A former Irish Army Officer who served overseas, Dorothy offers visitors a rare perspective shaped by leadership, discipline, and first hand international experience. Her time in military service instilled a deep appreciation for resilience, global cultures, and the human stories that shape nations — insights she weaves effortlessly into her tours.

Academic Excellence & Cultural Insight

Dorothy holds a BA in French and History, combining linguistic fluency with a deep academic understanding of Europe’s cultural and political past. A fluent French speaker, she connects seamlessly with French-speaking visitors and brings European historical context into every narrative.

Her academic journey continued with a Master’s in Finance, equipping her with a sharp understanding of trade, economic history, and the forces that shaped Ireland’s development. She also holds a Diploma in Architectural Design, enriching her tours with informed commentary on urban planning, heritage buildings, and the evolution of design across centuries.

A Life Lived in Curiosity

Dorothy travels extensively and seeks out heritage and culture wherever she goes. Whether exploring a tucked-away museum , hiking historic trails, or browsing antique markets , she is always searching for the stories behind the story.

Her personal passions include:

Competitive tennis

Hiking and exploring historic landscapes

Antiques and vintage markets

Art and design

Architecture and urban heritage

These interests aren’t hobbies alone — they are threads she draws upon to create immersive, multidimensional experiences for her guests.

The Power of a Good Story

What truly sets Dorothy apart is her love of the “behind-the-scenes” tales of history — the political intrigue, the forgotten figures, the architectural secrets, and the human drama often left out of textbooks.

Her tours are:

Insightful yet accessible

Rich in historical depth

Infused with humour and warmth

Layered with cultural context

Driven by compelling storytelling

Guests leave not just having seen a place — but understanding it.

If you’re looking for a guide who combines military discipline, academic excellence, architectural insight, global perspective, and a genuine love of storytelling, Dorothy Donnelly offers an experience that is as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Details of the history of weaving in Ireland and its development at the Avoca mill. Hands on weaving trial for guests, and a tour of the process of creating fabrics today.
I am working as an onsite tour guide at Avoca weaving Mills, Avoca Village Co Wicklow. I am hoping to open a new business called ” Historic Wicklow Tours”, next year.

Testimonial:

Please refer to the guest testimonials on the Google review page (link provided earlier in this doc) and also the “Tiquets” web site for the Mill.

https://www.tiqets.com/en/avoca-handweavers-tickets-l202530/

A storyteller, mad about myths, legends and hidden gems. I love to link guests to deep culture, Irish language and a sense of Irish identity. No matter where they are from!

Testimonial:

Unforgettable, Hilarious, and Deeply Magical – Book This Tour!

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and don’t book with Wild Irish Tours, you’re doing it wrong.

We just finished our tour with Tony — and I honestly can’t imagine a better way to experience Ireland. This wasn’t some cookie-cutter coach tour. This was immersive, intimate, and unforgettable.

Tony is a master storyteller — part historian, part comedian, part Celtic wizard. He doesn’t just tell you about Irish myths and history; he transports you into them. From ancient ruins to hidden holy wells, Tony brings it all to life with humor, passion, and just the right amount of mischief.

Warm, wildly knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing the real Ireland with you. We laughed, we learned, we wandered off the beaten path, and we left feeling like we’d touched something ancient and alive.

Do yourself a favor: skip the big tour buses. Go with Wild Irish Tours. You’ll walk away with amazing memories, new friends, and stories you’ll be telling for years.

— Kurt L, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
June 25, 2025

Paul is a qualified Fáilte Ireland Approved All-Ireland Tour Guide , private driver and CIE Tour Director based in Trim, Co. Meath. He has also studied Genealogy at the National Library of Ireland. Paul offers private tours for up to 5 passengers in a spacious Tourneo Limousine with lots of room for baggage.

Testimonial:

Paul Egan: An Absolute Gem of a Guide

Our 3-day journey through Ireland with Paul Egan was nothing short of extraordinary. He’s not simply a driver, but a true companion who elevates the entire travel experience.

From the moment we met, Paul’s warmth and genuine interest in us shone through. He’s an active listener, always attuned to our needs and preferences. He effortlessly balanced providing insightful commentary with giving us space to enjoy quiet moments.

Paul’s knowledge of Ireland is remarkable. He shared fascinating historical tidbits and local legends, weaving captivating narratives that brought the landscape to life. His recommendations were spot-on, ensuring we experienced the best of Ireland’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks.

He went above and beyond to ensure our trip was seamless. He offered invaluable advice for my daughter’s upcoming move to Ireland, showcasing his genuine care and dedication.

Paul’s driving skills are impeccable, making us feel safe and secure throughout the journey. His sense of humour and easygoing nature made every moment enjoyable.

If you’re fortunate enough to have Paul as your guide, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. He’s not just a driver; he’s a storyteller, a confidante, and a true ambassador for Ireland’s beauty and charm. Book him now – you won’t regret it!

Laura Dayle , Canada.

My name Joe Hunt. After many years working in customer service and spending a year in Liberties College studying Tour Guiding and Business. I provide walking tours of Dublin City. Emphasis is on story telling with plenty of fun facts. I’ll make you laugh and maybe make you cry.

I am an enthusiastic tour guide and very much enjoy sharing this wonderful country with clients. I am very fortunate to live in the beautiful country of Ireland and want to show you all its wonderful scenery, its magnificent landscapes, ancient history and introduce the friendly, welcoming people

Additional Information:

My passion for what I do is evident. I very enjoy interacting with people and have always been engaged in this type of employment. I was the event manager for the Sesquicentenary of Blackrock College which celebrated this event in 2010. I was chosen due to my outgoing nature and my ability to plan and deliver all the events with precision. Engaging with a large number of stakeholders and providing well structured events, including welcoming the then President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, showcased my ability to deliver.
Similarly, in a tour guiding capacity my ability to engage with clients from all over the world and to have undertaken research into what they would to see is of huge importance.
I completed my studies with distinctions in all areas and look forward to many more tours.

With over a decade of experience in luxury hotels, I have specialised in delivering exceptional guest experiences at the highest level. Now, I bring that expertise into my own bespoke chauffeur and private tour business, curating refined, personalised journeys across Ireland for discerning travellers seeking comfort, authenticity, and exclusivity.

I am an independent tour guide who does a mixture of Dublin City walking tours and day excursions.

Really Great Tours provides bespoke tour guiding solutions for individuals, families and groups, including schools, showcasing the very best of County Mayo in engaging sights, places, and people!

Information:

• Hop-on bus tour guide.
• Walking tours of historic Blacksod Village, Belmullet, Ballina, Kilalla, Beleek and beyond!
• Cofounder of Ireland’s newest cemetery tour, Leigue Cemetery in Ballina
• Trained, experienced Irish tourism professional

Testimonial:

1. Mary McAndrew, project manager of Acres West, Ireland provided Testimony after a team building day out with Really Great Tours
2. Josephine Geraghty of Bru Chlann Lir BnB and Wild West Boat Tours is a consistent customer who has provided testimonials online
3. North Mayo Tourism are a client service who routinely connect visitors to my tours

I am an Irish-based tour guide delivering group, bespoke and speciality tours both directly, and in collaboration with leading tour operators. I am especially interested in social history, and human stories throughout the ages. There is something for everyone on this small island, whether it is a city tour, a sightseeing tour, walking in the footsteps of some of our most famous sons and daughters or in the footsteps of our ancestors. Our history is poignant, but resilient and full of surprises and humorous anecdotes!

Testimonial:

Gemma Clayton – Liverpool, UK (Email: gemma@clayton-brown.com)

I have visited Ireland on several occasions, and I was delighted to have Rose as our guide for a number of these trips. We explored Cork & Kerry as well as Dublin and its environs. Our walks included the Kerry Way from Torc Waterfall to Kenmare, as well as the Ballycotton cliff walk in East Cork. We also took a walk at Lough Hyne, which is truly the most beautiful and unusual nature reserve. The views in all cases were absolutely stunning, and we heard many poignant, as well as hilarious, anecdotal stories too. Ireland was brought to life for us, and we got a super insight into its many traditions and characters. We also got a deeper understanding of Ireland’s history with a visit to Spike Island, the Cobh Heritage Centre, and Blarney Castle which was a real highlight.

Rose also showed us around Dublin and Wicklow, and we particularly enjoyed the Bray to Greystones coastal walk. I have a great interest in Maeve Binchy and wanted to see the house where the film ‘Tara Rd’ was shot. That was most willingly accommodated. I also wanted to see the famous bench where the ‘Young Offenders’ used to sit in Cork city, and again, Rose was so obliging and brought us there. Through Rose, we have really enjoyed a wide range of experiences – from cities to scenery, as well as pubs, history and active outdoor exploration. We’ve loved every minute of our time there and when our schedules can work, we look forward to returning and meeting Rose again, for more adventures and experiences.