joe walsh travel agent

Travel company Joe Walsh Tours reopens six months after ceasing trading

KPMG were appointed liquidators of the company, who put the business back up for sale in May.

Six months after ceasing trade, Ireland’s oldest and largest travel agent and tour operator is set to reopen.

Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd, trading under a number of different brand names, shut its doors in April of this year as a result of the pandemic and said it was unable to fulfil its obligations to customers.

The company had a bond in place to cover all passengers who had booked package trips.

Following an extensive sales process, David Walsh, who had been involved in running the firm prior to its closure, announced he has acquired the business and certain assets of Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd including the Joe Walsh Tours brand.

Other brands purchased as part of the arrangement include Pilgrimages Abroad & Concorde Travel.

“We are delighted to announce the re-opening of Joe Walsh Tours," a spokesman said.

"Parishes, group leaders, dioceses and special interest groups around Ireland have repeatedly voiced their need for the assistance of a specialist licensed and bonded group travel company, when co-ordinating foreign group travel and we are ready to facilitate these groups."

The Commission for Aviation Regulation is still in the process of refunding all former customers of Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd who were due to depart from the Republic of Ireland.

Joe Walsh Tours was founded in 1961 by Co Down native Joe Walsh, and became well known for specialised tours to pilgrimage destinations.

Prior to the pandemic, the company had offices in the UK, Europe, and the US and employed more than 100 people.

Irish Examiner’s WhatsApp channel

Follow and share the latest news and stories

More in this section

Eurovision organisers say abuse of contestants over Israel ‘unacceptable’

Lunchtime news.

Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you.

Please click  here for our privacy statement.

Jennifer Horgan

For a fresh perspective on life today

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - 10:00 PM

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - 6:00 PM

Fergus Finlay

Family Notices

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Travel agency Joe Walsh Tours closes down after 60 years in business

One of Ireland's oldest and top travel agents is unable to fulfill customer obligations

• 15:46, 27 APR 2021
• Updated 16:10, 27 APR 2021

Get daily headlines and breaking news alerts for FREE by signing up to our newsletter

We have more newsletters

One of Ireland's oldest and top travel agents and tour operators, Joe Walsh Tours, has closed down after 60 years in business.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) said Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd, trading under ten different brand names including Joe Walsh Tour, isn't able to fulfil its obligations to customers and has ceased trading.

The CAR said: "The Commission operates a consumer protection scheme and, if you find you are out of pocket, you may be covered by this scheme.

"The Commission also operates a Refund Credit Note Scheme. You may be covered by this scheme if your holiday has been cancelled due to Covid-19 and you have yet to receive a refund from Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd."

Before the pandemic struck, the company employed over a hundred people and had offices in the UK, Europe and America but is beleived to have around 25 staff at the moment.

Joe Walsh Tours was founded in 1961 by a Down man Joe Walsh after he had worked with for the Ulster Transport Authority and after that Thomas Cook in London.

He saw the potential for growth in the travel industry in Ireland and started offering package holidays.

It grew into one of Ireland's biggest travel companies.

They specialised in running tours to pilgrimage desinations and escorted tours as well as sports, music, schools, cruises and overseas wedding.

The family owned company is now run by Joe Walsh's sons Barry and David Walsh.

Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours said in a statement that they had stopped trading and hadn't traded since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

However, the company added that they stayed open during that time to help customers with bookings and refunds.

It said: "Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd. did everything they could to see themselves and their customers through the pandemic.

"Travel protocols in Ireland are the most restrictive in Europe, putting Irish travel companies at a disadvantage to their European counterparts."

The company added that they had business interruption insurance in place and had hoped to be able to continue trading following a refund claim from the insurers but they haven't been able to reach an agreement with the insurers at the moment.

They said:"We would like to thank, at this time, all our customers over the years.

"We would also like to acknowledge the incredible effort that our staff have made, and for their loyalty and support, particularly during the last year."

The Commission for Aviation Regulation said that customers could be covered by the consumer protection schemes if they bought a package from Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd and the package included travel from Ireland.

Customers may also be covered by the scheme if they purchased travel only starting in Ireland.

People with a refund credit note from Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd may be entitled to a refund from the Refund Credit Note scheme if their booking was a package that included travel leaving Ireland.

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) has noted with regret that Joe Walsh Tours has ceased trading.

Holidaymakers who have a holiday booking with Joe Walsh Tours and have concerns should contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR).

As a licensed and bonded travel agent, customers may be eligible for a refund.

Details on how to claim against the bond can be found on the CAR website.

The Commission also operates a Refund Credit Note Scheme.

Clients may be covered by this scheme if their holiday has been cancelled due to Covid-19 and they have yet to receive a refund from Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd.

Pat Dawson, CEO of the ITAA said, “It is a sad day for the travel industry as this long established agent closes its doors. Joe Walsh Tours was established in 1961 and was one of Ireland’s leading travel companies through the decades, certainly one of the best known.

"Indeed many travel agents throughout the country learnt their trade with JWT before opening up their own travel agencies.”

“This closure highlights the difficulties the travel industry has been experiencing. The Irish Travel Agents Association call on the Government to extend income support for travel agents into 2022 when the public are back travelling and holidaying again.”

He continued, “As a bonded travel agent, Joe Walsh Tours customers who booked travel commencing in Ireland may be eligible for a refund under the Commission’s consumer protection scheme. We advise anyone affected to contact CAR and complete a claim form .”

• Dublin Airport
• Most Recent

Joe Walsh Tours collapsed into liquidation. PIC: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie

Joe Walsh Tours has collapsed. But its demise has not prevented the world’s largest reinsurer demanding its money back

Swiss re was one of a number of reinsurers to provide insurance bonds to joe walsh tours, the irish travel agency and tour operator that collapsed earlier this year. now, the swiss finance giant is now going to the high court in search of its money., 6th jul, 2021 - 3 min read.

Joe Walsh Tours, one of Ireland’s oldest travel agents and tour operators, highlighted a range of mitigating factors when it collapsed into liquidation at the start of March. The pandemic, of course, was the driving factor, decimating income and driving the previously profitable company into heavy losses. There were other related issues also, such as insurance. The company, founded in 1961, believed it would be in a position to claim for losses arising from its business interruption policy as a result of Covid. A potential white knight was prepared to invest on the basis of a successful claim but when…

Want to continue reading?

Introductory offer: sign up today and pay €200 for an annual membership, a saving of €100..

Subscribe Log in

Cancel anytime.

Are you already a member? Log in here .

© 2024 Currency Media Limited

Forgot your password?

Not a subscriber yet, create an account.

Home / Press Releases / Joe Walsh Tours To Reopen

Joe Walsh Tours To Reopen

One of Ireland’s oldest, largest and best-known travel agents and tour operators Joe Walsh Tours, is set to reopen after ceasing trading in April 2021. It is currently seeking a license from The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) and it intends to operate in various specialist tour markets including pilgrimages.

Joe Walsh Tours first opened its doors in 1961 and grew to become one of Ireland’s leading travel companies. The company specialised in tours to pilgrimage destinations, amongst other products, serving as the gold standard for many other Irish travel agencies, which opened in subsequent years.

Following an exhaustive and transparent sales process, David Walsh has announced that he has reached agreement with the liquidators to acquire the business and certain assets of Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd including the Joe Walsh Tours brand.

Commenting on the reopening, a spokesman said: ‘ We are delighted to announce the re-opening of Joe Walsh Tours. Parishes, group leaders, dioceses and special interest groups around Ireland have repeatedly voiced their need for the assistance of a specialist licensed and bonded group travel company, when co-ordinating foreign group travel and we are ready to facilitate these groups.”

CAR is currently in the process of refunding all former customers of Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd departing from the Republic of Ireland. All UK customers of Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd have been refunded via the Total Payment Protection (TOPP) policy provided by Travel & General Insurance Services Ltd.

Other brands purchased as part of the arrangement include Pilgrimages Abroad & Concorde Travel.

Press release issued by TravelMedia.ie on behalf of Joe Walsh Tours Ltd.

Michael Collins, Managing Director of TravelMedia.ie, is available for comment.

Connect with us

Make sure you’re connected with us on all of our social media platforms:.

JWT closure a blow, but ‘the Irish will be the first back into Lourdes’

Estimated 80,000 pilgrims a year travel to lourdes, fatima, medjugorje and holy land.

Fr Martin Noone, director of Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimages, with a group photograph from one of their many trips. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

The closure of Joe Walsh Tours is a major blow for Irish-organised pilgrimages to Lourdes and other Catholic shrines on the continent, says a priest who has brought thousands to Lourdes annually for three decades.

The departure last week of JWT Pilgrimtours was a blow, he said. Anyone could get a cheap flight to Biarritz, Toulouse or Bordeaux if they wanted to visit the holy grotto at Lourdes, said Fr Martin Noone. But JWT had decades of experience with the people on the ground in Lourdes; the hotel and transport providers; local guides; and the Accueil Notre Dame, which has many of the facilities of a modern hospital and is a place of welcome for sick people, close to the grotto.

The State’s biggest diocese, the Dublin Diocese, undertakes two pilgrimages to Lourdes each year, at Easter and September, involving a total of 2,000 pilgrims and their helpers.

“The pilgrimage in September is one of the biggest events in the diocesan calendar and is led by the Archbishop,” said Fr Noone, who works in the Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage Office.

Joy as nursing home residents soon to see grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Tusla employee worked with children without Garda vetting

Over 20,000 register to access free period products from Lidl

Pieta House raises over €6 million from Darkness Into Light

Of the 2,000, about 180 would be sick people staying at the Accueil, he said. Another 550 are voluntary helpers, made up of nurses and doctors, male and female helpers, known as handmaids and “brancardiers” (meaning “stretcher bearers”), a team of chaplains and the Dublin Lourdes Choir.

A further 200 young people help to care for the sick pilgrims, with many of these coming from Catholic-run secondary schools and colleges from around the diocese.

In the past the diocese relied heavily on Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours and the other major operator in the pilgrim tours business, Marian Pilgrimages, to look after their needs, which cannot be met by flight-only deals.

While the Dublin Diocese organises pilgrimages for 2,000 people annually, it is not unusual for smaller dioceses to send 500-1,000, often more than once a year.

Diocesan pilgrimages are not the only pilgrimages, however. There are the pilgrimages organised by the religious orders, among them the Franciscans, the Oblates and the Cistercians.

Up to recently Marian Pilgrimages brought in people from North America to Ireland first, before progressing to European destinations. In recent years they have tended to bring them direct to their destination.

The Defence Forces too has an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes which Fr Noone said was surpassed in numbers only by the French military who organise a similar pilgrimage. The Irish are the largest group per capita in Lourdes, according to the Dublin Diocesan Office.

A spokesman for JWT said pilgrimages were not the type of business that the internet could replace. “The closure of Joe Walsh Tours is more than the closure of a travel agency; it leaves a hole in the fabric of Irish society,” he said.

Fr Noone agreed pilgrimages were not traditional “leisure” holidays. “We were waiting for the economic crash in 2009 to hit pilgrimages, but it didn’t happen,” he said.

He referred to the “pilgrimage family” and while “thinking of the JWT directors and staff” he echoed the confidence of Bishop Kevin Doran, president of the umbrella body, United Irish Pilgrimages to Lourdes, that the pilgrimages would resume in 2022.

Niall Glynn, managing director of Marian Pilgrimages, said the roots of the pilgrimage went deep into parish groups and were remarkably resilient.

Eighty thousand people travel annually, the majority going to Lourdes. The next most popular destination is Fatima followed by Medjugorje and the Holy Land and a scattering of venues in Italy.

For the second year these venues are all suffering with souvenir shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, transport operators and and guide businesses all closed.

However, Mr Glynn said “the Irish will be the first back into Lourdes” adding that pilgrims did not see pilgrimages as leisure travel. “It is like a retreat,” he said, part of their religion, a deep cultural commitment.

“Some people go as many as three pilgrimages a year,” he said.

Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien is an Irish Times journalist

Archbishops laments ‘commodification’ of university education

'a possible disaster': catholic church reckons with declining interest post-pandemic, brother of girl shot by british soldier ‘devastated’ killer may be granted amnesty, unpublished bobby sands poem among hundreds of items in new collection, calls for clarity on whether abortion an ‘urgent’ medical service, thinking anew – the importance of acceptance, in this section, stardust: jury poses two questions to coroner ahead of deliberations resuming on thursday, catholic church’s downsizing only the beginning as attendances and incomes decline, homeless day services ‘barely managing’ amid surge in numbers needing support, excessive use of social media creating generation of ‘broken people’, psychiatrist says, early years educators’ pay must be increased, inaugural childcare conference told, ‘when my grandad arrived he was illiterate, and now his grandson is earning this country an oscar nomination’, ‘my wife wants another child, but i would be in my 80s when they go to college’, soldier sexually abused colleagues when drinking session turned sour, court martial told, miriam lord: total eclipse of the dáil as houdini harris does a disappearing act on day one, vera pauw ‘destroyed’ by diane caldwell’s criticism and ‘disappointed’ in eileen gleeson, latest stories, ‘tackle funding crisis, plug skills gaps and boost pay’: the key challenges facing the new minister for higher education, regulator seeks powers to require solicitors to be more transparent about conveyancing costs, how ai and chatgpt are bringing the voices of forgotten irishwomen in history to life, parkinson’s patients experience significant delays before being seen at clinics, audit finds, limerick voice named newspaper of the year at national student media awards.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards

• Listen Back
• Nova Entertainment
• Outside Broadcasts
• Production Facilities
• Street Team
• Logo Usage Guidelines

Non-stop Nova Through The Night

One Of Ireland’s Best Known Travel Agents Joe Walsh Tours Closes After 60 Years In Business

Joe Walsh Tours, one of Ireland’s oldest and best-known travel agents, has announced its closure after sixty years in business.

In a statement today the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) said Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd, trading under ten different brand names including Joe Walsh Tours, is unable to fulfil its obligations to customers and has ceased trading.

“The Commission operates a consumer protection scheme and, if you find you are out of pocket, you may be covered by this scheme,” the CAR said.

“The Commission also operates a Refund Credit Note Scheme. You may be covered by this scheme if your holiday has been cancelled due to Covid-19 and you have yet to receive a refund from Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd.”

Joe Walsh Tours was established in 1961 by Joe Walsh from Co Down and was family-owned.

Pic: Peter Krocka

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Guess the nova noise, win €12,950, harris elected taoiseach, motorcyclists take part in special memorial ride in honour of late hairy bikers dave myers.

• Terms of Use
• Comments Policy

Sting Announces Cork Gig – Blondie Supporting

Spencer davis dies, aged 81.

• Northern Ireland
• Hurling & Camogie
• GAA Fixtures & Results
• Personal Finance
• Holidays & Travel
• Food & Drink
• Irish Language
• Entertainment
• Opens in new window

Joe Walsh Tours closes after 60 years

IRISH travel firm Joe Walsh Tours is to close after 60 years.

Founded by Bangor native Joe Walsh in 1961, the company went on to become the largest fully Irish owned tour operator.

Based in Dublin, the family owned travel agent was synonymous with overseas pilgrimages, taking tens of thousands of Irish people to destinations including Lourdes, Rome and Fatima.

The Irish Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) confirmed today that Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd, which trades under 10 different names, could no longer fulfil its obligations to customers and had ceased trading.

New body aims to propel north’s rich maritime excellence

Dual-language street sign plans put to ‘back of the queue’ rather than scrapped after majority of residents oppose applications

Joe Walsh Tours said any customer with monies paid towards a cancelled booking or future travel package should contact the CAR to make a claim.

Educated in St Patrick’s College in Armagh, Joe Walsh started his career with the Ulster Transport Authority before moving to London to work with Thomas Cook. Seeing the opportunities in the growing travel industry, he moved to Dublin and set up his own tour business.

He became the first Irish operator to charter his own planes, cutting the cost of travel and making package holidays more affordable to Irish holiday goers.

Mr Walsh passed away in 1995, with his sons Cormac, Barry and David Walsh taking over the running of the company.

The travel firm had employed around 100 people prior to the pandemic. It’s understood around 25 people were still employed at the time of closure.

In a statement, Joe Walsh Tours said it had tried everything to get through the pandemic and criticised the current restrictions on travel.

"Travel protocols in Ireland are the most restrictive in Europe, putting Irish travel companies at a disadvantage to their European counterparts."

The company said it had hoped to continue trading subject to an agreement with insurers, but no agreement had been reached.

“We would like to thank customers for their loyalty over the years and for their support and understanding during this time.”

Call Now: 01 417 9696

• Member Login

ITAA respond to closure of Joe Walsh Tours

Well known travel agent announced it has ceased trading as a result of business downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Dublin, 27 April 2021  The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) has noted with regret that as of today, Tuesday 27 th April 2021, Joe Walsh Tours has ceased trading.

Holidaymakers who have a holiday booking with Joe Walsh Tours and have concerns should contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR). As a licensed and bonded travel agent, customers may be eligible for a refund. Details on how to claim against the bond can be found on the CAR website ( www.aviationreg.ie ).

The Commission also operates a Refund Credit Note Scheme. Clients may be covered by this scheme if their holiday has been cancelled due to Covid-19 and they have yet to receive a refund from Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd.

Pat Dawson, CEO of the ITAA said, “It is a sad day for the travel industry as this long established agent closes its doors. Joe Walsh Tours was established in 1961 and was one of Ireland’s leading travel companies through the decades, certainly one of the best known.  Indeed many travel agents throughout the country learnt their trade with JWT before opening up their own travel agencies.”

“This closure highlights the difficulties the travel industry has been experiencing. The Irish Travel Agents Association call on the Government to extend income support for travel agents into 2022 when the public are back travelling and holidaying again.”

He continued, “As a bonded travel agent, Joe Walsh Tours customers who booked travel commencing in Ireland may be eligible for a refund under the Commission’s consumer protection scheme. We advise anyone affected to contact CAR and complete a claim form .”

The original statement announcing the change in trade has been posted on the Commission for Aviation Regulation website and can be read at www.aviationreg.ie

• Tour Search

All Pilgrimage Tours

Find here all our upcoming pilgrimage tours to the most important destinations for pilgrims in Europe and the world.

We have regular departures to the Marian shrines of Lourdes, Fatima and Medjugorje; as well as escorted tours to the Holy Land, Italy, the Camino de Santiago and special pilgrim tours to Great Pilgrimages of Europe.

For those looking to combine spirituality and relaxation, our Pilgrimage and Coast tours are ideal, so you can spend a few days by the seaside after your pilgrimage.

See all our pilgrimage tours and pilgrimage destinations below and contact our knowledgeable team if you require additional information.

Tours & Departures

Medjugorje Pilgrimage

• 13 April 2024
• 30 April 2024

Pilgrimage to Padua and Assisi

Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

• 14 May 2024

Fatima Pilgrimage

• 16 May 2024

Pilgrimage to Rome

• 20 May 2024
• 21 May 2024
• 23 May 2024

Society of Our Lady of Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 24 May 2024

71st Middlesbrough Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

• 26 May 2024
• Teesside International Airport
• 28 May 2024
• 30 May 2024
• 4 June 2024
• 11 June 2024
• 13 June 2024
• 18 June 2024

Fatima and Lisbon Coast from Edinburgh

• 20 June 2024

Fatima and Lisbon Coast from Manchester

Fatima and lisbon coast from gatwick.

Lourdes Pilgrimage from London Stansted

• 22 June 2024

Pilgrimage to Poland | Krakow

• 24 June 2024
• 25 June 2024

Diocese of Hallam Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 28 June 2024
• 2 July 2024
• 4 July 2024
• 9 July 2024

Glasgow Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

• 12 July 2024

Dunkeld Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 16 July 2024
• 18 July 2024

Liverpool Archdiocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 19 July 2024

Diocese of Lancaster Pilgrimage 2024 YOUTH SECTION

• 22 July 2024

Portsmouth Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 23 July 2024

Diocese of Lancaster Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

Wrexham diocesan pilgrimage to lourdes 2024.

• 25 July 2024

Diocese of Salford Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 26 July 2024

Diocese of Plymouth Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 30 July 2024
• 1 August 2024

• 6 August 2024
• 13 August 2024
• 15 August 2024
• 20 August 2024
• 22 August 2024
• 27 August 2024
• 29 August 2024
• 3 September 2024
• 5 September 2024
• 10 September 2024
• 12 September 2024

Oblates of Mary Immaculate Pilgrimage to Lourdes from Edinburgh

• 15 September 2024

Oblates of Mary Immaculate Pilgrimage to Lourdes from London

Oblates of mary immaculate pilgrimage to lourdes from manchester.

• 17 September 2024

Fatima Pilgrimage from Edinburgh

• 19 September 2024

Fatima Pilgrimage from Manchester

Fatima pilgrimage from gatwick.

• 24 September 2024
• 26 September 2024
• 1 October 2024
• 3 October 2024
• 8 October 2024
• 10 October 2024
• 15 October 2024
• 22 October 2024

Please leave this field empty. Sign me up for the newsletter! I have read and consent to the privacy policy and terms & conditions *

What happens in Rome during Jubilee Year?

Special Places: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Things to do on your pilgrimage to Rome

8 beautiful day trips from fatima, privacy overview.

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Joe Walsh Tours directors sued over €3m settlement default

Recovery agency says it entered into repayment agreement before the Covid-19 pandemic but firm subsequently went into liquidation

• Catherine Sanz
• September 24, 2022

A debt recovery agency has taken legal action against directors of a well-known travel agency arising from alleged default on settlement agreement of more than €3 million.

Everyday Finance launched High Court proceedings against David and Margaret Walsh, directors of companies which traded as Joe Walsh Tours, over a 2020 settlement agreement which related to personal and corporate liabilities.

The agency, which trades as Link Financial, is seeking summary judgment in the sum of €2.5 ...

• Joe Walsh Tours
• Travel insurance

LATEST NEWS

• 18:24 Irish MEPs split along party lines in EU vote on asylum reform
• 18:15 Out of Office: Busy day at Parliaments and developers’ levy love
• 17:46 Housebuilding ‘surges’ as developers rush to avail of levies waiver
• 17:43 Economic relations dominate Simon Harris’ first call with Sunak as Taoiseach
• 17:18 Dublin-based Version 1 awarded £47.5m contract with UK motorway operator
• 16:41 Staff gifts worth over €100 to become property of RTÉ under new register

Notice to all Customers of

Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Limited. t/a Concorde Travel, Joe Walsh Tours,

Cara Holidays & Pilgrimages Abroad. 143 Lower Baggot Street,

This business has ceased to trade with effect from 27th April 2021

Eamonn Richardson and Andrew O’Leary were appointed Joint Provisional Liquidators of Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Limited on 28 April 2021, by Order of the High Court.

Bookings with travel departing from Republic of Ireland

Customers with current bookings & refund credit notes

The Commission for Aviation Regulation operates consumer protection schemes. You may be covered if you purchased a package from Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd (trading names listed above) and this package includes travel, departing Ireland. You may also be covered if you bought travel (alone) commencing in Ireland.

If you were issued with a Refund Credit Note from Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd (trading names listed above) you may be entitled to a refund from the Refund Credit Note scheme, if your booking was a package that included travel, departing Ireland.

There is also separate consumer protection in place to cover customers who bought a travel package commencing elsewhere in Europe or the UK.

Group Bookings

If you have a booking as part of a group and you paid Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd (trading names listed above) directly please complete and submit a claim form within 60 days of the collapse of the business.

If you have a booking as part of a group and you paid your group organiser directly, please be advised that the group organiser must complete and submit a claim form on behalf of the entire group within 60 days of the collapse of the business.

How can I make a claim?

For customers who bought either travel alone or a travel package commencing in Ireland a claim form is available at the link below. You must submit your claim form by post within 60 days of the collapse of the business. The Commission will then assess these claims to determine the amount due to the claimant.

For customers who bought a travel package commencing elsewhere in Europe or the UK please see ‘Bookings with travel not departing from Republic of Ireland’ section below

Unfortunately, no other customers are covered by the schemes. If you are one of these customers, we advise you to look at the charge back policy of your credit/debit card provider and/or any holiday insurance you may have in place.

Claim forms can be obtained on www.aviationreg.ie

Bookings with travel not departing from Republic of Ireland

If your booking included transport (flight, coach, ferry, train) not departing from the Republic of Ireland, and if you paid any amount by credit or debit card, you will need to seek a refund from your card issuer. To assist you with making your claim you will need to download a letter:

TOPP credit card letter

TOPP Chargeback debit and credit card letter

Please note that the debit card letter should be used if you paid by credit card but the total value of the charge was less that £100.

If your booking was paid by any other method, then you can submit a claim via the e-claims portal at https://protectclaims.com/joewalshtours

Please note there is no telephone claims service – you must submit your claim form online and all communication will be by email.

If you do not have access to internet or you would prefer to complete a claim form and send it in by post, then you can download one here . You will need a copy of your booking invoice and proof of payment or an acceptable photo of both to complete your claim.

If you wish to obtain a copy of the claim form by post you can write to PROTECT CLAIMS, PO BOX 6430, BASILDON, United Kingdom SS14 OQT.

Do not send any other information until you have completed a claim form.

Bookings through a travel agent or other travel company bookings

If you made your booking through a travel agent or other travel company – not directly with Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Limited, then you will need to contact that company for advice and guidance.

If you need assistance with your claim email [email protected]

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

• Temperature Check
• The Stardust Inquests
• Inside The Newsroom
• Climate Crisis
• International

The High Court has appointed provisional liquidators to one of the country's best known travel agents

THE HIGH COURT has appointed provisional liquidators to a well-known travel agent company.

The company, Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours, had for many years brought mainly elderly groups or Irish Catholics on package tours to Lourdes in France, Fatima in Portugal, Rome and Medjugorje in Bosnia. 

However, the High Court heard that its business was devastated financially by the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, the company, which employs 30 people, first postponed its tours but then halted all excursions.

The court was told that the company recorded losses of €7.5m in 2020. It was not possible to rearrange tours, and the company came to a conclusion that it can no longer stay in business, and passed a resolution that it be wound up.

The bulk of the company’s 3,000 creditors, mainly consist of people who had booked and paid monies for tours, are owed some €5m. 

The court heard that it is envisaged those customers, many of whom are elderly, will get their money back by making applications to the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR). Other creditors include Revenue, the firm’s landlord and other companies within the Joe Walsh travel group, and various trade creditors.

The court heard that the joint provisional liquidators will help ensure an orderly winding up and will take steps to deal with the company’s creditors.

Mr Justice Senan Allen was also told that some of the firm’s staff will be kept on to make contact with and answer queries from affected customers.

The Judge appointed experienced insolvency Eamonn Richardson and Andrew O’Leary of KPMG as joint provisional liquidators to Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd, after being told the firm is insolvent and unable to pay its debts.

Barrister Brian Conroy for the company told the court the firm was founded by the late well-known travel agent Joe Walsh in 1982 and had been very successful for many years.

In recent years the it had been run by Mr Walsh’s family, David, Margaret and Barry Walsh. 

Counsel said the company had hoped to obtain additional investment to allow it survive. but that had not proven possible to achieve.

The decision to wind up the company was also prompted by the fact it would not be able to renew the annual licence it requires to operate from CAR. 

To get such a licence it would need to have a bond, from a third-party insurance provider, in place.

The bond would assist the firm in the event the company was unable to discharge monies owed to customers if it was unable to honour its obligations to them. 

Despite its best efforts the company could not get such a bond, the court heard.

Given the current conditions caused by the pandemic, it was not thought that a buyer for the business could be found, counsel added.

At the conclusion of submissions from counsel Mr Justice Allen said he was satisfied to appointed the provisional liquidators, and granted them certain powers, including powers to take control of the company and its affairs. 

The matter was adjourned to a date in June.

To embed this post, copy the code below on your site

600px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/provisional-liquidators-appointed-to-joe-walsh-travel-at-the-high-court-5422772-Apr2021/?embedpost=5422772&width=600&height=460" ></iframe>

400px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/provisional-liquidators-appointed-to-joe-walsh-travel-at-the-high-court-5422772-Apr2021/?embedpost=5422772&width=400&height=460" ></iframe>

300px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/provisional-liquidators-appointed-to-joe-walsh-travel-at-the-high-court-5422772-Apr2021/?embedpost=5422772&width=300&height=460" ></iframe>

Create an email alert based on the current article

• Data tracker

Provisional liquidators appointed to Joe Walsh Tours firm

Provisional liquidators have been appointed by the High Court to a well-known tour operator that provided group tours to places of pilgrimage.

The company, Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours, had for many years brought mainly elderly groups or Irish Catholics to places on package tours to Lourdes in France, Fatima in Portugal, Rome and Medjugorje in Bosnia.

However, the High Court heard that its business was devastated due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, the company, which employs 30 people, has had to halt all its planned tours.

The tours were initially postponed.

As the pandemic progressed, it was not possible to rearrange those tours, and the company came to a conclusion that it can no longer stay in business, and passed a resolution that it be wound up.

In 2020 the company recorded losses of €7.5 million.

Customers with booked tours

The bulk of the company's 3,000 creditors mainly consist of persons who had booked and paid monies for tours, are owed some €5 million.

The court heard that it is envisaged those customers, many of whom are elderly will get their money back by making applications to the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR).

Other creditors include Revenue, the firm's landlord and other companies within the Joe Walsh travel group, and various trade creditors.

The court heard that the joint provisional liquidators will help ensure an orderly winding up and will take steps to deal with the company's creditors.

The court also heard that some of the firm's staff will be kept on to make contact with and answer queries from affected customers.

Mr Justice Senan Allen on Wednesday appointed experienced insolvency Eamonn Richardson and Andrew O'Leary of KPMG as joint provisional liquidators to Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd, after being told the firm is insolvent and unable to pay its debts.

Well-known travel agent

Brian Conroy Bl, instructed by solicitor Brian O'Neill, for the company told the court the company was founded by the late well-known travel agent Joe Walsh and had been very successful for many years.

In recent the years the firm had been run by Mr Walsh's family, David, Margaret and Barry Walsh.

Counsel said the company had hoped to obtain additional investment to allow it survive, but that had not proven possible to achieve.

The decision to wind up the company was also prompted by the fact it would not be able to renew the annual licence it requires to operate from CAR.

To get such a licence it would need to have a bond, from a third-party insurance provider, in place.

The bond would assist the firm in the event the company was unable to discharge monies owed to customers if it was unable to honour its obligations to them.

Despite its best efforts the company could not get such a bond, the court heard.

Given the current conditions caused by the pandemic, it was not thought that a buyer for the business could be found, counsel added.

At the conclusion of submissions from counsel Mr Justice Allen said he was satisfied to appoint the provisional liquidators, and granted them certain powers, including powers to take control of the company and its affairs.

The matter was adjourned to a date in June.

• High Court ,
• provisional liquidators ,
• joe walsh tours ,
• commission for aviation regulation ,
• Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours

Women in Republic more likely to be low paid than in the North – report

Greenpeace claims Ikea products linked to logging in nature-rich Romanian woods

Jessica Alba steps down as chief creative officer at company she founded

Judge dismisses Duddy Group's bid for injunctions in row over assets including Dublin Hotel

Message submitting... Thank you for waiting.

Want us to email you top stories each lunch time?

Calls for extended support for travel agents as Joe Walsh Tours closes after 60 years

Joe Walsh Tours has ceased trading after 60 years in operation.

Well-known travel agent Joe Walsh Tours has ceased trading in what has been described as “a sad day for the travel industry”.

One of Ireland’s oldest travel agents, Joe Walsh Tours has announced its decision to cease trading after 60 years in business.

In a statement, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) said that Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd. is “unable to fulfil its obligations to its customers”.

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) noted with regret that the company is closing and called for the Government to extend support for travel agents into next year.

Pat Dawson, CEO of the ITAA said that it “is a sad day for the travel industry as this long-established agent closes its doors”.

“Joe Walsh Tours was established in 1961 and was one of Ireland’s leading travel companies through the decades, certainly one of the best known.

“Indeed many travel agents throughout the country learnt their trade with JWT before opening up their own travel agencies," he said.

Mr Dawson said that the closure highlights the difficulties that the travel industry has been experiencing.

“The Irish Travel Agents Association call on the Government to extend income support for travel agents into 2022 when the public are back travelling and holidaying again.” 

As a bonded travel agent, Joe Walsh Tours customers who booked travel commencing in Ireland may be eligible for a refund under the Commission’s consumer protection scheme.

“We advise anyone affected to contact CAR and complete a claim form,” concluded Mr Dawson.

In a statement, Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd. said that it has not traded since the start of the pandemic, however, they have remained open during this time to assist customers with refunds and rebookings.

Commenting on the decision today to cease trading, the company's directors said: "The decision that has been made is in the best interest of all concerned. We would like to thank, at this time, all our customers over the years. We would also like to acknowledge the incredible effort that our staff have made, and for their loyalty and support, particularly during the last year."

Holidaymakers who have a holiday booking with Joe Walsh Tours and have concerns should contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR). 

Details can be found  here.

Clients may also be covered by the Refund Credit Note Scheme if their holiday has been cancelled due to Covid-19 and they have yet to receive a refund from Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd.

More in this section

Boat blocking road in Kinsale

Sponsored Content

Evening Update

Keep up-to-date with the top stories in Cork with our daily newsletter straight to your inbox.

Please click  here for our privacy statement.

3 hours ago

4 hours ago

5 hours ago

It's all about Cork!

Download Today

Download your ePaper app on

National News

7 hours ago

Podcast: 1000 Cork songs  Singer/songwriter Jimmy Crowley talks to John Dolan

Listen Here

FOLLOW ECHO

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more

Joe Walsh Tours

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

143 Lower Baggot Street

Republic of Ireland

South Inner City

About the Business

Ireland's longest established tour operator and one-stop solution for holidays and tours. Escorted Tours | Pilgrimages | Sports Tours | Leinster Rugby Travel | Cruises | Music & Fun Tours | Sun Holidays | Worldwide Holidays | School & College Tours | Military & Heritage Tours | Weddings & Honeymoons | Pilgrimage & Sun Holidays | Choral Travel | Group Travel | Flights Travelling with Joe Walsh Tours, you will benefit from our personal attention and professional service throughout and we look forward to welcoming you on one of our tours. Joe Walsh Tours is fully licensed and bonded by the Commission for Aviation Regulation in Ireland and the Civil Aviation Authority in the United Kingdom. T.O. 052 | T.A. 689 | ATOL 5163 …

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

This is quite an interesting travel agents which still holds its own in this increasingly difficult holiday market. While they do do some traditional sun package holidays they have lots of ideas that are more outside the box. I've personally gone on their package to iceland and now I can't help but stop when I pass their window and think about the other interesting offers that they have. They offer city breaks and longer trips as well as themed trips such as pilgrimages. If you're looking for ideas for a different holiday this is certainly a place to look.

I just returned from a tour to France and Italy organised by Joe Walsh Tours. What struck me about the tour was that the company seemed to still care about the punter on the street. My wife got sick during the trip and their representative went to incredible lenghts for me and my family. We only hear about low cost airlines doing nothing for us. The tour was also very reasonable pricewise. I booked it with their Baggot Street office.

Joe Walsh tours may be alright for sun packages and some pilgrimage destinations but they are so unsuitable for coach shrine tours. We went on the shrines of France in September with 46 other pilgrims and en-route between shrines we had to endure the most shocking mockery of the Our Father prayer. Some pilgrims were screeching with laughter as Gay Berkery the Joe Walsh representative read out the prayer which he injected with jokes ! It was horrendous. Later he played a cd or tape which again made fun of our religion and our sacraments which also went down well with those who like to laugh at God. To top it all off we were made to endure the most foulest of language at our dinner table in the holy shrine of Lourdes. You would not think for one minute that we were supposed to be on a spiritual , religious pilgrimage. When asked by another pilgrim to stop , he actually protested and said it was all part of the joke. As I was sitting beside him I complained and asked him to please respect that there were three ladies at the table. Instead of apologising , he complained ! When we returned to Ireland we immediately contacted the Dublin office. The attitude was indifference but we persisted and eventually made contact with Mr.David Walsh. His letter to us stood by the behaviour of Mr. Berkery and even went as far as to say the behaviour of all his representatives is outstanding ! A meeting was eventually set up in the Mount Errigle hotel in Letterkenny with him and as ill as my husband is , we made the very long journey there to keep the appointment. We arrived 15 mins early but 3 of the hotel staff failed to find Mr.Walsh and as it approached the time of the meeting , I telephoned his office in Dublin as Mr. Walsh did not give us his mobile contact number. The Dublin staff telephoned back to say they could not contact him and did not know where he was. When we arrived home I telephoned the Dublin office and a very irate Caroline Ryan verbally abused me and ridiculed me. She said Mr.Walsh was in the bar the whole time and began scolding me for even putting in our complaint in the first place. She was so angry that I had to end the telephone conversation. No wonder none of the other 46 pilgrims reported the mockery if this is the method of handling a genuine complaint. If John Galliano was criticised for making anti semetic remarks and even more recently anti racial remarks are being dealt with , why then are anti catholic remarks and behaviour being brushed under the carpet ? We would advise anyone going on pilgrimage to find an alternative tour operator as Joe Walsh are not capable of conducting themselves on a tour or able to deal with a genuine complaint. We are still waiting to hear from them to resolve the issue. It is very sad when God is mocked on what is supposed to be a catholic religious pilgrimage.

2 other reviews that are not currently recommended

People Also Viewed

Citi Hostels

Elegant Irish Tours

Ballsbridge Hotel

Letzgo City Tours

Herbert Park Hotel

Regina Coeli Hostel

Over The Top Tours

American Holidays

Big Bus Tours Dublin

Day Tours Unplugged

Mines Near Me

Tours Near Me

Travel Agencies Near Me

Other Places Nearby

Find more Tours near Joe Walsh Tours

Find more Travel Agents near Joe Walsh Tours

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Joe Walsh grounded after 60 years flying to the sun

Joe Walsh Tours, a stalwart Irish travel agent since the 1960s, has gone out of business.

In a shock  announcement the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) confirmed that the country’s oldest travel groups was unable to fulfil its obligations to customers.

Joe Walsh Tours said in a statement that it was badly affected by the pandemic, adding that it  did “everything it could” to continue.

The company traded under various names such as Joe Walsh Tours and more recently Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd. The closure could mean customers are now at a financial loss.

However CAR  offers a consumer protection scheme and said those out of pocket may be able to recoup their money. 

The Commission also has a  Refund Credit Note Scheme which may see customers covered if their holiday has been cancelled due to Covid-19 and have yet to receive a refund from Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours Ltd.

• Dublin Gazette – Digital Edition – April 11, 2024

Students Join Forces with Depaul 

• RTÉ Prime Time special examines Ireland’s road safety crisis
• Expert on drive to inform partners of Seismic Effects of Menopause
• ‘Carnegie Hub’ inspiring art, design and technology

Gazette Reporter

Irishtown grandad’s book a hit despite lockdown, dublin woman bravely fights disease with help of friends and family, related articles, dublin gazette – digital edition – april 11,..., rté prime time special examines ireland’s road safety..., cash transfer drive by ireland and eu helped..., bin company fined €60k for health and safety..., harris names his team as he hits the....

• Place an Advert or Classified
• Place a Planning Ad
• Distribution
• Your Digital Gazette