Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland
Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland
Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland
5
Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Private Tours • Bus Tours
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09:00 - 18:00
Monday
09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 18:00
Thursday
09:00 - 18:00
Friday
09:00 - 18:00
Full view
About
Private, luxury tours of Ireland. Multi-day escorted tours exploring Ireland with our award winning professional local driver guides. Explore the hidden gems of Ireland and off the beaten track travel in our private luxury tour transport. Get away from the tourist crowds and meet the locals, taste the cuisine and experience real Ireland with the Little Gem family. Little Gem Tours combine unique itineraries with the best driver guides and a mix style of accommodations to create a once in a lifetime experience of Ireland.
Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland
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5.0
439 reviews
Excellent
438
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Linda H
San Diego, CA3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
My friends and I had taken a Little Gems private tour 4 years ago and when we planned a repeat visit to Ireland, there was no doubt in our minds that we would use them again. Rosie worked with us in the planning stages to develop a perfect custom itinerary for our 3 day tour of the West of Ireland. Our tour guide this time was Trudy. She was consistently on time, easy to talk to and flexible when it came to adjusting our itinerary to make the most of our travel days. She was very knowledgeable of the history and customs of the area and she kept us entertained with her stories. We also appreciated that she took the back roads as much as possible so that we could really see the countryside. Little Gems had booked us at the Castlecourt Hotel in the town of Westport for our 2 nights. It was a lovely establishment and within walking distance of many cute shops and restaurants. I would definitely stay there again. Our favorite activity of the trip was a private falconry experience at the Ashford Castle. We each had our own hawk that we got to take on a walk through the woods. They would fly freely in and around the trees and then come back to us when given the signal. I would highly recommend this activity to everyone! You cannot go wrong with Little Gems. 5 Stars +.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George E
Zionsville, In usa10 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
If you look at the lists of 10 or 20 must see things in Ireland our trip nailed all of them. The trip actually started when we contacted Rosie at Little Gems. She took the time to ask about our must see requests, what kind of accommodations we wanted, what we liked to eat, and how we liked to travel. Together we developed an itinerary that took us in a counterclockwise fashion of Ireland and saw pretty much everything on our. list. Rosie paired us with Colm, who would be our guide and driver for the entire trip. Colm was a true gentleman with an abundance of Irish knowledge. He placed us at ease from day one. Every day started with a description of what we would do for the day, with flexibility or change if we wanted it. Colm filled us in on our way to each destination. His lessons of history were both helpful and entertaining.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rexdriver57
Waltham, MA2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
It has always been my wife’s dream to visit Ireland. I planned this trip for our 40th wedding anniversary, but wasn’t at all sure where to begin. I knew I wanted someone else to handle the driving and the accommodations, etc., but I did not want a traditional “group tour” on a bus with two dozen or more people and a canned itinerary. I did lots of internet research and happened upon Little Gem Private Tours; I contacted Robbie, we had a Zoom call, and everything took off effortlessly from there. Almost 100 e-mails later, Robbie (and later Rosie) proved themselves to be consummate professionals. They were extremely responsive, accommodating, full of great ideas, and just the nicest people I have ever dealt with. Our framework was a two week “Wild Atlantic Way” tour - starting in Dublin, going south along the coast, then west, then up north, and finally back to Dublin for departure - but it became so much more than that. From the moment we met him at Dublin airport at 8:30 on a quiet Saturday morning, our driver guide Jimmy Mulrooney became like family. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of Irish history, folklore, customs, and music. Everywhere we went, he was the first out of the van to open my wife’s door; at every stop (be it a historic site, a museum, a hotel, a ferry), he walked us up the to the counter, made sure we had tickets, made sure we were checked in, and made sure knew the plan for the following day before leaving us for the night. Regardless of the agreed pickup time, he was always there at least 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Our comfort was always paramount, and when I would check with him about anything, he would immediately say “Anything is possible.. this is YOUR vacation!” He made calls for us, checked on dinner reservations, confirmed ferry rides and tour times… I simply cannot express how highly my wife and I regard Jimmy, his professionalism, his courtesy, and his kindness. More than once, he hiked with us (including Queen Maeve’s Cairn and Slieve League in the rain, not exactly easy walks), filling us in on local history and lore along the way. When he dropped us off at the airport, it felt like we were leaving a trusted friend. And our itinerary was totally flexible, as witnessed by a completely unplanned trip to Derry on our last day (at my request) so that I could indulge my historical interest in “the troubles.” What a moving experience. Jimmy walked the wall with us, showed us around the bogside, and expanded our horizons so much.
I could go on and on singing the praises of Little Gem and Jimmy, but I will simply say that if you are looking for an experience that will change your life, look no further. Little Gem is absolutely the best out there.
I could go on and on singing the praises of Little Gem and Jimmy, but I will simply say that if you are looking for an experience that will change your life, look no further. Little Gem is absolutely the best out there.
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noel S
Gaithersburg, MD5 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We had the most amazing 8 day Wild Atlantic Way Adventure. Our daily schedule was jam packed but when you're all the way in Ireland, you want to see as much of Ireland as you can! Our driver, Bobby, was awesome! He was very knowledgeable about every site we visited and seem to know everyone wherever we went. Some of our favorites were the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, Rock of Cashel, Ringfinnan Garden of Rememberance (09/11 memorial), the Blarney Castle with its Poison Garden was amazing and Bobby got us there before the crowds hit. We stayed 2 nights in Kinsale which was the cutest little town. In Dingle we saw the seals, Blasket Islands, Skelling Islands (part of the Return of the Jedi was filmed there) and finally Mr. B the humpback whale. Next were the Cliffs of Mohrer and the dicey Connor's Pass. We passed through Kilfenora & Galway. Our final 2 nights were spend at the Ashford Castle. We roamed the grounds and gardens, visited Cong and went to a Sheep Dog demonstration. It was the penultimate end to our vacation. A big thank you to Robbie, Rosie and Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland. Finally, a huge shout out to Bobby! Every place he recommended to visit or eat, in addition to what was already on our roster, was fantastic!
Noël, Cris, Rhoda & Kelly
Noël, Cris, Rhoda & Kelly
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul K
Belmont, MI4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
My wife and I planned this trip as our thirty third anniversary trip. Rosie was great at communication from the very beginning. Arrangements and payments were easily made online. I gave her an idea of what I wanted, and she matched the perfect itinerary. It was my wife and I with a driver. The driver was Elva. I can't say enough about Elva. Perfect tour guide and companion. Incredibly knowledgeable. Knew a lot of off the beaten track places to show us. Places that the buses can't go. Alway early and always the most pleasant conversation. I'll admit, I did not do a lot of homework for this trip. I wouldn't have known Galway from Glascow. But it didn't matter. Elva was a fountain of knowledge and presented it in an entertaining way. When it came to lunch and dinner recommendations, she was spot on. Very helpful finding traditional or "trad" music each evening, which was very important to me. If I did it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you, Rosie and Elva!
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad C
6 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We just got back from an incredible vacation with friends to Ireland. We were in great hands from start to finish. Rosie helped us manage every detail and helped map out an itinerary that ensured we didn't miss a thing! Every arrangement came off without a hitch. And we simply can't say enough about our tour guide, Colm. He truly is a gem! We learned so much. He was kind, flexible, and fun. Thanks, Little Gem, for all your help!
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel R
Zionsville, IN5 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
This was a trip planned for 2020 that was obviously postponed. Little Gems picked up where we left off and put together a perfect trip for us and two other couples. Rosie was hands on and all ears from the start. The accommodations were superb and our van and driver, Colm, were first class. Colm was extremely knowledgable re history and culture and could make suggestions concerning the day as we went. I would definitely recommend Little Gems to help you put your trip to Ireland together.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly A
Laytonsville, MD3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
This was a long-awaited girls trip which was planned pre pandemic. It was well worth the wait! We had Bobby as our host/driver and cannot say enough wonderful things. He has humor, kindness, and so much history and knowledge to share. I’m already looking forward to booking another trip!!!
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timothy H
Oneida, NY3 contributions
Aug 2023
Our family of eleven just returned from a 7 day Little Gem tour of the great Atlantic Way in Ireland. It is difficult to do justice to the wonderful experience we had in the care of Robbie, Rosie, and our driver and guide, Colm Fitzsimons. The trip was for our wedding vow renewal at our ancestral church in a town near Cork. Our children, their spouses, and our three grandchildren were with us. We wanted a tour that avoided touristy places, was immersed in Irish music and culture, and was flexible enough to handle the needs of eight adults, two preteen age children, and a nearly two year old little girl. We needed to be flexible. Colm was the perfect guide for our group. He was the most hospitable, thoughtful guide we could envision. Each day we would refine our agenda to meet the needs of our family, often arranging last minute lunch plans for eleven at some of his favorite out of the way restaurants, and always altering plans to fit our changing needs. He made this tour even more enjoyable for us than I could have hoped.
To be perfectly frank, I planned our tour primarily to have a driver and avoid having to rent four cars and drive caravan like around Ireland. In the end, we got that and so much more. Colm’s knowledge and obvious love of his country and all the wonderful little out of the way places was invaluable. All of the people at Little Gem Tours, and especially Colm, went out of their way to plan the tour we wanted, as opposed to some cookie cutter tour. It was a sad moment when Colm dropped us off in Dublin at the end of our trip. We felt like we were leaving family behind when Colm departed.
To everyone at Little Gem Tours, I thank you for the trip of a lifetime. To those reading this, and considering using Little Gem, don’t hesitate to book a tour with them. You will have zero regrets.
To be perfectly frank, I planned our tour primarily to have a driver and avoid having to rent four cars and drive caravan like around Ireland. In the end, we got that and so much more. Colm’s knowledge and obvious love of his country and all the wonderful little out of the way places was invaluable. All of the people at Little Gem Tours, and especially Colm, went out of their way to plan the tour we wanted, as opposed to some cookie cutter tour. It was a sad moment when Colm dropped us off in Dublin at the end of our trip. We felt like we were leaving family behind when Colm departed.
To everyone at Little Gem Tours, I thank you for the trip of a lifetime. To those reading this, and considering using Little Gem, don’t hesitate to book a tour with them. You will have zero regrets.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristy K
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
We went to Ireland because my husband and friends have Irish ancestry. It was so much more than I thought it would be. Our tour guide, Jimmy, had such a wealth of information on Irish history, and knowledge of so many things. He was so flexible and knew so many hidden gems in many parts of Ireland. We want to go back and do the northern part. I would want Little Gem to plan it again. Every place we stayed was excellent and I never had to worry about anything. Best vacation I’ve ever been on. Also, if I ever had a question, that question was answered in a timely manner. They know how to do things right. We got to see so much more because of a private guide. Jimmy is the best!!! We will be back again and will use these guys again.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi I’ve left three msgs and sent two emails...are you still operating?
robbiemcgrane
Dublin, Ireland10 contributions
Hi there,
We are currently receiving a large volume of requests. Apologies for any delay in responding. In addition, sometimes our email responses go directly to the spam folder. If you provided your name I could trace your request.
Kind regards,
Robbie McGrane
Robert M
Lancaster, PA
What is a typical tip for the driver/ guide?
triptraveler18
missouri114 contributions
15% is acceptable. It is not a common practice in Ireland but we always tip.
Goyines
5 contributions
Hi you all, I'll be traveling to Ireland soon and I am overwhelmed with the amount of information everywhere. I will be in Ireland nine days. Should I book the hotel alone or should I go with tours including the hotels... I am so lost and I traveling alone
robbiemcgrane
Dublin, Ireland10 contributions
Hi there,
Thank you for contacting us here at Little Gem. We offer private tours of Ireland and we can include accommodations as part of our multi-day packages. We explore Ireland by combining the best driver guides with unique itineraries exploring Ireland away from the crowds. If you email us directly I can send on some sample itineraries.
Kind Regards,
Robbie McGrane
Owner at Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland
Kelly A
Laytonsville, MD3 contributions
Hello! I am so excited to be reading your reviews as recently sent an email requesting information for a small group in 2020. I found out about you all a few years ago, and my travel pals and I have finally set about a ten year plan of vacations with Ireland at the top of the list.
Can’t wait to hear back!
Kelly
robbiemcgrane
Dublin, Ireland10 contributions
Hi there Kelly, thank you for contacting us here at Little Gem Tours. We would be delighted to show you guys around Ireland in 2020. It is good to plan in advance as our tours book out very fast. A tour director will be assigned to your request and you will receive a reply by tomorrow.
Kind Regards,
Robbie McGrane
Owner at Little Gem Tours
Anton B
9 contributions
Why do you have such bad support via your website? I filled booking form there, got your standart reply "Thank You for Contacting Us" and didn't get anything more. I wait more than 5 days.
robbiemcgrane
Dublin, Ireland10 contributions
Hi there Anton,
Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding. As mentioned on the return mail we currently are receiving an unprecedented number of requests and are doing our best to reply to everyone. Summer 2018 is almost booked out and we are receiving many requests for 2019. I have provided an alternative option for a tour on my return mail and I do hope you find a tour that will suit you.
Safe travels and have a wonderful time in Ireland.
Kind Regards,
Robbie McGrane
Owner at Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland
jean2792018
Bronxville, NY
I would like to speak to someone about setting up a private day tour of Dublin. The tour would include myself and my husband and 2 children, 12 and 8! We are looking for July 20, 2018. Please let me know! Regards, Jean Encke
robbiemcgrane
Dublin, Ireland10 contributions
Hi there Jean, thank you for the message. Please email directly on our website contact page and we will revert ASAP.
Kind regards,
Robbie McGrane
Owner - Little Gem Tours
bsg1969
Saudi Arabia70 contributions
Are you available on Tuesday 21 to Wednesday 22 August. We are a family of 4 including one pensioner. Our first time to Dublin and we would like to see as much as we can of it over those two days. We will arrive on Tuesday morning at 10am and depart Wednesday evening at 7.15pm so we also like airport transfers if possible. Please let me know your availability. Many thanks in advance.
robbiemcgrane
Dublin, Ireland10 contributions
Hi there,
Thank you for contacting Little Gem Tours. Unfortunately we are fully booked for your requested dates. We wish you the best in your search and have a wonderful time in Ireland.
Regards,
Robbie McGrane
Owner at Little Gem Tours
beachbum46292
Beach Haven, NJ8 contributions
Hi
Is it too cold to travel in February.
Thanks
Toni Gamils
robbiemcgrane
Dublin, Ireland10 contributions
Hi Toni, the weather is very unpredictable here in Ireland. In February it will be cold enough but probably no snow. However it is a nice time to travel as there are no big crowds.
Ames635
Chicago, IL73 contributions
I have been trying to contact them for about a month with no response. I have filled out the online form on the website and e-mailed them directly several times but have heard nothing. Any suggestions about how people got a hold of them? We really want to book with them but I can't figure out why I can't reach anyone.
Germaine R
Westford, MA54 contributions
Hi try contact them as robbie or maggie at littlegemtour
I've always had quick responses from them.
mummycentric
Eagle, ID91 contributions
I would love to contact you regarding dates in August. My dad & I will be visiting and would like transport/touring on 3 or 4 of the days. I have emailed the website and just want to confirm that it was received. Our dates are from Lucan to Cobh on Sunday Aug. 5th. Then tour/drive from Cobh to Galway on Tues. Aug. 7th and then same thing from Galway back to Dublin on Thurs. Aug. 9th. Also possible day tour in/around Dublin on 3rd or 4th possibly. I have read many wonderful reviews!! Thank you in advance!!
Darrell S
4 contributions
For more information, the contact detail is below. Note: I highly recommend Robbie's company, it was a great tour. They are online and contact detail is below.
Thanks,
DDS
Robbie McGrane
Owner & Tour Director,
Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland