Celtic Ways Ireland has evolved into something we could never have imagined when we set out over 9 years ago. I guess the last few months have given us a taste of what we can expect in the years to come; acquiring our new luxury 9 seater, hosting a group from Los Angeles as we shared pilgrim trails with them in Wales and Ireland and leading the first of our small groups on our private driver tours of Ireland. The vision we started out with has been shaped by all that has happened in between. Step by step, we have found our way… our very own Celtic Way.

It’s good to look back and view the circuitous route we’ve taken to arrive at where we are now. For Elaine and myself it has been a learning curve every step of the way. It hasn’t always been easy. The way can become blurred when the mists of doubt and uncertainty descend. The key is to read the signs and be ready to adapt. You never quite know what awaits around each new bend. The universe has a way of nudging us in the right direction; so too the people we’ve shared the path with over the past decade. My mother always said; ‘what is meant for you will not pass you by’. She’s right… the way finds you!

We are now becoming tour operators in our own right; designing bespoke tours for our international visitors, arranging everything for our guests in advance of their private tour of Ireland complete with chauffeur transfers in our new limo. At Celtic Ways Ireland, we take the heart and soul of this enchanting land and craft Celtic-themed itineraries with a personal touch. Each day is a blank canvas waiting to be filled with unique experiences that will live long in the memory. Whether those who reach out to us are captivated by ancient myths, breathtaking natural beauty, or the warm embrace of Irish hospitality, we put the pieces in place to ensure our visitors journey is as unique as the land they’re discovering.

In a world where travel can often feel scripted and homogeneous, Celtic Ways Ireland offers something different. We begin with a simple yet profound philosophy: we listen. Before crafting your perfect tour, we take the time to understand what each of our visitors would like from their time in Ireland. Whether they dream of tracing their ancestral roots and tasting the cultural and culinary delights of this hallowed land or simply enjoying the serenity and thrill of some gentle adventure beyond the well-worn tourist frontiers, our private driver tours are tailored exclusively with the individual tastes of each visitor in mind.

Ireland is a country that rewards curiosity. While iconic landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry are undeniably stunning, there’s so much more waiting to be discovered. At Celtic Ways Ireland, we specialize in opening the door to Ireland’s lesser-known gems. We don’t just arrange a trip; we curate an experience. From the moment you share your vision with us, we handle every detail – from selecting the ideal accommodations to fine-tuning dining reservations to adding a traditional music session or mindful adventure to give each day a unique Celtic flavour. By the time you land in Ireland, your itinerary is not just prepared; it’s perfected.

This summer, we welcome a family from Pennsylvania in the States who knew exactly what they wanted from their time in Ireland. Iconic places…yes but more days ‘off the beaten path’ nice accommodation and dining experiences and some gentle adventure. So they’ll be guests of the Connoisseur Guinness Brewery Private Tour, take in a bespoke tour of Kilmainham Jail, enjoy iconic tourism experiences around Ireland from a visit to Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara to taking a boat trip out to Skellig Michael in Kerry or even kissing the Blarney Stone in Cork. Yet for us, no itinerary is complete without leaving the noise and din of the tourist trails behind and soaking in the beauty of the quieter places few tourists get to discover. This is where the magic lies. Trust us, we know many of the hidden gems. We only recommend where we love to visit ourselves.

What sets our Celtic Ways apart is the personal touch. Elaine and I put our own stamp on shape and design of every tour we host and are proud of the team of local guides we have assembled around the country who bring the story of the place they call home to life. For us, to truly know the soul of a place you must first connect to its story. If you’ve travelled this far to be with us in Ireland, we owe it to you to have the pieces in place well before you’ve arrived. Our guests show up… we take care of the rest!

Private chauffeur travel gives the visitor the freedom to come face to face with the real Ireland. Coach tours of Ireland have their value but the private driver tour allows you do so much more. Picture yourself meandering through the emerald-green countryside in the comfort of a private vehicle, with a guide who doesn’t just recite facts but weaves a tapestry of history, culture, and folklore as you journey through this magical land.

Our new luxury 9 seater has been a game changer for us. It was the one piece of the jig-saw missing. Now we’ve quite literally got the reins in our own hands and can go with the flow of what each day brings. We’re always ready to adapt and take that unexpected detour if an opportunity presents itself. We’re both firm believers that it’s the unscripted moments on our tours that live long in the memory. Flexibility is key; we welcome spontaneous change of direction and moments of serendipity, ensuring every mile becomes a memory.

At Celtic Ways Ireland, we do not rush the journey. It pays to stay awhile and chat with the locals. There’s something profound in a casual chat that can leave imprints that endure long after the holiday is over. We’ve met people along the way who add that spark to a day through their story, their song, their wit, their humanity that leaves you wanting more. Our private tours in Ireland gives us the space to make all this happen.

Ireland is more than just a destination; it’s an experience. It’s the haunting melody of a fiddle played in a traditional pub, the laughter of locals sharing stories over a pint of Guinness, or the quiet majesty of a sunrise over rolling hills. Imagine soaking in the wonder of a sheep dog demonstration on a Wicklow farm or walking the cliff path in Dunmore East or enjoying the thrill of kayaking on the Atlantic Ocean off Baginbun Beach in South Wexford. Just you and the natural, mystical landscapes of Ireland. We infuse these moments into your journey, making every day a celebration of the wonder of this beautiful land.

No trip to Ireland would be complete without exploring its culinary offerings. While Irish food may once have been defined by its simplicity, today it is celebrated for its creativity and quality. From sumptuous seafood chowders to hearty stews made with locally sourced ingredients, Irish cuisine is a feast for the senses.

At Celtic Ways Ireland, we guide you to the best dining experiences, whether it’s a rustic meal in a countryside pub, a fine dining experience in a Michelin-starred restaurant, or a traditional Irish breakfast to start your day. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to sample Ireland’s famous spirits, from smooth whiskeys to creamy pints of stout. We can include a visit to distillery and a brewery as part of our Irish tours. ‘Sur if we’re passing, it would be a shame not to:) It’s all part of the experience. Balance is everything!

With Celtic Ways Ireland, your holiday is more than just a trip – it’s a journey into the heart of a land that has inspired poets, artists, pilgrims and adventurers for centuries. Walk with us in the steps of those who have walked this way before. Ireland is waiting. Find your very own Celtic Way with us. Our motto; every person matters. We will not let you down!

Phil and Elaine are excited to roll out their Private Driver Tours of Ireland over the coming months. For further information on our Premium Celtic Ways Ireland tours tailored to suit you, see www.celticwaysireland.com or reach out to us directly on info@celticwaysireland.com