Philippa is from County Mayo in the West of Ireland, and grew up wandering quiet country lanes and bogs near her family’s small farm in the shadow of an Iron-age hillfort. The natural world around her inspired fantastical stories, and after school she left Mayo to study English and Celtic Civilisation at the University of Galway, with a specialism in Creative Writing. During university, Philippa decided that she wanted a career in helping people to explore the beautiful Irish countryside, and combined with her growing interest in adventures abroad, Hillwalk Tours was the perfect fit for her!
Now, Philippa lives in Galway full-time, and helps walkers from all over the world in planning and organising their hiking holidays. From your initial email to your final night’s stay, she loves the part she plays in creating fantastic tour experiences and seeing your photos afterwards! Your walking pack may have been assembled by her, and she loves to hear how helpful you find them on the trail. She enjoys researching ways to make your tours the best they can be, including extra activities you might like during your Extra Days, great places to eat, and of course the best way to and from your trail of choice!
Outside of work, Philippa loves to go camping and trekking through Ireland, or (if the weather is particularly Irish!) staying with a local Bed & Breakfast host, much like the wonderful people she arranges for you to stay with! This is a photo from her recent trip to Inishbofin off the coast of Galway/Mayo, and she can’t wait to visit again! When she returns to Mayo, her time is spent with friendly cows, dogs and donkeys, and continuing to explore the quiet roads and boggy tracks that inspired her love of nature in the beginning.
