Thursday, 29 May 2025
For Donegal native Niamh Campbell, the road from the rugged coastlines of the northwest to the shimmering skyline of Dubai has been as winding as it has been rewarding. Now based in the UAE, Niamh is carving out a life that bridges continents, cultures—and a deep-rooted connection to home.
Originally from Inver, Co. Donegal, Niamh first moved to the Middle East in search of new experiences and opportunities. What started as a leap into the unknown quickly evolved into something more enduring. “I met my husband here, and now we have two beautiful little girls,” she says. “Dubai truly feels like a second home.”
But it’s her journey as a travel consultant with InteleTravel that’s opened new doors—and offered a unique way to stay connected to Ireland and its people, no matter where she is in the world.
Freedom, Flexibility—and Following a Passion
The seed for her travel business was planted after becoming a mother. “I knew I wanted something that gave me the freedom to work around my family, not the other way around,” Niamh explains. When she discovered InteleTravel, she saw more than just a side hustle—it was a chance to build a business on her own terms.
From luxury escapes and family holidays to bucket-list adventures, Niamh crafts personalised itineraries that take the stress out of planning. “It’s not just about bookings—it’s about making memories,” she says. “I take the time to really understand what my clients are looking for. You’re getting someone who genuinely cares.”
She also mentors others interested in joining the business, and plans to host an info session in Donegal Town for anyone curious about the opportunity. “There’s real potential here for people back home—whether they want more flexibility, a creative outlet, or just love to travel.”
Life Between Worlds
Though her days are full—balancing parenting with her growing travel consultancy—Donegal remains front and centre in her heart. “I’m back and forth to Ireland all the time,” she says. “We’ve a very lively family WhatsApp group, and I get serious FOMO when I hear there’s a card night at home. We’re a big 21-playing family!”
One of the hardest parts of expat life? Watching her daughters grow up away from their cousins. “We’ll move home eventually. But for now, we try to make the most of both worlds.”
Despite the physical distance, Niamh finds constant threads of connection through her work. Many of her clients are from Ireland or the Irish diaspora, and she often helps plan trips that are deeply personal—like a recent pilgrimage for a family to San Giovanni, the resting place of Padre Pio. “It was more than a holiday. It was something sacred, and I was honoured to help make it happen.”
The Global Donegal Spirit
Living in the UAE has shaped how Niamh works—and how she sees the world. “Dubai is incredibly multicultural. It’s taught me to be adaptable and more open-minded. People here dream big—and that’s rubbed off on me,” she says.
Still, Donegal remains her compass. “There’s a saying my mum once told me that’s stuck with me: ‘There is nothing you can do about how things are done there, but you can make sure that you make everyone feel equal. Treat everyone the same – and that will mean a lot to some.’ That’s guided me every step of the way.”
As she looks ahead, Niamh’s goals are clear: grow her travel business, support other aspiring advisors, and keep her family rooted in both the magic of home and the possibilities of the wider world.
For anyone in Donegal dreaming of life abroad, she has simple but powerful advice: “Go for it—but be prepared for the small things to feel big. Stay grounded, stay curious, and never forget where you came from. Donegal will always be part of who you are.”
To connect with Niamh on Instagram please CLICK HERE.
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