What our clients think..
2025
Thank you for the lovely two days we got to spend with you in Tomar and surrounds. We all thoroughly enjoyed your company and your wonderful storytelling, they were the highlight of our trip, for sure! Sametta, Washington DC
Thanks Marie for a fantastic day. Absolutely one of the best tour guides, very informative and knowledgeable. Mary, Ireland
Thanks to Marie for a wonderful three days of walking and personalised service. Of our five weeks away, this was a major highlight of our holiday. Can't recommend these short day tours enough. They were the perfect pace. Tomar is a real gem, not overrun with tourists. A historical and beautiful setting. Stephen, Australia.
We had a great time. Marie was funny and entertaining and had my family laughing. An encyclopedia of knowledge about the Templars. Would recommend. Brian, USA
Our tour was excellent & we loved our guide. So rich & full of history, a wonderful experience, building knowledge & memorable day. Pam, USA
My wife and I toured with you in Tomar. We wanted to thank you for a truly lovely day and experience diving into the Knights Templar. Maybe next time we can solve the mystery! Had a wonderful time. Julie, USA
Our tour guide was a lovely lady, very knowledgeable, lively and fun. Ali, Turkey
Thanks to our wonderful guide Marie for organising our 5 day tour around central Portugal. Marie is very knowledgeable and has great detail of local history. I would highly recommend her. It was our first time visiting Portugal and certainly won't be the last. Mary, UK
I wanted to have a guided walk in the countryside around Tomar during my stay in the town and so I booked a half day walk with Marie. She picked me up at my hotel promptly and we did the Pilgrimage looped walk to see the aqueduct and then walked a short way along the river. Marie was an excellent guide, with a passion for Tomar and its history and for nature and I learned so much. I'd like to return one day and go on one of her group walking holidays in the area. Kate, UK
Marie led us on a wonderful, informative tour of the Templar Convent/Castle in Tomar, Portugal. Being elderly, Marie patiently adjusted the speed of the tour. Besides the history, she added some very entertaining tidbits. As we parted, she offered directions to drive by the aqueduct = great suggestion. I highly recommend you engage her services, you will be happy! Emily, USA
2024
We were fortunate to be able to set up a tour experience at the last minute. Our guide Marie McMahon was wonderful. She shared the history of the Convent of Christ and the fascinating story of the Templars. I highly recommend the both the Knights Templar Experience and Marie McMahon. Anyone visiting Portugal should visit Tomar and the Convent of Christ. Thanks Marie for the wonderful, funny experience. Sandlin family, USA
From our Irish walking group October 2024
Enjoyed every moment of the trip, all the best to everyone. Thanks to one and all for a great week. Thank you for a great week, lovely company. Thanks for the adoption, fun and walking. A really brilliant week with great people, thanks for making the trip a positive memory. Great food, wine, craic and most importantly great company. Had a wonderful week, thanks for the trip. Thanks for a great week, enjoyed the company and good times. Thanks for the lovely week, God Bless. Had a wonderful week, thanks to everyone, great memories. Great week of chats, walking and dining out, until next time. Loved it all, thanks to all. It was a great week and wonderful company, keep living. Loved every minute of the trails and adventures. Thanks for the craic all week. A great week Marie, we enjoyed your company. What a wonderful holiday we had, I will cherish the memories and the fun. You pulled out all the stops for us. I really enjoyed the tour, you have great knowledge. A very enjoyable week. Thanks a mill for looking after us all week, I enjoyed it all.
What a totally wonderful week with you, who looked after us so very wonderfully and well. Bless you for everything so much. You went far beyond my expectations so thank you very, very much for that. I'll cherish my memories forever. Jennie, Canada
We had a super day, everything went so well. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Our guide was brilliant and so knowledgeable about the history of the area. We sang in both directions on the bus. Thanks a mill, we are already talking about the next one! ICA group, Ireland
I just wanted to let you know, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our walk today. We had a great guide and a lovely time. I would be very interested in any more walks you would be doing. Can you please add me to your mailing list. Skye, our beautiful golden retriever, really enjoyed the walk too. She is flat out, after her long walk. Thank you Marie for arranging this walk. God bless Carmel, Ireland
You have been absolutely fabulous to us throughout the booking procedure. And all the things that you said, made me feel very comfortable, safe and very happy. I am super lucky that we’re going together to explore your beautiful Ireland. Everything is sounding delightful Marie and I’m thanking you so much again for your excellent professionalism and charm. And I realize that I’m going to have to contain my excitement in meeting you now. My warmest regards to you, Marie - from downtown Toronto! Dee, Canada
2023
A trip to Central Portugal's Tomar region last week was astonishing. The entire area is steeped in centuries old history but the big discovery for me is the incredibly rich evidence still abundant on the story of the famed Knights Templar. This was their stronghold. Castles & fortresses remain as they were. Towns still revere their glorious past with constant festivals of varying themes. Marie is a fountain of local knowledge and guided us through a vast selection of local history, architecture, walks (inland & coastal) over our 5 days. There is more to see so a return trip is planned already. Many thanks. If you're a walker, hiker or a European history buff this area is a must. Obrigado.
Peadar, Ireland
Thank you so much for bringing us on this amazing adventure through Portugal. Your knowledge is priceless and your passion for the history of each area is so evident. Thank you!!
The Vernans, USA
2022
Highly recommend Shamrock Walking Tours. Transfers to and from the airport. You choose what hikes/walks you want to do, all of which have amazing scenery and aromas from the many wild flowers. You get to travel out to the countryside and get a glimpse at how the locals live. Hotels will provide you with a packed lunch for your hike or you can stop for a coffee on route. At night restaurants, wine, beer are very reasonable. Marie is an amazing host with vast knowledge of the area and culture, as were all the guides. Very simple to book, just a few emails and you are good to go.
Geraldine, Co Clare, Ireland
Thank you Marie and Shamrock Walking Tours for a fantastic week in Portugal. The weather was beautiful and our guides were a mindful of information. Everything was so well organised , all we had to do was be up and ready. Our hotel organised a packed lunch for us each day. We got to do part of Caminho de Santiago, amazing beach and mountain walks. Thank you so much to Shamrock walking tours, an experience I will never forget and such a beautiful place.
Bernadette, Ireland
2019
Thank you for such an enjoyable and enriching exploration of Portugal. I came back each day dizzy with fascinating information and images to chew about and to research further. Each of you were so fun, brilliantly informative and patient. Our accommodation at Hotel Uniao was so charming, gracious, lovely, quaint with views of the castle and rooftops from our balcony with the sky full of swallows. Jorge was the perfect host. Thank you for such a lovely trip. Patricia, USA
Doing a great job! Guides excellent, loved them all. Very flexible to the needs of individuals in our group. Loved the accommodation, so easy going and kind. Thank you all for your time. Seán & Karen, Galway, Ireland
Thanks all for your hard work and for our accommodation located in a fascinating place... next to everything. So much local Tomar history. I loved the climate and the individual attention. I enjoyed the local food in Tomar and your dining suggestions. Diane, USA
Tomar has a lot to offer with a great choice of restaurants and are real value. The walking locations are good and interesting, the trip to the seaside being the highlight. The tour guides were very enthusiastic and helpful. Mary, Galway, Ireland
My most impressive memory is of the beach cliffs though the walks in nature trails rival it for splendid views. Thank you for your easy going nature, knowledge and clarity and ever lasting optimism, what a group! Larry, California, USA
The highlight for me was relaxation, not having to organise anything. My favourite walk was Serra D'Aire, no traffic, good scenery and also the Portuguese Camino. Liked the accommodation very much and the breakfast for the week was wonderful. Collections and transfers were very good. Transport was very comfortable. We enjoyed our trip. Ger, Limerick, Ireland
I really enjoyed our week in Tomar. What I really liked was that it was not very commercialised. The walks were very enjoyable and the scenery very unspoilt.. My favourite walk was the 'Burren' walk. It was great to get to Fatima. The Friday walk was lovely, it was great to get to see the coast. I loved our accommodation. Eating out was very enjoyable and good for gluten free people like myself. I would highly recommend the area to other groups.
Jo, Cork, Ireland
Salutations to Shamrock Walking Tours:
I just wanted to send you this note to thank you and express my compliments for your sincere and familial friendship toward myself and our party in September this year’s Shamrock Walking Tour of Tomar and the region. It was one of the most fascinating and informative experiences of my life. I’ve been around the world over four times, and seen many lovely and enchanting visions in this world, but Tomar and Portugal were topmost. With your experienced and expert guidance we were given a glimpse of history and the present ambiance that has ensued from this rich and vibrate culture. A melting pot of traditions and historical roots that were visceral and charming. Completing this walking tour, was your historically detailed and humanist imagery created from lectures on stories of the Knights Templar and their unique contribution to the founding of western civilization as we know it.
I had a truly wondrous Walking Tour and loved staying at the Uniao Hotel with our great maestro of hospitality looking after us with such ambiance on the Rua Serpa Pinto, in the heart of Tomar and so near all sites of interest. Our tour leaders, Marie, Michael, Sandra and Peter were so very professional, yet never aloof or demanding. They were "soul of mellow” and constantly on the move to see to our every need.
We were treated like honored and important guests of their long and varied backgrounds. From Peters historical insights, Marie’s Irish dancing background, to Micheal’s army medic time, always feeling comfortable and safe. In spite of the sometime vigorous hiking days, I never felt overtired or “out of shape”. We were given plenty of time to rest and regroup and had lovely stops at local cafes and bistro restaurants. I got a deep rest and plenty of healthy exercise along with the insight and enrichment of experiencing history firsthand with Shamrock Walking Tours.
A thousand welcomes were felt and for that I thank you.
Cheers, J. L. Fahy
I liked the friendliness of everyone and how welcome we were made. I loved the Peniché walk and the mountain walk. The accommodation was lovely, they couldn't do enough for us. All the guides were brilliant. Theresa, Cork, Ireland
We had a wonderful week with yourself and the others in Tomar and surrounding area. It is a lovely part of Portugal and you are lucky to have found it and made the break to settle there. The walks were very varied and gave us a good idea of what the area has to offer. Hi to all the gang over there and again many thanks for making the planning etc of our holiday so effortless. Ann, Kerry, Ireland
Thank you so much for a most wonderful week which we enjoyed immensely with you and your guides. The high light of my trip was being with my friends and all went well. My favourite walk was Serra D'Aire. Accommodation was very comfortable and clean. All the guides were so caring, helpful and informative. The weather was just perfect...
Evelyn, Cork, Ireland
The highlight of my trip was meeting with yourself and good interesting people and I was never bored throughout the break. I understand the huge effort that you put in for us. My favourite walk was the one on the beach, really lovely day. Liam and Geraldine, Clare, Ireland
Very much enjoyed my trip to Tomar. The highlight of the trip for me the "challenge" and it was something new for me, different to my normal holiday. My favourite walk was the "Peniche" walk at the end because it was more relaxing. To improve the experience I would suggest a day in the middle to "do your own thing", by arriving instead on the Tuesday, you would still have your 5 walking days. Accommodation in the Thomar Boutique Hotel was excellent, perfect location in the centre. Thanks very much for all your efforts during the week, very much appreciated & helped in making it a very enjoyable experience. The day I arrived back it rained all day, literally, in contrast to what I had left behind. Noel, Clare, Ireland
2018
I did a walking tour with Shamrock Walking tours and it was fantastic! The weather was lovely. Great tour guide, flooding us with information about history and nature in an interesting and funny way. We got a chance to see real Portugal, far from crowds and touristy spots. Close to our base we had a number of cafés and restaurants where we enjoyed lovely Portuguese cuisine. The locals made us so welcome. We had a great time and are already planning our next walking holiday there. Definitely recommend. Sylwia, Poland
Took a trip to the lovely town of Tomar in January where we met Marie who took us on a tour of the local area. Tomar is a beautiful town with lovely churches, castle and monuments. Definitely worth a visit. We went on some really nice walks in the area, great scenery and also met some of the locals who were very welcoming. Would definitely recommend a visit here. Deirdre, Ireland
Amazing week in astounding beauty. Our guides were wonderful and very informative. Great walks, accommodation, food, wine and company. Loved the whole week. Sandra, Ireland
Fantastic hike yesterday. If you are looking for guided hiking in Portugal I would recommend Shamrock Walking Tours. Mike, UK
Thank you for the lovely two days we got to spend with you in Tomar and surrounds. We all thoroughly enjoyed your company and your wonderful storytelling, they were the highlight of our trip, for sure! Sametta, Washington DC
Thanks Marie for a fantastic day. Absolutely one of the best tour guides, very informative and knowledgeable. Mary, Ireland
Thanks to Marie for a wonderful three days of walking and personalised service. Of our five weeks away, this was a major highlight of our holiday. Can't recommend these short day tours enough. They were the perfect pace. Tomar is a real gem, not overrun with tourists. A historical and beautiful setting. Stephen, Australia.
We had a great time. Marie was funny and entertaining and had my family laughing. An encyclopedia of knowledge about the Templars. Would recommend. Brian, USA
Our tour was excellent & we loved our guide. So rich & full of history, a wonderful experience, building knowledge & memorable day. Pam, USA
My wife and I toured with you in Tomar. We wanted to thank you for a truly lovely day and experience diving into the Knights Templar. Maybe next time we can solve the mystery! Had a wonderful time. Julie, USA
Our tour guide was a lovely lady, very knowledgeable, lively and fun. Ali, Turkey
Thanks to our wonderful guide Marie for organising our 5 day tour around central Portugal. Marie is very knowledgeable and has great detail of local history. I would highly recommend her. It was our first time visiting Portugal and certainly won't be the last. Mary, UK
I wanted to have a guided walk in the countryside around Tomar during my stay in the town and so I booked a half day walk with Marie. She picked me up at my hotel promptly and we did the Pilgrimage looped walk to see the aqueduct and then walked a short way along the river. Marie was an excellent guide, with a passion for Tomar and its history and for nature and I learned so much. I'd like to return one day and go on one of her group walking holidays in the area. Kate, UK
Marie led us on a wonderful, informative tour of the Templar Convent/Castle in Tomar, Portugal. Being elderly, Marie patiently adjusted the speed of the tour. Besides the history, she added some very entertaining tidbits. As we parted, she offered directions to drive by the aqueduct = great suggestion. I highly recommend you engage her services, you will be happy! Emily, USA
2024
We were fortunate to be able to set up a tour experience at the last minute. Our guide Marie McMahon was wonderful. She shared the history of the Convent of Christ and the fascinating story of the Templars. I highly recommend the both the Knights Templar Experience and Marie McMahon. Anyone visiting Portugal should visit Tomar and the Convent of Christ. Thanks Marie for the wonderful, funny experience. Sandlin family, USA
From our Irish walking group October 2024
Enjoyed every moment of the trip, all the best to everyone. Thanks to one and all for a great week. Thank you for a great week, lovely company. Thanks for the adoption, fun and walking. A really brilliant week with great people, thanks for making the trip a positive memory. Great food, wine, craic and most importantly great company. Had a wonderful week, thanks for the trip. Thanks for a great week, enjoyed the company and good times. Thanks for the lovely week, God Bless. Had a wonderful week, thanks to everyone, great memories. Great week of chats, walking and dining out, until next time. Loved it all, thanks to all. It was a great week and wonderful company, keep living. Loved every minute of the trails and adventures. Thanks for the craic all week. A great week Marie, we enjoyed your company. What a wonderful holiday we had, I will cherish the memories and the fun. You pulled out all the stops for us. I really enjoyed the tour, you have great knowledge. A very enjoyable week. Thanks a mill for looking after us all week, I enjoyed it all.
What a totally wonderful week with you, who looked after us so very wonderfully and well. Bless you for everything so much. You went far beyond my expectations so thank you very, very much for that. I'll cherish my memories forever. Jennie, Canada
We had a super day, everything went so well. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Our guide was brilliant and so knowledgeable about the history of the area. We sang in both directions on the bus. Thanks a mill, we are already talking about the next one! ICA group, Ireland
I just wanted to let you know, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our walk today. We had a great guide and a lovely time. I would be very interested in any more walks you would be doing. Can you please add me to your mailing list. Skye, our beautiful golden retriever, really enjoyed the walk too. She is flat out, after her long walk. Thank you Marie for arranging this walk. God bless Carmel, Ireland
You have been absolutely fabulous to us throughout the booking procedure. And all the things that you said, made me feel very comfortable, safe and very happy. I am super lucky that we’re going together to explore your beautiful Ireland. Everything is sounding delightful Marie and I’m thanking you so much again for your excellent professionalism and charm. And I realize that I’m going to have to contain my excitement in meeting you now. My warmest regards to you, Marie - from downtown Toronto! Dee, Canada
2023
A trip to Central Portugal's Tomar region last week was astonishing. The entire area is steeped in centuries old history but the big discovery for me is the incredibly rich evidence still abundant on the story of the famed Knights Templar. This was their stronghold. Castles & fortresses remain as they were. Towns still revere their glorious past with constant festivals of varying themes. Marie is a fountain of local knowledge and guided us through a vast selection of local history, architecture, walks (inland & coastal) over our 5 days. There is more to see so a return trip is planned already. Many thanks. If you're a walker, hiker or a European history buff this area is a must. Obrigado.
Peadar, Ireland
Thank you so much for bringing us on this amazing adventure through Portugal. Your knowledge is priceless and your passion for the history of each area is so evident. Thank you!!
The Vernans, USA
2022
Highly recommend Shamrock Walking Tours. Transfers to and from the airport. You choose what hikes/walks you want to do, all of which have amazing scenery and aromas from the many wild flowers. You get to travel out to the countryside and get a glimpse at how the locals live. Hotels will provide you with a packed lunch for your hike or you can stop for a coffee on route. At night restaurants, wine, beer are very reasonable. Marie is an amazing host with vast knowledge of the area and culture, as were all the guides. Very simple to book, just a few emails and you are good to go.
Geraldine, Co Clare, Ireland
Thank you Marie and Shamrock Walking Tours for a fantastic week in Portugal. The weather was beautiful and our guides were a mindful of information. Everything was so well organised , all we had to do was be up and ready. Our hotel organised a packed lunch for us each day. We got to do part of Caminho de Santiago, amazing beach and mountain walks. Thank you so much to Shamrock walking tours, an experience I will never forget and such a beautiful place.
Bernadette, Ireland
2019
Thank you for such an enjoyable and enriching exploration of Portugal. I came back each day dizzy with fascinating information and images to chew about and to research further. Each of you were so fun, brilliantly informative and patient. Our accommodation at Hotel Uniao was so charming, gracious, lovely, quaint with views of the castle and rooftops from our balcony with the sky full of swallows. Jorge was the perfect host. Thank you for such a lovely trip. Patricia, USA
Doing a great job! Guides excellent, loved them all. Very flexible to the needs of individuals in our group. Loved the accommodation, so easy going and kind. Thank you all for your time. Seán & Karen, Galway, Ireland
Thanks all for your hard work and for our accommodation located in a fascinating place... next to everything. So much local Tomar history. I loved the climate and the individual attention. I enjoyed the local food in Tomar and your dining suggestions. Diane, USA
Tomar has a lot to offer with a great choice of restaurants and are real value. The walking locations are good and interesting, the trip to the seaside being the highlight. The tour guides were very enthusiastic and helpful. Mary, Galway, Ireland
My most impressive memory is of the beach cliffs though the walks in nature trails rival it for splendid views. Thank you for your easy going nature, knowledge and clarity and ever lasting optimism, what a group! Larry, California, USA
The highlight for me was relaxation, not having to organise anything. My favourite walk was Serra D'Aire, no traffic, good scenery and also the Portuguese Camino. Liked the accommodation very much and the breakfast for the week was wonderful. Collections and transfers were very good. Transport was very comfortable. We enjoyed our trip. Ger, Limerick, Ireland
I really enjoyed our week in Tomar. What I really liked was that it was not very commercialised. The walks were very enjoyable and the scenery very unspoilt.. My favourite walk was the 'Burren' walk. It was great to get to Fatima. The Friday walk was lovely, it was great to get to see the coast. I loved our accommodation. Eating out was very enjoyable and good for gluten free people like myself. I would highly recommend the area to other groups.
Jo, Cork, Ireland
Salutations to Shamrock Walking Tours:
I just wanted to send you this note to thank you and express my compliments for your sincere and familial friendship toward myself and our party in September this year’s Shamrock Walking Tour of Tomar and the region. It was one of the most fascinating and informative experiences of my life. I’ve been around the world over four times, and seen many lovely and enchanting visions in this world, but Tomar and Portugal were topmost. With your experienced and expert guidance we were given a glimpse of history and the present ambiance that has ensued from this rich and vibrate culture. A melting pot of traditions and historical roots that were visceral and charming. Completing this walking tour, was your historically detailed and humanist imagery created from lectures on stories of the Knights Templar and their unique contribution to the founding of western civilization as we know it.
I had a truly wondrous Walking Tour and loved staying at the Uniao Hotel with our great maestro of hospitality looking after us with such ambiance on the Rua Serpa Pinto, in the heart of Tomar and so near all sites of interest. Our tour leaders, Marie, Michael, Sandra and Peter were so very professional, yet never aloof or demanding. They were "soul of mellow” and constantly on the move to see to our every need.
We were treated like honored and important guests of their long and varied backgrounds. From Peters historical insights, Marie’s Irish dancing background, to Micheal’s army medic time, always feeling comfortable and safe. In spite of the sometime vigorous hiking days, I never felt overtired or “out of shape”. We were given plenty of time to rest and regroup and had lovely stops at local cafes and bistro restaurants. I got a deep rest and plenty of healthy exercise along with the insight and enrichment of experiencing history firsthand with Shamrock Walking Tours.
A thousand welcomes were felt and for that I thank you.
Cheers, J. L. Fahy
I liked the friendliness of everyone and how welcome we were made. I loved the Peniché walk and the mountain walk. The accommodation was lovely, they couldn't do enough for us. All the guides were brilliant. Theresa, Cork, Ireland
We had a wonderful week with yourself and the others in Tomar and surrounding area. It is a lovely part of Portugal and you are lucky to have found it and made the break to settle there. The walks were very varied and gave us a good idea of what the area has to offer. Hi to all the gang over there and again many thanks for making the planning etc of our holiday so effortless. Ann, Kerry, Ireland
Thank you so much for a most wonderful week which we enjoyed immensely with you and your guides. The high light of my trip was being with my friends and all went well. My favourite walk was Serra D'Aire. Accommodation was very comfortable and clean. All the guides were so caring, helpful and informative. The weather was just perfect...
Evelyn, Cork, Ireland
The highlight of my trip was meeting with yourself and good interesting people and I was never bored throughout the break. I understand the huge effort that you put in for us. My favourite walk was the one on the beach, really lovely day. Liam and Geraldine, Clare, Ireland
Very much enjoyed my trip to Tomar. The highlight of the trip for me the "challenge" and it was something new for me, different to my normal holiday. My favourite walk was the "Peniche" walk at the end because it was more relaxing. To improve the experience I would suggest a day in the middle to "do your own thing", by arriving instead on the Tuesday, you would still have your 5 walking days. Accommodation in the Thomar Boutique Hotel was excellent, perfect location in the centre. Thanks very much for all your efforts during the week, very much appreciated & helped in making it a very enjoyable experience. The day I arrived back it rained all day, literally, in contrast to what I had left behind. Noel, Clare, Ireland
2018
I did a walking tour with Shamrock Walking tours and it was fantastic! The weather was lovely. Great tour guide, flooding us with information about history and nature in an interesting and funny way. We got a chance to see real Portugal, far from crowds and touristy spots. Close to our base we had a number of cafés and restaurants where we enjoyed lovely Portuguese cuisine. The locals made us so welcome. We had a great time and are already planning our next walking holiday there. Definitely recommend. Sylwia, Poland
Took a trip to the lovely town of Tomar in January where we met Marie who took us on a tour of the local area. Tomar is a beautiful town with lovely churches, castle and monuments. Definitely worth a visit. We went on some really nice walks in the area, great scenery and also met some of the locals who were very welcoming. Would definitely recommend a visit here. Deirdre, Ireland
Amazing week in astounding beauty. Our guides were wonderful and very informative. Great walks, accommodation, food, wine and company. Loved the whole week. Sandra, Ireland
Fantastic hike yesterday. If you are looking for guided hiking in Portugal I would recommend Shamrock Walking Tours. Mike, UK
