Today we’d like to introduce you to KT O’Brien.
Hi KT, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I am from Savannah and my family first came in the 1850s as Irish indentured servants because there was work here such as building railroads and working in the Iron Works. The Kehoe Iron Works was recently restored and is now open as an event space! Savannah truly cares about the Historic Preservation here. Growing up, I did not always appreciate the history that was shared with me. After graduating from the College of Charleston with a degree in Anthropology the history of Savannah came alive from the bricks and ballast stones of the streets to the trees and of course the historical buildings dating back all the way to the 1700s!
After studying archaeology and cultural anthropology I found the histories dating back thousands of years were not being shared as often on the streets of Savannah. On all tours, I to include the history of the mounds Native Americans built and shell rings that are found up and down the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. I also make sure to inform guests about my Irish heritage and how the Irish community is still very active in Savannah. Instead of just one day of Irish celebrations, we actually have Irish events going on the entire month of February!
Events such as the Celtic Cross Ceremony, Irish Festival, and Sergeant William Jasper Military Parade are all very important to us. The Irish connection to Savannah shows all year round especially with Georgia Southern’s research proving ships such as the Dunbrody crossed directly from Savannah to Wexford in the mid-1800s. I am the only company with a specific Irish History Tour available to book all year round. Two other specialty tours, I offer are Drinks and a Show, which goes to local live music spots on the weekends, and Coffee & Chocolate which includes the best coffee and chocolate of Savannah.
I also believe in giving back to the community and offering tours for school raffles and local events whenever possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Covid of course has been a struggle both because of the concern for safety and dip in business. However, we have come back stronger than ever. I am very grateful to have some fantastic tour guides on my team. Plus, the community of Savannah is extremely supportive and tight-knit. It has been inspiring to see so many people come together through the challenges.
We’ve been impressed with Savannah Tours & Tales, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Savannah Tours & Tales was founded in 2018 to share the Irish and archaeological history of Savannah. We have a variety of tours including private tours and always make sure our guests have a good time.
It is a local small business owned by KT O’Brien who has voted runner-up best tour guide by Savannah Magazine in 2019 and led the Architectural Tour for the Young Professionals Historic Savannah Foundation in 2019. We are passionate about sharing the true tales of Savannah and have a variety of unique tours.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Score Savannah has been incredible! I have been meeting with Score mentors over the years and they have been a wonderful resource. I am still booking appointments with them as they have resources from business planning to market to legal advice.
They even have great virtual events! My family and the community of Savannah have also been wonderful cheerleaders. I have such a big Irish family so the first tours I gave in 2018 were full thanks to the O’Briens and Courtenays.
Pricing:
- $30 per person Happy Hour & History
- $30 Drinks & a Show
- $40 Coffee & Chocolate
- $30 Savannah History
- $75 per person 2-hour Private Tour of Savannah
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.savanahtoursandtales.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savannahtoursandtales/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Savannah_Tours1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg4MpTtv6NxbYncpA4vt_GA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/savannah-tours-and-tales-savannah?uid=jHM9-Dt-Pa1lHM7zAYoulg&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct
- Other: https://g.page/savannahtoursandtales?share
Image Credits
Britney Prince
