Emerald Isle Vacations & Tours of Ireland's Countryside

11/07/2019

Loved being in the countryside. Staying on Inis Oirr was the hi light.

Service

Wonderful. They take care of everything. You just get on the bus. The accommodations were above our expectations. Loved the exploration tour of Ireland.
Tour

There were so many things to see . Garish Island was unique. The cookery class was fun . Having free time to explore Kinsale. This was our first time with Collette. It won’t be our last.

11/05/2019

Service

they treat there people so very good.
Tour

it all was great. we enjoyed the whole trip. the people that were on the tour with us were fantastic

10/18/2019

Outstanding overview of Ireland

Service

Sean was an outstanding tour director, always educating us about the history of Ireland plus answering all our questions about universal health care, Brexit, the direction to the nearest knit shop! The size of the group was ideal. The airport transfers went smoothly and were a welcomed perk.
Tour

Hard to say...the cooking school was a great idea to acquaint the group, the stud farm was so informative and beautiful grounds, liked ringing the bell in the tower at Christ Church Cathedral, gourmet dining in Kinsale. Came away loving the Irish people..so warm and friendly...good food, good times in the pubs.

10/17/2019

Thoroughly enjoyable tour with a nice mix of activities.

Service

We have taken more than a dozen bus tours. Our tour director Sean was one of the best so far and from a service perspective I would say he went above and beyond. I have no hesitation recommending him.
Tour

A trip to one of the Aran Islands was fun and interesting. Ringing the bells in a Cathedral in Dublin was something not done every day.

10/11/2019

Excellence personified

Service

From first contact Collett representative then to reservations then to the tour manager, to the hotels everything was done with such personable service and excellent results
Tour

The town of Dingle & the Dingle peninsula were my favorites

10/10/2019

We had a very enjoyable week

Service

The trip was well organized, and the hotels arrivals and departures were handled efficiently.
Tour

Two of the hotels did not have air conditioning, and everyone noticed the rooms were too warm. This is probably not often a problem, but the weather was beautiful most of the time, so the rooms got warmer than probably do normally.

10/10/2019

Hotels too far from main towns. Had to taxi a lot.

Service

Good tour. Hotels too far from city centers. Great driver and TM. Lots of driving time. Stops were short. But good overall experience.
Tour

Liked it. But too much driving and inconvenient hotels. Shuttles not good. Taxis cost a lot.

09/30/2019

Ireland. An amazing adventure, put together by a amazing company.

Service

Our first trip booked with Collette for my wife's very special birthday. Very impressed with the booking experience, from the beginning to end. Collette reps helped me tailor the booking of our trip, and were there for us from start to finish. They far exceeded my expectations, and are already planning our next adventure.
Tour

We had the trip of a lifetime. Our tour manager Jackie, and coach driver Tony, delivered an experience we will cherish in our hearts for ever. It was so much fun getting to know these, and the other 17 tour members of our trip. Building memories of the beautiful landscapes of Ireland, and pleasant memories with those on our tour. We felt truly blessed to be apart of this fun filled group. Ireland is gorgeous, and we were well pleased with accommodations, stops, and the pace of this tour. Thank you Collette for delivering our memorable trip, and can't wait for our next one!

09/24/2019

Looking forward to our next Collette Tour!

Service

We had a spectacular experience by using Collette as our tour company for our destination of choice. Each step of the tour was better than the last and we did not think that was possible because each place was wonderful in itself. Hubby is already seeking to select our next destination.
Tour

Each location was like building an ice cream sundae. The cherry on top was the overnight stay on Inisheer Island and the trip to the base of the Cliffs of Moher. Loved it even though the sea was rough and I got sea sick.

08/21/2019

Service

The tour manager was available when needed and clear about times and destinations.
Tour

The stay on the Aran island was the most memorable for me,

07/29/2019

Service

Every activity and event, except the flight schedules, was very good to excellent. There was too much down time at the Newark Airport between the flights to and from Boston. I expected direct flights from Boston to Dublin and from Shannon.to Boston. Our tour guide Sean Curran was outstanding.
Tour

Overall experience exceeded expectations

07/12/2019

A lovely trip. This far exceeded my dreams of a trip to Ireland.

Service

I had never been on a tour, domestic or foreign, and did not really know what to expect. Our tour manager Sean was amazing -- had us all in his care all the time, day and night. All of our hotels were lovely -- comfy and high-standard. Our drivers were just astonishing -- the fellow in and about Dublin and then Mick, who gets great kudos for driving us around tiny roads in our large, comfy bus. Food! Oh my! The salmon! In huge amounts! Delicious! The gardens, especially Garnish Island. The gardens at the Stud were lovely as well but we did not have the time to really explore at length.
Tour

Garnish Island was a highlight (seals! flowers! rare plants! ) but the very best was staying on Inishmore, climbing to the top of the ring fort with the help of Oona, and waking the next day, looking out on the ocean from our own lovely little cabin.

07/11/2019

Informative and worry free

Service

Traveling with Collette is easy and worry free. The hotel accommodations and meals provided were top notch. You felt safe with the experienced and friendly bus driver. Our tour manager was prepared and friendly, offering a history of all our travels. You can't go wrong traveling with Collette and I have recommended them to all of my friends.
Tour

Bus driver experienced and tour manager prepared to answer all questions.

06/21/2019

Would chose again.

Service

Small group of 18. Excellent guide giving history and current Irish life. Full days with variety of options.
Tour

Trip was 2 days longer than others I have been on & less expensive.

06/21/2019

Not the trip i envisioned!

Service

Our trip was advertised as a 10 day excursion Day 1 & 10 - nothing offered - travel days. in fact on Day 10, we had be out of our rooms by 9 AM! Day 2 - nothing scheduled until 4PM- then a meeting to tell us everything we already knew we were doing, and advised IN DEPTH how generously we were supposed to tip. And what I wasn't told in advance... most of the guided tours were done by a different local guide, who we were also supposed to also tip generously. Day 3 - 9... our guide was heavy on the history, which I didn't mind...but he was not very personable; I've been on other tours in Ireland, and always appreciated the Irish humour... not so on this trip. Then, the history "lesson" was repeated by the local guide...and did I mention we were supposed to tip again. Every afternoon we were treated to hours of mind numbing harp music on the bus, which I am sure was just to induce the passengers into a coma. Lastly, one of the biggest reasons i booked this trip was to go to the Aran Islands and partake in a knitting class...which was disappointingly cancelled. If it was not for some friends we were meeting for this trip, it would have been unbearably boring. I think this may have killed bus trips for me. I thought it was pricey to start with, and then with the amount of tipping we were told was expected, it was ridiculous.
Tour

Very memorable... the first hotel we stayed at, had little to no hot water for the 2 days we stayed, and NO water at all on the morning we were to check out. The other hotels were quite nice... and had water.

06/14/2019

Service

The tour guide and driver were awesome. Also the size of the group at 18 was just right to ensure that we all got to know each other and enjoy each others company.
Tour

The Aran Island were amazing. I would have liked another day there,Also Christ Church Cathedral was very interesting

06/13/2019

Small group Ireland tour

Service

Our tour manager and driver gave us an inside view of Ireland and provided a highly enjoyable vacation that balanced scenery, history, and hands on experiences. It was one of my favorite vacations.
Tour

Staff were organized, professional, friendly, and clearly love their jobs. The itinerary included garden stops, a cooking session, knitting and craft experiences and an overnight stay on Inisheer in the Aran Isles for a relaxing contrast to the active days.

06/03/2019

Ireland has been my favorite trip to date.

Service

This is our 8th trip with Collette. All the prep work has been done for you. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and usually quite humorous. Our local coordinator will always set us up on a tour that other locals are not taking.
Tour

Such an enjoyable trip, especially with a smaller number of participants. This enabled us to know each other better, especially when we had our cooking lesson that provided an excellent meal. John Fitzgibbon was also an excellent guide.

05/31/2019

Bravo Collette tours! Our tour of Ireland was unforgettable!

Service

Tour was beautifully paced and covered the best of Ireland! Tour manager was knowledgeable, relaxed, professional and witty! Driver was confident n skillful. I have food allergies which often creates anxiety for myself n my spouse but our tour manager made sure I was safe throughout the trip! I ate so well, I gained 3 lbs! Coach bus was comfortable and clean. Accommodations superb! Best trip ever!
Tour

Tour was amazing! Small group. Irish National Stud was beautiful. Aran islands gorgeous!

05/30/2019

Exceptional Sevice

Service

From our local booking agent and tour manager all the way through the tour itself, everything was handled well. This was our second vacation with Collette and it will definitely not be our last.
Tour

The tour was exactly what we were looking for. It was a small group (19 people) and by the third day, we all knew one another. Our favorite part of the tour was the overnight on the Aran Island of Inisheer where we learned, among other things, how to make a Saint Bridgets cross.

05/30/2019

Service

Countryside of the Emerald Isle was a 5 star tour with an exceptional tor guide, John Fitsgibbon. I rated it 4 stars because I have not liked American Airlines for my last two trips overseas. Both times they have used old equipment for long flights, one way of the trip.
Tour

Trip to Aran Island was one of my highlights.

05/03/2019

Great tour

Service

We really enjoyed the small group trip to Ireland. The tour guide Sean was great & continually made sure we were taken care of. The history & stories added to the experience & the people in each city were very nice.
Tour

The tour was full of great experiences but I really enjoyed the city of Kinsale. The small group was a perfect size & still offered so much to see & do. The hotels were very nice & the food in each city was fabulous. We would definitely do another small group tour.

02/15/2019

Service

YES I WOULD RECOMMEND HIS TOUR...ANYTHING IS WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO MAKE IT. MANY SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES AND PLENTY TIME TO DO WHAT YOU CHOOSE.
Tour

MEETING PEOPLE AND LEARNING SO MUCH ABOUT THE CULTURE,THE CUSTOMS,THE FOOD..LOVED IT!

01/04/2019

Service

The trip was great but Delta shorted us returning from Ireland they put us on a plane that didn't even have an oven to serve warm meals and the seats were not what we paid for also the insurance you have is terrible our next door neighbors the becks mrs. Beck broke her arm in the Atlanta airport and they are still trying to get paid by the insurance company who just keeps delaying and delaying and gives no reason
Tour

See comments above about Delta Airlines and your travel insurance

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback will be reviewed by our Air department and Executive Team. We have been in contact with the Beck's concerning their insurance claim.

Collette Support

11/01/2018

Excellent and well organized and paced.

Service

The whole trip was well organized and paced. Guides were excellent, both the tour coordinator and the local guides. We especially enjoyed the "2 night stays" with one free day in a place. Yes we would use Collette again.
Tour

Just loved the tour, the country, the pace the daily excursions etc. It was all perfect.

11/01/2018

Everything was good and the airline arragements were much better

Service

Excellent
Tour

The old Ground Hotel and Ennis. We stayed an extra day and had a wonderful time. Have been Killarnay twice ,this last time thoroughly enjoyed the Irish dance program

11/01/2018

Service

The experience was great. Sean was well versed in all the areas we visited. The small group was fun.
Tour

The kitchen dinning and making of our dinner was great. The Jameson distillery was remarkable

10/18/2018

Fun, delicious, met wonderful people!

Service

Collette has best travel insurance offer,.love the transportation to/from airport within 50 miles,.great mix of busy/rest times,...love the number of included meals, enjoyed the dine-around options,...hotels usually well located for self-exploring,...knowledgeable and comfortable tour managers,....Have enjoyed many Collette trips in past 10 years!
Tour

See above information regarding Collette

10/18/2018

Service

Tour guide and bus driver were excellent.
Tour

Visiting Christ Church in Dublin and ringing the bells. Leisure day in Kinsale.

09/28/2018

Love the small group experience!

Service

Organized, fair price. Like the small group experience.
Tour

Aran Islands are so unique. Lovely countryside.

09/27/2018

Wonderful trip

Service

Our tour guide was amazing. He added in features that were in addition to the trip described by the company. The food and accommodations were excellent. We had some bad weather that made it not worth while to see the Cliffs of Mohr but the guide had an alternative and did what he could. I think it gave a nice coverage of Ireland (Northern Ireland excluded) and I was thrilled to get to see Innishere. My husband and I were able to take some of our free time and rent bicycles to do a bit of touring on our own.
Tour

Comments as noted on previous screen.

08/10/2018

Service

Everyone from Collette that I had contact with was very helpful and anxious to be of service. I would travel with Collette again and would recommend the company to others.
Tour

The itinerary was always interesting and the locations we traveled to were a nice change from the normal coach tours. Traveling with a smaller group was also a plus.

06/14/2018

Please see above!

Service

We had an a wonderful experience with Collette and April was a goldmine of information and extremely knowledgable. She was entertaining and very detailed and I know we ALL had good things to say about her! The downside was not good for my husband who took the garden tour with four other people. There were NO gardens, three miles of walking to get to the boat and the tour guide had very little knowledge of the area. We were rushed to get to the boat and he lost the money that April gave him for the taxi back. He and the others felt it was a waste of a day! Such a shame!!!
Tour

We absolutely loved the Stud Farm and Japanese gardens which were absolutely wonderful!

Thank you for your feedback. A member of the Guest Relations Team will be reaching out to you.

Collette Support

10/21/2017

I have never been to Ireland bofore. Your tour seemed to hit all the highs

Service

I thought the tour was well thought out and well laid out. The accommodations were good, especially the castle, the stops very interesting. The tour guide, Chris Thomson needed to be more of a leader getting the people going and on the bus.
Tour

The Celtic, New Grange, and the old castles and churches. The night's stay at a B&B was a nice change.

10/21/2017

I would go with Collette again but not one that included private home.

Service

Accommodations were very nice. The pace of the trip was very relaxed. Two night in each area gives guest time to explore the area and schedule side trip if one chooses to go elsewhere and meet up with the group later. Our Tour Manager< Jeff Thomason was very friendly. He was very efficient and willing to help. I did NOT like staying in a residents house overnight. I do not like going on a trip to get away and spend my evening listening to the proprietor give their views of what the think is wrong with the US. I might agree but it is just rude to look forward to a political debate. And I paid for this? Also I am not comfortable staying in the house of strangers. This was not a bed and breakfast like I am used to.
Tour

Jeff was really a great sport and up for anything. I lived the landscape. as I said I was impressed with our hotels and the boutique castle. I am a landscaper, so loved the tours of the countryside. Also enjoyed the Stud Farm visit, which I did not think I would be interested in.

11/01/2016

country side was beautiful

Service

we enjoyed the trip our tour guide was the best Fiona was very knowledgable, fun all around friendly we learned a lot saw a lot of course ate and drank a lot too
Tour

everything was great including he weather

10/28/2016

Totally Great Tour!

Service

everything was great...from the tour leader and bus driver to the hotels and tour as a whole.
Tour

Hard to say...probably seeing so much of the countryside.

10/07/2016

Terrific! A wonderful experience and meeting of new friends

Service

Trip was done very well, tour director and driver we're courteous, attentive and well informed

10/07/2016

First rate

Service

Collette's long experience in the tour business provides knowledge of what travelers want and expect. They have been first-rate dealing with life experiences when I traveled with them.
Tour

Too many favorite experiences! From lodging in a B&B to a castle to first-rate hotels, then to great cities and lovely villages encompassed with storybook landscapes. Every day was a favorite!

10/07/2016

Relaxing, enjoyable introduction to Ireland

Service

As usual, excellent accommodations, particularly Bellingham Castle. Proper balance of bus/sightseeing/free time. Hit tourist and many cultural highlights within the limited time frame. Could have used a bit more time available for museums in Dublin. Seeing the beauty of countryside was a confirmation of the comments received prior to trip. Would definitely make sure that other events did not conflict with seeing Rock of Cashell, as it did for us.

09/21/2016

Service

OK.
Tour

Advertised as small group tour. That implies more personal service by the tour leader. - It felt like a standard, huge bus (which is what we had for 14 participants) tour where city tours are conducted and points of interest pointed out so you can look out the window. The farm stay was nothing special. Visits to some old castles were from afar during a nearby lunch stop. The tour leader made no effort to introduce participants to each other at the "welcome dinner". Lots of city tours and standard tours of museums, Jameson whiskey, Titanic museum and Guinness beer plant and tower tasting room, but little cultural interaction and NO Irish music or dancing. Felt like the tour leader was just going through the motions. The hotel stays were reasonably high class. The best, and practically only, interactions were with other tourists and a couple of locals at places where we were left on our own. Thankfully there were only a couple stops at specialty shops or factories, and none where we were subjected to sales pitches.

Hello,
Thank you for sharing your feedback of this tour. We have passed along your experience to our Product Development Team. They will be reviewing this feedback and using it to enhance this tour for our future guests.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Collette Support

09/16/2016

Our limo pickup was flawless, wonderful service you provide.

Service

Flawlessl
Tour

It was such an educational experience. Even though the castle was grand, I certainly enjoyed the experience, the farmhouse was just amazing.