Michael Roughan: Founder of Emerald Isle Trails – Tours & Transfers
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how Emerald Isle Trails – Tours & Transfers got started?
I’ve been driving people for nearly 25 years now, first as a taxi driver, then as a chauffeur driver with Brendan Vacations before setting out on my own and developing my own business over the years. I think I just like the idea of been my own boss and I love driving and showing people the beauty of Ireland.
For someone who has never heard of Emerald Isle Trails, how would you describe what you offer?
Emerald Isle Trails is an Irish-based tour and transfer business that helps visitors experience Ireland beyond the guidebooks.
I specialize in the following:
✅ Private airport transfers from mainly Shannon, but I cover Dublin & Cork as well;
✅ Scenic day tours and off-the-beaten-path routes;
✅ Multi-day custom tours around Ireland;
✅ Day-to-day scenic transfers between towns and regions;
Unlike standard transport services, journeys are designed as experiences, not just lifts from A to B. Every route is planned to showcase Ireland’s dramatic landscapes, hidden viewpoints, charming villages; local stories and culture, and historic sites.
Whether you’re landing in Ireland for the first time, traveling between regions like Galway, Dingle, Killarney or Donegal, or looking for a relaxed, story-filled day tour, I tailor the journey to you — at your pace, with flexibility, comfort, and local insight.
What kinds of tours or transfers do you most often help travelers with and how do you cater to customers who have different interests, travel styles and/or budgets?
The most common tours and transfers that I provide include the following:
✅ Airport transfers from Shannon (and Dublin) to hotels, golf courses, and rural locations;
✅ Scenic day tours like the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, Connemara, Ring of Kerry, Dingle and the Wild Atlantic Way;
✅ Day transfer journeys between cities or regions, turning travel days into sightseeing experiences;
✅ Multi-day private tours, designed around pace, interests, and comfort;
✅ Cruise ship pick-ups (Galway & Foynes) and special occasion transport (anniversaries, family trips, etc.);
How I cater to different interests:
No two travelers want the same Ireland — and that’s where I shine, providing something for everyone, including:
Nature and scenery lovers → coastal routes, hidden viewpoints, quiet beaches, mountain passes;
History and culture fans → castles, abbeys, famine sites, storytelling along the way;
Food and pub explorers → local pubs, seafood stops, and villages that tourists often miss;
Relaxed travelers → fewer stops, slower days, with time to wander;
Active explorers → short walks, coastal paths, rugged landscapes;
I don’t run scripted tours — I adapt as the day unfolds.
How we work with different budgets
Private doesn’t have to mean expensive
I can create straight transfers for budget-conscious travelers who just want comfort and reliability, transfer and highlight options that include a few key stops without a full-tour price, as well as full private tours for those who want depth, flexibility, and local insight.
And some honest advice from me, meaning, I’ll tell you what’s worth splurging on and what isn’t.
What makes it different
I’m not just a driver following a route — I’m a local guide on wheels, helping you to avoid tourist traps, discover places you’d never find on Google, and travel stress-free without worrying about roads, parking, or tight schedules.
In short, I match the journey to you, and that means your interests, your pace, and your budget and make sure every mile in Ireland feels like part of the adventure.
Are there certain parts of Ireland you especially love showing visitors?
Absolutely. There are a few parts of Ireland I never get tired of showing visitors, especially when I can take people a little beyond the obvious stops and let the landscape do the talking. Here are some of them:
The Wild Atlantic Way (West & Southwest)
This is where Ireland feels raw and alive.
From the drama of the Cliffs of Moher to the quieter magic of Loop Head and the Kilkee Cliffs, it’s all about big skies, crashing waves, and roads that feel like they’re leading to the edge of the world.
The Dingle Peninsula in particular is always a highlight — rugged scenery, ancient sites, and real Irish character.
Connemara and the West of Galway
Connemara has a completely different feel — wild mountains, boglands, lakes, and an almost haunting beauty.
The area around Kylemore Abbey is really special, and its quieter back roads are often what guests remember most.
The Burren (County Clare)
The Burren surprises people every time. It looks otherworldly, with its ancient limestone, rare flowers, and prehistoric tombs. Guests are always amazed by how it changes with the light and the seasons.
It’s a place that really shows how deep Ireland’s history goes.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Villages & Scenic Roads
Some of my favorite moments aren’t famous landmarks at all — they’re quiet coastal villages, a stop at a local pub, or a scenic detour you’d never find on a standard tour map. That’s where Ireland feels most real.
That’s what I love most about what I do with Emerald Isle Trails — shaping each journey around what my clients enjoy, whether that’s dramatic scenery, hidden gems, relaxed drives, or places with a good story behind them.
What do you think makes your tours different from other private drivers or tour companies?
Anyone can drive you across Ireland. But not everyone helps you experience it.
At Emerald Isle Trails, I don’t rush, follow scripts, or stick to crowded routes.
I take the scenic roads, stop when the view is worth it. I travel at your pace and take in hidden viewpoints, quiet coastal roads, local stories you won’t find online, as well as relaxed, private journeys — definitely not rushed tours.
Whether it’s an airport transfer, a day trip, or a multi-day journey, Emerald Isle Trails turn the drive into part of the adventure.
A lot of travelers debate between self-driving and hiring a private driver. What advice would you give to someone on the fence?
If someone is on the fence, here’s my short answer.
Self-drive equals freedom, but narrow roads, navigation stress, and longer travel times can be a hindrance to many travelers.
A private driver allows for relaxation, the ability to enjoy the views, and the freedom to stop anywhere (including cozy pub stops), with local insight included.
Many travelers arrive planning to drive and leave saying, “We should’ve hired a driver sooner.”
If you want your trip to feel like a holiday, not a job, then a private driver might be the smarter move.
For travelers trying to stick to a budget, how can a private tour or transfer still make sense?
Think private means expensive? Not in Ireland.
For travelers trying to stick to a budget, private tours and transfers often make more sense than expected.
Advantages include a shared cost across couples and families, no extra taxis, luggage fees, or missed connections to worry about, scenic stops included and not sold separately, and local advice that helps avoid overpriced tourist spots.
Instead of juggling buses, trains, and taxis, you can enjoy a smooth, flexible journey and arrive relaxed, on time, and ready to explore Ireland with a private driver.
In my opinion, it comes down to one journey, one price and real value.
I would advise visitors to Ireland to get in direct contact with a driver guide and once they have all the information, then make their choice.
What’s the best way for people to get in touch with you and start planning for their 2026 vacation?
You can visit my new website for more information on the services that I provide or contact me at [email protected], or direct on WhatsApp at 353-85-267-1782.
You can also checkout my reviews below:
