14 Day - South by West Meet the locals Experience
Our tours are 100% customisable — you can add or remove days, adjust the pace, and tailor the experience to suit your interests. It's your journey, your way.
then this tour is the one for you...
Is Our Meet the Locals Tour
Right for You?
- If you want to steer clear of the tourist traps.
- If you want a slower paced tour, spending a couple of hours with one person exploring one place in the depth and detail it deserves.
- If you are happy not to see everything in favour of developing an understanding of Ireland as a country.
- If you want a history, culture and folklore centric tour,
- If you want to learn and experience new things each day of your trip.
- If you want to meet local people who specialise in different facets of Irish life.
- If you want authentic experiences in the real Ireland
The 14 Day Meet the Locals
Explore Ireland away from the crowds on our Meet the Locals Tour, an immersive 14-day journey designed to offer authentic Irish experiences. This tour takes you deep into the heart of the Emerald Isle, introducing you to local traditions, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscapes. Say goodbye to tourist traps and hello to real Ireland.
What Do Our Private Tours of Ireland Include?
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Your own professional driver guide
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Luxury Private Tour Transport
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13 Nights Boutique & Luxury Style Accommodations
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Full breakfasts each morning
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A selection of activities and sightseeing each day
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Off the beaten path & away from the crowds.
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01.
Explore Iconic Destinations: Visit Ireland’s top attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher, Giants Causeway, Aran Islands and Dublin's historic sites. Our tour covers both well-known landmarks and hidden gems, ensuring a comprehensive experience of Ireland’s rich culture and history.
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Flexible Itineraries: Tailor your private tour to suit your interests. Whether you’re passionate about Irish history, natural wonders, or local cuisine, we can customize the itinerary to create your perfect adventure.​
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Scenic Drives: Experience breathtaking drives along the Wild Atlantic Way and through the Ancient East, with picturesque stops along the way. Capture the stunning Irish landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged coastlines.
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Authentic Experiences: Engage with local culture through culinary experiences, traditional music, small towns and folklore storytelling. Immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of the Irish people as you discover their traditions.​​​
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Comfort and Convenience: Travel in comfort with our private transportation, ensuring a stress-free journey throughout your Ireland tour. Enjoy the flexibility of traveling at your own pace, making this the perfect choice for families, couples, seniors and groups.
Tour Highlights
14 Day Private Tour of Ireland
The Tour Itinerary
Select the Day of the Itinerary You Want to View or Swipe to See the Full Schedule
Distance Travelled:
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Approx 1,850km
Approximate Driving Time: 28 hours
Approximate Carbon Emissions: 0.4 tonne of COâ‚‚e
Highlights:
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Wicklow Mountains
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Kilkenny City
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Cork & Kinsale
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The Dingle Peninsula
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The Wild Atlantic Way
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Spanish Point, County Clare
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The Burren National Park
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Galway City
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Tour Pace: Slow Pace
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Choose Your Style...
Remember you can always change this tour to suit your own pace, interests and requirements. Just contact us and tell us what you would like.
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Day 1
Airport Pick-Up & Dublin Orientation Tour including Howth
Pick up at Dublin airport and drive to Howth Peninsula for a stroll by the Irish sea and a walk in the quaint fishing village. A perfect fresh air introduction to Ireland after a long flight. After Howth your driver guide will provide an introduction to Dublin with an orientation tour. You will end the day being dropped at your overnight accommodation in the heart of Dublin City.
Approx 5hr Day from pick up.
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Overnight - Dublin City
Dublin City Day Tour
Today we will greet you at your hotel and explore the fair city of Dublin with a complimentary guided walking tour of the wonderful capital of Ireland — led by our local expert Julian Vignoles. Julian worked for over thirty years as a radio and television producer in RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster. He began working in tourism in 2012, co-founding a successful bike tour company in Dublin. He’s also the author of three books, including a biography of Ireland’s great blues guitarist, Rory Gallagher, published in 2018. With a deep interest in Irish history, geography, music, and literature, Julian joined the Little Gem Tours team in 2019 and is our Dublin Expert and private walking tour guide.
In addition to your walking tour, we will take a historical driving tour of the main points of interest in the city, including Trinity College, Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, the River Liffey, the Phoenix Park, and much more.
On offer are also optional in-depth tours of some of Dublin’s most iconic attractions, including The Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, EPIC Ireland, or of course, the world-famous Guinness Storehouse.
After enjoying the best of Dublin, we’ll return you to your hotel in the city so you can settle in for the evening — before your rural Irish adventure begins.
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Meet the locals: Julian Vignoles, our Dublin expert and true connoisseur of Irish culture.
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Activity Options - Dublin City walking tour, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Temple Bar, Howth Fishing Village, Malahide Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, The Book of Kells, The Bog Bodies Exhibition.
Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm​
Overnight - Dublin City
Day 2
Day 3
Dublin to Kilkenny via The Wicklow Mountains National Park
We will start our adventure with a journey south, out of Dublin and into the dramatic Wicklow Mountains National Park. Rolling green mountainous scenery awaits, scattered with evidence of Ireland's deep history.
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Our first stop of the day will be at the tranquil and serene Glendalough otherwise known as ’The Valley of the two Lakes’. Here we will meet Lorraine, an 8th generation Bean Feasa, or traditional Wise Woman. On the grounds of one of Ireland's most iconic Christian Monuments, you will learn about Pre-Christian, Pagan Irish practices that continue to live on in the Irish psyche to this day.
You will hear tales of powerful female deities who once graced these sacred grounds and their myths which remain woven into the very fabric of the landscape.
Along the way, you will visit an ancient holy well, believed to have healing properties. You'll learn about the "other world", and the "other crowd".
After this enlightening experience, you will continue your journey across the famous Wicklow gap before eventually arriving at the medieval heart of Ireland, Kilkenny City where you can enjoy one of Ireland's most loved towns.
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Meet the locals: Lorraine, an 8th generation Bean Feasa, or traditional Wise Woman.
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Activity Options - The Rock of Cashel, Cork, Ireland's Ancient East
Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm​
Overnight - Kilkenny City
Kilkenny to Kinsale via Kats Country
This morning, you will make your way to Freshford, Kilkenny where you wish meet James at his pub.
James will teach you about the greatest sport in the world, Hurling! This incredibly quick and skilful game has been played in Ireland for 3000 years.
It is one of our National GAA sports, a collection of amateur games that consume players and fans alike, while also inspiring rivalries between counties that last generations.
James will put you through your paces, teaching you the basic techniques necessary for the game, while also teaching you its history.
Training can be thirsty work! You'll return to James' family pub, where he will give you an insight into the importance of the Public house in Rural Ireland. You might even get the chance to pour your own pint to enjoy with your lunch!
We will continue into the Rebel County of Cork and onward to our night’s destination in the port town of Kinsale.
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Meet the locals: James Kavanagh Hurler of Kilkenny City.
Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm​
OVERNIGHT - KINSALE, COUNTY CORK
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Day 4
West Cork Adventure
Today, you will travel to the excellent Michael Collins Center near Clonakilty, where you will learn about Ireland's fight for Independence from Britain.
Tim Crowley, an expert in the topic, will walk you through our the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence and the consequent Civil War. He will tell you the compelling life story of our revolutionary leader, Michael Collins.
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You will learn about Guerilla Warfare techniques, and how the landscape in rural Ireland played a key role in bringing the largest Empire in the world to negotiate Independence terms.
As you make your way out of the Rebel County, you will stop where Michael Collins was ambushed and tragically killed by a fellow Irishman.
This afternoon you will travel into County Kerry and onward to Dingle, where you will overnight.
Meet the locals: Tim Crowley Michael Collins Expert in the Rebel County Cork
Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm
OVERNIGHT - KINSALE, COUNTY CORK
Day 5
Kinsale to Dingle Peninsula via The Killarney National Park
Today's journey will take us from The Rebel County of Cork into the magical Kingdom of Kerry. This day of exploring will bring us on an adventure through quaint towns and villages and across the Cork & Kerry Mountains. We will enjoy a spectacular stop at the Killarney National Park where you can walk the lakes or take a horse and cart trip around the park.
You will also enjoy some beautiful heritage sites such as Muckross House, Muckross Abbey and lots more. We will end the day with a drive across to the Dingle Peninsula where you will enjoy a fun-filled evening listening to live Irish music and enjoying the atmosphere of the ample pubs and bars in the vibrant town of Dingle.
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Activity Options: Gap of Dunloe Adventure, Torc Waterfall Walk, Muckross House and Abbey Walk, Cycling in Killarney National Park, Horse and Trap Jaunting Cars, Bicyle Rental
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Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm
OVERNIGHT - DINGLE, COUNTY KERRY
Day 6
The Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head Drive
Today we will continue our journey around the incredible Dingle Peninsula. We will explore the area on a stunning coastal drive around Slea Head, along the way encountering a number of archaeological sites such as beehive huts, ring forts, ogham stones and lots more.
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Today we will meet Brigid, a shepherdess. You will walk through her hill farm and learn about the old traditions of farming handed down through generations of her family.
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She will teach you about the local flowers, plants, trees and wildlife and tell you about their diligent efforts to preserve the local environment.
You'll be introduced to their sheep and if you're lucky, baby lambs!
Meet the locals: Brigid, a shepherdess from Dingle.
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Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm
OVERNIGHT - DINGLE, COUNTY KERRY
Day 7
Dingle to Clare via The Loop Head Peninsula
Today we will leave the beautiful Dingle Peninsula for a drive north across the stunning Connor’s Pass.
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We will make our way to Tarbert, where we will take a ferry boat trip across the mouth of the Shannon arriving in The Home of Irish Music - County Clare.
We will make our way to Liscannor, close to the famed Cliffs of Moher, where we will meet Roisin.
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In Roisin's own kitchen, you will learn to make beef and guinness stew, shepherd's pie or Irish soda bread with homemade soup.
As your supper cooks, you will venture our onto the Cliffs of Moher through Roisin's private access point, enjoying a rarely seen vantage point.
You'll return to Roisin's to enjoy your home-cooked supper before heading to your accommodation for the evening, next to the crashing waves of the Atlantic.
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Note: Connors Pass Route Not Available to groups over 5 in coach. Alternative route taken for these groups.
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Meet the locals: Roisin, a resident of Liscannor in County Clare, will guide you through a unique experience in both cooking and nature.
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Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm​​
OVERNIGHT - CLARE COAST
Day 8
Clare to Galway via The Burren National Park
Today we will continue our Wild Atlantic Way journey this time heading towards the Bohemian Heart of Ireland, Galway City.
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We will pass through one of the national parks of Ireland - The Burren as we take the beautiful Galway Bay Coastal Drive.
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Along this path, we will stop to see Conor at Flaggy Shore Oyster Experience. Here we will gain further insight into the importance of the sea in Irish life.
We will hear the rich history of oyster bays, the life cycle of an oyster, sea weeds and sea creatures of the Flaggy Shore, admired and immortalized by the famous Irish poet Seamus Heaney.
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Your experienced guide will introduce you to the art of oyster shucking before it’s time to enjoy the oysters paired with a glass of specifically chosen organic wine.
After this feast for the senses, we will continue towards Galway City.
Note: Todays route can also end in the luxury 5* Castle Stay - Ashford Castle
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Meet the locals: Conor at Flaggy Shore Oyster Experience.
Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm
OVERNIGHT - GALWAY CITY
Day 9
Irish Dance & Connemara Day Trip
After enjoying another night of Irish music in Galway City, this morning you will learn about another aspect of Irish Culture, Irish Dance.
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Siobhan is a former professional Irish Dancer who spent over ten years travelling the world with Riverdancer. She will introduce you to sean-nós (Old style), Ceilí (group dancing) and the world famous Riverdance style.
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This afternoon, you will travel deep into the western frontiers of Ireland and into another National Park - Connemara. This remote and desolate environment showcases some of the most dramatic scenery on the island with its rolling hills, stone walls, rivers & lakes. You will return to Galway City, where you will have an opportunity to try out your new moves at the local pubs.
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Meet the locals: Siobhan, a former professional Irish dancer, spent over ten years traveling the world with Riverdance.
Activity Options - Private Hawk Walk, Sheep Dog Demonstration, Heritage Farm Visit, Kylemore Abbey Tour, Cong Visit, Quiet Man Cottage
Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm
OVERNIGHT - GALWAY CITY
Day 10
Galway city to Mayo via The Connemara Region
Our drive will take us to the floating village of Cong where you can enjoy the tranquil surrounds, lakes and rivers before continuing our journey across the beautiful Joyce Country Drive.
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Here you can take in a fascinating Sheepdog demonstration with local farmer Joe Joyce. After enjoying the best of Connemara we will continue our drive to the Killary Fjord where we will leave Galway and pass into Mayo. Finally we will arrive in the evening at your homely boutique family farm cottage in the remote village of Carracastle in rural Mayo for a nights stay off the beaten path and away from the crowds.
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Meet the locals: Joe Joyce, local farmer.
Activity Options - Private Hawk Walk, Sheep Dog Demonstration, Heritage Farm Visit, Kylemore Abbey Tour, Cong Visit, Quiet Man Cottage
Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm
OVERNIGHT - IRELAND WEST FARM STAY - CARRACASTLE
Day 11
Rural & Folklore Ireland
This morning you will wake up early on the farm to enjoy a tour of the farm with Farmer and heritage expert - Eddie Joe Dooney. Eddie will take you on a short walk through his farm to the blanket bogs of Mayo. Along the way, you will learn of the old and new Irish farming traditions including working the bogs, cutting the peat and you will hear Irish folklore and rural history along the way.
Our next stop is at the cosy Barroe Rock Forge where Pat, the local blacksmith, will recreate for you the old Irish amulet of the Nine Irons, used by our ancestors for good health and good harvest. After a day in Carracastle village we will make our way back east eventually finishing back in Dublin City where we will end our adventure.​
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Meet the locals: Eddie Joe Dooney, Farmer and heritage expert.
Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm
OVERNIGHT - IRELAND WEST FARM STAY - CARRACASTLE
Day 12
Mayo to Dublin
Today as we make our way back to Dublin, we will make a stop at Stephanie's cottage on the outskirts of the Burren. Here you will explore the history and symbolism of Ireland’s famous traditional craft, the Aran Jumper.
With Stephanie's guidance and instructions, you will be able to both learn, understand and try your hand at a selected pattern.She will provide you with local wool, a pattern and knitting needles. Don't worry, no experience is needed!
The Aran style and patterns have been handed down over generations and are originally from the three Irish speaking islands off the coast of County Galway.
Traditionally worn by fishermen for their water-resistant quality and warmth, they were an everyday clothing item among the islanders. They have over time become a worldwide admired fashion item.
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Your visit will end with with tea and coffee, accompanied by traditional homemade brown bread with smoked salmon, and homemade porter cake.
We will say goodbye to Stephanie and make our way back to Dublin, where we will end our memorable tour.
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Meet the locals: Stephanie O'Day is an expert in traditional Irish crafts, offering a hands-on experience with the iconic Aran Jumper.
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Tour Length - 9:30 to 5:30pm
OVERNIGHT - DUBLIN CITY
​Day 14 - AIRPORT TRANSFER
Day 13
Accommodation Options
on the 14 Day Ireland Private Tour
Where would you like to stay in your tour?
We offer a varied portfolio of boutique and luxury options of accommodation from the exclusive to the less expensive. We believe variety is the spice of life and we encourage a mix style of accommodations to enhance your private tour experience. All of our partner accommodations are of the highest standard and offer a special, memorable, local experience.
Below you will find some examples of our partner accommodations.
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5 Star - Castles, luxury hotels & city hotels
4 Star - Manor houses, deluxe hotels and city hotels
3 Star - Country houses, gourmet hotels & retreats
Speciality Lodgings - B&B's, guesthouses & farmhouses
Others - Hostels, Private Rentals, Camping, Glamping & Quirky
We will tailor the tour using your accommodation option.
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