Gerry began his working career in 1979 with Bord na Mona, the Irish National Peat Development Board, where he was a member of the land development section. Gerry had direct responsibility for the intensive bull beef finishing operations throughout Bord na Mona. This was a unique production system in Ireland at that time.
Gerry furthered his academic standing while studying in The Netherlands in 1982 at Vaganingen University. This was the second time Gerry was to study in The Netherlands, having spent six months there in 1979 as an exchange student.
In 1988, Gerry took up the position as feed-lot manager with the Irish Agricultural Development Company. He was responsible for developing efficient beef finishing systems for different market requirements. In excess of 12,000 cattle were slaughtered off this farm annually. New methods of storing forages and concentrates were developed. The feedlot grew to be the largest in Europe in the early 1990s.
Today Gerry is regarded an expert for animal nutrition and provides invaluable advice to farmers worldwide. He writes a column for the Farming Independent, a supplement to Ireland's largest selling daily newspaper Irish Independent. For Farm Tours Ireland he loves showing international visitors the unique Irish way of farming.
Aonghus gained a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science when he studied in the Salesian College, Warrenstown and University College Dublin.
Upon completing his studies, Aonghus spent one year in Australia. During his stay, he gained valuable experience while working on a grass based farm in Victoria. The farm specialised in contract rearing in-calf heifers for dairy herds while also running a sheep flock. He traveled extensively throughout the continent encountering many different farm enterprises along the way.
Since his return he has been following in the footsteps of his father Gerry and is providing nutrition advice to numerous national and international farmers. Together with his sister Siobhán he is running the day-to-day business of Farm Tours Ireland and will happily assist you to plan your custom tour to Ireland.
Colm Giggins, a seasoned educator with a passion for creating enriching experiences, brings a unique perspective to Farm Tours Ireland. Initially trained as a Primary school teacher with a Bachelor of Education from St. Patrick's College Dublin, Colm spent 8 years honing his skills in the education sector, both in Ireland and Abu Dhabi.
Intrigued by the growth of the family business at Farm Tours Ireland, Colm made a deliberate shift in his career to join forces with his father Gerry and brother Aonghus. Now, he plays a pivotal role in curating unforgettable experiences for international visitors exploring the beauty of Ireland.
As your initial point of contact, Colm is dedicated to crafting a compelling and personalized tour itinerary for you and your group. Recognized for his warm hospitality and ability to create a welcoming atmosphere, Colm ensures that each guest feels not just like visitors but cherished members of the Farm Tours Ireland family. Allow Colm to transform your visit into a memorable journey filled with the charm and authenticity that defines our tours.