Private Driver Ireland — Chauffeur-Guided Tours Built Around You

Celtic Ways Ireland offers fully bespoke, chauffeur-driven tours for individuals, couples, families and small groups. We design every itinerary from scratch around your interests, handle every detail in advance, and travel with you every day as your personal hosts throughout.

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Skellig Island off the Kerry Coast ireland

What's Included in a Celtic Ways Private Driver Tour

Every tour is different — that’s the point — but here’s what every Celtic Ways private driver experience includes:

Daily chauffeur transfers in our luxury 9-seater — comfortable, modern, and door-to-door every day
Expert local guides at key sites — storytellers, historians and wisdom-keepers who bring the places to life
Hand-picked accommodation — boutique hotels and carefully chosen properties that reflect the character of each destination
Airport transfers included as standard — we meet you on arrival and see you off at departure
All logistics handled in advance — dining, site entry, cultural experiences, dietary needs
Phil and Elaine Brennan as your personal hosts — with you from first contact to final farewell

All you needs is taken care of:
guiding, accommodation, meals and transfers on our private guided tours

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Our Private Driver Tours of Ireland — How It Works

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Tell us your dream trip

Reach out to us on info@celticwaysireland.com or book a free Zoom call. Tell us what draws you to Ireland — ancestry, walking, music, quiet places, or all of it — and your dates and budget.

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We design your Celtic Way

Phil and Elaine craft a full private itinerary built entirely around you. Accommodation, daily routes, local guides, cultural experiences, dining, and all transfers are mapped out and confirmed well in advance. We draw from a library of over 100 experiences across Ireland to find the right fit.

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You just get here

Book your flights and travel insurance. From the moment we meet you at the airport, the rest is ours to handle. You travel. We take care of everything else.

Book a Free Consultation

Meet Your Private Drivers — Phil & Elaine Brennan

All your travel needs looked after

Phil and Elaine Brennan have been designing and hosting private guided tours of Ireland for nearly a decade. Phil holds a PhD in Spirituality and brings a depth of knowledge to every site that goes far beyond the usual historical summary — the myth, the meaning, the living memory embedded in stone and landscape. Elaine ensures every practical detail, from your first night’s accommodation to your last meal, is handled with care and precision.

They are not tour operators who hand you off to a stranger. They travel with you. Every day.

“Our motto is simple: every person matters. We put our own stamp on the shape and design of every tour we host — and we 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.” — Phil Brennan

private chauffeur drivers and tour guides Phil and Elaine Brennan posing with their van in Ireland

“Ireland is only half the reason your journey will be unforgettable.”

Lou · Florida, USA · Sept 2025 — 5.0 across 100+ Google reviews

Charles Welch

Phil and Elaine designed a bespoke trip meeting our needs that was incredible. They were great hosts. What an experience. I highly recommend them!

Clare Traub

Finding words to capture and communicate the experience of traveling with Phil and Elaine is almost impossible. My daughter and I walked St. Declan’s Way with them a week ago and our hearts are still so full that even the life we have returned to feels brighter, clearer, and more meaningful as a result. The walk itself was gloriously beautiful. Phil and Elaine worked together with so much care and harmony to ensure that every detail was in place that we felt genuinely held and looked after in every way possible. The group (who hadn’t known one another before the tour began) became extended family by midweek. The warmth, vivid peace, and hospitality of the sisters at Glencairn Abbey was like being absorbed in living prayer. And the humor, quick-witted repartee, and profound knowledge of each place and local culture from both Phil and the guides and characters he asked to join us at various turns, was spectacular! Sharing photos and stories with family and friends afterwards, the most frequent question was “how did you FIND this??“ Well, that was all part of the magic I suppose … If you’ve come as far as reading this review, and it rings a “true note“ in any way, my one recommendation would be: DON’T hesitate. Email Phil immediately 🙂

Wasyl C

Walking St Declan's Way with Phil and Elaine was probably one of the most inspiring experiences we have ever had. We stayed in Glencairn Abbey, a haven of peace and tranquillity. We prefer not to list in detail what Phil and Elaine offered in order to avoid 'spoilers' as the camino was full of unexpected surprises and treats. However, some highlights must be mentioned, for example Elaine's organisation and support for all five pilgrims; he kindness throughout the week was ever reliable and often accompanied by warm infectious laughter. Nothing was left to chance. She helped to create the generous and continual camaderie in the group. Friendships were forged as a result. Phil's inspirational leadership of the reflections at key points in the pilgrimage was another highlight. These rich moments were usually accompanied by music (portable Bose system) to match the theme and the location. His encouragement, patience and understanding of the group were a key ingredient in building an atmosphere of trust, support and regular hilarity. It was uncanny how he matched the way to the needs of the each indvidual in the group. Each key location along the way saw the arrival of local guides with intimate knowledge of the history, geography and culture of each from the Rock of Cashel, through Ardfinnan, Cahir, the Knockmealdowns, Cappoquin, Lismore, Villierstown and Ardmore, over hills, through valleys and along the area's delightful rivers. It is impossible to capture the richness of the experience in a few words but stories told and confidences shared along the way contributed to the success of the pilgrimage and to lasting friendships. Finally, the nuns of Glencairn Cistercian Abbey, Lismore, provided the most gracious and thoughtful welcome that we have experienced on many Camino routes. We were made to feel at home from the moment we arrived. We enjoyed several lovely conversations in the Abbey, filled with humour and kindly thoughtfulness. Thank you Phil and Elaine. Míle buíochas. You are a great team. Go raibh míle maith agat.

MC Rice

I recently completed St Declan’s Way arranged by The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and organised by Celtic Ways Ireland. Phil and Elaine are dedicated and attentive, they offer a high standard with a personal touch. I thoroughly enjoyed the walking, education and sheer fun of the experience. They introduced us to locals with knowledge and a love for their area. I would highly recommend Celtic Ways Ireland.

Gay Dering

Phil and Elaine are truly the best! When I started planning our Ireland adventure, none of the other tours offered what we were after. We were looking to spend more time in fewer and more local places, which allowed us to see important sites, and also immerse ourselves in the Irish culture of today. Wow, did they deliver! We spent a total of 5 weeks in Ireland, and saw the most meaningful and gorgeous places, but more importantly, we met Irish people where they really live. The stories, hospitality, and genuine care that the people we were intentionally connected with served as second hosts when we landed in their areas. We made lifelong friends and felt like honorary Irish people! Even if you can't spend as much time as we did, I would recommend you avoid the "tour machine" and try this way of travel. Put your trust in the Celtic ways, as they will not disappoint you. Thank you, Phil and Elaine, for the most lovely vacation we have ever experienced. Gay Dering

Teresa Blake

We want to thank Elaine and Phil of Celtic Ways, with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart - for whose Mission in Sudan we walked the Pilgrim Path - for the most wonderful experience of walking St Declan's Way from Cashel to Ardmore at the end of May. The harmonies that struck us along the way will always be with us. These were - an appreciation of Celtic spirituality rooted in nature and neighbour evident in the hospitality of all we encountered from Glencomeragh to Ardmore, and in the abundant flourishing of the nature and landscape we walked in. The sacred moments through out our day and our shared sacred moments with Fr Tony each day when Eucharist was celebrated and our lunch shared in a nice shaded spot. The excitement of young people swimming in the cool River Suir at Ardfinnan and Goatenbridge. The tranquility of crossing the Mountain from Ballybacon/Grange to Mount Melleray and on to Lismore. Our nights out in Carrick and Dungarven and the Peace Choir singing in Glencomeragh; The shared laughter and singing of our group - officially launched on route -'The Electrolydes' - we bonded so well -forever young!!!- fun, fun, fun -great for the heart and soul. We could go on and on, all of the above came about because of Elaine and Phil's attention to detail, planning and preparation. Each of the five days brought its own magic with the input from our expert local guides. This was a superb experience, it is obvious to us that Elaine and Phil, are the experts and love what they do. If you or any group you know want an experience on Pilgrim Paths - look no further than Celtic Ways Ireland. Billy and Teresa Hawkes. Dublin.

Sean Carroll

Many thanks to Phil and Elaine for a most wonderful experience on St. Declan's Way on 24th. to 29th. May . They were meticulous to every detail of our journey and attentive to the groups needs as well as to individual needs of everyone. They were there with us every step of the way and made the journey a most memorable event.

Mary Morrish

What a wonderful experience we had last week as our Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Group had the immense privilege of taking part in walking St Declan’s Way with Phil and Elaine from Celtic Ways Ireland. There were so many special moments throughout the journey, each one leaving a lasting impression. The entire pilgrimage was made even more extraordinary by Phil and Elaine, who are simply incredible. Every single need and requirement was attended to with the utmost care and precision. Their attention to detail is something to be truly admired—nothing was ever too much trouble. They created an atmosphere where we could fully immerse ourselves in the experience without any worry. The pilgrimage offered everything reflection, mountain walks, incredible organic food sourced locally, rich history and gorgeous hiking. Phil and Elaine had arranged expert guides for each day, and we were truly spoiled by their knowledge. Huge thanks to Alice, Conor, Mark, John G and James for sharing their wisdom and their love of our land. A particular highlight was the evening they arranged for the Island of Ireland Choir of Peace to sing for us. The talent in the room was absolutely outstanding, and it added such a beautiful and uplifting dimension to the pilgrimage. If you ever have the opportunity to see this choir seize the opportunity. This is just another treat that Phil and Elaine arranged for us. Fr Tony Horgan MSC, our spiritual director, led us in outdoor Mass most days which brought a profound sense of peace and closeness to nature. One particularly moving occasion was at Lady’s Abbey, where we were joined by a remarkable 96-year-old lady whose presence made the experience incredibly special and deeply memorable. Celebrating Mass in the old cathedral in Ardmore, beside the round tower, was another highlight—a truly sacred and unforgettable moment. If you are considering a tour or pilgrimage in Ireland—or indeed their tours in Scotland or Wales—I cannot recommend Celtic Ways Ireland highly enough. It is an experience not to be missed. Mary Morrish, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Cork

James Ewan

We have traveled with Celtic Ways as a group on multiple pilgrim walks over the past several years. Two years ago, we were so impressed with our St. Declans Way Pilgrim Experience in Ireland the first time that we have returned again and again. Last year my wife and the group walked the St. David's Way tour through Wales and Southeastern Ireland and this year we walked a brand new Fife Pilgrim Way tour through Northeastern Scotland and the historically significant Isle of Iona off the West Coast. This most recent itinerary was a bespoke tour crafted just for our group. Traveling with Dr. Phil and Elaine Brennan have left us with impressions that will last a lifetime. Each trip was unique and special because as Dr. Phil says, "things will happen along the way that are unplanned" and these are happenings that make the experience totally memorable. The accommodations and the food were always top notch and the very special people that the Brennans know and sprinkle throughout makes the time magical. Something else that the Brennans do with a twinkle in their eyes "we have a special surprise for you today". Count on it to be extraordinary. Phil and Elaine are an outstanding team making sure that no detail is missed and each person is looked after and cared for. A favorite Dr. Phil question is "Are we happy?". They treat each individual as they would a family member. After traveling with them, we feel like they are family to us and we look forward to many more adventures with Dr. Phil and Elaine. Photos from our recent trip to Scotland are included.

Mariah MacNeil

We enjoyed a one of a kind trip to Scotland with Phil & Elaine. Truly, every single detail was taken into consideration and every step of our journey was meaningful and magical. Thoughtful, caring, funny and supportive throughout the trip and highly recommend!

5 Star Rated Private Driver Tours of Ireland

One of the best rated private driver tours of Ireland. 5 Stars out of over 100 Google Reviews

Where Could Your Private Driver Tour Take You?

Dublin → Galway → Clare → Kerry → Cork → Waterford → Tipperary → Wexford → Wicklow

The Ancient East

Dublin & Wicklow — The Ancient East

Glendalough — the 6th-century monastic valley of St. Kevin; round tower, two lakes, and something beyond words
Powerscourt Gardens & Waterfall — voted among the world’s top three gardens by National Geographic
Trinity College & the Book of Kells — Ireland’s greatest treasure in the Long Room library
Kilmainham Gaol & Christ Church — a thousand years of Dublin, from Viking cathedral to the 1916 Rising
Wicklow Baileys Farm — lunch with the Hayden family and the true story of Ireland’s most famous cream

gate of the Guinness store house in Dublin, Ireland

The Sacred Heartlands

Meath & the Midlands

The mythic centre of the island: passage tombs older than the pyramids and the seats of High Kings.

Brú na Bóinne & Newgrange — the 5,000-year-old valley of Ireland’s ancestors
The Hill of Tara — seat of the High Kings, where all old Irish roads lead
The Hill of Uisneach — the ceremonial navel of Ireland and home of the Bealtaine fires
Fourknocks Passage Tomb — a hidden 5,000-year-old chamber, opened with a key from the local farmer
Clonmacnoise — the great monastic city on the Shannon, best arrived at by boat as the pilgrims did

Clonmacnoise Cathedral with the typical crosses and graves. The monastery ruins. Ireland

The Sunny South East

Waterford & Wexford

Ireland’s oldest city, its brightest coast, and the home ground of your hosts.

Hook Lighthouse — 115 steps up the oldest operational lighthouse in the world
Dunmore East — cliff walks, sea caves and a voyage on the Keltoi Warrior with skipper Brendan
Tintern Abbey & Bannow Bay — a 13th-century Cistercian abbey wrapped in woodland trails
Waterford City — Viking treasures, the Greenway and the House of Waterford Crystal
St Declan’s Way & Ardmore — walk a stretch of Ireland’s original camino to the sea

Clonmacnoise Cathedral with the typical crosses and graves. The monastery ruins. Ireland</p>
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Wild Atlantic Way

Kerry & Clare — The Wild Atlantic West

Ireland at full volume: ocean cliffs, holy mountains and islands on the edge of the world.

Skellig Michael — beehive huts and 618 ancient steps on a UNESCO island (weather permitting!)
The Ring of Kerry & Kenmare Stone Circle — the classic route, taken slowly
The Dingle Peninsula & Saint’s Road — a medieval pilgrim path from Ventry Beach toward Mount Brandon, past the Gallarus Oratory
Killarney National Park — Muckross Abbey’s ancient yew and a boat to Innisfallen Island
The Cliffs of Moher — an 8km headland walk from Doolin with local guide Pat, and an Irish coffee to finish

Amazing nature of Ireland in Killarney National Park, near the town of Killarney, County Kerry

Ring of Kerry

Kerry Cliffs & Valentia Island

A thousand feet above the Atlantic, then footprints 400 million years old on Valentia. Overnight at the pier in Portmagee.

Portmagee, Ireland - August 12, 2019: A view of Portmagee, from Valentia Island in County Kerry in Ireland.

Cork

Cork — The Rebel South

From a hidden lake valley to the wild Beara Peninsula, Cork rewards the unhurried.

Gougane Barra — St. Finbarr’s island oratory on a glacial lake; forest bathing among the pines
The Beara Peninsula — the Wild Atlantic Way without the crowds
Dzogchen Beara — a Buddhist meditation centre on the cliffs; stillness with an ocean view
Kinsale & West Cork’s food scene — the artisan table of Ireland

The Poets’ West

Galway & Connemara

Stone walls, bog roads and the light that has drawn artists for two centuries.

Connemara & Kylemore Abbey — a Benedictine abbey mirrored in a dark lake
Clifden & the Sky Road — the Atlantic edge of Europe
Galway City — buskers, bookshops and the best traditional music sessions in Ireland
The Burren — a lunar limestone landscape scattered with dolmens and rare wildflowers

Bespoke Tours

Don't see the place you're dreaming of? That's what bespoke means — if it's on the island, we'll find the way there, and the story behind it.

We have a library of over 100 experiences around Ireland to select from as we craft your private, guided chauffeur-driven itinerary.

We listen, then choose the perfect tour programme for you.

Below are sample days on our Celtic Ways Ireland Tour, a wee taste of places worth exploring as you tour Ireland!

FAQ about Celtic Ways Private Guided Tours of Ireland

Do you offer guided tours?

es. Celtic Ways Ireland offers both fully guided and self-guided private tour options.

Many guests choose:

Private driver-guided tours
Walking guides for specific locations
Pilgrimage guides
Heritage experts
Local storytellers and historians

Having knowledgeable local guides adds depth, insight, and authenticity to your Irish journey.

Are private driver tour guides worth it?

Yes, private driver tour guides in Ireland are absolutely worth it if you’re looking for a personalised and enriching travel experience. A private tour guide provides local insight, insider knowledge, and the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to your interests. Whether you’re exploring ancient castles or hidden coastal gems, a private guided tour of Ireland ensures a more relaxed and immersive experience compared to group tours.

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!

How do private driver tours work?

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.

How do I hire a private driver in Ireland?

Phil and Elaine are excited to roll out their Private Driver Tours of Ireland over the coming months. Reach out to us directly on info@celticwaysireland.com

How do you build a private tour?

We have a library of over 100 experiences around Ireland to select from as we craft your private, guided chauffeur-driven itinerary.

We listen, then choose the perfect tour programme for you.

Can you help us trace our Irish ancestry?

Yes. Genealogy and ancestry travel are among Celtic Ways Ireland’s most meaningful experiences.

If your family roots are connected to Ireland, Phil and Elaine can help create a personalised heritage journey that may include:

Visits to ancestral towns and villages
Graveyards and churches
Heritage centres
Local archives
Family history research support
Meetings with local historians

For many visitors, this becomes the most emotional and memorable part of their trip.

What locations can we visit on our private tour?

We can visit anywhere in Ireland including some of these iconic sites and also go off the beaten track in our 9 seater van.

Ancient East – Dublin & Wicklow, South East – Waterford and Wexford, South Ireland – West Cork Beara Peninsula, Kerry – Dingle Peninsula and West Kerry, Clare – Cliffs of Moher and Doolan, Galway – Clifden, Conamara and Kylemore Abbey.

Are your tours suitable for older travellers?

Yes. Every itinerary is designed around the comfort and mobility needs of each guest.

Tours can be relaxed and slow-paced or more active depending on your preferences. Celtic Ways Ireland works carefully to ensure comfort, accessibility, and realistic travel times.

Do you cater for small groups and families?

Absolutely.

Celtic Ways Ireland specialises in:

Couples travel
Family holidays
Small private groups
Friends travelling together
Pilgrimage groups
Heritage groups
Choirs
Multi-generational travel

Smaller groups allow for a more personal, flexible, and immersive Irish experience.

Can you include spiritual or pilgrimage experiences?

Yes. Spiritual tourism and pilgrimage experiences are a core part of Celtic Ways Ireland.

Journeys can include:

Ancient monastic sites
Pilgrim walking routes
Sacred wells and holy places
Retreat experiences
Celtic spirituality
Church heritage tours
Choir groups
Faith-based group travel

Ireland’s spiritual heritage runs deep, particularly throughout Ireland’s Ancient East.

Do you offer walking holidays in Ireland?

Yes. Celtic Ways Ireland creates walking and hiking experiences across Ireland.

Popular options include:

Coastal walks
Pilgrimage routes
Hill walking
Forest trails
Heritage walks
Slow travel itineraries
Kayaking and horse riding can be added

Walking tours can be fully guided or self-guided with luggage transfers and accommodation arranged.

Why choose a private tour instead of a coach holiday?

Private tours offer:

More flexibility
Personal attention
Authentic local experiences
Comfortable pacing
Access to hidden gems
Freedom to change plans when needed
Less time rushing and more time experiencing Ireland

With Celtic Ways Ireland, your trip feels personal rather than packaged.

Is Celtic Ways Ireland a trusted Irish tour operator?

Yes. Celtic Ways Ireland is built on trust, personal relationships, and genuine Irish hospitality.

Phil and Elaine Brennan work directly with clients from the planning stage right through the journey itself. Guests appreciate the reliability, communication, and personal support that comes from working with an experienced family-run Irish business.

Their local knowledge and trusted supplier relationships help ensure a smooth and memorable experience throughout Ireland.

Can you arrange luxury Ireland tours?

Yes. Luxury private tours can include:

Castle stays
Chauffeur-driven touring
Fine dining experiences
Premium accommodation
Exclusive cultural experiences
Private guides
Golf and whiskey experiences
VIP transfers

Luxury travel with Celtic Ways Ireland focuses on authentic comfort rather than rushed sightseeing.

What makes Celtic Ways Ireland different?

Celtic Ways Ireland combines local expertise with genuinely personal service.

Because the company is owner-operated by Phil and Elaine Brennan, guests receive:

Direct communication
Personal itinerary planning
Authentic Irish experiences
Flexible travel arrangements
Warm hospitality
Trusted local connections
Attention to detail
With their background in music, Phil and Elaine have great contacts in the music world around Ireland and love to add authentic traditional Irish music evenings to their range of tour offerings

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all tours, Celtic Ways Ireland creates meaningful journeys that reflect the stories, interests, and connections of each traveller.

Do Celtic Ways Ireland sort our flights and insurance?

Celtic Ways Ireland looks after everything from the moment you land in Ireland to the moment you fly home. They do not book flights but liaise with each group on arrival times so that your private chauffeur is waiting for you on arrival at the airport.

Celtic Ways Ireland have full indemnity cover for each tour but recommend that visitors take out their own private travel insurance for additional protection in the event of a late cancellation or unexpected events over the tour.

How do we start planning our private Ireland tour?

Getting started is simple.

Reach out to Celtic Ways Ireland through the Tailor-Made Celtic Ways enquiry page and share:

Your travel dates
Number of travellers
Interests and priorities
Preferred regions of Ireland
Budget range
Any special requests

Phil and Elaine will then begin creating a personalised itinerary designed around your perfect Irish experience.

Start Your Tailor-Made Ireland Journey

Whether you are tracing your Irish roots, planning a luxury escape, organising a spiritual pilgrimage, or simply looking to experience the real Ireland, Celtic Ways Ireland offers trusted, personalised private tours designed with care.

A Sample of Tour Locations

We have a library of over 100 experiences around Ireland to select from as we craft your private driver itinerary

We listen, then choose the perfect tour programme for you.

Reach out to Phil and Elaine to enquire about availability

Email: info@celticwaysireland.com

Tel: +353 87 994 7921

Alternatively, you can submit an enquiry through the form below and we will reply as soon as possible.

Let us build you your dream Tour

Ready to Plan Your Private Ireland Tour?

A free, no-obligation consultation with Phil and Elaine is where every Celtic Ways journey begins. Tell us where you want to go, what you’re looking for, and what matters most — and we’ll build the rest.

Booking Enquiry