Angela Gavigan shares her journey to becoming an Irish tour guide and what led her to set up Wellness Tours of Ireland.
At the end of 2022, after three decades in the corporate world and the upheaval of the Covid pandemic, I chose to step away from a career that had become increasingly disconnected from wellbeing. While “wellness” became a buzzword, few companies truly embodied it. I wanted to change that. I trained as a certified Workplace Wellness Practitioner and launched a business to support leaders and teams in creating meaningful wellness cultures.
While building that business, I began guiding for a small group tour company in Ireland. I was instantly hooked. Sharing the richness of Ireland’s landscapes, history, and spirit with visitors rekindled a joy I hadn’t felt in years. The two passions—wellness and travel—soon merged into something powerful.
Now, I run Wellness Tours of Ireland, offering private, small-group journeys that blend Irish culture with deep, personal renewal. These are not standard sightseeing trips. They’re for people who want to pause, connect, and rediscover themselves—breathing deeply on coastal cliffs, listening to stories by the fire, and experiencing Ireland in a way that feels soulful and real.
Special Offer: Enjoy 10% off all 2025–2026 Wellness Tours of Ireland booked before July 31, 2025
I often hear from American guests, “I want something healing and real," or “I want to slow down—but I don’t know how.” That’s where I come in. You don’t need to drive, plan, or stress. I take care of it all. You just show up—and exhale.
Not Every Journey Needs a Yoga Mat
While wellness is at the heart of many of my tours, others simply seek a more personal, flexible way to experience Ireland. I create custom itineraries for couples, families, and friend groups—whether you're tracing ancestry, celebrating a milestone, or just spending quality time together.
Think of it as Ireland, built just for you, with as much or as little wellness as you’d like. And no - bespoke doesn’t mean expensive. My tours are often more affordable than large coach tours, with no corporate markups or tourist-trap meals. You only pay for what matters to you.
Wellness, Value, and Choice
Your journey is yours to shape. Want to stay in a castle, a thatched cottage, or a spa in the hills? I’ve curated unique accommodations for every taste and budget. My guests are often surprised to find the experience is not only more meaningful - but also more cost-effective than mass-market alternatives.
Travel Like a Local, Not a Tourist
This isn’t sightseeing from a coach window. My tours include:
- Sacred sites and stone circles that few others visit
- Local storytellers, artists, and herbalists
- Forest bathing, beach walks, and quiet reflection
- Real food, real conversations, real Ireland
- Collaborative experiences with top Irish wellness experts
What my Guests say…
"Angela was the tour guide and driver for our recent tour of Ireland in May 2025 with myself, my husband, brother, and sister-in-law. Not only did we experience Blarney Castle, Killarney National Park, and the Cliffs of Moher but Angela personalized the trip with so many suggestions to really see and enjoy Ireland, such as The Rock of Cashel, Cobh, Kinsale, Inch Beach, Ballycotton, Dingle, an Irish music and dance show, and the Kilkee Cliffs. Finally, she helped me research my ancestors in Drum and Athlone. Don’t hesitate to book a tour with Angela - it will be a trip of a lifetime - it was for us!" — Jane Anderson
"Angela is the best thing that could have happened to us for our first trip to Ireland. Her passion for the land's history, culture, music, and good craic were infectious. We were left rejuvenated and wanting more. She struck the right balance with stops at small beaches or allowing us to hop out for an ice cream, and letting us stroll, while keeping the schedule smooth. If you're lucky, she'll even sing one of her original songs that'll give you goosebumps. Traveling with her will not disappoint, do it today!" — Suman Shah
If you're ready to travel not just to escape—but to renew—I’d love to help. I take only a limited number of guests per year to ensure a personal, curated experience.
To learn more about Wellness Tours of Ireland, to schedule a Zoom call, or request a sample itinerary, visit their website here. Enjoy 10% off all 2025–2026 tours booked before July 31, 2025! You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
