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5 Brendan Vacations Reviews & Ratings
60% Recommend
4.2 out of 5
Value:
4.2
Guide:
4.2
Activities:
4.2
Lodging:
4.2
Transportation:
4.2
Meals:
4.2
Tour Reviews
B
Barbara
Does Not Recommend
had a wonderful time July 2018
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
We just went on Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle and had a wonderful time. This was our first bus tour and we didn't know quite what to expect, however, we couldn't have had a more perfect time. Ireland is a beautiful country and we were stunned and thrilled with all the beauty we were able to see. The hotels were great - some definitely better than others but all were comfortable. My only complaint was that our last hotel had no ac and Ireland was experiencing a heat wave so the fan didn't help very much. That wasn't anyone's fault and I just went with the flow. Barbara (our guide) and Marina (our driver) were great and genuinely seemed to be concerned with everyone's comfort. The grande finale of Ashford Castle was incredible. Such a beautiful place and to be able to stay a night there was incredible. I ended up doing the Hawk Walk and horseback riding and I would recommend both - especially the hawk walk to anyone - I think people who are good riders would probably get to do more than we did but it was still great. I would recommend Brendan and this trip to anyone. Perfect amount of down time and activity. Loved it!
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JL
Jo LaFalce
Recommends
it was fabulous! July 2018
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
My husband and I recently went to Ireland on a Brendan Vacations tour...first tour we've even been on...and it was fabulous! From start to finish everything about the trip was perfect. Frances O'Doherty our Tour Director and Hugo our driver made this trip exceptional and unforgettable. Hugo's driving skills are phenomenal!! Frances is the sweetest, warmest, friendliest and most organized individual you'll ever meet. She is so knowledgeable about all things Irish and has a way of imparting that knowledge in a memorable and special way. I was a little nervous about staying in a different hotel every night and being on the go every minute but it was glorious. Our luggage was always handled for us, hotel check-ins were done in advance so we never had to go through check-in ourselves, meal vouchers and exhibit tickets were all prepared in advance, etc. It was totally seamless for everyone on the tour. It was a large group but we all became the best of friends by the end of the trip. We will definitely use Brendan Vacations in the future and highly recommend them to anyone interested in tour travel!!!
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TO
Tara Ocskasy
Recommends
my cruise planners was wonderful October 2017
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Just wanted to say that the trip me my 23 year old son my mom and my nephew and niece who booked our trip through Valerie and Debbie from my cruise planners was wonderful. Valerie and Debbie took care of everything from beginning to the end. The bed and breakfast that we stayed at Lough Kiern hosts Ellie and Kevin were wonderful. They took care of everything and were very informative and helpful. I would definitely recommend staying there to anyone
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C
Cathy
Recommends
Excellent service made our trip a pleasure August 2017
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
I just returned from an amazing trip with Brendan vacations. We booked a private chauffeur as we traveled from Dublin to the West of Ireland. Our driver's name was Seamus MacTiernan and he was an excellent guide as we traveled over 2500 miles seeing the sites and visiting family in very rural area. We could not have accomplished all that we did without Seamus. He was a pleasure to be with and his hospitality and excellent service made our trip a pleasure. We could not have seen as much as we did without him and we knew from the onset of out trip that we had the right person and perfect schedule I highly recommend a personal driver and indeed Seamus himself if you are ever in Ireland as you maximize your time and it is a hassle free vacation plus you eliminate the stress of driving. Thanks Seamus...it was a pleasure getting to know you!
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From Brendan Vacations
Brendan Vacations is the premier Ireland and Scotland destination expert, backed by more than 50 years of planning authentic Celtic travel experiences from its office in the heart of Dublin. Guided by its mantra ‘taking you personally,’ Brendan Vacations is passionate about delivering deeply immersive, tailor-made experiences across five travel styles: fully Guided Tour packages, independent Private Chauffeur, Lux Self-Drive, Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail vacations. Through the warmth of Brendan Vacations’ highly personalized service, guests will stay in hand-selected accommodations - including castles and B&Bs, explore the iconic landscapes of Scotland and Ireland, and meet local people passionate about sharing their stories. Brendan Vacations is a proud member of The Travel Corporation family of brands.
Associations:
Travel is an incredible gift. It has the ability to open our eyes to the unique cultures and spellbinding beauty of the natural world. But with this gift comes a responsibility – to protect the world as we know it. At TreadRight, our mission is clear; to have a positive impact on the people and communities we visit, to protect wildlife and marine life, and to care for the planet we call home.
A not-for-profit organization created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, The TreadRight Foundation has supported some 60-plus sustainable tourism projects worldwide.
United States Tour Operators Association, American Society of Travel Agents
2012
--2012 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards
2011
--2011 Travel Age West WAVE Award “Best Tour Operator”
--2011 American Express “Supplier of the Year” Award
Trips & Specials
Offers Year-Round
Past travelers save up to 5% with Global Travel Rewards program
Save up to 5% on groups of 9+
Book back to back trips and save up to 2.5%
Kids save up to 10% everyday
Highlights
- Wicklow: Traditional Irish fare with an Italian twist is served up at Glenealy House near Dublin with the charming Fulvio family on hand to share their story.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- New Ross: Explore the tragic history of Ireland's famine emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original ships used in the 1800s.
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Bunratty: Visit the impeccably-preserved Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
- Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- Limerick: See Limerick's iconic landmarks during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Cliffs of Moher: Stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.
- Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
- New Ross: Visit the port town of New Ross. On the quayside, perhaps see the Dunbrody replica famine ship and statue of John F. Kennedy.
- Explore Dublin with a Local Specialist
- Discover Galway, Limerick and Waterford
- Visit Bunratty Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney to kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab', the Crystal Showroom at Waterford and the famine ship in New Ross
- View St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin and King John's Castle in Limerick
- See the Cathedral of Galway and St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick
- Scenic Cruise across the Shannon Estuary
- Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
Highlights
- Kinlochard: Join the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish Be My Guest lunch, tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping ceilidh tunes.
- Pitlochry: Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
- Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Jedburgh: See the impressive 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey that dominates the centre of town.
- Melrose: View the historic ruins of Melrose Abbey and appreciate its many carved decorative details.
- St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
- Glamis: Visit Glamis Castle, and appreciate the building's illustrious history and picturesque setting.
- Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Centre, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
- Golspie: Explore the grand castle and admire its magnificent gardens during your visit of Dunrobin Castle.
- Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy.
- Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
- Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
- Glenfinnan Viaduct: See the Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which the Hogwart's Express once crossed in the Harry Potter series.
- Isle of Mull: Explore the Scottish Highlands in depth as you travel to the Isles of Mull and Iona. Visit the Reilig Odhrain, sacred burial ground of 48 Scottish Kings.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
- Glencoe: Visit this Highland village on Loch Leven.
- Stirling: Visit Stirling and see its castle, once the seat of Scottish royalty.
- Explore Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
- Discover Dundee, Orkney Islands, Stirling and Glasgow
- Visit Edinburgh Castle, Glamis Castle, Blair Athol whisky distillery in Pitlochry, the battlefield and Visitor Centre of Culloden, Dunrobin Castle, John O'Groats, The Italian Chapel in Orkney Islands, Skara Brae, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow and Stirling Castle
- View Jedburgh Abbey, the 18th green at St. Andrews, Inverness Castle, Eilean Donan Castle and Glencoe
- See Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and the Battlefield at Bannockburn
- Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Highlights
- Connemara: Visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and witness master craftsmen bring these intricate crystal designs to life.
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
- Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- Kylemore Abbey amp; Victorian Walled Garden: Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Sligo: Take in one of County Sligo's natural jewels on a cruise and learn about the isle's historic significance with Captain Patrick.
- Lahinch: Help preserve the Cliffs of Moher for generations to come and learn about its extraordinary geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
- Explore Dublin, Killarney National Park and Lough Corrib with a Local Specialist
- Discover Killarney and Galway
- Visit Powerscourt Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College in Dublin, Blarney Castle, Torc Waterfall, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and Kylemore Abbey
- See Dublin's Georgian Squares and Galway Cathedral
- Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
- Cork: Discover centuries of tumultuous history staying at the Maldron Shandon hotel, a building that has survived wars, fires and threats of demolition to become the grand hotel it is today.
- Cong: Built by the de Burgo family in the early 13th century, Ashford Castle is set in 140 hectares, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib.
Highlights
- Connemara: Visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and witness master craftsmen bring these intricate crystal designs to life.
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
- Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- Kylemore Abbey amp; Victorian Walled Garden: Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Sligo: Take in one of County Sligo's natural jewels on a cruise and learn about the isle's historic significance with Captain Patrick.
- Lahinch: Help preserve the Cliffs of Moher for generations to come and learn about its extraordinary geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
- Explore Dublin, Killarney National Park and Lough Corrib with a Local Specialist
- Discover Killarney and Galway
- Visit Powerscourt Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College in Dublin, Blarney Castle, Torc Waterfall, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and Kylemore Abbey
- See Dublin's Georgian Squares and Galway Cathedral
- Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
- Cork: Discover centuries of tumultuous history staying at the Maldron Shandon hotel, a building that has survived wars, fires and threats of demolition to become the grand hotel it is today.
- Cong: Built by the de Burgo family in the early 13th century, Ashford Castle is set in 140 hectares, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib.
