Enchanting Ireland

We took this trip in 2014 and had an excellent time. Loved the Aran Islands. Well paced trip and Philip was a wonderful Tour Director. Hotels were centrally located except for the very last night which was spent in a restored castle. Philip regaled us with interesting Irish history. We did the extension and the hotel in Belfast was first rate. Went to the Giant Causeway but unfortunately the weather was cold and rainy and we were not able to climb amongst the rocks. The only negative was the Carlton Dublin hotel which is where we stayed the night before our flight. Had not been refurbished and we could hear the guests in the next room who kept us up most of the night. This hotel is only included in the extension and is not part of the regular tour. We did Eastern Europe with Odyssey in 2013 and Ireland in 2014. Planning on doing Norwegian Splendor this summer with Odyssey.

We recently got back from the May 1, 2016 trip to Ireland. It was fantastic! Our tour guide, Gerry O'Brien, was absolutely the best. He regaled us with stories and jokes, as well as the history of Ireland. Our bus driver, Ronan, was especially careful on those narrow, hairpin roads. He kept the new Mercedes 50-passenger bus in great condition by cleaning the windows and even waxing the tires regularly.
All of the hotels were spotlessly clean and in good locations. And the included meals were very tasty with usually a choice of 3-4 appetizers, 3-4 entrees and 2-3 desserts. My husband didn't care for one of the lunches, but that is the only minor "complaint" we would have for the entire trip.
There is a lot of variety in what we saw on the tour from monastic sites to forts high atop the Aran Islands. There is a bit of driving in order to see the varied landscapes in Connemara and the Ring of Kerry, but Gerry kept us well entertained and informed the entire trip.
I would be glad to answer any questions potential travelers may have. But just so you know how highly I felt about this tour, while in the Dublin airport waiting for my return flight to Albany, NY, I was already checking out the Odysseys website on where to go next. Once home on a Friday, I booked my next trip the following Monday!

Sue,
Keeping in mind that everyone's tastes are different, this is what we did and really loved everything. Day 1 - Upon arrival and check-in at the Shelbourne - we had requested an early check-in and our room was ready - we walked over to Grafton Street and enjoyed the buskers and the shops, had lunch at Bewley's Tavern, got a Hop-on, Hop-off tour of the city, getting off at the Guiness Storehouse for a tour and complimentary Guiness at the top floor bar overlooking the city. Day 2- Kilmainham Gaol, The Archeological Museum, Dublin Castle, Chester Beatty Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, Brazen Head Pub for dinner. Day 3 - took a pre-booked tour to Newgrange and Hill of Tara (Mary Gibbons Tours), which was wonderful, although we got back with not much time to spare to meet our Odysseys Group and go to dinner. On the tour, we had some free time one afternoon and used it to visit the library and revisit the Archeological Museum to see the things we had missed the first time, like the bog people!. Dublin is a very walkable city but we did use the HOHO bus for the things that were further out of the city center. Just fyi, there is a small corner eatery just down the street from the Shelbourne where we ate breakfast while not with the tour as it was much less expensive. Have fun!
Donna

Sue,
The HOHO in Dubllin makes a big one way circle and gives a very informative tour. It worked for us for Kilmainham and the Brewery but if you need to get somewhere more directly or more quickly, a cab is the better option.
Donna

Hi Eva,

We are happy to report that we indeed offer non-stop flights on our Enchanting Ireland tour from Boston and Newark, along with New York (JFK), Washington Dulles, and Chicago (ORD) via our preferred carriers for this tour, United Airlines or Aer Lingus. Should you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Service department, toll-free at (888) 370-6765 or by email:
customerservice@odysseys-unlimited.com

Hi Eva,
We hope to have the opportunity to celebrate your milestone with you!

Hi George and Marie,

Thank you for the note. Jessie is now listed on our website under our "Enchanting Ireland" tour here: odysseys-unlimited.com/about-us/tour-directors-all

She is an experienced tour director, and we wish you a very happy and enjoyable trip to Ireland!