Meet The Team
Maurice Whelan
I became Managing Director, and co-owner, of Ireland Walk Hike Bike in 2013 and found the perfect role to match my passion for adventure with my love of hospitality and ensuring every guest feels supported and has a memorable experience in Ireland. When I am not in the office or out guiding you will most likely find me surfing or with hiking my dog Jade.
Francis Hartnett
Director & Owner
I have over 20 years of experience in activity tourism, having worked as a golf tour operator and golf tour manager before joining Ireland Walk Hike Bike in 2016, becoming a co-owner in 2021.
I am passionate about the outdoors, with a big love for walking & golf – as well as rugby, football and motor racing. My favourite part of Ireland has to be the Northern Coast, with its rugged coastal routes, ancient castles and, of course, the Giant’s Causeway!
Clodagh Roche
Operations Manager
Most of my days are spent organising the behind-the-scenes details that help our tours run smoothly — from planning daily logistics to making sure our guests have everything they need before they arrive. I love to travel, explore new places, and plan experiences, so getting to help others discover Ireland in the best possible way is something I genuinely enjoy. It’s a role that lets me combine my love for organisation with my passion for the outdoors, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that gets to share Ireland’s landscapes with people from all over the world.
Aidan Costelloe
Business Development Manager
I bring over 25 years of experience in the travel industry to my role as Business Development Manager at Ireland Walk Hike Bike. Having worked across a wide range of roles—from operations and customer care to product development and international sales—I have a deep understanding of the tourism landscape both in Ireland and abroad. A passionate traveller myself, I have explored extensively across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, giving me a unique global perspective that informs my work and helps shape unforgettable experiences for our guests. Born and raised in County Kerry, I am committed to growing Ireland Walk Hike Bike’s reach while maintaining its authentic, locally rooted approach.
Dean Garrison
Sales & Customer Relations
Mirja Tiedemann
Reservations Team
My passion for travel has taken me to three out of seven continents, and I’m eagerly planning to tick off more destinations from my travel bucket list.
My favourite place in Ireland is the Beara Way, especially the stunning Garnish Island in South Cork on a sunny day. I find great joy in sharing the beauty of Ireland with our clients and guiding them through their adventures across the Emerald Isle. Whether it’s recommending hidden gems or helping plan the perfect itinerary with our sales team, I love ensuring each traveller’s experience is unforgettable.
Katie Ahern
Customer Care
My passion for sharing Ireland with others started at a very young age. I was lucky enough to have parents who adored this island and showed us all her hidden gems. They also loved showing other people this side of Ireland, and sharing the history, geography, and odd fairy story that goes along with it. Watching visitors stand in awe of the beauty around them and knowing I had even a small part in creating that moment sparked something in me.
From this, my love for history and travel was born, but the Emerald Isle has always held a very special place in my heart, especially the Kingdom of Kerry, which I’m fortunate enough to call home. I am delighted to be able to help others discover the Ireland that lies off the beaten track and experience the magic that first inspired me.
Brian McLaughlin
Reservations Team
Linda Woods
Founder of Ireland Walk Hike Bike
Ireland Walk Hike Bike is a dream come true for me – from the early beginnings in my head in the very late 1980’s through to now as a wonderful business managed by Maurice Whelan. My dream was to find a way to bring people to the unknown parts of Ireland and immerse you into the “real” Ireland – full of nature, fresh air, amazing landscapes & scenery, history, stories and characters. 25 years later, that dream is now a reality and I continue to look for new walks & new ways to introduce you to those “hidden treasures” in Ireland that I adore. So if you want to know more about Ireland and really experience her hidden corners & wonderful places, please let us take you there. Thank you.
