Brendan Vacations Launches Ireland FAM Tour for North American Advisors
Brendan Vacations is stepping up its commitment to travel advisors by launching a groundbreaking experience known as the Brendan Vacations Ireland FAM tour. Scheduled from October 17 to 22, 2026, this program is tailored for North American travel advisors to explore the diverse beauty of Ireland through three distinct travel styles. This initiative comes at a time when the travel industry is experiencing unprecedented growth in demand for authentic, experiential travel to Ireland, with tourism to the Emerald Isle reaching record levels in recent years.
Dive Into Ireland’s Charm First-Hand
This innovative Brendan Vacations Ireland FAM tour allows Canadian and American travel advisors to immerse themselves in the Celtic allure. As Whitney Ramirez, SVP Sales of Brendan Vacations North America, stated, “The best way to match a client with their perfect Celtic experience is to have lived it yourself.” This tour aims to arm advisors with firsthand knowledge to better serve their clients in an increasingly competitive marketplace where authentic expertise sets successful advisors apart.
The program addresses a critical gap in the industry where many advisors sell destinations they’ve never experienced personally. With Ireland ranking among the top five most requested international destinations for North American travelers, this FAM tour provides essential market intelligence and personal experience that advisors can leverage to increase bookings and client satisfaction.
Participants will embark on one of three meticulously crafted itineraries: Seamless Rail, Luxurious Private Driver, and Intimate Small Group travel styles. Each journey begins in Ireland’s vibrant capital, Dublin, and concludes with an opulent stay at the historic Ashford Castle. The finale promises a fine dining event and a falconry session, truly immersing the advisors in local culture and luxury experiences that their high-end clients increasingly demand.
Exciting Itinerary Highlights and Regional Exploration
The itineraries are thoughtfully designed to showcase Ireland‘s varied landscapes and culture across multiple regions. The Kilkenny & Ashford Castle route offers visits to historic landmarks such as Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral, paired with an authentic storytelling tour that highlights Ireland’s rich medieval heritage. This itinerary particularly appeals to history-focused travelers and those seeking cultural immersion.
Alternatively, the Westport & Ashford Castle itinerary includes exploring the culinary delights of Westport and scenic adventures traversing Achill Island and the Great Western Greenway. This route caters to active travelers and food enthusiasts, showcasing Ireland’s growing reputation as a culinary destination. For those keen on experiencing the south, the Killarney & Ashford Castle journey reveals the breathtaking beauty of Killarney National Park and involves a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, emphasizing sustainable travel practices that resonate with environmentally conscious travelers.
Building Industry Connections and Professional Development
Leading the exploration will be Brendan Vacation’s Director of Sales, Katie Jessup, joined by Sales Managers Donna Looby and Kevin Loftus. This provides an invaluable networking platform for advisors to connect with influential industry figures while exploring Ireland’s legendary landscapes. The program includes structured learning sessions, product training, and informal networking opportunities that extend beyond the tour dates.
Catherine Reilly, Managing Director of Brendan Vacations, highlighted the company’s dedication to supporting travel advisors, stating, “Travel advisors are at the core of everything we do, and this FAM tour represents our commitment to that partnership in action.” This initiative not only aims to deepen advisors’ understanding of Ireland’s travel offerings but also fortifies their connections within the travel community during a period of industry recovery and growth.
Accessibility and Application Details
Available to travel advisors from both Canada and the United States, the Brendan Vacations Ireland FAM tour is priced at USD $1,099 per person, based on twin sharing. This competitive pricing makes the program accessible to advisors from agencies of various sizes, democratizing access to premium destination training. Advisors interested in this educational journey can easily apply by choosing an itinerary, completing an application, and confirming their spot with a deposit. Applications are currently open, with initial confirmations slated for June 15, 2026.
Looking Ahead to Future Industry Trends
This innovative tour represents a fresh approach in how travel advisors engage with the destinations they promote. The initiative is poised to set a trend for future experiential programs, underlining the crucial role of experiential knowledge in travel advising. As the landscape of travel evolves toward more personalized and authentic experiences, such immersive programs are expected to become key components in crafting memorable client journeys.
With Ireland’s tourism infrastructure continuing to expand and evolve, advisors who participate in this FAM tour program will be positioned as experts in one of the world’s most beloved destinations. The program may become an annual event, further cementing the partnership between Brendan Vacations and the travel advisor community while showcasing Ireland’s enduring appeal to North American travelers.
