After watching seemingly endless groups of tourists jumping on and off of big buses and being whisked around to pre-arranged “shows” of Irish music before being shuffled off to their hotels just when the real fun was starting, we thought, there has to be a better way!
How can you see a lot of Ireland, but see it at Ireland’s pace? How can you have the convenience of group travel, without the herd-like drawbacks? And what about people who usually travel on their own, but who really want to get to know the place through its traditional culture – the music, the language, the stories? The answers to these questions were the seeds of Enchanted Way Tours…
Tom Pigott lives in County Clare , Ireland, and first entered the tourist business in 1973. He has a profound love for Ireland and a pride in being Irish, and enjoys sharing both with people. Tom is a singer and has performed with several Irish music groups and played music all over Europe . He has an in-depth knowledge of both Irish music and history. Tom is the lead guide for our Irish tour company.
I did the Johnsmith version of the tour with my wife and 10 new friends in 2006. I created a Web site to remember it and trade comments etc., http://www.fairplaytometour.com.
Tom and John did a great job, and we had an awesome time. We were fortunate that the group really gelled together and stayed up past late each night in various hotels rooms after the pubs had closed. My comment would be don’t give Tom maps in Italian… he can’t read them especially up in County Donegal where those roads are so skinny.
Next time we’ll meet the king of Tory Island for a real visit.
Great trip!! So Far, So Good!
Slainte!
Paul
April 4th, 2008 | #
We have just finished one of Tom’s tours. It was splendid! I would describe his tours as insired by “guided flexbility”. Each day of the tour activities were planned, and yet if someone had a special request or if the weather was not suitable for the scheduled activity, Tom would respond with flexibility and spontaniety.
There were many stories, songs, and Irish history revelations enroute to our points of interest, so our bus trips were very enjoyable and informative. Paddy and Hugh, our two drivers, were so helpful and pleasant…even with all that luggage shuffling…they also added their knowledge about the areas we visited.
A great deal of care went into our accomodations. The hotels were very fine and centrally located for pub music hops, shopping, and hikes to local sights.
Tom knows how to present Ireland! Thanks, we had a great time!
Doug & Lane, Portland, Oregon
The August Anne Feeney Tour
August 25th, 2008 | #
I just met Tom Pigott last night at Casbeers in San Antonio, TX. I can’t wait for the opportunity to join Tom on a tour of Ireland. He has a wonderful voice and was a delight to converse with. Ireland (especially the western side) is truly one of my favorite areas to visit and the people are the most genuinely beautiful in the world.
December 10th, 2009 | #