About Tiernan Travel
A family-owned luxury DMC with over 20 years of combined experience — passionate about creating exceptional journeys across the UK & Ireland
Our Story
Redefining Bespoke Travel
Tiernan Travel was founded by Kristine Bileskalne and Sean Tiernan on a deeply personal belief: that luxury travel to the UK and Ireland should be seamless, personal, and genuinely extraordinary. As a destination management company working exclusively with travel advisors, we have built our reputation on deep local knowledge, trusted partnerships, and meticulous attention to detail.
Based in Stratford-upon-Avon, we operate across all five regions — England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland — with location-based operations teams who know their destinations intimately. From Edinburgh’s historic streets to the Cotswolds’ rolling hills, from Dublin’s literary heritage to the dramatic coastlines of the Wild Atlantic Way, we bring these destinations to life with authenticity and care.
Today, Tiernan Travel serves travel advisors across the globe. Every itinerary reflects our commitment to excellence — we don’t just book accommodations and tours, we craft experiences that resonate, surprise, and create lasting memories.
"Life's too short for ordinary vacations."
Kristine Bileskalne, Founder
MISSION
Designing bespoke experiences that celebrate culture, history, and adventure while surpassing client expectations — transforming journeys into seamless, joyful, personalized connections.
Vision
To become the premier luxury, sustainable travel partner for the UK and Ireland — blending innovation with tradition for individuals and groups worldwide.
What Drives Us
Our Values
Reliability
24–48 hour turnaround on proposals. You can trust us to deliver on time and execute flawlessly, every time.
Reliability
24–48 hour turnaround on proposals. You can trust us to deliver on time and execute flawlessly, every time.
Reliability
24–48 hour turnaround on proposals. You can trust us to deliver on time and execute flawlessly, every time.
Reliability
24–48 hour turnaround on proposals. You can trust us to deliver on time and execute flawlessly, every time.
The People Behind the Journeys
Our Team
Kristine Bileskalne
Founder & Leading Travel Designer
Originally from Riga, Latvia, Kristine moved to Ireland at 13 and studied Tourism Marketing at the Technological University of Dublin. After years in luxury hotel sales, she founded Tiernan Travel on a simple belief: life’s too short for ordinary vacations.
Sean Tiernan
Managing Director
From Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, Sean grew up on a coastal family farm and studied Quantity Surveying before transitioning into hospitality. He manages supplier and agent partnerships and is equally passionate about cooking for Kristine and their two children.
Gillian Watson
Travel Design Manager
Raised across South Africa — Johannesburg, coastal Natal, and the Western Cape — Gillian studied Dietetics and Cheffing. Her passion for food-led travel and off-the-beaten-path itineraries with local guides defines her design philosophy.
Andrea Babicova
Travel Designer
A Slovak national based in Brighton, Andrea brings a hospitality background and WSET Level 3 wine expertise. She specialises in vineyard visits, coastal hikes, and discovering independent local restaurants across the UK.
Finola Rigby
Operations Manager
Originally from Basingstoke, Finola previously co-ran a bespoke craft business. She specialises in castle stays, remote tours, and immersive experiences — from Game of Thrones locations to Harry Potter-inspired getaways.
Rhona Jane Chua
Business Support Administrator
From the Philippines and a Tourism Management graduate, Rhona brings warmth and precision to every client interaction. Now a mother, she finds fresh joy in rediscovering travel through her child’s eyes.
Darragh Mugan
Operations Coordinator
Kirill Lavrentjev
Operations Coordinator
Nick Lawrence
Operations Coordinator
Wesley Clarke
Group Travel & Operations
Born in South London and based in London, Wesley studied Creative Writing and spent eight years in heritage and arts — London museums and tourist attractions. He brings storytelling, strategy, and deep cultural knowledge to every group journey.
Our Commitment
From Touchdown
To Takeoff
When you partner with Tiernan Travel, you gain a trusted ally dedicated to your success. We respond quickly, deliver exceptional itineraries, and provide on-ground support that lets you confidently sell UK and Ireland to your most discerning clients.
Client Testimonials
In Their Own Words
You could not have planned or executed anything better! My clients were delighted with every stop and new experience! The private driver that escorted them for the full 2 weeks was very polite, courteous and helfpul! A particularly outstanding highlight was Skellig Michael! Thank you for an amazing trip!!
Will continue to work them in the future!
Begin Your Journey
Let's Work Together
Experience the Tiernan Travel difference. Contact us at +44 1789 654 977 or submit a proposal request below.