About Desmond
Originally from County Kilkenny, Desmond is an approved tour guide with decades of experience. He combines a deep love of Irish history with a warm, witty personality. Having lived along the Wild Atlantic Way for years, he knows Ireland’s rugged coast intimately, while his heart remains in County Kilkenny, in Ireland’s Ancient East. Professional, personable, and passionate about authentic experiences, Desmond goes beyond the guidebooks - effortlessly adapting each day to suit his tour guests, creating seamless, memorable tours filled with local insight and genuine Irish charm. DESMOND TOURS - Unforgettable Tours. Not a Single Review Under 5 Stars. - https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g186616-d15692046-Reviews-Desmond_Tours-Kilkenny_County_Kilkenny.html
Loading reviews...
Share your experience
Help other travelers by leaving a review.
Similar guides
Angela Gavigan
I’m a qualified, experienced and knowledgeable National Tour Guide and a member of ATGI (Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland) so I can help you plan a very memorable trip that will include some very cool surprises. I’ll collect your group, drive and guide you for the duration of your trip in a comfortable and luxurious vehicle. I will personally help you select excellent hotels that will marry wonderfully with your plans. These will vary depending on time of year, number of rooms required for your group, and standard of accommodation you would like. There is a diverse range of accommodation to choose from – Castles, Hotels, Irish Country Houses, Farmhouses and Guesthouses. I’m very happy to help you with accommodation and dining recommendations.” Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a family getaway, or a romantic escape, I’m here to help you create memories that will last forever.
- Music & Arts
- Private Driver
- Food & Drink
Mark McHale
Mark is a born-and-bred Irish local who fell in love with Howth and its wild coastal beauty — from dramatic cliff paths to hidden corners most visitors never find. What started as a passion for exploring and storytelling turned into Hidden Howth Experiences — a collection of award-winning tours blending breathtaking scenery, rich local history, great food and drink, and plenty of laughs along the way. Joined by his iconic sidekick Missy the dog, Mark creates experiences that feel less like a formal tour and more like a day out with friends. Guests get the real Howth: local stories, secret viewpoints, colourful characters, and that warm Irish welcome that keeps people coming back again and again. If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed adventure with a local who genuinely loves what he does — you’ve just found it.
- Cultural
- Historical
- Food & Drink
Derek O'Keeffe
My journey in the Irish travel industry began early, shaped by a family love for the island’s landscapes and stories. Over more than 26 years, I have built a reputation for designing private tours that feel relaxed, thoughtful, and deeply personal. Recognised as Ireland’s 2025 Bespoke Tour Operator of the Year, I am trusted by travellers who value insight, care, and a genuine connection to the places they visit. Decades spent exploring Ireland’s quieter corners have given me an intimate knowledge of the country, from the dramatic Atlantic coastline to the understated charm of rural villages. I have an understanding of Irish history, folklore, and local life that turns each journey into a living narrative. With me as your guide, travel becomes more than sightseeing, offering moments of connection with the people, stories, and traditions that define Ireland. Known for tours that are refined yet unhurried, I brings together comfort, flexibility, and local insight in a way that feels natural and effortless. Our story and approach are reflected in every journey, whether travelling along the Wild Atlantic Way or through Ireland’s Ancient East, with guests experiencing the country at their own pace, guided by someone who knows Ireland not just as a destination, but as home.
- Private Driver
- Cultural
- Food & Drink