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
119 reviews
Excellent
116
Very good
2
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0
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0
Terrible
1
CC0924
Chicago, IL3 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Our driver/guide Martin made our recent trip to Ireland a memorable one and the time spent touring with him was certainly a highlight if our trip. Booking with Ireland West Tours was easy and Jim was both helpful and patient with our questions. I also found their rates to be very competitive and reasonable given the excellent local knowledge and stunning vehicle provided. We spent two days with Martin. One was for a transfer from our hotel in Galway to another location while touring beautiful Connemara along the way and the second was spent visiting two sites we had picked out ahead of time. Martin was very accomodating and went above and beyond to help me find the childhood home of my grandfather. I highly recommend Ireland West tours and advise that anyone visiting Ireland take at least one private tour for a local perspective.
Written 28 May 2019
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.
Sue P
8 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We used this company for our tour from Dublin to Kerry, Kerry to Galway and then Galway to Dublin from 5/18-5/27/19. Our driver was Darren. We had a wonderful experience using this service. Darren was very knowledgeable and dependable. We always felt safe and in good hands. He suggested places for us to tour that other tourists would not see. He was so kind and respectful. I would highly recommend using this company for your tours!
Written 28 May 2019
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.
happytrails7777
Los Angeles, CA107 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Let me start by saying we believe that the private tour driver is the best money spent when budgeting for travel. We have been extremely fortunate in finding excellent tour drivers and Jim Parslow, Ireland West Tours is one of the best. We stayed in Cong and Galway and toured pastoral lands of Connemara, the lunar like scape of the Burren and the breath- taking Cliffs of Mohr. We had scheduled afternoon tea at Adare Manor so Jim suggested a few stops on the way: Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee and the Yeats Tower and Dromoland Castle. All were perfect suggestions and made for an absolutely lovely day! Jim is conversational and generously shares his love and knowledge of Ireland. He suggested restaurants that we tried and were excellent recommendations. Jim is a terrific guide and driver with a droll sense of humor. It was lovely to be able to let this experienced guy do the driving so we could appreciate the amazing country side. Jim is a busy guy, so be on the safe side and book early.
Written 15 May 2019
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.
Many many thanks for your kind words. It was a pleasure to carry you and show you some of the West of Ireland. Hope to see you again sometime.
Written 19 May 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AmyfromFargo
Fargo, ND19 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
In planning our trip to Ireland I was looking into the many coach tour options available, but the thought of being stuck in a coach bus with a bunch of obnoxious (American) tourists didn't sound like a very good vacation. And I didn't want to stress driving on the left over narrow roads and missing all the scenery.
I was thrilled to find Ireland West Tours! Martin chauffeured us expertly to the most amazing places and shared fascinating history and local lore. We were able to go at our own pace, on our own schedule, and go places the big buses could not. We were able to avoid the big crowds and have a delightful, relaxing journey. Worth every euro!
I was thrilled to find Ireland West Tours! Martin chauffeured us expertly to the most amazing places and shared fascinating history and local lore. We were able to go at our own pace, on our own schedule, and go places the big buses could not. We were able to avoid the big crowds and have a delightful, relaxing journey. Worth every euro!
Written 1 May 2019
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.
Lisa A
Cork, Ireland1 contribution
Apr 2019 • Solo
Riding with Jim around the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher was absolutely incredible, for lack of a better word--I can't even describe how wonderful the day was! Even before the tour, Jim was incredibly kind and patient; since it was a solo trip, I had no idea where to start. He walked me through the process and helped me get everything booked. Meeting him in person was even better, because he was just as kind and patient, but this time we got to have engaging (and fun!) conversations! I was afraid I would make things awkward because I'm a naturally shy person and was all alone, but right from the start I felt comfortable and enjoyed every bit of the ride.
Jim gave me choices of how I wanted to do things when I was unsure, and I'm incredibly grateful. For example, at the Cliffs of Moher he gave me three options: go the official route, take the "unofficial" route, or go by ferry. I decided to go by ferry AND take the "unofficial" route, and I'm pretty sure that's the best thing you can do--it was BEYOND worth it because you get to experience the Cliffs in two completely different-yet-breathtaking ways! The whole trip was unrushed and memorable because I got to see what I wanted to, even if it wasn't on the map, but most of all I think just having Jim as my guide is what made the trip the most enjoyable. Having a good guide definitely makes or breaks a trip, and I can confidently say that Jim is the BEST. I couldn't recommend Ireland West Tours enough; forget 10/10, this experience was definitely a 15/10!!
Jim gave me choices of how I wanted to do things when I was unsure, and I'm incredibly grateful. For example, at the Cliffs of Moher he gave me three options: go the official route, take the "unofficial" route, or go by ferry. I decided to go by ferry AND take the "unofficial" route, and I'm pretty sure that's the best thing you can do--it was BEYOND worth it because you get to experience the Cliffs in two completely different-yet-breathtaking ways! The whole trip was unrushed and memorable because I got to see what I wanted to, even if it wasn't on the map, but most of all I think just having Jim as my guide is what made the trip the most enjoyable. Having a good guide definitely makes or breaks a trip, and I can confidently say that Jim is the BEST. I couldn't recommend Ireland West Tours enough; forget 10/10, this experience was definitely a 15/10!!
Written 20 April 2019
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, thank you very much for such a kind review and such lovely sentiments. You were such a wonderful person to work with. Wishing you all the best for the future. Jim
Written 21 April 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonathan L
4 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Pat was amazing and answered our incessant questions! Would highly recommend a private tour from this tour company.
Written 23 March 2019
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.
Megan H
Cincinnati, OH46 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Jim Parslow is the go-to Galway guy! We booked him for a full day trip to see the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher and enjoyed every minute. Jim is easy to communicate with starting from the initial email requesting availability. He's quick to respond and will work with your ideas and time frame. He picked my husband and I up from our Galway hotel and we headed out with plans to visit the Cliffs of Moher. He warned us first thing that visibility was poor at the Cliffs but we would try to visit them later in the day and hope for the best. Along the way, Jim took us through small towns and also to the more prominent tourist sights. He will take pictures for you and loves to answer any and all questions. He knows the history of every site we passed through. He would offer us options as we went along and always checked to make sure we were content with the route and plan. By the time we got to the Cliffs, there was still ZERO visibility. Jim was more disappointed by this than we were! Instead, we made the most of the rest of our time together by visiting other areas. Jim even helped us map out a route to re-visit the Cliffs on our own a few days later when we had our own vehicle. Jim is a great driver and it felt like riding with a family member. If you want someone who knows the area, knows the history, and knows how to show you all the sites, then this is your company and Jim is your guy. I would recommend him to anyone and I hope to ride with him again the next time we visit Ireland.
sidenote: he will also book dinner reservations for you :)
sidenote: he will also book dinner reservations for you :)
Written 8 January 2019
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.
Many thanks for your lovely comments and yes I was disappointed that visibility was so poor but I am delighted that you were happy with "Plan B" and it's great that you got to see them on your re-routed journey south. Jim
Written 8 January 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jenbrite1
New York City, NY21 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
Jim made our trip so fun! We had a 2 year old and Jim was patient and accommodating. He really knows the area. I highly recommend!
Written 26 November 2018
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, many thanks for your kind words, you and your husband were a pleasure to work with and your son was good company and extremely well behaved for a 2 year old.
Written 27 November 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jhaley1210
jhaley12102 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Having decided not to rent a car, my wife and I located Ireland West Tours. It was one of the best vacation decisions we ever made. We spent two days north and south of the city seeing and experiencing stunningly beautiful sites and countryside. Jim is amazingly personable, knowledgeable, and a damned fine driver. Thanks to him, we have many unforgettable and unique memories.
Written 14 November 2018
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.
LindaB
10 contributions
Sep 2018
Booked with Ireland West Tours for a group of 5. Took a brief driving tour through Galway City before heading to Connemara. A planned six hour tour turned into eight hours, because there is just so much to see. Our guide, Pete, couldn’t have been nicer. His knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, this part of Ireland really contributed to our enjoyment. Our itinerary was made up of places we wanted to see, combined with suggestions from Pete. Wonderful lunch stop in Clifden too. We found the whole experience well worth the price and highly recommend it.
Written 30 September 2018
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.
Kit B
Fort Collins, CO4 contributions
Jim,
How do I go about getting copies of the pictures you took during our tour? Thanks!
jackandjill
Wimberley, TX21 contributions
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
Jim P
Galway, Ireland15 contributions
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
Kit B
Fort Collins, CO4 contributions
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.
Jim P
Galway, Ireland15 contributions
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
jjj5819
Worcester, MA13 contributions
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
Les57
New Jersey41 contributions
I think you sent this to the wrong person.
cheval30
Derry, NH11 contributions
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!
Jim P
Galway, Ireland15 contributions
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
K M
Sioux Falls4 contributions
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.
futz
chicago24 contributions
Hi, just trying to get an idea of cost for a week. There will be 4 adults.
Jim P
Galway, Ireland15 contributions
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