About
Hi, I’m Ilona Madden!
Approved Tourist Guide of Ireland, Certified Nutritional Therapist and Health & Lifestyle Coach, Qualified Track&Trail Guide, Mountaineering Ireland Lowland Leader
About Ilona
I just love sharing my love for Ireland with anybody who visits this beautiful country!
Having grown up in Germany, in 1996, my Irish husband and I decided to return to an Ireland that was at the brink of major change with the “Celtic Tiger”.
I starting working for a tour operator when I arrived in Ireland using my extensive knowledge in that field but soon noticed that it’s the travelling and looking after clients that I enjoyed most. I decided to do the extensive Failte Ireland Training and have never looked back since.
Whether I am looking after bigger groups on tour series through Ireland or small hiking tours, whether I am on my own taking care of incentive groups or being part of a team for bigger incentives and conferences, my mail goal is always to give each and every visitor a unique experience of Ireland. I like them to feel well looked after, have fun but also learn new things about the place they have travelled to. Travelling is broadening your horizons and I enjoy playing a small part in that.
During the winter months, I have often worked in various offices on project and through this have extensive experience in organising trips around Ireland.
In recent years though, I have turned my other passion of health & fitness into a business, studied Health & Nutrition Coach and Nutritional Therapy. Using my experience to facilitate groups, I am now doing talks, presentations and workshops in that area, but also see clients on a one-to-one basis.
I am also delighted to be able to combine the two in organising Wellness Tours and Retreats in Ireland. Those tours and retreats are for people who want to combine travelling with broadening their horizons in knowledge and experience of healthy eating and lifestyle. I have also done several training courses in stress management, resilience and goal setting. M goal is to offer my guests a relaxing experience of Ireland – spending more time in fewer places and really experiencing the spirituality of this place.
In 2021, I also trained as a Track & Trail Guide with KWETB and got my Lowland Leader qualification with Mountaineering Ireland which allows me to combine my love of being outdoors in beautiful scenery with groups of like-minded hikers.
I want to create lasting memories and experiences that my guests will be able to take home and incorporate into their daily lives!
Ilona is also a member of ATGI, the Association of Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland, where she does regular CPD trainings and through which she is fully insured. Ilona is also a member of Mountaineering Ireland and NTOI.
Please note: I am not a tour operator. While I can assist you in organising an itinerary, the bookings of the venues need to be done by you directly.
Planning Your Itinerary
Let me help you with the planning of your itinerary for your scheduled stay in Ireland.
Please note, that while I am is NOT a tour operator, I can still help you with the planning of an itinerary that is enjoyable and do-able, I will make suggestions and give you links where you can book yourself, meaning you are in control of what you book. However, you might find it easier to book everything through an Irish Tour Operator, in that case, you can still ask me for her opinion or input.
I also work with all the Irish Operators and you can always request me with them as well.
Kind Words From My Clients
Hear what people say about me as a Tour Guide:
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