Our Story
We made our dreams come true by moving to the beautiful, enchanting Emerald Isle, and since 2007 we run Kerry Experience Tours together. When people ask us what brought us to Ireland, we jokily say “a plane”. But of course, there is more to our story! It all started with one vacation to the enchanting Emerald Isle, many years ago…...
A birthday present sent Gerrit across the pond for a deep-sea fishing trip, soon to be followed by a sightseeing adventure across Ireland by the two of us. Our travels resulted in a deep passion for everything Ireland …. the amazing people, spectacular scenery, intriguing culture, and inspiring way of life. We’ve never experienced a warmer welcome than here in Ireland, something we still encounter every day! Every day we are thankful that we can call The Kingdom of Kerry our home and get to share our passion for Ireland with visitors.
When you join us on a private tour, you’re in the hands of people who have fallen in love with the Emerald Isle. You might come as a stranger, but you’ll leave as a friend, with memories that last a lifetime. We can't wait to meet you!
-Gerrit & Ester
Explore More About Us
We are delighted that you are interested in visiting Ireland! Come with us on an exciting journey of discovery and enjoy the most scenic drives, spectacular land and seascapes, historic wonders, inspirational places, and hidden gems off the beaten path.
1 - Never stop exploring
We’ve always loved to travel. During the Summer we get to turn our hobby into work when we travel around Ireland with visitors. We can hardly call it work, right?! Off season we continue our travels around Ireland. We’re always on the lookout for new places to see, things to do, the hidden gems only the locals know about. Our motto… explore the world, but first see Ireland!
2 - Catch of the Day
Gerrit’s number one hobby is fishing. And no better place for this than Ireland! The area is great for deepsea fishing. You can catch over 80 different species! His “catch of a lifetime” (besides Ester) was a specimen Tope of 65 lbs. Anyone who loves fishing should have Ireland on their bucket list!
3 - Capture the good times
Another reason to put Ireland on your bucket list is photography! Since that first trip to Ireland Ester has not stopped taking photos of the stunning scenery, historical places and colorful villages. Every trip, every tour, creates new awe-inspiring moments. Don’t be surprised if Ester takes as many photos as you during your tour!
4 - Home sweet home
The place we fell in love with and made our home … Sneem on the Ring of Kerry! This tranquil colorful village is surrounded by stunning scenery. There’s a great selection of lovely shops, pubs and restaurants, hotels and B&B’s, and several outdoor activities. Last but not least, here in Sneem you’ll find the friendliest people you’ll ever meet!
5 - Say yes to good memories
Our Wedding Day in Sneem is one of our fondest memories. A beautiful ceremony, dinner, drinks, Irish Trad Music, and an 80s Disco Party. A fun day with family and friends, celebrated at O’Shea’s Bar in Sneem … not your standard place to celebrate your wedding day but what a perfect day it was!
6 - Nothing beats the beach
Ireland is filled with amazing, beautiful, inspiring places. But if we have to pick one, it has to be the beach! Nothing beats a walk on the beach, the wind in your hair and sea-spray on your face. Along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way you are never far from a beautiful beach to stretch the legs. Our favorite: Derrynane Beach on the Ring of Kerry.
7 - Go Green
In Ireland the good times are celebrated every day. But there is one day that stands out. On March 17th everyone goes green and joins the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Parades, trad music sessions, street markets, fairs, and lots of craic all day!
8 - Good food, good life
No day is complete with some amazing Irish food for the soul. Some of our favorites – besides Gerrit’s “Catch of the Day” 😉- a traditional Irish breakfast, Beef & Guinness Stew, Bacon & Cabbage, Trio of Seafood, Irish soda bread, Baileys Ice Cream, and sweet treats from the Skelligs Chocolate Factory. Count memories, not calories, right?
Awards
Driving The Stars
Kerry Experience Tours can even work around film shoots having offered our services to the actors and cast for the movie The Lobster that was shot at Parknasilla Resort & Spa in County Kerry, including Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C Reilly, Ben Wishaw, Lea Seydoux and Oscar Winner Olivia Coleman.
Also welcomed on board were actor Sean Maguire and his wife Tanya and family for their wedding in Ireland, rugby stars Victor Costello and Vinnie Cunningham enjoying private tours in Kerry, and the band members of The Stranglers visiting a friend’s wedding at Sneem Hotel.
Vehicles
Our comfortable, spacious 7-passenger vehicles are airconditioned and have recliner seats
On Board
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Complementary bottles of water -
Umbrellas -
Towels for those unexpected paddles in the Atlantic
WHY CHOOSE US
Award Winning Experience
Tour Company of the Year 2022 & multiple winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
Off the beaten Path
Enjoy the highlights of Ireland and the most amazing hidden gems that lie off the beaten path
Flexibility
Travel at your own pace with flexibility throughout your tour. It will be your day, your way!
Local Knowledge
Our tours offer an authentic experience including off the beaten path drives and local stories
Passion For The Area
Come as a stranger, leave as a friend, create everlasting memories. We can't wait to meet you!
Customized Travel
All private day tours and tailormade multiday tours can be customised to suit your wishes
