Name: Amy Strong
Agency: Helloworld Travel Strathpine
Q: What were the highlights of your famil?
A: Being able to view Ashford Castle, being treated to afternoon tea at the castle, taking part in the School of Falconry display and also staying at The Lodge at the castle.
Having guided tours at most of the attractions we visited, such as Rock of Cashel, Titanic Belfast and the Guinness Storehouse, enriched each experience in a way that you couldn’t get walking through on your own.
Ashford Castle
Q: What was your favourite experience during the trip?
A: I couldn’t get enough of the beautiful scenery and the fresh crisp air, with our visit to the Cliffs of Moher being one of the many heart soaring moments to remember.
Q: Was there anything about the destination that surprised you?
A: I was pleasantly surprised by all of the family-owned and operated businesses we learnt about and visited along the way.
To meet people who live and breathe and love what they do was so refreshing and really made you feel a connection to what they were producing, turning what would have been a regular transaction into an immersive experience. I loved it.
Q: Was there anything you would change or that you’d like to have seen more of?
A: I would have loved to have seen a bit more and spent more time along the south west coast and areas along the south end of the Wild Atlantic Way.
But in saying that, there was nothing I would have changed about the trip – it was spectacular. I just need to go back and see more again soon!
Q: How was your interaction with the locals?
A: So very warm and welcoming! I felt like I was a visiting family member when talking with some of the lovely locals we met. It was like we were already old friends.
Q: Did you learn a lot about the culture of the destination?
A: Absolutely. The overall feel of welcome and the pride of the Irish people in their country, counties, towns and businesses, painted a picture of what it means to be Irish and It felt very special to be a part of it during our stay.
Q: How would you describe the overall experience of Ireland to your clients?
A: An incredible, awe-inspiring holiday. The people, sights, sounds, experiences and stories all knit together in an unforgettable journey through a place like nowhere else.
Name: Genine McHugh
Agency: MTA Travel
Q: What were the highlights of your famil?
A: The whole trip was a highlight for me as I hadn’t been to Ireland before and I loved it. I thought the countryside was beautiful with so many scenic vistas seen everyday during our stops and from inside the coach.
The wonderful people we met from the tourist boards, attractions and experiences were all so passionate about Ireland and Northern Ireland – it was contagious.
Q: What was your favourite experience during the trip?
A: The falcon walk at Ashford Castle, closely followed by the high tea and the wolfhound walk – it was a quintessential Irish castle experience. I also loved Cashel Palace and have sent clients to both recently to experience the equine options, falcon and wolfhound walk.
I also loved EPIC, which I did before the start of the tour, the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Titanic Museum and the Game of Thrones tour in Northern Ireland.
Q: Was there anything about the destination that surprised you?
A: The food was mostly excellent and not what I imagined.
Q: Was there anything you would change or that you’d like to have seen more of?
A: I think it was a great overview of different areas and for the time we had we really saw a brilliant amount of the country.
Q: How was your interaction with the locals?
A: Loved all of it. The ladies doing the baking classes; wow, my scones are no longer hard as rocks! The music at the pubs was amazing.
Q: Did you learn a lot about the culture of the destination?
A: Yes, most definitely and I have increased my Ireland sales by double.
Q: How would you describe the overall experience of Ireland to your clients?
A: I describe it as an “experience” that you need to go to the pubs with live music and out to the countryside to appreciate the wonderful people and rugged green beautiful country.
Westport House
Name: Ellen Goodwin
Agency: Flight Centre Baulkham Hills
Q: What were the highlights of your famil?
A: Ireland had been on my bucket list for a long time and it really did live up to my expectations. Mary, our guide for part of the trip, had amazing knowledge, which enhanced our experiences in each destination.
The Rock of Cashel and site inspection of the Cashel Palace were my first highlights. The cooking classes were also highlights, especially learning how to make soda bread.
The Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum was another standout – I could have spent longer there. The Black Cab tour in Belfast was also interesting as it gave a balanced insight into the history of the city.
I also really enjoyed the visit to Armagh, another place I would have liked to have spent longer at.
Q: What was your favourite experience during the trip?
A: Ashford Castle was amazing! I felt so spoilt with the delicious afternoon tea and the falconry experience surprised me.
Q: Was there anything about the destination that surprised you?
A: The food was amazing, though I don’t know if that was a surprise!
Q: Was there anything you would change or that you’d like to have seen more of?
A: I liked that the itinerary was more ‘off the beaten track’ and that we also spent time in Northern Ireland.
I’ve recommended the Dark Sky Observatory to clients visiting Northern Ireland and also Armagh. I will need to go back to see the south coast though.
Q: How was your interaction with the locals?
A: They were very welcoming and are so proud of their towns and their food!
Q: How would you describe the overall experience of Ireland to your clients?
A: It was a wonderful experience. Ireland is such a welcoming country and beautiful. It’s so green!
Many of my clients do tours so I am more confident matching itineraries to their interests and making recommendations to my clients who will rent a car and self-drive.
For more itinerary ideas for your clients, visit www.ireland.com
