Anton Keogh & Thelma Barrett: Keogh Tours Ireland
Since Keogh Tours Ireland is a joint effort between you and your partner, Thelma Barrett, I’m curious to know how you got together and what ultimately led to the creation of the business?
Anton: That’s a very good question, Thelma and I have known each other for over 20 years now, as she was my first manager and mentor in my first ever job, when I was just a young pup cleaning dishes in a restaurant.
As a person, Thelma has that natural charisma where people gravitate to her. My grandmother had the same thing, I can’t explain what it is.
Anyway, we have been inseparable ever since. She took me under her wing and taught me everything I know about looking after people, hospitality, hard work, going the extra mile and dealing with difficult situations.
So when life’s path took me into the passenger transport sector, Thelma was the only person I would have with me as she’s passionate, diligent to a fault, honest and hard working.
We both have a passion for Ireland, its culture and sharing it with people. So, it was very simple, do what we love, lean on what we are good at, and as the O’Donovan brothers said, ‘’Pull like a dog.’’
For someone who is just hearing about Keogh Tours Ireland for the first time, how would you describe what you offer to visitors?
Anton: Essentially, we offer private group touring solutions to groups of friends or families, with an emphasis on a lot of flexibility for the client, immersive cultural and heritage experiences such as meeting local tradesmen, musicians, farmers and craftspeople. We can look after just the transport part or organize the entire thing – and that includes hotels, activities and transport if that makes sense.
But most of all, we want people to feel like they are on holiday. Far too often I have seen where a tour offering becomes a sprint from one place to the next and I swore never to let our company do the same. So, it’s a slower paced trip, with lots of free time to wander and discover.
And finally, we offer all of this using our state-of-the-art vehicles. In the last 6 months, we have invested in updating our fleet of bespoke luxury touring vehicles which have been designed to offer a level of comfort, refinement, and immersion that goes far beyond standard touring coaches.
Each vehicle features a discreet black VIP exterior, panoramic double-glazed windows for a quieter ride, expansive windscreens and full-length sunroofs that flood the cabin with natural light, together with hand-stitched leather interiors, and onboard refrigeration for ice-cold refreshments throughout the day.
I feel we have invested in creating a truly premium travel experience paired with expert driver-guides who deliver insight, flexibility, and genuine Irish hospitality.
For guests who value comfort, elegance, and attention to detail, the difference is immediately felt. From a couple looking for that romantic escape, to a family of 30+ people, we have the perfect solution for your travel needs!
What does the bespoke planning process look like, from a guest’s first inquiry to the moment he or she arrives in Ireland?
Anton: We try to keep the whole process very straightforward and relaxed. It usually starts with a no-obligation chat where we get a feel for what’s important to the guest, including their interests, any special requests, and the parts of Ireland they’re curious about.
Quite often, people don’t arrive with a fixed plan, and that’s perfectly fine. That’s where our experience really comes into play. With many years in hospitality and tourism, we’re able to read between the lines, ask the right questions, and intuitively shape a journey that suits the individual or group.
In many cases, we’ll have a full route outlined by the end of that first call and a tailored itinerary sent over later the same day — created entirely bespoke and at no extra charge.
Once guests are happy and their travel dates are confirmed, we take care of the bookings on our end. From there, all they need to do is arrange their flights and start the countdown.
Right up until the moment they arrive in Ireland, our office stays in close contact by answering questions, offering guidance, and making sure everything feels clear, easy, and well looked after.
Many of your bespoke Ireland tours are designed for families, couples, and groups of friends. How do you ensure that each guest across generations feels equally engaged?
Anton: That’s very true. We’ve genuinely had everyone from a three-month-old to a 93-year-old travel with us. What it really comes down to is being flexible, listening carefully, and adapting as we go.
We always take time to speak with our clients beforehand, to understand what everyone enjoys and if there’s anything special we should be aware of. When you’ve got a mix of ages, the goal is to make sure everyone feels considered. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely doable.
A good example is a family where some want to play golf while others would rather sightsee. Instead of forcing everyone into the same plan, we build the day so both experiences work smoothly. With a bit of creativity and the right planning, everyone finishes the day feeling like the trip was designed with them in mind.
What are some examples of the hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path experiences that you offer your customers?
Anton: I love this question, because a “hidden gem” really means something different to everyone—it all depends on what you’re interested in.
Sometimes it’s as simple as a family-run pub with an incredible sea view that your guide suggests on the Ring of Beara in Cork. Other times, it might be a craftsperson opening the doors of their workshop to share generations of knowledge, right in the middle of a busy city that’s long since moved on from the old ways.
It could be a local farmer who’s proud of his land and keen to show you what he produces, or even a quiet swimming spot along the Wild Atlantic Way that you’d never find on your own.
These aren’t places you’ll see on standard itineraries; they’re moments that come from local knowledge and genuine relationships. We have these experiences all over the country.
I’ll admit, my Google Maps saved places are getting a little out of hand!
Some travelers dismiss group tours as being too structured and not having enough flexibility. How do you strike the balance between a carefully planned itinerary and leaving room for spontaneous, unforgettable moments?
Anton: Because we only offer private tours, flexibility comes naturally. Our groups are typically families or friends who already know each other, which makes it easier to adapt as we go.
At the same time, a certain level of structure is essential. Our drivers keep everyone informed throughout the day, so the group knows what to expect, and the itinerary acts as a helpful guide rather than a rigid schedule.
If the group decides they’d like to skip something — or linger longer in a place — they absolutely can. The client is always in charge of his or her experience.
The key is anticipating how people experience time. For example, if a local can see a village in 30 minutes, we will schedule much longer there for a visitor since we’ve found that our customers want to explore, shop, or just soak it in.
By balancing planned activities with generous pockets of free time and maintaining open communication, we make sure that every day has structure without ever feeling restrictive. That’s how private tours allow for both smooth planning and those spontaneous, unforgettable moments.
Ireland offers so much—from golf and genealogy to dramatic landscapes. Which type of tour do you most enjoy creating and why?
Anton: I really love creating multi-generational family tours. There’s something incredibly rewarding about making Ireland’s history come alive for the younger ones, showing kids the workings of a farm, while also suggesting the best pubs or live music spots for the young adults in the group.
At the same time, you get to connect with grandparents, hearing their stories and sharing moments across generations. It’s lively, meaningful, and full of energy.
I also thoroughly enjoy trips where people simply want to relax and soak up Ireland’s culture, food, music, and local history at a leisurely pace. Whether it’s a hands-on, activity-packed day or a more laid-back cultural exploration, crafting experiences that leave every guest with memories they’ll treasure is what makes the job so special.
What do you want your customers to get out of a Keogh Tours Ireland vacation?
Anton: More than anything, I want our guests to come away having spent real, quality time together — unrushed, relaxed, and fully present with their family or friends.
A Keogh Tours Ireland vacation is designed to be calm and stress-free, set against Ireland’s natural beauty and shaped by genuine interactions with warm, local people.
While we offer a high level of comfort and luxury, what truly matters to me is how guests feel. I want them to feel welcomed, valued, and connected to the places they visit and to the people they meet along the way. Ideally, when they leave, Ireland feels like it has become a small part of them.
That longing to return is something I understand personally. I lived abroad, and no matter where I was, I always felt drawn back home. If our guests finish their journey already dreaming of their next visit, then I know we’ve done something meaningful.
What aspects of Irish culture resonate most deeply with the customers you’ve dealt with over the years?
Anton: That’s a great question. Visitors often connect with many elements of Irish culture, be it our literature and poetry, traditional music and dance, art, and even the Irish language all leave a strong impression.
But what tends to resonate most deeply is something more intangible.
It’s Ireland’s connection to the land and to one another, along with the wit, storytelling, and folklore that live in everyday conversations. Those qualities shape how people are welcomed, how stories are shared, and how life is lived here.
You can see it everywhere today, especially in the cultural revival happening across the country.
Musicians are writing new folk songs inspired by their own parishes, and chefs are turning to local produce and age-old traditions to create cuisine that’s rooted in place and full of character.
In many ways, Ireland’s greatest beauty lies in its simplicity — and that’s what visitors seem to carry with them long after they’ve gone home.
Finally, if someone is considering their first trip to Ireland, what’s one piece of advice you’d give them before they start planning?
Anton: My biggest piece of advice is to plan less and allow more time. Ireland may look small on a map, but the distances, narrow roads, and the sheer number of interesting places mean it’s easy to underestimate travel time. Rather than trying to see the whole country in one trip, choose a few regions and explore them properly.
Build in time to stop when something catches your eye, whether it’s a village, a viewpoint, or a conversation with a local. That breathing room makes the difference between a rushed itinerary and a truly enjoyable first visit.
Let us know how people can reach you or find out more about what the bespoke Ireland tours that Keogh Tours Ireland offers?
People can get in touch with us by emailing [email protected] or by visiting our website at www.keoghtoursireland.com. Whether you have questions, want to discuss a bespoke itinerary, or just want to chat about your perfect Irish tour, we’d love to hear from you!
Keogh Tours Ireland is a member of my Licensed Private Driver Network.
