Reviews of Tour Orkney with Ciaran

Tour Orkney is one of Orkney’s most highly praised private tour experiences, with five-star reviews from guests on Google, Tripadvisor and ToursByLocals. Visitors regularly praise Ciaran’s storytelling, local knowledge, humour, flexible itineraries, cruise-safe planning and ability to bring Orkney’s archaeology, Viking history, wartime sites and landscapes to life.

Reviews are shown as plain text so visitors can compare feedback from different platforms in one place.

Jenny M

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · May 2026
Title: “2 days in Orkney with tour guide Cieran”
Written 20 May 2026

“Cieran is an exceptional tour guide. He is friendly, personable, knowledgeable, and approachable. His story telling skills and enthusiasm for the Orkney Islands make for a wonderful time. I cannot recommend him more highly.”

Gary Borgstede

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · May 2026
Title: “Exploring Neolithic Orkney Islands”
Written 18 May 2026

“We had a wonderful time with Ciaran as he guided us through all of the historic neolithic sites of Orkney! He is very knowledgeable and he provided great friendly service all day. He picked up our group on time at the ship and he safely returned us back to the ship at the time he said he would with appropriate margin for the all-board time. Overall, it was a great experience exploring the Orkney Islands with Ciaran!”

Departure799477

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · May 2026
Title: “A fun and entertaining visit to Orkney”
Written 16 May 2026

“Ciaran did a wonderful job showing us all the sights while keeping us engaged with stories of the places we visited. He is very entertaining and funny.”

Paula M

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · May 2026
Title: “A day on the Orkney Islands with Ciaran”
Written 8 May 2026

“We booked a day tour with Ciaran. Our group was so impressed with Ciaran and the tour he provided for us. The Orkney Islands are stunning and so beautiful. Ciaran is extremely knowledgeable and made history come alive for us. He took us to so many different places - it was awesome. He was kind and considerate with each person in our group to make sure we all had a great day. He went above and beyond to get us to sites before the cruise crowds showed up whenever possible I would absolutely book another tour with Ciaran. I recommend you booking with Ciaran as well.”

annx55

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · May 2026
Title: “Tour Orkney with Ciaran”
Written 6 May 2026

“Had the very best time! Ciaran is a fantastic leader! Organized, great knowledge of history, fun leader . We had full wonderful days -learned a lot saw brilliant places , tasted great scotch, heard intriguing stories of history.

Want to go back!”

DIANA MEHOCHKO

★★★★★ Google review · May 2026

“In April 2026, we were on a Viking Cruise through the British Isles and Norway. We had one day in port at Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands. Months before our cruise, we began searching online for a private tour and came across “Tour Orkney with Ciaran”. We read all about his background, his tours, reviews. We also found his Facebook page and videos. Prior to researching Ciaran, we really knew nothing about Orkney and wondered why Viking would make Kirkwall one of our port destinations. After watching his videos, listening to his stories, and reading his posts about Orkney, we knew we had to book a tour with him! Ciaran was very prompt in responding to my emails filled with many questions. We decided to book his 5 hour Cruise Excursion Tour. It ended up being 8 of us from the Viking Neptune on this tour that day. Ciaran promptly picked us up at the port with his very nice and comfortable van. Ciaran is a very gifted storyteller, very knowledgeable of Orkney and Scottish history. He also has a great sense of humor.

It is quite evident that he loves Orkney and his Scottish heritage. He is a very kind and considerate young man, making sure we all were comfortable and enjoying the tour.

In the five hours of that tour, we visited Skara Brae, Skaill House,Stones of Stenness, Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement, Ring of Brodgar, Churchill Barriers and Scapa Flow, the beautiful Italian Chapel built by Italian POWs, and St. Magnus Cathedral! That’s a lot to see in 5 hours, but we never felt rushed. We learned so much about beautiful Orkney and its history!

At the end of our tour of the Cathedral in Kirkwall, Ciaran offered the choice ….he would take us back to the ship or we could stay in Kirkwall to browse the shops, explore more on our own and take the Viking shuttle back to the port.

Our tour with Ciaran was truly one of our favorite tours of our 15 day cruise! We now hope to return to Scotland in the future and have Ciaran show us more of his beautiful country!”

Lyndsey Baldwin

★★★★★ Google review · May 2026

“Ciaran made our tour experience so lovely! He was knowledgeable and super friendly. We were able to see everything we wanted with the opportunity to customize our day, plus additional surprises along the way.”

Janet Groue

★★★★★ Google review · May 2026

“We had two great days in mid-May with Ciarán in Orkney! The first day was Stromness and Kirkwall, and the second day was Neolithic Orkney—Skara Brae—unmissable—the Ring of Brodgar, Maishowe Chambered Cairn (reading about such places is insufficient), and the Stenness Stones. We had every kind of weather, so come prepared. He has a story for everything and is an entertaining and informative guide. Highly recommended, as is Orkney generally. It’s a special place.”

Sally Worby

★★★★★ Google review · May 2026

“Ciaran created an amazing tour for us, full of wonder. He tailored it perfectly to our requests: ancient archaeological and historical sites as well as stunning birdlife, including white tailed and golden eagles. The experience was so relaxing: Ciaran transported us, arranged the ferries and entry to the sites. While we travelled, he revealed Orkney’s history through stories: ancient to historic, myths, landscapes and the people. Ciaran’s broad yet detailed knowledge, wrapped with humour, skill and his talent to find just the right places for our interests, made it a perfect first visit to Orkney. I’d love to go again. Thank you Ciaran.”

Paula M.

★★★★★ ToursByLocals review · May 2026

“Ciaran is an exceptional tour guide. From booking to tour day he was helpful and responsive to all our questions. The day in Orkney was unbelievable. What a beautiful place to live and visit. He showed us so many things. Our group had a spectacular day with Ciaran. I would highly recommend Ciaran as a tour guide and would definitely tour with him if have the good fortune to visit the Orkney Islands. Our group thanks you so much!!”

kathleenepengelly

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · April 2026
Title: “Tour the Orkney Islands with Ciaran”
Written 6 May 2026

“It was amazing, Ciaran is so knowledgeable and kind. He is flexible and ready for anything. He has a strong sense of intuition and is ready for Plan B at all times. The trip was everything I had hoped for and more.”

Karen Wolf

★★★★★ Google review · April 2026

“Our decision to join six other people on our Viking cruise for a tour with Ciaran proved to be a highlight of our trip. Ciaran provided a perfect blend of facts and fun and made us feel like explorers rather than just tourists. We visited many sights and learned so much about this interesting and mysterious part of the world. Pick up at the ship was easy and we had the option at the end to either return to the ship or stay in town and return via the ship’s shuttle (which we did). The comfortable ride, engaging commentary, and delightful walks all combined to create a memorable day in the Orkney Islands. Highly recommended. Thank you Ciaran…we hope to return.”

Ursula Lindel

★★★★★ Google review · April 2026

“Ciaran ist ein Reiseführer, wie man ihn sich nur wünschen kann: sympathisch, kompetent und voller Begeisterung für die Orkney-Inseln. Dieser Enthusiasmus war regelrecht ansteckend! Obwohl ich im Rollstuhl sitze, habe ich dank seiner einfühlsamen Umsichtigkeit und Hilfe fast alle Sehenswürdigkeiten erleben dürfen.

Vielen Dank, Ciaran”

Suann S

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · April 2026
Title: “Tour Orkney- Best tour- must travel with Ciaran”
Written 2 April 2026

“We had a wonderful experience touring the Orkney Islands with Tour of Orkney, guided by Ciaran. From the very beginning, his communication before the tour was excellent—clear, prompt, and helpful, which made planning effortless.

On the day of the tour, Ciaran was right on time and immediately set a warm, welcoming tone. He was kind, thoughtful, and incredibly attentive, making sure everyone in our group was comfortable and that our interests were reflected throughout the day.

His knowledge of Orkney’s history, culture, and landscapes truly brought the islands to life. We never felt rushed and appreciated how personalized the experience felt.

And to top it all off, he is very eco-conscious. He calculated the carbon footprint of our tour and plans on planting a tree for our tour!

We would absolutely tour with Ciaran again and highly recommend him to anyone visiting the Orkney Islands.”

Suann Schutt

★★★★★ Google review · April 2026

“Fantastic day in the Orkney Islands with Ciaran from Tour of Orkney. Great communication, prompt, kind, and very knowledgeable. He made the day easy, personalized, and memorable. Highly recommend!”

Stay18235657752

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · February 2026
Title: “Fantastic unforgettable journey around a beautiful archipelago”
Written 28 February 2026

“Ciaran created an itinerary which addressed the ages and interests of all 7 members of our party. He was very knowledgeable but not just about what you’d read in a guide book. He really made my father’s 90th birthday trip fantastic!”

Jamie McCulloch

★★★★★ Google review · January 2026

“Absolutely loved our private tour of the Orkney Islands. Super relaxed, loads of local knowledge, and a genuinely brilliant guide. We never felt rushed and got to see so much at our own pace.

It felt really personal and well planned, and was easily one of the highlights of our trip. Would 100% recommend to anyone looking for a private tour of Orkney.”

Lauren C

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · August 2025
Title: “So much to see!”
Written 6 January 2026

“We had the best time in gorgeous sunny windy Orkney, shown around by our lovely tour guide Ciaran (who picked up up at the airport). Orkney is littered with archeology, so Ciaran took us to Unstad Cairn and the Ring of Brodgar before heading to Kirkwall to see St Magnus Cathedral. He's a funny guy with heaps of knowledge. Can't recommend Tour Orkney enough.”

J Mac

★★★★★ Google review · November 2025

“Glad to have went on a private Orkney Islands tour with Ciaran the other week. Despite the early winter cold, Ciaran kept our spirits high with incredible insights of the isles, bringing depth and humour to 5000 years of varied and complex human history. Not only that, but it was great to get an understanding of how people live and go about their lives on Orkney today. If you want to feel the past and experience the present I couldn’t further recommend to do it with Ciaran”

Marcia Z

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · October 2025
Title: “Standing Stones in October with Orkney”
Written 13 November 2025

“Ciaran designed a fantastic tour for the two of us, and was the ideal guide. We managed to squeeze in a great deal of Orkney in two days. His knowledgeable enthusiasm has made it a necessity to return next year and spend time with him visiting the remote parts of Orkney. He’s promised help booking smaller ferries and places to stay and explore on the smaller islands of the archipelago, and even on Shetland. Can’t wait to reconnect with him and enjoy more time in such in an incredibly mystical place.”

AnnQuayle

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · October 2025
Title: “An outstanding Orcadian guide”
Written 6 November 2025

“Ciaran gave us two wonderful days in Orkney. He was an absolute delight. He knows a tremendous amount about the island and its history and created a fascinating and comprehensive itinerary. The weather changed frequently, and he modified where to go next on the fly to avoid intermittent showers. He gave us a wonderful feel for the thousands of years of Orkney history, right up to the present day. All and all, our two days with Ciaran were a highlight of our time in Scotland.”

David Batten

★★★★★ Google review · October 2025

“Ciaran was amazing. A font of knowledge, historical tales, and great jokes. We all loved his tour :)”

Michael Batten

★★★★★ Google review · October 2025

“The tour was amazing. It was so informative and engaging.”

David Bryden

★★★★★ Google review · October 2025

“One of those beautiful most interesting places in Scotland. The tour was fantastic and I learnt so much from our tour guide Ciaran. Fascinating place!”

David Batten

★★★★★ Google review · October 2025

“Ciaran is a wonderful guide, both knowledgeable and wise. We had a lovely day touring with him.”

Karen W

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · September 2025
Title: “Outstanding tour of Orkney”
Written 23 October 2025

“We had a brilliant private Orkney islands tour with Ciaran. Even though there was a cruise liner had come in we didn’nt feel or notice large number of tourist from the ship because Ciaran timed our visit perfectly so we had the neolithic sites practically to ourselves. The Italian chapel was amazing and Yesnaby was a real highlight( as were the stories and history) Ciaran was a joy to be with keeping us amused with his knowledge and tales, for us he made our day and tour of Orkney the best. X”

sophie r

★★★★★ Tripadvisor review · September 2025
Title: “Bravo”
Written 27 September 2025

“Great! Listening, exciting and passionate, a guide of very high quality that combines a very sympathetic personality with a mastery of his profession, a curious and very cultivated temperament. I highly recommend.”

Susan Larsen

★★★★★ Google review · September 2025

“The tour was amazing. It was so informative and engaging.”

Kathy Eis-Heenan

★★★★★ Google review · September 2025

“Spent the day with Ciaren from Kirkwall to Stromness and beyond. He shared our sense of adventure and certainly didn’t disappoint with the sites, history, knowledge, theory and fun! Highly recommend Ciaren and Tour Orkney. You won’t be disappointed”

John Nicoll

★★★★★ Google review · September 2025

“My wife and I had a Memorial Day on Orkney. With Skara Brae closed due to high wind we were able to visit a similar site plus many more sites including Ring of Dodger, Bishop & Earl Palace, Broch of Gurness, Scapa Flow, Churchill Barriers, St Magnes Cathedral and for us the highlight being The Italian Chapel plus the wonderful Orkney scenery.

Ciaran’s knowledge and explanation of the history not only of the sites but the islands in general was exceptional. We were on a cruise mainly to visit Orkney and we were not disappointed so thank you Ciaran for providing us with wonderful memories of Orkney and the lasting pictures you painted with your oratory skills.”

Lisa F.

★★★★★ ToursByLocals review · September 2025

“We did a half day tour with Ciaran and have to say that it was one of the most enjoyable experiences of our entire trip. As a writer, Ciaran has a gift for storytelling, a great benefit for a tour guide! He was so knowledgeable, funny and personable and brought the history and culture of Orkney to life for us. His van and audio equipment were great so no one missed...”

Dennis B.

★★★★★ ToursByLocals review · September 2025

“Ciaran was a very good guide and had a real grasp of the local history and the past. He was very good at explaining the ancient formations and settlements that were at least 5000 years old. Very comfortable vehicle and he was on time. Highly recommended him as a guide. Would certainly hire him again.”

Nancy L.

★★★★★ ToursByLocals review · September 2025

“If you are lucky enough to book Cairin as your tour guide in Orkney Islands, go for it. He was one of the best guides ever. In addition to being a really nice person, he was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the Neolithic Era and forward. We saw the Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae Neolithic Village, Churchill Barriers, Scapa Flow and the Italian all in 5 hours.. We had a fabulous day and learned so much - highly recommend this tour with Ciaran.”

Susan Davis

★★★★★ Google review · August 2025

“We had a wonderful tour of the Orkney Islands and mainland Scotland with Ciaran. We loved learning about Scotland's history and saw so many wonderful sights. We especially enjoyed meeting Ciaran--he is passionate about sharing his love of Scotland and he is a very gifted storyteller!! We highly recommend this tour!!”

Mary Denevi

★★★★★ Google review · August 2025

“This summer, we enjoyed our second tour with Ciaran. If possible, it was even better than the first! He treated eight of us to an amazing tour of mainland Orkney and then over the ferry to drive cross-country to the Isle of Skye. The hotels he chose for us were charming and comfortable. His knowledge of Scots lore is exceeded only by his quick wit and inherent kindness. You can't go wrong with Ciaran.”

Christina Jones

★★★★★ Google review · August 2025

“Ciaran gives a top notch gin tour even when the weather of Orkney fails to cooperate. Knowledgeable and funny, Ciaran is good people. Highly recommend.”

Melissa DeRocchi

★★★★★ Google review · August 2025

“Ciaran was hands down the highlight of our day on Orkney. His tour was humorous, fast paced, and flexible based on our input. Highly recommend!!!”

Fiona Laird

★★★★★ Google review · August 2025

“Thank you Ciaran for a great jewellery & gin tour today - very informative and interesting - good fun and banter had all round - we had an amazing time ”

Angie Morris

★★★★★ Google review · August 2025

“Fabulous day in Orkney with the lovely Ciaran - great fun, very knowledgeable, plenty stops and interesting sights!!!”

Bjornson

★★★★★ Google review · August 2025

“Thumbs up for Ciaran the guide. Knowledgeable positive person guiding you through history of the Orkneys and more. Excellent day 👍👍👍👍👍”