Cruising Killaloe with visitors from around the world
How did you start working in tourism?
My father had a long established foodstore in Killaloe. We had a number of visitors come into our shop looking to get out on the water as Killaloe is a picturesque riverside town. The River Shannon meanders by Killaloe on its way to Limerick. A beautiful stone bridge links or separates (depending on your county allegiance) Killaloe in County Clare with Ballina in County Tipperary. In 1991 we decided to start with one open lake boat with an outboard engine. The initial investment was just £600. A number of customers were reluctant to self-drive so I was frequently sent with them as a driver and guide. My background has always been serving and meeting customers directly. I have no third level education or have not studied in any way for my role – I have learned my skills, which include everything from tour guiding and marketing to business development, on the job.
Have you had good progression in your career?
My progression could be linked with how we grew the business. By 1993 we had eight lake boats for hire and by 1998 we had increased to 14. Our season was about seven months long. Weather played a key role in determining how good a season was. In 1999 I decided to purchase a 12 person passenger boat. Very quickly I realised the potential in grouping people together. By the end of the season I was looking out for a boat with increased capacity. On Easter Saturday 2000 I set off with 50 passengers afloat in a boat that offered customers both an open deck for taking in the spectacular scenery and a fully enclosed deck for comfortable cruises on the occasional day it rained. It was such a memorable day as my entire family helped out. I was on such a steep learning curve but have managed to significantly develop my family business over the years.
What skills have you developed in your career in tourism?
I have learned so much along the way, in particular how to promote the business best. Our budget for marketing is never enough so how it’s spent is important. Communicating with individual customers and trade customers requires a different approach and using networking skills always helps. Getting familiar with social media is an ongoing development.
What characteristics do you need to succeed in tourism?
I think determination is important in any career. Being able to adapt is very important, as changes are always on the horizon. Motivation is key to ensure we always improve what we offer our customers. Being grateful and graceful in serving customers is key too.
What’s the best part of your job?
I really enjoy spending my time at the bar on board talking with visitors from around the globe about my home town and what makes it so special. As I meet more and more visitors it never surprises me the interest they show in Ireland and the River Shannon. It’s great when people introduce themselves and explain that they were here maybe seven or eight years ago and couldn’t wait to come back. It’s a very rewarding career and no two days are the same.
How does your job fit with your lifestyle?
In the high season our job completely takes over our lives but we always catch up on life in the winter. There's honestly no day off from March to mid-November. This is what I grew up doing so a long and busy season is really second nature to me. If we get two or three hours by the sea a couple of times in July or August it’s enough to revitalise us. 
What advice would you offer someone considering joining tourism?
I certainly wouldn’t change anything. The saying "small is beautiful" for me is really true. Small improvements make a big difference and being part of a small business allows you to play an integral part of its success. There are so many good people in the tourism industry in businesses and agencies ready to advise and assist. Don't ever be reluctant to seek their guidance.
Fáilte Ireland
