They say a place is only as good as the people in it and in this part of the world, we believe it’s doubly true.
Finding inspiration in its sea-beaten beauty, mythic history and fierce independence, the people of Ireland and Scotland are blessed with a natural gift of storytelling. Lucky for you, we’ve assembled some of the most gifted and knowledge locals to share their insights and passion.
These are sure to be the stories you’ll carry home.
Travel Directors
Carefully selected for their local knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm, our Travel Directors take great pride in what they do and will accompany you every step of the way on our Guided Vacations.
Local Specialists
Enjoy getting insights of the places you visit, uncovering hidden gems and going on a journey through history as our Local Specialists share their home cities on each of our travel styles.
Local Hosts
In each city, our friendly Local Hosts offer guests taking one of our Locally Hosted Rail vacations expert advice and recommendations for a true local experience.
Private Chauffeur
Committed to warm hospitality, our Private Chauffeurs are skilled storytellers and your personal guide throughout your vacation. They’ll show you their homelands and bring history to life with their legendary tales.
Be My Guest Hosts
Enjoy an unforgettable opportunity to meet friendly locals and be welcomed into their home to break bread over an authentic meal, allowing you to truly immerse yourself into the Celtic culture.
A Few of Our Favorite Storytellers
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Linda Woods, Wander, Cyclist and Local Naturalist
Killarney Walking ToursWanderer, Cyclist and Brendan’s Local Naturalist
“It’s been said all who wander are not lost. After meeting Linda Woods, I finally understand what it means. Exploring Killarney Park with her is to become open to the unexpected and relish extraordinary in the ordinary…magical like Ireland itself.”
-Rodney Muir
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Michael Walsh, Distiller, Teacher Innovator and Superior Sipper
Head Distiller at Dingle Whiskey Distillery“What I learned today at the Dingle Distillery is that two hundred years ago, this small island had over a hundred officially recognized distillers, by the turn of this century there were two. It was a joy to hear Michael talk about how proud he is at being part of the revival of the whiskey industry in Ireland and being one of the new generation of artisan distillers, eager to share his passion and his craft.”
-Nigel Stevens
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Marks Rodgers Local Guide, Keeper of the Lore and Giant of the Causeway
Local Specialist“I could not wait to see the Giant’s Causeway and could not believe how incredible the experience was with Mark. He and his family have lived on this shoreline since 1588 and have eked out a livelihood, from Kelp Harvesters to Fishmongers to Barmen and Fortune Tellers, to Tour Guides and Storytellers, and what a Storyteller Make is. He advised us to come back to witness the sunrise…just WOW.”
-Grant Patton
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Sheena Gignam, Entrepreneur, Foodie, Gossip and Original Galway Girl
Galway Food Tours“A delicious and delightful way to get to know Galway! From sipping whiskies to slurping oysters, we had an absolutely marvelous time meeting the local chefs and shopkeepers who bring this city to life. And there is no better host than Galway Girl Sheena Gignam.”
-Kelsey Miles
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Ian Grindlay, True Scott, Protector of the Fortress, Believer in the Stone of Destiny
Local Host in Scotland“Ian had wonderful suggestions for the whole family, his local insight and knowledge of his native Edinburgh was a gift to all of us. The stories, the humor, we soon realized we already had made a friend.”
-Adina Cartwright
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Pat Keough, Entrepreneur, Friend and Skilled Driver
Private Chauffeur Driver“For as long as I can remember, my mother has wanted to visit Ireland, but things kept getting in the way, mostly the five of us. For her 75th, we decided the time had come and booked a Private Chauffeur vacation for three generations of Fitzpatricks and what a time we had! Our driver made my mom feel like a rock star and she was met with fanfare and a candle in every dessert she ate in Ireland. More than that, he was able to beautifully accommodate the necessities and whims of traveling with such a diverse group and always with a smile and a story.”
-Christina Fitzpatrick
The O’Connells, Be My Guest Hosts
Journey to the Lost Town of Newtown Jerpoint, a once-flourishing 12th-century town on the Nore River, which had 14 taverns, a wool mill, tannery and a brewery. Joe and Maeve O’Connell will host you on this exclusive Be My Guest experience, helping to unearth the mysteries of this site during a guided walk. The town was powered by two water wheels working on the little Arrigle River. A tower house stood near the market place, where a wealthy merchant would have lived. Travelling further up East-West Street, St. Nicholas’s Church and graveyard overlook the town and are the burial place of St. Nicholas (Bishop of Myra), whose tomb you’ll get to see.
