Experts of the Emerald Isle: Joe O’Reilly Ireland DMC
By Todd Probus
In his book “Outliers: The Story of Success,” best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell says that in order to achieve expertise in any aspect of life, one must spend 10,000 hours honing that particular skill or area of knowledge. That number equates to 416 days, a little more than 13 months.
But what about 525,600 hours? That’s how long, give or take a thousand or two hours, that Joe O’Reilly Ireland DMC has been in business. For nearly 60 years, Joe O’Reilly Ireland DMC, Ireland’s oldest family-run destination management company, has been serving customers who visit the Emerald Isle. However, according to Stephen Enright, the company’s general manager, “customer” isn’t the correct term. “As a company,” says Enright, “we always say that we don’t have customers, or clients … we have partners.”
That’s because the people at Joe O’Reilly Ireland DMC see themselves as an extension of each operator who brings groups to Ireland. “When we work together, we become a branch office of your company on the island of Ireland,” Enright explains. “The level of personal service is appreciated by our partners. They love how we work and that’s why they stay. If there’s a problem, they know we’re on hand to take care of it.” Enright adds that over the course of its 60-year history, the company has never lost a client.
Joe O’Reilly Ireland DMC is a new member of NTA and Faith Travel Association, and Enright is particularly excited about introducing the company’s faith-based itineraries to operators and faith travel groups.
“Ireland has long been regarded as a premier destination for faith-based travel,” Enright notes. “The country has a deep-rooted Christian heritage that spans over a millennium. It’s home to numerous ancient monastic sites, abbeys, holy wells, and sacred sites.” Enright adds that Ireland’s natural beauty only enhances the visitor experience, saying that the country “offers various pilgrimage routes that allow travelers to embark on a spiritual journey while also experiencing its breathtaking landscapes.”
Ireland also holds events that may be of interest to faith travelers, hosting religious festivals throughout the year that celebrate its faith and cultural heritage. St. Patrick’s Day is obviously the best-known, but the Feast of St. Brigid, observed on Feb. 1, is a popular event as well. Also known as Imbolc, the festival celebrates the early signs of spring.
Of course, the nation as a whole features a long list of sites that travelers of faith will want to visit. The list includes Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the famous monastic site at Glendalough, Clonmacnoise, Croagh Patrick, Skellig Michael, Knock Shrine, St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Lough Derg, Rock of Cashel, and The Book of Kells. Enright notes that this list “represents a diverse range of sites and experiences, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s spiritual heritage, monastic traditions, and remarkable landscapes.”
With so many sites to see, Ireland easily lends itself to repeat visits, especially for reasons pertaining to its natural beauty. “Our landscapes are ever-changing, depending on the season,” says Enright. “Returning to Ireland at different times of the year allows you to witness its natural beauty in various stages: lush greenery in the spring, vibrant colors in the autumn, or even the rough winter landscapes.”
Enright adds that repeat visits allow travelers to go a bit off the beaten path. “On subsequent visits, you can venture beyond the well-known sites and explore lesser-known gems,” he explains. “Ireland is full of hidden treasures, such as small churches, remote holy wells, and local pilgrimage routes that may not be widely recognized but offer profound spiritual experiences and insights into Ireland’s faith traditions. With each visit, you can delve deeper into the country’s religious sites, learn more about saints and legends, and gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual traditions that have shaped its identity.”
With 60 years of experience in showing guests all that Ireland has to offer, Joe O’Reilly Ireland DMC clearly has cemented its place as a trusted partner for tour operators and faith group leaders alike.
“We’re a reputable DMC with extensive knowledge of the country’s religious heritage, historical sites, and sacred destinations,” says Enright. “We offer customized itineraries tailor-made for the specific needs and interests of any group. We’re a well-connected company that can help facilitate access to certain sacred sites that require special arrangements for that access to be made. We can also help organize rituals, prayer sessions, and other spiritual activities to enhance the pilgrimage experience.”
Of course, Enright makes sure to mention another important aspect of any Ireland experience—its people. “We’re in a very unique and privileged position to have wonderful connections within each and every diocese on the island of Ireland,” he explains. “This affords us direct access to people who can confirm directly the service we request, thus guaranteeing a warm and friendly welcome for our guests. This is coupled with the excellent faith-based guides who have worked with us for years. They have an excellent knowledge not only of the religious aspect of tours, but also of the culture and tradition of the island. These relationships ensure that your guests have a wonderful and memorable time in Ireland.”
Joe O’Reilly Ireland DMC’s decades of serving travelers equates to some 525,600 hours worth of expertise, and because of that, you and your group can get to know Ireland’s faith heritage in a much shorter time.