Travel Agent Recommendation
 

Traveling to Ireland with a large family and need housing and tours arranged Should we go through a travel agency? If so, should they be from here or Ireland?

Unless you know someone, you should check out one of the incoming services companies in Ireland.

Rabbies is recommended most by Forum folks. I have not used them.

http://www.rabbies.com/tour_scotland...Fc1xQgods2kAdA

An Irish company will have more local knowledge than a US based bod who might have been to Ireland for a two day seminar 20 years ago. There is a register of agents for Ireland "Shamrock registered" this used to mean someone within the agency had substantial knowledge, Now an agency can just Buy membership like a non driver joining the AA because they like the badge.

Is there a reason you do not have faith in your own ability to organise the trip with the help of some well informed people who have recent or local knowledge?

Hi Rastaguy.. how was your trip (without wishing to hijack the tread) you got a trip report in the offering.. (& hows the Raccoon)

Bad news t2p. In August, when we were supposed to be in Ireland, both of my wife's parents died. My wife had already been getting her second thoughts about Ireland, so I cancelled the trip.

A month ago, I fell and fractured my shoulder and tore my rotator cuff. I'm a tad bit older than you, so I'm out for the (beer) count.

After learning a ton of info from you and others, I had to put the info back into storage until she wants to go again.

Been a bad year all round by the sound of things. Please pass my sympathies. Ireland isn't going anywhere so will keep my welcome and invitation open for when the time is right :)

Ireland is a fantastic destination, Rita. I just returned as I was there with Tourism Ireland as a Ireland Specialist. With a group, it can certainly be challenging with transportation, accommodations with children, and tour choices. There are definitely some great accommodations with multiple bedrooms, etc. Reach out if you need some assistance!

http://www.cietours.com/us/

CIE Tours is I believe owned by the Irish Government - web site says so and claims to be the largest player in bookings for Americans going to Ireland. Very reputable for a long time I think.

Rita, I thought you were going to let those kids do this for you! Have you decided where you want to base yourself? One, two or three places? Is it the driving you are worried about? If so, do contact Butler coaches. They have buses to accommodate ten to twenty or more and would work with you. If you all are renting a couple of vans then you really don't need a travel agent. There are so many resources here with Tony and others. Tell us where and what you want to see.

Linda Terrill is an incredibly knowledgeable TA when it comes to Ireland: http://www.luxurytravelireland.com

We arranged our tour in Nov 2011 with an American Company called Tenon Tours for 4 adults. They booked hotels in the cities we wanted to see (Dublin, Galway, Killarney, & Kilkenny), arranged for a private driver for only the days we needed one(5 days only), and airport transfers to/from hotel. We booked flights ourselves. Tenon subcontracted with a Irish company for the drivers. I will say that this was the best vacation I ever took. While some don't mind driving themselves, I knew all the driving would be on my shoulders. The driver was invaluable to us. He made suggestions along the way and even called ahead to make reservations. The many hours I sat in the front seat of his van just talking about Ireland and the Irish people was probably the most enjoyable aspect of the trip. When we return to Ireland in a few years, we will use the same tour company and hopefully the same driver as before.