Testimonials

Thank you so much, Mary! Randy and I had the time of our lives. You and Michael are
so knowledgeable, and the commentary was brilliant. We learned so much, and enjoyed
every minute. We can tell your love of the country of Ireland from this tour!
Randy &
Laurie P.

 
I so miss everyone.  It was a trip of a lifetime for me.   Would love to get this group
together for a reunion tour in a few years.
Mikki M.

Harriett and I have thoroughly enjoyed each of our 3 tours with you. We believe this tour
is the best one yet. You and Michael are a wonderful team. We hope to travel with you
again. Thank you!
David & Harriett N.

What a great time. We couldn’t have asked for a better trip or better group of fellow travelers. Tours Galore is the absolute best down to the last detail. Dawn C.

We’ve only been on one other guided tour and Tours Galore is by far the best! The people were definitely special but Mary’s personalized touch and attention to detail sets this tour apart. Besides she’s fun to be with! Paula M.

We had a magical time. Trip of a lifetime. Made wonderful new friends. Mary and Mike were terrific guides and storytellers. Wouldn’t have done it any other way! Teri P.

Mary, We made it home and are trying to normalize our routine, wishing we could go back to the cooler weather. We had such a wonderful time and are afraid you spoiled us from other tours but yours. We definitely want to sign up for 2025. Can’t wait to see everyone in November.  Lou C.

John and I would love to do a trip with you again.  I am still talking with an Irish accent in my head!  We can’t thank you enough for the amazing time we had, and for all the great people we met. You are perfect at this! Slainte, Gail and John

I’ll keep this short, even tho I could go on and on…. This was a dream of a lifetime for me. And Mary made it come true. She is the best, does the best and gives you the best, that’s Mike Hogan!! Don’t go to Ireland without her. Thank you Mary,  Thank you Mike! Gail K.

Good Morning Mary Nolan☘️
Missing all the smiling faces of our very special group. Bob and I wanted to thank you for providing the best tour of Ireland that we could have ever dreamed of. It was everything we hoped it would be and so much more  I can’t even imagine how many hours you put into this trip. You covered all the bases. And….YOU are so much fun 🤩. Please thank Mike for us.  He is one hell of a driver with a wealth of knowledge, a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. And did I mention one hell of a driver!!!! 
Bob & Lynn V.

The Ireland trip was so wonderful, I’m almost afraid to go again for fear we’ve set the bar so high no other trip will compare!  I know I certainly will not go with any other company besides tours galore! I sincerely appreciate all the work you put into planning these adventures! Blessings! Sue S.

Hi Mary.
I think that this was the best trip yet! A wonderful group of folks to travel with daily. They were all very considerate and helpful to each other.I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Looking forward to the Republic in two years. Liam was excellent, as a driver, as a tour guide and as a person. You were right— we did enjoy him. Thank you for ALL your work to make our trip so enjoyable. The umbrella came in handy, a number of times. Thanks.
Anne W.

Mary, Brendan and Maureen,
There were many things to love about our North by Northwest Tour. The original itinerary included so many worthwhile visits, and then you added the Famine House as well. Thank you, Mary, for that! The hotels were all grand and well-located in their cities. Maureen was always on top of things, and got really good at counting to 31, and Brendan entertained us on the bus and in the hotels, as well as making sure everyone got off the bus safely every time. And, of course, Liam was a real treasure, a wealth of local knowledge and history, and an amazing driver on those narrow streets and roads. Who else could turn a bus around in the middle of a small Irish town? Thank you all for your efforts to make the tour really special. We look forward to the next one!
Regards,
Mary Ann & Tom O.

Mary
You are the best! You handle situations out of your control with grace and understanding.
Gail F.

The trip of a lifetime! I am bringing back such fond memories…making strong connections, new
friends, hearing the history of our beloved homeland and seeing so many historical places, listening
to Liam talk about the Irish way of life. All amazing stuff! One fabulous experience after another. I will never forget some of them–like Liam singing in the pub with his granddaughter swaying back and forth next to him. Then placing her hand on his leg. And Peg…what a talent you are! I loved every minute of your music and song. THANK YOU for sharing your talent! I almost had to leave the room when you were singing Danny Boy at the sheep farm. P O W E R F U L !! To our beloved guide, Mary. You are an absolute gem. I felt so comfortable with you, I almost forgot you’re running a fecking business! You are the consummate host–gracious and warm, flexible, and authentic. Thank you for all you do! I will never forget this experience.
Britt L.

Hi Mary,
The trips keep getting better and better! The Kilkee-Loop Head days really were the stars of the trip. The hotel location in Galway was so convenient to exploring. I was so glad to be able to connect with my Mayo cousins. Deb and I walked over 10,000 steps about every other day. The sessions with Peg added a really personal touch. I loved Liam as a driver, humorist and singer! Thanks for all your hard work ensuring a super memorable experience for all of us.
Jeanne V.

Thank you Mary Nolan. It was an amazing experience. I loved every minute of the journey. Every single one of you brought something unique and special to this trip. Thank you for sharing a bit of yourselves. While I loved everything. Here are my top 10 ( in no particular order).

Family: Spending 2 weeks with my sister and having the chance to have dinner with our cousin in Galway. That was priceless.

The drive around Loophead. The Cliffs of Moher were nice. But seeing the Atlantic Bridges and the Kells Cliffs and the cows almost to the edge of those cliffs are etched in my mind (and in my photos for when my brain needs a reminder).

Kylemore Abbey – Beautiful and peaceful.

Having the ability to take time out from the tour with no guilt and exploring on my own. I ran across the GAA museum. It was very small and very cool and I learned a lot about Hurling. But each experience was beyond what we saw but the history behind it all.

Jim O’ the Mills. I knew what I signed up for and I’ll do it again if ever given the opportunity. Just watching and listening and seeing how the traditions are still alive and are continuing with the next generation. I needed a break so I went outside. I was unable to get back in the main door so I went around the back which led me to talk with some of the young people from the Ryan family. What amazing talent and just super nice people.

We stayed in some nice places and I loved every single one but Stella Maris is my absolute favorite. Yes, the lift was out and yes the water pressure was low. Eh. The place itself was gorgeous. The owners are just beautiful, hard-working people. Seeing the “wee ones” sitting with their mom and doing their school work. The ocean is right there!

Daly’s Pub -Believe me I loved them all but the fact Liam got us there by calling Circle K and asking if the woman who answered the phone knew of anywhere he could bring a group of people last minute and for her to say, let me see what I can do and Voila “Daly’s Pub”

Rathbaun farm. Lambs and Bailey and food, oh my. Again, wonderful people. And who couldn’t love when Bailey the Border Collie.

Liam Finnegan of course. Professional, smart. While I know part of the job is to give the history. I felt Liam really knows it and his love for his country showed through with every word. And he sings and he shared a piece of himself at “The Three Jolly Pigeons”.

And of course Peg’s music. There were a lot of great Peg moments. My favorite was slightly after midnight at the Anner Hotel in Thurles. We had returned from Jim O’ the Mills. The pub at the restaurant was closed and Peg was playing in the lobby. And there were other travelers present. Including 2 sisters and their brother. Ann W.

Hi Mary,
Thanks for the great tour of Ireland. It could not have been more perfect for me —A small town and musical tour. Little glitches just add to the character of the trip. You were a great director and Liam was not only an incredible driver but the rest of his talents were equally amazing. Peg was wonderful and the rest of the group were great people too. I felt that all the meals were excellent and I definitely learned to like Guinness. The morning shots were a nice touch too.I have already told several people of Tours Galore. Stay well, happy holidays, and maybe Mary and I will see you again someday.
Regards, Tom V.

“We wanted to thank you again for one of the best vacations we’ve ever had. Everything
was just wonderful and incredible and we love Ireland. Once we have finished some more
world traveling we’ll think about coming back to Ireland with you.”
Bev and Barry

THANK YOU!!! What memories I will always carry with me of Ireland, her people and their struggles, your tour gave me, and all of us I’m sure. Again, appreciate all you, and Michael, did; was beyond wonderful. Karin B

“Mary – I had a great time – the trip was everything I hoped it would be – Mike is exceptional –
knowledge, humor and patience all wrapped up in one 🙂 Thank you for the opportunity to
experience more of this beautiful world we live in.”
Joe P.

‘Thank you for everything that you did for my crew to make Ireland so special. I was so
impressed with your tour, it was a blast and it was fun to watch you lead the group.”
Michelle V

“Thank you so much for the best tour ever. We have been looking forward to a trip to Ireland
for years. Tours Galore, Mike Hogan and you made it an experience of a lifetime. Our trip to
Dingle, Kenmare & Kilkenny was unbelievable as well. Thank you so much for driving us. It
was so much fun.”
Korky & Kellie

“I want to personally thank you for all the work you put into this trip and how flexible you were with meeting the needs of my family.  I am referring to the need for us to cut out trip short by a few days (which I regret having to do) as well as helping to orchestrate with Dave and Brendan the change in the itinerary so that my family was able to bring my brother Marty’s ashes back to Ireland.

To say this trip was important and emotional is an understatement.  I cannot say enough about the trip. I had a lot of reservations about going for many reasons and I almost canceled on more than one occasion. All I can say is that I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT I DID NOT CANCEL. The trip exceeded my expectations. I felt a connection that I cannot even explain. It was almost a spiritual experience for me.  Ireland is breathtaking and being able to experience it with some of my family and Tours Galore, Brendan and Maureen and Dave, was the icing on the cake. It was a wonderful group!  Everyone was so nice. I feel like I have 30 new friends. Brendan was amazing. My nephew Devin, who is both a photographer and musician, joined in on the singing, as well as my brother Ned.  I cannot thank you enough for what you did to make this trip so memorable.  I am in love with Ireland and having the emotional aspect of bringing family members there was a memory that I will always treasure.

Thank you again,” Kathy S.

“My 6th trip to Ireland last year was my first with the Peg Dolan/Nolan Travel tour group. It was also my best trip due to the great craic, music and new friendships that evolved during and subsequent to the trip. I signed on for the 2014 trip expecting it to be filled with just as much craic and excitement as the 2013 trip. Imagine my surprise on meeting our driver and tour guide Dave Yeates. My already high expectations based on last year’s trip were well exceeded by his enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile (or stop) to meet all of our needs and requests. I would sign on for another Dave Yeates trip in a nonosecond!! Thanks again for making a great trip possible! Jeanne V.”

“Hi Mary – Thanks for your informative email. I wanted to let you know that I did indeed find the tour with Dave enjoyable and memorable. I particularly enjoyed Trad on the Prom, the scavenger hunt and the farm – especially those delicious scones! You and John did an outstanding job organizing the trip. Thanks again for your assistance when I was delayed and for connecting me with Dave and his colleague. I would have been literally lost otherwise. Jill N.

“Bill and I enjoyed our time in Ireland along with the many new friendships made. We so appreciated the smaller details provided by John, Dave and you which enriched our travel experience including the “Nips” along the way!! We hope to travel with you again soon. Barb H.”

Dear Mary and John, Just a note to thank you for such a marvelous time on your Ireland tour. Your home country is so beautiful. Your care for all of us was very special. Sincerely Jo W.

Dear John & Mary, Many, many thanks for organizing and conducting such a wonderful trip to Ireland. This was my first journey across the Atlantic and I cannot imagine any other tour being better. I was particularly impressed with the care you provided for all of us , and most especially appreciated the considerations you afforded me. There were so many interesting experiences and sights. Although I was aware of the potato famine, the visit to the Dunbrody Famine Ship really brought that period of time into clear focus as the trip to the Michael Collins center accentuated the strife to achieve independence. From sheep to castles, everything was interesting and delightful as was our exceptional driver/tour director. Dave provided so much fun and laughter!! Nancy M.

Mary and John, Thanks so much for making my “first trip” to Ireland a memorable one. I have so many memories I don’t know where to store them all! Nancy S.

“Having just returned from my second tour with John, Mary and Dave, I can only comment “When are we going again?”  Both trips were wonderful!!! (This from a person who always vowed never to take a tour.)  Through the years I have observed people on tours and they always seemed like marionettes, marching on and off the bus, into hotels, etc. never appearing to be having much fun,  Your tour is just the opposite – we laughed and had a great deal of fun every day, enjoyed our many detours, learned a lot of Irish history and met many wonderful Irish people.  Let me know when you have our next adventure planned.  Thanks very much for everything! Joan H.”

“What I liked about the tour were the detours, nice to have a mystery to start the day and end up with a nice experience. I enjoyed the history lessons as we went as it made what we were seeing more relevant.  I enjoyed the pub crawling led by people who knew where to go. Also, the recommendations for where to eat. I also enjoyed the Irish people, where ever we went we were greeted with smiles and a nice attitude.
The hotels were a nice experience (except for one, but they were trying).
The people traveling with us were nice to be with and the whole trip was very laid back and enjoyable. Thanks for a wonderful time. Joan K.”

“Tours Galore is the only tour company for me.  Everything is done with the guest in mind.  You are treated like “Kings and Queens”.  I have toured with Tours Galore twice now and my deposit is made for next year.  The only way to travel.  Marge C.”

“My first trip overseas and I felt safe and secure the entire trip.
Loved all the “off the beaten path detours” which made the tour very memorable.
Tours Galore definitely are the Irish Tour Specialists – there wasn’t a question Mary, John, or our tour guide Dave did not know the answer to.
I loved being on a tour where we were not spending  time in lines waiting…. The sites we saw were unique and felt very personalized. Mary S.”

“When traveling with Tours Galore, one can relax knowing every trip detail has been taken care of… We really appreciate the excellent communication prior to the trip, as well as John and Mary Nolan’s knowledge of their homeland and the joy of sharing it with us… We look forward to our next trip…. Clair and Pauline C.”

“I would say that the pace was good, the selection of sites varied and interesting, our fellow travelers very congenial, and the whole trip was a lot of fun.  We are very happy to have gone on the trip and look forward to the next . Doug L.”

“John and Mary, I had the best time of my life on this tour!  You guys really know how to give a person a wonderful time. Hope to do this again but only with you.   Thanks again.  Linda A.”

“Dear Mary & John, Thank you so much for a great tour.  I think you both are such special people.  You took care of us, held our hands, and answered all of our questions.  I am so glad that my sister found your little shop and that we were all able to go together on this trip.  I hope to travel with you again.  I love Ireland and her people.  This trip was so special to me. I wish you good health and happiness,  Again thanks, Judy V.”

“Thanks, Mary, for sending all the lovely photos. That was a trip that Pat and I will remember always. Our son and his wife want to go next time. You and John and Dave made each day memorable. We hated to leave Ireland. Marti.”

“Great trip! it was like being shown around by your Irish cousin! .Jean T.”

“I cannot express in words what a great time I had in Ireland with all of you.It was a trip of a lifetime for me and everyone made it even more that I could have imagined.Thanks to all   Linda T.”

“What an Outstanding Experience!! Please keep me on your mailing list for travel, pub events, etc. Thanks again for such a memorable trip.” Lear M.

“I want to thank you for your patience, concern, good nature and great humor!!! I have already told 2 friends abut the wonderful time we had and what a great tour you arranged. Thanks again. Fran H. “

“THANK YOU! For planning an absolutely awesome trip! It was a dream come true for me, and I will cherish all my memories. Marianne H.”

“Had a memorable and amazing trip! You did a great job!!  Mandi V.”

“Thank you Mary, you are the salt of the earth. Really appreciate all your hard work and patience. Cathy F.”

“What can I say?  We had the best time in Ireland!  Thank you so much for organizing such a fun and wonderful trip!  Carl and I enjoyed every minute of touring the Irish countryside, dancing the Irish jig, and yes — going to the great pubs (everyday)!  I am so glad that we got to know you!  Thanks for the memories!” Marisa & Carl A.

“Thanks a whole lot!  Actually the words don’t begin to express how much we enjoyed our trip.  How do you get 50 strangers to end a tour and feel as if you all planned it together from the beginning?  It was truly the trip of a lifetime for me!  Thank you so very much!!”  Gale B.

“Thank you so much for the treasured adventure that you created.  What a great time I was blessed to experience.  I have already shared this pilgrimage with a neighbor, she’s interested in Ireland”.  Judi N.