Rachel Nolan has a degree in Business and International Marketing from the University of Limerick. It was clear from the start that this is an industry she would strive in, winning the Hewlard Packard digital marketing student of the year before graduating in 2006.
Tourism Development
Rachel grew up in a tourism business, Brigown B&B and from a young age, developed a great curiosity for culture and travel.
Having travelled the world and lived abroad for many years working in both the drinks and sports industry, Rachel moved back to Ireland and set up Rachel’s Irish Adventures in 2016. Due to her vast experience in international marketing and proven track record in sales, she is often asked to take on consultancy projects in both the tourism development sector and drinks industry.
Rachel speaks fluent French and Spanish and has extensive experience in working with different cultures. In France, Rachel also spent one year working with SKINS, developing the sales and marketing strategy in the south and east of France. Rachel is now very grateful to be supported by Columbia for her endurance racing, which is one of her main pass-times.
Most recently with Rachel’s Irish Adventures, Rachel won the 2016 Best Start-Up in the regional IBYE competition. Rachel is now delighted to share her passion, drive and expertise helping clients set up and improve their businesses in the tourism and leisure sector.
Drinks Industry
Rachel spent 6 fantastic years working for Pernod Ricard in the domestic and French markets. During this time, Rachel continued her studies to further develop her knowledge in the drinks industry. She has a WSET (Wine Spirit Education Training) advanced level certificate with distinction and completed numerous Harvard Online courses in sales negotiations, strategic marketing and channel marketing. Rachel made great friends and contacts during this time and continues to exchange with them for her consultancy work.
Rachel has travelled the world visiting wineries in France, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Chile and Argentina where she was lucky to have private tours and gained insights into their marketing and sales structures as well as sampling some of the world’s finest wines.
Starting off on the renowned Jameson Graduate Programme was a solid base for Rachel’s whiskey appreciation and training. She was injected with a passion for Irish whiskey and it’s there for life! After 2 years working in France developing the Middleton Whiskey Portfolio, Rachel was awarded a special trophy of recognition for her work in France and ongoing passion to generate results and live the brands motto ‘Sine Metu’ (Without Fear).
Since moving back to Ireland, Rachel hosts private Whiskey Appreciation Sessions and offers consultancy to start-ups in sales & marketing.