Adrian Murphy
I’m originally from Ireland but now based in the sunny south of France, where I live with my family. These days I split my time between planning trips and exploring local Roman ruins which still blow my mind, since we don’t have anything like them back home (Ireland was too cold for the Romans so they didn't bother)!
When it comes to travel planning, I’m all about creating trips that feel personal and memorable, not just ticking off the usual sights. I like mixing local culture, a bit of history, and the odd detour that turns into the highlight of the whole trip. My approach is pretty simple: figure out what makes a place special, and match that with what makes you light up.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I focus on travel all across Ireland, with a real soft spot for the country’s historic sites and cultural gems. Castles, monastic ruins, famine roads, ancient wells...you name it! I’m all about the kind of travel that gives you stories to take home, the kind no one else in your friend group will have. If you want to see a side of Ireland that most visitors miss, I’m your man. I love mixing in well-known highlights with the quieter places that still feel untouched, and I’ve built up a good knowledge of where to go if you're after a bit of atmosphere, local legend, or just a great pint in a pub that’s been around for a few hundred years."
How did you get involved in travel?
"My background is in hotels. I worked as a hotel concierge in Ireland for years, and that gave me a front-row seat to what travellers really want. I spent my days helping people plan their time, book hidden gem experiences, and find places they never would’ve discovered on their own. It was hands-on, personal, and fast-paced. I loved the challenge of tailoring suggestions to each person. That experience naturally evolved into a role in travel planning, where I get to bring the same level of care and detail to someone’s whole trip, not just their day. And now I’ve got the best of both worlds: local insight and the space to build full journeys around it."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"One trip I’ll never forget was visiting Salem, Massachusetts in the US. I’ve always been a bit of a history nerd, and the witch trials fascinated me. While I was there, I took a walking tour of the town that really stuck with me. It was theatrical, thought-provoking, and brought the whole place to life. I left feeling so inspired that when I got back to Ireland, I actually trained and qualified as a walking tour guide with Fáilte Ireland, focusing on Dublin city. That experience in Salem showed me how powerful storytelling can be in travel, and it definitely shaped the kind of guide (and planner!) I’ve become. I’m a big believer in trips that leave you thinking, not just ticking boxes."
Adrian's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Experience the unique character of Irish cities on this self-drive tour around the county's urban centers. This weeklong trip takes you to the capital city of Dublin as well as...
With empty roads and a landscape of spectacular cliffs, windswept castles, and dreamy pastures, Ireland is made for driving. A warm welcome awaits in the cozy towns and...
On this unique exploration of the northern coastline, you will learn the history of conflict in Northern Ireland, visit castles and historical sites, spend the night on an...
Family itineraries
In seven days, you can see three to four areas and many of Ireland's highlights. Consider a road trip, as this makes exploring much easier with kids. Sightsee in Dublin and then...
Ten days is enough time to experience five to six destinations in Ireland. With popular stops like Dublin and Killarney, the Family Adventure is great for first-timers. The West...
Starting in historic Dublin, get ready for a two-week road trip that immerses your family in the best of Ireland. Drive onward to Kinsale, Kenmare, Tralee, Doolin, and Birr to...