One of the most romantic drives in Ireland is immortalized in the Van Morrison song "Coney Island." His early Sunday morning drive along the western shores of Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland, with his loved one beside him, seems idyllic in the Autumn sunshine. On their journey they pass through Downpatrick, where St Patrick is buried, Ardglass, St John’s Point, Portaferry (where they buy some fresh mussels from the lake), and Killyleagh. The crooner enthuses, “Wouldn’t it be great if it could be like this all the time?"

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.

Rail Tours from Dublin:

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

The Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway Bay Tour

A day trip to Ireland's rugged and unique next see mid-western coast, through Limerick on the mighty River Shannon and on then to imposing Bunratty Castle with its lovely folk park. The stunning Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Galway Bay. A glimpse of Galway City concludes the tour before returning to Dublin.

Itinerary:

• Meeting point at Dublin Heuston Station, St Johns Road Dublin 8 - check in at the Customer Service Desk at 6.40am (check in at least 20 minutes prior to departure time) for departure of InterCity train to Limerick (Breakfast available).
• Board a coach in Limerick, have a short tour of the treaty city and setting for "Angela's Ashes."
• Head north to Bunratty Castle and Folk Village (admission included), then to a Doolin Pub for a lunch stop. On to the majestic Cliffs of Moher on the wild Atlantic coast. Enter the unique lunar landscape of the Burren, rounding Black Head before heading along the shores of Galway Bay to Galway, the City of Tribes to board the Dublin bound train (light meals available).
• Arrive at Dublin Heuston Station at 8.55pm.
• The drive from the Cliffs of Moher to Galway city is regarded as one of the top 10 coastal drives in Europe.
  

Operates: Mon-Sat; 6:40 a.m.; 14¼ hours
Prices per Person from: $158

For a full listing of Rail Day Tours from Dublin refer to our “Ireland & Scotland” Guided and Customized Vacations 2012 brochure or call us at (800)421-8446 for reservations.

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!

Sunsets are special times for couples and Ireland has some spectacular fiery displays all year round. For many there could be no more romantic feeling than gliding across a mirror ocean towards the end of a perfect day. The best sailing craft for this experience is, of course, the elegant Galway Hooker, a traditional wooden sailing boat with red sails.

• 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 specialty experiences, please contact our Irish specialists in the Dublin offfice.