Margaret Leahy
Innovator
Fable Tours
Ireland
Economic
Farming
Remote rural areas
The innovation journey
Fable Tours is an award-winning food tourism business providing small and bespoke tours from one to five days in length focused along the west coast of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The business targets a mix of clients from broad group tours to those tailored to families, corporate clients, and solo travellers. Slow Food and sustainable farming inspire the business and are at the heart of its ethos.
Established by Margaret Leahy, she was herself an organic farmer and Failte Ireland approved Tour Guide. Margaret established Fable Tours inspired by the range and quality of small-scale, locally produced food and her desire to showcase this to visitors of the area. The business is built on her embeddedness in the Irish and international food scene, which has been informed by her previous role as Chairperson of the Irish Organic Farmers & Growers Assoc. and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. She is currently a member of Slow Food International and is involved in SLOWDOWN, an INTERREG project on Slow Tourism. Margaret has a long history of working in rural development and volunteering in rural communities.
The innovation impact
Margaret recognises the positive economic impact food tourism can have on rural communities. Collaboration and working with Irish farmers and producers are at the heart of her innovative food tours. The authenticity and real Irish culture the tours harness is a key part of this innovation. The tours bring together the West Coast’s strong food culture where tours visit a diverse range of producers. From direct farm visits to bakers and chefs, the tours deliver an authentic, unique experience.
Part of how Margaret also creates innovation impact is through her celebration of Irish food, farming and landscape. She is a true ambassador for Irish food culture, which can be under-recognised and celebrated. She has a strong media presence where her commitment and passion for local and sustainable food is clear. Her vibrant social media demonstrates her passion for food and farming, as does her column in the Farmers Journal Irish Country Living section.