Our Team
Welcome to the team page of our tour website! We are a group of passionate and experienced travel enthusiasts who are dedicated to providing you with the ultimate travel experience.
Stephen Clarke
Stephen set up Westport Tours in 2015 after his uncle Martin passed away (see more in the about us section). He didn’t know much about business but loved Westport and loved telling people about it. He’s qualified in Tour Guiding and Heritage and takes great pride in his tours, his ancestors and Westport town. Having taken walking tours all over Europe, some good some not so good, Stephen decided to set up a light hearted fun tour of Westport.
His aim is to change the old perception of walking tours from boring historical fact and date laden tours to a fun “craic filled” Irish tour that captures not only the history of Westport but everything that makes his town the best place to live in Ireland. His interests include travelling, sightseeing, coaching Gaelic sports and trying to keep fit.
Darren Cawley
Darren is about as local as local gets. He has been guiding throughout the county for over 15 years in the family coach and taxi business. Being a motivational speaker and with prior tour guiding experience in Westport House, some could say he’s the perfect tour guide, just don’t let him hear you saying it.
His friendly personality and bad jokes make him a favourite amongst our guests. Just be prepared for plenty of Irish banter along the tour route, because Darren knows EVERYONE in town. His interests include public speaking, cold water swimming, dining out and minding two energetic young boys.
Deirdre McGuirk
Deirdre is probably the most knowledgeable guide in the team and there isn’t much about Irish history that she doesn’t know. Working for both Westport Tours and The National Museum of Ireland Country Life, she conducts historical, nature and food tours that are both educational and entertaining.
Deirdre holds a BA Hons in History and Geography and is passionate about the history, folklore and archaeology of Ireland. She has a wealth of experience and has worked as a tour guide with the National Print Museum, Westport House and The National Museum of Ireland Country Life.
Deirdre is currently undertaking a Masters in Public History and Cultural Heritage, when she’s not studying her interests are running community workshops to educate and share Irish customs, folklore, heritage, craft and culture.
Martin Hughes
Martin is one of the worlds nice guys, which is why we call him “The Dote”. He’s from Newport just down the road from Westport and has a keen interest in Irish history, music, dancing and storytelling. He’s an Irish musician, has won awards for set dancing and Sean Nós dancing and is an All Ireland set dancing champion.
He’s also a huge foodie, and has worked in the food industry for years, making him the perfect guide for our food tours. Be prepared for a very witty, easy going tour filled with plenty of jokes and light hearted sarcasm as Martin introduces you to some of the wonderful locals you’ll meet on tour, but be warned, he might break in to an Irish dancing display at any moment. Martins interests are reading, travelling, camping, playing music and Irish dancing. Have we mentioned he loves dancing.
