Barry Hopkins - Irish Tour Guide

21/07/2025

Had an Amazing group yesterday on the Galway Bay in a day tour. Ending the week on a high.

21/09/2021

Ah what a week, I got to show this group around ireland and what an adventure it was. Really great to be back on the road :-)

30/08/2021

Flashback to when I was doing Food Tours in the city of the tribes, Galway Can't wait to get back soon :-)

30/08/2021

With covid restrictions limiting international travel for the last year, Van Life has become the new normal for a lot of people. What's better is people are recording and sharing their travels.Here's a great episode exploring Co Mayo and the north western coast of eire, where I'm from. Hon Mayo! :-)

This week we’re exploring County Mayo, where we meet up with Alice’s Mum and Dad in their motorhome. We explore the Mullet Peninsular and Achill Island, resc...

29/08/2021

Did you know that Muhammad Alis roots were Irish? From Co Clare! Incredible.

The Louisville Lip was incredibly proud of his County Clare, today we recall the man's star quality and his Irish ancestry. The death of boxing legend Muhammad Ali at 74 in June 2016, from Parkinson’s, would have brought back many glorious memories of the greatest athlete of our times.

26/08/2021

This is an absolute must if your visiting ireland...or if just want to make friends anywhere in the world.lol :-)

24/08/2021

I wanna take you to the iiiiiisland!!clare island to be precise! Its another west of Ireland Gem. Its only a 15ish minute ferry from Roonagh Quay,Louisburgh, Co mayo. Famous for being a stronghold of the notorious pirate queen, Grace O Malley, who in the 1500's prowled the clew bay and western coast. It also boasts and cistercian abbey, and a beautiful renovated lighthouse overlooking dramatic cliffs. Bnbs galore and a campsite too!
I'd highly recommend a day trip here,we rented bikes and explored it that way,then took a dip in the beach next to the pier...must have a cheeky pint in the community hall pub/restaurant next time!

19/08/2021

Heres a stunning scenic drive in County Mayo for you. Doolough Valley. Whats even better is that you can relax and soak in the scenery, while sipping on a coffee from the Delphi Silver Food Truck, which has been an oasis to visitors for the past year. Winning!
A short drive from Leenane. Doolough valley is famous for its picturesque setting and also it's famine history.
Definitely worth a day trip :-)

15/08/2021

Always be learning as a guide! I love travelling through this beautiful country and there's always more to learn. I decided to hop on a bus
through kylemore abbey, Killary Fjiord and connemara today.Definitely recommend. stunning scenery :-)

10/08/2021

I had a fantastic trip with my sisters to the Aran Islands off the west coast, last weekend. Inismor to be precise.A bumpy ferry over from Rossaveel but it was all worth it for the views and the surprising Sunday sunshine.
*note to future travellers....always sit at the back and centre of the ferry over, theres less movement and less likelihood of you throwing up your lovely Irish breakfast.trust me!

I managed to to book accommodation at Dormer House B&B, a lovely place near the Pier. Apparently the weather had brought about cancellations so I was delighted.

They say "there is no bad weather only unsuitable clothing". So we packed accordingly. We explored the southern part of the Island on Saturday,saw the 7th century church St Benans atop a hill which overlooks Cill Einne Bay.
The "Puffing Holes" where the wild Atlantic smashes through the rocks and finally dinner at Joe Wattys Pub

On sunday, after some early morning fishing, I joined the group around 11 for a tour of Aran with "Aran Off Road Experience"

I would highly recommend " Aran Off Road Experience" to see the beautiful sights of Inismore
The tours are run by two local brothers who really give a personal and engaging tour of this incredible island,with plenty of humour and stories thrown in.
We had paddy, an attentive,knowledgeable and friendly guide who made us feel at ease.
He brought us down the back roads of the island to awesome sights like "the serpents lair", or locally known as "Poll na peist" and "Dun aenghus fort", all the while threading history with colorful anecdotes about life on the Aran Islands. We also saw the built cottage set featured in the new martin mcdonagh movie,"The Banshees of Inisheer" starring Colin farrell.
*To my sisters disappointment, Colin was nowhere to be seen...just some friendly sheep and donkeys.

The tour costs 40 euros for 4 hours and its money well spent.
So, next time you go to Inismore, give em a call.
Really looking forward to returning and exploring these incredible Islands again soon.