What better way to wrap up Christmas than to travel somewhere unforgettable? We think the holiday season is done better in our Celtic Homelands. When we think of our favorite holiday stays in Ireland and Scotland, we think of lobbies dripping in sparkling decorations, decadent rooms brimming with plushness, soul warming hot drinks served with mince pies, service that is dialed up to anticipate needs you didn't even know you had, open fires burning slowly as you walk in from the cold, and carols raising the festive tone in every space.…

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Maybe it’s the smell of fresh-baked cookies. Toasting snacks and spices. The sparkling twinkle of lights and hands warmed around a hot cup of mulled wine or spiced cider. There’s just something about a Christmas market that brightens up a winter night, literally. Ireland’s cities and town centers are bustling throughout the season with charming craft and artisan market stalls, treats, games, rides and perhaps even some ice skating. We’ve collected a list of the best Christmas markets that Ireland has to offer, perfect for stopping in on if you’re in town during the holidays.…

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The holidays are coming and that means: holiday sales, holiday shopping, busy schedules, extra planning, hustle and bustle and eventually – more things to add to the house once it's all unwrapped. Or does it? What if instead of buying the best gift item for the holidays was instead planning for the best vacation? Or better yet, planning the best vacation to Ireland and Scotland – the vacation of your dreams?…

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How would you know if our Locally Hosted Rail (LHR) travel style is right for you? Well, are you an independent traveler? Do you want to get the best views of Ireland and Scotland? Do you like an adventure? And, do you seek out environmental or eco-friendly vacation options? Answering “yes” on any or all of these may mean that train travel could be the perfect vacation style to try on your next Celtic adventure.…

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One of the greatest challenges to any travel plan: What do I pack? What do I leave out? And once you get there: What did I forget? When travelling to Ireland and Scotland in the autumn (and winter and spring), your packing list is going to be a wee bit different. Here's what our Dublin-based team recommends and suggests you include in your packing list for an Irish or Scottish autumn.…

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While the Celtic Isles are known for Ireland’s glowing green shores and the heathered Highlands of Scotland, they’re also some of the best places to see autumn leaves. Brilliant fall foliage abounds in forests, along streams and throughout parks when you visit in the cooler off-season, after the height of tourist travel.…

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As the off-peak season starts rolling in, the pace is slower, the landscapes transform with beautiful fall colors, our fires burn just a wee bit brighter and our famed stories seem even more magical. To us, the cooler seasons are some of the most enchanting times to visit our incredible Celtic homelands and here are a few reasons why……

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Brendan Vacations is launching Women-Only tours in conjunction with International Women’s Day. These tours are departing for vacations in Ireland and Scotland in the coming summer (perfect timing).…

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Every season vies for the rights to say it’s the best time to visit Scotland but allow me to let you in on a little secret: hightail it to the homeland of the Highlanders when it’s autumn. From fall colors to ghost tours to cozy foods, our Celtic Experts weighed in with the best of what a fall trip to Scotland should include, so here’s what not to miss.…

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Learn about the best secret places, treats and tastes in Ireland. Explore secret spots and activities, then plan your next Brendan Vacation to Ireland.…

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