ROC Tours: Meet Rodney O’Callaghan and Sandra Sheehan
Can you tell me a bit about ROC Tours Ireland and how it all started?
ROC Tours Ireland is run by Rodney O’Callaghan and Sandra Sheehan and is a sister company to Rodney O’Callaghan Photography.
Rodney, who is a fully licensed private driver, is also a well known Irish landscape photographer and has been running photo workshops and tours in Ireland and abroad for over 17 years. As a result of his experience and numerous requests, ROC Tours Ireland was established to provide private, bespoke sightseeing tours.
Sandra is ROC Tours’ travel advisor and customer contact. ROC Tours has been running tours for about 2 years.
What makes your tours different from others in Ireland?
As Rodney is a professional landscape photographer, he has traveled the highways and byways of Ireland for his work. He also has expert knowledge of every must-see location in the country, from the Giants Causeway to the Ring of Kerry, and every place in between!
And it’s not just unique insight into some beautiful locations that you’ll get. He also knows the best times to visit these places. One of the things Rodney does best is provide complete flexibility for any of our customized itineraries.
If the weather is not working for a location, he has Plan B & C up his sleeve!
All our tours are small, generally 7 people max (occasionally 8) and this allows our tours access to parts of the country that bigger tours cannot. We also offer an option to do a combined Ireland and Scotland private tour.
What types of tours do you offer?
We offer bespoke private multi day tours and day trips all around Ireland, and as mentioned, can include Scotland too. All of our tours are fully customized for each individual client, depending on their requirements.
Do you offer customized tours for specific interests?
Yes, we do. All our tours are customized and as such, we will happily work closely with clients to make tours as specific to their interests as possible.
In particular, because Rodney is a landscape photographer, we also offer photography holidays and photography workshops around Ireland. You can find more information on those here.
What is one of your most popular tours and why do people love it?
The southwest of Ireland, particularly the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry.
This area, has some of the most breathtaking scenery, not just in Ireland, but in the world. It has it all — stunning coastal scenery, amazing beaches, charming villages, and ancient sites.
What kinds of customers does ROC Tours Ireland generally attract?
We generally attract customers who want a more bespoke, intimate experience of Ireland. Often it is family groups or friends who want to travel together without the stress of driving in Ireland and who do not want to be part of a larger bus tour.
People are attracted to the flexibility of our customized tours, which is very different to being part of a fixed itinerary on a bigger group tour.
What’s one hidden gem in Ireland that you love introducing people to?
The view from Minaun on Achill Island gives a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view, but in particular, looking towards Keel and Keem Beach to the northwest is breathtaking.
Do you have a favorite route or scenic drive?
Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula is definitely a favorite.
What should people expect when they book a tour with ROC Tours Ireland?
Our aim is to make the most of our clients’ time in Ireland. One of the elements of our tours that we take pride in the most, is how we tailor our tours to each client’s needs.
We work closely with each of them to find out what they want to get out of their experience, so this dictates the pace of a tour, etc. We will make the tour what the client wants, together with offering experiences and expert knowledge to make every tour a special memory.
What do you enjoy most about being a tour guide?
I’m very proud of Ireland and I love being an ambassador for our country. I want to show it off at its best and give people an unforgettable experience.
It’s up to us to make the tour flow.
It’s not just about driving people around; it’s about listening to clients, making it happen…helping them make memories. It’s a privilege to be part of peoples’ Irish experience.
Any tips for people visiting Ireland for the first time?
If you are hiring a car, take out full insurance!
Even though we are a small country, it is not possible to see it all in a week, without spending your entire time driving! If at all possible, spend at least 2 nights in each location and explore the area; take your time and relax!
Pack a raincoat, no matter what time of the year it is, since the rain is why we are so green! Remember, many hotels will not have air conditioning, but you can request a fan.
Be realistic on journey times, Google Maps doesn’t always take into account the tractor you might get stuck behind for 5 kilometers, or the cattle crossing the road, or the fact that you may not feel comfortable driving 80 kilometers along an unfamiliar windy road!
Why should someone book a tour with ROC Tours Ireland instead of doing it by themselves? And how can they find out more?
I think what sets us apart is that fact that we not only specialize in creating wonderful tours for our guests but we really do know where to take our clients thanks to Rodney’s experience as a successful professional landscape photographer, allowing us to create such special journeys in stunning detail for our clients.
You can find out more by taking a look at our website, following us on Facebook and Instagram, or simply by emailing us at [email protected].
ROC Tours is a member of the Ireland on a Budget Licensed Private Driver Network.
