Meet The Team
From the moment that you request information about your vacation in Ireland you will be assigned one of our Qualified Personal Travel Advisors. Our advisors are here to work with you to make your vacation in Ireland just perfect. They will be with you as a point of contact through the booking process, while you are here in Ireland and they will stay with you until you return home.
Olivia Carr
Hi, My name is Olivia Carr. I am a Mullingar Native and have lived here all my life.
I love living here as the pace of life is quite laid back and not as rushed or pressured as the cities.
I enjoy travelling and have visited all the counties in the country. My favourite place is the Lee Valley in Cork as the scenery is amazing and the people are so friendly. Another of my favourites is Clifden in Co. Galway. Living in the Midlands, the land is quite flat so to see the beautiful scenery just a few hours away is wonderful .
To visit Ireland is a truly unique experience, as it is a country steeped in culture and the craic is found in every town.
Patricia Taaffe
My name is Patricia. I live in a small village in Co. Meath. I am a people person and I like to meet new people and share new experiences.
Once you come to Ireland you will visit many unique locations where you will meet the friendliest of people. This is what I like most about Ireland, there is always a friendly face to chat to or ask for a favour. From working with our suppliers you will most definitely meet a friendly face once you check into your accommodations. They are all very professional and helpful so have no doubt you can ask for help with anything you need.
I’m a bit of a shopaholic so Dublin would be a fond favourite of mine. Once you come to our capital you will capture true Irish culture which will make for a great start to your stay.
No matter where you visit in Ireland you will find everywhere is all relatively close so you will be able to experience all the treasures we have to offer whether it be the ‘craic’ in the Irish pubs , the breathtaking countryside or learning about our culture through our historical landmarks.
Top tip for your visit:
Enjoy every moment of your stay and raise a toast with the locals with our national drink “A pint of Guinness”.
Ann Marie McKeon
My name is Ann Marie and I have lived here in Co. Westmeath
for the past 15 years. Before that I lived in Galway on the west coast. Since I was a young child I have travelled around various parts of Ireland with my family. Because of this I have come to know Ireland very well and can appreciate everything it has to offer.
I have also done quite a bit of travelling outside of Ireland and this has provided me with an in-depth knowledge of what people want and expect when they travel. This experience has proved very useful in my current role with Exploring Ireland.
My advice for someone travelling to Ireland is to embrace the culture, allow yourself to get lost in our stunning views, and have a pint of Guinness!
Edel Taaffe
My passion is helping people with their plans to explore the wonders of Ireland and I take great joy from learning about their adventures upon their return home.
“That’s if they’ll want to return home “
I like to explore new places in Ireland on my time off and I always find new experiences every time because there is such a vast amount of different and exciting things to do.
Everywhere is close by so it makes access easy and Irelands great richness, culture and heritage adds to the tourists experience.
My personal favourite places to visit are Donegal for the beautiful mountains, lakes and countryside. Galway is another favourite to visit the pubs for the craic and the city is great for shopping.
So what’s stopping you? Come visit Ireland..
Claire Reilly
I was born and raised in county of Meath and I believe everyone should live life to the full. However when it comes to the subject of birds I’d rather give it a miss. I adore everything Ireland has to offer and love getting a sense of satisfaction out of helping and dealing with people on a daily basis. I would consider myself to be a very adventurous person and I love to explore the outdoors. My pastimes include socialising, sports and horse-riding.
My favourite place in Ireland without a doubt has to be Galway city. Galway is just
one of those city that’s always full of life and entertainment. Whether it’s just going for a bite to eat, a sociable drink or a bit of retail therapy it never fails to impress. One day in
Galway city is just a breath of fresh air.
My top tip for Ireland:
If it’s your first time to travel to Ireland, travel with an open mind and make sure to
mingle with the locals.
Christine O’Keeffe
Hi, Christine here. I’m a Mullingar native and have lived here all my life.
Mullingar is at the heart of Ireland and is less than an hours drive from Dublin.
I have travelled the length and breadth of this wonderful country from shopping
in Belfast to sight seeing in Cork, from the Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede
rope bridge in Antrim to Glenbeigh Beach in Kerry.
Ireland is truly a fabulous country and whether you want an adventurous holiday,
shopping, pub crawl or a quiet holiday Ireland has it all. And if you’re lucky enough to have sunshine while you’re here you will really appreciate the beauty of this country of ours from Glencar Waterfall in Co. Leitrim to the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare. Enjoy travelling the by-roads and the wonderful scenery that you will not only pass but also be part of.
My top tips for holidaying in Ireland are:
(i) Bring an umbrella and/or raincoat
(ii) Grab an Irish Coffee or a Guinness and relax and enjoy the experience
(iii) Above all else – relax, have fun and enjoy.
Ciara Reilly
Pronounced Key-Ra, I was born and raised in Ireland in Co. Meath, I much prefer the quiet country side of Co. Meath rather than large cities.
I enjoy the excitement of visiting new countries, although having lived in Australia for over 2 years I could not wait to get back to Ireland as the beautiful green country has so much to offer. My knowledge of travelling allows me understand exactly what visitors are looking for when they visit Ireland.
After returning from Australia I joined Exploring Ireland, and I am really enjoying helping people to get there trip to Ireland completely right. I also enjoy listening about the visitors Irish routes.
In my spare time I enjoy horse riding, socialising with friends in the local pubs listening to traditional music and of course I love to catch a GAA match of hurling or football in Croke Park, been from Meath football is my first choice!
My favourite place in Ireland has to be Kerry, any chance I get I visit there and each time I go it never fails to impress me, the beautiful picturesque scenery is breath-taking. The locals are always so friendly and are always willing to send you in the right direction.
Gary Gorman
I’m from Ireland and lived here most of my life. As a 32 year old native of Mullingar in
the centre of Ireland I love the location due to everywhere being close! Almost
every county is close by so access to the rest of Ireland is easy.
I enjoy trekking, kayaking and motorcycling and generally an outdoors person (despite the weather!).
I’ve been with Exploring Ireland for 4 years after a year travelling around the world and
enjoying the fast pace of Irish tourism.
My favourite Irish towns are Galway, Doolin and Dingle and visit them as often as
possible. Travelling down the west coast of Ireland is a favourite pastime and
gives the opportunity to head into the mountains and get back to nature. Doolin
is a favourite of mine as I am passionate about music of all types and this place is famous for a good session.
Scotland is another area I love to visit as often as possible for both work and play! This
is a home away from home and Edinburgh and Glencoe are my favourite locations.
My top tip’s for Ireland:
1. Drive the winding roads of rural western Ireland
2. Watch a game of Gaelic football or hurling at any local club
3. Have a pint of Guinness in Galway city and walk through the buskers playing in the evenings.
Amy O’Kane
My name is Amy, and I’m from Dublin, but live in Mullingar with my husband and son, as I believe the quality of life in the countryside is better for young kids growing up.
My favourite place in Ireland would have to be Inis Móir (Pronounced Inish More), one of the three small islands off the coast of County Galway. The rocky ferry crossing to the island is like a time machine, transporting you back 100 years, to a land where modern conveniences only just about exist! It is a world of simple pleasures, community spirit and breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
I love exploring off-the-beaten track places, taking a road that Google Maps labels “Unknown Road” and finding out where it leads to!
I’m possibly the only Irish person who doesn’t like Guinness, but I definitely say you should give it a try anyway!
Michelle Flynn
My name is Michelle and I was born and raised in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, in the heart of Ireland. I have travelled to many places all over the world, but I have to say, there is no place like home and the “Céad Míle Fáilte” you receive when you travel around beautiful Ireland.
My favourite place to visit in Ireland is Galway City. I love to wander around Galway City’s cobble-stoned streets where you can feel yourself stepping back in time to Medieval Ireland. Galway City is packed with Irish culture and activities to entertain every age group. The West of Ireland is full of beautiful unspoilt Irish landscapes which will give you a real feel for traditional rural Ireland.
Top tip while visiting Ireland:
Attend a Traditional Irish music session, where you will experience a mixture of both lively upbeat jigs and heartbreaking ballads which can be found in pubs throughout the country all year around.
Aoife Weller
Hi, I’m Aoife, pronounced ‘EEFA’. Just like the origin of my name, I have always lived in the Province of Leinster, in Dublin and now in Westmeath. However, I adore visiting the West of Ireland. My favourite place has to be Doolin in Clare, I visit the Cliffs of Moher and the Ailwee caves every chance I get! There’s nothing more enjoyable than being part of an impromptu ‘seisiún’, a Traditional Irish music session in the Doolin pubs!
The best part about visiting Ireland and experiencing our country first-hand, is that there is history and culture absolutely everywhere you go, you will not be disappointed!
Sithideth Simuong
My name is Sithideth but people call me Sithi (Pronounced like City). I come from France, and I study business and management at La défense in Paris which is the largest business centre in Europe.
I am working at Exploring Ireland and I work in the reservations department. It’s been already 2 months that I’m living and working in Ireland. It was the first time that I came to Ireland and it’s a very beautiful country. I have travelled in several country of Europe and I can tell you that Irish people are the nicest people I have ever met which differ from French people .m living in Mullingar, in County Westmeath which is located in the middle of Ireland and which is a very peaceful city. I didn’t have the opportunity to travel in all Ireland yet but I went to Galway and Mayo, and there are such amazing Landscapes to see and it’s a good way to escape and relax.
My tips for your visit in Ireland: Bring your Yellow Raincoat, listen to some Irish Traditional Music (not One Direction) and have one pint of Guinness… Ok maybe more than one.
Richard Sloane
My name is Richie, and I grew up in County Monaghan. My fondest memories of growing up in the Monaghan countryside, including playing with my brothers in the many fields and surrounding woodlands, and cycling up and down the very hilly landscape. (Cycling down was, of course, always more fun than up!) Not for nothing is Monaghan referred to as the Land of the Litte Hills. Even from a young age, I was able to appreciate the natural, unspoiled beauty of my local areas’ landscapes.
I spent quite a lot of time in Dublin, as well, and love the diversity of city life. From the Farmer’s Market in St.Anne’s Park on Sunday mornings, to Moroccan hookah lounges in Temple Bar, to my favourite spot to go for a nice, cold pint of Guinness – the No Name Bar. It literally has no name! On Fade St, look for a large wooden snail hanging above a door and walk up the narrow flight of stairs to what feels like an eclectiv loft house party!
I currently live in Mullingar – where the Legend of the Leprechaun began, and would definitely recommend a visit, during your trip, to the eerie, Celtic Hill of Uisneach, which is just outside Mullingar town. It is one of the lesser known, but absolutely fascinating, Celtic attractions that Ireland is famous for!
Sunshine Mallard
Hi, my name is Sunshine. I love travelling. I started as a baby with my globe-trotter parents and still haven’t stopped. In my travels, from the South of France where I was born through Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America I have gained insight into the needs and desires of travelers. My favorite color is green and why I was naturally drawn to the emerald island to complete my second year of International Master in Sports Tourism Engineering. In my travels I have often also been near or on water from Fjords in Norway to Halong Bay in Vietnam, on the San Francisco Bay and ferries in Greece to name a few. Again making it natural for me to be in Ireland surrounded by the sea, where it may be rain a bit, but not only does this give the island its beauty, but you barely notice the wet as the Irish have the sun in their hearts so you always have a warm welcome.
I love sports, nature, music, myths, and legends all of which you find in this magical country. As a non-native, I’m Franco-American, I have a certain perspective a native might miss and can guide you with confidence to the pleasures of this fantastic country.