Destination: Ireland
by Maureen Sullivan

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I have been in the travel industry for over 20 years. The first ten were in a brick and mortar agency, the last ten as a home-based agency that my husband, John and I run together. One of the main reasons for coming into the business was a desire to share my wonderful experiences of travel in Ireland, thanks to my husband’s mother, Peg. Peg decided to return to Ireland in 1984, after living in the US for 50 years. She built a cottage on the family farm in West Cork, I traveled to see granny’s cottage – “Tieg Peg” and that was the beginning of my love affair with Ireland!

When we started our home home-based agency (which would not have been possible without the help of OSSN) our desire was to create a more personal experience for our clients in their travel to Ireland. Ireland is a land of mystical charm, ever-changing landscapes and the welcoming warmth of the Irish people is truly unique. All of our clients receive a 50 to 70 page itinerary outlining their travel journey, driving instructions, pre-booked accommodations and confirmations, sights to see and do as they travel, as well as a cost sheet on the expected expenses (other than food and liquid libation!).

Our recent trip to Ireland in February found us as “Irish” wedding planners and we loved it! Our clients, an American pilot and his South African bride-to-be, who live in Hong Kong wanted to be married in Ireland. The groom’s ancestors hailed from County Longford and Ireland was the halfway point for both American and South African wedding guests. Since our clients couldn’t make the trip, they trusted us to vet their wedding location. They wanted a small, quaint church in a village close to the ocean, reasonably priced accommodations for 30 guests and for those guests to experience the wonder and history that is Ireland. Well, we found it in the town of Doolin in County Clare (a favorite place of mine). County Clare is a special place for all to experience the beauty, history and warmth of the Irish.

Everyone will land at Shannon airport and on the way to Doolin will be able to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, a wee bit of leg stretching after the long flight. As they travel the winding roads towards Doolin they will have their first opportunity to see the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, which run for over five miles and stand more than 600 feet high. We suggested to our clients the charm and hospitality their guests could experience by staying at the local guesthouses and self-catering cottages (also more economical). They loved the idea and we have booked several for them.

During their stay there will be something for everyone, a ferry ride to the Aran Islands, a short drive to The Burren, unique limestone platforms stretching for miles and the nearby Poulnabrone Dolmen Stone dating back to 2500 B.C. For those who are spelunkers there are the Ailwee and Doolin Caves to explore. History buffs can visit several nearby castles where they can experience a medieval banquet or an old-fashioned Ceilhe (music and dancing) and don’t forget the musical “pubs”!

The family will journey over to County Longford to visit with their Irish relatives, thus creating a lasting bond for generations to come. We are sure this wedding celebration will create a wonderful family experience and memories to last a lifetime!

As you can tell by now, Ireland holds a special place in our hearts. It’s been a blessing to be able to travel much of Ireland, develop lasting relationships with local hosts and several outstanding Irish tour companies. We have experienced the fly-drives, chauffeur drives and coach tours which enable us to guide our clients in their travel choices. We have spent special days and evenings visiting new B&B’s, guesthouses, hotels, and castles, eating the fresh seafood at charming restaurants . The evenings spent singing with friends and family at local pubs, the adventure of traveling the winding Irish roads, never knowing what to expect ‘round the next bend, has made our travel business an endless adventure!

We hope we have given you a brief glimpse of the never-ending, magical experiences that are Ireland.