‘Start-up costs were low – building the website was the biggest cost’

What level of start-up costs did you incur in setting up the business?

“It was quite low. We don’t have much by way of capital items: we rent the buses we use and the hotel rooms. Probably building the website was the biggest initial cost.”

Was financing readily available from the banks for this sort of business? Was planning permission required and if so was it difficult to get?

“No planning permission was needed. This business came together around the kitchen table at home, so no planning was required.”

Did you need a licence or permission from any other government body?

handles our tax. Even though I have a background in tax, it was in a different area of tax, so that is handled through our accountant.”

How much time was needed to get the business off the ground?

“Time is the big commitment. It was a bit of a slow burner for the first year or two but it really picked up after that.

“In the early days we had a great buy-in from some of the Irish agri-tech businesses, which really helped to get things off the ground. We had great relationships with those groups as well as the likes of Bord Bia and Teagasc.”

Did you encounter any unexpected pitfalls or challenges?

“Coronavirus has been an unexpected challenge. We are seeing the impact of the coronavirus on our business.

“Any issue that impacts on farming, impacts us. We have to think on our feet and be responsive to different situations.

“We are seeing now that anything that impacts on tourism generally will have an impact on us as well.”

Siobhán’s brother Aonghus adds: “As for all businesses, it is proving to be a major challenge. We are constantly monitoring government updates and working closely with clients to assess the status of their tours on a case by case basis.

“In most cases, our international visitors have booked their tours to Ireland months in advance and in great anticipation.

“However the health and wellbeing of our customers, host farmers and staff is our number one concern and will ultimately determine whether tours go ahead.”