Here’s a look back at the experiences of travelers from 2016, sharing the moments and memories that made their journeys truly special.
Colleen | Ireland | February, 2016
Hi Ann,
We had an amazing time! I’m glad you reached out, we had wanted to thank you for all your great advice. The accommodations were perfect, great locations! It was so nice to leave the car and stroll around downtown;) Sean did go surfing (at Carrowniskey Strand in Louisburgh) w/ surf mayo. Elvis (his instructor) was great! A definite check off his bucket list 🙂
We also did the falconry activity at Dromoland Castle (which was beautiful and perfectly situated by Shannon). That was so cool as well, our daughter Kirah said that was her highlight!
We’re so thankful we got to experience and see so much, and boy did we luck out with the weather! It was beautiful! My highlight was the Cliffs of Moher, absolutely stunning!
We can’t wait to go back and see more of what Ireland has to offer.
Thanks again for all your help. Hope you had a great trip there as well.
Mark O'Toole | Ireland | March, 2016
Paddy,
I know it has been a couple of weeks since we have been back but I wanted to write to let you know what a great trip we had and how much we enjoyed it. From the flights to the hotel to the coach bus and to the meal, everything was terrific. I was even able to connect with relatives on both sides of my family in Cork and in Galway. Everything was well planned and all went well. Hopefully, I can join you for another State Police trip or possibly put my own trip together.
Thanks again,
Curtis & Brooke | Ireland | April, 2016
Our trip was FANTASTIC. We wanted to go back the day after we came home. Both the flights and the car rental were fine as well. There were no delays at the airport so everything was went according to schedule.
As far as the hotels are concerned, they were great! Awesome locations for all 5 of them. My wife and I want to thank you very much for setting up this trip for us! This was a dream of our for a while now and we would book through Crystal again in a heart beat. As they say in Ireland, Cheers!
Michelle Angelo | Ireland | April, 2016
Hi Ann!
Our trip was wonderful! We had so much fun! Everything was planned out so well and all of the hotels were perfect. My mom wanted to stay an extra night.
Thank you for all your help,
Beth | Ireland | May, 2016
Hi Ann,
Everything went very well. We were happy with all of our accommodations. We really enjoyed our time in Ireland. Everything went smoothly. Some of our funniest days were laughing over the narrow roads and the size of our “bus”. When the large buses were coming at us we had to take the side of the road in lots of places. I think our children enjoyed the accommodations at the B & B’s better over but the breakfast at the hotels offered PLENTY of food for my growing boys! The air coach transfer was perfect. We walked out the front door of the hotel and the pick-up was a few steps away. The only thing I think we would change would be less time in Dublin. I think that the trip was perfect for us. Thank you for everything!!!
Christina Ross | Ireland | May, 2016
Hey Amanda,
We had an absolutely amazing time over there and things honestly couldn’t have gone any better with the flights, rental car, and accommodations. Every place we stayed in was awesome. Our favorite was the Pennyland House in Thurso. Those people were beyond nice and accommodating and it was such a nice place to stay. And then of course ending our vacation at the Radisson Blu in Edinburgh…ugh it was soooo nice. After staying in little B&Bs and people’s homes, it was super nice to end the trip out in an awesome hotel like that. Rental car was great too! Although we had to change a tire the first day we had it….good thing we got the extra insurance lol. We ended up driving 991 miles total!! How crazy!!
Overall it was an amazing vacation, we were absolutely exhausted too because 2 weeks is a long time to be traveling and then changing towns and accommodations every 2 days too so we were actually ready to come back home after all of that. I can’t speak highly enough of your company and have told all my friends and coworkers to look you up if they’re planning any big trips in the future and of course, we will definitely book with you all again when it comes time for a big vacation. Thanks again for everything. It was incredibly smooth from the time we booked with you in January to coming back home a couple weeks ago. Take care and we’ll keep in touch.
John Guthrie | England & Ireland | June, 2016
Amanda, I’m sorry it took a while to get back to you, but I’m still recovering. Jane and I had a great time on the trip! Dave (the chauffeur driver/guide) was knowledgeable, funny, and helpful, and the accommodations were all excellent. You’ll remember we were trying to find our ancestors’ homes (from 150 years ago), and Dave had no qualms about turning down any little lane or dirt road I wanted to try, in spite of driving that Mercedes. He also helped us at every stop. In Oughterard, we went to lunch with some cousins of Jane’s, and he went ahead to the B&B with our bags.
Sligo was the place where we had the least information, and while we had lunch Dave went wandering around town and located a real estate agent who was a great help with maps and locations, and his advice eventually lead us to the (now falling down) home of Jane’s grandfather. We would never have found that house without the help of the real estate agent, so that was extremely helpful to me.
The trip was a HUGE success. We were trying to find the homes of seven grandparents, and we found six of them. But even the one we didn’t find lead us to some more information, which will help us to eventually find that house. We also met cousins in three of the seven locales (and had tea with some people who thought we were relatives, although as we talked it turned out they were from a different branch of the family). That didn’t matter to them; they were still very friendly and helpful.
Thank you again for all your help. The trip was a success, the accommodations were wonderful, and Dave was entertaining and helpful. We’d definitely use your services again, and gladly recommend you to others. I hope we have the opportunity to work together again.
Connie Preece | Ireland | June, 2016
I had the best time of my life!
Rental car: I was disappointed in its size, barely able to get both my suitcases in the back …BUT, later I was SO grateful that the car was small! Roads are very narrow! I managed well driving on the “other” side of those narrow roads thanks to its size.
Accommodations: B&Bs were very comfortable. People that ran them, very gracious, friendly, and helpful …BUT, when I got to Grange, I felt as if I had come home to a place I’d never been there before! SO… I cancelled reservations at moat other B&Bs, and made arrangements to spent the rest of my time at Mount Edward Lodge B&B in Grange. Maureen McGowan, host at Mount Edward Lodge B&B, is such a warm caring helpful person! I felt like I was staying at the home of a dear friend The view out my window overlooked fields divided by stone walls filled with sheep and cattle, the ocean waves crashed on rocks along the shore in the distance with the Donegal Mountains and Inishmurry Island in the background… took my breath away every morning! When I went outside and looked behind me, there was Ben Bulben! I LOVED it there!
Adventures: This was my “Bucket List” trip, and it far exceeded every expectation. I rented a car in Shannon and drove up the “Wild Atlantic Way” by myself. I celebrated my 71st birthday while I was in Ireland. I rode a horse through fields, up sand dunes, and galloped across a beach. I hiked to the top of Ben Bulben on 2 different days using 2 different paths. I hiked as far up as the paths allowed me, which was further up than all of the young people I encountered along the way, but not as far up as the local sheep! Maybe next year I can make arrangements to go to the very top! I quite unexpectedly stood in the middle of a stone circle with a group of women celebrating Summer Solstice. One evening I walked along the Cliffs of Moher accompanied by a border collie that belonged to a local farmer marveling at the sights. We played “fetch the stick” along the way. I snapped pictures of the lesser known Dubh Lin tower as the sun was setting at the far end of the Cliffs of Moher path …stunning! I sat inside the church my ancestors attended before coming to America in the late 1700’s. Afterward I walked through its graveyard filled with my McCurdy ancestors. I saw some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen in my life. I encountered some of the most kind caring people I have ever met, and I left my heart there.
Thanks, Amanda, for making the arrangements that led to the greatest adventure of my life!
David R. | England & Ireland | June, 2016
How would you rate your trip overall? : 5/5
Who was your Travel Expert? : Bridie
How were your accommodations? : Great
What did you love? : Muckross hotel and spa was great, Ferry View BB in Kerry was fantastic and Mary the owner was fabulous. Days Inn was tight and ac was broken. But was right at Paddington.
Did everything go smoothly with your transportation? :Yes
What did you love? : Everything worked very smoothly, rental van was great, transfers in London etc. Our flight was delayed but the airline. And even though our luggage did not make it they brought it directly to the hotel the next day.
What tours, attractions, or activities did you particularly enjoy? : Muckross house, Kinsale and Cotswolds
What was your favorite part of the trip? : Going to our family homesteads in Glencar Kerry and Castletownshend, Cork
Would you travel with us again? : Yes
How can we improve for next time? : It went flawlessly
Any other questions or comments? : A special thanks to Birdie. She was great in organizing the trip we requested and so helpful when we were abroad!
Mike | Ireland & England | June, 2016
Hi Paddy,
The trip was excellent! England was beautiful, but Ireland has it beat hands down. I will definitely go back. I just wish the roads were a little wider 🙂
We saw quite a bit, and even tracked down some of the churches and homes of our ancestors. I even found the grave site of my 2nd great grandfather in Devon. I’m a bit of a genealogy buff.
The hotels were all great. The Parknasilla was by far the nicest. The hotel in Galway was a perfect location. The hotel in Cork was also a perfect location. The hotel in Dublin was also nice, but it was more in the business district than downtown. My dad was having trouble walking long distances by the end of the trip (he’s 77) but we used the hop on/hop off bus when we could, and took a cab once or twice.
The hotel in London/Kensington was also in a great spot. There was a train station right next door, and we also used the hop on/hop off bus there. My brother brought his GPS, which came in handy while driving in Ireland. He recorded our route and we drove almost 1,000 miles while we were there.
Thank you for all your help in planning this trip. Given that we were first time visitors, it was a big help to have your guidance on where to stay and what to see.
Kate & Tom | Ireland | September, 2016
Where you were on this trip?: Ireland
How would you rate the trip?: 
5/5
Who was your Travel Expert?: Elma
Elma, we had such a great trip, we want to relocate!!
Excellent hotel choices – Ballygally Castle was the best, Brooks was a great location, Red castle dining superb, Sligo Clarion a bit out of the way. Did you know it was built as an asylum? Great history, though sadly we saw no ghosts.
I don’t have enough superlatives to describe Mark our Kennedy driver! Personable, knowledgeable, professional, just a great human being who made everything fun and easy.
I can’t wait to go back….
Maria D. & Family | Ireland | September, 2016
Good morning Bridie,
I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip. Our driver Mark Lyons was absolutely the best!!! He was fun and interesting all at the same time. He made the trip very enjoyable for us all. He took us to off the beaten path kind of adventures, which was great.
The Blue Haven hotel in Kinsale and the Hotel Meyrick on Galway where wonderful. We just loved Ireland and everything about it! Thank you again for all your help.
Lou & Ann | Ireland & Scotland | September, 2016
Where you were on this trip?: Ireland & Scotland
How would you rate the trip?: 5/5
Who was your Travel Expert?: Ann
The connecting flight Ann booked from Dublin to Glasgow was good because it gave us plenty of time to make that connection. And the return flight she booked was late morning which gave us plenty of time to get ready to depart. The bus driver overall did a good job–excellent driver, really good tips on where to go to eat, good sense of humor and local stories about the regions.
We enjoyed the things we had always heard the most about–kissing the Blarney Stone, the Ring of Kerry and the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands. And we enjoyed the Scottish show and the Gaelic Roots show.
Ann did a very good job helping us plan this trip and answering all our questions as they came up prior to the trip.
Peg & Howard H | Ireland | September, 2016
How would you rate the trip?: 5/5
Who was your Travel Expert?: Ann
Rental car arrangements went smoothly. GPS provided.
Cliffs of Moher, tour to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey, hike up Skellig Michael, Kilkee Cliffwalk and Loop, tour of Bunratty Castle, Folk Park, and Medieval Castle dinner, dining in village of Kilkee, exploring small towns along the Wild Atlantic Way. No improvement needed! Specific suggestions sent by Ann O’Brien for dining and other experiences proved very helpful.
No improvement needed! Specific suggestions sent by Ann O’Brien for dining and other experiences proved very helpful.
Waters Edge BnB in Kilkee — beautiful home with six guest rooms, filled with beautiful antiques. Breakfast was excellent. Hostess, Chippy, couldn’t have been more helpful. View out the bedroom window was exceptional. Rate overall stay exceptional.
Slea Head Farm BnB — Incredible views from bedroom windows. Caitlin was warm and welcoming, always available to help plan the day. Excellent breakfast cooked to our preference. Included us in an Irish musical event and dinner with other guests and family, remarkable hospitality. Room smallish but cozy and well-equipped. Great bed. Located at tip of Dingle Peninsula with easy access to Dingle, Wild Atlantic Way with stunning scenery, and small rural villages. Overall excellent.
Sea Breeze Lodge in Salthill. In every way this is a superior BnB. Every single detail, from our arrival and continuing through our departure, was looked after in ways beyond the norm. For example, we were offered complimentary wine on our arrival and provided fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers, and other amenities in our room daily. The breakfast offered an unusually wide array of delicious choices (i.e., fresh fruit and juice, meat and cheeses, breakfast breads) that were beautifully presented and fresh. In addition, a menu provided special home-made breakfast options in addition to the traditional Irish breakfast. Service at breakfast was exceptionally attentive and warm. The owner, Fred, is an extraordinary host, welcoming us, helping us with our luggage, explaining the amenities in the room, helping us with sight-seeing arrangements, and making us feel fully welcome. The location of the BnB facilitated walking on the Promenade and/or an easy drive into Galway as well as travel to the surrounding area. The physical design of the BnB is state of the art. The view from our windows and balcony was of a nearby bay and bird sanctuary, and guests are provided binoculars for easy viewing enjoyment. The bed was extremely comfortable. All in all, there are only positive comments that we can make about this exceptional experience. We feel very fortunate to have been guests in this beautiful and responsive BnB.
Mulranny Park Hotel, Mulranny on the Wild Atlantic Way. Full service hotel, most outstanding feature was exceptional quality of service at front desk and in restaurant. Initially when we checked in were in standard room, however upon our request we were upgraded without cost to an available deluxe room, which was superior. Food in dining room and the hotel pub as well as local entertainment in the pub was excellent. Very easy access to Achill Island.
Dromoland Castle. Beautiful facility filled with priceless antiques and art. Room very comfortable, fireside meal charming and delicious. Service overall excellent.
Randy & Teresa | Ireland | October, 2016
Where you were on this trip? Ireland
How would you rate the trip? 
5/5
Who was your Travel Expert? Ann
The Wind Way B&B was a wonderfully quaint place to stay and Ashford Castle was unbelievable. I wish we could have spent more than one night, didn’t have enough time to do all we wanted there.
The limo from the Dublin hotel to the airport was great. The stay at Ashford Castle was definitely the highlight. We also enjoyed driving along the west coast and the Cliffs of Moher. Dublin was also a lot of fun.
Mark & Kim | Ireland | October, 2016
Where you were on this trip?: Ireland (Game of Thrones)
How would you rate the trip?: 5/5
Who was your Travel Expert?: Bridie
The flights went very well. Central location in Dublin was nice, although parking for that first hotel was a pain. Loved the out of the way inn at our next stop, nice and quiet. Our hotel in Belfast had all the right amenities. The Spa hotel was a nice treat.
Loved the local pub scene in every location we visited, the charm of the countryside. The parks we visited where GoT visiting took place were breathtaking. Took a bus day tour out of Belfast and really enjoyed the tour and the guide, Richard, was fantastic.
Touring at our own pace visiting GoT scene locations which really amounted to visiting some of Ireland’s most beautiful national parks. Thanks for putting this trip together for us Bridie, it was a blast!
Anjeannette & Moira | Ireland | December, 2016
Hello Katie,
We had a MARVELOUS time!!!!!!!!! All the hotels were fantastic, really really special. Hayfield Manor in Cork and Abbeyglen Castle in Clifden were my favorites but they were ALL really unique and beautiful and we were treated so warmly. When we checked into our rooms at Dromoland, they had a beautiful piece of cake for my son’s birthday (I’m sure that was your doing – Thank You!!!) and the Hawk / Falcon experience was so interesting. You did a terrific job of creating a really magical trip. I don’t think you could have done anything better, we had a wonderful time.
