Team Spotlight: Stevie & Niamh
We know that a travel company is only as good as its team, and we sure feel lucky to have a fantastic one! Here, we feature our stellar cycling tour specialist, Stevie Griffin, as well as one of our local expert hiking guides, Niamh Quinlan – listen to her audio recorded interview!
Stevie Griffin
My role within Ireland Walk Hike Bike is to help guests with all matters relating to cycling, ranging from setting up bikes or assisting with route choices and navigation. As an avid cyclist I love dealing with people who are coming to visit Ireland and experience what we have to offer to all levels of riders. There is a great kick in getting to vicariously enjoy someone’s first time hitting the Conor Pass, Ballaghisheen Pass or the countless other climbs and beautiful roads to which we are so lucky to have access.
I have been riding competitively for several years and I’m also involved in organising various road races around the county of Kerry, being a member of Tralee Manor West Bicycle Club since 2014. My life does revolve around cycling to a strong degree, but I wouldn’t change that for anything (bar the dodgy tan-lines and occasional road rash).
My favourite ride in Kerry is heading over the Conor Pass from the Castlegregory side before taking in a lap of Slea Head and heading back home over the pass again. From sunny days to sideways rain, the beauty and harshness of Irish roads never tires on the mind, although the same can’t always be said for the body.
Interested in learning more about our self-guided cycling tours? Get in touch with Stevie.
Niamh Quinlan
I read an article about Ireland Walk Hike Bike in Outsider Magazine and thought guiding walking groups is what I would love to be doing when I retire. Being an avid hill walker for many years around Cork and Kerry, working in travel and having escorted groups worldwide I thought this is what I have always wanted to do. I emailed Linda and the rest is history. I have now being guiding for 3 years and am entering my 4th season. I have hiked in Iceland, Austria, The Pyreneese, Amalfi Coast, Bavaria, Canary Islands and most spectacular hike was at South Georgia Island on the infamous Shackelton and Tom Crean walk.
However my favourite place to walk is Ireland with a particular passion for Kerry, and the Dingle & Beara Peninsula. My favourite mountain in Ireland to hike is Carrantouhil and favourite Island hike is Dursey Island with Great Blasket a close second.
I live in North Cork and spends my summers (when not guiding) at her mobile home at Glenbeigh on the Ring of Kerry. I have one son married in Germany and two grandchildren whom I hope will follow my passion for walking and my love of Kerry.
Listen to my eight-part Q&A below:
Q&A with Hiking Guide, Niamh Quinlan
Meet Niamh Quinlan, Hiking Guide for Ireland Walk Hike Bike?
Q: In which areas do you typically lead guided hiking tours?
Q: How did you get into walking/hiking?
Q: What are some of your favorite areas to hike in Ireland?
Q: What do you like most about hiking and leading guided hiking tours in Ireland?
Q: How often are the guided hikes off trail?
Q: How often do you have solo travellers on your guided hikes?
Q: On your guided hiking tours, how do the mealtimes work? Does the whole group eat together each day?