Meet the Locals
Authentic Irish Experiences with Local Experts
Looking for a tour that brings you closer to the real Ireland and its people?
Check out our Meet the Locals tour — a unique 19-day journey (customisable to any length) designed to connect you with the heart of Irish culture through local encounters, authentic experiences, and hidden gems
Explore Ireland with the Locals...
At the core of Little Gem Tours is supportimng local enterprise and meeting locals along the journey. Our tours not only show you the best of the splendid sights and dramatic backdrops of Ireland but meeting the locals is what makes our trips that extra bit special.
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"Our tours are designed so wherever you go you will meet the personalities that make Ireland the land of storytellers."
Begin to understand Ireland from a local perspective, from the 'Sheepman of Connemara' - Joe Joyce to the 'Farmer at the Cliffs - Pat Sweeney, it's the personalties of Ireland that make visiting Ireland different and special.
Below you will be introduced to but a few of the great personalities that you could meet on our tours.
MEET THE LOCALS
Local activities &
Unique things to do in Ireland.
Eddie Joe Dooney
Farmer, Storyteller and Bog Expert
​Eddie Joe Dooney was born into a farming family in the west of Ireland in a small village called Coollooney, County Roscommon. Eddie Joe has a deep knowledge of the land of his and his ancestors. He has rebuilt his old traditional farmhouse cottage and now takes small select groups of tourists on tours of his land and village. Learn the old traditions of rural Ireland from a local expert whilst spending the night in a boutique Irish farm cottage. You will try your hand at Turf-Cutting, Basket Weaving, Farming as well as meeting the locals, enjoying good food and breathing in the fresh Irish air on his village walking tours.
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You can meet Eddie on our 8 Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour and on his website www.irelandwestfarmstay.com
Allison Fulham Gogan
Boyne Valley Wool Craft
Alison Fullam Gogan lives in the heart of the Boyne Valley Co.Meath, Ireland. She has a large flock of Jacob sheep which won second place in the recent All Ireland Flock assessments and she also was awarded Best Stock Ram in Ireland with the Jacob Breed.
Alison Hand spins all her own Jacob wool and crafts products with the finished yarn such as woven scarves, hand knit hats, socks, rugs, throws etc.
Also on the farm are a number of different breeds of sheep including Belclare, Zwarble, Kerry Hill, Teeswater and many more. Alison has converted the old farm house in the farm yard into a craft studio with on going demonstrations of this wonderful craft and all the yarn and products are for sale in the studio.
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You can meet Allison on our Boyne Valley Day Tour
Sean Daly
Master Craftsman of Dingle
​Sean started as young apprentice in Waterford Crystal and studied for 15 years to become a master cutter. When Waterford Crystal decided to move their production overseas, Sean wanted to keep the tradition of crystal cutting alive in Ireland. Together with his wife Liz, Sean moved to Dingle, County Kerry, in 1998 and set up Dingle Crystal. Today, Dingle Crystal can be found in the homes of many families, celebrities and dignitaries all over the world.
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You can meet Sean on our 7 Day South by West Explorer
You wil find Dingle Crystal's webpage here - https://www.dinglecrystal.ie/
James Kavanagh
Hurler of Kilkenny City
​James Kavanagh hails from Freshford, a small picturesque town in North Kilkenny, (the real home of hurling). All he knew since he was 5 years old was hurling and playing the sport every day. Although he admits nothing compares to the thrill and excitement of playing, he gets a great feeling of satisfaction from teaching both the young and the old about Hurling. On James' tour participants are thought about the history, rules and fun facts about Hurling in the intense environment of a dressing room. Then participants try their hand at some basic skills of the ancient 3000 year old sport, on a Hurling field. All done in Kilkenny City, a 5 minute walk from Kilkenny Castle.
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You can meet James on our 5 Day Wild West by Ancient East
Tim Crowley
Michael Collins Expert in the Rebel County Cork
Meet expert historian and Michael Collins scholar Tim Crowley in the heart of the Rebel County Cork. Tim has spent over two decades informing visitors about the remarkable events which took place in West Cork and further afield during the Irish War of Independence and Civil War. Tim is an author and a regular consultant for documentaries and radio segments related to the Irish fight for Independence. He has written two books "In Search of Michael Collins" and "The Local Cost of Freedom". Tim also played an integral role in erecting the Michael Collins Statue in Clonakilty unveiled by Liam Neeson in 2002.
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Tim along with his wife Dolores run a fascinating and unique museum offering a comprehensive and memorable presentation relating to the extraordinary life of Michael Collins, Ireland’s great revolutionary leader, and the turbulent era of the Irish War of Independence and Civil War.
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You can meet Tim & Dolores on our 15 All Ireland Explorer
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You can find the muesums website here - https://michaelcollinscentre.com/
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Siobhán Manson
Professional Irish Dancer in Galway
Siobhán Manson began dancing at the age of four in her hometown
of Galway with the world- renowned Hession School. For the next
ten years Siobhan competed at local, national and international
level winning numerous titles. She began her professional career
touring with Celtic Legends in France and French Polynesia. In 2004
Siobhán was oered a full time position with the broadway
phenomenon Riverdance and spent the next four years on the road
with the European, American and Asian companies. After a year
with Riverdance Siobhán was asked to train for the lead role and
had her debut as principal dancer in Dublin at the Gaiety Theatre in
2005.
Throughout her career Siobhán has performed in some of the
world’s most prestigious venues; The Kremlin State Palace in
Moscow, the Fox Theatre in Detroit and the Pantages Theatre in L.A,
to name but a few. She has had the honour of performing for
Empress Michiko of Japan in Tokyo, the First Lady of America,
Michelle Obama, and performing live for over a billion TV viewers at
the Chinese 2009 New Year festival broadcast in Beijing.
Siobhan is also a member of Breandán de Gallaí’s dance company
Éiru (@eriudance) who showcase throughout Ireland and abroad.
Siobhán is currently undertaking an Arts Practice PhD through The
World Academy of Music and Dance with The University of
Limerick. Her Research council funded project is examining The
lived experience of Women in Irish Dance.
She is currently residing in Galway and running The Irish Dance
Experience.
Robert Vaughan
Bird Surveyor & Free Lance Illustrator in Donegal
"Robert is a Donegal based bird surveyor and free-lance illustrator who has been watching and enjoying birds and wildlife for as long as he can remember. Encouraged by the Tolka Branch of Birdwatch Ireland, which he joined when he was 7, he began to combine his love of art and bird watching.
He currently works on nature books, logos and commercial illustrations, as well as private commisions and considers himself very fortunate to combine his love of birds, art and travel, visiting far flung locations in search of beautiful and rare birds. However, his main passion remains birds of Ireland, especially in his home county of Donegal, with all its majestic wilderness."
He loves nothing more than to introduce visitors to the array of species that inhabit Ireland's northwest."
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website: robertvaughanillustrations.com
Pat Noone
Farmer on Ireland's Fairy Farm
​Take a pair of wellies and join the larger than life Pat Noone on a walk across his farm & back through time. You will learn of the deep history of his land and be shown the many places of interest such as archaeological sites, healing stones, fertility stones, fairy forts and ancient trees. You will feel an energy from the land and you will have the opportunity of receiving energetic healing with his divining rod. It will be a visit you will never forget!
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You can meet Pat on our 7 Day South by West Explorer
Teresa Doherty
Guide of & Ancestry Expert on Malin Head
​Teresa Doherty is one of a family of ten and grew up in Malin Head, near Ireland’s most northerly point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Teresa’s father was a sheep farmer and her mother runs the wee country shop attached to the farmhouse where Teresa works part-time. Teresa is chairperson of the Malin Head Heritage Group and painting the stunning local scenery is one of her hobbies. ‘Up here we are different.’ Stand on any of our headlands with the Atlantic waves crashing beneath you, see the small fields where generations have eked out a living and understand why many of their families left for America, next stop to the west! Teresa is passionate about her area and would be delighted to share its magnificent natural beauty, its history and its heritage with you.
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You can meet Teresa on our 13 Day All Ireland Explorer
Joe Joyce
Sheepdog Farmer of Connemara
​Joe Joyce is the third generation of his family to farm sheep in the Joyce Country area. Some 700 years ago, the rugged landscape of this area attracted a Welshman of Norman origins called Thomas Joyce who married a local girl and settled in the area which now bears his name. It is therefore fitting that Joe now farms this area together with his wife Mary Ann, who also happens to hail from the South Wales area. Mary Ann did not arrive at Joyce Country empty handed, she brought along a sheepdog with impressive bloodlines, named Roy. This led to further imports from Wales such as Sweep and Ben. The farm is nestled between the Maumturk and Partry Mountains. Joe is delighted to share his love of sheep farming and dog handling with visitors, young and old alike.
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Larry Harney
Sculptor of Ancient Bog Oak
​Bog Oak Sculptures is run by Larry Harney and his son Lorcan in Clane, Co. Kildare. The boutique studio was established by Larry who has been working with this beautiful ancient wood for over 25 years. Larry first came across bog oak in Foxhall near Loughrea Co. Galway. Some ground was being reclaimed and these incredible pieces of ancient bog oak were unearthed, some dating over 5,000 years old. Larry and Lorcan work with the natural shapes in the wood rather than sculpting very definite outlines or figures. Their unique and artistic approach is to allow nature decide the shape of each sculpture following nature’s lead and fashion to what it has formed. Join Larry and Lorcan in their intimate gallery and learn of this unique Irish artform.
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You can meet Larry on our 5 Day Ancient East by Wild West
Catherine Fulvio
TV Chef, Daytime Emmy-nominated and Award-Winning Food Writer
For a true taste of Ireland, look no further than Ballyknocken House & Farm, the fourth-generation family home of Ireland’s globally celebrated TV Chef, Daytime Emmy-nominated and Award-Winning Food Writer Catherine Fulvio, who is passionate about offering all guests A Taste of Real Ireland when they visit, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Steeped in history, Ballyknocken House and Farmlands have been a part of Catherine’s family (the Byrnes) for generations, with official records connecting them to the land as far back as the 1600s. Rooted in lush, green landscape at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains - during the famine years, Ballyknocken House was a designated “Soup Pot” site (where soup was prepared in large cast iron vessels and served to the local community).
At the heart of the experience lies the award-winning Cookery School, where visitors can enjoy hands-on, fun-filled workshops. Whether guided by Catherine herself or a talented member of her team, each class celebrates local, seasonal produce and recipes handed down through generations.
At Ballyknocken, you’re not just visiting — you’re meeting the locals, tasting their traditions, and creating lasting Irish memories.
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Find out more here - https://ballyknocken.ie/
Anthony Murphy
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Writer, Journalist and Expert on Neolithic Ireland
Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland is a prominent Irish author, journalist, photographer, and researcher renowned for his work on Neolithic Ireland, particularly the megalithic monuments of the Boyne Valley. Through his extensive research, acclaimed books like "Newgrange: Monument to Immortality" and "Mythical Ireland," his website www.mythicalireland.com, and significant discoveries such as the "Dronehenge" monument near Newgrange, he has significantly contributed to our understanding of the archaeology, astronomy, mythology, and overall significance of these ancient sites, effectively engaging both academic and public audiences with the wonders of Ireland's distant past.​​
Barry Maloney
Kinsale Historical Expert
​Barry Moloney leads award winning walking tours of his home town Kinsale. Stroll with Barry to enjoy a colourful story of Kinsale down the ages from Medieval walled town to the sinking of the Lusitania. Strategic naval base during the conflict for New World treasure when a pound of cloves fetched two head of cattle and the island of Manhattan was once swapped for a tiny one of nutmeg! Beachhead for the last Spanish Armada leading to The Battle of Kinsale in 1601 and sailing port for Robinson Crusoe and such a hub for fleets as to lead one 17th c. observer to describe Kinsale as 'laying in the road of the Chieftest trade in all the Worlde'.
Join Barry on an historical stroll of his beloved Kinsale and you will fall in love with this south west coastal town...
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You can meet Barry on our 8 Day Wild Atlantic Way Adventure
Christy Barry
Musical Maestro of Doolin Village
​Christy Barry and his partner Sheila have entertained friends and musicians at their home for many years, sitting around the fire playing music and telling stories. They opened their atmospheric home to visitors so they can experience local Irish music in the relaxed surroundings of their home. Christy talks and discusses the history of traditional Irish music and plays great tunes. Visitors can enjoy the experience of visiting a local home, enjoying local company and listening to a good traditional music session around the fire. Visitors are served delicious canapés of smoked salmon and brown bread, a selection of Irish cheese and crackers with wine or sparkling/still water. Join Christy & Sheila in their home for an unforgettable musical experience.
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You can meet Christy on our 13 Day All Ireland Explorer
Pat Strahan
Blacksmith of Carracastle Village
Learn of the ancient skills of the Irish Blacksmith in the rural surrounds of Carracastle Village in County Mayo. Pat will take you on a journey back in time to rediscover the old traditions surrounding the 9 Irons, an amulet or good luck charm from days past in Ireland. You will spend time in the forge watching, learning and participating in what was once the most reverred of the crafts in Ireland. A unique experience off the beaten path.
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You can meet Pat on our 7 Day North by West Explorer
Michael Crowe
Sheepman of the Wicklow Mountains
​Nestled in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, this is your chance to experience a taste of Irish Heritage. Michael Crowe, a renowned local Wicklow sheepdog handler offers you a memorable experience of seeing working border collies in action. Michael has been handling sheep since a young boy and has a deep knowledge and understanding of this ancient farming practice. Michael and his dogs are show their skills in the quaint village of Annamoe, Co. Wicklow, a beautiful area located in a secluded part of the world and surround by rolling Irish countryside.
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You can meet Michael on our Wicklow Mountains Day Tour
You can find Irish Working Sheepdog website here -www.irishworkingsheepdogs.com
Lorraine O Dwyer
8th generation ‘Bean Feasa’ or traditional wise woman, and folklorist
As an Irish woman, I can trace my ancestry all the way back to the Iron age and the days of the Gaelic ruling clan of Dubhuir who sat at Cashel. My Great Grandmother was the famed Bean Feasa of Scarawalsh. I live to the rhythm of nature. The trees of the forest are friends, and I am an equal with the birds and animals that live under their canopy. I acknowledge the ancient festivals that mark the turn of the year, and when troubled I petition the Old Gods for help. I use the native plants that grow in our oldest woodlands to heal and to feed myself.
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​Whether you’re revisiting nature, or discovering it for the first time, I invite you to join me for a walk and see the trees as your ancestors did. To learn about the Brehon Laws of Ireland and the Ogham Tree writing system. To discover the Gods and Goddesses that were worshipped here long before Christianity – and so much more. Let’s go Gallivanting!
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Learn more about Lorraine here - https://gallivanting.ie/
Conor Ó Buachalla
Seanchaí, Traditional Storyteller
Based along the Wild Atlantic Way in the heart of West Cork, Conor Ó Buachalla and his wife Celine are the duo behind Gormú, an eco-adventure company offering small-group experiences that weave together landscape, language and lore.
With a background in traditional storytelling and a deep love of dúchas, that rooted, instinctive connection to place, Conor leads immersive adventures shaped by the old ways. From clifftop hikes and eBike tours to dawn swims and Halloween journeys through Irish mythology, every outing with Gormú brings the land to life through tales, placenames, wildlife and local Irish expressions still heard on West Cork lips.
You won’t find scripts or stage Irish here, just the kind of rich, warm welcome that comes from people who live the stories they tell.
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Find our more at https://www.gormu.com/
Tom McNally
Black Cab Taxi Guide in Belfast
​Belfast City is a fascinating place that is a must see when you travel in Ireland. The only way to get to the heart of Belfast is to meet the locals and allow them take you on a journey of their home city. Tom & Brian grew up in the heart of Belfast City during very different times. They witnessed the beginning and end of a 29 year conflict locally referred to as 'The Troubles'. They drive the traditional black cabs which have a fascinating history all to themselves, being used as public transport during the darker times of the troubles. There is nobody else that can take your around Belfast City but the locals and Tom & Brian are two of the most experienced and knowledgable guys in the business. Join us on a tour of Northern Ireland and learn from the people that witnessed it all.
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You can meet Brian on our Northern Ireland Day Tour
Pat Sweeney
Farmer & Guide at the Cliffs of Moher
Pat Sweeney and his family have been farming in this area of Doolin for five generations. His other ability is to complete projects and his commitment to a major goal is particularly evident in his dedication to the Doolin Cliffs Walk. "This trail was a dream of mine for years, so it is sometimes possible for dreams to come true. I created a walking trail for people to come and see the sights that I can see every day from my farm." Pat helped negotiate with the 39 farmers whose lands the trail had to cross. His passion and knowledge of the locality can be translated into a guided walk, which will greatly enhance any walker’s experience at the new coastal walking trail.
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You can meet Pat on our Walking & Driving Tours of Ireland
Hill of Slane Community Team
In the Boyne Valley
​The local community in the historic village of Slane in the Royal County Meath have got together to showcase one of the most important historic sites in Ireland. The Hill of Slane is associated with the beginnings of Christianity in Ireland as well as Norman invasions, druids and celtic mysticism. The locals of the area invite you on one of their fantastic tours of the area where they will bring the landscape alive and show you the hidden delights of this fascinating landscape.
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You can meet the Hill of Slane team on our Boyne Valley Tour
Willy & Rory Daly
Matchmakers of Lisdoonvarna
​Willie thinks he was born on 1 April 1943, though he can’t be sure because the priest who recorded the date was ‘very fond of the drink’. He has lived in Ballingaddy all of his life, and still lives next door to the 300-year-old cottage where he was born. He and his son Rory now take unwitting tourists on spectacular horse back rides around The Burren National Park. Be wary of Willies charming stories and tales.
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You can meet Willy & Rory on our 8 Day Wld Atlantic Way Tour
Conor Graham and Mark Commins
Oyster experts in County Clare
"Flaggy Shore Oyster experience gives you the opportunity to learn all about New Quay and the oyster industry from the owners of Flaggy Shore Oysters, one of Ireland's top oyster producers. Guests will learn about Galway Bay and it's oyster bays, what happens from when the oysters arrive at our door to when they leave the facility, the life cycle of the oyster & much more. You will then learn to shuck an oyster and feast on some of our oysters matched with a beautiful white wine."
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Learn more about the Flaggy Shore Oyster Experience - Here
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