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Comments from Past Tour Participants
Pat & John appreciate all of the comments below – can’t you tell almost everyone kissed the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle (left)? On one of our trips, tour members presented Pat with an Irish bouquet (right). Read our other “bouquets” below. And read an original poem by Mary Anne Walkovich. Comments from Tour Members on our October 2007 Trip: Both Ron and I are still amazed that our trip to Ireland has come and gone. We both feel that you enabled us to see so much of Ireland, in such a small amount of time. Overall, we rate our experience as “excellent.” We truly thank you for making our first trip to Ireland so rich and full. You are truly the Expert. It was evident that Pat put a lot of time and energy insuring we had a great trip. I would travel anywhere with her! We very much enjoyed our trip. It was perfect for us, especially since it was our first time to Ireland. We thank you for your attention to the group and to us. Hats off to Pat & John for a great "West of Ireland Tour. " Also to our Irish leprechaun driver/guide Tom Keane, for all his wit and gifted talents. At Dromoland Castle, we were all treated like American kings and queens. From the shores to mountain tops and beyond, I'm sure all the tour members will agree: it was a vacation that will stay in our memories for many years to come. Many thanks to the Irelandexpert! Many thanks for all your follow up. You did a great job organizing everything, and we appreciated all the effort. Since this was our first organized tour, we were skeptical, but it was really good. Tom was a gem too….. This was our first bus tour with “strangers,” and we really enjoyed meeting new people. The longer bus rides were not boring because Tom (our driver/guide) kept us entertained and informed throughout. I only wish I’d have had a tape recorder with me so I could share our experiences with our friends. Thanks for a great trip! All of my co-workers heard about the grand trip we had, thanks to you and your web site Blog. Our driver/guide Tom Keane was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and a delight! And Pat Preston goes above and beyond all others! Andrew and his grandmother arrived home safely - the pictures are fabulous - thank you for taking such good care of them! We have enjoyed hearing the stories - and I was not aware of this Blog site until they arrived home - but it is great to see now! Thanks again. Comments from Tour Members on our April 2007 Trip: What a wonderful trip! My mother and I thoroughly enjoyed our vacation. Met wonderful people. Ireland is definitely worth returning to again, and again, and again. Thank you for making this trip such a memory for both of us. The tour was great! I really enjoyed Kinsale. The sheepdog demonstration and the tour of the Ring of Kerry were highlights for me. I only wish that Darrell (my husband) had experienced it with me. Maybe, one day soon. Spring in Ireland with the blooming flowers is an excellent time to visit. Thanks for a wonderful second tour of a fabulous country! It was most enjoyable to see the beautiful countryside and very friendly people. We loved every minute of the trip! How wonderful the Spring Tour was! Staying two nights in each hotel was great. We are very grateful for all your thoughtfulness. This trip was wonderful. The people we traveled with were terrific and we all got along so well. There was no “rush atmosphere” with the daily plans; and the traveling was broken up very nicely with the planned stops. Even though it’s so nice to go home, we really wished that these days hadn’t gone so quickly. Thanks for a great time. (P.S. we love the pictures on the Blog and also the comments from home – what a nice way to keep in touch). Thank you do much for that lovely spring trip to Ireland! I’ve been raving about it and you ever since we got back. You worked so hard to make it all look so easy (and I know it couldn’t have been so easy as you made it look)… Tadhg (driver/guide) seemed to enjoy the trip as much as we did. Thank you for the spectacular memories. We thoroughly enjoyed the Spring 2007 trip and were especially pleased at how well group members got along with each others. Not only is that a product of nice people, but also from good planning, leadership and execution. It was an excellent introduction to the Emerald Isle. We look forward to further trips with you and will stay in touch to be sure your trips remain in our travel calendar. Thank to you and John for the work you have done to provide such an excellent experience. What can I say, but “thank you”? Our Springtime in Ireland Tour was a dream realized for me. In the late 1980’s my husband and I talked about making a trip to Ireland (for me) and to France and England where he had been in World War II (for him). We got our passports and put aside the money but one thing after another came up and the time and the funds melted away, and in January 1990 began an 11-year series of illnesses on his part and care-giving on my part which ended with his death on June 1, 2001. Ireland was not only “on the back burner,” it was stored deep in the back of the freezer. It was never going to happen! I “sat in the tomb” for more than 3.5 years until the wonderful workings of God through my church and a very special new pastor I began to feel life and joy again. Comments from Tour Members on our October 2006 Trip:
We are already looking forward to another trip with you. Thank you for making the whole event so memorable. Wally & Sally McDonald, Cazenovia, NY (October 2006 Trip)
Thank you for a wonderful tour of Western Ireland. We are already considering some more of that beautiful country. Jimmie & Marie Smith, San Jose, CA (October 2006 Trip)
Such a well-planned, fun-filled tour! It’s very comforting to travel with travel professionals like you and John. You really are “Ireland experts.” We will gladly recommend you to all our friends. Thanks for everything – it was wonderful. Something tells me, too, that we were very fortunate to get Pat Hanrahan as our driver/guide/singer/historian/nice person as our Irish host. I hope CIE management realizes what an asset they have in him. Kathy & Bernie Carroll, Saugerties, NY (October 2006 Trip)
You are wonderful tour leaders. I enjoyed Ireland from the day we landed at Shannon until today and will for a long time in the future.... The Blog was great! Keep it up! Thank you. Mary Dodig, Saugerties, NY (October 2006 Trip)
You are great hosts and tour guides! Your constant care and concern for your tourists cannot be challenged. Your knowledge of Ireland down to every detail was so appreciated. Your hard work and endearing efforts will never be forgotten. May God bless you both – Ireland is so lucky to have you! Mary Timm, Clinton Corners, NY (October 2006 Trip)
Our trip was one of the best we have taken in a long time…. We really appreciate your efforts in coordinating the events of the week and making our vacation one of pure enjoyment. We wish good health to you and hope to again join you in Ireland for another week of good times and making new friends. May the wind always be to your back! Mike Hammond and Lee Martin, Altamont, NY (October 2006 Trip)
It was the best – ready to go again! Marian & Joe Tracy, Ogdensburg, NY (October 2006 Trip)
We had a great time and will always remember our first visit to Ireland with you…. and we hope it will be the first of many tours of Ireland with you. Thank you both for making it so special. Roe Mastropaolo and Marco Pallilo, Pleasant Valley, NY (October 2006 Trip)
Excellent! Enjoyed everything – I am so glad we saw Ireland with a group tour.… The Blog is a great idea - your reading of the comments from friends and family to tour members was so appreciated. Most of us would never have read them until after returning home and it just meant so much to hear them, while all together on the bus! Thank you for all the kind and thoughtful things you do. I can tell you love what you do. Laurel & Bill Zona, Ballston Lake, NY (October 2006 Trip)
Thanks again for hosting such a wonderful trip. John and I had a great time – the trip was excellent in all respects. Carol O’Hagan, Southold, NY (October 2006 Trip)
The very best! Couldn’t have asked for more. And keep up the “Blog” – it’s fun for all! Pat Locker, Rhinebeck, NY (October 2006 Trip)
Thanks for showing us a wonderful time in Ireland. It could not have been better! Marge Miller, North Bangor, NY (October 2006 Trip)
Your company on the tour definitely made this trip extra special. Being alone, I really never felt alone. Wonderful people on the tour. You really go beyond to bring people together. Giving the list of passengers beforehand is excellent. Rosalie Reass, Calverton, NY (October 2006 Trip)
Re: The Blog. Loved hearing from my family while on the trip! Rhoda Gough, Malone, NY (October 2006 Trip)
Excellent tour! John and Pat, you were great … It was great spending a week with you touring beautiful Ireland! Madeleine & John Egan, Bluffton, SC (October 2006 Trip)
Comments from the Tour Members on April 2006 Trip:
Many thanks for such a wonderful introduction to Ireland, for making all the arrangements, for the neat side trips, for the weather, and most certainly, for our guide/driver, Tom Keane. We came away with a much broader perspective of the country, its history, and the present. You folks are a "class act," as it is said, and your tour shows it! Many thanks and hopefully we can enjoy another tour with you soon again. Gene & Ruth Kellogg, Peterborough, NH (April 2006 Trip)
Just wanted to thank you again for making our first trip to Ireland such a memorable one. It was evident that you spent a tremendous amount of time organizing the trip. You thought of everything- starting with a wonderful “welcome” Irish breakfast (a great way to get to know a few of our traveling "mates"), continuing with the best places to visit, wonderful hotels that had great views and delicious food - all done in a easy-going, carefree manner (thanks to all your work ("behind the scenes"). All the added touches that you do so well were greatly appreciated. Your love of Ireland came through loud and clear! Thank you for making our Ireland adventure one that we will always remember. We look forward to joining you again in another wonderful Ireland experience! Debbie and Chris Gardner, Bayport, NY (April 2006 Trip)
Thanks for the memories! From the narrow streets of Wexford and the splendor of Kinsale, to the magnificence of the Ring of Kerry, this trip exceeded all of our expectations. Your time, effort and attention to detail always come shining through to make your tours completely care-free. What a vacation! Ireland’s beauty should be shared and we feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so with all of the wonderful people on our tour. Tom Keane – our driver/guide and master of the roadways- was spectacular. He made all of the scenery come alive with his quick wit and endless knowledge of the history of Ireland. He made us feel welcome from the start of the trip until we departed for our return home. We left with a treasure-trove of memories and a great desire to return to the Emerald Isle…. Nancy and Guerry Eaton, Winchester, MA (April 2006 Trip)
Just a “wee” note to say thanks for such a great trip. We all were truly blessed with the weather. You left no stone unturned and your attention to detail is a marvel. After seeing how expensive it is in Ireland, we certainly had a trip of extraordinary value. Anne and I have been extolling your praises to all and everyone within earshot. Eileen Kelleher, Rhinebeck, NY (April 2006 Trip)
Words cannot express how I feel after my first tour to Ireland. You have given me my lifetime dream. Many thanks for having the Springtime in Ireland tour! Patricia Gill DuPont, Kingston, NY (April 2006 Trip)
The entire trip to Ireland was just wonderful! So much more than I had anticipated. Tom Keane, our driver/guide, was just so much fun and we all loved him. Thank you so much for all the little extra touches you included. I can’t wait to go again! Annie Krueger, Apex, NC (April 2006 Trip)
Thank you so much for a wonderful tour. I appreciate the thoughtfulness and work you put together for the tour. I would love to travel with you again sometime. Mary Lettick, Salem, MA (April 2006 Trip)
Thank you for a great tour. We have been on many tours but this tour was the best. We enjoyed it so much that we have decided to sign up again to travel with you in October! And maybe bring a few friends, too. Terry & Jack Yaruso, Snow Camp, NC (April 2006 Trip)
It was a great trip, and a nice group of people. I would love to do it again. Thank you! Frances Breen, Glenwood Landing, NY (April 2006 Trip)
What a beautiful vacation! I cannot say enough to express how much I enjoyed myself. Everyone was so nice and friendly. It was all just great, thanks to you both with all the hard work you did. Hope in the future to join you both once again. Mary “Myrna” Duck, Glen Cove, NY (April 2006 Trip)
We couldn’t have asked for a better trip… Blarney Stone, Waterford Crystal, Jameson’s Distillery, sheep herding, boat ride, everything was so enjoyable. Tom Keane, our driver/guide was the best ever, with his knowledge of Ireland and jolly comments… You did an excellent job providing itinerary, hotels, etc. We would go with you on another tour - any time - any place. Thank you very much. Jeanette and William (Paddy) Lynch, Boynton Beach, FL (April 2006 Trip)
You sure did bring a group of wonderful people together, and Tom Keane, our driver/guide, was A-1. Again, thanks for a great trip and many happy memories. Rose Morris, Kingston, NY (April 2006 Trip)
Comments from Tour Members on our October 2005 Trip: You two really know what you are doing! We will recommend the tours to everyone and we hope to go again! Jeff & Terri Ackerly, Red Hook, NY (Oct. 2005 Trip)
Loved the trip, and especially enjoyed Kylemore Abbey, Muckross House, and our jaunting car ride. Hope to be with you both again!
The people on the tour were lovely. It was great to mix with all the different sub-groups that were traveling together -- father and son, sisters, couples, families and people traveling with others or alone. It was also so nice to be part of their celebrations-- anniversaries and birthdays…. In Galway, Kate Wright's baking lesson was a highlight. She was so hospitable with wine and plenty of baked goodies. We could have had dinner right there. We had been to Galway before and missed some things, so we welcomed the opportunity to have the time to visit the Galway Cathedral to see the architecture and the stained glass windows. Kylemore Abbey is always a treat. The catamaran trip on Killary Harbour was also a highlight… We enjoyed walking around Adare. Dinner at Kate Kearney's Cottage was a delightful way to end the trip. The entertainment by the group, was spectacular….The tour and price/value were excellent. We wish that we were able to take the Spring tour - maybe next year. Yes, we would most certainly recommend the tour to others. Rosanne Holtzman, Williston Park, NY (Oct. 2005 Trip) A wonderful trip.... Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Blarney, Killarney and so much more. The cooking class (at the Cobblestone Cafe, Galway) was great. Kate’s hints for successful brown bread and scones - we can’t wait till we try them. What a special tour to include this unique experience... Catherine and Mary Quinn, Forest Hills, NY (Oct. 2005 Trip) It was a great tour. Of course, some people we got to know better than others, but, in all, a cooperative, pleasant group with which to travel. The driver (Pat Hanrahan) was good at driving and kept us informed and entertained. We had fun with Kate Wright (at the Cobblestone Cafe, Galway). Her bread baking course was so interesting. We were stuffing ourselves with bread forgetting the dinner that awaited at the hotel. We have some pictures to share with you when they get developed. Thank you especially for all the planning and arrangements. Connie and Joe Mondell, Spencertown, NY (Oct. 2005 Trip)
Just wanted to tell you how happy we were with the trip. It was a great way to help celebrate our 65th Birthday year. Everything was so well organized and carried out. Bus driver was excellent. Be well and thanks for all your planning. Beth O'Donnell, Carle Place, NY (Oct. 2005 Trip) We had an absolutely wonderful time! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know we'll be giving thanks this year for the wonderful memories we brought home with us. Donna Auer, Normal, IL (Oct. 2005 Trip) Comments from the Tour Members What a wonderful time we had on the Ireland East-West Tour. Once again, you paid such attention to detail as well as ordering excellent weather for the duration of our stay in Ireland. Tadhg Murphy (our driver/guide) was wonderful - patient - informative - always pleasant . . . a fine good will ambassador. It was such fun seeing friends from the '03 trip and also to have the opportunity to make new friends. A fantastic group of people! You and John are to be congratulated for all of the hard work you put into making the trip a success. We came home with beautiful memories of a magnificent country filled with wonderful people. (We also came home to four inches of snow...) Nancy and Guerry Eaton, Winchester, MA (Nov. 2004 Trip)
Once again, thanks for a wonderful tour of Ireland. I thank you for taking such good care of myself and my younger siblings. With your guidance, we have been able to take a trip of a lifetime. Thanks again, Maureen Garra, Mahopac Falls, NY (Nov. 2004 Trip).
I want to thank you, once again, for another delightful Irish experience. With heartfelt regards, Marilyn Nesbitt, New Jersey (Nov. 2004 Tour)
Just a little note to tell you how much we enjoyed our trip to Ireland. We keep reliving it each day. Jack and I have never traveled outside of our country and it was truly a memorable experience, thanks to all the planning that you put into it. We keep thinking about Tom Keane (driver/guide) and the many wonderful stories that he had for us. It was truly a week in our loves that we will cherish forever. Again, our thanks to both of you for a wonderful trip. Anne & Jack Gilfeather, Red Hook, NY (Oct. 2004 Trip)
I want to thank you for a fabulous trip to Ireland! You truly are an expert. It was nice meeting you both & the group of people on the bus was great. I also can't say enough about our driver, Tom Keane. Doris & I had the best time! I'm definitely going back to that beautiful country. Thanks for organizing such a memorable trip! Hope to see you again one of these days. Helen McNeil, Rockland, MA (Oct. 2004 Trip)
A thousand “Thank you”s! Needless to say, our trip to Ireland topped the list of our Thanksgiving. After dessert, Tom brought his laptop onto the Thanksgiving table and we shared our Ireland blessing with all. Doreen & Tom Ruff, Red Hook, NY (Oct. 2004 Trip)
“Thank you!” We just want you to know how wonderful our trip to Ireland was. You certainly had all bases covered. It is not easy, but you made things run so smoothly and we thank you for it. Thanks again, Joan and Gene Zeitler, Rhinebeck, NY (Oct. 2004 Trip)
Thank you for the wonderful tour of Ireland. I had a great time especially due to the extra niceties you added. The people were all delightful and Tom Keane (driver/guide) was the icing on the cake. Nancy Dreimiller, Loudonville, NY (Oct. 2004 Trip)
Comments from the Tour Members After an enjoyable
return flight to Boston, as we waited for our bus to take us close to home,
a woman waiting for the same bus asked where we were returning from. When we
told her it was Ireland, she proceeded to say that Ireland was next on her
travel agenda. We were a fountain of information regarding your fantastic
tour. We told her of your efficiency; fact-filled monthly newsletters;
personalized caring; beautiful accommodations and a country so welcoming
that we were already thinking of returning. We were running out of
adjectives to describe how happy we were with our visit. Obviously, our
happiness was the direct result of your hard work.
Tom did a wonderful job of making us feel welcome and he told us all the
intricate little details about each area and that made the trip fun. He told
us a lot of the history and customs so that we didn't have to read up on the
area.
The Full Itinerary Note: Due to a technical fault, our Sign-Up Page may not download for you. If this is the case, please send an email to patpreston@mac.com and ask for a Sign-Up form to be mailed or emailed to you. Thanks! |
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