Go Irish Tours

by Angela Sanford

39 people, mostly unknown to one another aside from the small family cliques travelling together for vacation and one Coach Driver/Tour Guide brought a trip to life, starting on July 2, 2025.

The tour did get changed while en route as well, since there was a bike race through the Ring of Kerry so we detoured to Dingle, instead.

Two months prior to this, Mum and I were pontificating over the best way to see Ireland, specifically Londonderry. We (I) researched cruises, driving tours, even renting a car ourselves but I am very grateful we opted for the bus tour. 

We booked through Go Irish Tours and once the payment had been completed our agent informed us that they do not issue receipts  - seriously???? Then, he informed us that all of our documentation would arrive via postal mail two weeks before we departed. 

   You can imagine exactly what was flashing through my thoughts… we’d been scammed! Money drained and no means to even counter the purchase because we had no receipt. I was sick!I made an official request to have a copy of the receipt issued and our agent was agreeable but said it would take 48 hours.  In the meantime, he and another agent maintained regular correspondence with me but I was still devastated that I’d been had, even after all of my research.

   After a week, still nothing had arrived so I made a second request to both of the agents with whom we’d been in contact. They both apologized and said I should have the receipt within … you guessed it – 48 hours. Another week flew by and still nothing. At this point I was almost certain we’d be out the cash and have no trip to enjoy. However, the company continued to respond and seemed genuine in their messaging. And what could I do…. 

   Then, June 1st rolled around and Mum called to say she had received a package in the mail that included our itinerary, our vouchers for the shuttles, absolutely everything along with a collection of items (two of everything) to enhance our convenience while travelling. AND that same day, in the postal mail, I received the long-awaited receipt.

   Instant relief and, almost simultaneously, we heard from our agent that our particular trip was being cancelled due to insufficient bookings.  SIGH. But, they did not stop there, they actually upgraded us to another tour the same week with two additional days and no a single penny out of pocket to cover the additional expenses! 

   We got our new itinerary and started counting the days to our travel. We flew in to Dublin and began the tour going South west then north along the coast and back down the Eastern side of the island into Dublin. 

   And the trip…… it was excellent! We covered over 1300 kms in 7 days and enjoyed two- four excursions per day along the route. The meals and accommodations were five star, and the tour guide has spoiled the idea of ever doing another bus tour because there is no one who could match his personality and enthusiasm. He was a storyteller, an historian, a critic, and an entertainer all while driving the coach through the tight streets of Ireland.

   Next week, I’ll share a few of the highlights from along the way but in the meantime, if you’re ever considering a bus tour of Ireland, I would strongly recommend this Tour Company, despite the sketchy start, and if possible ask for Brian Hanrahan for your guide.