Crystal Travel & Tours

08/05/2024

Austin and his wife spent a magical night on the Causeway Coast during their honeymoon in Ireland in 2023, and they made sure to visit the historic Bushmills Distillery! 🍀🥃

They told us that nearby The Bushmills Inn Hotel was their favorite accommodation from the entire trip, with its delicious food, comfortable rooms, and friendly staff - the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Northern Ireland. 🍽️🛏️

Thanks for letting us be part of your honeymoon adventure!✈️

08/04/2024

Hi Everyone! Andy here with my Mom, getting thing in order for the big trip!!!
My Mom decided to enlist the help of Crystal Travel & Tours instead of trying to make all arrangements herself. I am really glad she did because now my Mom is not stressed.
Michaela, the really nice lady, has made special arrangements. When we get to Galway we have a chauffeur (not sure what a chauffeur is … but I think it is a type of person) picking us up at the airport and taking us to a wonderful hotel called The Ardilaun Hotel . We have a room with a patio that opens up into the garden “I just can’t wait to smell the flowers” Oh and hope there is a place to p*e!
The next day we go on a tour that’s perfect for dogs like me and my Mom, she says we’re going to see killer sheep, (oh dear?) lake monsters (mmmm) and a castle she’s really excited. Me…. I’m not so sure about it but I am going just to make sure my Mom is safe and maybe she will by me an ice cream cone for lunch!
A big thanks to Michaela at Crystal Travel and tours for taking all the travel stress away from Mom, that makes my job of keeping her calm a lot easier.
Stay tuned for what I am doing to get ready for this adventure.
Robyn Silva

08/01/2024

White Park Bay is a true gem of the Causeway Coast, where you can enjoy not only stunning white sand and beautiful scenery but sometimes meet the beach-loving cows who call this place home! 🐄🌊

See these gentle grazers who are known to sunbathe on the sand and wander the beach before heading back to their lush green pastures. It’s a unique and delightful experience that adds to the charm of this incredible spot! 🌟🏖️

Check out our latest blog for more amazing destinations for your Causeway Coast road trip!🚗

07/29/2024

Discover the charm of the Elephant Rock, a 4-star gem in the heart of Portrush🌊

Conveniently located just 15 minutes from the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway and 10 minutes from the historic Dunluce Castle, the charming Elephant Rock Hotel offers an ideal base for exploring the Causeway Coast.🌅

With its modern seasonal menu, signature cocktails and stunning ocean views, it’s no surprise that it was named one of The Times Top 28 Most Stylish Beach Hotels!🏨

Enjoy stunning ocean views, chic décor, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes Elephant Rock Hotel the perfect destination for a luxurious retreat on your Causeway Coast adventure.🌊🍹

✈️ Call or email us today to book your stay!

07/26/2024

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Causeway Coast in just 15 seconds!🌊⛰️

Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures or peaceful escapes, this stunning region offers something for everyone.🌅

Start your journey here, and let the magic of the Causeway Coast inspire your next adventure.✈️

07/22/2024

Nancy and her husband had an amazing adventure with us in Ireland, and here they are at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher! 🌄

You might recognize this iconic spot from movies like The Princess Bride (1987), Leap Year (2010), and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009).🎬

Thanks for traveling with us, Nancy! We hope your memories are as magical as the views! 🍀✨

07/19/2024

Golf doesn’t have to be the focus of your Irish escape, but it’s a fantastic addition! ⛳️ ✨

Imagine enjoying a leisurely round of golf in the mornings and then exploring Ireland’s amazing landscapes and rich culture with your (non-golfer) family or friends in the afternoons. 🍀

Choose from a private driver or rent a car for the flexibility to create your ideal Irish adventure. 🚗🌄

Check out one of our incredible itineraries and contact us to start planning your perfect getaway! ‍✈️

07/17/2024

📸🌊 Did You Know Ireland is Home to Some of the Most Stunning Waterfalls? 🌿🍀

When you think of Ireland, you might imagine lush green landscapes, ancient castles, and charming villages, but did you know that this beautiful Emerald Isle is also home to a number of breathtaking waterfalls? 🌄💧

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Sligo, The Devil’s Chimney - also known as Sliabh an Iarainn - is Ireland’s tallest waterfall, standing proudly at an impressive 492 feet! 🏞️

Legend has it that the name comes from the mythological tales and folklore, where the devil would pour out his fiery anger through the falls, creating a roaring cascade that’s mesmerizing to this day. 🌧️🔥

The walk to the Devil’s Chimney is a delightful experience. The gentle hike is suitable for most fitness levels and is perfect for a relaxing day out in the picturesque countryside.🍃

Ready to explore Ireland’s natural beauty? Call or email us today to book your trip!✈️

06/19/2024

Maura and her husband recently returned from a delightful 3-city trip around Europe. Their pictures beautifully capture their journey, highlighting the wonderful experiences they had. One of the highlights was a food tour in Paris, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

Including food tours for travelers exploring a big city for the first time is a fantastic way to connect with locals, see more of the city, and discover great dining spots for the rest of the trip. We're thrilled that Maura and her husband had such a wonderful time on their trip planned by Michaela!

05/10/2024

Ireland driving tip: If you panic while driving the Conor Pass on Di**le Peninsula, DO NOT TRY TO TURN AROUND! 😅
More like "Conor, you shall not Pass!"

Better options to avoid this situation:
1. Hire a driver/guide
2. Skip the Conor Pass if you're not confident driving
3. Take some deep breaths and continue driving slow and steady

Edit: The person who took the photo told us Di**le Peninsula and we assumed Conor Pass for the puns 😂 Glad to see it's caused quite the discussion online!

05/06/2024

Take in the very best of Switzerland on this exciting 7-day itinerary. Travelling by rail throughout, marvel at the diversity of bustling cities and shimmering lakes; from snow-capped mountain peaks to palm-tree lined streets. With panoramic carriages, these trains and destinations truly offer something for everyone.
https://bit.ly/4a3VrvL

04/29/2024

You don't have to plan your trip to Ireland around golf, but you can certainly include it! Imagine a memorable journey with family or friends, where you can sneak in a round or two of golf in the mornings. Afterward, you can reunite with your group for the afternoon's adventures. Choose between hiring a private driver or renting a car for added flexibility.

Patrick (pictured) went with a rental car and had plenty of fun on and off the links.

See our brand new range of "Tee and See" tours:
https://bit.ly/4aBWVyo

04/01/2024

"Beautiful day, isn't it?" inquired the woman at the snack shack beside Keem Beach on Achill Island. I looked down at my hands which were buried deep in the pockets of my big jacket, on this windswept coastline, beneath an overcast sky, and a temperature not quite touching 50F.

"It is, indeed," I responded, and immediately wondered why I felt like I meant it. It was because I did. You don't need beautiful weather for a beautiful day on the Wild Atlantic Way.

It was dull and overcast, bright and sunny, rainy and blustery, windy and calm. Whether I wore my coat and hat, or just my swimsuit (sauna and cold plunge), I was comfortable. The day was capped off by the most ridiculous of rainbows.

I often emphasize the benefits of visiting during the low season and how it's a missed opportunity for many. No one comes to Ireland for the weather but I think they should!

⛅ This changeable weather is almost guaranteed in March/April.
🐑 It was pretty much just me and the sheep on Silver Strand.
🌄 The sun rose before 7am and set after 8pm.
💸 You will save a lot compared to July/August.

Beautiful day, indeed.

03/19/2024

Discover the abundance of wonders in Northern Ireland, with the Causeway Coast standing as its pulsating core.

Delve deeper into this remarkable region: https://bit.ly/3TfbTTq

03/13/2024

Game of Thrones may not have stuck the landing in the final seasons but the scenery of Northern Ireland never disappointed. See some of the stunning locations that were used during the course of the show and learn about a couple more cool attractions that you can visit.

Having witnessed the epic battles, unexpected road trips and even deadly dragons, it is now time for the real life...

03/11/2024

Welcome back to the Massachusetts State Police group. Another fun trip ahead coordinated by Josephine at Crystal Travel & Tours. This is always a fun trip and we love to tour with them. First stop today was Garda HQ in the Phoenix Park.

03/06/2024

Northern Ireland is just waiting to be explored

03/04/2024

We are proud of our great testimonials from our clients who have traveled with us for one reason or another. For Michael, it was kismet after many failed attempts with other travel agents.

Full story here: https://bit.ly/4bTWyQI

02/20/2024

We love a cheesy rom-com that involves a bit of the supernatural and stars Lindsay Lohan - but when it's also filmed in Ireland 👌

Irish Wish is out on Netflix March 15th.

Whenever we learn of a new movie or television show filming in Ireland, we get hopelessly excited. The fact that...

01/31/2024

❓ DID YOU KNOW ❓

Eire, Island of Destiny, Ireland. This country is one of many names, and many nicknames, but the Emerald Isle and the Land of Saints and Scholars are the two most popular.

✈️ Call or email us today to book your trip to learn why Ireland has so many names!
Get started: https://bit.ly/4aXi86g

01/30/2024

There are so many pubs in Dublin, how can you pick?

Good thing we have a tour for that! 🥂

On the Perfect Pint Tour, you'll enjoy:
🍺 Four of the best pints of Guinness* in Dublin
🏠 Four traditional pubs
📷 A scenic tour of Dublin with locals
🎻 Great Irish tunes
🚗 Luxury transportation
👩‍🎓 And best of all, the chance to learn how to pour your own pint!

*Beer, cider, wine, and NA drinks are also available

✈️ Call or email us today to book your trip!
Get started: https://bit.ly/48wX3hB

📸: perfectpinttour

01/29/2024

Today's Irish inspiration is for the book lovers.

Charlie Byrne's Bookshop in Galway is one of Ireland's best-loved independent bookstores with over 100,000 new and used books. You can find nearly anything you're looking for here! What better souvenir from your trip to Ireland than a book about Ireland from an Irish writer?

✈️ Call or email us today to book your trip!
Get started: https://bit.ly/3S4eqzo

01/26/2024

Looking for a place to stay on your trip to Killarney?

Check out the Fairview Killarney! This boutique 4-star hotel is right in town, making it the perfect location to enjoy both a day spend exploring the National Park and a night in one of Killarney's many pubs.

✈️ Call or email us today to book your stay!
Get started: https://bit.ly/4aMqLk2

📸:

01/25/2024

Another five-star review from one of our travelers!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Carol went to Ireland last September on a trip that she booked with Travel Expert Ann. Here's what she had to say:
"Loved absolutely everything! Connecting with some locals who were able to help me find my grandfather's home was just AMAZING. I drove over 950 Kilometers and it was fantastic. Getting a bit lost of the beaten track and coming upon an amazing view!! The people were kind and helpful. I'm already thinking of our next trip."

Thanks, Carol!

✈️ Call or email us today to book your own trip!
Get started: https://bit.ly/48uEYAN

📸: Carol

01/24/2024

❓ DID YOU KNOW - Irish Ancestry Version!❓

Did you know that you can use the Belfast City Council Burial Search website to search for names in your family history journey? These detailed records could be a great place to learn more about your ancestry if you know you had relatives in Northern Ireland.

✈️ Call or email us today to book your trip to find out more about where you're from!
Get started: https://bit.ly/3HhQ14k

01/23/2024

It's not too late to sign up for a music-filled guided tour of Ireland this April!

Join Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh as she explores Ireland’s stunning landscapes, while enjoying traditional tunes and stories, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Highlights include:
📍 Ennis
📍 Afternoon tea at Markree Castle
📍 Sliabh Liag Cliffs
📍 Tweed Visitor Centre in Ardara
📍 Tory Island
📍 Galway ‘City of the Tribes’
📍 Cliffs of Moher
📍 Doolin

✈️ Call or email us today to book your trip!
Get started: https://bit.ly/3RZXoSC

01/22/2024

Have you seen the doors of Dublin? These painted Georgian doors give the city a pop of color and can be seen across the city!

✈️ Call or email us today to book your trip and see for yourself!
Get started: https://bit.ly/3vvSgOS

01/19/2024

The Cliff House Hotel near Waterford is one of the finest small luxury five-star hotels in Ireland. This 39-room boutique property sits along the cliffs of Ardmore Bay in the traditional fishing village of Ardmore.

Guests can enjoy:
🥂 A full bar
🏋️‍♂️ A fitness centre
⛳ A golf course
👧 A kids' club
👕 Laundry facilities
🏊‍♀️ A beautiful pool
💆🏻‍♀️ an excellent full-service spa
🍽️ And the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Ireland outside Dublin!

✈️ Call or email us today to book your stay!
Get started: https://bit.ly/3TLSICr

📸: Cliff House Hotel

01/18/2024

Looking to explore Iceland this year?

Relax and recharge in comfortable country hotel accommodation whilst travelling around Iceland and discovering the amazing sights on our 9-day Country Luxury self-drive tour!

Soak in geothermal pools, experience adventurous activities, and taste delicious Icelandic food along the way.

See:
📍 Hraunfossar
📍 Reykjavík
📍 Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa
📍 Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
📍 Golden Circle
📍 Lake Mývatn

✈️ An ideal option for romantic couples or honeymooners. Call or email us today to book your trip!
Get started: https://bit.ly/4aMCcII

01/17/2024

❓ DID YOU KNOW ❓

Did you know that the average Irish person drinks nearly 100 liters of beer every year? Ireland ranks 7th in global beer consumption, and it's such a part of the culture that the country as a whole consumed almost 450 million liters last year alone!

No better place to enjoy a pint than in a classic pub on your own tour around Ireland 🇮🇪🍻🇮🇪

✈️ Call or email us today to book your trip!
Get started: https://bit.ly/3H5YUxR