Europe Trip Leader
Killian Buckley grew up in Killarney, Ireland. His parents, a harpist and a poet, instilled in him a great appreciation for the beautiful things in life, and once he found the mountains, it didn't take long for him to become addicted to the wild beauty he found there. He began hiking and climbing regularly, and what began as a hobby soon became a way of life that led him on extraordinary adventures, including climbing some of the Alps' famous north faces and an ascent, with fellow WT guide Naoise O Muiraheartaigh, of Yosemite's El Capitan. In 2021, on his birthday, Killian and his partner Maggie welcomed their first daughter Henia into the world. The three of them live in Chamonix, France. Currently, he is adjusting to fatherhood and figuring out how much risk he is willing to take in the high mountains, but still enormously passionate about sharing his love and knowledge of the Earth's wildest reaches.
Our TeamKillian was so knowledgeable and approachable. He told stories and engaged everyone at different points of the trip. He captivated us with stories and put the fun factor into the hikes and meals. He is such a great guide!
Carrie M.
Davis, CA
Hiking the Haute Route
Killian is both reverent and passionate about the priceless nature we experienced on this hike. He is warm and engaging and has boundless curiousity.
Charles H.
Larchmont, NY
Tour du Mont Blanc
Killian is a very skilled, capable professional with a lot of outdoor experience. He was patient with the variety of skill levels in the group and is obviously a well-read man of many interests, which he was always willing to share when engaged in conversation.
Gabrielle C.
Grand Rapids, MI
Tour du Mont Blanc
Killian added a valuable element of warmth, enthusiasm, and energy to our trip. It would not have been the same without him!
Judith D.
Bethlehem, PA
Hiking the Haute Route
Killian was an absolutely fabulous mountain guide. He made the trip even more amazing than it already would have been. He had a great knowledge of the area, mountains, trails and was so enjoyable to converse with on the trail.
Karen L.
Burr Ridge, IL
Killian was awesome! He is personal and charming, a wonderful conversationalist, and always interested in others and their lives.
Kate R.
Towson, MD
Classic Haute Route
Killian is a great guide—friendly, caring, and knowledgeable. He has a natural intellectual curiosity that leads him to find out about his surroundings and the WT guests.
Linda and Tom R.
Manhattan Beach, CA
Hiking the Haute Route
This is the second Wilderness Travel adventure I've been on with this very special young man. His knowledge, sense of humor, and interaction with all members of the group was another reason this trip was so grand.
Michael G.
Salem, OR
Spirit of Ireland
Killian has the soul of a poet-philosopher and the bubbling enthusiasm of a young man who has found a joyful spot in the world and wants to share the joy with you. As we hiked with Killian, he was able to transmit not just knowledge about the locale but also the wonder he was experiencing to each of us. His love of the natural world and of words is a powerful combination and he shared his reflections on what we were seeing in a thoughtful and caring way. And, all of the above is wrapped up with a ready smile, quick wit, and delightful laugh.
Virginia V.
Salem, OR
Glacier Express
Killian’s obvious pleasure in sharing his love of the natural world seemed to be magnified by the fact that he was showing us his Ireland. His knowledge of the landscape and history of this beautiful slice of Ireland, coupled with his lifetime of experiences within that landscape and history and his ability to share all of that make him a superb traveling companion. His sense of humor and seemingly innate ability to relate to and care for all of those entrusted to his care regardless of age or infirmity, make him an excellent leader.
Virginia V.
Salem, OR
Spirit of Ireland
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