Below are a collection of testimonials from 2019, all planned by Ann.
Tom J. | Ireland | March, 2019
Name Tom
How would you rate your trip overall? 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. Galway: proximity to town. Unparalleled service. Decor/furnishings- awesome!
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. Coaches were excellent! On time, knowledgeable, professional, flexible. Courteous.
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? Kilmainham Gaol. Belfast hop on/hop off. Dublin hop on hop off.
What was your favorite part of the trip? Trans Atlantic, multi-generational family reunion.
Would you travel with us again? Yes. Check in mid trip.
Any other questions or comments? Ann O’Brien was amazing. Ann deserves a raise. Coordinated 3 groups, specific remote location requests, enabled a 35 person, multi generation family Re-Union. Life changing.
Patti G. | Ireland | March, 2019
Name Patti
How would you rate your trip overall? 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. Every hotel was centrally located, boutique and very friendly!
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. The trip was made more relaxing with a great driver/tour guide who recommended lots of off-the-grid sights, as well as awesome restaurants and music in each city.
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? We loved the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, the food (surprising us) and just about everything else.
What was your favorite part of the trip? Having a driver was key for us. We didn’t have to deal with directions, driving on the other side of the road, etc. All airport transfers and hotels were taken care of making our trip run smoothly!
Would you travel with us again? Yes. I can’t think of anything I would improve.
Any other questions or comments? Thank you to Anne for planning our trip to perfection! And being available throughout our journey.
Glenn W. | Ireland | March, 2019
Name: Glenn
How would you rate your trip overall?: 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert?: Ann
How were your accommodations?: Great. All of the hosts were great! Very friendly and great stories! Liked staying in Dingle and Doolin the most. The Cabra Castle was good for one stay but would not want to return.
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation?: No. The car they gave us had a tire going down. Finally went flat in Cork on a cold rainy day. Thank God for a helpful stranger who changed it for us. Because I rubbed the curb when pulling over, Hertz is charging me for the tire.
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy?: Cliffs of Moher Blarney Castle Dingle Peninsula Town of Dingle
What was your favorite part of the trip?: Dingle Peninsula Cliffs of Moher Scenery of countryside on western side of Ireland
Would you travel with us again?: Yes. Everything was great. We didn’t like going to Dublin Airport so next time we’ll want to arrive and depart from Shannon.
Any other questions or comments?: We loved the west side of Ireland. Next time we go, we’ll want to stay longer on the Dingle Peninsula and Doolin.
Glen also sent us an email upon his return.
Hi Ann,
I completed your survey but wanted to tell you how fantastic our trip was. We appreciate how you were there for us and handled the postponements for us. We felt secure knowing you were there for us. We will want to return sometime in the future and spend more time on the Dingle Peninsula area and in Doolin. Those were our two favorite areas. All of the B & Bs were great and the hosts were fantastic! We enjoyed their personal attention and the numerous stories we heard from them. The Cabra Castle was awesome to see but was our least favorite place overall.
The only issue we had was with one of the tires on the rental car. Soon after departing Shannon, we noticed the low pressure indicator light on. It went flat in Cork on a two way street only wide enough for one car. When I pulled to the edge to change the tire, I rubbed the curb. Hertz saw the marks on the tire and are now charging me for a new tire which is quite expensive. I plan to dispute this with them but now sure how far I’ll get. The Hertz guy that checked us in was quite rude, sarcastic and aggressive when returning the car. Don’t know if the travel insurance will help with that as well as the numerous delays at the start of our trip. Again, thanks for your assistance with everything. You made this a memorable event for us!
Glenn and Wanda
Debbie G. | Ireland | April, 2019
Name Deborah
How would you rate your trip overall? 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. I loved all the hotels – very clean, convenience of locations, ALL staff and everyone in Ireland in general very genuinely nice and helpful. I was very impressed with all hotels.
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. I loved everything about Ireland!! My first time there. Very beautiful country, all people super nice, a lot of history/culture, all hotels very good, food at all hotels and pubs very good!! Very impressed with Ireland.
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? My “favorite regions” were Waterville and Connemara, although enjoyed all tours. Loved seeing the castles including Blarney Stone and Tower of Cashel.
What was your favorite part of the trip? Did not have one favorite, but totally loved seeing the beautiful countryside!
Would you travel with us again? Yes. Cannot think of anything…. Ann O’Brien did a fabulous job arranging our trip. And “Sean” helpful too with booking a flight. Would definitely book again through Crystal Travel.
Any other questions or comments? None. Ireland one of the best trips…beautiful country, loved it!!
Sabrina B. | Ireland | April, 2019
Name Sabrina
How would you rate your trip overall? 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. The b and b’s were all excellent, the hosts were welcoming and every place was immaculate. The breakfasts were great and the hosts were very helpful with information and advice. The Pearse Lodge hosts in Sligo went above and beyond the entire stay and particularly the one day we were under the weather.
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. Our rental car was fine, a little nerve wracking driving on the narrow roads but we managed fine and it was wonderful to have the flexibility. We had a wonderful time on Inishmore, loved biking around the island and the scenery. The food tour in Galway was great as was the Literary Pub Crawl in Dublin. The day tour to Tara and Newgrange was also wonderful. The tour guide was so well spoken, had a dry sense of humor-really great. We had great visits at Yeats’ tower, Coole House, Kylemore Abbey, Kilmainham Jail, Book of Kellsand Trinity College library, the Yeats’ exhibit at the Dublin Library, The Writers’ Museum in Dublin, The hop on Hop off bus in Dublin (laughed and learned all over Dublin) etc
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? See above Please
What was your favorite part of the trip? Biking on Inishmore, watching Game of Thrones at the Ooucan Pub in Galway, Newgrange Tour, Ballylee Tower, Literary Pub Crawl – Actually everything
Would you travel with us again? Yes. Not a thing. It was all great!
Any other questions or comments? Thank you so much Ann for all the work you did and all the support you gave us, your patience and kindness with all of our questions. Harold and I both had a great time and we appreciate all you did for us
David H. | Ireland | May, 2019
Name David
How would you rate your trip overall? 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. Cahernane in Kilarney, Cabra Castle in Meath…..Thumbs down on the Radison in Belfast….All the other properties were very acceptable
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. Great Driver Sean Reilly, Great Tour Director Joe Laverie. Flights Aer Lingus were smooth Flight crew very professional and attentive. Seats not so good.Last row middle 3 seats cramped and uncomfortable. Wish I had booked business class would have gladly paid more for them.
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? Epic Ireland Museum in Dublin, Galway city, Connamara, Dingle peninsula, Cabra castle, Kinsale and Kilarney city.
What was your favorite part of the trip? Galway City, Galway County, and the Epic Ireland Museum in Dublin City.
Would you travel with us again? Yes. More information on Flight options
Any other questions or comments? I can now cross this trip off of my bucket list. I have wanted to visit Ireland since I was in the second grade (I am now 70 years old) I am very happy that I got to do this while I could enjoy it. I got a two week crash course in Irish culture and history I learned much about this wonderful country, it’s people and my own heritage. Thanks for helping me realize a dream of over 60 years.
John B. | Ireland | May, 2019
Name Phyllis and John
How would you rate your trip overall? 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. Adare Manor is our favorite: architecture, park setting, beautiful room with fabulous view. No charge for the mini-bar! Powerscourt is a very close second as we had a suite with a beautiful view. The space was large, light, and very comfortable. Park Hotel also had a great view. We had a very large room with comfortable sitting area. Hayfield Manor rates last as our room was small and had no view. All of our accommodations were immaculate.
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. Aer Lingus was on time, comfortable, and we were treated very well. Good service and very friendly flight crew. Our driver, John Rice, whom we dubbed Sir John, was unbelievable! Stories! History! And he drove us up and down the mountains to the Black Valley and the Gap of Dunloe and the up again to Healey’s Arch! Those roads! Yikes! And he knew them like the back of his hand. Very accommodating. The car was comfortable and always clean.
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? There wasn’t anything we didn’t love. All the tours had special meaning. The private tours worked best for us, but all the tours were excellent. On time. Extremely knowledgeable tour guides. Very friendly.
What was your favorite part of the trip? Being in Cobh. Seeing the harbor and the reverse view up the hill to the church. Most likely the same sites my great grandfather saw when he left Ireland in 1871.
Would you travel with us again? Yes. We can’t think of a thing. Ann did an awesome job.
Any other questions or comments? Ann did an awesome job with our itinerary. Our trip was a dream come true. Absolutely NO glitches or problems. And, as promised, the planes landed safely.
Linda M. | Scotland & England | June, 2019
Name Linda
How would you rate your trip overall? 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. Place at Grantown on Spey was phenomenal; Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh great; all others were fine
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. Flights were smooth, on time, though I was randomly selected for special & extra security check at Dublin on return trip which took a long time! Was not happy with that!
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? Everything! Really loved the Scottish Highlands–so special, majestic, we went from 9:00am -8:00pm exploring, traveled along Loch Lomond and Ness and all villages on those lakes, did the Whiskey Trail, Balmoral Castle. Enjoyed Edinburgh immensely; St, Andrews lived up to expectations and more. Traveled along villages of East Neuk. Wimbledon was exciting–so clean, such tradition and character (tickets were waiting for us as expected at Warren House), really liked Wimbledon Village and wanted to have spent more time there.
What was your favorite part of the trip? Wimbledon, of course, a dream come true to be there and see the American 15-year old sensation–Corry Gauff.
Would you travel with us again? Yes. Would prefer not to stay in castles and be closer to action in the cities.
Any other questions or comments? None, thank you Ann for all the arrangements, it was a lovely experience
John B. | Ireland | June, 2019
Name John
How would you rate your trip overall? 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. The view of Kilkenny Castle from our hotel. The old style charm of Buswells And Dingle Bender’s Hotels. All of our hotels were perfectly located within walking distance to local attractions, restaurants, and pubs.
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. Our coach was very modern and comfortable; our driver, Steve, was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Transportation to and from the airports went smoothly.
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? Guinness Storehouse was great fun. Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny Castle tours were great. Garnish Island was a hidden gem.
What was your favorite part of the trip? We loved Galway and Dingle. Sightseeing around the countryside was fantastic. Family visit to Athenry was probably the best part for us. Also, the Waterford Crystal tour was amazing; the folks there treated us great!
Would you travel with us again? Yes. I’m really not sure what else Crystal Travel could’ve done to make this trip any more enjoyable. It was perfect.
Any other questions or comments? We just want to thank Ann O’Brien for going above and beyond to ensure we had the perfect trip!
Lorrie K. | Scotland | June, 2019
Name: Lorrie
How would you rate your trip overall? 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. All rooms were clean and the hotel food was always good.
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. Great bus! Clean, comfortable.
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? Our itinerary was extensive — all attractions attended were well done with information, accessibility, and not crowded
What was your favorite part of the trip? Talking with people
Would you travel with us again? Yes. It would be good if the restrooms on the bus were available to use.
Any other questions or comments? We had an excellent time!! All our planning and your suggestions/updates/changes were awesome! The bus was very spacious for us to enjoy. The driver was very friendly and took us to some extra stops, as my crew was ALWAYS ON TIME for our departures! The Italian restaurant you chose was very good. The McPhearson castle I must say was the highlight of my trip, and you found it for us. Thank you!!
Cathy R. | Ireland | July, 2019
Name Cathy & John
How would you rate your trip overall? 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. Location. Location. Location. Proximity to the village of Glandore, short walk, to pub and restaurants. Beautiful harbor. The property itself – the house, the landscaping, amenities were all wonderful.
Best to you all,
Amy K. | Ireland | July, 2019
Name Amy
How would you rate your trip overall? 5 stars
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. All the properties were beautiful and brought something different from each other!
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. The flights were very smooth!! Car rental was just what we needed.
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? Slane Castle, Hannah Hat factory tour, Marble Arch Caves, Sheep Farm, Kylemore Abby & Kerry Cliffs were amazing!
What was your favorite part of the trip? I can’t narrow it down, the trip was amazing
Would you travel with us again? Yes. I think I would stay one more day in each location, felt a little rushed. There was so much to do & see
Any other questions or comments? Thank you Ann!! We had a wonderful time and can’t believe it’s over already. Everything was great, from all the beautiful hotels to the the suggestions on the itinerary. The only problem was the TEP device. I could never connect because of not being able to see clearly on the back of the device the password numbers. I didn’t call the company while I was there, I was busy enjoying the trip. I did call them yesterday but they said I need a confirmation #….I’m mailing the device back today and realizing for next time that it’s just not necessary. I will highly recommend your travel agency! You did a great job!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH
Dorothy F. | Ireland | October, 2019
Name Dorothy
How would you rate your trip? 4/5
Who was your travel expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Okay. Camden Hotel food was ok. Bar/lounge did not have much to offer and service was terrible. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel was a bit of a drive but well worth it. Service was friendly and helpful. Food was excellent. Accommodations were wonderful.
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. Transportation by Mr. Burke of LFL was excellent. What a pleasure.
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? Big B Bus on and off tours are well worth the money. Blarney Castle ground we outstanding. I would have to say Mizen Head was my favorite.
What was your favorite part of the trip? Not the driving
Would you travel with us again? Yes
How can we improve for next time? Nothing. Very happy with the service Supplied by Ann and Crystal Travel
Any other questions or comments? Thank you so much for your making our trip memorable.
Joe K. | Ireland | October, 2019
Name Joe
How would you rate your trip? 5/5
Who was your travel expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. Great locations; clean and pleasant; friendly staff
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. Wonderful bus driver, comfortable bus with good WIFI
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abby were both great. We were visiting housing groups most of the time and those were good too!
What was your favorite part of the trip? We had wonderful group of 20 people and everyone got along well!
Would you travel with us again? Yes
How can we improve for next time? Maybe provide a more detailed budget
Any other questions or comments? Thank you so much for putting up with our constant emails and questions!
Chris P. | France | October, 2019
Name: Chris
How would you rate your trip? 5/5
Who was your travel expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. Room was very clean and service was great
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? No. Airport pickup was late however they sent a very nice Mercedes for drop off to make up for it
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? Dinner cruise, Montmartre tour, and Tower tour
What was your favorite part of the trip? Dinner cruise. Location was great for walking to shopping and dining and attractions
Would you travel with us again? Yes
How can we improve for next time? No complaints
Any other questions or comments? None
Brandon M. | Ireland | October, 2019
Name: Brandon
How would you rate your trip? 5/5
Who was your travel expert? Ann
How were your accommodations? Great. My favorite hotels were the one in Dublin and Kinsale. I am 6ft and I was able to comfortably fit in the bath in the hotel in Dublin and the shower in Kinsale was so tall that I couldn’t even reach which was awesome. The food at all the accommodations was amazing. At the Mountain Dew Eileen had such a spread and would cook whatever you wanted ( and she supplied me with all the ice I need through the stay). The pool at Kinsale was amazing I could watch the sun rise over the cliffs while floating in the pool. The hotel in Galway was a great location and so close to town center
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? Yes. All the drivers were friendly, on time, knowledgeable, and extremely flexible with anything that we wanted to do. Kevin brought us to the 9/11 outside of Kinsale which was amazing
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? I loved Dublin! I felt right at home and it was a very walkable city. I went out to a gay club in Dublin on a Monday night and there was a drag show and the place was packed until 3am which was amazing. I loved the gardens around Blarney Castle and would love to wander around there one day. Mizen Head was an awesome detour I could have stayed there all day. The Wild Atlantic Way was an awesome bus tour and there are definitely some places I want to go back to (Inch Strand being one of them). Killarney National Park was gorgeous as well as Killarney itself.
What was your favorite part of the trip? Personally my favorite part was the first Monday of the trip in Dublin I went to a gay club alone and made friends, saw a drag show and was out way later than I should have been. 10/10 would recommend
Would you travel with us again? Yes
How can we improve for next time? The only quirk that I can remember is at the Guinness store house the line that you need to wait in is on the far left, someone has to look up that particular type of reservation
Any other questions or comments? I already want to plan my next trip!!! We drove through a few beach towns that I would love to stay at and catch some rays 🙂
