Gateway to Ireland Tours

06/09/2024

Last month was an exciting time for us as we hosted several tours for guests, including members of the university leadership team, who traveled to Ireland to watch the big American football game between Florida State University and Georgia Tech, with the much-anticipated game on Saturday.

The article linked in my Instagram stories highlights the positive impact events like this have on the Irish economy. The game brought 27000 visitors to Ireland, many of whom might not have considered coming to our country if not for this event. Beyond supporting their favorite teams, these visitors had the chance to experience the beauty and cultural heritage of Ireland.

During one of our tours, a member of the university leadership team shared their thoughts: “We wouldn’t have thought of coming but the university arranged for us to travel to Ireland for the game to support the players. Ireland has impressed us a lot. Now we definitely want to return here on holiday with our families to explore more.”

It’s fascinating to hear from our guests that for many Ireland was an unexpected hidden gem as a destination that they might never have visited if it weren’t for the match. Events like these not only boost the economy but also open up our beautiful country to new audiences.

31/08/2024

August truly flew by, and what a month it was! We had the pleasure of guiding numerous tours through some of the most stunning and picturesque parts of Ireland 🇮🇪☘️. From the rugged coastlines to the lush green landscapes, each journey was a reminder of the beauty and rich heritage Ireland has to offer.

Discover Ireland with us in comfort and fun, enjoy stories along the way and make memories with your loved ones 💚

02/08/2024

Do you know what “bog butter” is? 🤔🧈

You can view it on display at the National Museum of Archaeology in Dublin - it’s butter that is several thousand years old and superbly preserved in the unique conditions of Irish bogs.

But at the Cashel Folk Museum our guests had the incredible opportunity to actually hold it 😱

If you appreciate rare artifacts and a deep dive into Irish history, Cashel Folk Museum is a must visit. It houses a unique collection that you won’t find anywhere else, caringly curated by the dedicated owner Bernard who continues the legacy started by his father.

What made the experience truly special for our guests was the personal tour given by the owner himself. His passion for Irish history and heritage shines through, bringing each artifact and story to life in a way that’s both engaging and educational.

Highly recommend a visit for anyone looking to connect with Ireland’s past in a meaningful and memorable way.

14/07/2024

Please help us choose our new logo!

We’ve got three options and we need your help. Swipe through the images and comment below with the number of your favorite logo (1, 2, or 3) - and we’d very much appreciate it if you could also say why you choose it 🤩Your opinion matters! Thank you 🙏

02/07/2024

Busy June organising tours and guiding groups of families and friends from across the US: Philadelphia, Savannah, Texas, Ohio, Buffalo, New York, Washington, Colorado, Florida and many more.

It was a joy to connect with so many wonderful people, make their time in Ireland truly special and share in their adventures.

Hello July! 🤗 Excited for new tours and memories to be made.



www.gatewaytoireland.com

25/06/2024

19/06/2024

Another string to my bow! 🏹

I’m excited to share that I am now REC 3 certified in Rescue and Emergency Care. This certification is valuable for everyone, especially those working in unstructured environments.

I had the opportunity to take this educational course with Niamh Gaffney where I learned a great deal and had a bit of craic too - all thanks to our fantastic group who traveled from different parts of Ireland.

Despite the seriousness of the subject and the full weekend commitment, I returned home refreshed, equipped with new knowledge and skills.

It was also fantastic to meet so many representatives from other outdoor businesses such as kayaking, SUP, rock climbing, hiking and more. .gannon_

11/06/2024

🌟A recommendation 🌟

Exploring another Ireland’s Hidden Gem: Loughcrew Cairns 🌀

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and looking for an experience that is both intimate and awe-inspiring, I highly recommend to explore the Loughcrew Cairns 🌀
Often overshadowed by the more famous Newgrange, in my opinion Loughcrew offers a quieter and more personal touch with Ireland’s ancient past.

Sitting on top of the highest hill of County Meath, Loughcrew’s megalithic cairns date back over 5000 years, making them contemporary with ever crowded Newgrange.

The tranquility of Loughcrew gives you the space to truly connect with the history and landscape - you can take your time to explore several ancient tombs on the hill, see some fine examples of megalithic art and soak in some fantastic views on 18 counties of Ireland on a clear day.

07/06/2024

Another fantastic tour exploring Tipperary’s iconic sites and hidden gems with this lovely couple from South Carolina.

The trip was long and enriching 🏰, the weather wonderfully sunny ☀️ and it was great to get such a feedback from the guests in the end ➡️

03/06/2024

A private tour on a summerlike fun day in Wicklow with this group of friends from California. Although this was not their first time in Ireland it was great to help them uncover some of Wicklow’s most beautiful and popular landmarks

28/05/2024

A very rainy but enjoyable day in Tipperary with Brian trying to trace some sites where his family is originally from.

In the last two photos: can you guess what animal decorates the archway above the entrance to the iconic 12th century Cormac’s chapel? Please write your ideas in the comments 👇

A clue: it’s not a dragon 😁

22/05/2024

A truly magical day in Wicklow with the lovely family from Tennessee.

12/05/2024

Fantastic few days of warm weather in Ireland spent with our guests from Philadelphia, Texas, Kentucky and San Francisco. It was great to enjoy a bit of sunshine in the Irish countryside. And although I think that rain makes certain spots look really atmospheric, one has to admit when the sun comes out it makes all the difference ☀️😎

Hope you were able to enjoy this fabulous weather if you are in Ireland ☺️

30/04/2024

Very wet day in Wicklow yesterday that we spent with the nice family from South California. Despite the day being showery we managed to get quite a lot done. The weather didn’t put off my guests, nor did it spoil their impression of the Irish countryside, they enjoyed the flexibility of the private tour (as we had to adjust along the way) and they are going to visit Ireland again to discover more, which was delighted to hear.

27/04/2024

The weather is ok in Ireland at the moment but a week before it was cold and rainy and windy..
That’s when our guest from Boston, who were visiting their cousins in Ireland, went on a tour to some of the Boyne Valley sites:

Hill of Tara, prehistoric burial site and a very important landscape in the psyche and imagination of the Irish people

Trim castle - the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland where a lot of scenes from the Mel Gibson award-winning movie Braveheart were filmed

Bective Abbey - atmospheric ruins of an old Cistercian abbey, also featured in some of the scenes of the Braveheart movie

The guests shared their experience in the review ➡️
We can’t guarantee the weather but we can guarantee you will be well looked after ☺️

PS: you probably spotted when reading the review that a sweet local eatery is mentioned - on all our tours we try to be as sustainable as possible, visit landmarks off the beaten track and collaborate with small local businesses so that the people in the local community could benefit as well 🤍

24/04/2024

Thrilled to highlight once again our recent collaboration with and its creator Cara ✨✨✨

All our tours offer that personal touch which is so rare in today’s world and presenting our customers with this unique tote bag by the talented Donegal artist would also emphasise that aspect.

I’ve had a couple of bags from Cara which I truly consider objects of art, so when the idea of designing a unique gift for our guests came to mind, I knew instantly who to turn to.

As Cara mentioned in her post, this design, representing “Gateway to Ireland” brand, draws inspiration from ancient Irish heritage and the stunning natural landscapes we both share a passion for.
Early 12th century Gateway, Ireland’s only surviving example of a medieval gateway to an early monastic city, and Sugarloaf Mountain in the background are both iconic and recognisable landmarks the guests can enjoy on our popular Wicklow tour.

Through this collaboration with Studio Suili on these bespoke tote bags, designed and hand printed in Ireland by a small local business, our goal is to offer our guests an authentic piece of Ireland to take home, serving as a lasting and tangible memory of their tour experience. This is is something they will be able to use every day and that will remind them about their Irish adventure.

You can give and a follow to see more of her artwork and for authentic Irish gifts.

💡Do you recognise this Gateway if you’ve ever been to Wicklow? 🙂

16/04/2024

🌟A recommendation! 🌟

A customer reached out asking to extend the Tipperary tour to include a visit to Jerpoint Abbey. As a fan of ancient ruins and stories connected with them, I’ve seen quite a few around Ireland but had yet to visit this one.

During my preparation visit I was completely mesmerised with what I discovered! So atmospheric and well preserved with some amazing carvings and statues, a true hidden gem!

Jerpoint’s outstanding feature is the 15th century cloister arcade with some incredible carved images unique in Cistercian architecture - saints, mythical animals, secular figures and even symbols of passion.

I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary if you’re visiting the Kilkenny area.

09/04/2024

I had my initial doubts about whether we should do this tour - it was the day before the highly publicised storm Kathleen.

But as the guests were very keen and the counties we were going to seemed to be ok, we went ahead and it all worked out in the best possible way.

We were lucky to avoid most of the rain and this lovely family from California were able to get away from Dublin on their last day in Ireland and enjoy some fantastic spots in the Irish countryside.
And of course the young lady was thrilled to see ‘Rapunzel’s tower’ she had been so much looking forward to 😃🏰

02/04/2024

Hope everyone had a lovely Easter break, relaxed and recharged ☺️

On Good Friday we had a wonderful day tour to Wicklow with our guests from Dallas.

At a relaxing pace we visited all the key sites, each so beautiful and unique, filled with its own stories and history.

Just on our way from Glendalough, which was particularly serene and beautiful that day, we spotted this fab creature on the side of the road and stopped for a picture 😍

It was fantastic to read in the review that this tour in Ireland was one of the best our guests have ever taken!

19/03/2024

Hope everyone had a lovely St Patrick’s Day weekend! ☘️

It’s always a pleasure to hear positive feedback from our clients! Recently, one of the guests left a heartwarming review of their experience on our new tour to Tipperary. They were captivated by the lush green landscapes of Ireland’s «Premier County», iconic sites like the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle and their majestic architecture, and the opportunity to meet a local owner and tour a museum filled with rare artefacts. We’re thrilled that our day trip provided such a fantastic and enriching experience.

If you’re interested in reading more reviews, you can find them on Google (hiking experiences/ tours) and TripAdvisor/Viator (tours).
Thank you to all of our clients for your support and feedback!

14/03/2024

We all like to delight our family and friends. Moments spent together become particularly valuable and special when we live in different countries and get to see each other only so often.

Recently and .efimova had the opportunity to introduce their parents to the real magic of Ireland 🌈✨ and I was delighted to help them with that! It was a lovely day full of memorable moments, sun and fun 🤩

A private tour is a great way to introduce your guests to Ireland, as it offers a personalised and immersive experience.
If you live in Ireland and have guests visiting, a private tour takes the hassle out
of planning and entertaining and ensures you and your guests have a memorable and hassle free experience.

Ready to experience the magic of Ireland in a whole new way? Let’s create your own real Irish adventure, tailored to your interests and preferences. Get in touch today to start planning! ☘️

10/03/2024

One of the great things for me about being a tour guide is being able to pass my knowledge to younger generations.
I love having inquiring young people as guests on my tours, as well as families with children.

I love giving “tours” to my kids too!
Now when we visit some place with my kids they ask me : Mum, tell us more, can you tell us stories about this place?
And I’m so honoured with this question, as at their age I would expect more something like - oh no, not again, here comes mum with her stuff..
Their questions mean a lot to me. I’m delighted to be able to captivate their young minds with the fascinating stories of the past, make a connection with the present and help them form their own opinion. Our conversations about history, reasons something happened and people of the past and present have become one of the important aspects of my motherhood.

Happy Mother’s Day! 💞

06/03/2024

It’s not every day that you get to work in an outdoor “office” that’s partly covered with snow ❄️ My recent guests from the United States and Belgium could appreciate the diverse scenery and even had some fun along the way 😄 Excitingly, this was also my first tour of the season in French - Done ✅

Did you enjoy snow in the last few days? 😁

27/02/2024

Testimonial Tuesday 😃

Thrilled to share this testimonial from a recent tour I led!
It’s always a joy to see travellers leave with unforgettable experiences and appreciation for Ireland’s rich heritage. Always grateful for their kind words and recommendation! If you’re looking to explore Ireland’s history and natural beauty, I’d be honored to guide you on your next adventure. Feel free to reach out to me for more information.

14/02/2024

Happy St Valentine’s Day! ❣️
I’m always thrilled to guide couples around both popular landmarks and hidden gems in Ireland.
A Private Tour offers an intimate and romantic adventure through the captivating landscapes of Ireland. It allows couples to immerse themselves in the enchanting beauty of the country and create unforgettable memories together. With a Private Tour you have the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to suit your preferences, ensuring every moment is spent exactly as you desire. And having a knowledgeable local guide adds a special touch to the experience, providing insights into Ireland’s rich history, folklore and culture.
If you are a couple looking to celebrate a special occasion, why not try something different - during a private tour you and your loved one can create memories together and share a delightful experience.

By the way, did you know that celebrating February 14 is a tradition dating back to the year 496 AD? 😍
Follow this link (also in bio!) to our latest blog post for an interesting read about why we celebrate St Valentine’s day, where the traditions we have on this day come from and how St Valentine is connected with Ireland and Dublin (and also to see some lovely photos from our tours 🤩) https://gatewaytoireland.com/true-origin-of-st-valentines-day-why-st-valentine-is-in-dublin/

09/02/2024

Thrilled with the opportunity to attend event in

Inspiring, insightful, connecting.
Great to see such a diverse ecosystem of Irish businesses and also to be part of it.

Did you know that 98% of all businesses in Ireland are small businesses?

Special thanks to all the organisers and the invited speakers and best of luck to all the finalists of the SFA Small Business Awards!

07/02/2024

Very enjoyable day tour around Wicklow with Paula and Russel, a lovely couple from Texas, and a visit to Wicklow’s top attractions, loaded with history.

Can you believe that we were the ONLY visitors at Powerscourt House and Gardens that morning and had the whole place entirely to ourselves (these iconic gardens are going to be mad busy starting from April-May!). This is what happens when you travel off season 😎
We were also rewarded with the most spectacular rainbow over Powerscourt House. How amazing is that! 🌈
And enjoyed the full rush of water from Powerscourt waterfall (thanks to all the melting snow and recent rain feeding the River Dargle) - the waterfall is probably going to be a mere trickle during the drier summer months.

The highlights of the day were:
🌟Guided tour around Powerscourt House&Gardens
🌟Powerscourt Waterfall visit
🌟Delicious lunch at the award-winning Wicklow Heather restaurant
🌟Glendalough monastic site guided tour
🌟Guided walk along the Upper Lake
🌟Guinness Lake photo and information stop

Ireland is beautiful in any season and if you want to avoid crowds and get some of the popular landmarks all to yourself, winter may be the perfect time for your trip! And we did have all four seasons on that day 🇮🇪🌦☀️💧🌬🌈

21/01/2024

Would you believe that this homely bird, so commonly seen in Ireland, uses Earth’s magnetic field for navigation? 🤓
Discover the full story in my latest blog post (link in bio https://gatewaytoireland.com/robin-in-irish-and-american-legends/) to find out which part of its body aids the robin’s navigation, along with other poignant legends about how the robin earned its red breast.
One of them below ⬇️

Robin is considered sacred in Ireland: killing a robin is the worst act one can commit. As one of the Irish legends goes, when Jesus was on the cross, the bird, seeing the crown of thorns pressed on his forehead, took pity on his suffering. With its beak it seizes the most hurtful of thorns. At that time, the robin was grey. But as he removed the thorn, Christ’s blood flowed onto his chest, which turned red. He remained that way, a blessed sign preserving him from all harm and ensuring him the love of men - it is believed in Ireland that bad luck will follow you if you deliberately harm a robin or its blue eggs.

The symbolism of the red breast carries with it the echoes of heroism and self-sacrifice. It transforms the robin into a living emblem of warmth, protection, and the enduring spirit of those who extend a helping wing, even in the face of adversity. The legend leaves us with a timeless tale that celebrates the inherent goodness and bravery found in the smallest and most unassuming of creatures.

07/01/2024

Hi there 🤗
It feels a bit 😬 to be back after a couple of months of absence in this space, so thank you for your support ❤️
It felt natural to take a step back and just reflect and I found that the end of the year was a perfect time for that.

Time spent getting more clarity where I would like to go and where to be in terms of personal and business growth. And in between - expanding my knowledge and discovering new places, building up new tours, starting on proper networking, spending time with family and even (hard to believe!) just doing nothing 😌

Happy new year and hope 2024 will open new doors and will be a gateway to more things that can inspire you and we will remain your Gateway to Ireland ☘️

05/09/2023

A photoshoot in the iconic and largest architectural ensemble of straight Georgian streets in the world (uninterrupted until 1960s - when they demolished one of the buildings and put in ESB Headquarters).

That reminds me so much of the elegant streets of my native (and favourite) city St Petersburg, which is (always!) very much missed 💙⚓️

Happy and grateful to be in Dublin of today that lets you be different and accepts different you. And learn every day new things about its turbulent history and what made it the city it is today.

Have you got a favourite city or cities? What is it/ are they?

Photos by talented Kate