I am passionate about tour guiding and have been doing it for 8 years in a range of different locations. My interests include Irish history, language culture and sport. I am a warm, chatty, helpful type of person and love introducing visitors to my country. I have guided on coach tours for two different companies. In addition I have guided at Christ Church Cathedral as well as St Michans Church in Dublin.

Testimonial:

Patricia Parfrey, Administrator, St Michans Church, Church Street, Dublin.

I am an accredited National Tour Guide (White Badge) based in Dublin and Mayo. I am passionate about our incredible natural beauty, history, heritage and culture and will do my very best to give you a tour to remember.

ChaperoneVIP provides original and authentic private tours by limo licensed minivan in an educational and fun environment where everyone is engaged. Dublin City off the beaten path tour specialist. Day tour specialist and multi-day tours also available, carefully curated to be relaxed, informative and enjoyable, not exhausting.

Testimonial:

229 verified reviews on my TripAdvisor listing for ChaperoneVIP private tours

Additional Information:

• Dublin City and bay local private tours specialist.
• Pubs tours and family friendly tours specialist.
• Ancestry tour specialist as I have lots of experience.

As a National Tour Guide and Licensed Private Driver, I offer bespoke tours across Tipperary and Ireland in premium Mercedes vehicles. I specialize in uncovering hidden gems, local hospitality, and personalized ancestral research. My mission is to provide a seamless, high-end experience that connects you deeply to your Irish heritage.

Testimonial:

Our dearest Maeve – you truly made our Ireland vacation a magical moment to remember – forever! Thank you for your kindness, wisdom, and professionalism! We felt dearly comfortable with you as we shared our life’s stories with you. So grateful! Looking forward to working with you again.

Barbara & Bill Killeen
New Jersey, USA

I have lived in Limerick, Galway, Clare Dublin, Meath and Cavan, After retiring from corporate life I took up tour guiding to keep me mentally and physically active and to let me spend time helping visitors enjoy the Ireland I have come to know and love.

From Ohio, I moved to Dublin in ’99 after graduating from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN. What began as an adventure here became my life. I know what delights Americans & what is confusing. Experience Dublin, not superficial but cultured and uniquely yours. I look forward to meeting you.

Originally from Quebec, I landed in Ireland more than a decade ago and discovered that home was here for me among the people and their folklore.

An Island of rich culture with its ever-changing scenery had charmed me. For me, operating as a tour guide in Ireland is a lifestyle.

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