Warm greetings from Ireland
Thankfully theres an abundance of small Irish-owned tour-operators offering excellent quality private tours, usually at very reasonable prices.
(note: when factoring in your costs and prices, remember that the driver-guide will have 3 meals a day to be covered and factored in and restaurants and cafes in Ireland are good quality but not cheap, plus diesel costs of maybe €50-75 per day, and of course a decent hotel or B&B room for him/her could cost around in €150-200 per night, especially in peak season and most especially in the highly-popular locations you want to visit like Galway and the Ring of Kerry)
At certain times of year, especially July and August, there can be very high demand and most are booked out.
If you dont want to travel in a mini-coach and prefer say a 7 or 8 seat private tour-vehicle, be sure that the operator you choose is an SPSV (Small Public Service Vehicle) operator with an SPSV licensed driver & vehicle, otherwise its breaking the law and you wont be insured in the unlikely event of an accident. SPSV operators have tamper-proof green discs on front and back window, but I wouldnt worry too much because any unlicensed operator would most certainly not be advertising their services for fear of getting prosecuted.
A private tour of the west of Ireland, with the freedom to stop off whenever you like and connect with locals (and your Irish guide) sounds like a perfect holiday. Enjoy! .... I know you will :)
Any specific questions, just let me know, always happy to answer them.
Le meas/with respect
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves veteran Ireland tour-guide (Newly-retired after 25 happy years leading Rick Steves Best of Ireland & Heart of Ireland tours)
