Brendan Vacations

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Brendan Vacations

Authentic Ireland & Scotland Vacations Planned by Locals. Discover your Celtic Story with Brendan Vacations. We only do Ireland and Scotland tours and trips.

We are the Irish and Scottish travel experts dedicated to ‘taking you personally’ on each of our hand-crafted Celtic vacations. Our dedicated team of Celtic destination experts have over 55 years of experience in providing handcrafted, immersive vacations that combine people, places and culture, each planned, managed and personally delivered by passionate, fun-loving locals. As we like to say, we

are ‘anything in a kilt’ – your personal connection to our homelands. We celebrate and welcome all types of travelers, from couples looking to honor an anniversary, a family looking to broaden their horizons and make new memories or a solo adventurer wanting to veer off the beaten path. We can accommodate these and everyone in between, at any time of the year. From fully guided vacations to customizable private chauffeur-driven, self-drive or rail trips, our range of travel styles means it’s easy to find what works best for you. We make all the required arrangements to craft your journey, your stays, and introduce you to our amazing connections along the way. We'll share our insights, our stories and our beloved homelands, taking care of it all so you can relax and enjoy creating your own Brendan story with the most authentic experiences Ireland and Scotland have to offer.

04/26/2025

We know we are a little early but.... welcome to the dark side? Just kidding, but a little darkness was absolutely the answer this week: it was International Dark Sky Week (IDSW)

This is a worldwide event that draws attention to light pollution, promoting simple solutions and, of course, celebrating the irreplaceable beauty of a natural night.

Ireland is luckily home to three internationally recognized dark sky places:
✅ Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve
✅Mayo International Dark Sky Park
✅OM Dark Sky Park

Stopping light pollution is more than just seeing the stars: There's the impact of artificial light at night on human health (ahem late night scrolling, anyone?), the environment, animals and energy waste. So, turn off the lights, and step out into the night friends - and don't forget to look up!

04/25/2025

You heard it here first: The Davenport hotel in Dublin, Ireland is soon unveiling its new, luxuriant and contemporary spa. This new era of wellness for the hotel is defined as a place where "quiet luxury meets contemporary wellness in a space thoughtfully crafted to reset the senses. The Davenport Thermal Spa is a retreat where heat, water, and architecture come together in quiet harmony."

The warm minimalist design is elegant, creating an exclusive and calming atmosphere for rejuvenating treatments, all tucked into the heart of Dublin's lively bustle. The Thermal Spa will host a Himalayan salt sauna, Italian mosaic steam, vitality pools and quiet, serene spaces where "Every detail is created to relax, recharge and restore from the inside out."

The Davenport is known for its historic charm that draws guests in, inviting them to experience the character and story that dates back to the early 17th century. The Thermal Spa is set to open June 2025, so if you're stopping in on your travels with us, let's make sure you have time to unwind and enjoy.

04/23/2025

It is a truth universally acknowledged that an island with beautiful scenery must be in want of some visitors.... at least we THINK that's how the story goes...

Here's five of the MANY locations in Ireland that share the romantic qualities of Pride & Prejudice filming locations that you can visit on your trip with us (Pemberley, its incomes and a one eligible Mr. Darcy not included).

✅ Mount Congreve
✅Powerscourt Estate, House & Gardens
✅The Ring of Kerry
✅The Cliffs of Moher
✅Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farm

Jane Austen never visited Ireland (more's the pity), but we like to think that a trip our fair seaside would have absolutely restored her (and calmed Mrs. Bennet's poor nerves).

04/22/2025

Earth Day News Update:

Brendan Vacations has officially become the first Irish tour operator to achieve the Gold Standard Certification from the Sustainable Tourism Network (STN), a major milestone for responsible tourism in Ireland.

With our commitment to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and guided by the How We Tread Right strategy and the TreadRight Foundation, we’re proud to ensure every journey supports environmental protection, community development and the preservation of cultural heritage.

What did we do to get here? Well, we:

✅ Rolled out our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Checklist to inspire mindful travel choices
✅ Included climate action training for our Sustainability Squad + on-site reminders to act sustainably
✅ Switched to 100% renewable electricity, with a goal to reduce usage by 10% per employee by end of 2025
✅ Upgraded to LED lighting and motion sensors to save energy in our offices
✅ Partner with local guides to preserve the living cultural heritage of every place we visit

And more!
We are incredibly proud of the hard and thoughtful work that this certification represents, underscoring the commitment and progress Brendan Vacations has made as part of the larger TTC sustainability strategy, all guided by the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development and aims to address the impact of travel on the planet, people, and wildlife.

04/10/2025

Quick poll for the golfers in the audience: Where in Scotland would you want to test your skill at golf?

Golf's homelands in Scotland (Ireland too!) are iconic in their own right for so many reasons, but many consider a trip to our Celtic shores to be the ultimate destination for playing a round (or many) of the greatest game.

Morris, Palmer and more have walked these greens and parklands - why not you?
Check out more here: https://bit.ly/3XRQRxg

04/09/2025

Things to Do in Dublin: Visit Epic Museum

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin ditches the “look, don’t touch” vibe and instead pulls you into the emotional, adventurous, and downright wild stories of the 10 million people who left Ireland and made waves across the world.

From famous musicians to inspiring leaders, athletes and cultural influencers, this award-winning museum is a high-tech love letter to Irish heritage.

If you’re looking for one of the top Dublin attractions that’s as entertaining as it is meaningful, make a beeline for EPIC Museum —it’s Irish history travel with a side of heart and humor.

04/04/2025

These are the most asked after places to visit in Dublin.
They're iconic, they're important and they're popular for a reason.
And chances are - you've wondered about them too.
Whether they're on your bucketlist or you're debating about them here's what everyone asks about. Which ones have you seen?

📍 Guinness Storehouse - It's a multi-level history, museum and brewery tour all in one and at the top: A sky-high bar.
📍 St Patrick's Cathedral - An absolute marvel of 12th century architecture and a focal point of history.
📍 EPIC Museum - This award-winning museum explores the connections of the Irish emigrant impact, worldwide and is fully interactive. Amazing for families.
📍 Dublin Castle - Once a Norman fortress and the former seat of British rule in Ireland, it houses government, arts and history. Perfect for a calm afternoon.
📍 Kilmainham Gaol - Formerly an incarceration center it held criminals, rebels and political throughout Ireland's battle for independence. Emotional, political and candid.
📍 Trinity College Long Room -This beautiful library is the cap to visiting the Book of Kells. But - it will be closed at the end of 2025 for up to three years for a restorative, protective retrofitting.
📍 Temple Bar Pub - THE pub that everyone asks about. There will be music, there will be waits, but it's an experience to have for a pint or a round, and then go walk the district around it.

What others would you add? Comment Below!

04/01/2025

Do you want to experience incredible landscapes and be immersed in Celtic culture, while performing an important cultural heritage service? This might be your chance. Brendan Vacations is seeking to fill a role of fairy researcher to add more stories and magic to the foundations of our handcrafted travel.

Click here for more: https://bit.ly/4je1inb

Following an increase in interest in travel to the lands of fae realms and legends, this is a unique opportunity to take a role that is almost too good to be true.

Preferred qualifications:

✨ A love of historic texts and folklore
✨ A willingness to travel Ireland and Scotland
✨ A dedication to sharing and preserving stories of the Celtic Isles

03/11/2025

We're more than ready to fly our flags for St. Patrick's Day, how about you?

The St. Patrick's Day Parades in Ireland are a mainstay and Dublin's is the most famous one, drawing talent from all over Ireland - and all over the world. We mean it when we say on March 17, everyone is Irish.

Whether you're in our cities, towns or villages, it's a day to celebrate and be a part of our traditions, culture, and of course - all the good craic!
Come be a part of it next year, or any time you want! Explore oour St. Patrick's Day Sale (and save $317 per person) here https://bit.ly/4iEcOYx and let us navigate your way to our homelands!

03/09/2025

Q & A: Which of our custom trips would you take first? Second? Third?

What if we told you they're on sale, right now: https://bit.ly/4i4pU0Q

03/08/2025

This International Women's Day, we want to take a moment to recognize and highlight the dedication, creativity and passion of the women who make our travel and experiences possible.

Our leadership, our teams, our Travel Directors, Local Hosts and Specialists, to our guests and partners, everyone involved - it's your drive that makes so much of our Celtic magic come to life.

Specifically in terms of "drive" this year, Brendan Vacations has welcomed more women to our Private Chauffeur luxury travel: Kate O’Sullivan, Rose Flannery and Linda Champ.

Thank you for your exceptional expertise and passion for showcasing Ireland’s beauty to Brendan’s guests. We are proud to have you taking the wheel and steering journeys (and making memories) for our guests.

03/01/2025

It's more than a day - it's a state of mind.
Save $317* all month on our custom travel styles and make our Celtic homelands your next vacation destination, at any time of year.
Click here to find out more: https://bit.ly/4i4pU0Q

02/27/2025

When you're a National Park, you just wake up like this.

In County Kerry's southwest, Killarney National Park stretches out over an expanse of rugged and mountainous Irish countryside, bringing with it the beautiful Lakes of Killarney. Ireland has so many national treasures, and our countryside, as protected in Killarney National Park, is just one of its shining jewels.

Meadows and mountains, forests and falls, a castle by a lake and horse drawn carriage rides - Killarney National Park kind of has it all.

We're kinda really big fans of this really big park.

Did you know:
It has a sister park in the United States: Glacier National Park in Montana?
Killarney NP is home to Ireland's herd of indigenous Red Deer
The teeny, tiny, delicate Killarney Fern was once gathered to almost extinction!
The also super delicate Butterwort plant found here is a vicious flowery predator-a carnivorous plant that calls the region home.

Drop your Killarney National Park facts, fun or fond memories in the comments and show our National Parks some love!

Time to see the park for yourself or make your grand return? You're in luck - check out our St Patrick's Day Sale here: https://www.brendanvacations.com/en-us/special-offers/stpatricks-day-sale

02/24/2025

You're in luck: our St. Patrick's Day Travel Sale starts now with $317* per person savings on customizable travel to Ireland & Scotland here: https://bit.ly/4i4pU0Q

Come, see Ireland and Scotland with travel itineraries designed by the Celtic Experts, customized by you. Choose from our travel styles and explore our homelands year-round.

Footage credit: Tourism Ireland & Failte Ireland

02/18/2025

Can't pick just one? Go ahead - list them all out, more is more!

Or - explore here: https://bit.ly/3EBmcxj

02/14/2025

Just a wee bit of romance from Galway for Valentine's Day.

It doesn't matter which way our Claddagh ring faces, Galway's always got a place in our hearts.
From the love-note red of the ho**er boat sails, the cobblestone streets meant for strolling, the love songs drifting out of the pubs towards the river, to the golden hands in rings holding fast and together, Galway: Taim i mo ghrá duit (I love you).

Learn more about Claddagh rings and their connection with Galway on our newest blog: https://www.brendanvacations.com/blog/?p=876158

photo credit: Tourism Ireland, Failte Ireland

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http://www.brendanvacations.com/

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