Ireland West Tours
Ireland West Tours
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Ireland West Tours provides the perfect solution for those that do not want to have the restraints of a Coach Tour but don't want the strains of a self drive tour. We provide private personalised tours where the customer gets to choose the timetable, itinerary and pace of the tour. We bring you to see the real West of Ireland and we bring you to places where the tour buses don't go.
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5.0
121 reviews
Excellent
118
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
grhokie
Bon Air, VA134 contributions
Oct 2022
Patrick picked us up early at our hotel in Galway for a trip to the Cliffs of Moher. Without any type of plan other than that, we didn't really know what to expect. What we got was a fantastic tour given by someone who was less tour guide and more like an uncle proud to show you around his neck of the woods (or rocks, as the case is with the burren). The highlight was the awesomeness of the Cliffs but we stopped in many places for excellent pictures and fantastic history lessons from Patrick.
Back to the Cliffs, Patrick took us into an alternate entrance on someone's private property and we paid half of what we would have had to pay at the main entrance and we got a lot closer to the Cliffs, allowing us to spend a lot more time in awe of the scene.
Of course, a hidden bonus is not having to drive. It was such a relief to have someone else do the driving while telling us about everything around. A fine day all around.
Back to the Cliffs, Patrick took us into an alternate entrance on someone's private property and we paid half of what we would have had to pay at the main entrance and we got a lot closer to the Cliffs, allowing us to spend a lot more time in awe of the scene.
Of course, a hidden bonus is not having to drive. It was such a relief to have someone else do the driving while telling us about everything around. A fine day all around.
Written 13 October 2022
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.
Lynda C
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Couples
Last week my sister and I took an excellent tour of West Ireland with our tour guide Derek and his driver Maiko. Derek offered all the participants a very interesting and entertaining experience. Additionally, the driver handled the tour bus through all the roads very safely and smoothly. Derek made each person feel very special. He even made sure that I would be warm during our excursion by providing me with a beautiful scarf. Derek even offered the guests a list of places to dine in Galway and raffled off a leprechaun hat at the end of the trip. His advice at each stop was on point to make our first trip to Ireland totally memorable. Thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge with us and making our day so much fun!!
Written 10 November 2022
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.
PirateMum
South Lyon, MI3 contributions
Nov 2022
Jim, the owner, was very friendly and easy to work with. Our driver, Peter, gave us an outstanding tour of the Cliffs and the surrounding Burren, all at a nice, leisurely pace. It was like being driven around by an old friend who showed us many beautiful places and told us so many interesting facts throughout the day. I would highly recommend this private tour service!
Written 15 November 2022
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.
Tom F
Clermont, FL49 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Ireland West provided us a fantastic tour of The Connemara area in beautiful western Ireland. Our driver, Patrick, met us promptly at our apartment, and took us for a wonderful ride in a very comfortable small van and explained the history and details of this breathtaking countryside. We had indicated places we wanted to see and he customized the time and locations for us. He even recommended an awesome restaurant for lunch which we thoroughly enjoyed. We would utilize Ireland West again should we have the opportunity to visit.
Written 11 September 2021
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.
lolabana
Omaha, NE368 contributions
May 2022 • Family
We had an amazing time driving around the Connemara area with Darren. He was informative and entertaining, a perfect mix. He suggested some stops that were more impressive than a few of the places that I had picked out. We are so lucky to have gotten Darren for our driver and guide. I also love that this company does not stick to a strict schedule. There is a lot of flexibility in what to see, including our suggestions with amazing suggestions by our guide.
Written 29 May 2022
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.
Gia C
3 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We did the Stroller Tour with Patrick and had a fabulous day. We highly recommend Ireland West Tours! He took us to so many beautiful locations - all of which had their unique charm. We all enjoyed good conversation and learned some interesting things. Patrick picked us up at our hotel, arriving right on time. The vehicle was immaculate and his safe driving made for a peaceful yet adventurous day. There is no way we could have ever “just happened upon” all the spots Patrick helped us to experience.
Book a day tour with Patrick at Ireland West Tours - you will be happy you did.
Book a day tour with Patrick at Ireland West Tours - you will be happy you did.
Written 4 September 2024
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.
WonderlustTN
Brentwood, TN98 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Absolutely phenomenal!
We ended up taking two tours with Darren as our guide for both tours.
If you went a personable tour with great history, sites off the beaten path, and a guide who becomes a friend then book it!
There was no rushing. Darren chose places for us based on our interests and took us to places no buses can get to. It was like having an old friend for a guide.
Do yourself a favor and explore Ireland with this tour company. You won’t be disappointed.
We ended up taking two tours with Darren as our guide for both tours.
If you went a personable tour with great history, sites off the beaten path, and a guide who becomes a friend then book it!
There was no rushing. Darren chose places for us based on our interests and took us to places no buses can get to. It was like having an old friend for a guide.
Do yourself a favor and explore Ireland with this tour company. You won’t be disappointed.
Written 19 January 2024
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.
pstewartist
Colorado Springs, CO72 contributions
May 2022
1. You won't get lost.
2. If you're American, you won't have to drive on the wrong side car and on the wrong side of the road.
3. No one will miss viewing the beautiful scenery and sights because of having to watch the road.
4. No one will miss viewing the scenery and sights because of having to pay attention to the map.
5. Everyone in your party will be able to relax and enjoy the tour.
6. You'll be able to visit the places you want and spend as much time at each as you like.
7. If you're lucky enough to have Elva as your driver/guide, you'll find her very knowledgeable because she's spent her whole life in the area.
8.Elva is fun to be with, thoughtful and eager to please.
9. If you enjoy taking photos, Elva knows all the special places to stop.
10. You'll travel very comfortably in Elva's beautiful new BMW SUV.
2. If you're American, you won't have to drive on the wrong side car and on the wrong side of the road.
3. No one will miss viewing the beautiful scenery and sights because of having to watch the road.
4. No one will miss viewing the scenery and sights because of having to pay attention to the map.
5. Everyone in your party will be able to relax and enjoy the tour.
6. You'll be able to visit the places you want and spend as much time at each as you like.
7. If you're lucky enough to have Elva as your driver/guide, you'll find her very knowledgeable because she's spent her whole life in the area.
8.Elva is fun to be with, thoughtful and eager to please.
9. If you enjoy taking photos, Elva knows all the special places to stop.
10. You'll travel very comfortably in Elva's beautiful new BMW SUV.
Written 23 June 2022
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.
Traveller376
Toronto, Canada209 contributions
Sept 2021 • Solo
I did two full day tours, the ultimate Burren and the ultimate Connemara, with Elva. I had an amazing time. Elva was fun, knowledgeable and designs the tours around your interests. The Burren tour highlights included Poulnabrone Dolmen, Caherconnell Fort, Kilfenora Church & celtic crosses, the Burren, Black Head Drive, the Cliffs of Moher and visits to an artisanal chocolate and cheese manufacturers. The landscape was spectacular and lunch in a Doolin pub was excellent. The Connemara tour also had highlights, such as Kylemore Abbey, Inagh Valley, Leeane and Killary Harbour, but the focus is primarily the wild beautiful scenery. Elva also gave me very helpful suggestions for my trip to the Aran Islands. Thank you Elva for two very memorable days.
Written 9 November 2021
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.
Joy-Of-The-Journey
Chicago8 contributions
Jim Parslow is without a doubt, one of the best tour guides you could have when visiting Connemara, and I don’t say this lightly. Having traveled to many corners of the world for the last 40 years, I have come across my fair share, and Jim Parslow of Ireland West Tours is one of the best – one of the most knowledgeable, professional, and expert guides you could hire, and an all-around nice guy!
My friends and I had only one day to visit Connemara (including our travel from Dublin). Jim picked us up at the bus station and whisked us off on a wonderful adventure. He took us everywhere and to secret little places off the beaten track that tour companies with bigger vehicles couldn’t have gone to.
Many people discouraged us from seeing Connemara in only a day, but we wanted to lay eyes on that beautiful corner of the world and one day was all we had. Jim made it happen!! He's a Connemara native and showed us many of his hidden favorites. Jim's also a photographer and knew intuitively how to edit and crop and keep in the important details. He planned our limited time well and skillfully maneuvered us to the best places. He knew exactly what to zoom in on! With his guidance, the day was filled with so many beautiful sites, that when we were finished, we realized that we would be taking home a day we would remember for years to come, long after the tour was over. It was one day, but it was magical from start to finish.
At one of those off-the-beaten-track places he took us to, high on a hill overlooking Connemara, where your breath stood still from the majestic beauty surrounding you, and you could hear the sound of peace filling the entire valley, and you stood there feeling like you were looking into the face of God, nature was in such harmony that even a donkey dropped by, out of nowhere, just to say hello. He saw us and had to come by and pay us a visit. He was so curious, personable and friendly, that you’d think we were long lost relatives and not just tourists passing through. We had stepped into a lost world that Jim had found for us, a different world where things are not as you know them. The entire day was like this, filled with hospitality and surprises at every turn! It was a true delight. It was the joy of the journey we had encountered and the reason we venture out of our familiar surroundings.
If you’re ever in Connemara and in need of a great guide, you can’t do better than Jim Parslow of Ireland West Tours. When it’s all over, you’re left with the feeling that he would spare himself no trouble to make your visit memorable. And that he did. A true gem of a man and one of Ireland’s best!!
My friends and I had only one day to visit Connemara (including our travel from Dublin). Jim picked us up at the bus station and whisked us off on a wonderful adventure. He took us everywhere and to secret little places off the beaten track that tour companies with bigger vehicles couldn’t have gone to.
Many people discouraged us from seeing Connemara in only a day, but we wanted to lay eyes on that beautiful corner of the world and one day was all we had. Jim made it happen!! He's a Connemara native and showed us many of his hidden favorites. Jim's also a photographer and knew intuitively how to edit and crop and keep in the important details. He planned our limited time well and skillfully maneuvered us to the best places. He knew exactly what to zoom in on! With his guidance, the day was filled with so many beautiful sites, that when we were finished, we realized that we would be taking home a day we would remember for years to come, long after the tour was over. It was one day, but it was magical from start to finish.
At one of those off-the-beaten-track places he took us to, high on a hill overlooking Connemara, where your breath stood still from the majestic beauty surrounding you, and you could hear the sound of peace filling the entire valley, and you stood there feeling like you were looking into the face of God, nature was in such harmony that even a donkey dropped by, out of nowhere, just to say hello. He saw us and had to come by and pay us a visit. He was so curious, personable and friendly, that you’d think we were long lost relatives and not just tourists passing through. We had stepped into a lost world that Jim had found for us, a different world where things are not as you know them. The entire day was like this, filled with hospitality and surprises at every turn! It was a true delight. It was the joy of the journey we had encountered and the reason we venture out of our familiar surroundings.
If you’re ever in Connemara and in need of a great guide, you can’t do better than Jim Parslow of Ireland West Tours. When it’s all over, you’re left with the feeling that he would spare himself no trouble to make your visit memorable. And that he did. A true gem of a man and one of Ireland’s best!!
Written 10 June 2011
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.
Jim,
How do I go about getting copies of the pictures you took during our tour? Thanks!
Written 21 July 2018
Jim do you have any availability for Sunday June 17th? We are arriving this afternoon plans changed
Would like to surprise my husband a private tour to the cliffs of Moher and anything else ?
Thanks
Angie
Written 16 June 2018
Sorry.I only became aware of your query now and it's probably too late. You can call me at +35391751910 if it's not too late. Jim
Written 17 June 2018
I tried contacting you through your website contact form two weeks ago and haven't heard back. I would like to book something for myself and my family for the end of May 2018.
Written 15 April 2018
I do apologise but for some strange reason. I don't seem to have received an enquiry from you. If you don't mind, can you send me a copy and I'll reply immediately? Jim Parslow
Written 16 April 2018
Hi Mr. Parslow - We are interested in a private tour around the coast of county Mayo - Lough, Letterfrack, Clifden, Kylemore Abbey, Castlebar Leeanun /Doo Lough Pass to Louisburgh then West to Killeen near the Srahmee Megalith Tomb then Westport. I don't know if this is in the right order but we would like to see ancient ruins, churches and small towns. there will be three of us. What is the cost? I can send you my email if you can send me yours in private. Thanks, Jessica Josephson
Written 19 August 2016
I have tried to contact you through email and have not received a reply. Is there another way to get in touch with you? I haven't had any luck with your phone number either. Thank you!
Written 16 April 2016
Hi, we have had some intermittent problems with our email but it is working again or my landline is 0035391753103 and cell phone is 00353872257339. Apologies for the inconvenience. Jim Parslow
Written 17 April 2016
There would be 5 of us during the period from April 24, 2016 to April 29, 2016. your suggestions? Can you accomodate us together? One of our party would like to go to Galway and include the Aran Islands. Thanks you.
Written 15 January 2016
Hi, just trying to get an idea of cost for a week. There will be 4 adults.
Written 12 July 2015
HI, all our tours are tailor made and there are many permutations. If you could send your email address to me via our website I will be only too pleased to forward you detailed information, Regards, Jim Parslow
Written 13 July 2015
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