Johns Tours of Ireland

21/09/2026

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The summer crowds may be disappearing, but as we move into Autumn and the quieter months, our tourist guides are busy behind the scenes preparing for the seasons ahead.

📚 They keep learning - Professional development, training and continuing to build knowledge are all important parts of being a great guide.

🗺️ They research - There are always new stories, new exhibitions, and new experiences across Ireland to keep up to date on.

🎓 They develop their skills - From specialist subjects and languages to storytelling, sustainability and group management, there is always something new to learn.

🤝 They build relationships - ATGI guides work alongside tourism businesses, attractions, hotels, DMCs and tour operators to help create exceptional visitor experiences.

💡 They’re already planing for the year ahead - The quieter months are a chance to reflect on the season, develop new ideas and prepare for the visitors who will arrive in 2027!

They might even get a little time to explore Ireland themselves 😉

To all of our ATGI members, thank you for the work you do throughout the year to represent Ireland, champion professional guiding and share our country’s stories with our visitors from around the world.

📸: Dairine Nuttall

20/09/2026

Most visitors walk past these trees without realising who planted them.

Over the years, Powerscourt Gardens has welcomed royalty, presidents, and internationally recognised figures, many of whom left a lasting mark through ceremonial tree plantings.

See some of the fascinating stories behind these living pieces of history.

03/09/2026

The best travel experiences are often found in the details most people miss.

Listen to John explain how one hidden cove became a place of escape, atmosphere, and quiet luxury generations ago.

History becomes far more meaningful when you understand the human stories behind a place.

28/08/2026

28/08/2026

Ireland’s gardens are old friends to John 🌿

After a lifetime spent visiting and working with them, he knows the gardens, their stories and the people behind them.

That personal connection means he can take you beyond simply seeing the gardens and, where possible, introduce you to the people who own and care for them.

21/08/2026

Imagine standing in the place your ancestors called home.

The church where they were baptised or married. The graveyard where generations of the family are buried. Even the land or homestead they once lived on.

John’s Tours of Ireland can help trace your Irish roots and bring you back to the places that form part of your family story.

16/08/2026

From playing in Powerscourt Gardens as a little boy to professionally guiding visitors through them today 🌿

John’s connection with Powerscourt has lasted a lifetime. He went on to study horticulture, become a garden historian and work on the history of the gardens he grew up exploring.

Now, sharing this special place with others feels like introducing them to an old friend.

12/08/2026

There is more to the trees at Powerscourt Gardens than meets the eye🌳

Trees from North America, China, the Himalayas, Chile, South Africa and Australia were brought here and trialled to see how well they could grow in the Irish landscape.

The result is an incredible collection that combines the history of Irish forestry with a beautiful garden setting.