(23 Reviews)
96% Recommended

Barbara Cottam

Mesa, AZ
Australia Travel Expert

If you’re bored of the same old vacation destinations, then why not consider Australia as the perfect place for your next holiday? It has all the excitement, adventure and natural beauty that will have you coming back for more. As a travel agent a...
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Ireland Travel Agent Expert

Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle

 You’ll never go wrong if you travel to the Emerald Isle. That’s why I love my job as a travel agent specialist for Ireland. Not only is the land of the leprechauns magical, it is also an unforgettable travel experience.  Welcome to the land of greenery, history, and captivating landscapes - Ireland.  Buckle up and get ready for an adventure! When most people think of Ireland, they picture rolling green hills, traditional thatched cottages, and bustling pubs. And while there's no denying that these are all quintessential Irish experiences, there's so much more to this country than meets the eye. From its stunning coastal cliffs to its hidden castles, Ireland is full of attractions just waiting to be discovered. Below are some suggestions for your Ireland holiday. 1. The Cliffs of Moher: These world-famous cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside. Be sure to bring your camera! The natural beauty of Ireland’s most famous cliffs has inspired poets and artists for generations. Also, geologists and scientists have learned a lot from this unique terrain.  You’ll be awestruck as you walk and view the wildlife, watching the colonies of nesting seabirds in this place, which was proclaimed as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds. 2. The Rock of Cashel: This historic site was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and is now home to a 13th-century castle and an ancient cathedral. Located in Tipperary, Ireland, this attraction served as a center of power for about four centuries, and was later a site that was religiously significant. It was at the site that St. Patrick baptized King Aengus, making the monarch Ireland’s first Christian ruler. It is also why the Rock is also known as St. Patrick’s Rock. 3. Glencar Waterfall: This scenic waterfall is located in County Leitrim and is best viewed after a rainfall when the water gushes at full volume. It reaches a height of 50 feet. 4. Dingle Peninsula: This scenic peninsula offers beautiful landscapes, quaint villages and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking and kayaking. 5. Skellig Michael: This rocky island off the coast of Kerry is home to an ancient monastery that was built by monks in the 6th century. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Exploring the Wild Coast of Ireland The Wild Coast is one of Ireland's most beautiful and unspoiled areas. It stretches from the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare to Dingle Bay in Kerry and includes the Connemara National Park. This region is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with its dramatic coastline, rugged mountains, pristine lakes and rivers. There are countless ways to explore the Wild Coast. You can take a hike along the Cliffs of Moher, admire the views from the top of Connor Pass, or go for a swim in Dingle Bay. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at surfing or kayaking. This is a palace where you can watch humpback whales and see golden eagles - a true nature lover’s dream. Learning More About Ireland’s History and Culture: Dublin Castle, Kilkenny Castle, Blarney Castle Dublin Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ireland. Built in the 13th century, it was once the seat of the English government in Ireland. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, with its rich history and beautiful architecture. Kilkenny Castle is another stunning castle in Ireland. It was built in 1172 by Strongbow, the Earl of Pembroke, and has been home to many famous families over the centuries. Today, it is open to the public as a museum and heritage site. Blarney Castle is perhaps best known for its legendary Stone of Eloquence or the Blarney Stone), which is said to grant those who kiss it the gift of eloquence. The castle itself is a magnificent example of 15th-century Irish architecture and is well worth a visit. Some of the famous people who have kissed the Blarney Stone include Sir Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and Sir Walter Scott. “Blarney” means misleading and beguiling talk. Discovering Nature: Giant's Causeway, Glendalough National Park, Muckross House and Gardens Giant's Causeway: The Giant's Causeway is a must-see for any nature lover. This natural wonder is made up of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. The causeway itself is surrounded by a beautiful coastline, making it the perfect place to take a hike or go for a swim. You can get to the Causeway from Dublin. It lies at the foot of basalt cliffs along the sea coast by the Antrim Plateau.   Ireland is an incredibly beautiful and diverse country with a wealth of treasures ready to be discovered. From the majestic cliffs of Moher to the ancient castles in Dublin, you’ll have plenty to do and see.  Give me a call and let’s plan your trip to Ireland now. As your travel agent advisor for the Emerald Isle, I can’t wait to help you create the perfect itinerary.                     

My Travel Albums

Ireland
Jameson Distillery - Bottling my own bottle!

My Travel Stories

Ireland in November

Ireland:  Ireland is a place where I felt at home and could even see myself living for awhile. The beauty of the area is breathtaking and the people are charming and welcoming.  I was there after Thanksgiving week and preparations for Christmas had begun. The pubs, castles, stores and...Read more.

My Reviews

12 of 17 people found this review helpful
Adventure of a lifetime
Barb planned our trip through the United Kingdom. We started in London and spent a month traveling through Wales, Scotland and Ireland. She created the most amazing itinerary with stays in castles and routed us to so many wonderful spots. Her attention to detail and adding all the extras made our trip truly wonderful. I never had to worry about anything. She was checking on us through our whole trip and whenever we checked in to our location, many of them commented, "Oh yes" we just talked to your travel agent. It was very comforting knowing all was under control and all special requests were filled.
By  R&R -   from  Boulder, CO
Traveled to  United Kingdom ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Barbara Cottam responded:
Thank you!

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14 of 23 people found this review helpful
Ireland Dream Trip!
Barb created a wonderful adventure to Ireland. We were nervous about driving so she set us up with rail tours throughout Ireland. It was such a pleasant experience to enjoy the countryside without the stress of driving. We had knowledgeable local tour guides at each city and still had plenty of free time to enjoy the local pubs and music. Barb made sure every detail was taken care of and it was a comfort to know that even being many time zones apart she was always available. It was a great vacation and I will be using her services in the future for all of our travel.
By  KJ  from  Windsor, Colorado
Traveled to  Ireland ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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5 of 9 people found this review helpful
Just experienced a memorable vacation to Cancun.
Barbara Cottam is the BEST in her profession!
By  Mac  from  Centennial, Colorado
Traveled to  Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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9 of 17 people found this review helpful
Excellent family vacation to Catalonia
Barb was always willing and ready to respond to our questions and concerns, both during the planning of our trip and while we were on it! She helped us navigate a european vacation with our three small children amid changing COVID restrictions, helping us with trip insurance and ultimately changing our whole flight/car package from Scotland to Spain only three weeks before the trip. We were quite happy with the homes she recommended and booked for us and our flight arrangements.
By  Jmoon  from  Medford, New Jersey
Traveled to  Spain ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Barbara Cottam responded:
Thank you!! I am so happy it worked out and your family was able to enjoy a vacation together with such difficult restrictions.

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6 of 11 people found this review helpful
Easy Travel
Total professional, every trip great without a hitch, detail oriented. She attaches a wallet with all your documentation for ease of travel.
By  Jolly Girl  from  Salado
Traveled to  Hawaii ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Ireland
  • Cork
  • Blarney
  • Limerick
  • Bunratty

Travel Specialist:

  • Castles & Cathedrals
  • Rail
  • Adventure
  • Food & Wine
  • Luxury

Certifications/Awards:

  • Disney Specialist
  • Aussie Specialist
  • Princess Cruise Specialist

Industry Affiliations:

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