In the rugged beauty of the Donegal Gaeltacht—where Atlantic winds sweep across the hills and the Irish language still thrives—Chieftain Tours was born. Its founder, Brian O’Donnell, didn’t just grow up in this landscape; it’s woven into who he is.
Raised in Ranafast, a place where Irish is spoken with the same ease as breath, Brian carries the spirit of the region with him wherever he goes. A qualified civil engineer turned businessman, he now runs Bus Feda, the renowned family coach company established over 50 years ago by his father, Feda O’Donnell. For decades, Bus Feda has been a lifeline connecting Donegal to the rest of the country — a tradition Brian proudly continues.
But Brian has travelled far beyond Ireland’s shores. He has worked with people from every corner of the globe, immersed himself in different cultures, and discovered one universal truth: travellers don’t just want to see a place — they want to feel it.
And that’s exactly why he created Chieftain Tours.
“We know this land. We live its stories,” Brian says. “Chieftain Tours was created to offer visitors something real — a chance to experience Ireland the way locals do. We want people to uncover our hidden gems, enjoy our legendary nightlife, and dive into the kind of daytime adventures that stay with you for life. We’re passionate about our county and our country, and we want the world to see Ireland at its absolute best.”
For Brian, every guest is more than a booking — they are a traveller placing trust in his team to shape an unforgettable journey.
“When someone chooses us, they’re trusting us with their memories,” he adds. “That’s why we go above and beyond to personalise every detail, crafting a trip that feels like it was made just for them.”
Chieftain Tours isn’t just a tour company. It’s an invitation — to explore, to connect, and to experience Ireland through the eyes of those who call it home.
Extracts of Interview by Ian Cullen for Gnofuse 2021
