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About us The shorter version

What we’re about with touring – bringing the stories of Ireland to life

Hatch a plan. Get yourself to Ireland for this year! Let’s put together an itinerary or alternatively, go fo one of my bespoke tours: Guinness Deluxe Pilgrimage, Donegal: hallowed sites guided tour, Wild Atlantic Wonders – Northern Tour and many more to view on my Tours Portfolio page.

Give it colour. On tour, I will ensure that you are immersed in the stories and traditions of the area. Expect all of your senses to work overtime – and yes, there may well be some homework to do prior to your trip, but fun homework, like a film to watch etc.

Horse’s Mouth. Not only will I be telling you a plethora of stories, there will be a playlist of Irish music to blow you away as well as the best of our audio archive for ‘deep dives’ and we’ll be meeting some of the local experts along the way.

Free Consultation. Let’s discuss for free at info@racontour.com and see if we can hatch a cunning plan for the best tour of Ireland you will ever have. It’s important that we have a good rapport and that I have a proper sense of what your expectations are. 

Let's make that tour happen

Let us know a bit more about your plans.

What we’re also about with storytelling – making your story blossom

Hatch a plan. Got stories and characters galore to tell them in your locality? Don’t wait until it is too late, let us help you get a plan in place to record and promote your community’s rich heritage.

Give it colour. Whether it’s making a radio series, weekly podcasts, GPS audio tours or setting up a Rambling House storytelling centre, make your place flourish and see footfall increase accordingly.

Horse’s Mouth. We’re destination marketers specialising in digital heritage. If your locality has a lot to tell the world, let us help you bring those stories to life by capturing the true character of your area from the ‘horse’s mouth’.

Free Consultation. Help preserve your heritage and promote your area as an appealing destination in one fell swoop. Have a look at our various services, hear some of the many tales we have recorded and get in touch when ready for a free consultation.

N.B. If you really want to hear what our back story is, it’s below, but let’s get working on your story instead we say!

Get in touch

Call us for a no obligation consultation on what we can do for you.

Testimonials

Comments from our associates over the years

About us The full nine yards!

pj_ward

Racontour’s story

Hello there, I’m Racontour Production’s founder and creative director, Jack Ward a.k.a. John Ward  and I’ve had an interest in Irish culture and history from an early age. My grandfather, Peter Joseph Ward was the T.D. for Donegal South in the First Dáil Eireann in 1918.

Though I never knew Joe, the connection sparked a curiosity that stayed with him and lead to me getting involved with local travel and heritage projects including running heritage festivals in Donegal Town around St. Patrick’s Day in the mid-1990s.

Timeline

An in-house lawyer for a number of media and I.T. blue chip companies in England, I decided the time was right to move back to Ireland in 2008 and do something new and exciting in the ever-expanding field of digital media.

The burgeoning phenomenon of GPS appealed to me as an area that could be used to better purpose with such ingenuity. Driving along with a sat nav guiding him one day, I thought it would be great if this technology could also tell him about the place I was driving through – but with a local voice doing the talking. On that day, the first seed of Digital Landscape Gardening was planted.
 
It’s been a long road full of trial and error as technology has developed. My honest 2024 summation? Direct storytelling is the only way, although technology used to supplement it comes in very useful at times to create something special.
pike
Mid 1990's

Mid 1990's

South Donegal

Sealing one’s fate

The first Irish I.T. company I helped set up was InterNETalia in Donegal Town in the mid 1990’s with two others. I heard the words ‘inter alia‘ a fair bit in law meaning ‘amongst other things’ and thought as the Internet was just that, a bit of wordplay would give a memorable company name. Yes, I know – the wonders of youth!
 
I remember a talk I gave in ’97 about the advent of the Internet to a bemused audience in the then Hyland Central Hotel. Looking out the window I saw what looked like a seal in the bay and said ‘you’d be able to send pictures of that moving seal to someone in Australia in seconds‘. Thankfully, the Internet has proven to be a lot more than just long-distance seal watching! London beckoned in ’98.
 

North Donegal

Jonwards and upwards

Upon returning to Ireland in 2008, I set up Headland New Media Limited. Its location was the very last house in Ireland at the northernmost point being Malin Head in Donegal. Using a widget and a laptop that managed to get a tea candle burning through the screen by accident one night didn’t augur well for a new digital venture, but one or two lucky breaks happened. Eircom wanted to showcase that such a remote location could be facilitated with Broadband in 2009 and bar the odd outage due to stormy weather, it worked well.
 
Inishowen proved to be the perfect location for building up the first set of GPS points of interest with audio. It also was the setting for the well-received radio series, Rambling House where the many colourful stories of the peninsula were recorded for posterity. My work in Inishowen was entered as part of a Certificate in Tourism Business Practice in W.I.T. and got me noticed by Fáilte Ireland where I was a finalist in their 2010 Business Challenge Awards.

 

Inishowen

2008 - 2010

2010 - 2013

2010 - 2013

GPS audio tours

From Donegal to Youghal

A slew of GPS audio tours were produced during this period using both a third-party platform and the now defunct EveryTrail walking trails platform. Notable tours include a commission from Fáilte Ireland for Sligo Town and from the Heritage Council for Youghal and the Bluestack Mountains.
 
Other highlights include  the historic town of Cashel who helped us create a multilingual audio tour for the town early on in the venture. Thanks also go to the Stokes family in Castle Durrow for commissioning the Durrow audio tours and the Gleesons in Roscommon for the Real Roscommon Experience, both gratefully supported with LEADER assistance. 
 
These were tough years to be an innovative start-up in a market that felt the brunt of the recession. Time out would eventually be needed. London beckoned once again.

Racontour Productions

London calling

All good things must come to an end and it was time to move on from the most northernly point. The last act in Inishowen was a memorable one in negotiating with Lucasfilm to film The Last Jedi on my then property. 
 
Racontour Productions first saw light upon a return to England in 2014 when a new website and a complete revamp and AudioBoom categorisation of all audio material was done. A variety of well-received Blog articles became a new feature of the website.
 
In 2015, Racontour Productions proudly became a bona fide West End producer with its theatrical comedy, ‘Method and Madness’ in the Actor’s Church, Covent Garden.
 
The native travel app for Donegal, the Donegal App was completely overhauled and extended to eight tours in 2016 until it was taken down in early 2018, largely to make way for work on the new digital landscape garden project. 
2014 - 2016

2014 - 2016

event management

2016 - 2018

A sort of homecoming

New direction

Upon completion of a Masters degree in Irish Studies at St. Mary’s University in Twickenham, I returned to Ireland with an increased sense of the Irish experience and where to take Racontour Productions next. 
 
That degree’s dissertation achieved a distinction being a play called ‘In Each Other’s Shadow’. More theatrical endeavours are in the works.
 
Settling in the south east, a commission came from Wexford County Council to produce a GPS audio tour for The Norman Way which was well-received for its perspective on a sensitive area of Irish heritage.
 
A degree in Digital Technology and Design at the Technology University Dublin was awarded to me in 2018 with distinction.
 
 

Going all out

Getting from A to Z

Racontour Productions focused on the Digital Landscape Garden  becoming a valuable and colourful addition to Irish culture and travel. A social enterprise, the idea was that every part of the country should be allowed to upload their rich content to this new digital archive platform for free.
 
Whilst I still think the country could greatly benefit from something like the Digital Landscape Garden, the pandemic allowed for a reevaluation of how best to apply my skill set.
 
The project remains alive, but is on hold. If you like the idea of it, get in touch. With the end of COVID, I needed to get out and hit the road…as Jack…
2019 - 2022

2019 - 2022

Screenshot

Story Teller

Say hello to Jack Ward!

Let’s be clear – I’ve been known to many as Jack since the 1990s. I just happened to be born John. It’s like JFK, John aka Jack so get over it! Besides, Jack Ward Tour Guide is the best version of me there is and he is here to stay. 
 
After the pandemic, I made it my business to get out of the house and start meeting people. I stopped being a story collector and became a storyteller in the form of a nationally accredited tour guide. Technology has been a good friend, but hey, it’s hard to beat getting a yarn from the horse’s mouth.
 

From now on, I intend to bring something really special to the culturally curious visitor to Ireland. To that person who is up for going off the beaten path and hearing about the real Ireland in the form of a host of stories and lore. Of going beyond where those ghastly ‘zombuses’ take folk to. Is that you? Join me so!

Our Values

Precision

We are meticulous in ensuring that every minutiae is dealt with. What we don’t know, we’ll find out and double check.

Authenticity

Our ethos is to produce an honest, recognisable and satisfying service. This is best achieved with no frills or bull, just original copy.

Courtesy

We appreciate your custom and will ensure you are treated with courtesy, encouragement and a prompt and friendly service.

Diligence

It is a pleasure to work in the area of heritage and storytelling; we will go the extra mile to get the best out of the project.

Get in touch

Call us for a no obligation consultation on what we can do for you.
Discover the Magic of Irish Seasons: Traditions and Changes Experience the enchanting shifts of Irish seasons, rich in traditions and cultural changes that connect the past with the present. Discover the magic today! Spring in Ireland: Traditions and Celebrations As the chill of winter begins to wane, Ireland bursts into a vibrant array of colors and renewed life. Spring in Ireland is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation. The season starts with St. Brigid’s Day on February 1st, marking the beginning of the Celtic spring. St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints, symbolizes fertility and the arrival of longer, warmer days. Traditionally, Irish families weave St. Brigid’s crosses from rushes, believed to protect homes from fire and evil spirits. These crosses are hung in homes and barns, embodying the hope and protection that spring brings. Another significant event in the Irish spring calendar is St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. This global celebration of Irish culture is marked by parades, music, dancing, and a plethora of green attire. Originally a religious holiday honoring Ireland’s patron saint, it has evolved into a celebration of Irish heritage worldwide. Towns and cities across Ireland host parades featuring floats, marching bands, and performers, creating an atmosphere of joy and community spirit. Traditional Irish music and dance performances are integral parts of the festivities, drawing locals and tourists alike. Spring also heralds the start of agricultural cycles, with farmers preparing their fields for planting. This season is crucial for the rural communities, as it sets the tone for the year’s harvest. Traditional spring fairs and markets spring up across the country, offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and a taste of rural life. These events are not only essential for the economy but also serve as social gatherings that strengthen community bonds. The return of longer days and the blossoming countryside invigorate the Irish spirit, making spring a time of optimism and communal celebration. The Beauty of Summer: Festivals and Activities The arrival of summer in Ireland is met with great anticipation and excitement. From June to August, the country transforms into a vibrant playground of festivals, outdoor activities, and natural beauty. The summer solstice, celebrated around June 21st, is a significant event in the Irish calendar. Historically, ancient Celts marked this longest day of the year with bonfires and feasting. Today, people gather at ancient sites like Newgrange and the Hill of Tara to witness the solstice sunrise, connecting with the traditions of their ancestors. One of the most iconic summer festivals is the Galway International Arts Festival, held in July. This two-week event features a diverse program of theatre, music, visual arts, and street performances, attracting artists and audiences from around the world. The festival transforms the city of Galway into a bustling hub of creativity and cultural exchange. Similarly, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the largest traditional Irish music festival, takes place in a different town each August, showcasing the best of Irish music, song, and dance. Summer is also a time for exploring Ireland’s stunning landscapes. The Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic coastal route stretching from Donegal to Cork, offers breathtaking views, charming villages, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Hiking, cycling, and water sports are popular activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the country’s natural beauty. Beaches, though often chilly by international standards, become hotspots for locals and tourists alike. The blend of cultural festivities and outdoor pursuits makes summer in Ireland a season of endless possibilities and joyful experiences. Autumn in Ireland: Harvest and Cultural Significance As the leaves turn to shades of gold and crimson, autumn in Ireland brings a sense of reflection and gratitude. The season is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, with harvest festivals celebrating the bounty of the land. Lughnasadh, the ancient Celtic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season, is celebrated on August 1st. Named after the god Lugh, it involves feasting, music, and games, reflecting the community’s gratitude for the earth’s abundance. Though modern celebrations are more subdued, the spirit of Lughnasadh persists in local fairs and gatherings. Autumn is also the time for Samhain, the ancient festival that marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the darker half of the year. Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain is considered the precursor to Halloween. It was believed that on this night, the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to roam the earth. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off these spirits. Today, Halloween in Ireland is a blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities, with children trick-or-treating and communities hosting haunted attractions and events. The cultural significance of autumn extends to literature and the arts. The Dublin Theatre Festival, held in late September and early October, is one of the oldest and most prestigious theatre festivals in Europe. It features a mix of Irish and international productions, highlighting the richness of the performing arts. Additionally, the Wexford Festival Opera, taking place in October, showcases lesser-known operas and attracts opera enthusiasts from around the globe. These cultural events, combined with the natural beauty of the changing landscape, make autumn in Ireland a season of introspection and artistic inspiration. Winter Wonders: Traditions and Festivities Winter in Ireland is a time of warmth, reflection, and festivity, despite the cold and often damp weather. The season is marked by a series of traditions that bring light and joy to the darkest months. The winter solstice, occurring around December 21st, has been celebrated since ancient times. At the prehistoric site of Newgrange in County Meath, the solstice sunrise illuminates the inner chamber of the tomb, an awe-inspiring spectacle that draws visitors from around the world. This event symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of longer days to come. Christmas in Ireland is a blend of religious observance and joyous celebration. The season begins with Advent, as homes and churches are adorned with wreaths, candles, and nativity scenes. On Christmas Eve, many attend Midnight Mass, a tradition that underscores the religious significance of the holiday. Christmas Day is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts. Traditional foods such as roast turkey, ham, and plum pudding are enjoyed, and the evening often ends with songs and stories by the fire. The festive season continues with St. Stephen’s Day on December 26th, also known as Wren Day. In some parts of Ireland, people dress in old clothes and straw masks, parading through towns while playing music and singing. This tradition, rooted in ancient customs, symbolizes the triumph of the wren, considered the king of birds, over the darker days. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated with fireworks, parties, and resolutions, marking the end of one year and the hopeful beginning of another. The blend of ancient customs and modern festivities makes winter in Ireland a season of warmth and renewal. The Role of Nature in Irish Seasonal Changes Ireland’s seasons are profoundly influenced by its natural environment, with the landscape playing a central role in the country’s cultural and agricultural practices. The mild, temperate climate ensures that each season is distinct yet not extreme, allowing nature to flourish year-round. Spring’s arrival is heralded by blooming daffodils, lambs frolicking in fields, and the gradual lengthening of days. The lush, green countryside comes alive, reflecting the renewal and growth that characterize the season. Summer’s warmth and extended daylight hours provide the perfect conditions for outdoor activities and the growth of crops. The landscape is dotted with wildflowers, and the coastal regions become popular destinations for hiking, swimming, and exploring. The fertile soil and favorable weather conditions support a diverse range of flora and fauna, making summer a time of abundance and natural beauty. The interplay between the land and the sea, with its rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, adds to the unique charm of the Irish summer. Autumn’s arrival brings a transformation in the landscape, as trees don vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. The harvest season reflects the culmination of the year’s agricultural efforts, with fields yielding crops and orchards laden with fruit. The crisp air and shorter days signal a time for reflection and preparation for the winter ahead. Winter, though often harsh with its cold winds and rain, has a stark beauty of its own. The bare trees and snow-dusted hills create a serene, almost mystical atmosphere. The natural cycles of growth, harvest, and rest are deeply intertwined with Irish traditions and way of life, making nature an integral part of the seasonal experience. Folklore and Mythology Associated with Each Season Irish folklore and mythology are rich with stories and legends that reflect the country’s deep connection to the natural world and its seasonal changes. Spring, for example, is associated with the goddess Brigid, a figure of fertility, healing, and poetry. Her festival, Imbolc, marks the beginning of spring and is a celebration of new life and the return of the sun. Legends tell of Brigid’s magical cloak, which could expand to cover vast areas of land, symbolizing the growth and protection that spring brings. Summer’s mythology is filled with tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of god-like beings who are said to have brought magic and prosperity to Ireland. The festival of Bealtaine, celebrated on May 1st, honors these deities and the start of the summer season. Fires were lit on hilltops to welcome the sun and protect against evil spirits. The legend of Lugh, the god of light and the arts, is also central to summer celebrations. His festival, Lughnasadh, marks the beginning of the harvest and is a time of feasting, games, and merriment. Autumn’s folklore is dominated by the festival of Samhain, a time when the boundary between the living and the dead is believed to be at its thinnest. This night is filled with stories of spirits, fairies, and otherworldly beings. The legend of the Púca, a mischievous shape-shifting fairy, is particularly associated with Samhain. It was believed that the Púca would roam the countryside, playing tricks on unsuspecting travelers. Offerings of food and drink were left out to appease these spirits and ensure a safe passage through the dark months. Winter’s mythology is rich with tales of the Cailleach, the divine hag of winter. According to legend, the Cailleach is responsible for the harsh winter weather, and her reign begins at Samhain and ends at Bealtaine. She is depicted as an old woman with a staff, capable of summoning storms and frost. The winter solstice, celebrated at Newgrange, is also steeped in mythology. It is said that the solstice light represents the rebirth of the sun god, bringing hope and renewal. These stories and legends add a layer of magic and mystery to the changing seasons, reflecting the deep cultural significance of nature in Irish life. Seasonal Foods and Culinary Traditions in Ireland The changing seasons in Ireland bring a variety of culinary delights, with each season offering its own unique flavors and traditional dishes. Spring’s arrival is marked by the availability of fresh, seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, new potatoes, and rhubarb. Lamb, a symbol of spring, is a popular choice for Easter Sunday dinner, often roasted with herbs and served with mint sauce. Traditional dishes like colcannon, made with mashed potatoes and spring greens, reflect the season’s bounty and the importance of locally-sourced ingredients. Summer’s abundance is celebrated with a wide array of fresh produce, seafood, and dairy products. The long, warm days are perfect for outdoor picnics and barbecues. Freshly caught fish and shellfish, such as salmon, mackerel, and mussels, are staples of the summer diet. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are in season, often enjoyed in desserts like Eton mess or simply with a dollop of cream. The tradition of afternoon tea, with its selection of sandwiches, scones, and cakes, is also a beloved summer pastime. Autumn’s harvest brings a wealth of hearty, comforting foods. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips, along with apples and pears, feature prominently in autumnal dishes. The harvest festival of Lughnasadh is celebrated with breads and cakes made from the first grains of the season. Traditional Irish stews, made with lamb or beef, potatoes, and vegetables, provide warmth and sustenance as the days grow shorter. Apple tarts and crumbles, often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, are popular desserts that capture the essence of autumn. Winter’s chill calls for rich, warming foods that provide comfort during the darkest months. Christmas dinner is a highlight of the winter season, with roast turkey, ham, and all the trimmings taking center stage. Mince pies, Christmas pudding, and rich fruitcake are traditional holiday treats, often enjoyed with a glass of mulled wine or Irish whiskey. St. Stephen’s Day is a time for leftovers and simple fare, such as bubble and squeak made from the previous day’s vegetables. Soups and stews, made with seasonal ingredients, are staples of the winter diet, providing nourishment and warmth. Modern Interpretations of Irish Seasonal Celebrations While many of Ireland’s seasonal celebrations are rooted in ancient traditions, they have evolved to incorporate modern influences and practices. Today, St. Brigid’s Day is not only a celebration of the coming spring but also a time to honor women’s achievements and contributions to society. Contemporary events include women’s gatherings, workshops, and performances that highlight the strength and creativity of Irish women. Similarly, St. Patrick’s Day has expanded beyond its religious origins to become a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage, with cities around the world hosting parades and festivals. The Galway International Arts Festival and other summer events reflect the blending of traditional and contemporary culture. These festivals showcase a mix of traditional Irish music and dance alongside modern art forms, creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. The rise of food festivals, such as the Taste of Dublin, highlights the growing interest in Ireland’s culinary scene. These events celebrate local produce and innovative chefs, offering visitors a taste of modern Irish cuisine while honoring traditional flavors and techniques. Autumn’s cultural events, like the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Wexford Festival Opera, demonstrate the continued importance of the arts in Irish life. These festivals provide a platform for emerging and established artists to share their work, fostering a vibrant cultural community. Halloween, with its roots in the ancient festival of Samhain, has embraced contemporary customs like pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating, while still honoring its mystical origins through events like ghost tours and storytelling sessions. Winter’s festive season has also seen modern interpretations of traditional customs. Christmas markets, inspired by European traditions, have become popular in cities like Dublin, Galway, and Belfast. These markets offer artisanal goods, festive foods, and entertainment, creating a magical atmosphere for holiday shoppers. New Year’s Eve celebrations, including fireworks displays and concerts, have grown in scale, bringing communities together to ring in the new year. These modern interpretations of seasonal celebrations reflect Ireland’s ability to honor its past while embracing the present, creating a rich and dynamic cultural landscape. Conclusion: Embracing the Seasons in Irish Culture Ireland’s seasons are more than just changes in weather; they are deeply woven into the fabric of the country’s culture, traditions, and way of life. From the rebirth of spring to the festive warmth of winter, each season offers its own unique experiences and opportunities for connection. The traditions and celebrations that mark these changes provide a sense of continuity and community, linking the past with the present. Nature plays a central role in shaping these seasonal experiences, with the landscape’s beauty and bounty influencing cultural practices and culinary traditions. Folklore and mythology add a layer of magic and mystery, enriching the understanding of the natural world and its cycles. Modern interpretations of seasonal celebrations demonstrate Ireland’s ability to adapt and evolve, honoring ancient customs while embracing contemporary influences. In embracing the seasons, Ireland celebrates its heritage, creativity, and resilience. Whether through traditional festivals, culinary delights, or the simple enjoyment of nature’s beauty, the magic of Irish seasons continues to captivate and inspire. As each season unfolds, it offers a new chapter in the ongoing story of Ireland, inviting all to experience its enchantment and wonder.
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