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.

Dermot Buckley, Operations Director & Senior Driver Guide

Dermot leads the Heritage, Historical, Musical, Coastal and Leisure Tours Division. He is a Failte Ireland National Approved Guide and has won many tourism Merit Awards.

Dermot manages the operational activities of the company, every individual tour itinerary put together for DB Custom Tours Clients must get Dermot's blessing before it gets returned - He takes great pride in his extensive knowledge of Ireland.

Several clients have been fortunate to have Dermot as their guide and experienced his many other talents of a musical nature. His personal interest in each client tour we oversee, ensures standards of excellence are maintained regardless of his presence.

Deborah Gruben, Office Manager

Deborah joined us mid 2008 and has established herself quickly as an all rounder. After graduating college with a business & marketing diploma, she travelled the world extensively.

She has worked as an event organizer and Senior PA for leading companies in Europe, including Hibernian Insurance, Ogilvy & Mather and UPC Media.

Deborah assists with all tours and transport queries as well as managing the fulfilment of outgoing itineraries.

Peter Maloney, Executive Chauffeur

Peter is a veteran of the transport industry with almost 20 years experience. Peter understands the appropriate etiquette required for our clients and consistently strives to improve protocols for the serving members of his team.

Peter's motto is that one should not consider being paid by the hour but more so - the value one brings to the hour.

Rarely a week goes by when we don't receive an email to compliment Peter's exemplary service.

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!).

Eamon Hegarty, Seasonal 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!

Paudy McCaughey, Senior Driver Guide

Paudy's approach to touring is and looking after clients is "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 piers 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 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 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.