- Thursday, November 05, 2009
Niall,
It was a wonderful trip and have no complaints whatsoever, the B & Bs were well chosen - especially Helen and Andy in Dublin. They were GREAT! The trip was well-planned and well-executed, and we ALL had a great time. Seems the prices have gone up a bit for meals, etc. but guess that is to be expected - they're going up everywhere. What a shame about Waterford and all the loss of jobs! Also Aer Lingus had some major layoffs while we were there also but that had nothing to do with your excellent trip-planning! As always it was very well done.
Thanks so much for everything, Best regards, Susan S, Bethany Beach DE
- Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Hi Niall,
Thank you for the welcome home e-mail. We had a truly wonderful time visiting your homeland. What a grand country!
The weather was close to perfect, the food really great and the people could not have been more helpful and congenial. We had so many magical times. Once a young man at the gas station saw we were lost and he said we should follow him and he would take us to Kensmare. When we saw what a great city it was we stopped and sure enough he stopped and got out of his car to see if we were alright--amazing.
The Castle was a special time and the highlight of the trip! The scenery was great and we learned so much-New Grange, Beehive huts, the Oratory etc etc. The info you included was very useful. We did get the card at New Grange which then saved us alot of money-good tip.
Dromoland, St. Judes, Killowen and Athlumney Manor were our favorites and if you would like more detailed observations about any of the B&B's etc, please let me know.
We hope some day to return to Ireland and thank you for helping us plan our first trip there, Joan H, Silver Spring MD
- Friday, October 16, 2009
Niall,
Fantastic 10 days........didn't much care for the NY departure just for the hassle, and this time we had no luggage on arrival in Dublin. They soon found it and sent on plane from Atlanta. I realize that we needed to do this to get the dates. Southwest was fantastic as usual. We did get to Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head with great weather but gave up Ring of Kerry due to time. Of course had to go through the Burren, and got to Clifden on Connemara.
The B&B;s were awesome, the food gourmet. Best B&B - Andy in Dublin and Jimmy at Nellie Dee's stand out but others were all great.
THanks so much for planning such an AWESOME trip.
Once again - THANKS for a phenomenal 1700 km trip with all kinds of sights and adventures.
Kathleen Michelle
Susan
Maureen
Charlotte
- Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Hi Niall,
We had a wonderful trip to Ireland. We were very pleased with the hotel & B&B's we stayed in, the Mont Clare, especially (for it's proxmity to the sights in Dublin, the breakfasts, and its 19th century atmosphere), and the Shraheen House (for it's extraordinary cleanliness and the host's proactivity in giving us recommendations on what to see, how to get there, and the best times to go). I got your cards - I'll put them in the mail by Friday.
We also enjoyed our stay in the Bunratty B&B (Parkhouse?)- the hosts had a 9-day-old baby(!), but they never skipped a beat. The accommodations and the service were very nice. BTW, I didn't realize til late in our trip that I should have given them 2 vouchers for our 2-day stay. I only gave them one. Should I mail them the other one? I don't want them to miss out on whatever benefit may come thru the vouchers).
All in all, we had a very pleasurable and memorable vacation. Ireland is certainly one place we would love to go back to. We got a lot of sightseeing done, but there's still so much more to see. Thank you again, so much for all your help and for all the brochures you sent us. All of it helped to make our trip one we'll remember for the rest of our lives.
Sincerely,
Warren & June Mitchell
- Friday, October 31, 2008
Niall,
Teresa and I just wanted to thank you for putting together a great tour. At no point were we disappointed with anything that you had done or recommended. Even though a bit rainy (and we expected that and enjoyed it as part of the Irish experience) we had a great trip. We wish that we'd had a chance to meet you in person, and will be giving our heartiest recommendation of your services to several folks who have expressed an interest in a future trip.
Bob and Teresa O'Neill
- Friday, October 31, 2008
Dear Niall,
What a wonderful trip we had...and due in no small part to your pre-trip preparations and suggestions on the best places to visit that would meet our interests. You adapted quickly to our request to stay away from the big towns and focus on Ireland's historic treasures and the "great out of doors." As we understand it, the weather was a little wetter with a little more wind than the locals were use to for October (due to the tail end of hurricane's Rita and Wilma) but it did not daunt our spirits. Nor did it daunt the spirits of those that were sharing their homes and towns with us. Almost everyone we spoke to for any length of time--be it the owner of the B&B or the felllow standing next to us in line at a grocery store--all expressed hopes that we were having a good visit in their country. They also wanted to know how long we were to be there and what we had seen. It made us feel very welcome. And the choices you made for the B&Bs were great. The houses were either within walking distance of numerous restaurants and pubs or were in such beautiful settings that we did not mind having to make a short hop by car to get in to town.
We were lucky to enjoy a total of four nights of traditional music--one at Harry B's in Dublin and then a night in Doolin and two nights in Dingle. Dingle and the Dingle Pennisula proved to be our favorite stop. Though every town had its special personality, we thoroughly enjoyed the countryside and the personality of the town and the people of Dingle. While in Dingle I was lucky to purchase a hand-made bodhran from a local craftswoman. She and I had some time to visit and she even gave me a quick lesson.
We had every intention of adding kayaing and some major mountain hiking to our agenda, but the weather did not permit it. However, we did have plenty of opportunities to experience incredibly beautiful and dramatic scenary. We even made it over to Inishmore and enjoyed a blustery bike ride out to Dun Aonghasa and its surrounds. And as I touched on earler, we found no shortage of historic and archaeological sites to explore.
I could go on for a very long time and still not fully express what a great trip we had. Oh, and self-driving added considerably to the overall experience. After a few false starts we became very adept at navigating our way around on the numerous unmarked byways. Though driving on the left side of the road from the right side of the car on the very narrow, winding roads did put a bit of a strain on our marital bliss from time to time--the driving also became second nature.
Again, thank you for your part in making this trip possible and successful. As you might guess our "to do" list was longer than we could actually accomplish during our two-week visit. So we have already decided that we will be going back. And when the time comes for that return trip--we will be in touch.
Cynthia and John Dowdle
- Saturday, August 09, 2008
Hi Niall,
We've been very busy since our return, however, we wanted you to know that it was more than we ever expected.All you hard work went without a hitch.
Airlines, hotel, and B & B's were super with exception of one B & B. The B & B in Doolin was just so-so. Very basic with zero frills. Ireland was absolutely wonderful and we took advantage of as much as we could fit into a day. Every day: up early, breakfast, and off to explore what was on our itinerary for the day. Most days we found a Pub to finish our day in fine style. Your suggestions and directions were very helpful. Bill did bring his GPS as a back-up and I navigated. What more did Bill need?
Again, THANK YOU for all your help in making our holiday a smashing one.
Hope all is well with you and your family.
Carol and Bill
- Monday, July 21, 2008
Niall,
I canʼt begin to thank you enough for all the time and effort youʼve put into making our itinerary for our trip. Weʼve just received the care package you sent with books, directions, discounts etc. Your efforts are truly indescribable. We are looking forward to this trip more than ever. Much of the dread of traveling is the planning and making sure you see everything the country has to offer and youʼve done all the leg work. We canʼt begin to thank you enough, really! Thank you, thank you, and thank you.
Sincerely,
Andrea, Desiree, Stephanie and Maria,
Austin, Texas
- Sunday, June 01, 2008
Hey Niall, we just wanted to thank you for the great trip. After booking my own trips for years, I've got to tell you this is the way to do it. The places you picked for our stay were first class, the owners could not have been more hospitable. The rental car was the perfect size for the four of us, it had plenty of truck space. It was a memorable trip for my wife and my in-laws'. It was great running into your sister in Dingle, what a small world. We will book with you again. If you need a reference just let us know!
Mike and Linda
Springfield Va
- Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Niall,
Now that John and I are back home and rested from our travels to Ireland and the New England states, we submit the following comments about our Ireland trip:
Both of us throughly enjoyed the tour. The drive through the countryside was beautiful and informative. Richard is an excellent bus driver as well as an excellent tour guide. We were so impressed of his knowledge of Ireland and its history. Passing that information os to us, as we cruised along, made all the difference. His "believe it or not" stories, along with his signing, was enjoyed by all on the bus.
What we liked about Caddie Tours, is there were no additional costs (aside from your noon lunch which we were told about in advance). Other tour companies have "side trips" which cost extra money if you want to go on them. With Caddie Tours, what you paid for is what you got.
The hotel accomodations were more than we anticipated and the meals were superb. If we had any complaint it would be the 3 hour plus wait at Dublin Airport before being transported to our hotel.
Thank you for all you did to make our trip to Ireland so memorable.
John and Jerry
- Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Dear Niall,
Thanks so much for all that info. When we did
Ireland before we used Michelin and a couple of guides (Routard and another one) that we bought in France (we were living there at the time – in the Pyrenees in a tiny village of 350). But we missed a lot of things you listed. It always helps when someone can give you advice on what to see and many of the things you listed we did not see the first time around. I’m hoping because there will be another lady on the trip that I might get to do some of the things that were impossible with my husband and oldest son! You have been more than helpful, Niall. I have a friend who is interested in doing a similar trip sometime, as well as a similar tour around Scotland. Although you’re not a Scot, are there similar tours in Scotland for this time of year? I will give her your e-mail address.
You’re the greatest, Niall, and I’ll certainly recommend you to other friends, esp. when they are looking for trips to Ireland. As I said before, Craig and I travel a lot (we lived in 3 countries in Africa for 4 ½ years, 3 months in Malta, 2 ½ years in France and 2 ½ months in Amman, Jordan) and we love doing unusual things. Plus, we scuba dive (although not in the UK, thank you!) and love to go to tropical places (a weakness that came from our time in Africa!). So if you have any fantastic bargains ever, let us know!
Have a wonderful week, Niall.
Best Regards,
Cheryl Holloman
- Thursday, September 01, 2005
Hi, Niall--I just ran across your email again and realized that I never
> wrote to you to tell you what an excellent trip you put together for us in
> June to celebrate Father O'Sullivan's Golden Jubilee. We had a wonderful,
> wonderful time. The weather was fantastic; the sights all beautiful (as
> we knew they would be); the stout was thick and creamy; and the company
> was fine. The hotels you selected after Kenmare were just top notch--The
> Garryvoe and The Hibernian. I'm a meeting planner, so I know a good hotel
> when I see it!
>
> Robert Downey, our driver, was simply superb. He knew his Irish history
> backwards and forwards. Got us to every stop on time (in spite of some of
> us getting off track now and then), and had a marvelous sense of humor.
> Best of all, he was a safe, courteous and skilled driver.
>
> I'd recommend your company anytime!--Mary Ann
>
>
>
> Mary Ann Settlemire
- Thursday, August 25, 2005
Dear Niall:
I want to thank you for putting together such an excellent trip for our group travelling to Ireland in June for Father O'Sullivan's 50th. The trip was well planned, the accomodations were well-located and of very good quality, the driver was pleasant, informative and always on time. We saw some wonderful sights--too many hi-lights to mention--and we had a decent amount of time to shop and poke around on our own. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
Very truly yours,
Maureen O'Brien
- Monday, August 22, 2005
Dear Niall:
>> We had a fantastic time in Ireland, thanks to all your hard work and your
>> anticipation of our needs. All the B&B's were great, with Suan na Mara
>> and the Lighthouse standing out as being expecially good. Car rental went
>> fine and getting around would have been fine if I had remebered to bring
>> the directions you had so thoughtfully printed out for me. Had I to do it
>> over again, I would have stayed 3 nights most places--we never felt we
>> quite got in all the things we wanted to see or do before we had to dash
>> off to our next B&B. Your sightseeing recommendations were spot on. We
>> found the Global Village in Dingle and a place called Baousice (I'm not
>> sure of the spelling) in Spiddal to be expecially good restaurants. I
>> don't remember if you had mentioned Bantry house in your little guide,
>> but Patricia wanted to go and we really enjoyed the gardens and the view
>> there--the house was interesting but there was no one to really interpret
>> it for visitors.
>>
>> I have been liberally sprinkling your cards around and we would
>> definately use you again. Patricia is ready to go back!
>>
>> Thanks again.
>> Mike
>>
- Wednesday, July 13, 2005
I have had the pleasure of working with Niall Leogue and Caddie Tours. Frankly speaking, I took a chance on Niall when I was already using another travel agency for my travel needs. Within a short time, the service Niall provided elevated him to the top of my list. Caddie Tours
is an organization that will go the extra mile and made sure that every last detail in my itinerary was handled with care. On my recent trip to Ireland, bad weather caused my flight to be delayed. My family and I were on a very tight schedule. It appeared that we were going to lose a day of our vacation. Luckily, I was able to reach Niall by telephone in the evening and he was able to provide me with accurate flight information, so that we were able make our connecting flight. Once in Ireland, we had a fantastic time visiting many different places over the course of 9 days. Niall had recommended outstanding hotels, B&B's, restaurants as well as numerous places to see. It was though Niall was our personal tour guide. In over 30 years of travel experience, I have never had the opportunity working with someone with such an outstanding work ethic that was coupled with excellent customer service. Niall and Caddie Tours are a top notch organization that created a custom vacation experience for me and my family. I highly recommend that anyone looking for memorable trip to Ireland speak with Niall.
Don Hughes
Alexandria, VA
- Friday, July 08, 2005
Niall: I got your note last week and am glad to have the chance to let you known that I had a wonderful time on the trip. The hotels were great - the Garryvoe especially so. I miss my Irish breakfasts! All of the tours that were selected for us were exceptional - the tour guides at Cashel Rock, Muckross House and Jerpoint Abbey deserve special praise for being knowledgable and making the history come alive. I've saved the best for last - Robert Downing, our driver/guide was fabulous. He was very accomodating, making a special effort to get us to the Cliffs of Mohr which we missed on the first day because our plane was so late. His wit and humor were most enjoyable. He made the tour special for all of us. If I were ever to go back, I would want him on my bus! Chris Kirby, Washington DC
- Friday, July 08, 2005
Niall-
Thanks again for organizing our utterly fantastic trip to Ireland in May. My husband Bill and I had one of the best traveling experiences of our lives. From Dublin to Kinsale to Dingle, we had a fabulous time. Your arrangements were seamless, which is always much relief when traveling internationally, and the B&Bs you chose were absolutely lovely! We especially enjoyed The Shores Country House in Dingle. Wow! Life does not get any better than that. We appreciate your attention to detail and customer service enormously. Thanks again. You'll be hearing from us in the future.
Very truly yours,
Melinda Moore
Leesburg, Virginia
- Friday, July 01, 2005
Niall,
What a wonderful trip! Our only regret is we couldn’t stay longer (sigh) - maybe next time. All of the B&Bs were excellent and we couldn’t have asked for more gracious hosts. The food was great and although I normally don’t drink Guinness it certainly was excellent on the Emerald Isle. Our car was a Nissan Micra and it was very spacious yet small enough for a first time left lane driver. Every where we went the Irish were pleasant and helpful. The scenery is unbelievable! I personally liked the west/northwest area the best; Nickee enjoyed the interior more. Thank you so much for all your efforts in booking a great adventure.
Kevin C. & Nickee R.
Harrisonburg VA
- Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Hi Niall,
Got back Saturday. We had a great time. The tour you set up in Dublin was fantastic. We had a great time and our tour guide Pat Fallon was wonderful. I did not kiss the Blarney Stone but my husband did. The hotel in Dublin was perfect. The Mont Clare. Good location and away from the noise.
I loved Scotland and the tour was good. I prefer the smaller groups like in Dublin but is was still a good trip to Inverness. Learned a lot and saw a lot.
Thanks for your help.
Michele Gerchow O'Halloran
- Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Hi Niall,
Richard, Joan and I want you to know what a great time we had on our trip to beautiful Ireland. Now we really understand why they call it the Emerald Island. I am so glad that we drove ourselves and had the pleasure of stopping and going as we wished. The itinerary that you provided us was wonderful. We felt that with your written guidance we saw much more than would have been possible without it. Even your suggestions of where to eat throughout the journey were right on target. And the hotels that you chose for us were fabulous. To return each night to such delightful and picturesque accommodations was perfect.
When friends ask what we liked the most about Ireland, it's difficult to choose but we finally agreed that it was the people. Everyone we talked to were extremely friendly and seemed to not only like Americans but knew so much about the US. I guess many of the Irish watch old movies because a number of people asked us about John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe! We had to chuckle.
Niall, thank you so much for your help and guidance. Throughout the years, we have traveled quite a bit and have worked with many agents. We never experienced the kind of genuine help that you provided. There was not a hitch in any of the plans or reservations that you made. We got so much out of this trip because of you than we would have otherwise. We will confidently and with pleasure recommend you to our family and friends. If you have other trips that you think we'd enjoy, do let us know.
With Best Regards, Judi and Richard Sugarman
- Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Hi Niall,
We had a wonderful trip. Arrived in Shannon on Friday morning and visited Bunratty Castle and Durty Nellies and then drove to Galway. We stayed at Bayberry House Friday night and took the train into Dublin early Saturday morning. We traveled by bus and dart to Lisadell House and then back to Lansdowne Road Stadium. We got killed but it was a fun game to watch. We toured in Dublin Saturday night and all day Sunday. We went to a pub in a great little town called Dalkey on Saturday night and had a wonderful time. Took the train back to Galway Sunday night and drove north to the Connemeara on Monday. Visited Kylemore Abbey and had a bite to eat in Westport. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. On Tuesday, we stayed in Galway and visited the University and toured the town. Had a very enjoyable day and watched the sun set over Galway bay. We stayed at Bayberry House Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights. Marie has a lovely house and treated us wonderfully. On Wednesday, we headed south and visited the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. We stayed that night in Kilarney at MaggieO's. She was very friendly and had a nice place. On Thursday, we went to Kilarney National Park and planned on doing the Ring of Kerry, but the weather was terrible so we took the car ferry and headed to Kinsale. Joe was very disappointed that we could not see the Gap of Dunloe. We stayed at the Hillside House and Margaret was a lovely host. We had a delicious dinner at Jim Edward's on Thanksgiving and toured the town and the Kinsale Brewery on Friday morning. Our friend knows the owner Cathal, so he gave us a private tour and a free pint. We then headed to Cobh and had lunch at the Titanic Bar and toured the museum and the Cathedral. From there, we headed to Blarney and stayed at the White House. Very nice people and a nice place. Saturday morning, we kissed the Blarney Stone and headed back to the airport.
We packed in as much as we could, but there were a lot of thing that we missed. I guess we will just have to go back.
Thank you for all your help and information. If and when we go, we will certainly contact you and will recommend you to anyone who asks.
Joe will send you some pictures when he gets them all in order and documented. Of course, as you know, pictures do not portray the beauty of the country.
Carol Gallagher
- Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Hi Niall,
Thanks for the follow up. Ireland was wonderful. More beautiful than I had imagined. Your itinerary was great! I tell friends not to go over there w/o a travel agent agent like you to plan the tour. I can only imagine what a problem I would have caused for myself. All the b&b's and their operators were great to. Thanks for your valuable service. Sincerely, Mike McDermitt
- Sunday, October 10, 2004
Niall,
We had a great time. When we read all your driving directions here at home
we were mystified, but they were great. I think we missed our turns only once
or twice, but with your map we were great. The people were great and enjoyed
everywhere we went. Gerald and Hope kissed the Blarney Stone and we all know
they needed to--ha!
Thanks for all your help.
Art Schlegel
- Monday, September 27, 2004
- Peggy L. Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Niall,
Sean & I had a great trip toIreland! All arrangements were super. We wish we did not have to return to work. Sean & I also want to try to visitIrelandat least once a year. Again, thank you for making all the arrangements. Peggy L. Washington DC.
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