NameBrendan J.
Area CoveredGalway, West coast & Islands
InterestsFood, Photography, History, Local traditions, Walking, Nature & wildlife, Day trips, Festivals & holidays, Travel writing, Guided walks & tours

Introducing Brendan J. - your Friend at the other End!

About Me

I am a Galway native who has an insight to Galway city and Ireland like every local should. I spent almost 2 years in the Galway Tourist Office and Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Authority) before becoming a tour guide.

I am approachable, friendly, outgoing, hard working and dependable. I have a great personality and flexible. I have a good sense of humour, reliable and determined. I am professional, well mannered and courteous.

As a Guide I have an interest in a varied and many things. If I had to narrow it down to a select few, they would include:

Ireland and Irish history:

Visit the home of Daniel 'the liberator' O'Connell from Kerry. The man who is held in high esteem of the Irish psyche as the man who helped gain a greater rights for Irish Catholics with the repeal of the Penal Laws in 1829. See one of the best preserved Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland in the marble city of Kilkenny. See some of the most beautiful murals in Ireland in the cities of Belfast and Derry and have the history/story behind them explained to you.

Music:

As Ireland has a wonderful musical tradition it would be wise to taste this tradition. Come and see Pat Connelly in The Craine Bar on a Sunday afternoon or experience a trad session in Tigh Cooli.

Helping people find the undiscovered Ireland:

Come and see 'Dogs Bay' near Roundstone in Connemara, visit the many Gaeltacht's (Irish speaking areas) in Ireland which can be found in Donegal, Kerry and Galway. Ireland has many hidden areas let me show you.

Literature and famous people:

Come and meet some of Galway's most famous past characters or adopted people. See the Liam Mellows statue, the revolutionary patriot who died for his country. Christopher Columbus who came and prayed in the city several years before he sailed for the America's, the many writers and theatres that Galway played host to throughout its history that includes Walter Macken or see a magical play at the all Irish speaking theatre of An Taibhdhearc Theatre or the at the spellbinding An Druid Theatre.

Rural tourism including walking:

Come and walk through some of the most beautiful places in Ireland. Experience the many national park including Glenveagh in Letterkenny Co. Donegal. Spend a night on Achill Island and walk to the secluded beach of Keem and spend a night camping there.

Showing off Island life and many of Ireland's costal routes:

When you are in Ireland you must visit the many Island of the coast of Ireland. See the Aran Island the inspiration for the 'Riders of the sea' by John Millington Synge, Lough Derg the pilgrimage site and island in Ireland. Travel the coastal route from Wexford to Dublin taking in the towns or Arklow, Wicklow and Dun Laoghaire.

Restaurants and Bars:

After all the sightseeing and travelling around the country why not come and explore some of the best pubs clubs and restaurants that is scattered around the country. There is nothing like having a wonderful meal, good music, a few drinks and loads of fun. I would be delighted to send you some of the best places to eat and drink around the country.

Qualifications:

National Tour Guide for Ireland - Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Authority) certified with certificate and Badge - 2009

Local Area Guide - Galway Area (including the Burren) - Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Authority) certified with certificate and badge - 2008.

Professional Associations / Memberships:

I am a Member of AATGI - Association of Approved Tour Guides of Ireland.

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