Hear from some of the amazing clients
we've had the privilege of working with
Game Changers
“I first met Julie in 2015. At the time tourism was a relatively new world for me. Let’s just say that Julie soon got me sorted. She wove her magic, starting with her saleable experience format© (this template has since become a standard across the industry) that has been described as a game changer by many, from Fáilte Ireland and hotels to tour operators and DMCs. Let’s just say that as well as being Estate Manager for Mount Congreve, I am now a MASSIVE tourism advocate.”
Ray Sinnott
Mount Congreve, Waterford
Practical, Experience Based Strategic Supports
“Engaging with the Runda team has been ground breaking for our destination Visit Mourne & Ring of Gullion. They have set a new standard of excellence founded on practical, experienced-based strategic supports that are delivered with kindness and a clear vision. The team has done so much for our destination from training to mentoring and keynote speaking. They have also written our tourism strategy 2023-2028. But what is really impressive is how they have managed to unite us so that individually and collectively, we have the know-how, pride and confidence to make our special destination sing. The economic and social benefits they achieve are visible and measurable. You cannot go wrong with Runda.”
Tracey Mooney
Product Development and Trade Engagement Officer, Newry Mourne Down District Council
delivered with enormous insight
“I first met Runda at a bespoke training programme for the Cork Hotel Federation organised by Fáilte Ireland. Senior Managers from operational, commercial and revenue management fields attended. The training and mentoring supports were delivered with enormous insight and a practical solution was found for any issue that arose. Personally, I was particularly impressed by the processes shared for commercial planning and revenue management- which we swiftly adopted into our own procedures.”
Brian Bowler
Regional Operations Manager THE iNUA Collection and IHI President
You are in good hands
“I know Julie of old when she started working for Wallace Travel straight after leaving college. She arrived into tourism at an exciting stage in the 90s when Ireland was gaining recognition as a leisure destination and incentive travel was in its infancy. Wind on a few decades and she has become a well-known industry professional. Dedicated and empathetic, Julie has walked the walk and knows her stuff. During the Covid-19 pandemic I watched her deliver many Fáilte Ireland supports – including for business tourism contracting. Heavy stuff and yet she made it look so doable. You are in good hands with Julie and her team.”
Michael O’Shaughnessy
Wallace Travel Group
Programme Success
“The Runda team managed the Atlantic Culturescape Intangible Cultural Heritage programme which included international partners from Ireland (north and south), Spain, Portugal and Great Britain. This programme aligned with UNESCO’s principles regarding intangible cultural heritage and was the first of its kind in the world with the objective of identifying culture and heritage providers who could transition into tourism. With Runda’s guidance, this programme has been a success and is set for expansion.”
Darren Rice
AONB and Geopark Manager
deep understanding of the trends
“Julie and the Runda team have established themselves as one of the leading voices in the Irish Tourism Industry today. Their wealth of experience across all aspects of the industry means that they are much-acclaimed tourism consultants, mentors, tutors, and key note speakers. Their work ethic and passion for the industry is to be truly admired. They take a deep personal interest in each of their clients and participants, and have built a huge network of industry contacts. You will be truly amazed by their energy and their deep understanding of the trends and workings of the travel trade. Their delivery is always entertaining, well-paced, high in content and pitch perfect! ”
Aileen Murray
Manager at Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group
”"I came into tourism not knowing a thing and I can now definitely say that this has changed! With a team of experts on all things tourism from commercial strategies to destination and experience development, Runda has it nailed. They are serious champions of tourism and businesses like mine. There isn’t a question that they are unqualified to answer. I am very grateful to Fáilte Ireland for the invaluable supports they have provided for me by Julie and the Runda team. "
Ross KennyBoyne Boats
”"The Runda team has provided destination and experience development programmes for the Causeway Coast and Glens. At all times their work (whether delivered virtually or in person) has been on-point, practical and engaging. They have given local tourism providers the confidence and tools to maximise opportunities for their businesses, communities and destination. "
Visit Causeway Coast and Glens
”"What can I say? Julie and the Runda team have been a great support to me and my team over the years. They know how to get the best out of people and we just love their training and mentoring sessions!"
Neil GrantCeltic Ross Hotel, West Cork
”"Runda has walked the walk and their level of hands on experience is clear to see. They are inclusive and they listen, generating tailored solutions that deliver visible results. They are experts in revenue generation with a deep knowledge of all the disciplines from revenue management to sales channel management. They know how to integrate every element from pricing/contracting and data collation/analysis to GDS management and communications to achieve measurable results. They do all of this with immense integrity and respect for everyone they engage with."
Declan MeagherGeneral Manager Carlton Hotels
”"Runda have managed a number of projects along the Wild Atlantic Way, in Mayo and for the portfolio of businesses managed by my company. Of note was a large project to streamline the data collation and analysis processes at the Westport Woods Hotel. From sales and reservations to front of house and operations, they got the whole team on board. The outcome is that our approach to data collation is now streamlined, and reporting is more robust. We can clearly see where our revenue comes from and the strategic decisions we need to make for the future. Highly recommended."
Michael LennonCompany Director Westport Woods Hotel and Former President of Irish Hotels Federation
”"On behalf of CforC and in association with our partners in Fáilte Ireland, Runda delivers the COTRI accredited China Ready Routes to Market training and the Strategic Sales & Marketing module for the Hospitality and Tourism Executive Development Programme. As a company, they are leaders in market insights and commercial strategies and our attendees have been consistently impressed by the high standards of their work."
Dr Tony Lenehan,Executive Director CforC (Centre for Competitiveness)
”"Runda has provided practical supports to the Irish Self Catering industry in the fields of commercial strategies and contracting. Their work is always impressive. Professional, on point, achievable and engaging."
Jacinta DoolanIrish Self Catering Industry
”"The Runda team have provided a variety of supports including guidance about how to grow the M.I.C.E market for Galway-based businesses. They are experts in communications, know how to find the right solution, always professional, with an ability to meet the greatest challenges within the tightest deadlines."
Galway County Council
”"Having worked with Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions for many years, we can vouch for their professionalism and know-how. They have provided a variety of supports ranging from collaborative programmes to commercial strategies, experience development and communications. They are experts in their fields and know how to get the best out of people. With a deep understanding of the tourism landscape results delivered not only meet but surpass our expectations."
Boyne Valley Tourism
”"Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions were engaged to address county-wide data collation and analysis in County Kildare for a wide variety of tourism and hospitality businesses. Several consultations were conducted with local stakeholders which were both professional and engaging. The outcome has been a simple to implement pilot programme that can support the destination with strategically growing commercial opportunities and providing robust data for funding applications."
Into Kildare
”"Fáilte Ireland provided me with mentoring support and I was put in touch with Mandy O’Rorke of Runda. I was at a stage in my business where I had been working away for almost 6 years with no direction and very little return on my time and investment. Mandy has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of tourism and hospitality and soon put me on the right track. I now have my house in order, pricing, marketing collateral and all necessary documentation to engage professionally and gain real commercial outcomes. I have a strong commercial strategy in place and my business is finally starting to see real results."
Stephen Clarke,Owner, Westport Walking Tours
”"Elaine McInaw delivered Customer Service Excellence Training to our Front of House Team hitting exactly the right note: really getting the message across so that no-one felt under scrutiny. The Runda Customer Service Excellence content was just what we needed and the delivery in a friendly professional manner put everyone at their ease. Thanks to Elaine, this generated a really positive energy for our team which is just what we needed."
Margaret Dunne,Manager, Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
”"Bottom line is that the Runda team know their stuff. They are passionate, genuine and kind. AND, they offer the kind of advice that can only come from hands-on experience. They don’t simply talk tourism, they live it. Supporting people like me with sharing our story and earning a livelihood is what makes their hearts soar."
Aisling Kelly Hunter,Sligo Oyster Experience
”"In 2021, the Runda team began working with artisan food/drink producers in our area. Not only did most of us not know each other, but we were also unaware that collectively, we had an incredible food/drink provenance and destination story. Within a year, they had us working as a collaborative. We are winning the attention of our local marketplace (who cannot believe what is on their doorstep!) and more recently from all over Ireland and abroad. What they have done for us in such a short time is unbelievable!"
Savour Visit Mourne
”"For several years, Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions managed the agri-business tourism programme for Carlow. This programme focused on empowering agri-food businesses to transition into the tourism industry through a wide variety of supports including experience development and commercial. These supports were delivered to the highest standards and achieved exceptional satisfaction rates by participants."
Carlow County Council and Carlow Tourism
”"The Runda team has provided us with fantastic support which has created the tools and skills necessary in growing our business. The follow up correspondence and mentoring provided is absolutely fantastic. Thanks so much!"
Catherine O’Grady PowersThe Glen Keen Estate
”"Julie O’Brien was appointed as a consultant to address significant shortcomings in sales, marketing and revenue management. At the time of her appointment, the hotel was behind budget with a number of procedural and personnel issues to be addressed. Julie quickly set about identifying shortcomings, and implementing systems and change thus bringing greater efficiencies. At the time of her departure, the hotel had achieved budget, with considerably improved systems and staff structure in place. Julie has been an invaluable asset to Sandymount Hotel, and I would strongly recommend her."
John LoughranOwner of the Sandymount Hotel at the AVIVA Stadium
”"I've been fortunate enough to be on a number of Fáilte Ireland training courses tutored by Julie- the Fáilte Ireland Sales Academy and a Brexit Ready/Revenue course. I've always found Julie to be an excellent tutor- her vast experience of the tourism industry gives her an excellent insight into how the sector works domestically and internationally. Julie's passion for the industry is obvious and she does an excellent job of conveying that passion. Her lectures are never boring and always interactive! I would highly recommend Julie as both a tutor, mentor & business adviser."
Brian NevinB2B & Partnership Manager, Shannon Heritage
”“In 2023 Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions conducted a research study focused on how to maximise/develop opportunities via the M.I.C.E market. The work they have produced is exceptional. They quickly grasped our relatively complex requirements, and an easy-to-follow report including an executive summary, situational analysis, recommendations and an action plan has been created that provides succinct and practical guidance. If you are looking for business tourism experts, we can highly recommend the services of this team."
Aidan McDevittMarketing Manager, Sport Ireland Campus
Enriching Lives
Through Tourism
The Runda team is comprised of a team of industry professionals who are passionate about all things tourism. Goal-focused and solution driven, we only provide services based on senior-level, hands-on experience accumulated over several decades of working in the tourism and hospitality industry. We know how to achieve REAL results through an informed, professional, kind and empathetic approach.
We love to see our clients succeed, using tourism as a vehicle to enrich businesses, destinations and the lives of people in ways that support livelihoods and economies, building social cohesion and pride in communities.
Get in touch
Contact Us
Tel: +353 1 498 35 23
Email: hello@runda.ie
Head Office: 133A Rathgar Road,
Rathgar, Dublin 6
Regional Offices: Kildare, Donegal, Derry/Londonderry, Limerick, Cork, Galway and Kerry