About John
Discovering Ireland Tours
We specialize in tours that are all about stimulating your interest in all things about Ireland and the Irish people while at the same time making sure you have the very best experiences and memories to take home. We also know that you are on holiday and will make sure that you connect with the real Ireland while enjoying yourselves
Member of The Approved Tour Guides of Ireland (ATGI)
Extended Holidays of Ireland
Private Guided Tours for the Thinking Traveler
We are licensed to transport you throughout Ireland and will happily bring you on a wonderful bespoke holiday anywhere you fancy. Email us for suggested itineraries
We are happy to tailor itineraries to suit your individual preferences.
Our tours are lead by Failte Ireland (National Tourist Authority) Approved Tour Guides who are also university educated historians.
Professional Genealogists and Family Historians
We can work with you to produce expert Genealogical Research for your Irish family and devise an itinerary for your holiday that will bring you walking in footsteps of your ancestry. Tours are very personal and focus on understanding the meaning of being Irish as well as exploring your own family history. We also understand that researching family history may only be part of the reason for visiting Ireland and that you will want to take in all the sites and experiences that make a visit to Ireland so special. We are well qualified to guide to all of these as well.
National University of Ireland Professional Certificate in Genealogy and Family History (The highest level academic qualification in Ireland in genealogy)
Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)
Transport
Transport is by Mercedes Viano Limousine (seats 5-6) . Larger groups can be transported by arrangement by minibus, email for a quotation.
Sightseeing Day Tours From Dublin
Extended Tours of Ireland
Pick up can be arranged from your cruise ship or hotel. We offer wonderful day trip itineraries that take in the best that the area has to offer.
John Ducie
As as well being an experienced guide John Ducie is a native of Dublin with a passion for his country and explaining both it and its history to visitors. He has had a life long interest in cultural and natural heritage of all kinds and really knows his way to all the best and most interesting places.
John retired as Properties and Conservation Manager of the National Trust for Ireland in 2012 to devote himself to a full-time career as a tour guide and is a officially recognized Irish Government Approved National Tour Guide, holds a National University of Ireland Professional Certificate in Genealogy and Family History and is licensed to drive up to 16 people in both limousines and mini buses.
In the past he has chaired the Heritage Gardens and Designed Landscapes Committee for ten years, has served as Vice Chairman of The National Trust for Ireland, President of the European Network of National Heritage Organizations, a member of the Executive Committee of the International National Trusts Organization and the Council of Europa Nostra (the pan European Heritage Alliance). He is a founder member of both The Irish Garden Plant Society and The Tree Council of Ireland.
Qualifications
Hons. Bachelor of Business in Entrepreneurship with First Class Honours
Failte Ireland Tour Guiding and Tourist Management Certificate with Distinction
The National University of Ireland Certificate in Genealogy with first class honours (ordinary degree level certificate awarded after three years study, level 7 QQI)
Graduate of The National Botanic Gardens in Amenity Horticulture.
Member: Approved Tour Guides of Ireland (ATGI)
Member: Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)
