Introduction

From Accidental Beginnings to a Bright Organic Future

Viking Irish Tours came to life in 2022, almost by accident. What began as a single booking from a luxury tour operator quickly evolved into a unique offering in the Irish agritourism landscape. This document outlines our journey so far, the challenges and triumphs we have experienced, and our aspirations for the future.

2022: Serendipitous Beginnings

Our story began with an unexpected booking that prompted us to create a two-hour walking tour through our vineyards and orchard. Guests enjoyed tastings of three beverages, typically a wine, a pét-nat, and a cider, accompanied by a local cheese board and fresh breads. The overwhelmingly positive feedback encouraged us to continue and refine our offering.

2023: Expanding and Learning

In 2023, we opened our doors every weekend, welcoming guests on Saturdays and Sundays. However, this proved challenging, as attendance fluctuated greatly - sometimes as few as one or two guests per session. One memorable Saturday, a single client spent three hours with us, highlighting the need for a more sustainable format. Recognising this, we revised our schedule for the following year.

2024: Adapting the Experience

In 2024, we introduced a new booking system, offering 6 to 7 slots each Saturday from April through September. This adjustment worked well, attracting a diverse mix of guests from across Ireland and increasing our numbers. During this time, we also identified a niche market for selling our wines and ciders directly from our small cellar door space. Our winery and cidery occupy old stables, renovated in 2018, where our daughters once kept Connemara ponies for eventing and show jumping. As a micro-operation, we relished the personal touch and authenticity this setting provides.

2025: Shifting Trends and Cellar Door Growth

Despite our previous success, 2025 saw a dip in tour numbers, sometimes only attracting two or three guests per session. This downturn may have been due to limited marketing, yet our cellar door sales continued to rise, showing our products' appeal to visitors and the local community.

2026

In 2026, we saw an increase in numbers. The April tour was slow; most were full, with an increase in people from the Southeast of the country. We added a new tour in September, which proved very positive.

2027

For 2027, our regular tours will run from April to October, extending our usual April-to-September season. Tours may also be available in November and December. Keep an eye out for updates. 

Embracing Organics

Our commitment to sustainability took a significant step forward in 2022 when we began the process of converting our operations to organic, registering with the Organic Trust of Ireland. We have been fully certified for processing since September 2026. This transition reflects our dedication to responsible production and the wellbeing of our land and community.

Looking Ahead: 2027 and Beyond

The plan for 2027 is to diversify our offering further by maintaining our regular monthly tours while introducing private tours for small groups of up to 16 people. Targeted marketing efforts will focus on corporate groups and overseas tourists. To support this expansion, we also intend to complete a Level 6 certified course in farm tourism, equipping us with new ideas and valuable industry contacts.

Our vineyard is set to double in size thanks to major new plantings which started in 2021 and to date (2026) we have added over5000new vines . We are also upgrading our fermentation areas and redesigning our tasting space to create a more authentic cellar-like atmosphere, enhancing both the visitor experience and our wine and cider sales area.

Festive Plans and Community Engagement

Looking towards Christmas 2026, we aim to cultivate a festive atmosphere with mulled cider and wine, complemented by seasonal foodie treats. We hope these events will boost cellar door sales and foster a stronger local clientele, reinforcing our connection to the community.

Conclusion

From humble, accidental beginnings, Viking Irish Tours has evolved into a dynamic and resilient micro-operation, passionate about sharing the flavours and stories of our land. With continued innovation, a focus on organics, and a commitment to quality experiences, we look forward to welcoming even more guests on our journey into 2027 and beyond.