Ireland, a destination to be savored…slowly

Traveling

With Bob & Sandy Nesoff

On St. Patty’s Day, they say, everyone wants to be Irish.  But if truth be told, there’s probably a little bit of Irish in all of us.

In a country famed for its Leprechauns, pots ‘o gold and it’s laid back style, the common denominator that epitomizes Ireland is its people.  A wag once said that “strangers are only friends you haven’t yet met.”

Very few place son earth is this as true as it is in the Emerald Isle.  Walk down the street of a little village and virtually everyone you pass will offer a greeting.  Step into a neighborhood pub in the evening and within minutes you’ll you joining the regulars in song.

Contrary to evil rumors, the Irish don’t drink to get drunk.  Drinking in a pub is a matter of spending a social evening with friends and having pure enjoyment.

It was our fortune (and at the same time, misfortune) to have spent only two nights in Ireland.  But that time was jammed packed with a stay at the fabulous Doonesbury Golf Resort, trips to the Aran Islands, rides through quaint villages and an evening in one of the areas pubs.

The strength of the Euro has chilled plans for many Americans to visit Europe in recent years.  But the dollar has been gaining strength and economic reports indicate the possibility of a recession in Europe in the coming months.  In order to combat the potential slackening of the tourism tide, some of the vacation packagers have begun revamping and cutting prices.  They are offering bargains that would have been unheard of only a few months ago.

Brendan Vacations, an Ireland specialist, has joined forces with, of all things, the German national Airline, Lufthansa to offer great package rates for 2012.

We have often strongly suggested that the first time you visit any destination a guided tour be included in the itinerary.  Even better would be fully guided vacations with experienced guides fluent in local culture and mores.

To that end, Brendan is offering a $600, air reduction per couple on a European guided vacation, air inclusive, from April 1 to Oct. 31, 2012.  The only hitch here is that the tour must be booked by Jan. 13.

A sampling of what is available includes the “Sights and Sounds of Ireland,” an 11-day sortie that begins in Dublin with a welcome dinner followed by a sightseeing tour before venturing out.  Visit Glenveagh National Park, the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry.  There will be overnight stays in Connemara, Killarney and Cork.

The “Glimpse of Ireland” is two days less at nine but offers St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Storkestown Park House estate and museum and Klyemore Abbey in Connemara.  For the romantically inclined you can watch the fabulous sunset over Galway Bay and wish for good luck by kissing the stone in Blarney Castle.  If you pack very carefully you can bring home some great bargains from the Waterford Crystal Centre, or better yet, have them ship for you.

Also at nine days is the “Tastes and Tales” of Ireland that includes a walking tour of Dublin, the English Market in Cork—considered one of the oldest of its kind—and a stop in Queenstown, the last port of call of the ill-fated Titanic that sailed for the United States just a century ago (April 15, 1912).

This tour is limited to 24 participants in a luxury coach with a professional guide/chauffer.

Also offered in the non-Ireland category are guided tours to the “Imperial Cities Showcase” (10 days) that hits some of the most historic royal palaces in Europe and the (12 day) “Balkans and Venice Revealed” that starts in the historic Dubrovnik.

The crenellated walls surrounding this ancient city make it one of the most historic and romantic spots in Europe.  It survived devastating attacks during the Serb/Croatian War and has done an amazing job of repairing itself in the same mode in which it was created nearly a millennia ago.

The pure spite work of the Serbs in targeting a city of no modern strategic value with mortars and artillery that rained down on the city is barely visible today.  Visitors rub shoulders with locals walking along the ancient cobblestone streets, visiting the historic churches and the second oldest synagogue in Europe and imbibing a brew in a pub that is 800 years old.

You’ll visit Split, the site of Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, built in May of 305 AD, 1,707 years ago.  The lower level of the palace today is home to a host of vendors selling modern “ancient” artifacts and beautiful local jewelry and handicrafts.

From Croatia visit Montenegro, Slovenia, and Venice for a rounded European vacation.

For prices, terms and conditions and additional information on itineraries, contact Brendanvacations.com.