To Ireland and beyond with Conor Duffy of RIT Vacations
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been in the travel industry? Did you always know you were going to join the family business?
I was lucky enough to grow up in the travel world. My dad’s been in the industry for over 50 years (which is impressive, considering he’s somehow still not a day over 60… or so he says). Some of my earliest memories are licking envelopes and stamping brochures in the office as a kid.
That said, I didn’t always plan on following in his footsteps. For a while, I thought I was headed for a career in law, until I realized I could actually do something I loved – that was the turning point. I started working full time at RIT while finishing my degree, and somehow that turned into a 20-year career in travel.
What I love most? You’re dealing with people at their happiest – planning their dream vacations. It’s such a privilege to be part of that and it’s up to us to make sure the experience lives up to everything they imagined.
Do you have any fun office traditions that might make others jealous? I’ve heard you have a bar in your office?
We’ve got an incredible team – some have been with us for over a decade, and a few have been here since day one. We even all managed to stick together throughout Covid, which is something we’re really proud of. These days, the office is a little quieter thanks to our flexible schedules (and yes, we rock a four-day workweek in the summer – highly recommended). But yes, the rumours are true: our boardroom is actually a fully stocked Irish pub. It’s great for winding down after a busy season or the occasional impromptu toast.
And speaking of winding down, we like to celebrate big. At the end of each tour season, we take the whole team over to one of our destinations. Last year it was Dublin, this year it’s Belfast. It’s a great way to experience our product firsthand, connect with our amazing partners, and spend quality time with the team at our Ireland office. If you’ve ever worked with anyone at RIT, you’ll know they’ve more than earned it.
What’s an important lesson you’ve learned from your dad, founder Ian Duffy?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my dad is just how much you can achieve when you put your whole heart into something. He started this company from the ground up, and now, 25 years later, it’s grown into something really special. I’m incredibly proud of everything he’s built. He poured his heart, time, and energy into something he truly believed in and watching that dedication turn into real success continues to inspire and motivate me every day.
Being part of a family business is something I don’t take for granted. It’s not always smooth sailing (we are family, after all!), but we trust each other and work well together. My sister’s here with me at the Canada office, and my brother moved to Dublin to join our team over there, so it’s a real family affair.
I’ve got two little kids under three, so being able to count on my family at home and at work makes such a difference. I honestly couldn’t do it without them. And my mom deserves the ultimate shoutout too. She’s been such a steady support behind the scenes over the years, all while raising four of us. She really kept everything running, even if she wasn’t always front and center. The way she held our family together while also having her own career is something I admire deeply and try to carry forward in my own life now as a parent.
What’s new and exciting at RIT this year? How many itineraries do you have and across how many countries?
There’s a lot to be excited about at RIT this year. One of the biggest highlights has been the growth of our UK division. We’ve really invested in building a fantastic team there – and the results are already showing. We’ve launched several new tours across England, Scotland, and Wales this year, and there’s even more in the pipeline for 2026. It’s been great to see that side of the business take off.
Overall, we now offer over 60 itineraries across the Celtic countries: Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. Whether it’s small group tours, custom private trips or self-drives, there’s something for every kind of traveller. And the best part is we’re still growing and evolving every year.
What itineraries are selling well for Canadian travellers? Are you noticing any other trends based on agent bookings or demand? Anything else agents should know?
We’re seeing a real uptick in demand. More Canadians are looking to travel overseas rather than heading south, and it’s reflected in bookings. What really sets us apart is that we’re 100% Canadian owned and operated, with 99 per cent of our guests also from Canada. And because we focus exclusively on a small number of destinations, we’re true specialists in Ireland and the UK, our knowledge runs deep, and it shows.
Plus, when you call our office, you get a real person, right away – no automated systems or waiting on hold. Just expert staff who know the product inside and out and are always ready to help.
Is there anywhere in Ireland, Scotland, England or Wales that’s left on your bucket list and why do you want to go there?
Even after 50+ trips over that way over the years, there’s always somewhere new calling my name. Top of my list right now? The Shetland Islands, way up at the northern tip of Scotland. They’re so remote they’re actually closer to Norway than the UK mainland… which just makes me want to go even more. It feels like a completely different world up there.
There’s loads of history, dramatic landscapes, and this wild Viking fire festival called Up Helly Aa that happens every January. It’s been going since the 1800s and looks like nothing else in the UK. Honestly, a 12-hour overnight ferry across the North Sea in the dead of winter? Could be rough or could be epic. Either way, it’d make a great story.
Beyond your destinations, where do you hope to travel soon?
We’re heading to Malaysia later this year, and I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll be our first time in Asia as a family. We’re going to visit in-laws, so it’s a mix of adventure and quality family time (with built-in babysitting, hopefully!).
Not exactly thrilled about the 16-hour flight with two little ones under three, but that’s part of the fun, right? RIGHT? And honestly, I can’t wait to experience the culture, food, and better understand my partner’s heritage. It’s going to be a special trip.
What’s something that a lot of people may not know about you?
I’m all about live events—concerts, sports, theatre—if there’s an extra ticket, I’m there. I just love the atmosphere and energy of a great show. I’ve got some big gigs lined up this year, including Oasis (can’t believe they’re back!), Coldplay, and the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere in Vegas. Let’s just say my calendar, and my wallet – are feeling it.
If you had to sing karaoke tonight, which song would you pick?
I LOVE karaoke, and this answer would change every single time you ask me. Depends on who I’m with (and how many drinks), but right this minute I’d say something like “Super Trouper” by ABBA – gotta get the crowd singing along. No slow ballads, can’t kill the vibes. Although lately, thanks to my daughter, “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana is in heavy rotation and I’m not gonna lie, I kind of crush it.
Do you have anything to add?
Just that we’re incredibly excited to be celebrating our 25th anniversary next year. It’s a huge milestone for us, and we’re planning to make it a big focus throughout all of 2026.
It’s a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come, to thank the amazing agents and clients who’ve supported us all the way, and also roll out some exciting things that we’ve got in the works. So stay tuned – there’s lots more to come from RIT in 2026.
