Tom Meehan
Me in Three – Cheerful | Positive | Professional
Favourite Place to Play – The Comeragh Mountains in County Waterford, part of Ireland’s Ancient East
Not many people know this about me– I once recorded a 4 track CD!
Mini Bio: After 36 years in the maritime world, initially as a Naval Officer and Ship’s Captain and later as a Port Manager, I changed direction and left the office behind for a career in the outdoors.
I am qualified as a Mountain Leader and now spend my much of my time sharing my passion for the hills and mountains of Ireland, and giving people the skills to safely explore the hills.
When not out in the wilderness, I enjoy playing the guitar and singing with my friends in our weekly music session in the local pub.
Qualifications & Awards
- Naval Watchkeeping Certificate
- Ships Diver Officer
- Helicopter Controller
- Diploma in Shopping Centre Management
- Certified Diploma in Accounting and Finance
- Mountain Leader Award
- Mountain Skills Trainer
Previous Experience
I joined the Irish Navy as a cadet straight from school and served for sixteen years in a variety of roles culminating in two years in command of an offshore patrol vessel. After leaving the navy, I managed a shopping centre in Cork for two years before an opportunity arose to return to the maritime world as manager of a commercial harbour.
I left the office behind in 2010 to follow my passion for the outdoors. I qualified as a Mountain Leader and Mountain Skills Trainer and now my work is giving others the skills to safely explore the Irish hills and mountains.
I am immensely proud of everything my country has to offer so it is a joy to share our wonderful landscape, history, culture, food and drink with visitors from overseas as a guide at Wilderness Ireland.
Travel
I first experienced north western Spain in 2014 when I walked 300 km of the Camino Francaise. I have returned there twice since then and particularly to the Picos de Europa mountains. I have also travelled to Guatemala and later this year my partner and I will go trekking in Nepal.
Hobbies/Passions
My major interests are hillwalking/hiking either on my own, with friends or teaching others as well as music. I play the guitar and sing with a group of friends in a weekly session in and in local pubs. I might even have been known to sing a song or two on my trips!
Expert Regions
The mountains in the southeast of Ireland – I especially love the beautiful and yet underrated Comeragh Mountains. I know the southeast really well (counties Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny,…). I also like the west coast – places like Dingle might be more popular, but there are always hidden gems to be found.
Adventurer's Stories about Tom
Tom was the total package of a fine guide, from patience, knowledgeability, tolerance, flexibility, and seasoning to a well-honed sense of humor, generosity, and fine musicianship.Kent Young
Tom did a great job. An 11 out of 10.Benita (Bonnie) Jones
Tom was a good man. Even sang us a few tunes at dinner one evening.Allen Shaw
Tom was very good and looked after us well. It was his first Dingle Way expedition and as such he did well. His guitar playing and singing were most enjoyable and a rare treat.Antoinette Norman
Tom was really friendly, and helpful and went out of his way to make sure we didn't miss stuff - he drove a few of us to see something we would otherwise have missed after dinner. He also drove me to my accomodation after the trip which was very much appreciated. Not quite as experienced or as knowledgeable about flowers and things as the last trip I went on but he still knew loads more than me!Isobel Pennington