About Brendan Vacations
Travel: Ireland and Scotland is all we do.
We are the Celtic travel experts. From guided tours to independent customized vacations, we promise uniquely tailored experiences that are planned, managed and personally delivered by passionate, fun-loving locals behind the blue door in Dublin, Ireland. With more than 50 years' experience creating ....more
Cultural Preservation
To travel is to learn; it is to support the people we meet along the way. That is precisely what MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences do.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences chosen with great care based on the positive social or environmental impact they have on their communities. Identify ....more
What We Offer
Travel: For every style & occasion
We welcome travelers of all varieties. Couples celebrating romantic milestones. Groups, seeking out memories. Solo adventurers veering off the beaten path and families, in every form. We have a range of travel styles suited to match every guest, from fully guided vacations to customizable private ....more
Environmental Sustainability
Launched in 2020, How We Tread Right (HWTR) is Brendan Vacations’ five-year sustainability strategy consisting of 11 goals anchored to the United Nations Global Goals. To support our climate action efforts, in 2021 we developed a four-point Climate Action Plan to outline how we will address our emissions as a ....more
Our Story
As with most great storytellers, we come from a long history of legends and we are proud of our Brendan roots among The Travel Corporation family of brands. Driven by service for over 102 years, we look back on our past with gratitude for all the amazing adventures we’ve had; ....more
Responsible Tourism
We recognize our responsibility to ensure our impact is a positive one, and we address it in two ways; through our sustainability strategy, How We Tread Right, and through our TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit founded by Brendan Vacations and our sister brands under The Travel Corporation. Through TreadRight, Brendan Vacations ....more
Accreditations and Associations
UNWTO, World Travel & Tourism Council, American Society of Travel Agents and USTOA
Covid Policies
Our trips adhere to the highest standards of safety and cleanliness. It is not mandatory to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel on our trips, however, for vaccinations in general the requirement will depend on the destinations you are travelling to and your personal health circumstances. Be sure to speak ....more
Social Responsibility
Brendan Vacation’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey started many years ago, and in 2021 we launched our DEI Strategy and formalized specific and actionable goals across three core business functions: People and Culture, Travel Experiences, and Marketing and Communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there seat rotation on the coach?
Yes, your Travel Director will implement a seat rotation system, whereby all guests will rotate their seats on the coach daily. This allows for everyone to experience the spectacular views from different seats, and you’ll have a better opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
Is luggage handling provided?
On Guided Vacations and Private Chauffeur Vacations, all luggage handling is provided at no extra charge. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes! Our hotels are personally selected by Managing Director Catherine Reilly and personally known for their quality, impeccable service and comfort, with the majority of them having air-conditioning. Note: A few hotels may not have air conditioning due to the colder climate.
What are the coaches like?
We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches – all with reclining seats and on-board restrooms. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city center. We also have on board WiFi.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Brendan Vacations is an active supporter of the Treadright® Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than $2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
How many people will be on my trip?
You’ll find an average of 40 to 45 guests on trips throughout Europe.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided vacation with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
Will I have free time?
Each itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. We also give you the opportunity to tailor your trip with Optional Experiences.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. If you are travelling solo but would be happy to share your rook with another traveller of the same gender, we offer 'Twin-share' pricing on our trips. However, if you prefer the privacy of your own room, you can opt for our single supplement. The cost will depend on your trip and can be found in the pricing section of the itinerary.
How much luggage can I bring?
On Guided Vacations, you can bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30" x 18" x 10") and weight not exceeding 23kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.
What is a Travel Director?
Our Travel Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a passion for travel and their homelands. These experienced professionals show you what the guidebooks can't - a true insider's perspective of Ireland and Scotland. Each Travel Director has been through a bespoke training program, and many have at least five years' experience under their belt.
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents (important information, itinerary and any relevant vouchers) will be provided 7-10 days prior to your trip's departure.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking. Unfortunately, we're unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements. We cannot provide salt-free, Kosher, Halal, requests for specific dietary supplements such as soy milk, and high protein or low-carb meals.