Experience Ireland and Scotland Like a Local

By Catherine Reilly, Managing Director of Brendan Vacations 

Ireland and Scotland aren’t places you simply check off a list. They’re places you uncover through the people you meet, the stories you hear, and the moments spent in the right rooms, along the right roads, with the right locals. At Brendan Vacations, we design trips around that idea and are known as the Celtic travel experts. Our team is based in Dublin, and that shapes how we plan, who we trust, and what we include. These itineraries are crafted by people who live here, not just “sellers of” here. That lived perspective turns a trip into something more layered, more personal, and harder to replicate.

From whisky tours at locally owned distilleries in the Scottish Highlands to foraging for seaweed on the coast of County Kerry and overnight stays at historic hotels like the 13th-century Ashford Castle, each experience tells a story of longstanding tradition and history. Each is chosen because it offers direct access to someone who lives the culture, not just interprets it. 
 
For more than 40 years, I have worked with my team to seek out the best local storytellers: business owners, restaurateurs, hoteliers and artisans who are passionate about sharing what they know and love. Together, we’ve built a collection of activities, stays and dining experiences that leave travelers with a deeper understanding of Ireland and Scotland and of the people who call these places home. People like Mark Rogers, a seanchaí or traditional Irish storyteller, who guides guests along the dramatic Antrim Coast, bringing its history and landscapes to life in a way no one else can. Or Ianin Burnett, a Highland chocolatier and award-winning truffle specialist, who invites visitors for a private tasting experience. These are the types of encounters we love to share with our guests.

Travel works best when it leaves something beyond memories. That’s the thinking behind our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, which focus on conservation, cultural preservation, and community impact in the places we visit. We believe travel should uplift the communities it visits, not just pass by them. With Brendan Vacations, travelers can visit the Dundregan Rewilding Center to learn about forest conservation in Scotland or explore the UNESCO-designated Burren farm alongside its fifth-generation owner. Each experience connects travelers to the people quietly working to preserve Ireland and Scotland’s landscapes and traditions.

Sharing my knowledge of these two countries is in my DNA, which is why I created Catherine’s Collection: a personal selection of accommodations and dining experiences that reflect the true magic of my homeland. Every property, whether a castle, a manor or bed & breakfast, is chosen because it has a story to tell. From Loch Lein, a family-owned bed & breakfast nestled along the water in Killarney, to the enchanting Dromoland Castle, home to Irish High Kings for over a thousand years, guests feel fully immersed in the heart of Ireland and Scotland from the time they wake to when they fall asleep. 

But what makes a country an experience you carry with you for years is the people you meet along the way. Our Local Specialists, private drivers and Trip Managers bring their own stories and passion to every journey, welcoming travelers to their homeland with personal recommendations. Human connection is at the heart of everything we do at Brendan Vacations, and it starts with the locals who are proud to be each guest’s personal connection to their Celtic homelands. 

About the Author

Catherine Reilly is Managing Director of Brendan Vacations Ireland, part of the global travel organisation, The Travel Corporation. Founded in Los Angeles in 1969, Brendan Vacations is a specialist in travel to Ireland and Scotland, offering expertly designed Small Group Tours, Private Driver experiences, Self-Drive and Rail journeys, all delivered with a highly personalised approach. 

Ireland has been at the heart of Brendan Vacations for over four decades, with a dedicated team based on Merrion Square in Dublin. Catherine has led the Irish operation since 1984, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s reputation for excellence and authenticity. 

A passionate advocate for Ireland as a world-class and sustainable tourism destination, Catherine has made a significant contribution to the industry at both national and international levels. She served on the Board of Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, from 2003 to 2013. She is also a former Chair of the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) and Past President of the Incoming Tour Operators Association. 

Catherine has travelled extensively around the world and is always planning her next adventure. In her downtime, she enjoys walking and has a particular fondness for trees. 

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