The Story Behind Our Private Tours of Ireland
Every Evergreen journey is personal. Founded and led by Derek O’Keeffe, Ireland’s 2025 Bespoke Tour Operator of the Year, we create private tours shaped by experience and a deep love of Ireland.
Meet Derek O’Keeffe: Over 25 Years of Private Guiding Experience
Derek O’Keeffe’s journey in the Irish travel industry began early, shaped by a family love for the island’s landscapes and stories. Over more than 25 years, he has built a reputation for designing private tours that feel relaxed, thoughtful, and deeply personal. Recognised as Ireland’s 2025 Bespoke Tour Operator of the Year, Derek is trusted by travellers who value insight, care, and a genuine connection to the places they visit.
Decades spent exploring Ireland’s quieter corners have given Derek an intimate knowledge of the country, from the dramatic Atlantic coastline to the understated charm of rural villages. His understanding of Irish history, folklore, and local life turns each journey into a living narrative. With Derek as your guide, travel becomes more than sightseeing, offering moments of connection with the people, stories, and traditions that define Ireland.
Known for tours that are refined yet unhurried, Derek brings together comfort, flexibility, and local insight in a way that feels natural and effortless. Whether travelling along the Wild Atlantic Way or through Ireland’s Ancient East, guests experience the country at their own pace, guided by someone who knows Ireland not just as a destination, but as home.
A Legacy of Irish Hospitality: The Story Behind “Evergreen”
"A journey is measured not in miles, but in the friends you make along the way."
Evergreen Private Tours is more than a name. It is a tribute to my father, who grew up on Evergreen Street in the heart of Cork and taught me that while Ireland’s landscapes are extraordinary, its true magic lies in its people. To him, the road was never just about getting from one place to another. It was a place for conversation, storytelling, and simple, genuine kindness.
After saying goodbye to my father in May 2025, the same year Evergreen was recognised as Bespoke Tour Operator of the Year, his values became my guiding compass. Carrying forward his belief in a warm Irish welcome is a promise I keep to him, and to every guest who places their trust in me. Through Evergreen, I don’t simply show you Ireland’s famous sights. I share the Ireland my father loved, a country of quiet moments, deep roots, and connections that last long after the journey ends.
A Personal Commitment to Exceptional Private Travel
At Evergreen Private Tours, we believe the most meaningful way to experience Ireland is through genuine, personal connection. To preserve the quality and care that define each journey, Derek O’Keeffe works with a limited number of private tours each year, allowing every guest to receive his full attention. This considered, hands-on approach ensures flexibility, discretion, and a level of personal care that simply isn’t possible with larger operators. Every journey is thoughtfully planned and guided with consistency from start to finish, so guests can travel with ease, confidence, and complete peace of mind.
What This Means for Your Journey
Bespoke Ireland Itineraries:
Every tour begins as a blank canvas. Each day is designed around your interests, whether that includes history and heritage, photography and landscapes, food and culture, or a blend of everything Ireland has to offer.
Comfortable, Private Travel:
Travel throughout Ireland in a modern, executive vehicle selected for comfort, safety, and excellent visibility, allowing you to enjoy the scenery fully while moving at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Local Insight and Hidden Places:
Alongside Ireland’s most celebrated landmarks, your journey includes quieter moments and lesser-known places, shaped by local knowledge and long-standing relationships. From small villages to unexpected encounters, these are often the moments guests remember most. From the initial conversation to flexible daily schedules and carefully chosen accommodations, every detail is arranged with care. Recognised as Ireland’s 2025 Bespoke Tour Operator of the Year, Derek ensures you can simply enjoy the journey, knowing your private tour has been planned thoughtfully and personally around you.
