We had a marvelous time—you gave us exactly what we asked for. Thank you! —Susan Merritt

Brock and Susan came to me with an exciting challenge: they wanted to explore many locations in both Ireland and Scotland, but with limited time, they had to narrow down their selections. After discussing their goals, I helped them compromise by focusing on what they both wanted—Brock’s love for cattle, and Susan’s passion for lace making. What was an even bigger challenge? Doing all of this without their own car! Together, we crafted a unique Ireland and Scotland vacation itinerary that allowed them to experience it all without sacrificing too much from their original list.

When I asked Susan if I could share their trip here, she scoffed, “I can’t imagine anyone would be interested in sale barns!” I giggled. I think she might be surprised at the things my clients request. We all have our thing, and it was so fun and a joy to bring this all to life for them.

Their Unique Ireland and Scotland Vacation

Marrying Their Two Interests: Cattle & Lace

Their journey started in Shannon, Ireland, where a delightful Irish driver met them. They explored Galway, took a cattle sale tour in Headford, and Susan walked the Headford Lace Trail. Susan said of Headford, “Headford was exactly what we both wanted. We went to the cattle sale first, then I met with the lace group and walked the Headford Lace Trail.” Despite a brief challenge with phone connectivity, the locals were always ready to lend a hand, ensuring their experience was stress-free and enjoyable. The trip continued with seamless transitions through different regions, thanks to a well-planned itinerary that included everything from hotel stays close to train stations to private transportation when necessary.

One of the highlights of their journey was the balance between traditional tourist destinations, like Trinity College in Dublin and Stirling Castle in Scotland, and more local experiences, such as a cattle auction and a meeting with local lace-makers. They were able to enjoy everything from bustling cities like Edinburgh to the peaceful charm of Oban, where they participated in a three-island tour and enjoyed seeing local churches. Susan said, “Oban is picturesque. We had fabulous weather—sunny and 74—and did the 3-Isle tour, which was very good, but made for a long day.” Susan went on to mention, “We went to church in Oban and discovered their sister church had once been in Dalhart, Texas, where we used to live.” How cool is that!?

Discovering Edinburgh: Castles, Chocolate, and More

These two ended their trip with time in Edinburgh enjoying a mix of history and hands-on fun. They visited Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle, taking in the rich history and medieval architecture of the city. One of the highlights was their visit to the Chocolatorium, where they learned about the chocolate-making process from bean to bar and even got to create their own chocolate bars!

Seamless Travel: How DWD Planned a Unique Ireland and Scotland Vacation Itinerary

For Brock and Susan, their custom itinerary for exploring Scotland and Ireland provided an experience tailored to their specific interests, from cattle sales and farm visits to lace-making and history tours. They both appreciated the flexibility of the plan and the thoughtfulness of each detail, from assistance at airports to personalized tours. Every stop on the trip was designed to align with their wishlist, creating a balance between their two interests, all while spending time together.

At DWD Travel, I specialize in creating customized travel experiences that focus on what matters most to my clients, like I did for Susan & Brock. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the rich culture of Ireland, the stunning landscapes of Scotland, or both, I work with you to craft a unique vacation itinerary that captures your interests while also introducing you to local gems and unforgettable experiences. My goal is to eliminate the stress of planning while ensuring that you and your partner make the most of every moment. Let me help you design a one-of-a-kind trip, just like Brock and Susan’s, that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.

Ready to create your own unique adventure? Let’s talk about how I can tailor an itinerary that brings your travel dreams to life, all while keeping your priorities at the forefront. Whether it’s unique and specialized interests like exploring lace trails, visiting cattle farms, or simply enjoying the local culture, I’m here to make it happen!

Be sure to check out Susan & Brock’s snapshots from their time across Ireland and Scotland! Notice, no selfies here! ☺