It is literally Katie Jessup’s job to know exactly why and how Brendan Vacations brings you closer to authentic Irish culture – she’s our Field Sales Director.  

When you ask her about it though, it’s not just a sales pitch – it’s a lived experience. She has a vast wealth of Irish travel experiences from time spent on the road with Brendan Vacations, having taken numerous groups through the country for Irish heritage travel (and during St. Patrick’s Day week no less). 

To get that irrepressible Irish spirit, the charm of hospitality and that feel for real, truly authentic Irish culture all in one trip, she says it’s a combination of not just teamwork and connection, but also passion and care. 

Authentic Irish Travel: Made in the Moments 

“I talk a lot about our team on the ground in Dublin,” says Jessup. “Catherine Reilly has been there for 40 years – in fact there’s even a tree planted at the park in Merrion Square in her honor because of everything she’s done for tourism in Ireland.” 

That same team in Dublin works hard to make sure that guests are connected to the right storytellers, hoteliers, local experiences and experts who are not just going to connect them with authentic Irish travel but are deeply passionate about sharing culture and heritage. 

While Ireland is a perfect backdrop filled with beautiful castles, brilliant rolling green hills and crashing, soaring coastline – it’s sometimes the moments inside or after the visit that make that “Ah Ha – there it is!” magic happen. 

“Last year we had a group visiting the Giant’s Causeway with Mark Rodgers,” says Jessup.” “What they loved about it – it wasn’t generic.” 

Rodgers is a seanchaí with Dalriada Kingdom Tours, a traditional Irish storyteller, who passes along the history, tales and stories of his region and town. In a culture that prizes its oral tradition, this is a traditional role and a part of authentic Irish culture that is getting harder to find. His tours are also one of the deeply vetted MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences with Brendan Vacations, chosen for its cultural heritage ties and how his work preserves traditions. 

Jessup says the difference is that they were with someone who lives and breathes this tradition of storytelling. And it’s not just him—his entire family is part of it. In fact, whenever he can, he brings along his young grandson, because this is a craft passed down through generations. 

 “Everyone goes and finds out about the legend of Finn McCool, but he puts his own spin on it,” said Jessup. 

And his own spin involves a surprise treat: an impromptu whiskey toast. 

It’s not as odd as it might sound. There were proper glasses for everyone, and it turned into a heart-warming moment to share amongst each other, in a place near and dear to Rodgers.  

“It’s taking what could be a typical, even generic tour from someone else, but instead you have someone with whom – this is their passion. Everyone said this was one of their favorite parts of the trip.” 

Authentic Irish Travel: Expertise &  Unexpected Details 

There’s an attitude that a lot of travelers embrace when on vacations: To expect the unexpected.  

It’s a mindset that helps many manage stress, reduce anxiety and in some cases embrace that sometimes things will be different than you thought they would. 

However, if your travel is being planned by a company with over four decades of connections and regional knowledge, “expect the unexpected” actually means: We have a surprise in store for you. 

It’s in the details that our Local Specialists offer and their intricate knowledge of the places you’ll visit. 

It’s also in the unexpected delights served up on a plate, like Irish sushi. 

Yes. Irish sushi. In Galway on the Galway Food Tours, a National Geographic Travel Award-winning experience, you’re getting to know and love the city not just through your heart, but through your stomach. The tours are also a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. 

Although often marginalized in popular culture, Irish cuisine is deeply rooted in a closeness to nature and a dedication to regional, fresh ingredients and locally crafted specialties. Over the past 20 years, the world of Irish gastronomy has attracted talent from across the globe to its shores. 

Back to the sushi: Ireland is an island, thus prime for fresh seafood. There’s a strong fusion vibe to the foods that you’ll encounter on the Galway Food Tour, but also a deep link to the heritage, history and pride. So, take that fresh slice of fish, but add some umami-flavor and turnip, set on rice wrapped in a locally harvested seaweed. It’s an innovative, and still authentic, take on the food found here.

And of course, you have your traditional dishes, like oysters from the bay, chowder from locally caught nets, and those tastes of stronger libations made from classic recipes passed down through history. 

It’s the deep knowledge of the place—its history, the city, its streets—that truly captures the essence of traveling with Brendan Vacations. It’s about engaging with top-rated Local Specialists at every stop, through every experience, in every city. 

Authentic Irish Travel: Service, everywhere 

It’s the culture, the heritage, and the small details that grow into lasting memories. Sometimes it’s pulling over to admire a castle; other times, it’s experiencing the warmth and hospitality of a destination you usually recommend to clients—this time, just for yourself. 

“I’m not really good on a bike,” laughs Jessup. “I hadn’t ridden a bike in close to 20 years.” 

And yet there she was, riding along with her group in the Aran Islands with Ollie, the outgoing and endlessly energetic day tour Local Specialist who brings guests onto and into the beautiful islands that dot Ireland’s coastline. The sun is out, the sky is blue and the grass is ever-so-green. 

Just as she was getting off her bike to walk it up a hill – she fell off it instead. 

“I lost my balance, but I didn’t break anything. We got my bike packed away and we continued on with the tour,” says Jessup. “We saw this church, all sunk in the sand – we’re having a good time, we’re on vacation. And I never saw him make the call, or a text.” 

When they returned to where the bikes were stored for their trip back – there was an electric bike charged and waiting for her. 

“He said, ‘I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable,’ that’s the level of service,” said Jessup. “That’s the kind of people we’re partnering with. Offering that level of service in the destination for any of our guests” 

It’s not just taking you to the heart of the Irish experience, it’s receiving the full circle embodiment of Irish hospitality, melding the natural magic of the Celtic Isles with true care. At the core, Jessup says, planning authentic Irish travel is attention to the details of the guest themself.  

“It’s about asking the customer what they’re looking for and being able to have those experiences that we can offer.” 

Ready to Get Matched With Your Best Authentic Irish Travel? 

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