Making more of your experiences with Wexford’s stunning coastline
THE origins of The Irish Experience are a little different to your usual business venture. It began with owner, Graham Doyle, expanding his horizons to travel the world. Originally from Newbawn, Graham hails from a family with a clearly strong work ethic who are committed to creative business ideas.
From a young age Graham was always interested in outdoor adventure sports including hiking and kayaking. However, it was during his time in New Zealand that he gained a new appreciation for adventure tourism. ‘ Their adventure tourism scene is a proper industry there and they recognised that money can be made,’ he said.
He is confident that we have everything New Zealand has to offer so why not tap into our natural landscape for adventure tourism. The Irish Experience started with Graham recognising an opportunity, a gap in the market, which he claims became more evident from spending time in regions like New Zealand which cater massively to the adventure tourist.
During his travels Graham was struck by two things, firstly the lack of dedicated adventure tourism providers in Ireland and more importantly the potential his own beautiful country has to host adventure travellers. Upon returning to Ireland in 2013, Graham studied a Management degree in Adventure Tourism. Graham had a plan and on the strength of this plan The Irish Experience was born.
It’s only in recent years that Ireland has begun recognising our potential within the adventure tourism industry. The main challenge in Ireland is how the weather can and does dominate the market. As Graham says himself, the weather at times completely calls the shots. Secondly, it can be hard to find local staff but there are many options in terms of training. Training can be provided in Shielbaggan Outdoor Education centre which holds various courses throughout the year. There is also a kayaking academy in Bunclody Adventure Hub.
Additionally, the Duiske College in Graiguenamanagh offers courses that train you as an outdoor instructor. Go Paddle in Wexford also offers beginners kayaking courses too.
During the beginning stages back in 2016, Graham with the help of his now fiancée Kimberley, were operating all tours which would have been a huge undertaking. He admits this wasn’t sustainable to growth. In 2018, he welcomed new staff members and the business has been growing at a comfortable pace ever since. He is delighted with the progress but obviously hopes we get a vaccine to fight off Covid in the near future. Adhering to all the guidelines, he feels being out on the sea may be one of the safer places to be at the moment. While nationwide responsibility is necessary, Graham states his tour groups have normally always been less than 15 people anyway. Graham prefers tours to be more personable so people get more out of the experience.
The Irish Experience usually concentrates on the domestic and international tourism market. The Irish Experience adventures include stand up paddle boarding, sea cave kayaking, and coasteering Hook Head. Coasteering involves rock climbing, sea swimming, caving and cliff jumping. The Irish Experience appreciates the visually stunning southern coastline of Ireland, taking in the very best of Ireland’s Ancient East. The sea cave kayaking experience is a unique and exhilarating way to view Wexford’s magical coastline.
Kayaking on The Hook Peninsula offers an impressive variety of coastline packed full of hidden gems to be discovered which include; golden sandy beaches, craggy coves, cracks and crevasses which comprise of an impressive variety of sea caves to discover. The Hook Peninsula, once considered the gateway for invasions, has centuries of fascinating history from monastic times through to the Viking and Norman invasions. Hook Peninsula also boasts one of the world’s oldest operational lighthouse, Hook Lighthouse and views of the intriguing Loftus Hall. The centuries have left their mark on the scenic and rugged landscape. It has much to offer any tourist for a variety of reasons.
The Irish Experience may have been one of the lucky businesses to be in heavy demand this summer once restrictions lifted. The only challenges being the unpredictable weather. The business followed strict Covid guidelines to ensure customer safety. A comprehensive list of safety precautions is listed on the website.
‘My expectations were at zero, they went down to zero, I really thought we were going to loose the entire season and basically be shut down for the whole summer so to come back and have a busy season like we did was phenomenal. When things were allowed to get back going again, we made the most of it,’ Graham said in regards to expectations when Covid restrictions were introduced.
Another pleasant surprise for Graham’s business this year was being featured on the RTE show ‘No Place Like Home’ which saw Kathryn Thomas travel around to some stellar spots in Ireland to highlight staycation prospects. Wexford was within her sights and Kathryn included Hook Lighthouse and The Irish Experience.
‘ There was a big film crew down for the morning and it was a lovely morning and we had tours going out as normal. In regards to Kathryn on the kayak, she was a right one, not a bother on her. She was also really interested in the history and stories. The production team were delighted with the scenery so it all seemed to work well,’ Graham said.
In the face of uncertainty Graham remains very optimistic about the future and continues to plan ahead. He is planning to schedule more tours in different locations, Tintern Abbey being one of them. ‘It’s a much flatter, calmer paddle which may appeal to the older demographic. Baiginbun conditions can be a little rough at times and people can get nervous but mainly there are locations that work for all ages and adventures.’
Graham would also like to offer another option of the cave tour. He
is finding many customers are returning and enjoy the Baiginbun tour. Another tour proving popular is Booley bay, heading towards Loftus Hall. Graham believes there are a wide variety of sea caves on the Hook peninsula to explore so the potential seems endless.
Obviously with people a little more on edge regarding travel abroad a busy season next year seems highly probable. Graham is preparing for bigger numbers next year. The demand for outdoor activity continues to grow and he is happy to step up to the challenge.
Now, especially during the pandemic when people face restrictions on so many levels, like where they can go, what they can do, who they can meet; we start to realise that experiences make memories
and awaken that sense of adventure. People don’t need to suffer. There are exciting options right on our doorstep, there are still many interesting ways to spend your time including adventure sports and given our Irish weather being outside in a wetsuit might be wise.
The scenery is certainly spectacular along the Wexford coast and Graham captures many amazing drone and cave shots just to give people an idea of what to expect. With some luck getting a glimpse of some wildlife is to be expected on a tour. ‘We’ve had real up-close encounters with dolphins this year. We had a minke whale wash up on Carnivan beach recently.’
One of the highlights for The Irish Experience was winning the Best New Start
Up in New Ross and District Chamber in 2018. The Irish Experience was also a Runner Up in Best in Tourism within the Wexford Chamber in 2018. In 2019, Making Mór of Ireland’s Ancient East – The Irish Experience were Runner Up in Best Ireland’s Ancient East Tourism Experience (Small). This was a great achievement and Graham modesty acknowledged how other businesses were much larger which emphasises their growth and strength in terms of facing opposition.
With winter approaching, tours currently run Wednesday to Sunday. Tours can easily be booked using the website. There are many affordable options to choose from.
For more details go to: https://www. theirishexperience.com/