Jim

The Guide Scribe

  • I live in Galway
  • I speak English, Français
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 3 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Jim

Your guide, Jim Ward, is an experienced qualified Fáilte Ireland-Irish Tourist Board, Regional Tour Guide. and a member of ATGI – Approved Tour Guides of Ireland. He also serves on the Committee of Galway Tour Guides Association as its current Chairperson. Tá Jim líofa sa teanga má theastaíonn uait seirbhís trí Ghaeilge (fluent Irish speaker).

In April, 2021, during lockdown he gave the online tour of Galway City for Flockeo, the French eco-tourism company offering online city tours globally. This tour is available on YouTube.

He specialises in the Galway Walkabout, a walk through the winding medieval streets of Galway, with a story and history round every turn, and he is a pioneer of the County Galway 1916 Rebellion tour of the sites connected with the Easter Rising in Galway, in which his late grandfather was a Volunteer.

He offers a Galway Whiskey Tour, where visitors can sample the various premium whiskies offered in the warm glow of the Galway hostelries.

Also on the list, as a guide on day trips to Connemara, Aran or the Burren and world-famous Cliffs of Moher

Jim is published in Irish and English for poetry and stories, is an award-winning poet, playwright, published cartoonist and visual artist.

A native of Salthill (The Village), just west of Galway City. He has an intimate knowledge of Galway through family, personal involvement and having a keen interest in history and culture.

He is fluent in Irish and speaks some French and Spanish.

Jim’s motto for his tours is –

‘to inform, to educate, to entertain.’

  • I live in Galway
  • I speak English, Français
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 3 hours

Book one of my offers in Galway

Let's explore Galway together! As your local guide, I'll show you the best of Galway on a private & personalized tour for you.

Did you know that I can personalize your experience?

All Withlocals tours are completely customisable to your needs. Just let me know your preferences for a private and personalized experience!

Reviews

Kerry
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

This is Withlocals

Play now

Connect with locals whenever and wherever!

Get the app to become part of the fastest growing local travel community. Ask your local guide to personalize your experience to your needs. Keep all your bookings at hand. Sounds cool, right?