Valerie Cooke, Director

Valerie assists with the strategic development of the company.

She has also forged alliances for our company through her affiliation with the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland.

Originally from Boston, Valerie is a graduate of Clark University in Worcester, MA and is currently enrolled in Dublin City Universities Executive MBA program.

Eamon Hegarty, Chief Tour Guide

Eamon is an experienced member of the team with a strong flair for golf and heritage tours.

Eamon enjoys touring and sometimes forgets that it's actually working! His philosophy is that if you enjoy what you do then you don't go to work! Eamon's interests include golf and travel so he's found the right place!

Sinead McGoldrick – Sales & Marketing Executive

Sinead studied at Dundalk Institute of Technology and holds a business degree in Event Management. Previous roles in the hospitality industry for Sinead include working as a conference and events executive with a multinational hotel. As a native of Tara in the Royal County of Meath, Sinead has an in-depth knowledge of the local Irish history and culture as well as being an avid GAA fan!

Deborah Gruben , Reservations Manager

Deborah is originally from County Galway and knows Connemara very well. Deborah's role at Emerald Elite involves overseeing the reservations process from initial contact to fullfillment. Most of our guests will get the oppportunity to interact at some point during the lead up to their trip.

Patrick Kavanagh, Senior Driver Guide

Paddy is a charismatic character many people might imagine when they think of an Irishman.

He has been touring for twenty five years and knows Ireland intimately. They say he knows every blade of grass in Ireland – Even the ones not yet grown.

If you are fortunate enough to have Paddy lead your tour you can expect a delightful authentic Irish hospitality experience (and maybe a song or poem too!).

Paudy McCaughey, Senior Approved National Driver Guide

Paudy's approach to touring and looking after clients is do "whatever it takes".

For over 20 years Paudy has been exploring Ireland with tours and personal interest trips. Recently he formalized his guiding expertise and received national approved guide accreditation.

He would be described by his peers as easy going, professional and a man well versed on Irish culture, language, folklore and politics.

A perfect gentleman with an intimate knowledge of Ireland, Paudy is well respected throughout the tour guide community as a man "who knows his stuff".

Michael (Mick) Mulcahy, Senior Approved National Driver Guide

Mick is considered to be one of Ireland's top driver guides. He has been nicknamed Google Ireland by those who call on him for questions or advice on Ireland.

If you are fortunate to have Mick as your driver you can expect a fountain of knowledge on all things Irish. Mick is a charismatic person who will host you to the best of Irish hospitality.

He will quickly adapt to your groups preferences and make suggestions to your tour to enhance your experience in Ireland. As you travel throughout Ireland you will be amazed how many people know and greet Mick during his tours.

His service is exemplary and it is no wonder he is often requested up to 12 months in advance.

Tony Byrne, Senior Approved National Driver Guide

Tony Byrne is known to share his knowledge of Gaelic with our clients. At the end of each tour each person will know "cupla focail" – a few words in Gaelic. Tony is a fluent Gaelic speaker.

As well as being an excellent Irish historian, Tony has a strong passion for sport – in particular Gaelic Games; Hurling, Gaelic Football and Camogie.

When we hear from past clients regarding their tours with Tony they often remark on how adaptable he was to the groups preferences. In Tony's own words, when asked about how he manages a tour "Whatever the clients want".

Tony Byrne's knowledge of Ireland is extensive - The Burren in County Clare is perhaps his favorite route of a 25+ year touring career.

Paul McGlinchey, Senior Approved National Driver Guide

With ten years guiding experience and more than a passing interest in Irish history, Paul comes from a varied and interesting background. He has played Broadway and the West end as an actor/singer and will delight you with many a rendition. He loves Ireland and loves nothing more than to show it to people who will love it too!

Barry Hogan, Senior Approved National Driver Guide

Barry Hogan has a wealth of experience within the Irish tourism sector. Having worked with the Irish Tourist Board in the past he has over thirty years industry experience.

As well as taking care of family, friend and couples tours, Barry has guided the visits of heads of state, media moguls, stage, TV and movie stars. His unique experience has been called on to assist with diverse operations such as U.S Presidential Visits, film and TV shoots and looking after professional golfers for 2006 The Ryder Cup.

His professional, discreet handling of clients has been noted on more than one occasion .