Maurice Whelan
Adventure comes naturally when your a kid you want to climb that tree, cross that stream and even the largest step outside your comfort zone is easy because as a kid you do what feel right at the time and have no sense of danger. Then we all grow up and life gets in the way of adventure. That is if we allow it to happen and forget what it is like to be a kid and exploring new places.
This is why I spent 7 years travelling to shake off the mundane and see what the world is like when you allow it to introduce you to new experiences.
Now I am back home in Ireland since 2012 and after experiencing adventure activities in so many other countries I realized that Ireland has everything needed for world-class adventure along with a vibrant history and culture which I enjoy sharing with people.
Whether its a gentle cycle in your local park or scaling the highest peaks I believe we all need to get outdoors much more. Nature is our playground and we need to remember what it is like to play again.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Saying that "I" specialize in Hiking and cycling would be to deny the amazing team that I work with at Ireland Walk Hike Bike. Our company was set up with one purpose in mind – to show guests the real Ireland that we know and love. Having watched many visitors “flash” through Ireland – my business partner and founder of the company Linda Woods decided back in 1994 to find a better way to see the country. As Linda says “My aim was to slow people down, so they really get their feet into the soul of the country, meet the locals & discover what makes Ireland & the Irish tick………” and 24 years later – this is exactly what Ireland Walk Hike Bike is still doing today….
We specialise in hiking and cycling holidays both Guided or Self Guided and take great pride in designing bespoke holidays in line with the needs of our guests."
How did you get involved in travel?
"My professional career began in the fitness industry where I managed a gym and worked as a personal trainer. I then got itchy feet and took off to travel the world and in the intervening years worked in various roles in the hospitality sector. I ended up in Hotel management and quickly realised that if I continued on this path my balance between the ability to enjoy the activities I love and to make a living was severely skewed. I packed in my role in hotel management and sought out a new opportunity to allow me combine my passion for being active and sharing my home country with people. 1 year later I was director of Ireland Walk Hike Bike creating and delivering holidays of a lifetime for our guests. 5 years on and I am lucky to say I am one of those annoying people who has my dream job."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Trekking in Northern Laos and after 7 hours of intense hiking through the jungle we came to our overnight stop which was a shack made from Wood and sheets of corrugated iron. Certainly not the Ritz but perfectly adequate for the night. Our guide got a fire going and after a few hours we ate dinner and it got very dark in the jungle. Suddenly a number of children emerged from the darkness and came toward our hut. The guide explained that they were from a local village not too far away. We spent the next 3 hours showing the kids photos on our digital cameras and trying to communicate with them by drawing pictures. The catch was we had no paper so we had to write on our bodies. It began with arms and legs but by the time the kids left our camp I looked liked I had been tattooed from head to toe !!"
Maurice's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Hike the Ring of Kerry at your own pace on this 11-day self-guided itinerary. The iconic Ring route is a loop of the Iveragh Peninsula on Europe's westerly edge. With the...
Spend six days on Ireland's rugged West Coast with this hiking tour. You'll head down the Dingle Way from the country town of Tralee down to Inch Beach and onward to Dingle...
Ireland at its best is wild and windswept and absolutely made for hiking. On this 9-day trip, you can go horseback riding on pristine beaches and walk the length of the Cliffs...
Recent trip reviews for Maurice
Ireland hiking 5/19
Ireland
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May 5 - May 12, 2019
Whiskey cycling trip
Ireland
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Sep 30 - Oct 7, 2018
Trip to Ireland
Ireland
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Aug 17 - Aug 22, 2018
I sent my dates, what I was going to do, and they arranged everything for me! They were so helpful for me as an independent traveler, and flexible with what I wanted to do, and available if I needed help. I was able to plan the travel between the cities I was visiting on my own (Belfast and Dublin), and they helped me figure out the hikes and transportation on the Dingle Penninsula. I was in wonderful bed and... Read more
Tour of Ireland
Ireland
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Jul 21 - Aug 2, 2018
Our trip was thoughtfully planned to provide us with the opportunity to drive to many unforgettable places and sights in Ireland.