In this edition of the VaGazette, we’re delving deep into the heart of Vagabond to uncover what truly gives these tours their adventurous and active spirit.
From 5 to 12 days on the road, across ever-changing landscapes, weather, and challenges, we check in with the team to share what goes on behind the scenes, and out on the front line.
It’s worth remembering that this all began as the dream of Rob and Amy over 23 years ago. No doubt it was met with a fair share of puzzled looks and questionable advice when it first set off.
Today, however, Vagabond has grown into one of the most recognisable and successful tour brands in Ireland.
What’s especially nice is that, despite that success, the bosses have stayed true to their original vision, keeping that spirit of adventure at the very heart of everything they do.
When people first hear the name Vagabond Tours, there’s often a brief pause. A small moment of polite confusion.
“Vagabond…?”
You can almost see the mental image forming: a slightly scruffy wanderer appearing over the horizon, belongings tied up in a bundle on the end of a stick, possibly humming a tune and looking mildly suspicious.
Historically, that’s not entirely wrong.
A vagabond was someone who wandered from place to place with no fixed home. In centuries past, this sort of behaviour made local authorities a bit nervous. If you turned up in a village carrying all your worldly possessions and asking where the nearest ale might be found, you might very quickly be encouraged to keep wandering… preferably in a different direction.
In short, vagabonds were travellers. Just perhaps not the sort that booked their accommodation in advance.
The word itself comes from the Latin vagari, meaning “to wander.” Which, when you think about it, is exactly what we do. We just wander Ireland’s back roads in a comfortable minibus rather than on foot, and our guests tend to arrive with suitcases instead of bindles.
Of course, vagabonds have also always had a slightly romantic reputation: curious souls who followed the road wherever it led, collecting stories, scenery and the occasional good pub along the way.
That version suits us just fine.
So yes, for a few days at least, our guests become vagabonds too. Respectable vagabonds, perhaps. Well fed vagabonds. Vagabonds who know exactly where the next Guinness is coming from.
Not the sort that get run out of town anymore.
Usually.
🔨 Built on Grit, Grease and Great Craic: Tim
When I joined the Vagabond Tours team in 2014, it was Vagabond and just Vagabond, we had yet to start drifting.
It was somewhat of a rough, unfinished experience for both the guide and the guest, but all in a good way. Think less “polished touring product” and more “enthusiastic adventure that might require a socket wrench.”
The vehicles, the old square Land Rovers,represented the ethos of the company guides perfectly: difficult to manage, a little rattley, but full of charm. One of the main activities the group often got involved in was fixing loose windscreen wipers, changing light bulbs, and inflating soft tyres.
To be fair, this wasn’t officially on the itinerary. It just sort of… happened.
The guests were somewhat different too… or maybe they just had different expectations. Not only did we butter them up with our uncouth charm, we quite literally had to butter them up to squeeze into the back of the van together.
Eight guests sitting forward, facing four sitting backwards. Steamed-up rattley windows and a breeze coming in that would impress a hang-gliding enthusiast.
And the noise in that bus! Rob’s guide interview technique was to see if you could roar Irish history at the top of your voice to an excited and giddy group over the roar of a screaming Land Rover turbo diesel engine.
If you could be heard above third gear on a hill climb, you were basically hired on the spot.
There was something about it, however. It was charming, exhilarating, and real. It was truly an adventure from start to finish including the time my whole group had to dig out the Land Rover and trailer on Ballybunion Beach.
Pure magic.
You could say the guests got a very immersive Irish experience: history, scenery, teamwork, and the occasional impromptu lesson in vehicle recovery.
We haven’t lost that spirit or that sense of adventure. I think we’ve just adapted it to a slightly different, and perhaps more financially stable, market.
So what is Vagabond today?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the vibe we try to create, some of the activities we take part in, and ask the question: how do we hold on to that old style and feel of real adventure for our guests?
🍃 Fresh Air, Full Days and Zero Regrets: Danielle
A big part of the challenge for Vagabond Tours is helping guests understand whether they’re better suited to a Vagabond or Driftwood experience.
We asked Danielle (in her cool, collected, sophisticated voice) how she explains what a typical Vagabond tour is really like…
When we’re chatting to potential Vagabonders, we’ll tell them straight out: yes, you might get a little wet, a bit windswept, and there’s a strong chance your boots will become well acquainted with a bog or two! But that’s all part of the magic.
It’s about embracing the elements rather than fearing them… or at least learning to laugh at them.
Our active Vagabond tour style features an upbeat pace, with each day full of variety and activity. Guests can clock up to 30,000 steps in a day, with a more relaxed day coming in at around 10,000. Either way, you’ll have earned your dinner (and possibly two desserts… no judgement here).
We like to paint the picture of a day that might start with hiking, biking, horse riding, or a blustery cliff walk, but always ends somewhere warm and welcoming. Think less survival expedition, more well earned pint by a roaring fire… with dry socks if you’re lucky.
It’s all about getting out into the fresh air: big views, great laughs, and the quiet reassurance that warm Irish hospitality, a hearty meal, and a cosy bed are never too far away.
Because at the end of the day, a little bit of wind, rain, and mud just makes the stories better.
In the Saddle with Denise 🐴
Our first active activity that we will look at from Vagabond is horse riding.
We asked Denise our Vagabond resident mulomedicus to tell us a bit about what our guests could expect on tour when it came to all things horsy.
Here is what she had to say…
As part of our activities list on Vagabond tours, we offer horse riding. Our main provider is JP Longs in Dingle. This is a relaxed one-hour hack up into the hills overlooking the Dingle Peninsula.
The horses are Irish Cob/Gypsy Cobs. As the name suggests, they have a colourful background.
Traditionally they were used by the travelling community to pull caravans and wagons around the country from the 1800s onwards. In other words, these horses have been patiently putting up with humans for a very long time.
They are a very strong, stocky breed and make for an extremely comfortable ride. They are also famous for their calm, gentle nature and near-saintly patience, which comes in handy when dealing with… well… some of our guests!
For guests who have never ridden before, this is a great opportunity to try something new and step just a little outside their comfort zone. It’s very beginner-friendly, with no mad or frantic cowboy antics happening.
For the more horsey people, it can still make for a lovely outing with incredible views. But just a bit of expectation management: don’t have them thinking they’ll be doing a heroic gallop across the prairie with their hair blowing in the wind to some epic soundtrack!
🚲 According to Vaughan: Just Get on the Bike
Next up, we found Vaughan reminiscing about his days of having a sneaky cigarette behind the bike shed at school. Before his stories drifted on to his first kiss behind that very same shed, we gently pulled him back to reality and asked him to tell us a bit about cycling in Ireland and what our guests could expect.
Here’s what he said…
Ever since I first mastered staying upright on a bike, I’ll never forget the exhilaration of “flying” down the hill near my home. Over 55 years later, that same sense of freedom and independence has never left me.
Cycling is more than just a hobby, it’s my sanity and an escape from the daily grind. The moment I sit on the saddle, the worries of the world fade away, replaced by the rhythm of the pedals, the wind on my face, and a deep connection to my surroundings.
Now in my sixties, it’s also a celebration of what my body can still do: climbing steep hills and enjoying the adrenaline of fast descents (even if the legs have a quiet word the next day!).
Cycling is wonderfully flexible. It can be social, with group rides, or something you do solo whenever it suits. There’s no timetable — just get on your bike and go.
There’s the “cycle jock,” proudly displaying those famous tan lines — bright white stripes on thighs and biceps — which look particularly impressive in swimming togs.
Then there are the “boys and their toys,” with multiple bikes (each more expensive than the last) and a language all of their own: cadence, power ratios, sprockets…
And of course, the MAMILs (Middle-Aged Men in Lycra) — where else is it perfectly normal to walk into a café in skin-tight neon and order a coffee without a second thought?
Out on country roads, I feel part of the environment rather than just passing through it. Cycling clears my mind, reduces stress, and keeps me grounded.
Ultimately, I love cycling for the people I’ve met, the simple pleasure it brings, and the lasting sense of happiness and achievement it’s given me over the years.
On Vagabond tours, guests have the chance to experience this for themselves. You can choose to hire a bike and set off on your own self-guided adventure through some of Ireland’s stunning national parks, exploring at your own pace.
Alternatively, you can join a fully guided cycle led by an expert, who will not only show you the best routes but also share local knowledge, stories, and hidden gems along the way.
🛶 Damian’s Guide to Staying (Mostly) Dry in Dingle
It is rumoured that Damian is really a sub aquatic human form, that thrives at altitude and also happens to have a flying licence.
We managed to pin him down to a keyboard for all of 3.45 minutes, just enough time for him to tell us about his personal view of what the kayaking experience on a Vagabond tour is.
Over to you Damian…
The kayaking experience offered by Vagabond in Dingle is currently run by Irish Adventures.
The man in charge is Noel, who operates a straightforward, no-nonsense (but very enjoyable!) setup right in the heart of Dingle. Noel and his team provide a kayaking tour of Dingle Harbour and, weather permitting, venture a little further beyond.
Guests first meet Noel at the base, conveniently located just off Strand Street, with views straight out over the harbour. After a quick briefing, guests are invited inside to sign disclaimers and pay for the session (cash or card - no bartering with fish required). Changing facilities are available for both ladies and gents, basic but perfectly functional, and all the necessary gear is provided: wetsuits, booties, cags, PFDs, and paddles.
You just need to bring your sense of adventure… and maybe a tolerance for cold water.
Once kitted out, it’s a short walk down to the harbour slipway, where the kayaks are stored between sessions. In recent seasons, Irish Adventures have moved from traditional “sit-in” kayaks to double “sit-on” kayaks, a very welcome upgrade for beginners.
If you capsize (and let’s be honest, it happens), you simply fall off and climb back on, rather than performing an accidental underwater yoga session.
After some instruction on paddling as a pair, guests begin with a gentle warm-up around the marina area, getting used to working together (communication is key, or at least agreeing who’s pretending to steer).
Once everyone is comfortable, the group heads out on a roughly 2.5 km paddle towards the mouth of Dingle Harbour.
This stretch of water, while enclosed, can still be influenced by a north-westerly wind, helpful on the way out, less so on the way back (a great opportunity to discover your inner Viking).
To the west, paddlers are treated to dramatic rock faces towering overhead, and with good conditions, there’s even the chance to explore sea caves along the coastline. A bit of swell can add to the adventure, but safety always comes first, and routes are adjusted accordingly. The team at Irish Adventures are also great at capturing the experience, taking photos that are shared with the driver-guide, perfect for reliving the moment (and proving you actually did it).
After the paddle, it’s a short stroll back to base to change, warm up, and reflect on your newly discovered kayaking skills (or survival instincts).
From there, it’s on to a well-earned pint or a hearty meal, because nothing builds an appetite quite like a few kilometres of Irish Atlantic “fresh air.” In calm conditions, the kayaking experience is truly fantastic, with many guests finishing the session buzzing from the adventure.
On wilder days, alternative routes within the harbour ensure everyone still gets a memorable experience, just with slightly less chance of becoming a sea cave explorer.
That’s kayaking in Dingle. Happy paddling!
⛵ Calm, Chaos and the Open Ocean With Jason
Imagine coming to an island off the northwest coast of Europe, then hopping on a boat and pushing out into the wild Atlantic to explore a coastline and wildlife that are about as good as it gets anywhere on Earth.
We asked Jason, who after many weeks of training to sail and navigate over the winter months, what was the draw to leave the land…
If you want to get out on the water and properly experience Ireland, you’re spoiled rotten, from glassy, sleepy bays to days that’ll rearrange your insides.
We’ll start off easy. Garnish Island is about as civilised as it gets. Tucked into the sheltered waters of Glengarriff, you could head out in a gale and still come back wondering what all the fuss was about. Seals lounging about, the odd eagle overhead if you’re lucky… it’s so calm you’d nearly bring a pillow. If someone manages to get seasick here, they deserve it.
Then you’ve Dingle Bay, same idea, just with a bit more bite. Caves, seabirds, and dolphins if they’re in the mood. Enough movement to feel like an adventure, not enough to ruin your day.
After that, things start getting interesting. Up around the Slieve League Cliffs with Paddy, old seadog and full-time menace. The cliffs are savage, but the real entertainment is Paddy himself. You’ll come back with stories… whether you wanted them or not.
Now we’re into proper territory. The Aran Islands will test your sea legs, even on a “calm” day. Throw in the Cliffs of Moher towering over you and suddenly you’re questioning your life choices.
Then there’s the Dursey run, hammering out to the Bull Rock in a high-speed RIB, maybe spotting whales if you’re blessed.
And then… the Skelligs.
Out of Portmagee to Skellig Michael, the main event. Crews who claim they’ve never seen Star Wars (liars, probably), and skippers like Paul Devane who’ll head out when everyone else stays tied up at home.
It’s rough, it’s wild, and it’s unforgettable. Approaching that jagged rock, you can’t help but think of the monks rowing out there 1,500 years ago…
Mad altogether. And worth every second.
🏄Stevie Says: It’s Pure, Fecking Magic
Ask most of our guests on Vagabond Tours what their image of the coming days on tour will be, and you’ll usually hear descriptions of rolling green hills, lofty dramatic cliffs, and gentle streams winding through ancient forests.
It’s not surprising then that many are slightly taken aback when we start selling them a different image altogether, one where they’re chest deep in the rolling Atlantic Ocean, clinging to what can best be described as an oversized ironing board.
Surfing, in other words.
To get a better idea of how we present this particular “opportunity” to our guests, we asked our resident surf guru, Stevie, what image he tries to sell when introducing people to the noble art of surfing.
His response:
“What is surfing?
It’s pure, fecking magic. Literally.
Raw energy travels through the liquid medium of the ocean before taking form as a unique wave. And if you're lucky enough to be there, you can harness that energy and ride it.
You're playing with nature in one of its finest, ever-changing forms, with its many faces and many moods. There are mellow days full of smiles and glides… and then there are the days when you're trying to catch, or dodge, runaway freight trains that will have your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping through the roof.
Every wave is different, never to appear again, making each ride special.
And it all takes place in one of the most dynamic places on Earth, the coast. The meeting place of land and ocean. In Ireland we are incredibly lucky, with our phenomenal coastline playing host to some of the best waves in the world.
Surfing and the ocean always provide.
- ✅ Soothe your soul
- ✅ Quench your fire
- ✅ Make you happy
Dance with nature. Experience it. Play with it.
Feel joy. Feel scared. Challenge yourself. Enjoy yourself.
Go surfing.”
🐑 Sarah Says: The One Guests Never See Coming
Although both Driftwood and Vagabond experiences, the sheep farm visit can still definitely have an adventurous and outdoor feel to it.
We aim to include a visit to one of the sheep farms on every tour we run and we’re still working on perfecting the all-important follow-up: a proper barbecue with a full roast lamb afterwards. (Watch and smell this space…)
We asked Sarah to tell us about her favourite sheep farm visit…
In relation to our visits to sheepdog trials and farms on tour, I believe it has got to be one of the highlights, if not the highlight, for many guests coming on a Vagabond tour.
If it’s WAW Sheepdogs, I explain just before we arrive about Martin and Trish’s passion and dedication to the sheep, and how long a legacy it has been in the family. I might also mention their children and how, if we’re lucky (which is always a bonus), we may meet the next generation getting involved. Guests love Martin’s humour and his meet-and-greet banter, he hasn’t even started yet and they’re already won over.
If we are visiting Bridget and Seamus, I will explain before we arrive how they are quite a unique couple… leaving the rest for intriguing questions later. I talk about how hard they work in this wild, weather-beaten, remote part of Ireland, and also describe how Bridget spends her downtime making fabulous handmade woollen scenes of Ireland, which can be purchased as a wonderful, easy-to-pack gift and a memorable piece to bring home, cash being preferable (a detail worth mentioning more than once!).
I also take some fun photos of guests enjoying feeding the sheep, lots of “oohing” and “ahhing” and at least one person declaring, “He’s so cute, I want to bring him home!” (We have yet to successfully load one onto the bus… but give it time.)
We then head indoors for the best dance you will ever see, along with stories of old Ireland back in the day, and suddenly everyone is very quiet and very impressed.
Finally, we hop back on the bus after throwing kisses to Seamus, the hunk of a West Kerry man 🤦♀️
Ten out of ten, they all say, “Sarah, that was the highlight of our tour so far.”
What more can I say?
👑The Wolf Pack: A Day in the Life of the Sales Department.
We also hear from Johnboy, a former Vagabond Guide who, before retreating to his opium den in the corner of the office, lounging dramatically on a velvet chaise longue while awaiting prospective guests like a Renaissance muse, offers us a glimpse into life in the Sales Department.
It’s a beautiful sunny day in Newtown as my manicured little fingers dance lightly across the keyboard. A hot cup of tea within reach, as some chocolate birthday cake settles comfortably in my tummy.
Life in the Sales Department is brutal.
Today is no different as the team takes a “working lunch” to celebrate International Women’s Day. The team will heroically sacrifice their lunch break to consume vast amounts of free pizza while discussing the wonderful women in their lives. I always wanted to be a woman.
I am very fortunate to be surrounded by three amazing International Women of Mystery in the Sales Department, hailing from the exotic to the bizarre: Gorey, Belgique, and Blessington.
Truly, I am a lucky man. It is a dream to work with these three women, and they in no way have me wrapped around their little fingers. I am absolutely not manipulated or gently coerced into allowing them to get away with murder on a regular basis.
Danielle, Jade, and Lea represent the highest levels of professionalism, sales, and customer service. They are the frontline when it comes to answering queries from our wonderful guests.
They do so with patience and compassion. It is only when they get off the phone that they freely express themselves. Lea prefers the local dialect: “What da fook was dat aboot?”
Jade, of course, is the more refined of the team and adds a slightly religious flavour to her reactions: “Ahhh Jaysus.”
Danielle, the elder of the three and therefore the wisest, simply calls it as it is: “They’re all mad.”
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I’m fortunate that, as a guide in a previous life, I experienced these guests firsthand on the road. I heard their queries in real time. One memorable moment, just after leaving Dublin and crossing the M50, a guest piped up from the back of the bus: “Hey Jaaaaaahn… what’s with the walls?” I’m still working that one out.
As you know, these people are real. They return to Ireland with their forefathers’ names etched on their hearts. Their identities are tied to this little green land, the spiritual home for so many.
People like Kimberley Fuchs, Connie Butts, Stormy Speaks, Jessica Titsworth, Ginger Thrasher, and Barbara Schatt. Did she?
Thankfully, none of these people were on the same tour.
It’s not always easy to remain professional when Randy Dieck calls in with a few questions. We get a lot of Randys: Randy Rota, Randy England, Randy Sonia, and thankfully just the one Andrew Orefice.
The team fields a wide variety of queries and guest feedback throughout the year. Often very challenging ones, such as: “There were too many vegetables.” “Can we tour local people’s homes?” “Does the sun rise in the east in Ireland?” “Too many rocks.” “I have to cancel my tour as my cat has diabetes.” “I am sensitive to weather.” And of course, “I have a potato allergy.”
But being the professionals they are, the Sales team tackles these queries head-on and somehow manages to turn them into sales, bums on seats for you, the guides, to enjoy!
It is our great honour in the Sales team to be the face and voice of Vagabond Tours of Ireland. When Hans McPfister or Robin Dix picks up the phone, we are there to help.
We manage last-minute cancellations, flight delays, date changes, name changes, and every question under the sun. When Stormy Speaks asks if it’s commonplace for hotels to offer apples, we do not miss a beat. If Sandy Boggs or Vicki Fingernut requests to “hold two cats in Kilkenny,” we do all we can to make their feline dreams come true.
As we begin yet another incredible season on the road, we are excited to assist our guests in any way we can. Knowing that when they finally do put their bums on seats, they are in good hands and set for the adventure of a lifetime.
Rest assured, when Karen Morjig or Beate McGhee picks up the phone, we will be there to cater to their every need.
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🤖Tim: From Leaky Legends to MegaTrons: The Evolution of Movement
There was a time, not so long ago, when a Vagabond Tour wasn’t just an adventure for the guests… it was a full-contact sport for the guides and their vehicles
Back in the golden era (circa 2003–2018), we proudly piloted the mighty Land Rovers. These beasts looked the part - rugged, iconic, and ready for anything. And to be fair, they were ready for anything… except maybe comfort, communication, or keeping the rain out.
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The Land Rover experience was… immersive. Not in a “luxury travel” sense, but more in a “you are now one with the elements” kind of way. Doors didn’t so much close as politely suggest separation from the outside world. Rain, wind, and the occasional Atlantic breeze were all considered part of the onboard experience. Air conditioning? Yes, if you count a draft whistling through a poorly sealed window.
Communication systems were cutting-edge… for 1942. The microphone worked occasionally, the amp worked emotionally, and the radio simply didn’t exist. Guests didn’t just listen to the guide, they lip-read, guessed, and sometimes just vibed.
Driving one required skill, patience, and the turning circle of a small moon. Tight corners became three-point turns, five-point turns, or “Austin Powers manoeuvres.” Parking was less of a task and more of a performance.
And yet… despite it all, they carried the same number of passengers as today’s vehicles. How? Science has yet to explain.
Fast forward to today, and we enter the age of the Tron.
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The modern fleet has brought with it a wave of upgrades that feel, at times, borderline futuristic.
We now have:
Microphones that actually work (a controversial but welcome upgrade)
Apple CarPlay (so your playlist survives the Ring of Kerry)
Proper air conditioning, in the dash no less.
Reversing cameras (goodbye guesswork, hello dignity)
Helpful alerts when something needs attention (no more discovering issues the hard way)
In short, the Tron doesn’t just drive, it cares.
Gone are the days of constant leaks, fogged-up windows, and locks that a determined toddler could defeat. The new vehicles are comfortable, quiet, and, most shockingly, you can actually hear your guests. Turns out they’ve been talking this whole time.
Russ, in particular, has benefited greatly. Previously folded into the Land Rover like carry-on luggage, he can now sit upright like a fully grown adult. Progress.
And then… there is the MegaTron.
If the Land Rover was a stubborn mule and the early Tron was a promising teenager, the Mercedes MegaTron is a fully evolved, slightly glamorous adult.
It features:
Proper, posh air conditioning
A rear heater (luxury we didn’t know we deserved)
A real boot, for luggage and gear (revolutionary)
Enough headroom to stand up properly
Legroom that doesn’t require negotiation or compromise
Rumour has it, it may even become a very sexy camper someday, which is more than we ever said about the Land Rover, unless you’re into damp upholstery and mechanical suspense.
And yet, despite all the upgrades, the comfort, the technology, the sheer lack of indoor weather systems, one thing hasn’t changed.
A Vagabond Tour is still about the adventure.
It’s about the guides who bring it to life, whether shouting over a roaring engine or speaking calmly through a functioning mic. It’s about the guests, whether bracing against a sideways gust of rain or relaxing in climate-controlled bliss. And it’s about that shared experience of exploring Ireland in a way that’s just a little bit different.
The vehicles may have evolved, from leaky legends to MegaTrons, but the spirit of Vagabond remains exactly the same.
Just… slightly drier.
From The Editor 👋
Again, we come to the end of another edition of the VaGazette and are left, as always, with the usual questions: what did I just spend my time reading… and how exactly has it improved my life?
…Answers on the back of a postage stamp, please.
In all seriousness, thanks as always for the contributions, the stories, and the knowledge shared. I know full well the emotional journey that begins when that VaGazette email lands with “help wanted” in the title. So genuinely, thank you. I do, we do, hugely appreciate the time and effort from everyone across the team.
Every quarter, I send Shauna approximately 10–15 pages of text, carefully typed out on a 1950s Royal Quiet Deluxe typewriter in the special underground cellar of Vagabond HQ.
Garry the gimp then delivers them via wax-sealed attaché case before she works her magic, transforming them into the beautiful, full-colour, fancy-font masterpiece you see before you on the internet.
Shauna, you are a hero.
And so, to the closing words… and a little teaser of what’s to come in the Summer edition, where we’ll be asking the important questions, such as:
- Was Gary actually one of the early Vagabond guides who travelled to the dark side after years of pretending to have fun and be happy in front of guests?
- Now that we’re returning to Ardara, is it true Eddie Doherty has been commissioned to fit all new Trons with tweed seat covers in a Union Jack colour scheme?
- Reports from Kerry suggest Cycling Jay has finally snapped after being asked one too many times about electric bikes, and for 2027 has invested heavily in a fleet of unicycles.
- A new medical operating theatre has reportedly opened in Portmagee for guests determined to land on Skellig Michael, offering convenient kidney removal packages.
- And following the success of the Ring of Kerry, Wicklow is getting in on the action with a brand new tourist route: The Triangle of Shite. Highlights include Newtownmountkennedy gift shopping, the N11 traffic queue, and a cultural stop at Bray seafront public toilets, a mysterious zone linked to several unexplained disappearances.
See you next time
