Our Guides and Bus Driver
Our tour guide and fearless leader was Declan. He has roughly 30 years of experience leading Rick Steves Tours, and it showed in the way he was able to keep us all moving. As soon as we got our list with our guide’s name, my husband did some research and found out that Declan has received fantastic reviews as a guide. We were feeling pretty good about the trip. And, Declan did not disappoint. He is funny, talented, and an amazing organizer keeping the group going with so many sites.
Our driver on this adventure as Michael. He was voted Coach Operator of the Year and we all know why. He navigated roads like a pro. We knew we were in good hands with him behind the wheel. Thanks for keeping us safe, Michael!
We had several great local guides as well. I think one of the most powerful guides was Lolly in Belfast. She grew up during the “Troubles” and was able to provide first-hand account of what it was like during those times and how important the peace has been. Can you imagine having to “mind the car” as a young child? What is that you ask? When her parents needed to run errands, they would bring her and her brother along and leave them in the car to make it obvious that it was not an abandoned vehicle. During the Troubles, a car would most likely be blown up if left unattended. Lolly is about the same age as myself and my husband (right about 50), so this story made a big impact on us. It is current history and still in a delicate state. They are all watching BREXIT with bated breath. The impact that could have on their country could be devastating.
Our tour guide and fearless leader was Declan. He has roughly 30 years of experience leading Rick Steves Tours, and it showed in the way he was able to keep us all moving. As soon as we got our list with our guide’s name, my husband did some research and found out that Declan has received fantastic reviews as a guide. We were feeling pretty good about the trip. And, Declan did not disappoint. He is funny, talented, and an amazing organizer keeping the group going with so many sites.
Our driver on this adventure as Michael. He was voted Coach Operator of the Year and we all know why. He navigated roads like a pro. We knew we were in good hands with him behind the wheel. Thanks for keeping us safe, Michael!
We had several great local guides as well. I think one of the most powerful guides was Lolly in Belfast. She grew up during the “Troubles” and was able to provide first-hand account of what it was like during those times and how important the peace has been. Can you imagine having to “mind the car” as a young child? What is that you ask? When her parents needed to run errands, they would bring her and her brother along and leave them in the car to make it obvious that it was not an abandoned vehicle. During the Troubles, a car would most likely be blown up if left unattended. Lolly is about the same age as myself and my husband (right about 50), so this story made a big impact on us. It is current history and still in a delicate state. They are all watching BREXIT with bated breath. The impact that could have on their country could be devastating.