• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Want to uncover the hidden gems of Connemara? Let a local guide you! On this private day trip, soak in breathtaking landscapes, hear fascinating stories, and discover what makes Connemara a must-visit while in Galway.

Destination

Galway, Ireland

Category

Day Trips

Duration

9 hours

Transport mode

Car

Available languages

English, Français

Included

• Private Guide
• Transport per Car
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to Attractions

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 2 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at - Galway to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. From Galway to Connemara

   Meet your host and get ready to hit the road. Whether it is by car or public transportation, your host will be there by your side to make the journey a more pleasant and enjoyable experience

4. Connemara Exploring

   Let your local host show you around Connemara. Here you can find must-sees, hidden gems, history, cultural treasures, and more! Your host will make sure to provide you with all the answers and insights you might have along the way

5. Connemara Off the Beaten Path

   The best part about this private day trip is that you get to experience Connemara from a different perspective - away from the big tourist groups, audio guides, and through the knowledge of a local!

6. Ask Away!

   Your day trip is 100% private, meaning that it’s only you and your local host exploring Connemara. Take advantage of this opportunity and get all the answers and insights to your questions about Connemara

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Natalia

(About local Derek)

8 April 2025

Derek led a tour for a student group of mine visiting Galway for the first time. He was very friendly and shared some great facts about Galway, which provided the perfect introduction to the city, combining historical insights with modern tips.Definitely recommend!

Kerry

(About local Jim)

28 March 2025

Jim came highly recommended by our hotel, The Hardiman, and we were so happy we booked a tour with him! It's a great way to spend a morning to acquaint yourself with the city, before heading out on your own. The tour gave us a ton of knowledge of the city and also helped us to decide what we wanted to see more of while we were there. Thanks again, Jim.A ton of knowledge

Madeleine

(About local Jim)

21 March 2025

My friend and I enjoyed a nice walking tour of Galway City with Jim Ward. Jim was very friendly and a great guide with lots of interesting history to share and a good sense of humor. There was a bit of confusion over the cost of the tour, so I would recommend confirming that with Jim ahead of time.Good sense of humour

Rowan

(About local Jim)

8 March 2025

Jim was a fantastic tour guide. Combining both Galways modern and old history with a fantastic sense of humour made for an unforgettable tour. I'd highly recommend to anyone who wants to get to know Galway or it's locals better.Sense of humour

Mark

(About local Jim)

7 March 2025

Jim was an excellent tour guide — pleasant demeanor and very knowledgeable of Galway and Irish history in general. highly recommended tour!Jim was an excellent tour guide

Horacio

(About local Jim)

7 March 2025

Galway is amazing and Jim make it even better. He managed a group of 30 students without problems except for noise of the city! You shouldn’t miss this place nor the guide!!Galway is amazing and Jim make it even better!

Brenton

(About local Jim)

23 February 2025

We took The Cliffs of Moher and Burrens tour with Jim. It was very well researched. Jim knew the area culture, political, and geologic histories. Jim was good humored and very considerate. Our party was vegetarian and he researched lunch spots that could accommodate. Would definitely and unreservedly recommend.Highly recommended

Tom

(About local Jim)

7 February 2025

James was outstanding! What a great way to get a good overview of Galway’s history, all in about an hour and a half. He walks quick and you cover a lot of ground so know that going in, but there is a lot TO cover and he was extremely informative about Galway’s history, which made our visit there so much more enjoyable and meaningful. Can’t recommend enough and when we go back (and we will) we’ll book one of his other toursOutstanding tour guide!

Will

(About local Jim)

2 February 2025

Jim was absolutely brilliant - he is knowledgeable, fun and gave our group the best two days in Galway we could have ever had. Highly recommend!Best tour of Galway!

Frances

(About local Jim)

25 January 2025

Thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening tour of the Galway of Nora Barnacle and James Joyce. A must for any fan. Jim is an entertaining and knowledgeable guide with a wealth of treasures to share.Galway of James Joyce and Nora

Kieran

(About local Jim)

15 January 2025

Our walking tour around Galway with Jim was absolutely amazing! From the moment we started, Jim’s passion for the city, its history, and its culture was evident. He had the perfect mix of fascinating stories, fun facts, and local insights that made the experience both engaging and entertaining. Jim’s storytelling brought Galway’s rich history to life, from its medieval roots to its vibrant modern-day atmosphere. He also had some great recommendations for hidden gems, the best places to eat, and local traditions that we wouldn’t have discovered on our own. The pace was perfect, and Jim made sure everyone felt involved and comfortable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have been to Galway before, this tour is an absolute must. Highly recommend—thank you, Jim, for a fantastic experience! 👏🚶‍♂️💚Brilliant Walking Tour of Galway City

Coen

(About local Jim)

19 December 2024

We had a wonderful tour through Galway. It is a nice element of visiting Galway. You will learn about the historical buildings, some stories about the Irish and their traditions and visit places you would normally not visit. Jim Ward is a very friendly tour guide, would definitely recommend him!Highly recommended

Deborah

(About local Jim)

12 December 2024

Galway born and bred Jim knows the city like the back of his hand and is very well versed in the history of Ireland. Jim is a published author, poet and playwright and a gifted and engaging storyteller. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our tour around the city and we learned so much along the way. Thanks for the tour Jim - highly recommended!Gifted and engaging storyteller

Alastair

(About local Derek)

10 December 2024

We had 3 days of touring with Wild About Ireland. First day, Dublin airport pickup and sightseeing enroute to Galway. Second day, County Clare area south of Galway. Third day, northwest of Galway. Our guide Derek drove us safely and confidently. Derek is impressively knowledgeable about many aspects of Ireland. Including history from neolithic times to present day, geography, geology, agriculture, economics, folklore and literature. He communicates in a clear and concise manner. And Derek adjusted the tour to take us to a specific requested aviation monument. Our time and money were well spent with Wild About Ireland. Highly recommended.Highly recommended tours

Diana

(About local Derek)

10 December 2024

Derek Spillane is so well spoken and knowledgeable about Irish history and the countryside he gives tours in. We loved his personal and sincere style of telling us about the Burren and surrounding sights. Easy to book and very dependable. Loved our experience.Tour of the Burren and the surrounding landscape in Co. Clare

Angelo

(About local Derek)

1 December 2024

Exceptional tour with a Top-Notch guide! Derek is a knowledgeable and enjoyable host with a multi-discipline approach to providing information about the area. We are well traveled but this was our first trip to Ireland and thought Derek's trip was a great introduction to the country. Would recommend without hesitation. Exceptional tour with a top notch guide

William

(About local Derek)

19 November 2024

Derek provided our family an exciting and informative walking tour of Galway City. His knowledge of the geography, culture and history brought the City to life for us. Highly recommend booking a tour with Derek who works through out the Country. We are sure to be back! Exciting and informative walking tour of Galway

Maura

(About local Derek)

4 November 2024

Above all else, Derek provided in depth insights, historical perspectives, and incredible depth of knowledge of the people, the environment, the political and ethnic differences through the thousands of years history of incredible Ireland. Tour execution was on time, comfortable, safe for we three travelers. Derek was polite, pleasant, and good company. Maura: no blarney, all great accurate information, non-stop. We got double our money's worth. A thorough going professional, the real deal!! A thorough going professional, the real deal!!

David

(About local Derek)

24 October 2024

Derek is absolutely wonderful! He took such great care of us. He is extremely knowledgeable about the local history and discussed history and culture throughout our time with him. We basically had an open schedule for the day and asked Derek to show us around at his discretion. So in addition to the cliffs of moher, we saw a tower castle (whose lineage is shared by his wife's family!), the Burrens with ancient burial sites, and had a lovely lunch in Doolin. Would absolutely tour with him again. Cheers!Derek is absolutely wonderful!

Mark

(About local Derek)

24 October 2024

Good communication from driver and right on time. The tour was excellent! Derek was very knowledgeable and educated in local and Irish history, geography, and culture. Very safe driver and accommodating to all our wishes and needs. He went above and beyond expectations. Excellent Tour

Denise

(About local Derek)

20 October 2024

We were extremely fortunate to have driver and guide Derek take us on a four day tour of Ireland. We visited Kilkenny, Cork, Limerick, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of moher and Galway. Derek was so knowledgeable and interesting. His car was comfortable and his driving skills were excellent. We never felt rushed or bored. I would highly recommend his tours!Fantastic limo guided tour

Mike

(About local Derek)

12 October 2024

Derek was a pleasure to be with today for our city tour. He is very knowledgeable regarding Irish history as well as the history of Galway. He hit all the important places during our time. We would highly recommend him. Thanks again Derek, it was a pleasure.Galway City Tour

Kevin

(About local Derek)

7 October 2024

We had a great experience with Derek. Pre tour communication was excellent. Derek cheerfully accommodated us when we had a last minute change of schedule. The tour was very informative and we learned a great deal about one of our parties family history that originated in Galway. Highly recommend Derek! We had a great experience with Derek

Ann

(About local Derek)

4 October 2024

One couldn't ask for a better driver and guide. His knowledge of myths and history had our heads spinning with facts about Ireland. The beauty of his knowledge is that he can relate it to all the future travels with him as we had three tours with him as we travelled from Galway to Derry. If you want an immersion in Irish history and mythology Derek is your guy!One couldn't ask for a better driver and guide

George

(About local Derek)

3 October 2024

My wife and I had great tour of Galway with Derek. He imparted his incredible historical knowledge of the city in a very interesting manner which greatly enhanced our appreciation of the city. Would highly recommend.Galway City Walk

Jaye

(About local Derek)

19 September 2024

Derek was a wonderful guide. He made us feel very comfortable and he was extremely knowledgeable - he could answer any questions we had - whether history, geology, language, traditions, Irish mythology and even folktales. We toured a number of towns in the Burren, spent a good amount of time at the Cliffs of Mohr and stopped at several scenic and out of the way spots. Highly recommend!A wonderful guide!

Howard

(About local Derek)

11 September 2024

Derek was a jewel. He had wonderful stories, a good sense of humor, and we could not have been more pleased. Was a terrific day! Cliffs of Moher Private Day Tour

Ann

(About local Derek)

8 September 2024

Our Galway walking tour with Derek was an absolute delight. Derek was incredibly knowledgeable and personable, making the history of the city come alive with interesting facts and engaging stories. The tour covered key historic sites and landmarks, providing a deep dive into Galway's rich cultural heritage. What made it even better was that the walk was easy and not at all stressful, making it suitable for all ages. Derek's warm personality and passion for Galway made the experience both informative and enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the city! Derek was incredibly knowledgeable and personable

Robin

(About local Derek)

22 August 2024

We (myself, husband and grown daughter) spent a wonderful historical day July 1, 2024 with Derek, visiting the Cliffs of Moher and several other historical sites. We visited a Cistercian Abbey (ruins site) and historical graveyard that is still an operating and ongoing burial site today. We also visited Castle Dunguaire, a portal tomb (5,000 years old), and a holy well. We also stopped in a small village for lunch with traditional Irish fare and seafood, and an artisanal chocolate factory. Derek is a great driver and a knowledgeable historian (both at the visited sites and during the drive). The history was fascinating, and the views breathtaking along the ocean road and Corkscrew Hill. Derek packed a lot into one day, was kind and courteous. We learned so much more than we would have with a larger bus tour. I highly recommend Derek! Cliffs of Moher Private Day Tour

GlobeTrotting424240

(About local Derek)

13 August 2024

Derek is a gem. We had a great two vacation with the kind support of Derek. We had not been to Ireland before. He helped guide our itinerary prior to the trip, listening to our input and making suggestions on where to book lodging, where to eat, and what to do and see, even on days when we had not hired him. Derek was very knowledgeable on the history, geography, and geology of Ireland which enriched our tour immensely. Thank you, Derek, for a wonderful trip. We are already talking about returning to Ireland!Ireland Travels