Off-the-Beaten-Track Specialist & Guide
Enjoy the Roads Less Traveled
Welcome! Céad Míle Fáilte! ¡Bienvenido!
The name my parents gave me at birth is Catherine. My Grandfather began calling me "Lilbit" when I was 4 years of age. That stuck until I became an adult. Now I am simply "Bit"
I am an Arizona Native. I have called Tucson home for all of my 58 years.
I am a cowboy, a children's author, daughter, mother, grandmother and photographer
Most importantly for any of you here at my profile, I am a sojourner, a lover of travel with a passion for anywhere and everywhere that the byways might take me
I am a Verified Travel Advisor with ASTA. I am a Tourism Ireland certified Ireland Specialist. Just recently, I have also completed Quark Expeditions Polar Expedition Specialist Certification.
These two certifications alone show that I have a taste for unique travel experiences.
Over the past 17 years, Ireland has become as familiar to me as my own backyard. I have enjoyed "coming home" 28 times. Of those 28 trips, there have been many a "Faery led" moment for myself and my sojourners.
For over 15 years, I have been helping clients make moments into memories. I have a passion for unique and rarely visited places wherever they might be found.
I can find you the perfect experience for making Ireland uniquely yours:
- your own self-drive adventure
- plan a small group tour for you and 10-14 of your closest friends and family.
- find the perfect larger tour company to suit your dates & needs.
- Vow renewals
When not introducing clients to the heartbeat of Ireland, I am off and about to explore her 32 counties for new sites, new lodgings and new places to eat, drink and be jolly.
I have had a love for Ireland and Scotland since drawing my first breathe. My own Gran was Scottish by birth, Irish by blood, raised in the hills of Armagh & emigrated to Canada from Belfast. She told me stories of Celtic Legends, taught me to speak Gaelic and to sing the Celtic songs.
In all of that, the Fire was lit and never extinguished. From my first steps on to Irish soil, I never felt out of place.
I want my clients to feel that same sort of Welcome & Wonder.
I work directly with my clients to build the tour that they want and then giving them more than expected. There is no rushing about on your tour. Two night stays and plenty of "on your own" time make it possible to share those "remember that time ...?" stories long after the trip has ended and you are back home
I tell everyone "Ireland is best savoured slow". Take the time to meet her people and soak in all that makes Ireland truly magikal
Contact me today to start planning your own memory making sojourn
My Travel Albums
Ireland
My Reviews
We had an extraordinary experience with the travel expertise of Ms Devine. She is an Ireland destination expert and her extensive knowledge and contacts in country made for a uniquely special visit. She took great care in fulfilling our preferences and following through before and during travel. I would highly recommend her.
By
TravelFan
from
Tucson, AZ
Traveled to
Ireland | Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Bit Devine responded:
Go Raibh Mile Maith Agat for your Review.
I strive to make each of my clients sojourns a unique experience.
I appreciate your confidence in me. I look forward to crafting another experience you in Ireland or where ever the road might lead you next
Light & Blessings,
Bit
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Our amazing Ireland adventure!
Bit helped us plan the most amazing Ireland honeymoon. She booked us at amazing local B&B’s, guided us to the best food and pubs, and gave us an itinerary to follow. While also leaving us plenty of free time for my husband and I to explore.
By
Lexi
from
AZ
Traveled to
Ireland | Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Bit Devine responded:
Go Raibh Mile Maith Agat for your Review.
It was a pleasure to be able to introduce you to some of my favorite B&Bs, hotels & short-term rentals.
I look forward to helping you plan you next grand adventure!
This time there will be three of you!
Light & BLessings,
Bit
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An Irish Adventure Not To Be Forgotten!
From being greeted at the Arrivals lobby at Dublin Airport to hugs and farewells at the departure hall, this was one of the best travel/tour experiences I have ever had. Catherine carefully curated our small group tour with focus on highlights as well as lesser seen but extremely desirable points located in Counties Clare, Galway, Donegal, and Meath, plus bonus excursions along the way, and finishing up in Dublin. Our tour included destinations of legend, historical, educational, as well as social interest. She also considered her clients' desires and concerns, allowed us ample free time to discover on our own in local villages, and incorporated our wishes in to the detailed itinerary so all might enjoy. There were very few if any deviations from the plan, which seemed to run like clockwork to us, her guests.
After our tour I extended my holiday with a second week on a private tour with Bit, in which all my destination arrangements were met, and then some. I couldn't have been happier
By
Fionnuisce
from
Arcata, CA
Traveled to
Ireland | Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Bit Devine responded:
Go raibh míle maith agat, for your review. It was a pleasure to lead you and the rest of the guests on the tour. From the Cliffs of Moher to Malin head and every spot in between
I also enjoyed the one on one experience after the group tour.
I hope you will choose Byways & Backroads for any future travel
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Compassionate, Brilliant, and Professional !
Bit was nothing short of extraordinary—an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to Ireland. She planned a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip for me, my mother, my brother (who was living with ALS), and his family. Her compassion and attention to detail exceeded all expectations.
-She arranged for my brother’s specialized nutrition to be shipped overseas at no cost and secured a portable oxygen system so he could fully participate in our adventures. Each Bed-and-Breakfast was comfortable and accessible, and the rental van she arranged suited our family perfectly.
-I provided her with information about where our Irish ancestors lived—and she incorporated those towns directly into our travel route. That thoughtful gesture made our trip even more meaningful.
-Her knowledge of Ireland is unmatched—she truly knows things even locals don’t. Every obstacle was handled gracefully and efficiently. If you’re looking for a travel advisor with heart, insight, and unmatched expertise, she’s the one to
By
JohnF
from
Vail, Arizona
Traveled to
Ireland | Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Bit Devine responded:
Go raibh míle maith agat, for your review. It was a pleasure to lead you and your family on this back to your roots experience
I know that there had been two separate tours planned. Thank you for trusting my suggestion to combine them.
I hope you will choose Byways & Backroads for future family adventures
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Detailed planning and consideration!
Bit met with me before she started planning, to ask detailed questions about our interests. She provided us with such a comprehensive itinerary for our two week trip to Ireland. She even offered alternate routes on certain days, depending on weather, jet lag, energy.
It is so obvious that Bit loves what she does. Her past travel experiences make her an expert in the field, and sharing this with her clients is a win for both her and her clients.
By
Betsy
from
Tucson, AZ
Traveled to
Ireland | Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Bit Devine responded:
Betsy,
Go raibh míle maith agat, for your review. It is always my goal to make as many of your wishes a reality.
I hope that you will choose Byways & Backroads for your travels in the future
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