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Taking a vacation is one of the best ways to relax and renew your energy, reconnect with family and friends, and, of course, experience new and different destinations, cultures and cuisines. Exploring independently is a great way to see the sights at your own pace and in your own way. Whether you prefer an active or a quiet vacation, Brendan will take care of all the details. "Taking You Personally" is more than our slogan. It's the way we want to be treated, so it is the way we treat you and all of our travelers. Brendan Vacations was founded over 40 years ago on the Irish traditions of affability and an indomitable spirit. Since then, we've been helping people plan, book and enjoy their very special vacation. This page will show all our different product offerings to customize an ideal Ireland Dream Vacation for yourself or for a custom group!
Taking you personally to Ireland, Brendan Vacations can provide the following:
- Guided Vacations & Boutique Guided Vacations
- Locally Hosted Vacations
- Customized Vacations (air, transfers, accommodations, sightseeing, car rentals)
- Accommodations (hotels, resorts, villas, townhouses, cottages, bed and breakfasts and more)
- Chauffeur or Self Drive Vacations
- Sightseeing & Specialty Experiences
- VIP Meet and Greets
- Group Travel (Guided Vacations or Custom Built Vacations)
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 You can mix and match a wide range of accommodations, from B&Bs to castles and manors. You might want to really get to know the people, staying in a cozy home or on a working farm. Maybe a modern city center hotel is your preference. And there's nothing like staying in a castle or elegant manor – you truly feel like royalty!
Hotel & Resorts
Many travelers prefer staying in hotels, and Brendan can pre-book a good selection of more than 250 properties throughout Ireland. These lodgings offer great variety and a full Irish breakfast is included. You will find the hotels vary in personality from historic with old world charm to modern with many conveniences, while others are peaceful country inns or luxury retreats.
If you would like to sample B&B's for a few nights – no problem – request the number of nights you wish to stay in B&B accommodations when you request your hotel nights.
Castles & Manor Stays
Why not experience the luxury of an Irish castle or manor? Live like royalty in a hotel rich in history and character.
It is essential that you allow Brendan to pre-book your selections in any of these special kinds of properties before your trip to avoid disappointment.
Luxury Villas, Townhouses & Cottages
New for 2012. Get total seclusion and independence by renting a luxury villa, townhous, or cottage. These rentals are available for 3, 4 or 7 nights. These are luxury self-catering home rentals at incredible value. These homes are ideal for families and small groups to unpack once and relax for a whole week. We offer beautiful properties like Waterford Castle Holiday Homes, luxurious 3 & 4 bedroom homes feature fully-equipped kitchens, under-floor heating, Wi-Fi and other amenities with access to all restaurants, services and facilities of Waterford Castle. For a listing of homes we have available, refer to our "Ireland & Scotland" Guided and Customized Vacations 2012 brochure.
Bed & Breakfast Gems
If you prefer discovering the local way of life in an informal and relaxed atmosphere, then this is the choice for you. You will find that some homes are hundreds of years old, while others were just built. You can choose from nearly 1100 B&Bs located throughout Ireland. Rest assured that the homes are routinely inspected to ensure high standards of cleanliness and comfort, and all have been approved by the Irish Tourist Board. All homes provide private bathroom facilities. If you purchase open B&B vouchers, we encourage you to pre-book as much as possible to avoid disappointment, especially during the busy summer season. This can be done online by contacting the B&Bs directly via a website you will receive from your Brendan Specialist once your booking is paid in full. This website lists information on the properties, addresses and phone numbers. We recommend you print out the pages that are relevant to where you are traveling. In addition, we also offer you a selection of preferred B&B's that Brendan can pre-book for you.
Bed and Breakfast Gems are carefully handpicked by our Dublin office. Gems deliver the highest quality of service to our Brendan Vacations guests. The owners act as a personal "concierge" with expert local knowledge & great recommendations of homemade Irish cooking.
Rent an Irish Home
Get total seclusion and independence by renting an Irish Home in the Emerald Isle. Each home has 3-4 rooms and rentals are available for 7 nights. These are self-catering home rentals at incredible value. These homes are ideal for families and small groups to unpack once and relax for a whole week. For a listing of homes we have available, refer to our "Ireland & Scotland" Guided and Customized Vacations 2012 brochure.
Brendan Gold
With a signature"Brendan Gold" portfolio of accommodations, Brendan Vacations is proud to introduce new 5 star castles, manors, hotels and for the first time, luxury villas, townhouses and cottages, including Sheen Falls Lodge Villas in Kenmare and Lough Erne Lodge Suites in Northern Ireland. An already-impressive selection of deluxe accommodations such as Dromoland Castle, Adare Manor and Ashford Castle combine with available private chauffeur services to deliver the ultimate customized experience.
To view a sample of our different accommodations, refer either to our "Ireland & Scotland" Guided and Customized Vacations 2012 brochure or use the Hotel Finder on www.brendanvacations.com. For reservations, contact our Irish specialist at (800)421-8446.
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Customize your vacation by selecting from a wide variety of enticing options, including rental cars, sightseeing, and hotel, B&B, townhouse, cottage, castle and manor accommodations or rental homes. We will help you design your own unique itinerary while giving you all the inside information and recommendations. You can mix and match your accommodations, staying in a B&B one night and a castle the next. Then choose the type of vehicle (from economy to luxury), sightseeing and transfers that best suit your interest and budget. Plus you decide the days you wish to travel and for how long, and a pace that suits you. And, because we buy in such large volume, we can assure you of the best value. Be sure to ask your Brendan Specialist for any sales or promotions available when booking.
Click here for Sample Itinerary (pdf)
Brendan Gold
If you are looking for the epitome of comfort, class and style, a Brendan Gold Customized Vacation is the one for you. A number of the hotels and resorts we feature in this catalog are marked as Brendan Gold – just look in “Our Favorite Hotels” pages. These properties are rated 5-stars or offer an exceptional experience that would be difficult to replicate anywhere else. The accommodations range from castles and manor houses to golf resorts and ultra-deluxe hotels. Whether you take a chauffeur-driven vacation or choose to drive on your own, you can rest assured that your Brendan Gold Experience will be all you have dreamed of and more.
Refer to our "Ireland & Scotland" Guided and Customized Vacations 2012 brochure for more information. For reservations, contact our Irish specialist at (800) 421-8446. |
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New for 2012! Brendan Vacations introduces Ireland Locally Hosted Vacations to travelers featuring 4 exciting itineraries. For travelers seeking a semi-independent vacation featuring local host service in each city, a Locally Hosted vacation offers a choice of trip length, hotels and sightseeing, as well as rail transportation between each city and private airport transfers throughout. Brendan Vacations is offering Locally Hosted Itineraries that combine the best in Guided and Independent touring, giving travelers the freedom to create their own pace and choose their own sights with the added bonus of a Local Host who is available to advise and assist in every possible way. Brendan offers a choice of hotel standards, transfer and sightseeing options, allowing the flexibility to choose a program that suits your clients' individual pace and preferences.
All Locally Hosted Vacations include:
- Private airport transfers
- Centrally located accommodations; taxes and service charges
- Breakfast daily
- Services of an English-speaking Local Host in each city
- Transportation between each city in most cases
- Sightseeing in each city
- Travel documents
Dublin & Killarney – 7 Days
Start in the lively Irish capital, Dublin. See all the highlights on a Hop-On Hop-Off tour, plus there is time free to raise a pint in a pub. Then take the train to Killarney. Travel the Ring of Kerry on a guided tour, and the balance of your time is free to discover the city and the beautiful national park your own way. Plus, you'll have the assistance of a Local Host in each city, 24/7.
Dublin & Edinburgh – 7 Days
Visit two favorite capital cities – Dublin and Edinburgh. Spend three days in each, seeing the sights on Hop-On Hop-Off tours, then there is plenty of free time to relax, shop and explore at your own pace. You will have a Local Host available 24/7 to answer questions and help you plan your time.
London, Edinburgh & Dublin – 8/9/10 Days
A flexible vacation in three great capitals. Begin with three days in London where you have a Hop-On Hop-Off tour and plenty of free time to explore your own way. On to spend two or three nights in Edinburgh, then to Dublin for two or three nights. You'll have a Hop-On Hop-Off tour in each city, and then your time is your own. And, in each city you have the assistance of a Local Host, who will be available at any time to help you with planning your stay, reservations for optional excursions and information on local highlights.
Dublin, London & Paris – 7/9/10 Days
You decide whether you want to spend two or three nights in each of these fabulous cities. You'll have a Hop-On Hop-Off tour in Dublin, London and Paris, and then the rest of your time is at leisure to continue exploring, shop in stylish boutiques, people watch in a friendly pub or simply relax. Your Local Host in each city will be available 24/7 to help you make the most of your time.
For full itineraries, click on the titles or refer to our "Ireland & Scotland" Guided and Customized Vacations 2012 and "Europe" Locally Hosted Vacations 2012 brochures. |
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Whether you take a Chauffeur Driven Vacation or choose to drive on your own, you can rest assured that your Brendan Gold Customized Vacation will be all you have dreamed of and more. A Self-Drive or Chauffeur Driven Vacation allows you to plan your own itinerary, select your overnight stops and choose the type of accommodation best suited to you. There is no better way to travel for those who really want to meet the Irish and absorb the local culture.
Chauffeur Driven Ireland:
A Chauffeur Driven Vacation allows you to be driven in Ireland by a highly trained professional. Start your vacation in Dublin where you will be met and transferred to your hotel by your chauffeur. For the balance of your vacation the choice is yours to experience the great splendor of Ireland at your leisure. There is no better way to travel than with a chauffeur who will advise you on restaurants, entertainment and more readily available.
Chauffeur Driven Ireland Sample Itinerary (pdf)
Self Drive Ireland:
Your vacation starts in Dublin or Shannon. You can pick up your car when you arrive or wait until you are leaving the city and beginning to travel through the countryside. Brendan will send you vouchers for the accommodations you select. We strongly advise you book as far in advance as possible, particularly for the summer and holiday periods (including Irish Bank Holidays).
Self Drive Ireland Sample Itinerary (pdf)
For a sampling of our Brendan Gold properties, please refer to our "Ireland and Scotland" Guided & Customized Vacations 2012 brochure or search through our Hotel Finder. |
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Traveling through Ireland will awaken the senses, but no experience is as enriching and educating as that of participating in one of our many sightseeing and experiential tours. Whether by rail, foot or motorcoach, Brendan Vacations Travel Directors, chauffeurs and guides have perfected the story-telling and information-sharing experience to allow every visitor to take away memorable and interesting learnings from the variety of historical and natural wonders that are available in Ireland.
Cork, Blarney Castle & the Queenstown Story
This highly enjoyable trip, takes visitors to Ireland's Southern Capital, Cork, where they will get the opportunity to see such attractions as the Blarney Stone and visit Cobh on Cork Harbor, the famous last port of call of the Titanic.
Itinerary:
- Meeting point at Dublin Heuston Station, St Johns Road Dublin 8 - check in at the Customer Service Desk.
- Departure at 7.00am InterCity train to Cork (check in at least 20 minutes prior to departure time).
- On arrival in Cork a bus will bring you to your first stop Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous stone and the gift of eternal eloquence. Time for shopping and lunch at Blarney Village before returning to Cork.
- A short city tour in Cork city.
- Scenic journey alongside Cork Harbour to Cobh, where the "Queenstown Story" Heritage Centre is located. This is where generations of Irish emigrants embarked upon their new life to different worlds during the famine.
- Return to Cork for departure on InterCity train back to Dublin.
- Arrive at Dublin Heuston Station at 8.20pm
Operates: Mon-Sat; 7:00 a.m.; 13½ hours
Prices per Person from: $158
Ring of Kerry
Experience the Ring of Kerry on this full day tour and view the most beautiful scenes of mountains and sea. Not only will travellers get to see Dingle Bay, Macgillicuddy Reeks and Ireland's highest Mountain Carrantuohill, they will also view the world famous Lakes of Killarney.
Itinerary:
- Meeting point at Dublin Heuston Station, St Johns Road Dublin 8 - check in at the Customer Service Desk.
- Departure at 7.00am InterCity train to Mallow, County Cork (check in at least 20 minutes prior to departure time).
- Here you will be transferred to Killarney, where the Ring of Kerry Tour will begin.
- On this tour you will witness some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery, including Dingle Bay, Macgillicuddy Reeks, Ireland's highest Mountain Carrantuohill and the world famous Lakes of Killarney.
- Return to Killarney for train transfer back to Mallow.
- Departure Mallow on InterCity train back to Dublin.
- Arrive at Dublin Heuston at 9.15pm.
Operates: Mon-Sat; 7:00 a.m.; 14¼ hours
Prices per Person from: $158
Giant's Causeway & The Glen of Antrim
A breathtaking day trip to the beautiful Antrim Coast that includes a crossing through the Glens of Antrim while on the way to Ballycastle and the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. Continue on to the world famous Giant’s Causeway and marvel at this natural wonder before stopping at Dunluce Castle for a photo opportunity.
Itinerary:
- Meeting point at Dublin Connolly Station, Amiens Street, Dublin 1. Departure at Platform 4 at 7.35am Enterprise service to Belfast (check in at least 20 minutes prior to departure time).
- On arrival in Belfast a bus will pick you up and head to the famous Antrim Coast Road. You will witness the beautiful scenery of the Glens of Antrim, enroute to Ballycastle and the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.
- Continue to the stunning Giant’s Causeway and Dunlunce Castle (photo stop only).
- Return to Belfast for departure on Enterprise service to Dublin.
- Arrive at Dublin Connolly Stations at 8.20pm.
Operates: Mon-Sat; 7:30 a.m.; 14¾ hours
Prices per Person from: $158
Dublin Bay & Castle Tour
Travel to historic Malahide Castle. Tour the castle and stroll through the gardens, then stop for stunning views of Dublin Bay.
Operates: Daily; 9:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.; 3½ hours
Price per Person from: $38
Musical Pub Crawl
Enjoy a musical experience as you migrate from pub to pub. This lively pub crawl is lead by two professional musicians who are sure to keep you singing along late into the night.
Operates: Thu, Fri, Sat; 7:15 p.m.; 2½ hours
Price per Person from: $19
Guinness Storehouse
Experience the true taste of Guinness at this museum showcasing the history of "The Black Stuff" and enjoy a free pint in the Gravity Bar, with 360° views of Dublin.
Operates: Daily; 1 hour, self guided tour, plus your time in the Gravity Bar
Price per Person from: $17
Ireland’s rich culture, lore and lush outdoor spaces provide the ideal playground for cherishing specialty experiences throughout the island. From outdoor adventures in scenic lochs, lakes and ponds, to the diversions of modern Dublin, including musical and artistic performances, Brendan Vacations’ Dublin-based team of professionals can arrange any specialty experience during your stay. Partake in centuries old activities such as falconry at a distinguished castle, or attend a rowdy soccer match at your leisure, the choice is yours!
- Falconry
- Sailing
- Golf
- Fishing
- Private Behind the Scene tours
- Shore Excursions (for Cruise travelers)
- Sporting Events
- Concerts
For a sample of sightseeing experiences refer to our "Ireland & Scotland" Guided and Customized Vacations 2012 brochure. For reservations, call us at (800) 421-8446. For specialty experiences, please contact our Irish specialists in Dublin at info@brendanvacations.com.ie. |
Terms & Conditions:
*Please reference specific specials and package pages for full terms and conditions.
CST# 2084503-20 |