Ireland Group Tours - Traveling Around Ireland with Patricia Tunison Preston

Sampling of Comments
from Past Participants
of Msgr. Charlie Coen Tours

Happy memories from past trips: (left to right) Lorraine and Mike Denick celebrate their 33^rd wedding anniversary in Donegal; Bill & Doris Suloff say thanks to Tadhg, our driver/guide; and Jim & Laura Moriarty raise a toast, as they are chosen “Lord & Lady” at Knappogue Castle Banquet.

Here is a sampling of comments about our Msgr. Charlie Coen Summer Tours over the past years.

We both had the greatest vacation ever. The pace was relaxing and not the least bit stressful. And the company was enjoyable as were our leaders and driver. The hotel accommodations left nothing to be desired. Locations were great and one could walk out/or down town without any problem or hesitation. We are waiting to see next year's itinerary….
Mary Miele and Mary Curley, Boston, MA (July 2007 Trip)

Thank you so very much for a wonderful trip. While we were in Dublin, I visited the Grand Lodge of the Masons of Ireland. It was a Sunday, and I left a note. The secretary of the Lodge just happened to miss his train to Belfast, so he went to the Lodge where he found my note. He came to The Westbury Hotel and brought me to the Lodge where we spent three hours. We now have a wonderful friendship. My father always wanted to go to Dublin but never got there. My great-grandfather was the Master of his Masonic Lodge in 1881. He was given a masters Jewel, gold with precious stones. I have donated the Jewel to the Grand Lodge of Ireland in Dublin. There are no more Masons in my family and I believe that my father and grandfather would have wanted this. Now it will reside in their museum for all to enjoy. If it were not for you and the trip, this opportunity would not have been there…. Thank you again!
Bill Ford & Nancy Randazza Ford, Verona, NJ (July 2007 Trip)

Thank you for a wonderful trip! I would recommend your trips to anyone who is planning on going to Ireland.
Betty Stoutenburgh, Kingston, NY (July 2007 Trip)

I had a wonderful time on the tour! The hotels and meals were first rate. I found the bus very comfortable, the stops were paced perfectly to allow for restroom breaks; and the driver - Pat - could listen to his commentary all day long! I still remember Pat telling us a story about St. Patrick and it happened in the 400's - and I did a "double take" because he said 400, not 1400! I think it was the first time I had ever heard so much history that happened before 1000 A.D.!!
I have recommended your tours to a couple of friends of mine; so, hopefully, they sign up in the next year. I'll be sure to check the Blogs of your future trips! It will be a great remembrance. Thanks again for a wonderful time!
Pat Cianci, Poughkeepsie NY (July 2007 Trip)

Thank you for the most wonderful trip. Being born in Co. Monaghan, Ireland, and my husband from Co. Galway, we would always go to see family with our seven children – never to see the other parts. We were both from the farm, and the children loved bring on the farm, so we just went from Galway to Monaghan and back again.
I had always wanted to go on one of your tours, and never got around to it till this year. It was the best vacation of my life….. Pat and John are so friendly and took great care of everyone. We had a great bus driver, Pat Hanrahan of CIE Tours. He drove the bus, gave tours, sang and told jokes….
Mary Bridget (Bridgie) Higgins, Kingston, NY (July 2007 Trip)

We enjoyed the tour very much, as usual. The bus driver was great – very nice and very knowledgeable. You do run a terrific tour….
Dina and Joe Gleeson, Hyde Park, NY (July 2007 Trip)

I wanted you to know how much I appreciated all the time and effort you put into making our July Ireland tour so wonderful. It could not have been better! Thanks for all the photos, newsletters, list of addresses, and the web site that helped my family keep in touch. I'm sure you are getting ready for your October trip, so have a safe and great time. It was nice to meet you both, and I hope to travel with you again.

Eileen Mosher, Rhinebeck, NY (July 2006 Trip)

Now that the suitcase is unpacked, the souvenirs distributed and the pictures are in an album (all 245 of them!), it’s time to sit back and reflect on our trip. Pat and John, my thanks to you for one of the highlights of my life. Your expertise does not go unnoticed. The trip was so well organized one can tell all the time and effort you put in to the planning of it; and Tony (the driver/guide) was the greatest! It was a pleasure to meet you both as well as Msgr. Charlie (he’s a lot of fun). Before my next trip to Ireland, I shall have to learn the Irish set dance as well as more songs (maybe even the tin whistle I bought!). Take care and have a safe trip in the Fall.

Lorraine Looney, Troy, NY (July 2006 Trip)

Thanks so much. I've been meaning to drop you a note and tell you how much my family enjoyed the trip. Your incredible knowledge and thoughtful planning made for such a pleasurable, memorable trip! It could hardly have been better! I hope to go again in the not too distant future.

Kelly Mosher, Red Hook, NY (July 2006 Trip)

I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful time we had on our recent tour to Ireland. It was great fun travelling with you, seeing many places I had never seen before and enjoying again a few that I had seen... While everything might not have always seemed tranquil from where you were, it all seemed easy to us. It was enjoyable, informative and very congenial. Thank you again and I hope that I will see you again.
Mary Keegan (July 2006 Trip), Houston, TX

Thank you so much for our wonderful trip to Ireland. We had such a terrific time thanks to you, John, and Tony. We're still busy telling everyone about it. In fact two couples here in Saugerties want to join you next spring or summer. Again, many thanks.

Hilda & Vinnie McDermott, Saugerties, NY (July 2006 Trip)

Thanks so much! We'll never forget the wonderful time we spent in Ireland. We've been reveling in our heritage ever since.

Greg & Ann Quinn, Hopewell Junction, NY (July 2006 Trip)

We both enjoyed the trip. We had a wonderful time. We hope to be joining you again. Thanks for everything.

William & Nancy Ford, Verona, NJ (July 2006 Trip)

The trip for me was a gift and a complete delight, and being in your company made it ever more special. I felt you two really took us all under your protective wings. Thank you!

Carol Lamb, Merrick, NY (July 2006 Trip)

I certainly chose the best tour for my first trip to beautiful Ireland. It is a trip I will remember for a long time. You certainly know how to plan a trip to get the best of Ireland. You both were a pleasure to be with. I really enjoyed our side trips and scenic stops to take pictures. I am still reliving each day. A month ago today we were leaving Westport for the Woollen Mills in Foxford and William Butler Yeats’ grave, and many other memorable places. I am so glad I was on this trip. I met some wonderful people. God Bless both of you for the pleasure you give to others.

Sr. Marie de Lourdes, O.P., New York, NY (July 2007 Trip)

Thank you for managing to put together such a wonderful tour of the West of Ireland. I learned so much from Tony (our driver/guide) and the rest of you about Ireland's past and present. I especially enjoyed meeting the other people on the tour. I think I am correct that many were Irish Americans. I think all of us truly appreciated learning so much about the beautiful country where our family members were born…. When I returned home from my wonderful trip to Ireland and told my family and friends about the trip I told them what surprised me the most was how prosperous Ireland is now…. The other surprise was learning about Irish traditional music… I have been reading the Blog following your progress back to Dublin and your last few days there. I would love to go back to Ireland again and take my whole family and rent a place someplace in the West and do some exploring on our.

Elaine Baxter, Burlington, IA (July 2006 Trip)

Thank you very much…. Had a great time, look forward to going again. I just finished my 360 pictures to a DVD with Irish music …

Kathleen Miles, Rhinebeck, NY (July 2006 Trip)

Thank you SOOOO much...what a wonderful trip...and you and John and Msgr. Charlie were just as jolly as ever...and seem to enjoy the trip just as though you've never done it before! That Tony...the driver...he was excellent.

Carole Kuhn, Fishers, IN (July 2006 Trip)

Both Sister Marie de Lourdes and I had a wonderful time in Ireland. We enjoyed every minute of our travels and truly enjoyed the company of all who took the trip, too. We recognized your contributions to making the trip possible and express our deep gratitude and admiration. May the days ahead be filled with God's peace and joy.

Sr. Agnes Boyle, Newburgh, NY (July 2006 Trip)

Just returned from the most wonderful trip to Ireland! Everything was absolutely perfect - all the planning you did, our group, the country, the people, the food, and yes, even the weather.... Although I have been home for two weeks now, my heart is still there. I have never had a more enjoyable vacation in my life! Thank you so much for all your hard work. Pam Gunning (July 2005 Trip), Saugerties, NY

The trip to Ireland was simply SPECTACULAR! I have expressed to so many people what a wonderful time I had, and all because of how well you had organized every avenue of the trip. Of course, your choice of Tom Keane, CIE's driver and tour guide who brought us so much laughter with his Irish wit, was a definite enhancement. His knowledge of this beautiful country certainly cultivates one's own interest in its history.

Having both of you and Fr. Charlie present with us during the entire trip also gave it a special touch, as each of you seemed so at ease as you shared your own unique talents, and made this trip all the more memorable.

Each person on the tour itself contributed toward a great time, with exhibitions of friendliness, kindness and consideration of one another.

May you both be blessed for all of the kindness you show to others. I look forward to seeing you again in the near future… I am so glad to have had the opportunity to meet you and get to know you.

Dolores McDonnell (July 2004 Trip), Pleasant Valley, NY

We both want to thank you for the awesome trip you planned for us. It was great, and for “first timers” like us, we enjoyed everything and every bit of this trip. We know you must work very hard to have a trip run so smoothly and that is why we want to thank you for all your hard work and efforts. May God bless you.

Christa and Gerry Blenkle (July 2004 Trip) , Yorktown Heights, NY

"The Quinns" thank you for making our visit to Ireland '04 so very enjoyable. Your thoughtfulness and courtesies are so appreciated.

Mary and Catherine Quinn (July 2004 Trip), Forest Hills, NY

Well, we finally made it to Ireland, and it couldn't have been more enjoyable. From the take-off of Aer Lingus to our touchdown at Shannon, to our introduction to Tom Keane (driver/guide), to our terrific accommodations, everything was perfect. We're still laughing at Tom's jokes and think it was pretty crafty of CIE in having time as driver and guide at the same time. Thanks to CIE for the welcome drinks, and to you, Pat, for all your hard work, planning and behind the scenes professionalism. Thank you for a memorable trip!

Pat and Ted Martin (July 2004 Trip)

Red Hook, NY

Before the summer is completely over, we want to thank you for an absolutely wonderful trip to Ireland. We had such a good time. Everything was great – food, accommodations, entertainment, the bus, and Tom Keane was a super bus driver and tour guide. If we could, we would go again next week. We will thank Fr. Charlie when we see him.

Anne and Jim O'Toole (July 2004 Trip)

Red Hook, NY

Just loved the trip and all here have heard all my stories! Photos are in an album and look nice….

MaryAnn Lohrey (July 2004 Trip)

Poughkeepsie, NY

Thank you for everything!

Maureen Rahilly (July 2004 Trip)

Kingston, NY

Chris and I truly had a wonderful time on our trip with you and John. It was Chris's first trip to Ireland and it definitely has inspired him to want to go back again. He enjoyed every minute of the ten days. It was my first visit in 25 years and it was almost like seeing Ireland for the first time again. Much of Ireland has changed in that time and I felt my trip with you really was an update and an education. Having traveled on my own the last time, I didn't get the opportunity to learn the history and background of many of the features of the country. Of course, much of this was due to the great and knowledgeable Tadhg Murphy. We certainly were fortunate to have him as part of our tour. I have told several other family members and friends about our great trip and many are considering it for a future vacation. Both you and John did a fantastic job in putting this trip together. You took care of most of the details, which really added to making the trip a pleasure. This in itself is an important feature to many. Once again, our most sincere thanks for a delightful and memorable vacation in Ireland. We look forward to hearing about your future tours to Ireland.
Chris and Anna May Gibbons (2003 Trip)

Hurley, NY

Thank you for a beautiful trip. Every time we return to Ireland, it's like the first time—so much to see and do. Please keep us on your mailing list!
Catherine and Mary Quinn (2003 Trip)
Forest Hills, NY

Our first trip to Ireland was better than we could have ever imagined! You attended to everything and the trip was great.
Lorraine and Mike Denick (2003 Trip)
Pougquag, NY

This is just a note to let you know that we had a great time. We are counting the days until next year.
Doris & Bill Suloff (2003 Trip)
Lititz, PA

I will be back to Ireland again – it was such a wonderful trip!
Everyone that I spoke to said that they have been on other trips before but you are FIRST CLASS! Thank you for the best trip and memories! I’ll be back.
Mary Ellen Duffy (2003 Trip)
Bunker Hill, WV

I enjoyed seeing the pictures of our trip posted on your web site, especially Sandy playing the spoons! That was great fun. Everyone I talk to about this trip cannot believe we went to all those fantastic places. Our video turned out great and just makes me relive every exciting moment. I am saving my money (and playing IA Powerball) in order to go with you again. My daughter wants to go, too, so may have to take a second job. It would be worth it to enjoy that wonderful land again. Thanks for the fantastic time in a fantastic country.
Sally Dulinsky (2002 Trip)
Osceola, IA

Just want to thank you for our wonderful trip. It will give us memories for a lifetime! Everything was "perfect" even our pit stops were glorious. The beauty of all the areas you took us to was incredible. You are "the best"…. Again, thank you, thank you!
Kathy Connors (2002 Trip)
Jamison, PA

Just a line to thank you for our wonderful Ireland vacation. We loved every minute of it. You made everything go easy, we did and saw so much, it would not have been as memorable without you.
Audrey & Bruce Ericsson (2002 Trip)
Smithtown, NY

I want to thank you very much for all of your hard work, effort and caring. It was really a great trip, thanks to you and John and Fr. Charlie. I thought it was a great group - felt "at home" with everyone and of course, Tadhg was wonderful - so well-informed, polite, caring and funny. I've told many people how we laughed all day…. I'm off to Italy on Monday on another trip - not nearly as well-organized as yours!
Nancy Rappleyea (2002 Trip)
Poughkeepsie, NY

It's been a little over a year now and I was wondering if you could and would forgive me for not writing and thanking you sooner for the most wonderful tour of a life time. The amount of time and care that you and John put in that tour was beyond belief, and the individual concern that you gave each member was wonderful. My heart stayed in Ireland. The members that made up the tour were perfect…. I look at my photo alum and listen to the music tapes and CDs often. I'll be thinking of you and John and Fr. Charlie and especially Ireland every day forever. Thank you.
Charlie Kistler (2001 Trip)
Ottawa, OH

The entire trip was wonderful from beginning to end. Needless to say, Tom Keane was most informative and made the bus rides lots of fun. It was a great group of people and I'm so glad I was a part of it. Maura joins me in sending best regards.
Beverly Shaw (2001 Trip)
Hyde Park, NY

We want to thank you for a wonderful tour of Ireland - we enjoyed every minute of every day! We realize the amount of work and research you devoted to planning the perfect vacation, and we truly appreciate your efforts (and all the "extra" little touches you added).
Frances & Richie Friel (2001 Trip)
Seaford, NY

Thank you for the wonderful trip to Ireland. Your work and planning made everything so interesting. I never thought I would really get to Ireland. Now I have a pocket full of memories. If I start saving now, perhaps I can make the 2003 trip.
Nancy Hart (2001 Trip)
Red Hook, NY

I just wanted to thank you for all of your hard work and planning. I had a wonderful time in Ireland and am looking forward to making another visit, with the help of God. I brought back many memories and new friends….
Peggy Brennan (2001 Trip)
Fort Montgomery, NY

Thank you for the wonderful time we had in Ireland. I enjoyed every minute.
Collette Caminiti (2001 Trip)
Little Ferry, NJ

The tour was excellent and of course the weather cooperated. Thanks again to you for making our trip great.
Kathy & Mary McKeown (2001 Trip)
Yonkers, NY

We want to express our appreciation to you for organizing such a wonderful tour of Ireland. It was our first trip to Ireland and we were very impressed by its beauty and charm. The tour was perfect in that we saw many cities and points of interest. Our favorite city was Killarney, and the Ring of Kerry was breathtaking. The hotels were all comfortable and charming. I loved the gardens at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney. We loved the entertainment especially the music provided by Father Charlie and his family. What else can we say except that it was wonderful. We had a great time and we want to thank you… It was a pleasure to meet you and to be with you and Father Charlie in Ireland.
Mike & Connie Catalinotto (2001 Trip)
Saugerties, NY

We had a wonderful tour of Ireland. The hotels, the coaches, the drivers, and, of course, the tour coordinators made it very special. God Bless.
Ellie & Vinnie DeGruccio (2001 Tour)
Red Hook, NY

We must tell you that you have done a superb job in all aspects of planning this trip and there isn't a thing you have not covered or advised us on. Again, our heartfelt thanks for a job well done.
Rose & Tom Cassidy (2000 Trip)
Staten Island, NY

Thank you sincerely for all you did to make our trip to Ireland a memory of a lifetime!
Pat & Louise Hogan (1999 Trip)
Poughkeepsie, NY

Thank you for all the hard work and special efforts you expended to make our Ireland trip such a huge success. I think all my cousins would agree "this was our best trip ever." We enjoyed the opportunity to meet new friends, Father Charlie's warm smile, John calling us "girls," and of course, the awesome beauty of Ireland. Also, Tony, our driver, was exceptional. He shared so much about his country, with a gentleness of spirit in his songs and anecdotes. It was a pleasure to enjoy the delights of Ireland with you, John, and Father Charlie. Thank you from all of us.
Carol Brandenburg (one of 9 cousins traveling together on the 1999 Trip)
Hamilton, OH

I want to thank you both for the wonderful job you did on our trip. Everything was great and so well taken care of. Having organized many things for a large organization, I know what good planning means. It was my first tour and my first trip abroad. You made the trip everything I could hope for. Thank you!
Dorothy Wengler (1999 Trip)
Ancram, NY

A belated note to let you know how much I enjoyed our visit to Ireland, and to thank you for all of your efforts in making such a memorable experience. We certainly got a feel for the country, due in no small measure to your travel plans. Again, thanks for a very fine vacation.
Julie Renda (1998 Trip)
Poughkeepsie, NY

A note to thank you for the wonderful trip you organized. To handle all of our needs and wishes with such grace and care was some accomplishment! I've never seen it before on other tours. You are the tops!
Helen Carroll (1998 Trip)
Jackson Heights, NY

What a terrific vacation! How can we thank you for all the work and effort you give us and with so much joy. We do sincerely appreciate the whole Ireland experience. Thank you again.
Carole & Jim Rochford (1998 Trip)
Hawley PA

Many thanks to you for your excellent organization and planning for our tour. I had a wonderful time and felt comfortable and at ease. The tour was everything, and more, that I expected. I have memories to last a lifetime!
Mabel Mackey (1998 Trip)
Poughkeepsie, NY

Just had to take a moment and tell you how much I enjoyed my trip to Scotland and Ireland with you. It was one of the most enjoyable times that I have ever had the good fortune to experience.
Margaret Doty (1997 Trip)
Red Hook, NY

What can we say -the trip was incredible. THANK YOU!!
Bonnie & Mac Hammond (1997 Trip)
Poughkeepsie, NY

I rave about the trip to anyone who will listen!
Yvonne Gilmour (1997 Trip)
Poughkeepsie, NY

Thanks so much for another great trip. You get better and better, just like good wine! Thanks again - I'm so glad we met you and had such a wonderful time touring the "Auld Sod" under your guidance.
Marge & Joe Hart (1997 Trip)
Stuart, FL

Just a line to say how much Martin and I enjoyed the trip to Ireland and to thank you so much for all your help in making it so enjoyable.
Martin & Annie O'Malley (1996 Trip)
Bronx. NY

The mention of Ireland will always bring a smile to my face. Thanks for such a great trip.
Carole Chambers (1996 Trip)
Hyde Park, NY

Just a note to say thanks so very much for the great tour of Ireland. We both enjoyed it so much. I know it took a lot of pre-planning and thought to make it all happen and make it go so smoothly. We'll have many fond memories for years to come.
Peggy & Jack Hanley (1995 Trip)
Red Hook, NY

I can't say enough about our wonderful trip. I have told everyone that I can't think of anything negative about it, and that if they want to go to Ireland, they should definitely join your trips. I also told them we got "a lot of extras" with you, Fr. Charlie, and our wonderful bus driver, Jerry. It must be rewarding to you to be able to organize the trip - and so well! The group became close, and that must be rewarding too. Thanks again for the memories.
Jean Steuding (1995 Trip)
Kingston, NY

Thank you for the wonderful trip to Ireland. All the days were filled with excitement, fun, and good company, food and music.
Jean Ceonzo (1995 Trip)
Poughkeepsie, NY

We want to thank you for all your efforts on our trip. We had a great time, no problems, just fond memories. We know that you were the reason.
Marcy & Ken Appell (1995 Trip)
Red Hook, NY

A bit of Heaven - that's Ireland! Many thanks for your warm hospitality -- it made the tour a most enjoyable one.
Sally & Charlie Hiltz (1995 Trip)
Syosset, NY

I want to thank you for the lovely trip to Ireland. It was unforgettable. I especially appreciated the stop for me as my father's home in Clogheen. It meant a great deal to me. Besides such beautiful Ireland memories, there are also the memories of many very nice people. Thank you.
Martina Griffin (1995 Trip)
Springfield, NJ

I want to express our appreciation of all the effort (which you make seem so effortless) the enthusiasm (which touched everyone), the sharing and caring of our tour. "Thank you" is such a shopworn expression but 100,000 "thank you's" is well suited to you.
Lu Taylor (1994 Tour)
Largo, FL

Many, many thanks for a beautiful experience. Every moment was a delight, full of glorious memories. Jim and I appreciate all the work and loving thought that you expend to put together such an exhilarating trip. The beauty of the Emerald Isle is exquisite, and yes, we are thinking of another trip soon.
Carole & Jim Rochford (1994 Trip)
Hawley, PA

Thank you for making the trip such a memorable one for myself and my family. We had a wonderful time. Thanks for all your help.
Jo Ellen May (1994 Trip)
Nesconset, NY

Thanks for a splendid trip - we enjoyed every minute.
Mary & Catherine Quinn (1992 Trip)
Forest Hills, NY

You added the special touches. A thousand thank you's.
Sandy and Audrey Rightmyer (1992 Trip)
Saugerties, NY

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