Offaly woman has turned her love for travel and heritage into a thriving business

Offaly native Emma Rudd has turned her love for travel and heritage into a thriving business.

In March 2023, she officially launched Green Door Tours, a small group travel experience that blends Irish culture, local hospitality, and scenic adventure.

But the seeds of this business were planted long before.

After going through a life-changing personal transition in 2020, Emma took a Business Development course in 2022 with Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC).

Inspired by a conversation with her friend, Doreen Lawton, about organising tours for people with Irish ancestry, Emma set off on her entrepreneurial journey.

READ MORE:Urgent calls to protect over 2,200 tourism jobs in Offaly

With guidance from her OLDC mentor, Des Regan, Emma successfully ran her first week-long tour for nine American visitors in August 2023. The trip, a collaboration with Doreen and her husband Dennis, was a hit—highlighting the beauty of Ireland’s midlands and sparking Emma’s excitement for what’s to come.

By September 2023, Emma had earned her National Certificate in Tour Guiding, all while co-piloting bus tours around Ireland. Now, as autumn arrives and international travel slows, she’s focused on more local adventures.

Her next tour, departing from Shinrone GAA carpark, promises a unique day trip to Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Gardens. For €60, guests avail of transportation and entry fee plus a running commentary on route as you pass places of interest.

With only 16 seats, the tour is designed to foster connections among travellers, and

Emma notes that spots are already filling fast.

READ MORE: First ever Climate Café held in Tullamore

Green Door Tours & Philosophy:

● Small groups

● Local buses, food, and accommodations

● Quality, experiential travel

Beyond the September tour, Emma’s Green Door Tours offers other custom experiences, including Food, Flowers, and Farms and Castles, Churches, and History, with accommodations at RHSI Bellefield. These intimate trips are perfect for friends and families looking for a truly local adventure.

For more details visit https://www.greendoortours.com, or follow Emma’s journey on Instagram and Facebook @GreenDoorTours.

To book local tours telephone 086 8717237 and tell a friend, It’s Time to Travel