Not many people expect a chef to become a guide — but life has a funny way of bringing us back to what matters most. For me, that’s people, stories, and the land I’ve always called home.
Before launching Steve’s Peninsula Tours, I worked for years in hospitality. I trained as a chef and spent plenty of time in busy kitchens, where timing, presentation, and service mattered just as much as flavour. Alongside that, I explored creative work — from 3D design to building websites — which gave me a real appreciation for detail, atmosphere, and how to shape a memorable experience.
But no matter where I was or what role I held, one thing stayed with me: my love for the Dingle Peninsula. I’ve always had a deep respect for the stories, ruins, roads, and raw beauty of this place. I’d find myself talking to strangers in town or visitors at work, telling them about hidden beaches, stone forts, or local legends — and I realised I didn’t just want to share that passion; I wanted to build something from it.
That’s how the idea for a small, local tour business was born. I didn’t want anything scripted or rushed — just flexible, personal tours that give people time to breathe in the wildness of West Kerry, to ask questions, to stop for a coffee or a photo, and to experience something real. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a few loved ones, my aim is to help you see this place with fresh eyes — and maybe learn something new along the way.
Now, with my SPSV licence, full NTA approval, and a lot of groundwork behind me, I’m proud to welcome guests into a spacious, comfortable car and show them around the place I know best.
There’s a quiet joy in doing something that feels right — and every time I take someone around a headland they’ve never seen, or watch their face light up at a story they’ve never heard, I know I’ve made the right move.
Thanks for reading – and if you’re ever thinking of visiting the Dingle Peninsula, I’d love to show you around.
