Premier Celtic Experts

 

Premier Celtic Experts

 

As the premier Celtic experts, no one knows Ireland & Scotland like Brendan Vacations. As Jameson is to whiskey, and Waterford is to crystal, so is Brendan to Ireland and Scotland. It’s who they are, it's what they do. From their Travel House in Los Angeles, California to their team behind the blue door in Dublin, they work together to provide you with the ultimate Celtic experience and a view through the eyes of the locals, seen by few.

 

Founded in 1969, Brendan had nearly 50 years to hone their Celtic expertise. From the gregarious locals to the vibrant culture, rich history and breathtaking sights, they know the destination best. Led by Catherine Reilly, Managing Director for over 30 years, Brendan’s local Dublin team hand-crafts each of their itineraries and has long-standing relationships with every Hotelier, Travel Director, Private Chauffeur, Local Host and Venue Manager that guests meet on their journey.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. Photo courtesy of go4travelblog.com

Guided by their mantra, ‘taking you personally’, they are passionate about delivering a completely authentic experience, tailored to their guests needs and interests. However they travel with Brendan, they’ll meet their storytellers, stay in their hand-selected accommodations, explore their rugged edge of the world and experience Brendan’s highly personalized service.

 

Their name comes from St. Brendan, patron saint of navigation, as they share his great passion for exploration and travel that has fueled the authentic vacation experiences they have created for travelers like you for nearly 50 years.

 

Brendan Vacations, originally known as Brendan Tours, was founded in 1969 in Los Angeles, California by a passionate Irishman. The company focused on selling worldwide tours, with an emphasis on vacations to Ireland & Scotland given its name and the origin its founder. In combination with the company’s growth, success and Celtic heritage, Brendan decided to open an office in County Wicklow, Ireland in 1984.

 

After nearly 40 years of success, Brendan entered new waters as it was purchased by the Travel Corporation in 2006 and changed its name from Brendan Tours to Brendan Vacations.

 

In 2011, Brendan Vacations moved from County Wicklow to its prestigious new home at 27 Merrion Square in Dublin. The building was originally built in 1766 and holds tremendous architectural, historical and design value. Set in the Georgian-style and once a residential district, Merrion Square was home to literary talent Oscar Wilde in the 1800s and our office itself was where Ireland’s first female President, Mary Robinson maintained her offices during her days of legal practice.

Ring of Brodgar, Orkney Islands, Scotland. Photo courtesy of go4travelblog.com


In 2014, Gavin Tollman took over management of Brendan Vacations and made the decision to return to its roots and concentrate on tours solely to Ireland and Scotland. They have been taking guests personally to their homelands ever since.

 

From fully-guided to customizable, independent private chauffeur, golf, locally hosted rail and self-drive vacations, our travel styles are tailored to the level of support you prefer.

 

Guided Vacations
Relax into the ultimate in stress-free travel. Each itinerary is carefully designed to showcase the must-see sights as well as stir your senses with their unsurpassed Insider Experiences, always with their local Travel Directors.

 

Private Chauffeur
Designed around you, for you, it starts at the airport with your chauffeur, who is then with you every step of the way. Travel via luxury vehicle with WiFi (fit for your group of any size!) and get the ultimate in personal care, local service and narration.

Adare manor Golf Course, Ireland. Photo courtesy of go4travelblog.com

Golf Vacations
Discover the home of golf and some of the most incredible courses offered in these beautiful countries. All arrangements of the details from tee times and transport to accommodations and sightseeing for both golfers and non-golfers.

 

Self Drive
Hit the open road on any budget with carefree confidence. You can rely Brendans’ connections and knowledge to arrange for the best destinations, best savings and ultimately, the best of the culture you’ve come to discover.

 

Special Interest
From planning a romantic getaway or honeymoon to visiting popular filming locations for Game of Thrones, Outlander or Star Wars, Brenden offers a range of unique itineraries that cater to your unique interests.

 

Whatever your preference, we'll take care of the logistics for you. You just worry about what to pack!

 

Call 443-852-1330 or 443-306-7646

 

Here's yet another option: Travel WITH your travel agent, Claire Hodgkin and local from home, and Claire leads you on a guided tour of Ireland. Interested in that? Let's chat!