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      David Lawless

      David Lawless

      Enthusiastic | Compassionate | Musical

      Mini Bio

      Music and the outdoors are my big obsessions. I grew up in Dublin but I took every opportunity to get out into the hills. The mountains of Wicklow provided endless options for hiking and biking, leading small groups of friends in the hills since my teens.

      I worked in IT for over twenty years before taking a sabbatical in 2011 to go travelling for a year. Upon returning, I quit in 2013 and moved to the west coast for a change – which turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I’ve been working as a guide since 2016, and now live in Sligo, get to cycle its back roads, walk its hills, swim at its beaches, and play music with a bunch of good friends.

      Favourite Place to Play

      For music, it would be Ellen’s Pub in Maugherow, Co Sligo on a Friday night. For the outdoors, I’m happy at any one of our gorgeous beaches along the west coast and Wild Atlantic Way.

      Not a lot of People Know This

      Over the past few years, I’ve been learning to play the Gaelic Harp, or Clársach, the ancient instrument of Ireland (similar to the ‘Brian Boru’ harp in Trinity College).

      “Music and the outdoors are my big obsessions. Over the past few years, I’ve been learning to play the Gaelic Harp, the ancient instrument of Ireland, similar to the ‘Brian Boru’ harp in Trinity College.”
      Expand All
      Qualifications Read More

      Fáilte Ireland Regional Guide for the Northwest
      Fáilte Ireland National Guide / Tour Management

      Biggest Adventure Read More

      After twenty years working in IT I took a year’s sabbatical and backpacked around Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and finished up on the West Coast of the USA. A life-changing experience that set off a chain of events that sees me where I am today.

      What Fellow Travellers Say About David

      See previous comment - didnt realise there was going to be a page for each aspect!!!!!

      George (Chris) Latham
      E-bike - Ireland's West Coast
      Reviewed on 01/07/2024

      Our two guides - Duncan and David - were the highlight of the trip. They were knowledgeable, generous, funny and competent. They went over and above to ensure we were all having as positive an experience as possible throughout the trip. I feel privileged to have met them and to have had the opportunity to spend time with and learn from both of them.

      Dara Price
      E-bike - Ireland's West Coast
      Reviewed on 01/07/2024

      Beyond superlative as I mentioned earlier. Absolutely wonderful. Made a huge difference to our experience.

      Elizabeth Walker
      E-bike - Ireland's West Coast
      Reviewed on 01/07/2024

      I highly recommend David Lawless. He was attentive and listened to our desires, privately scheming to satisfy our every whim. He even coerced the host of our Mussel Farm Tour bake us some cream scones they we could not find at any bakery. He was punctual and often early to make sure we were comfortable at our accommodations. He shared his love of music openly and although we did not get to hear him play the harp, he did treat us to the Irish Whistle at a local pub with other musicians while drinking the only way to drink Guiness, at an old man pub served by proper bartenders! Then he mesmerized us and other hikers on top of Diamond Hill by playing an aire for all to hear. He had a good knowledge of Irish history and was able to answer most of our questions off hand. What he did not know, he found out. We credit David with making this trip one of the best guided tours I have ever had the privilege of being part of. If I ever return to Ireland, I will request him again.

      Phillip Aerts
      24WITM Tailor Made Trip
      Reviewed on 17/06/2024

      See my comments from the beginning. I would recommend David to anyone needing a guided tour of Ireland.

      Colleen Konicek
      23WITM Tailor Made Trip
      Reviewed on 28/09/2023

      See comments above. Our guide David, made the trip most enjoyable. A good guide makes all the difference in the world and our guide was beyond good.

      Michael Hannigan
      23WITM Tailor Made Trip
      Reviewed on 21/09/2023

      David made our wonderful experience even more special with his attention to detail, choice of Restaurants, historical perspectives And impromptu serenades with flute. He even provided excellent weather conditions, although I believe he had help with this.

      Frank Konicek
      23WITM Tailor Made Trip
      Reviewed on 18/09/2023

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