Jeff Linzer, GA, Chauffeur Driven Tour, Ireland, September 2016
Once again Sheenco Travel came through with a wonderful getaway for us. We really had a great time. The hotel in Dublin was very nice, the service was very good, and breakfast excellent. We were able to go and do the Guinness Connoisseur experience. This was really very interesting and it was fun being able to go into the private bar and actually pour a pint or two on our own. We then went to Arthur’s pub on Thomas Street for dinner. Our driver/guide, Paddy picked us up bright and early next morning and we started on our adventure. We did get to drive along some of the very narrow back roads which I really did enjoy. The Cliffs of Moher were very beautiful. Staying at the Lough Inagh Lodge was among the best surprises we had. I would highly recommend this as a principal stop for your guests staying in that part of the country. The Lodge was wonderful, the people were outstanding as was the service, and the food was just outstanding. On our first night we became involved with the discussion with the group sitting next to us. This one older gentleman in the group was particularly thoughtful and perceptive as we talked about a variety of issues. After he left the table one of his dining partners asked us if we knew who he was, we said no, and he said the gentleman’s name was Seamus Mallon. He had come up to Lodge to do some fishing. I can see why he is so highly thought of. One of the fun finds was stopping in the little town of Clifden. We only spent a short time there but I think this would be a fun place to stop for lunch and do some shopping. We did stop at the Connemara Marble Visitor’s Centre in Moycullen and picked up several very nice pieces. Paddy had told us a lot of good things about Kylemore Abbey including what a great meal there known to serve. Apparently all the tourist buses stop there. Instead of a special place with good food it was a tourist cafeteria with nothing particularly special about it. We did not have time to visit the gardens only to stop for lunch. Perhaps visiting the gardens would make this stop worthwhile but I would not recommend it as a meal stop. Paddy was very nice and had some very good stories and great jokes to tell. All in all we really had a very wonderful time and hope to be able to come back and visit your beautiful country again very soon (though we may have to mix a little side trip to Scotland in with that). Again thank you to you and your team for giving us a wonderful time on our vacation.
Jeff Linzer, GA
Barbara Stewart, VA, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, September 2016
Everything went very smoothly. We enjoyed Belfast more than I thought we might. The Titanic museum was great. And the Europa was very comfortable and helpful. Danny was SO good – we all enjoyed him immensely. We spent Saturday with our relative and although he was much different than 16 years ago, Danny took it all in stride. They ended up singing Johnny Cash songs for us – a duet!!! And Portrush was a fun place to be. The City Hotel was not as nice but we understood why it was in the best spot to walk places and we were able to shop in the Craft District. The Hilton at Dublin was a disappointment as the girls had a bed and 2 sofa beds, why not 2 beds I don’t know. Our oldest put the 2 mattresses together and it was OK as it was just one night – someone on the staff was helpful and told us of a small town nearby where we found a lovely restaurant for dinner!! The weather could not have been better and Danny took us to a favorite place of his on Sunday, the Slieve League Cliffs. We had a picnic and loved it. I don’t think that the trip could have been any better, just longer!!! Thank you all so much, especially Colin who was very patient in helping me plan. We will surely recommend you to friends wanting a great trip to Ireland!!!!
Barbara Stewart, VA
Nancy Hagerman, ON, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Scotland, August 2016
My husband and I had a wonderful trip to Scotland. I am so glad that I came across Sheenco Travel on my tablet and that I followed thru. From my first contact with your company until we were taken to the airport to come home, all the planning and the actual experiences turned out extremely well. The accommodations you suggested for us were great. Our favorite was the Glengarry Castle Hotel, Invergarry. Our room was very attractive, comfortable, and huge; the food was delicious, and the setting of the hotel was simply spectacular. We also really enjoyed our stay at the Carlton George Hotel in downtown Glasgow. The location was perfect for walking the pedestrian only streets, and for catching the hop on hop off bus. The decor in our room was very smart, especially the tartan tile in the bathroom. It was very pleasant in the roof top restaurant, and of course the complimentary drinks in our room was a nice touch. Although the art deco architecture of the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness was interesting we would have preferred being in downtown Inverness, where we could have stepped outside and strolled by the shops, restaurants, etc. This is not important because we weren’t catching a plane or train; but the hotel missed giving us a requested wake-up call 2 mornings in a row. (The one thing I forgot to take was a travel alarm clock). Also the room was the strangest shape, not much wider than the length of the bed. However the bathroom was modern with all the amenities. One of our favorite experiences was touring the Royal Yacht Britannia and having afternoon tea on the ship. I want to tell you how wonderful our driver/guide Grace Anne Coyle was. From the morning we met I believe we all felt very comfortable together. She played a big part in our enjoyment of the trip in the Highlands. Her personality, knowledge, a d driving skills were perfect for the job. All of the arrangements made for us, such as having the special ‘ambulatory disabled’ card for special entry into the Tatoo, worked perfectly. We are very happy to recommend Sheenco Travel to our family and friends. In fact, I’ve already been asked how we planned such a fantastic trip. Many thanks to all of you at Sheenco Travel.
Nancy Hagerman, ON
Cassandra Goldstein, IN, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Scotland, August 2016
Last year I contacted Sheenco travel by email about a possible trip to Scotland. I had been on their web site and saw that they arranged tours in Scotland. I had recently finished reading the 9 volume Outlander series and dreamed of seeing the beautiful country-side myself. Soon after sending the email. I received a call from Colin Grant, a travel consultant with Sheenco who carefully interviewed me about all of my wants, needs and desires concerning a trip to Scotland. By early November he had submitted a beautifully detailed itinerary to me that my husband and I quickly approved. Colin was so very responsive and attentive to all of my questions and desires. He only cautioned me that we had not set aside enough time for all I wished to accomplish and that turned out to be true. However, that simply means we must return. Our first hotel in Scotland was the Holyrood near the Royal Mile – quite comfortable and well situated. Our driver/guide, Lloyd Smith met us our first morning and I cannot begin to describe what a charming, knowledgeable young man he is. We shared our backgrounds and found many things in common. We told him how we wished to “tweek” the itinerary (I HAD to see the “standing stones”) and he told us how he thought the drive from Invergary to Inverness might be more interesting by going west so we could see the coast. Everything worked perfectly and he always knew the BEST place for lunch. Our first day with visits to Hopetoun House, Blackness Castle and Firth of Forth were wonderful and Lloyd was so helpful as he got to know us and our interests. He was able to advise us on the amount of time to spend at each stop based on our interests and the amount of energy we had. Glengary Castle in Invergary was our favorite accommodation – again a reason to return. While in Inverness we did the boat tour on Loch Ness, Culloden Field and Center (could have spent all day) and a visit to Clava Cairns to see the standing stones. The Rocpool was an interesting combination of friendly and luxurious and an added visit to a music store in Inverness gave me insight into the local musical culture (one of my requests of Lloyd). It was a long drive back to Edinburgh but we loved the stops at Falkland and Culross. Our final castle Dalhousie was beautiful but do you know; castles don’t have elevators? Seven flights up with 2 50lb suitcases. Poor Lloyd! He was a very brave young man! Everything about our trip was beautiful and “life-changing”. Thank-you Sheenco, Colin and Lloyd. You and Scotland will forever be in my heart.
Cassandra Goldstein, IN
Joanne Carlon, NJ, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, August 2016
Thank you so much for all of your help with our trip! Everything was wonderful – the hotels, the itinerary and especially our driver/guide, Mark Lyons. Mark definitely made this trip extra special for us. He was knowledgeable and funny and made our days memorable. We would definitely recommend him to any of our friends, as well as request him when we hopefully make a return trip. There were so many more things we would like to see – I’m sure we will be back someday soon. Thank you again for a vacation we will remember forever.
Joane Carlon, NJ
Allen Lev, FL, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, August 2016
We just completed a fantastic week in Ireland arranged by Sheenco. It included six days with a tour guide/driver and van, and eight nights booked at hotels. The rooms were exactly as requested, all four or five star establishments. We complement our driver, Mike Dooley. He placed Ireland in an historical and cultural perspective with stories and visits to the appropriate spots. We were rarely on a schedule and could stop for as long or short a time as we thought appropriate. We were traveling as a group of four with very different physical prowess. Mike found places for the more active to hike or golf while the others were able to move at a more leisurely pace. We were always able to find appropriate places to eat, without being tied to a specific spot. Our van was roomy and extremely comfortable, but with one of us in the third seat, we would have benefitted from a speaker device. We were able to enjoy the countryside without ever having to navigate, or more important, worry about driving on the left side. Sheenco promptly responded to our requests, emails, and telephone calls.
Allen Lev, FL
Eliot Gilbert, TX, Custom Chauffeur Driven Golf, Ireland, August 2016
Everyone had an “INCREDIBLE” time. The itinerary was wonderful, as were the hotels, golf courses, sightseeing and dining recommendations. In addition, Kenny, our driver, really made the traveling part of the trip very enjoyable and easy. Even the small issue with the size of the van was handled quickly and professionally by your staff and the van operator. Please thank your staff for giving us such a great experience, and memories for a lifetime. I’d also like to thank you for helping my daughter arrange to have a fantastic cake made in Ireland and delivered as a surprise for my birthday during our tour. We will certainly recommend Sheenco, and would not hesitate to use your company again.
Eliot Gilbert, TX
Steven Whitten, AL, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, August 2016
All went wonderfully. Our driver/guide, John Joe, was fantastic. We covered about 18 counties, about 13 castles/manors/abbeys, Cliffs, sheep farm/dogs, mountains, lakes, hawks and ruins. Ashford Castle was definitely a highlight. I don’t recommend Fitzpatrick too much; it’s ok, but it is not being well maintained and the staff is very green. The driver for airport transfer was also very very good. John Joe could not have been better. Want to use him next time too. We will be back to cover the Southern area and Ring of Kerry. Maybe this Spring.
Steve Whitten, AL
Stephen Pettit, TX, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, July 2016
I think I speak for the entire family when I say that the ground side of this holiday was spectacular. All of the transport arrangements went perfectly. The cars were great and the drivers were even better: punctual, friendly and informative. The accommodations were well chosen and well run. (Having managed a 5 start resort in the Caribbean for over a year, I can say this with some authority, having seen how it works from the back of the house.) My personal favorite was Ballynahinch, but everyone has their own view. In all it was a great success. Our thanks to you and everyone on your team.
Stephen Pettit, TX
Heather Tesdal, IL, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, June 2016
I wanted to let you know how amazing it was. Also that having Sheenco as our travel company made everything perfect. Our accommodations while in Ireland were above expectations. And would return or recommend the hotels to anyone! Ashford Castle is spectacular. I felt like royalty. Our transportation while there was also perfect. Having a private driver is the only way I would recommend as well. Just perfect. Our drivers were all fantastic but got very attached to Dan. The people of Ireland are the friendliest I have ever met. And the food there is simply amazing. We also felt extremely safe. I have recommended your company and Ireland to many people. Thank you so much for giving us the best trip.
Heather Tesdal, IL
Mary Butler, CT, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, June 2016
We had a wonderful trip to Ireland and loved experiencing the different nuances in each area that we visited. Kenny our driver was great; informative, sense of humor, flexible and struck a good balance of professionalism and friendliness. Would recommend him highly. Our first stop was Trump Doonbeg – as much as I hate to admit that we stayed at a Trump property, the accommodations, staff and cuisine were all exemplary. They also offered complimentary shuttle to and from town so when Kenny was done late in the evening it was a nice option for returning to the hotel. Our next stop was Ballygarry House – again it was lovely…nicer than expected. The staff was very friendly and helpful, the pub/ restaurant was bustling on a Sunday evening and our waiter was a riot. The rooms were very nice as well. Our third stay was the castle where there was a slight glitch in the rooms but that was followed up by Ruth and taken care of right away. Pros of the castle: unique experience with more personality than a regular hotel (dogs, ponies and donkeys led to the charm), we liked the various main floor rooms to have drinks or tea, sit by the fire, play chess, lovely room decor, pretty grounds. Cons: our room was on the lowest level so not really any view of the lovely grounds, Wifi didn’t work well, breakfast didn’t start till 8 which wasn’t great for golfers heading out early. Actons hotel was perfectly situated for all we wanted to do in Kinsale, rooms were nice – the only negative was that we were on the first floor so although there was a harbor view, the first thing you noticed looking out the window was the roof in front because you were right on top of it. I’d suggest requesting higher floors for your clients in this location as with the castle. Our final stop was the Brooks Hotel in Dublin…lovely. Smaller room but perfect for Dublin in terms of central location and the staff was wonderful. The guys loved all of the golf courses they played – they got more wet on some than others but the experience was unparalleled. Thanks for a great vacation!
Mary Butler, CT
Joe Cheung, HK, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, June 2016
The Journey in Ireland was wonderful. Our driver/guide Nigel was exceptional. He talked and explained the surroundings and showed us around places even if we couldn’t stop. He managed to re arrange the itinerary to show us what was most important to us and we had a good time. He brought us to the hotels by around 6pm each evening which still left us some time to relax at the hotel or castle and also enjoy breakfast rather than rushing to go. Nigel showed us what a professional tour guide is like. We loved him. He is what we are expect when we pay for a luxury travel services.
Joe Cheung, HK
Stephanie Miller, TX, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, June 2016
Thank you Sheenco for helping us plan an amazing 12 night trip through Ireland (Dublin, Kinsale, Kenmare, Dingle and Cong (Ashford Castle)). Skeptical in the beginning, we are so glad we opted for a chauffeur driven trip. Mike Dooley knew all things “Ireland” and he was a very enjoyable companion on our trip. Not to mention his ability to navigate the winding, narrow roads! Mike made our trip much more memorable – he took us to places off the beaten path and ensured our every comfort. He is a true professional and always made thoughtful suggestions to enhance our itinerary. Sheenco Travel was also able to book excellent rooms with stunning views at all of our hotels. The rooms (and views) at Ashford Castle and the Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare particularly exceeded our expectations – they were absolutely top notch! We loved our destinations and are in awe of the beauty throughout Ireland. All of your representatives are very helpful and a joy to work with. Our trip went off without a hitch and we would highly recommend Sheenco Travel to anyone travelling to Ireland. Thank you and your team for such a memorable family trip for the Miller family.
Stephanie Miller, TX
Jill Esham, KY, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, June 2016
My family and I had a wonderful experience in Ireland; both with the destinations and with our tour guide, Mike Dooley. First I’ll talk about Mike. I can’t say enough about his wonderful personality, his knowledge of Ireland, his promptness and communication skills. He helped us adjust our plans as needed; stopped as needed for bathroom breaks, bank stops and even a phone store to replace a broken phone charger. He went above and beyond to drop us off close to the entrances in locations where my mother (89) wouldn’t need to walk any more that necessary. I would travel with him anywhere. He was great. The itinerary was also great. It was well thought out to provide a broad exposure to Ireland’s history, architecture, city and rural, scenic wonders, etc. We enjoyed the various accommodations; all different and all served great breakfast. Ashford Castle was the cream of the crop, unlike anything I’ve stayed in before. We took advantage of its boat tour, falconry class and archery, which made for a very memorable day. Irish whiskey in my morning porridge — what a treat!! Overall, I’d give our experience 5 stars out of 5. I would recommend Sheenco Travel to anyone. Thanks for a wonderful experience.
Jill Esham, KY
Donna Milord, IL, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, June 2016
We had a wonderful time in Ireland! Both Colin and Nicola did a wonderful job in assisting me with the itinerary and making arrangements and accommodations. I especially enjoyed that we were close to “the action,” in Dublin, Killarney and Galway. We were able to walk everywhere and take advantage of the miraculous weather. Our favorite hotel was the Killarney Park – superb! Our driver, Dominic, was wonderful! We were so happy to have him guide us and make recommendations throughout the trip.
Our last evening and overnight at Clontarf Castle was a terrific way to end the trip. We had a wonderful meal and felt like royalty! Sincere thanks to all at Sheenco Travel!
Donna Milord, IL
Judy Rochette, BC, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, May 2016
Can’t say enough good things about the itinerary you chose, and Jerry Horgan, our driver/guide’s ability to tweak it for us. I can’t think of a single major problem. The Galway Hotel was so concerned about scaffolding outside our windows that might affect our views that they gave us free tickets to the show Trad on the Prom. Fitzpatrick Castle – loved the big stone balcony for each room – we all walked up to the tower on the hill behind the castle then returned for afternoon tea (very yummy) on the balcony (and/or beer). Had supper in town at a pub. Slept like a log that night with the windows open and the ocean cooling the room. Buried myself under the down duvet. The lady giving the guided tour at the Rock of Cashel was very funny and droll. The description of the restoration work makes you realize how difficult it is to keep these heritage sites intact. Blarney Castle needs many days to see it all well! When I’m on vacation I like having quiet time… and Ballyseede Castle was that. From the resident dogs to the open access to coffee/tea in the lounges and the surrounding green space (comes with ponies and donkeys! 🙂 ) it was a pleasure. The staff were top notch in their smiles and desire to please and provide service. We had supper here the first night – good value for price and the food options were tasty and broad enough for all. From Ballyseede on the first day we went to Dingle rather than the Ring of Kerry as we wanted to fit other things in and going to Dingle meant a shorter “circle”. We went over – think it was Conor Pass – reaffirmed why I didn’t want to drive. 🙂 We went out the coast far enough to see the Skellig’s (did I mention we had great weather? We could actually see the Islands), and visited a rock shop in the area for “acquisitions” by the geologically interested in the group (ie. most of us) of local marble, etc. Had lunch in Dingle – amazing fish and chips and chowders. In Killarney we went to Torc Falls and spent some time in town – did some shopping. Back to Ballyseede for supper. The next day we stopped briefly in Adare then headed over to Bunratty Castle and Durty Nellie’s. The Cliffs of Moher were gorgeous and powerful and it was raining a bit here – gave “ambience”. Then 15 minutes later it was again gorgeous weather for prowling around rocks and ruins in the countryside too. We saw the Burren area – Jerry wouldn’t let me kidnap a pony foal – said it wouldn’t fit on the bus… sigh… The Galway Bay Hotel was more modern than Fitzpatrick or Ballyseede. The rooms were ocean view and comfortable. We had a fast supper in the lounge the first night in order to make the Trad on the Prom show (which we did enjoy!). Again, good food for the price. Don’t have too much else to say about the hotel as we didn’t really spend much time in the hotel since we were out touring quite a bit. Kylemore Abby was visited by some while others went for a walk/hike in the Connemara National forest nearby. Stopped off at Ross Errilly Friary afterwards. We went into the nearby town of Cong and prowled the Abby and town though. Jerry tried to arrange a “sheep hugging/border collie working the sheep/peat cutting” experience but we weren’t able to get to the site before the farmer had to return to his fields.. Returned back to Galway for supper. The breakfasts at the Galway hotel were satisfying! On the last day we spent a couple hours in the morning in Galway (the story of the Magdalene women is tragic) then headed towards Dublin… and managed to get Jerry sidetracked to Clonmacnoise then dredged his knowledge banks/history for info on the peat industry and he actually found us an off-the-beaten path place where we could go fondle some turf. I think we need to come back…
Judy Rochette, BC
