“I genuinely think that Earth’s Edge have to be the best in the business. […] all the gang in the Earth’s Edge team in Ireland made everything so easy and straightforward and any question that we had before, during and after the expedition was answered immediately. “ – Benny.
We are a 100% Irish-owned small business. Our founder, James McManus, is passionate about climbing mountains, and his extensive experience is an invaluable source of support for our office team in our day-to-day operations. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Our friendly office team is available to answer any questions you have by phone, e-mail or video consultations. Each team member participates in an expedition every year, ensuring they can share up-to-date advice and insights drawn from their own first-hand experiences.
James (Jam) McManus – Founder
Jam grew up in Tipperary and from an early age fell in love with the outdoors. He got his first job as a guide in 1999 and set up Earth’s Edge in 2007. He splits his time between running the business and leading four to five expeditions per year.
Each year he climbs a big mountain in the greater ranges with friends. He is passionate about the importance of going on adventures in a fun, safe and sustainable way. For more about Jam and his journey click here.
Joannda Stanton – General Manager
While Ireland has been home for almost 20 years now, Joannda has always been passionate about travel. She has lived in the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand and Japan, as well as spending a year travelling full-time around South East Asia.
Joannda holds an Honours degree in International Business Management and spent eight years working in quality and program management at Apple before joining the team at Earth’s Edge. She realised a lifelong dream of travelling to Nepal when she trekked across the stunning Himalayas to Everest Base Camp in 2023, and loved every second of her Kenya Tri-Adventure experience in 2024. Next up, she’s off to Machu Picchu this August!
Fun fact about Joannda: She has a black belt in Karate!
Joyce (JB) Bartley – Customer Support & Operations Coordinator
Joyce, also known as JB, is a native of Cork who initially pursued Psychology at UCC before discovering her passion for the great outdoors.
Her journey began with a climb up Kilimanjaro in August 2017 with Earth’s Edge, igniting a love for adventure that has since taken her to Nepal to trek to Everest Base Camp and Island Peak in 2019, Peru to explore Choquequirao and Machu Picchu in 2022, and even a return to Kilimanjaro in 2023. Last summer, she conquered her biggest challenge yet: trekking to K2 Base Camp!
Fun fact about Joyce: She is also a certified personal trainer!
Arianna Stewart – Content Creator
Arianna is originally from Donegal, but moved to Dublin to study Film at UCD and Trinity. During her studies, she discovered her passion for creating engaging video content and digital art. Arianna loves to experience new places and cultures through her lens.
In 2022, she had an amazing time exploring Peru and visiting Machu Picchu. Then, in 2023, she climbed Kilimanjaro, always with her camera in hand! Next up was Everest Base Camp in 2024, and she’ll be returning to Nepal in 2025 when she treks to Annapurna Base Camp.
Fun fact about Arianna: She creates handmade crochet handbags and accessories in her spare time!
Ciara McGrath – Customer Support & Operations Coordinator
Ciara is from the sunny South East, living in Wexford. She loves living close to the beach but also enjoys getting out on the Wicklow hills as often as possible.
Having previously worked as a veterinary nurse, she eventually found her love for travel. She now works alongside Joyce and Sam in the Customer Service and Operations team and is always happy to answer your questions by email or by having a chat on the phone! Her favourite part of the job is hearing all of your stories when you return from a much-awaited adventure.
Ciara has always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu and can’t wait to get a date in the diary. Exploring Peru and tasting the incredible food and coffee is something she is so excited for!
Fun fact about Ciara: she loves to make her own pasta and ice cream!
Rebecca Hore – Administrative Support & Communications Specialist
Rebecca is originally from Wexford, now living in Mayo. She has a BSc (Hons) in Biology from Maynooth University, as well as a Certificate in Audio-Visual Production for Online Platforms from DkIT. She is currently working towards a Certificate in Nature Conservation and Interpretation with through MTU Kerry. She loves getting to work with everyone on the team in her varied role!
She enjoys walking, exploring new places, and music. Growing up by the coast, she loves spending time by the sea too! She’s very excited to undertake her first Earth’s Edge expedition this year.
Fun fact about Rebecca: she has two facial scars – one was caused by a dog, and the other was caused by a tray of brownies!
Sam Sparrow – Customer Support & Operations Coordinator
Originally from South Africa, Sam spent her teenage years in the west of Ireland, where her passion for exploration ignited. Since then, she has embarked on numerous journeys throughout Europe and lived in North America for a period. What began as a fondness for travel evolved into a love for adventure, when she took on the life-changing experience of trekking to Everest Base Camp in 2018 with Earth’s Edge. She is very excited to be joining our inaugural Meru and Kilimanjaro expedition this year!
Sam holds an Honours Degree in Business & Marketing with additional diplomas in Project Management and Psychology. Prior to joining the amazing team in Earth’s Edge, she worked in recruitment and dedicated her spare time to volunteering.
Fun fact about Sam: She presses flowers and creates coasters, fruit bowls, etc. from her artwork!
