Desmond Tours

05/02/2025

🚌 Behind the Scenes at Desmond Tours – Your Safety & Comfort Come First! 🚌

At Desmond Tours, we don’t just offer private tours—we offer peace of mind. Here’s what goes on behind the scenes to ensure your journey through Ireland is seamless, safe, and stress-free:

✅ Expert Guides – Our driver-guides are fully trained, approved Irish National Tour Guides, bringing Irish history and culture to life through excellent storytelling skills.

✅ Fully Licensed Drivers – Safety first! Every driver is fully licensed and insured. Helpful Tip: you can verify a driver’s license with the official SPSV Driver Check: 🔗 https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-taxi/check-a-licence/

✅ Fully Insured Vehicles – Our touring vehicles are approved by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and undergo regular and rigorous safety checks to ensure a smooth journey.

From the moment you step into one of our vehicles, you can relax knowing you're in the best hands! ☘️💚

04/02/2025

Think You Know Private Tours? 🤓🧐 Let’s Bust Some Myths! 🔍

Are you thinking? "I Have to Drive Myself to enjoy Ireland" 🚗❌

❌ Myth: “I have to rent a car to explore Ireland properly.”
✅ Truth: When booking a private tour with Desmond Tours, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views while a professional driver-guide looks after driving on the left-hand side! 🚘 No stress, no Google Maps—just seamless, stress-free travel in your own private touring vehicle.

🙌Who’s ready to skip the driving, watch the the beautiful Irish countryside go by outside, and start enjoying? 🙌

📩 DM us to plan your perfect Ireland Bucket List adventure!
☎️ Book your Zoom call, discuss your itinerary, and meet your guide - all before you decide to book! https://tinyurl.com/yckxma2b

02/02/2025

😁 We're so excited 😁

We at Desmond Tours are looking forward to further extending our list of tried and tested, local activity partners. We are very much looking forward to tomorrow when we will be meeting Frank Corbett of for a celebration of rich Irish culinary heritage! 🇮🇪🍲🍞🍺🍵☕🇮🇪

Frank's food experience will take us and our future guests back to the roots of Irish cuisine. Frank will guide us through a historical food journey, sharing stories and traditions whilst we sample authentic Irish dishes.

😁 We cannot wait 😁



https://youtu.be/-pnenwAskog?t=3

The Traditional Irish Food Experience is a step back in time to old Ireland. Our menu is made up of food our ancestors would have eaten on this Island In the...

01/02/2025

💚Hidden gem alert💚

On 1st February, Ireland celebrates St Brigid’s Day (Lá Fhéile Bríde), honouring Ireland’s beloved female patron saint and marking the ancient festival of 'Imbolc' —the beginning of spring. Did you know that St Brigid is a symbol of renewal, creativity, and hospitality?

Her legacy is woven into Ireland’s culture, from folklore to stunning sacred sites.

🕊 Hidden Gems for St Brigid’s Day:

🌿 St Brigid’s Well, Kildare – A peaceful, spiritual spot where visitors leave prayers and tokens for blessings. A quiet place to reflect, steeped in centuries of tradition.

🔥 Brigid’s Fire Temple, Kildare – A site where a sacred flame burned continuously in her honour for centuries. Today, the flame has been rekindled by Brigidine Sisters, keeping her spirit alive.

⛪ St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare – A striking medieval cathedral built on the foundations of an earlier religious site associated with Brigid’s monastery, offering breathtaking views from its round tower.

🌀 Lough Gur, County Limerick – An ancient, mystical lake linked to goddess Brigid and pre-Christian rituals celebrating fertility and rebirth. A must-visit for history lovers and spiritual seekers alike.

✨ What are your plans for St Brigid’s Day 2026? Whether you’re drawn to the folklore, the faith, or the changing of the seasons, St Brigid’s Day is the perfect time to explore the magic of rich Irish traditions.

💚 Would you visit these sites on your next adventure to Ireland? Let us know in the comments!

30/01/2025

🌧️✨ Goodbye January – Hello Brighter Days! ✨🌿

As we bid farewell to the longest month of the year, we can’t help but reflect on Storm Éowyn and the challenges it brought. Record wind gusts of 183 km/h, heavy rain, and power outages made life difficult for many across Ireland - many thousands still have no power 🤯😳.

For tour operators like us, no electricity meant no emails, no calls, no bookings, and plenty of candlelit planning sessions! But in true Irish fashion, we weathered the storm. ☘️

We’re incredibly grateful that all our touring vehicles came through unscathed, ready to hit the road again soon. And we want to take a moment to appreciate the local heroes — the emergency crews, ESB workers, and community volunteers—who worked tirelessly to restore power and keep everyone safe. Go raibh míle maith agat to you all!

Now, as February begins, we turn our focus to the brighter days ahead. The new touring season is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors back for another year of unforgettable journeys all across Ireland. Who’s ready to explore the Emerald Isle with us in 2025? 🍀✨

29/01/2025

26/01/2025

☘️✨ Include this Hidden Gem in Your Ireland Summer Adventure! ☘️✨
January is nearly over—have you planned your summer getaway yet?

Picture this:
📍 Lough Tay (aka The Guinness Lake) – tucked away in the emerald hills of County Wicklow, this enchanting black lake, framed by soft white sands, looks just like a pint of Guinness 🍺. It's one of Ireland’s most iconic views and a must-visit on your adventure.

But that’s just one stop! With Desmond Tours every itinerary is crafted to blend Ireland’s famous treasures—like the Cliffs of Moher or The Rock of Cashel—with the hidden gems only we locals know about.

✨ Dates are filling up fast for Summer 2025, so don’t miss your chance to explore Ireland’s lush landscapes, fascinating history, and warm hospitality.

📲 Message us or visit our website to start planning: https://shorturl.at/wSVdw

23/01/2025

✨ Starting the New Year with Exceptional Service! ✨

At Desmond Tours, we believe that every journey begins with the planning—and we strive to make it as seamless, exciting, and stress-free as the tour itself. 🌍☘️

We’re thrilled to share this glowing review from one of our 2025 clients:
"While we have yet to take our tour, the communication, pricing, assistance, and immediate response that was offered during the planning process was outstanding! We look forward to touring with this company!"

💬 Have you toured with us or experienced our personalized planning process?
We’d love for you to share your thoughts! Your feedback not only makes it all worthwhile for us but helps future travellers create their own unforgettable Irish adventures.

👉 Click here to read more reviews or leave your own: https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g186616-d15692046-Reviews-Desmond_Tours-Kilkenny_County_Kilkenny.html

Thank you to everyone who has supported us—we look forward to welcoming you to Ireland soon! 💚

21/01/2025

Blue Monday's over... time to start planning for greener adventures! ☘🚌☘
Ireland at Its Greenest— why not plan a visit Saint Patrick’s Day 2025/2026?

The lush green landscapes, fresh from winter rains, make Ireland’s beauty absolutely breathtaking. Add in authentic celebrations and traditions, and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable adventure.

Why choose to visit around Saint Patrick’s Day?

🟢Emerald landscapes at their most vibrant.
🟢Authentic Irish culture—experience local parades, live music, and traditional hospitality.
🟢A peaceful escape—explore Ireland’s hidden gems without the summer crowds.

Our private customized tours are the perfect way to explore Ireland at that time of year. Our itineraries offer all the flexibility you need and whether you’re planning for 2025 or looking ahead to 2026, early bookings mean better value and exclusive tours!

To discuss your individual travel plans, and to meet your driver guide, book a call today: https://shorturl.at/4DaFb

12/01/2025

Just received a cancellation for Saint Patrick's week, anyone out there fancy a last minute trip to Ireland to enjoy the festivities??☘️☘️☘️

01/01/2025

It's high time to act on that New Year's resolution 🤪 😅

Plan your 2025 trip to Ireland now - when travelling with Desmond Tours on a private customized tour, you are in charge:
☘️ stop where you want,
☘️ and for how long you'd like,
☘️ without the hassle of navigating the windy roads of Ireland!

Before you decide to book, meet your guide online and discuss your customized itinerary. All destinations on the island of Ireland can be included.

Find out more or book your call ☘️ https://desmondtours.com/private-tours/ ☘️

26/12/2024

🌟🎄 Christmas Magic at Irish Castles and Manor Houses 🎄🌟

Dreaming of a stay at the stunning Ashford Castle in Ireland ? We can take you there as part of our "Ireland’s Best Castles" tour, or as part of any of our custom tour options 🏰✨

With Desmond Tours , you’re in charge – we’ll craft a journey that blends Ireland’s most iconic fortresses with your own preferred must-sees. From medieval strongholds to luxurious castle stays, this tour is your gateway to history, beauty, and bespoke adventure.

Here’s what makes this tour unforgettable:
🏰 The option to add incredible stops like Ashford Castle.
🏰 Private travel with your own expert driver-guide – relax and enjoy the journey.
🏰 A fully customized itinerary showcasing Ireland’s most majestic castles and hidden gems.

💚 Let us bring your castle dreams to life with a tour as unique as you are. Whether it’s the rugged charm of Connemara or regal towers down south, we’ll make it happen.

🛡️ Your 2025 castle adventure awaits!
📅 Let’s design your personalized journey: https://desmondtours.com/multi-day-tours/irelands-best-castles/?tour=irelands-best-castles

24/12/2024

🎄Wishing all our a wonderful Christmas, lots of joy and happiness, and most importantly health and good luck for the new year ahead 🎄We hope you received the Christmas Cards we sent earlier 🥰

Here are some of our most favourite places to be at Christmas time in Ireland. Can you spot a place you'd like to visit?

😁☘Desmond Tours feeling CHRISTMASSSY!!!!😁☘

22/12/2024

🌟 Short for time? No problem - Discover our (short) Wonderful Weekend Tour🌟

You only have a few days to spare for your 2025 Ireland Vacation? Make sure you make the most of your time, include the highlights, and stay in the best hotels Ireland has to offer!

While any accommodation/location can be added to your customized private tour of Ireland, we highly recommend you consider Cashel Palace Hotel in Ireland's Ancient East 🏰✨

This Palladian manor is spectacularly located right by the Rock of Cashel. It's a gorgeous five star property, enveloped in nature and overlooked by ancient history. Food and service at this wonderful manor house are absolutely spectacular!

Here’s what makes a Desmond Tours (short) custom tour of Ireland unforgettable:
🏰 The option to add incredible stops like Cashel Palace Hotel.
🏰 Private travel with your own expert driver-guide – relax and enjoy the journey.
🏰 A fully customized itinerary showcasing Ireland’s most majestic properties and hidden gems.

🛡️ Your 2025 Ireland adventure awaits!
🛡️Our short weekend tour with customizable options can be found here: https://desmondtours.com/multi-day-tours/ireland-a-quick-ireland-taster/?tour=a-wonderful-weekend-in-ireland
📅 Let’s design your personalized journey by having a video call, during which you can get to know your personal guide:
https://desmondtours.com/contact-us/

17/12/2024

💚 Hidden Gem Alert 💚

While Waterford Crystal is world-famous for its stunning craftsmanship, did you know there’s another craft treasure waiting to be discovered in Waterford City? 🌟 Step into the world of Irish Handmade Glass Company, where dazzling, handcrafted glassware is created in the heart of Waterford City.

Here, you can witness the magic of glassblowing up close as skilled craftsmen turn molten glass into intricate works of art. Each piece is handmade, making it a perfect keepsake or gift with a personal touch.

Visiting Waterford with Desmond Tours, you’ll not only explore iconic destinations like Waterford Crystal but you'll also uncover hidden gems like this little factory. Let our driver-guides share stories of Ireland’s rich heritage whilst you relax in the comfort of our private touring vehicle, soaking up the beauty of Waterford and beyond.

💎 Add this hidden gem to your bespoke tour: https://desmondtours.com/private-tours/

Desmond Tours was at 🚌☘🚌

13/12/2024

🌟 Step Into a World of Majestic Irish Castles and Manor Houses 🌟

Dreaming of a stay at the stunning Lough Eske Castle in Donegal? While this castle does not feature on all of our "Ireland’s Best Castles" tours, it can be added to your customized itinerary - and we highly recommend you do! 🏰✨

With Desmond Tours, you’re in charge – we’ll craft a journey that blends Ireland’s most iconic fortresses with your preferred must-sees. From medieval strongholds to luxurious castle stays, this tour is your gateway to history, beauty, and bespoke adventure.

Here’s what makes this tour unforgettable:
🏰 The option to add incredible stops like Lough Eske Castle.
🏰 Private travel with your own expert driver-guide – relax and enjoy the journey.
🏰 A fully customized itinerary showcasing Ireland’s most majestic castles and hidden gems.

💚 Let us bring your castle dreams to life with a tour as unique as you are. Whether it’s Donegal’s rugged charm or regal towers down south, we’ll make it happen.

🛡️ Your 2025 castle adventure awaits!
📅 Let’s design your personalized journey: https://desmondtours.com/multi-day-tours/irelands-best-castles/?tour=irelands-best-castles