“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!
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!
