On Brendan's Boutique Guided Vacations, you will have a more intimate vacation experience, traveling with just 24 guests. You will enjoy sights and activities that are often not available to larger groups, and stay in unique accommodations, from boutique properties to city center hotels to historic castles and manors. Travel on a smaller motorcoach (with the same amenities as on our large coaches), making little secluded sites accessible. Plus, a Guide/Chauffeur will accompany you every step of the way. Boutique Guided Vacations offer an authentic view of an Ireland you might not otherwise see.

All Boutique Guided Vacations Include:

• Airport transfers in Dublin
• Twin-bedded rooms in hotels listed or similar; hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling
• Most meals
• Services of a professional Irish Guide/Chauffeur
• Private luxury motorcoach with air conditioning, reclining seats and an emergency restroom
• Sightseeing, special features and scenic highlights as indicated in the itinerary, including admission charges Headsets for sightseeing so you can easily hear your guide's commentary
• Portfolio of travel documents
• Souvenir group photo

Tastes & Tales of Ireland (Click on link for full itinerary)

This 9-day Boutique Guided Vacation takes you across Ireland’s scenic countryside, bringing you up close and personal with the cuisine, culture, and locals. Your overnight stays feature the cities of Dublin, Cork, Killarney and magnificent Dromoland Castle, one of Ireland’s most prestigious national treasures. Take it all in with the services of a professional Irish Guide.

Castles & Manors (Click on link for full itinerary)

Look no further, the ultimate Ireland experience is here. Spend 11 days taking in the absolute best of Ireland on a Boutique Guided Vacation featuring overnight stays in Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Ballynahinch Castle and Donegal, professional Guide highlights the ins and outs of every charming Irish destination.

For a full itinerary, click on the titles or refer to our "Ireland and Scotland" Guided & Customized Vacations 2012 Brochure. For reservations, please call us at (800) 421-8446.

If you are looking for the epitome of comfort, class and style, a Brendan Gold Customized Vacation is the one for you. Brendan Gold properties were carefully selected, chosen for their superb accommodations, high quality service and attention to detail. Brendan's distinguished reputation and far-reaching contacts have allowed us to negotiate the best values with properties in all of Ireland. Live like royalty, sumptuous Ashford and Dromoland Castles, or stay in one of the newly added accommodations including townhomes, villas, and cottages for bigger parties. Simply look for the Brendan Gold logo on properties featured in our catalogs or call us for a full listing.

Dylan, Dublin

The ultimate in style and luxury, in Irelands most dynamic and sophisticated city: Dylan. The Victorian facade belies the pulse that beats from within, by day the open plan lobby exudes warmth, elegance and tranquility. An oasis from the hustle and bustle of Dublin, by night Dylan is transformed to candles and champagne.

Sheen Falls Lodge Villas, Kenmare

The setting of 300 acres of magical woodlands and crystal cascading waterfalls is truly unique to Sheen Falls Lodge. The estate boasts a plethora of outdoor activities, salmon fishing on a private stretch of the Sheen River, daily horse riding available locally from River Valley Riding Stables, hill walking trails and cycling tours.

Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare

Dromoland Castle, one of Europe's finest castle hotels, offers guests the experience of living like landed gentry, surrounded by luxury, beauty, and service. The castle, a magnificent Renaissance structure built in the 16th century, was once the royal seat of the O'Brien clan. Refurbished and transformed into a luxury hotel in 1962, it retains priceless reminders of its historic past.

For a sample listing of our Brendan Gold accommodations, please look for the Brendan Gold logo in our "Ireland and Scotland" Guided & Customized Vacations 2012 Brochure.

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.

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

Sightseeing Adventures:

Dublin Bay & Castle Tour

Musical Pub Crawl

Guinness Storehouse

Old Jameson Distillery Tour

Discover the history of this Irish Whiskey Distillery and how water, barley and yeast are combined to form the golden spirit. Then, savor a Jameson Signature drink.
Operates: Daily; open 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; 1 hour
Price per Person from: $17

Specialty Experiences:

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.