Phil also has a degree in Music and Recording Technology and has worked as an Audio Producer/Engineer. He enjoys traveling, kayaking, carpentry, playing guitar, camping, and hiking.

Carolyn was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin(USA). She is a Registered Nurse and also has a Master of Education in Health Education degree and has worked in the area of health information software. Carolyn enjoys traveling, seeing films, reading, puzzles, camping, and trying new sports.

How did Phil and Carolyn meet?

Carolyn decided to take some time off in 1999 and embarked on a 4-month solo backpacking European adventure. Sitting in Nice, France in early June, she was contemplating her destination in early July. Head south to Rome or head north to Ireland? The decision was Ireland!

She booked a backpacker's tour of northern and southern Ireland. On the southern half of the tour, Carolyn met the handsome tour guide, Phil. After the tour ended, they spent the day together in Dublin and Phil suggested meeting in London before Carolyn returned to the States. A place, a date, and a time was chosen 5 weeks from that date, both Phil and Carolyn showed up at the appointed hour!

Love flourished and by June of 2001, they were getting married barefoot on the beach in Maui, Hawaii.

Where have Carolyn and Phil traveled to?

Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Ecuador, Peru, India, Nepal, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong & 46 of the 50 U.S. states. And there's always more of the world to discover!

Inroads Ireland tour operators Phil Ryan (Dublin, Ireland) and Carolyn Janette (Madison, Wisconsin) have traveled extensively around the world, both independently and through various tour groups. Having always enjoyed connecting with fellow travelers, especially those that shared their love of roads less traveled, they created Inroads Ireland. With their combined passion and experience, they hope to help others explore the natural beauty, local culture, history, and traditions of a place they so treasure.

As a socially responsible tour company, Inroads Ireland wants to support local economies; therefore, our tours stay in locally owned guesthouses, hotels, and B&Bs. Phil has been an Irish tour guide for many years and has explored the many twists and turns of Ireland's back roads. His expertise and his relationships with locals will help make your vacation truly unique.

Inroads Ireland is a land-only tour. You will need to get yourself to Dublin and to the hotel in the city center. On our Trip Prep/FAQs page, we provide helpful tips on booking air and easy ways to get from the airport to the hotel.

With Inroads Ireland, you will not feel like you are on a "tourist route" along with all the other tour buses. We travel in smaller groups (and smaller buses!) to allow us to get off the beaten track. We take you to less-frequented and unique places that represent all that is wonderful about Ireland.

We hope you'll come along for a truly memorable, insightful, and fun week of travel in Ireland!