Paddy took us on our all day tour of the are surrounding Galway. We saw amazing water wars... read more
Paddy took us on our all day tour of the are surrounding Galway. We saw amazing water wars... read more
Patrick picked us up right in front of our hotel and led us on a day of adventure along the west... read more
We toured with Jim of Ireland West Tours and are so glad we did. He was prompt and organized. He suggested that we see the Cliffs of Moher from the water, and it was a wonderful experience. He took us to places we would never have seen on our own. The two 18-year olds traveling with us loved it all. Each new experience was their favorite. Thanks so much for a wonderful day.
Jim was just wonderful. We booked a full day with a pickup in Galway and a drop-off at Dromoland. We were also traveling with our Son and he dropped him off at the Train back to Dublin. Jim was a great story teller and rather then me having to drive I was able to sit back and enjoy the wonderfull scenery we drove through. He was flexible to our wants and needs and showed us sights there were no way I would find by my self. He was reasonably priced . I would highly recommend him as an alternate to renting a car or even taking a bus tour. And Jim is also a photographer and took pictures of us all along the way as well as pointing out the best places to take photos.
We had been to Ireland several and at the end of a business meeting in Galway we had three days to travel. Rather than renting a car or getting into a bigger tour group, we went out as a couple with Jim Parslow from Ireland West Tours. A great decision. He knows the lay of the land, took us to great places. He also responded to our requests fro particular locations. I am a bird photographer and other than at the Cliffs of Moher (which Jim took us to via boat) birds are difficult to fond in Western and we settled on seeing the Birds of Prey at Allwee Cave. A great decision. Jim said he had not been to the bird show in a while so he called another guide to find the best location for us to stand during the show. It turned out to be back row right and it was a great location. Bottom line, Jim picks you up, drives you around, and by the end of each day we had a great time. Highly recommended.
We vacationed in Ireland for our 40th wedding anniversary and cautiously decided to use a personal guided tour service instead of a group bus or driving ourselves. We contemplated driving ourselves but had concerns about driving on the opposite of road and shifting gears on the left, and we read online about very narrow rural two-way roads that can be difficult to negotiate. We are so glad we decided on a personal guided tour with Ireland West Tours.
We spent five days with Jim of Ireland West Tours and are extremely happy with that decision. During our pre-trip planning months before our trip and even before committing to the tour service Jim was extremely helpful in organizing our long list of sites and activities we wanted to do. He took our list and organized it into a logical itinerary without the time constraints of a group bus tour. We had the leisure of staying at sites and restaurants as long as we wanted. There were times when we were relaxing at a beautiful scenic site when a tour bus whisked by, allowing its passengers only fleeting seconds to see what we were experiencing. Jim took us on beautiful scenic routes through the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula and used short cut scenic routes not accessible by tour buses.
Jim knows all the great places to eat, helped us interpret menu items we were unfamiliar with, but everything and every place was our decision. Jim also took complementary photos of us throughout our trip in some of the most beautiful scenic spots and castles.
If you don’t know Ireland then driving yourself would not be a good idea, and a tour bus will limit your time and freedom. A personal guided tour is the way to go and Jim made our tour perfect. He is very professional and knowledgeable about Irish history and the historical sites we visited. Above all Jim is courteous, professional, fun, and keeps you entertained during drives, and he is probably the nicest guy in all of Ireland. He even bartered for me with a shopkeeper. Ireland West Tours is the perfect way to see Ireland.
The Russells
Not wanting to do the typical "bus tour" of Ireland, and not wanting to drive on the left, I booked a tour with Ireland West Tours after great recommendations by Jim Parslow. It was the best decision I could have possibly made for this trip. Travelling with my 19 year old daughter, we were picked up in Dublin by our guide, Paul, and traveled to Killarney, via Rock of Cashel/Blarney Castle. We toured the Dingle Peninsula and on to Galway via the Burren and Cliffs of Moher. We had a day off in Galway and then toured Connemara. I can honestly say there is no better way to see this country, than with a driver. You have control over stopping and staying as long as you like. You can get to places no bus tour has ever been. We hiked to remote churches, visited little known Tower houses/castles...all things that our amazing guide, Paul, was able to recommend. This was worth every single penny, and then some. Jim, you are lucky to have Paul as a driver. Best wishes to you both.
We were limited to 1 day in Connemara and wanted to make the most of it. After much research we chose Ireland West Tours, and were fortunate to have Jim Parslow as our guide for the day. At the end of the day we were so thankful with our decision, and wouldn't have done it any other way. I had emailed Jim in advance a list of highlights we wanted to see if time was available. He was prompt picking us up at our hotel, and once in his vehicle went over the list with me, remembering every item. Jim grew up in Galway, and has a great knowledge of the Connemara region and many stories to tell. His main concern for the day was that we saw what we wanted to see, and had all the time we wanted to spend in each location. The drive out to Connemara was surreal with breathtaking views of the mountains, lakes, and of course sheep. Jim stopped any where we asked for photo opportunities. A photographer by trade, he took professional family photos of us as well at many of the stops. We began with stops at Quiet Mans bridge, followed by a 360 degree view of the panorama in the Peacockes Hotel viewing tower. A true highlight was driving down an old unpaved road in the hills of the Inagh valley with spectacular views of the the rolling hills, sheep grazing, mountains and lakes in the distance. So many photos were taken here. The best part is we were the only car on the road. Coach buses are unable to access this road, and it is an experience you don't want to miss. These are the roads you imagine when you picture Ireland in your mind. They are still here, just don't tell anyone. We stopped at Kylemore Abbey for photos but did not enter due to our limited time. Jim was helpful here knowing the best spots for photos of the abbey. Instead of touring the abbey we entered Connemara national park and walked the yellow trail. Here we met Connemara ponies, a baby lamb, and experienced more amazing views of the Diamond mountains. We wanted to see the Killary fjords, so Jim drove along the coast stopping at a beach and points along the way to view this natural spectacle. Amazing views, sights, and sounds. We covered everything on our list and more. I HIGHLY recommend Ireland West tour for several reasons. Jim's knowledge of the region and access to the backroads were undeniably a highlight to our stay in Ireland. He is a skilled driver, photographer, and story teller. Guides are not just drivers that drop you off at each sight to enjoy. Jim went everywhere with us, hiked the trail in Connemara park with us, and was just an overall pleasure. Every minute in his car was filled with so much information, and humor. I agree with other reviewers that 5 stars is just not enough.