor that is Northern Ireland's north coast. Travel in comfort along the Causeway Coastal Route – voted one of world's 5 most spectacular drives, and enjoy the sites and stories of a land steeped in history and mythology.
Enjoy stop-offs at stunning locations such as Mussenden Temple at Downhill Strand, Portrush Fishing Village, home to the award winning Portrush Golf Course, the majestic Dunluce Castle, Bushmills Town, home to the world-renowned whiskey distillery, the Giant's Causeway with it's impressive structures and ancient myths, Ballintoy Harbour which featured in the hit TV show "Game of Thrones". Optional extras include a tour of the interior of Dunluce Castle, golfing at Portrush, a guided tour of Bushmills Distillery and a walk across the exhilarating Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge with it's gorgeous views of Rathlin Island and even Scotland's peninsulas on a clear day.
Choose an alternative and more secluded way of experiencing the Giant's Causeway Coastal Route with Northwest Sherpa. With a combination of our luxury, comfort, adventure, wonderful attractions and an experienced and friendly tour guide, you'll be glad you booked the Giant's Causeway Chauffeur-Driven Private Day Tour.
Pick Up Locations:
Derry/Londonderry, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Strabane, Rathmullan, Ramelton, Limavady, Milford, Ballybofey, Claudy, and anywhere in between.
With its breathtaking mountains, crystal clear lake, waterfalls, epic valley, native oak woodland, and majestic castle, Glenveagh National Park is one of the most magical places to visit in northwest Ireland.
The fairytale-like Glenveagh Castle in Donegal's National Park is truly a sight to behold. Nestled on the glistening shores of Lough Veagh, the castle, which was built between 1867–1873 is full of stories of aristocracy, inhumanity, generosity and scandal. However, the grounds of the garden are an oasis of biodiversity in an otherwise stark landscape. The various gardens are replete with exotic plants and sculptures which can all be seen along easily accessible walking trails.
Now home to a popular visitor centre, the interior of Glenveagh Castle is a delight to explore during your visit to the park. Here, you can find an in-depth array of artifacts explaining the history of Glenveagh Castle.
After this adventure, join me for a scenic drive through the Derryveagh Mountains to see the Poison Glen, the Bridge of Tears, the Bridle Path and Mount Errigal, a former volcano and Donegal's highest peak.
Added extras include entry to the Castle interior, surfing lessons, a trip to Kinnegar Brewery or Crolly Whiskey Distillery and Newmills Corn and Flax Mill.
No other national park offers such a diverse experience and such incredible scenery. A Glenveagh National Park Chauffeur-Driven Day Tour is an experience of a lifetime.
Pick Up Locations:
Derry/Londonderry, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Strabane, Rathmullan, Ramelton, Limavady, Milford, Ballybofey, Claudy, and anywhere in between.
On Inishowen’s spectacularly scenic drive, you’ll discover one of Ireland’s most beautiful rugged and unspoiled regions. Along this large section of the Wild Atlantic Way you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and inspiring heritage of a land very different from the rest of Ireland. With a wealth of activities, attractions, scenery and stories, the Inishowen Peninsula is a must-visit for those travelling to Ireland's northwest. Try your hand at an exhilarating outdoor pursuit such as kayaking, surfing or rock-climbing. World-class golf, endless white sandy beaches, great food, lively entertainment and a warm welcome awaits you.
Some of the many highlights on the Inishowen Peninsula include Malin Head (the most northerly point in Ireland, Mamore Gap with it's otherworldly views, Fort Dunree steeped in fascinating history, the seaside town of Buncrana, Glenevin Waterfall with it's mystical trail, Ballyliffin Beach where you can enjoy so many outdoor activities, Doagh Famine Village where you can get a glimpse of Ireland's bygone days, Wild Ireland which is a sanctuary for many formally native Irish animals, and the Isle of Doagh with it's majestic Gaelic castle. With so many attractions, there's something for all interests on the Inishowen Peninsula.
Pick Up Locations:
Derry/Londonderry, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Strabane, Rathmullan, Ramelton, Limavady, Milford, Ballybofey, Claudy, Dunfanaghy, Dungloe and anywhere in between.
The Fanad Peninsula is located in north Donegal and contains some of the finest scenery in the northwest. On this chauffeur-driven day tour, you'll pass through the heritage towns of Ramelton and Rathmullan. From there, the road which skirts Knockalla mountain along the Wild Atlantic Way
is truly spectacular. Winding country roads with the occasional flock of sheep traffic jam leads you along the east coast of this breathtaking drive with it's remarkable vistas overlooking the Inishowen Peninsula. Finally, you'll reach the most northerly point on your drive at the majestic Fanad Lighthouse. Take you're time to explore the building and surrounding views of the open Atlantic. Then, you'll make your way down the west side along Mulroy Bay, passing through the cute holiday village of Kerrykeel before making your way back to Letterkenny where you can opt to enjoy a local craft beer tour at the award-winning Kinnegar Brewery.
Visit Fanad and you’ll find that there is more to this spectacular and diverse peninsula than you might have thought. In addition to beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, you’ll find golf courses, rural villages and towns, historic buildings and ruins, extreme sports and the best in food and drink. With a driver guide taking the stress out of your journey, the most difficult decision you’ll have to make is what to order on the menu of one of the many great eateries this part of Donegal has to offer.
Pick Up Locations:
Derry/Londonderry, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Strabane, Rathmullan, Ramelton, Limavady, Milford, Ballybofey, Claudy, Dunfanaghy, Dungloe and anywhere in between.
Getting off the well-worn tourism path is something I would always recommend to visitors, and one of the best ways to do this is by researching your Irish ancestors and finding out where they came from.
If you do have Irish ancestry and you are hoping to visit Ireland in the near future, you should consider adding extra value to your trip by exploring your Irish roots. Visiting Ireland and creating an “ancestry” orientated itinerary brings a whole new level of connection for people visiting their Irish ancestors’ home.
So many people yearn to discover their Irish heritage. The Ancestral Trail Chauffeur-Driven Day Tour is geared toward individuals looking to return and reconnect with the land of their family’s origin as well as enjoying the many Irish visitor experiences along the way. I've successfully reacquainted guests with long-lost relatives, found abandoned cottages where their forefathers came from or unearthed headstones with the names of lost ancestors with stories of who they were and their place in the wider community. A tour like this is the ultimate adventure, meeting characters and seeing places you'd never ever encounter on the typical tourist trail.
Pick Up Locations:
Derry/Londonderry, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Strabane, Rathmullan, Ramelton, Limavady, Milford, Ballybofey, Claudy, and anywhere in between.
Derry/Londonderry is Ireland's only remaining city with a completely intact medieval wall. The Derry Girls, award winning museums and some of the greatest outdoor festivals in the world make this city one of the island's must see destinations.
With world-class visitor experiences all within a short walk of each other, and a cosmopolitan vibe all year round, there’s so much to do in this compact, accessible city.
However, getting outside of the city is not something many visitors get to do. Once you leave the vibrant urban area, you'll enter a world of outstanding landscapes, incredible walks, unbelievable historical tales and a treasure trove of myths and legends.
The County Derry Chauffeur-driven Private Day Tour offers you an eclectic range of attractions including; Northwest Sherpa's signature Derry City Tour, views from Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Mussenden Temple, the Black Glen, the picturesque seaside town of Portrush, the Sperrin Mountains, a secluded Napoleonic Martello Tower, handmade woolen clothing and beautifully designed artisan crafts stores and samples of local beers and whiskeys in rustic country pubs.
Added extras include a 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.
This tour of county Derry is the ideal way to experience the county that's survived so much hardship and become a centre of culture and beacon of peace globally. A County Derry Chauffeur-Driven Private Day Tour is a worthy and unforgettable experience.
Pick Up Locations:
Derry/Londonderry, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Strabane, Rathmullan, Ramelton, Limavady, Milford, Ballybofey, Claudy, and anywhere in between.
If you're interested in getting completely off the tourist trail, a trip to County Tyrone would be right up your alley. This county is bursting with excellent activities to give you a day tour you'll never forget.
As you drive around the stunning Sperrin countryside you'll encounter incredible sights like the Hill of the O'Neill and Ranfurly House and The Argory. For astronomy enthusiasts, a visit to the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is simply a must. The Wild Atlantic Distillery Gin School & Distillery,offers you a chance to not just sample their finest quality gin, but have a go at making it yourself. History buffs will love a visit to the US Grant Ancestral Homestead,where they can learn all about Ireland's involvement in the American Civil War.
The Strule Arts Centre offers contemporary exhibitions along with performing arts shows regularly. Last but most certainly not least, the Ulster American Folk Park offers a journey back in time for those curious about the plight of the Scots Irish as so many of them made the arduous and often fatal journey across the pond.
Pick Up Locations:
Derry/Londonderry, Letterkenny, Strabane, Ramelton, Milford, Ballybofey, Claudy, Omagh, Castlederg, Dungannon, Ballygawley and anywhere in between.
Each of the Northwest Sherpa 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 one day golfing tours at some of the prestigious courses in Ireland's northwest, such as The Royal Portrush, Rosa Penna, and Narin & Portnoo.
Others prefer a more relaxed and informative experience such as visiting the many wonderful breweries and distilleries around the country such as 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 northwest.
Pick Up Locations:
Derry/Londonderry, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Strabane, Rathmullan, Ramelton, Limavady, Milford, Ballybofey, Claudy, Donegal Town, Dungloe, Glenties and anywhere in between.
