We would like to say thank you very much to everyone who has travelled with Vagabond and thank you also for your kind words. We have put a huge amount of work into creating a product that we consider to be very special, and it is always fantastic to hear that that you agree.
Warm Regards Rob, Mark, Kevin, Steve, Wendy, Mia, Paula and Moss (Rob's walking stick) and the team.
To see Vagabond through our passengers' eyes please visit our customer photo gallery
Sharon, Katie and Matthew Ziglar, California
August 2011
Hi Rob! We're back to the real world.
I can't begin to tell you how much we enjoyed our tour with Vagabond! It was so incredibly meaningful in our lives!! You have developed an amazing way to visit Ireland. For those people who don't want to be in the masses of tourism and who enjoy getting out in the outdoors, this was perfect! Everything that was planned for our days was perfect!
But that is not to say that it might have been interesting for someone else!!!! Our days were filled with amazing hikes, visual beauty, wonderful food, fun pubs, fabulous music, lovely picnics, and most especially the wonderful history lessons from Steve and Paula. What amazing people they are!!! They made sure to let us know what we were doing ahead of time, and why. They were both so knowledgeable in the history and physical layout/beauty of the country they so obviously love.
We were totally exhausted at the end of every day!! In addition to the activities, they also made us feel like family. It felt as though they were on vacation with us and that it was not just a job for them. They made sure to pack our days fully with a variety of activities! I cannot imagine seeing Ireland any other way. I am so glad that I just happened to come across your website when I was researching coming to Ireland. I already have 2 sets of friends that are seriously considering using Vagabond now!!
We mentioned to Steve that we would do another Vagabond tour in other countries if you should decide to expand!!! Also, I would do this same adventure in Ireland again!! We'll see how my life goes as old age approaches. I was the oldest on the tour, but I felt as though I was able to keep up!! Just a little slower that the rest!
Thank you Rob!! What an amazing adventure you are providing!!
Ember Crippen, US
August 2011
It's taken me a little while to write to you about our great trip, but better late than never, I hope!
Thank you! The End of the World trip of Ireland was amazing. I could not have asked for a better time! Besides the scenery being absolutely stunning, the daily hikes and the kayaking, the off road detours were great fun and lovely! The accommodation was very nice and accomodating! Needless to say, I had a great time in the pubs listening to the music and enjoying the very welcoming people of Ireland.
I don't know how you did it, but what a great group of people to tour with! Everyone was so nice and so much fun! Mia, our driver, was wonderful. She was well informed of the history and landmarks. She was fun and a great leader of all of us North Americans (Can't leave out our Canadian friend, Jill). Mia took good care of Jill and me, after having too much fun in Dingle. She was very patient and led us back to the hotel , which I'm sure was no easy task. But, I am very grateful.
Again, thank you!
A.J. McCauley, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, USA
11 Day Irish Adventure, August/September 2011
I wanted to contact you to express my sincere thanks for the best vacation my wife Sandy and I ever had. We just completed the 11 Day Irish Adventure (Aug 22-Sep 1). We had been discussing this vacation(and belated honeymoon) for the past 15 years and finally decided to stop talking and actually do something. We spent quite a bit of time on line looking for the right kind of tour. We knew we were not interested in the standard large coach type of tour with all the usual tourist locations. Vagabond was recommended to us by Sandy's knee doctor of all people. One visit to the web site and we had found our company.
During the weeks leading up to our departure we became worried that we were getting our hopes too high. After all, this had been our dream trip for so long and was going to be a once in a lifetime experience. I am happy to say that from the first moment of the tour all aspects met and exceeded our expectations. The small B&B locations were fantastic and the accommodations were all outstanding. Sandy and I agreed that this is the only way to see Ireland.
Our guides Steve and Paula (for the first 5 days) were exceptional. They worked incredibly hard to ensure each individual on the tour was completely satisfied. They were both knowledgeable and well spoken. Their love for and pride in their country was obvious. You should be very proud of the high quality of these employees. They made the trip much more enjoyable. I recently retired after 25 years in law enforcement and have been told I am a harsh judge of character. I therefore have a small group of people I call friends. I now have two new additions to that group. Indeed, I have invited Steve into my home whenever he decides to visit the U.S. This invitation applies to Paula as well.
We have returned home with memories to last a lifetime. However, we have already decided that they won't have to. We are already planning our return and are actively recruiting family members to join us. We are describing our trip as magical and do NOT consider it an exaggeration. Thank you again and slainte mo chairde!
Julie Christensen
7 day tour, Sept 2010
I had the pleasure of travelling with you and Sam on a 7 day trip in Sept last year. I was on a 12 month trip of the world but am now back home in Australia and making up photobooks of my fabulous year. I am currently doing one of Ireland so going through the pics and the diary and re-living it all, especially a couple of lovely walks we did through the countryside - off the beaten path. Perfect. Which has prompted me to send a very belated Thank You!
Ive been travelling for about 30 years in about 95 countries. Ive been on zillions of tours. Until 2010 a chap in Mexico had my personal award as Best Tour Guide Ever - but Im pleased to announce - youve pushed him off first place! Congratulations.
You have the rare combination of the people skills plus the historical knowledge. Many guides are very good at one but fail on the other. You managed to give us great snatches of history that was interesting AND fun to listen to. You told us about the history as if it was a personal experience - not just something youd read in a book. That alone is priceless but your sense of humour and the way youd always include everyone and keep us all up -beat and alert on longish drives was fabulous. The right mix of talking and quiet patches.
The tour itself was also fab. I loved the accommodation and variety of stuff we did and the flexibility you could run with according to the weather. Going for those walks where a local told me that hardly anyone but Vagabonders go was a real highlight for me. My good decision in choosing Vagabond was enforced for me when we drove through some little village with a gaggle of tour buses all crammed in the main street and then we ducked off down some gravel road with no-one else in sight. Although obviously I am a tourist - I dont like to feel like one and your trip really worked for me. (No "C and F" tours for me!! - Do you remember that expression??)
Credit to Sam too as he was also a fab guide.
Thanks again.
Anne Floyd & Karen Perry - Ottawa, Canada
June 2011
My sister and I had booked this tour mid-summer of 2010 through Katherine Hirtzel of Carlson Wagonlit Travel in London, Ontario. We were so excited to finally set out on our adventure with Vagabond Tours. It was well worth the wait!
Mark was our driver he was the perfect gentleman, an excellent guide and driver. He entertained and educated us, he somewhat spoiled us with his singing abilities . Mark surpassed all my expectations on how knowledgeable he was in many areas of the history of Ireland . Very easy to talk too and very comfortable to be around. He always invited you to join him for dinner and walks. Truly a remarkable man.
Colleen Schiefen
April 2011
Just a quick note but thank you, thank you, thank you! We had a wonderful time on the tour. Wendy was brilliant - she was so knowledgeable about the geology, geography and history of Ireland, so much fun and pleasant, so patient and considerate - a really, really wonderful guide. My only regret was that we did not have enough time; I would have loved to stay at each stop for two or three nights. I definately want to come back to Ireland, and to go on another Vagabond tour. I've been going through my calendar and trying to figure out when I can get back. It's not looking good for this year - my daughter is expecting a baby in the fall - but I am definately hoping to get back in 2012.
You can be sure that I will be telling everyone to travel with Vagabond.
Michelle and Jim Dignan, Chicago
June 2011
Just a quick note regarding our fabulous tour last week to Northern Ireland, Donnegal and Sligo.
Jim and I had a fantastic time. Wendy is a gem...so much fun, so knowledgeable and very in tune with the needs of her group. The inns and B&Bs were wonderful. My husband surfed and horse rode and we both enjoyed the various tours and walks etc.
I will post to FB and share some photos when I get over the jet lag issues.
I will not hesitate to recommend Vagabond. I am so happy I found out about your company.
Thanks again
Linda Ponder
May 2011
We are having the best time ever!!!
Kevin is awesome!!! Unbelievable the knowledge that man has in his head!!!
We cannot tell you how lucky we are to have found your company.
It is exactly what we wanted to do..
Thank you so much
Linda Dokken McFarland, WI USA
7 day tour, 2011
My husband Larry and I (along with our daughter and her husband) just completed your 7 day "world tour" with Sam and Steve. We wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time! It was truly a first-class adventure that definitely exceeded our expectations. The beautiful countryside, the ruins, the food, the accommodations and especially Sam and Steve (You guys are the greatest!) were enjoyed by all. The spectacular weather (which we didn't expect!) was an added bonus, as well. We will definitely recommend your company to anyone planning a trip to Ireland. Thanks for the memories!
The McMillins, St. Peters, MO
March 2011
Rob, I wanted to express my gratitude for the tour provided by Vagabond. I simply see no possible way this could have been better than it was. The tour was fantastic, with many varied activities. We saw much of what Ireland had to offer with incredible commentary to support it. And - no praise would be too high for Kevin. He's incredible! The man has boundless energy, enthusiasm, patience, and knowledge of his country and its people.
Thank you again for a fantastic tour.
Kristell Valognes, France
11 day tour, June 2010
I am back in France after 11 days with Wendy and Sam.
I have really enjoyed my trip, your country is beautiful, and mixing sports, tourism and adventure is a succes.
The organisation was very good, perfect.
Inspite of my non native english spoken and of my many mistakes in your language,
Wendy and Sam were very patient, speak clearly and slowly, thanks a lot also for their happyness.
And I have had my first lessons of gaelic with Sam !
I am waiting for my next travel in Ireland !
"Je suis tombée sous le charme de votre pays, mais pas que ..."
Linda Glodek, USA
5 day tour, May 2010
I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful adventure tour my sister Christine and I had with Vagabond last week! It exceeded our expectations and we were so sad to have the experience come to an end when Sam dropped the gang off at the train station. Eight people on the tour was the perfect size and we bonded effortlessly, irrespective of the language barrier. All of our everyday cares and worries dropped away once we entered the Vagatron and left Dublin that rainy and cold Sunday morning. Smiles and a lot of laughter filled our days (along with plenty of sunshine) and not once did I think about my work and the stress I left behind (and will have to face again tomorrow... huge bummer) in order to go on my Vagabond vacation.
Sam kept us entertained the entire time and he even taught the group a few words, one of which we used down at the pub... Langored! He is a true Renaissance man... telling captivating stories; singing & playing the flute; stoking the fire at a little pub; steering the boat for Captain Dave as we left the Skelligs while Captain Dave handed out ponchos; and mapping out the driving route to take and sights to see for our German tour mates as they explore Northern Ireland after the Vagabond adventure. Everyone was so impressed with Sam's talents, at one point someone asked, "What's next Sam? Are you going to birth a calf?" We all laughed as he responded, "We have to find one first." Sam made the tour all the more memorable.
You have an awesome company and I want to sincerely thank you for providing my sister and me with this opportunity to truly see beautiful Ireland! We would love to come back to Ireland one day to explore the northern part with Vagabond!
Everyone I know will hear about my amazing Vagabond adventure!!
We took so many photos to remind ourselves of this incredible experience that I wanted to share a few with you.
Best Regards (and yes, my Irish eyes are still smiling brightly)
Robin Austin, Michelle Blosenski and Krista Higgins, USA
5 day tour, March 2010
My sister, niece and I just arrived home. We had a fantastic time in Ireland. Sam was an extraordinary guide! Warm, personable, smart and funny and above all a great story teller. We thank him and you for sharing the spirit of your magnificent country through the Vagabond experience. Everything was just perfect. And the food! Consistently outstanding.
I cannot recommend your wonderful itinerary highly enough. I have had the good fortune to travel fairly extensively and was truly overwhelmed by your country's beauty and the warmth and grace of the Irish people. We were blessed with beautiful sunny weather the entire week. Ironically, it is raining like mad here in Philadelphia.
Please pass along our heartfelt thanks to Sam!
Fred and Beth Pahmeier, USA
5 day tour, August 2010
Dear Vagabond, Fred and I had an awesome 5 day tour to Southwest Ireland on August 8-12th! We just wanted to say thanks for a wonderful holiday and thanks again to Steve, our guide! He was an excellent historian, showed us amazing views and was great fun to be with. It was relaxing and will be in our memory for years to come.
We will definitely want to use Vagabond again and highly recommend it to our friends and family.
Thanks again!
Adrienne McQuay, Canada
11 day tour, July 2010
It's hard to believe that my Irish Adventure is over, although I must say that it won't be the last time that I visit your beautiful country. I can only imagine how much work you have put into crafting these experiences for us, and I therefore think it's only fair for me to write a thorough note of appreciation about what the last two and a half weeks have meant to me.
I am not a world traveler by any means. I knew what I wanted – a small group, guided by a knowledgeable guide, with activities to keep us busy and active. I certainly found all of those requisites with Vagabond.
The activities that you have chosen for us were outstanding. I can honestly say that there wasn't one thing on that itinerary that I didn't enjoy. It is hard to choose highlights, but the activities that have made lasting memories for me were: the Giants Causeway, the walking tour of Derry city, caving on the Mahares Beach, the Slieve League Cliffs boating ride (exquisite sights that left me speechless), the Hunger walk on Laugh Doo, the entire Dingle experience, the drive along Slea Head, the Skellig Islands, the views near the copper mines of Allihes, and the Rock of Cashel. As I said, everything else we saw was spectacular, but these sights and experiences left me emotionally stirred. I think that we were able to witness the spirit of the Irish people in these magical places; the land is integral to their identity and we were able to see the reasons behind that passion because of the places you chose on our behalf.
I cannot express how happy I was to have Kevin Clancy as our driver and guide. That man has amassed knowledge about so many different aspects of life – history, culture, agriculture, sports, music, politics, geography, literature, etc. I realize that it is in his job description to be well versed in these subjects, but his awareness and recall of information went way above and beyond the call of duty. If he did not know the answer to a question, he found it swiftly. He fostered a deeper understanding for his country by playing meaningful music at certain points in our journey that corresponded with the sights on our itinerary. His passion for Ireland was infectious and we appreciated his desire for us to experience the best the country had to offer. Everywhere we went, owners of pubs or hotels or organizers of walking or boating tours spoke very highly of Kevin, proving that his good nature and efficiency is not only reserved for clients. I think that he has a hard job, trying to accommodate people of different ages, different activity abilities, different backgrounds and different personalities. He was always professional and demonstrated an excellent sense of humour. Please feel free to share these comments with him, as he should know how much we appreciated his time and efforts.
Thank you so much.
Monica Boyd, Australia
11 day tour, July 2010
Hope all is well! I'm back on home soil and trying to get back into the swing of things here.
But wanted to write a note to say just how fabulous the tours were. Still getting my head around what a wonderful place Ireland is and just how I can get back there!
I am telling anyone who will listen to get on the Vagabond and get there butts to Ireland quick smart, because you guys certainly know the place.
So thanks again, and if you know of anyone looking for an Aussie let me know, I'm seriously trying to work out how to get back there.
Please pass on my thanks to Jean & Wendy again
Thanks again for a wonderful experience, and showing me an exceptional part of the world.
Elizabeth Doyle, Australia
11 day Tour, May 2010
Just to let you know Peter and myself had a great time on the 11 day Irish Adventure which we completed in May with Kevin our fabulous tour guide. The trip was everything we had hoped for and would most certainly recommend to like minded people
Please pass on our thanks to Kevin and ask him if he requires further botanical help!
Larry Connelly of Parry Sound, Canada
5 and 7 day tour, May 2010
I'm repatriated to Canada and have made it back to my home Town after a grand tour of Ireland. I'm bragging to family and friends that I had put together an exceptional trip and emphasizing how smart I was to have signed on for the Vagabond 5 day NI tour and the 7 day World Tour of Ireland.
An outstanding feature of the tours for me was the leaders. Kevin led the tours I was on for nine and a half of the days and freely shared with us the people, history, legends, anecdotes, customs, language, music and more. Jean led the group for the final two and a half days. Isn't she a darlin'? Her charm and enthusiasm in sharing her information with the group is a memorable component of the tours.
The tours were a full and active two weeks. By my count I was in 23 or 24 of the 32 Counties in both the south and north. Even before leaving Ireland I was rethinking my travel agenda over the next year or two and plan on a revisit next spring to spend two or three weeks in Counties Kerry, Clare and Galway, particularly Killarney National Park, the Dingle Peninsula and The Burren.
May you have continued success with Vagabond Tours. Best wishes and good health to you, Jean and Kevin.
Dov & Ricky Yarden, Israel
5 day tour, May 2010
Let us begin by saying "Thank you!". Our week of travelling with Vagabond around South West Ireland was wonderful. Our guides – Mark and Jean (both of whom have obviously kissed the Blarney stone too many times!) – were really fun to be with. They imparted loads of information, sang on demand and were very accommodating with our requests.
Our group was a great mix of people that allowed us to share and enjoy the experiences together.
You are also to be complimented on the exceptional job you did with the weather!
I now have hours of work ahead of me in editing the 5500 pictures that I photographed around your beautiful country. I’ll send you a link when the album is complete….
Thanks again
John Marvin, USA
5 day tour, March 2010
We enjoyed our Vagabond tour immensely. Jean Gormley was a terrific guide and host. Already looking forward to our Northern tour.
I have recommended you to one of our marketing people, who is planning a family trip there later this year. Her name is Amy Garrison and I expect she will contact you soon. But whether she does or not, we wanted to express our thanks; it was great fun.
Branka & Zoran Pavlovic, Serbia
7 and 5 day tours, August 2010
Well, we have to say that we were very much satisfied with both Tours and we enjoyed a lot all what we passed throughout as well as the accommodation, places, sites, vehicles, and of course our tour's Guide (all 3 of them). Finally, the core of your idea to create such kind of sight-seeing Ireland is really remarkable and we should, no doubt, recommend it to any of our friends who might be a good potential to explore it as we done.
Thanks a lot for making us an opportunity to see your country in a very unique way. It is wonderful !
Sabrina Scholz, Germany
5 day tour, August 2009
It was so much pleasure meeting all of you and I had the most brilliant time with you! THANKS again!!! I'll never forget this tour!
Catherine Alsford, New Zealand
11 day Tour, August 2009
I've recently returned home from my overseas travels, which of course included Vagabond's 11 day 'Giant Irish Adventure', and I just wanted to tell you what a fantastic time I had in Ireland. The tour was absolutely brilliant, made special by my fellow travellers and by Sam our guide – you've a real asset in him. As a recreational photographer, I found Ireland to be such an inspiration for me that if you're ever in need of photos for your website, I've taken literally hundreds! Also, if you're ever thinking of expanding Vagabond's tours to include Scotland (or anywhere else for that matter), then I'll be first to put my name down to join!
Once again, thanks heaps for what was, without a word of a lie, the best tour I think I've ever done – and I've done a few! Thanks too for your patience (given I had to defer my trip for a year) and friendly, helpful advice. Vagabond is a great company and you have every reason to be proud of it .
Deirdre St Jacques, USA
3 day Tour, September 2009
I can't thank you enough for a truly wonderful vacation. Kevin was a great tour guide! His knowledge and love of Ireland was so evident in all we did. Right from very start in Westport to our sad goodbye in Limerick, we had a fabulous time. My 'trip of a lifetime' and 'heritage tour' for our family of 5 was so perfect right from the start with our Vagabond Tour. We continued to capture the moment in Dublin - alone and with relatives and then on to Paris for 'the other side' of our family. I'm back now and have shared so many wonderful stories about our adventure with Vagabond both in Ireland and here in the states.
Stacey Winnick Pushkin, USA
3 day tour, August 2009
The trip was fantastic. The attention to detail was suburb We loved every stop. Our 3 mile hike was a blast. Even though we were encased in mud. Steve's travel knowledge was fascinating to hear. The accommodations were just what we wanted. Thanks for arranging a great trip quickly and with such ease. I will be happy to recommend Vagabond Tours to anyone! Can't wait to start arranging the Pushkin Family trip for kids and families with Vagabond. Remember anytime you visit NYC I will be happy to be your inside tour guide!
Mary Spray, USA.
7 day 'World Tour of Ireland, June 2009
Steve - I want to thank you for making our trip that much more enjoyable. As I told you, I had planned this trip for years and it was very important to me to take Erin to see Ireland. I had plenty of time to have a lot of images in my head of what I expected it to be like. You helped make that dream come true, with your friendliness, easy-going attitude and knowledge of the country and it's history.
Ed, Lauren and Caitlin Kennedy (USA),
7 day 'West by Northern West' tour, June 2009
Just wanted to say what a great time we had this past week. Jean was a fabulous guide. We really loved Northern Ireland, some of the hikes were beautiful.
Now that we're back in hot, rainy Florida, I really treasure the time we had in Ireland.
Any sugggestions for an encore, this was our third trip and they have all been great.
If you ever get around to putting a trip together in Scotland, the Kennedys will gladly be your guinea pigs.
Say hi to Jean and everyone else( I think we met all your guides sometime on this trip ) and thanks again, the trip was great....
Gail and Chris Johnson,
7 day 'World Tour of Ireland' 24th May 2009
We had a spectacular time and loved all of it. We could not have picked a better way to see our Ireland. I had chills crossing the Shannon to the first of my
family's counties-Clare- and in reaching Mayo, my second. All the accommodations were wonderful and just what we were looking for. Food was excellent everywhere and the Irish people most accommodating and fun. Our group represented 5 decades in age and we got along very well and found each other interesting and enjoyable, often sharing meals and other things even when it was optional. I am sure I will be in contact with several for a long while. I will always remember Nancy dancing for everyone in the pubs in Dingle and Doolin, for example.
We hope to be back someday and maybe bring along some Queen of Tarts (Dublin) scones for the first day of another tour with Vagabond! Thank you for all that Vagabond, its people, and its tour contacts did to make our trip one of our most memorable and breathtaking. You even got the weather to cooperate!
Marsha Kendall, Austin, Texas, USA
(5 day southern tour, 31st May 2009)
Aside from the weather, it was an awesome trip! I loved Paula & Steve & Jean, and the places we went were terrific & the hotels very posh! Couldn't have been happier with just 3 of us on the tour...thought I'd send you a photo of our group....
I'll be back soon, maybe catch a tour up north with you guys...LOVED going to the South Pole Inn...
thanks SO MUCH for such a terrific tour...
Rosie and John Parsons, UK.
7 day world Tour of Ireland, May 2009
We write to say a big THANK YOU to you and Kevin for the tour of Ireland that we were privaledged to be on! We were very impressed with Kevin's knowledge and the interesting way he led the tour, also for his help with photographs (especially seagulls!) Many thanks again for making our holiday special.
