Last week I had the pleasure of a 6 day tour of Ireland with a lovely family from Syracuse, New York.  It was the first time in Ireland for Margarite & John. Margarita never thought she could make the trip, but thanks to her son Robert who accompanied them, she took the plunge and made the journey across the pond. The family booked Emerald Irish Tours to collect them up from the airport and be the driver/guide for their 6 day tour of Ireland. They stayed in the Trump International Hotel and Golf Links in Doonbeg , County Clare. The location is about halfway along the Wild Atlantic Way ,which makes it a great base for a driving tour of the West of Ireland.

Margarite had wanted to come to Ireland since she was a young child and had envisioned the trip in her head a thousand times. One of the many special moments was when Margarite put her feet on Irish soil and took a short walk out on to the grass. She explained to us that it was exactly as she imagined, green, fresh and unspoiled. One more experience checked off on her bucket list!

We spent many special moments together during the 6 day tour of Ireland. Every day bringing something different and uniquely Irish. The vista from the Cliffs of Mother, a walk in The Burren National Park and a tour of the Lighthouse on the Loop Head Peninsula. Lunch in the 5 star Dromoland Castle, meandering the streets of the medieval town of Ennis and shopping in the Woolen Mills. A day trip to the Aran Islands followed the next day by a trip across the Shannon river to County Limerick and the picturesque town of Adare. One of the groups favourite activities during their Irish vacation was visiting a local farmhouse not far from their hotel. The family set at the kitchen table and ate traditionally baked scones and drank tea with the lady of the house. We all talked and laughed like old friends.

We became so comfortable together during our tour that at the end of the 6 days, I was calling Margarite and John Mom and Dad, at their request of course!

I hope that Margarite, John and Robert come back to Ireland again. I’m already looking forward to their next trip!

Irish Soil

Wild Atlantic Way

A Farm Visit

Dromoland Castle