(19 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Rene Wagenaar

Merrill, WI
Wisconsin Travel Agent Expert

I believe that life is much more fulfilling if you have your next adventure to look forward to! No matter what age you are or budget you are working with, I can help you plan an amazing memory maker of a vacation. Many of my core memories have com...
Learn more about me.

Ireland Travel Agent Specialist

Ireland invites with rolling green hills, ancient castles, and warm hospitality. Explore Dublin's lively pubs, historic Trinity College, and for the beer enthusiast a trip would be complete without visiting the birth of Guinness! Journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, encountering dramatic cliffs, charming villages, and sandy beaches. Discover the Ring of Kerry, a scenic loop showcasing breathtaking landscapes. Immerse yourself in Celtic mythology at ancient sites like Newgrange and the Cliffs of Moher. Savor traditional Irish music and indulge in hearty dishes like Irish stew and fish & chips. Experience the warmth of Irish people and their rich cultural heritage. When I visited with a group of girlfriends, it was love at first site!


Ireland, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a fantastic destination for travelers. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip to Ireland:Top Destinations Dublin:Guinness Storehouse: Learn about the history of Guinness and enjoy a pint at the Gravity Bar with panoramic views of the city.Trinity College & The Book of Kells: Visit Ireland’s oldest university and see the famous illuminated manuscript.Dublin Castle: Explore the historic castle and its beautiful gardens.Temple Bar: Experience the lively nightlife and traditional Irish music in this iconic district.Galway:Galway City Museum: Discover the history and heritage of Galway.Eyre Square: A vibrant public park in the heart of the city.Salthill Promenade: Walk along the scenic seaside promenade.Cork:Blarney Castle: Kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the gift of eloquence.English Market: Explore this historic market with a variety of local foods and crafts.Fota Wildlife Park: Visit this family-friendly wildlife park and gardens.Limerick:King John’s Castle: A 13th-century castle with interactive exhibits.The Hunt Museum: Explore a vast collection of art and antiquities.St. Mary’s Cathedral: Visit one of the oldest buildings in Limerick.Killarney:Killarney National Park: Enjoy the scenic beauty of lakes, mountains, and woodlands.Muckross House and Gardens: Tour this 19th-century mansion and its beautiful grounds.Ross Castle: Explore this historic tower house on the edge of Lough Leane.Must-See Natural Attractions Cliffs of Moher:Experience breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from these iconic cliffs.Ring of Kerry:Drive or cycle this scenic loop with stunning coastal and mountain views.Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland):Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site with unique basalt columns.Connemara:Explore the rugged landscapes, lakes, and mountains of this beautiful region.The Burren:Discover the unique limestone landscape and rich flora of this area.ActivitiesTraditional Irish Music and Dance:Enjoy live music and dance performances in pubs and cultural centers.Hiking and Walking:Explore scenic trails such as the Wicklow Way, Dingle Way, and the Causeway Coast.Castles and Historic Sites:Visit historic castles, ruins, and ancient sites like Newgrange and Rock of Cashel.Whiskey Tasting:Tour distilleries and taste Irish whiskey at places like Jameson Distillery and Bushmills Distillery.Golf:Play a round of golf at world-renowned courses such as Ballybunion, Lahinch, and Royal County Down.Practical TipsBest Time to Visit:The best time to visit is from April to September for milder weather and longer days.Getting Around:Renting a car is recommended for exploring rural areas. Public transportation is available in cities and major towns.Currency:The currency in Ireland is the Euro (€), while Northern Ireland uses the British Pound (£).Language:English is the primary language, but you’ll also see and hear Irish (Gaelic) in some areas.Health and Safety:Ireland is generally safe for travelers. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack accordingly.Must-Try FoodsIrish Stew:A hearty stew made with lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions.Boxty:Traditional potato pancakes.Soda Bread:A staple bread made with baking soda instead of yeast.Seafood:Fresh seafood, especially in coastal areas. Try dishes like smoked salmon and oysters.Full Irish Breakfast:A hearty breakfast typically including eggs, bacon, sausages, black and white pudding, baked beans, and toast.Unique Experiences Stay in a Castle:Spend a night in a historic castle hotel like Ashford Castle or Dromoland Castle.Festivals:Attend cultural festivals such as St. Patrick’s Day, Galway International Arts Festival, and the Cork Jazz Festival.Gaeltacht Areas:Visit Irish-speaking regions to experience traditional Irish culture and language.Horse Racing:Enjoy a day at the races at famous venues like the Curragh and Leopardstown.If you have specific interests or need more detailed information about visiting Ireland, feel free to ask!    

My Reviews

3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Expert at family travel
Rene has planned our family trips for as long as I can remember. She is great at finding unique experiences at every location. She has booked flights, train trips and a cruise for us. She has also planned out several road trips by car, has booked countless hotels, resorts and campgrounds throughout 13 larger trips and a ton of weekend getaways as well. I will continue to appreciate her planning skills in the years to come!
By  Parker  from  Merrill, Wisconsin
Traveled to  Wisconsin ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Amazing trip!
Rene planned us an amazing Amtrak rail pass trip to visit several East coast states. She did a great job planning unique experiences at each stop in nine different states. Her attention to detail is fantastic and made for amazing memories!
By  Gary   from  Merrill, WI
Traveled to  Maine ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
High school field trip made easy!
Rene planned travel and activities for a high school trip to Milwaukee I was apart of with 30+ high schoolers. The kids loved the Immersive Monet exhibit as did I. Rene is great at planning travel for large groups, I highly recommend!
By  Molly  from  Merrill, Wisconsin
Traveled to  Milwaukee ~ Wisconsin ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Father's day retreat
Rene booked a resort for us at Lily Lake in Wisconsin to celebrate Fathers Day. Rene does a great job with attention to detail when planning trips, and I certainly will have great memories of this trip including an ice cream excursion with my granddaughter.
By  jw  from  Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Traveled to  Wisconsin ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great East Train Trip
Rene is awesome at finding those neat, commonly missed stops and activities even on the simplest of trips. On a train trip out East, lots of planning was done not only to organize train departures and arrivals, but also nearby places to see and visit - most within walking distance of the train station. Rene found unique and memorable places to stay as well like independently owned inns and not just the common brand name roadside hotel. It was truly a trip to remember for a long time.
By  Tim W  from  Merrill, WI
Traveled to  USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Go to my main profile

Destination Expert:

  • Ireland
  • Dublin
  • County Clare
  • Blarney
  • Galway

Travel Specialist:

  • Food & Wine
  • Nature
  • Castles & Cathedrals
  • Heritage
  • Golf

Industry Affiliations:

©  Travel Leaders Group