Mark Perrone, MA, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, September 2023
Our trip was amazing!! A year ago, we sat at dinner and decided to go to Ireland, each was asked to write down what they wanted to see:
- The west coast
- Sleep in castles
- See the Titanic Museum in Belfast
- See Edinburgh Castle
- Tour Outlander sights in Scotland.
I sent this list in and got a response from Janice that included everything on the list (and then some) the only thing we changed was the final hotel. I guess the best compliment is the trip was exactly what we asked for.
Hotels were beautiful, the included breakfast was top notch. The Thompsons did have a couple hotel issues; at Ashford Castle, their room was not ready until 6PM (it was tight as we had a dinner reservation there at 6:30). At Balmoral, their luggage got misplaced and their room wasn’t as nice as ours. But the hotel relocated them upstairs and we found the luggage mixed in with ours, so all ended well. Our only regret was we should have spent an addition day at Ashford, we just didn’t have the time explore all it had to offer.
The drivers were exceptionable; Ted in Ireland offered good suggestions, lots of laughs, never rushed us, added some interesting stops along the way (that only a native would know about) and found us some unique pubs when we insisted, we stop every 2 hours for a “pub break”.
Steve the “Outlander driver” was also great, let us explain what we wanted to see then brought us around, he also added relevant stops on the way. Steve was fulfilled the “pub break rules” our tour with him was 10AM to 6PM but he happily dropped us off at 7:30 saying he was more interested in us enjoying the whole day, nice guy.
The drivers between airports and hotel were also very informative and gave us ideas on things to see and do in the short time we were with them.
The restaurants Aine suggested were all very fine establishments, different in their own way, glad we had you make the reservations as we noticed every place was busy. We filled our lunches with pub food (remember “pub break” so it balanced out the good stuff at night and gave us a overall feeling for the food and drink locally. Also note that Aine called us one night to check in (very thoughtful)
In the end this was a great adventure, exactly as I visioned it, I owe it all to Janice who put it together and regards also to Aine who did the fabulous dining experiences. Thank you all so much.
Mark Perrone, MA
Susan Fallon, TX, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Scotland, August 2023
We had a fantastic time. Even the weather cooperated – most days . We packed a lot into six days and enjoyed the sight seeing, food, people, and our guide Morris was fantastic. Our airport pick up and drop off gentlemen were on time and very friendly. The Bonham was wonderful with the staff helping us to get a driver for the first day we were there to do a little extra around Edinburgh. My daughter is severely gluten sensitive and we were delighted to find that Scotland is ahead of the curve on gluten free menus choices. However the folks at all our hotels and their staff were so accommodating I’m confident they could meet and please anyone with dietary challenges. The hotels were amazing in decor and comfort. The only comment there would be, don’t forget your adapter! Scotland is amazingly clean and so green! I could rattle on and on but I’ll just have to go back for another visit. Sheenco was very very responsive to my few emails during the trip and I never felt frustration at not being able to reach the office. Overall an 11! Thanks for one of my best experiences ever.
Susan Fallon, TX
William & Kay McCann, NC, Custom Chauffeur Driven, England/Scotland, July 2023
We wanted to let you know how appreciative we are at the assistance we received from Sheenco in planning our Scotland vacation.
We absolutely loved our driver Steven. He was very information and always so polite. We were so happy to have him there as a guide. We loved the hotel in Edinburgh (the Caledonian). The rooms were fabulous and the service was top notch. The hotel in Ft. William was a little “quirky”. The rooms were not exactly on par with the precious hotel but the food was amazing (best we had the whole trip). The hotel in Invergordon, Kincraig Castle, was also very nice. It was a little far from the town and we probably would of been better off staying in Inverness. We were traveling with young adults (early 20s) and they were a little bored in the country hotels. I think they would of been happier staying in towns with a little bit of night life. We did have fun as a family though. We really liked the hotel in :Pitlochry. It was walking distance to the town and we enjoyed our meal there as well. The last night we stayed at the Cringletie and it was such a pretty castle. We unfortunately did not get to explore the grounds as it rained the whole time we were there. It was an amazing dinner for the last night and a beautiful area. In hind sight I probably would of stayed in Edinburgh proper the last night. We had such a great time and I really appreciate all the expertise on the hotels and sights to see.
Thanks,
William & Kay McCann, NC
Tana King, IN, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, June 2023
We had a great trip. We were very happy with our driver, Paddy Noonan. He was great. By the end of the trip, we felt we had a new friend.
Jim loved his golf. His favorite course was the Old Head. They let him take a buggy to take me around to see the course after he was finished with his round. It was definitely a stunning course on the ocean.
Our favorite hotel was the K Club. It was just a lovely place and great service and food. Jim also enjoyed his golf there. The Lake Hotel was very nice. We had a lovely view from our room of the ruins there on the property. The restaurant had very good food. The Lodge at Ashford Castle was very nice. Our view was really lovely. The food was outstanding. The Mill Park Hotel was very nice and we had a very spacious nice room there. We also really liked the Ballygally Castle hotel. We had a great ocean view room. Loved the beautiful gardens there at castle. Loved watching everyone enjoying the beach and ocean across the street from us. We had a lovely room at the Carton House and enjoyed the time we were there. Just didn’t get to explore it much as we met our friends for dinner and was visiting with them. Had to leave the next morning so didn’t have time to look around.
The hotel we liked the least was the Montenotte Hotel. They had a very jolly doorman that greeted us and that was very nice. When we got to our room the door would not open and a bellman tried unsuccessfully to open it for us. After repeated attempts a young man and woman came with new batteries and took the lock apart and it was fixed. The view from the restaurant was certainly something. With only one restaurant we were limited on meals. The buffet breakfast was very nice.
Over all the trip was just great. Paddy was a good guide for us and he really made my trip by taking me to Seskinore, the home of the McClintock ancestors. The principal of the school invited me in and was happy to tell me about the McClintock family. He also took me to the church the McClintocks built. It was a special part of the trip for me.
We thank you and your people for putting the trip together for us. We do appreciate it.
Again, we thank you. We have some great memories from this trip.
Tara King, IN
Heather Gahir, MI, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, June 2023
The planning phase was very easy and the people who helped us to plan were very helpful. They assisted us in building an itinerary that incorporated all the elements we were looking for. Our driver, Douglas, was a very good and safe driver and also was a kind and considerate person. He did a wonderful job making sure that we were comfortable and happy throughout the trip. The team was very responsive and when we had questions while we were on the trip, they were very quick to respond, even outside of business hours.
In all we had a wonderful holiday and I truly enjoyed working with the Sheenco team.
Heather Gahir, MI
Graeme Don, AK, Custom Self Drive, Ireland, June 2023
Our time in Ireland was very enjoyable. The Irish are very hospitable hosts. We were fortunate to have wonderful weather (most of the time) and this no doubt enhanced the beauty of the scenery and enjoyment of the amazing gardens and historic sites.
All the arrangements went smoothly.
The time we were in Ireland (6 – 26 June) proved to be a good time to travel. The weather was good and there was not too much pressure on the tourist sites. Consequently we did not have to book many activities in advance which allowed more flexibility in our daily schedule and helped us meet a tight itinerary. With the benefit of hindsight approximately 3 more days to complete the trip which would have given us more relaxation time.
Accommodation – Ashford Castle, the Lake Hotel & Carton House were the standout hotels. The Lake Hotel was particularly good for a 4 star and the family hospitality feel was evident. Fine dining at Ashford was a memorable highlight.
Pembroke Hotel in Kilkenny was disappointing for a 4 star. There were four maintenance faults in our room which I advised the staff of when we checked out. While they did not have any significant impact on the enjoyment of our stay, I believe a 4 star hotel should not be so reliant on guests to identify and report maintenance issues.
Rental Car (from Enterprise)
The service and processing at pick-up and return was very good. The vehicle, a Toyota Corolla hybrid, was a good selection for the narrow roads and was fuel efficient. However the car was not very clean when we picked it up and had over 87,000km on the clock. On the road it showed its age; there was a moderate vibration from what appeared to be wheel(s) out of balance. Overall it fell short of our expectations.
Thank you for organizing our trip.
Angela Olea, AZ, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, June 2023
A Remarkable Journey through Ireland
I recently had the pleasure of entrusting Sheenco Travel with the planning and coordination of my two-week vacation to Ireland, and I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional experience they provided. From the very beginning, their professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine passion for creating unforgettable journeys were evident.
The team at Sheenco Travel went above and beyond to tailor every aspect of my trip to my preferences and interests. They took the time to truly understand what I was looking for, and their knowledge of Ireland’s hidden gems ensured that my itinerary was filled with captivating destinations and unique experiences.
The accommodations recommended by Sheenco Travel were nothing short of spectacular. Each castle and hotel I stayed in offered unparalleled comfort, breathtaking views, and warm hospitality. It was evident that Sheenco Travel had established strong relationships with these establishments, as I was treated like a valued guest wherever I went.
One of the highlights of my trip was the personalized tours and excursions arranged by Sheenco Travel. Their attention to detail shone through in every aspect, from the knowledgeable local guides to the seamless logistics. Whether it was exploring ancient castles, savoring traditional Irish cuisine, or immersing myself in the vibrant culture, every moment was meticulously planned and expertly executed.
Throughout my journey, Sheenco Travel’s commitment to customer satisfaction was truly remarkable. They were readily available to address any questions or concerns, ensuring that I felt supported and cared for every step of the way. Their dedication to creating a seamless and stress-free experience was evident in the flawless execution of my travel arrangements.
I cannot recommend Sheenco Travel highly enough for anyone considering a trip to Ireland. Their expertise, personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence set them apart from the rest. Thanks to Sheenco Travel, my vacation was an absolute dream come true, filled with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Sheenco Travel has truly mastered the art of curating extraordinary journeys, and I am grateful for their expertise in making my time in Ireland an unforgettable adventure. I wholeheartedly endorse Sheenco Travel for anyone seeking an exceptional travel experience that exceeds all expectations.
Angela Olea, AZ
Tanya Cecka, WA, Custom Self Drive, Scotland/Ireland, May 2023
We had a fantastic vacation, thank you so much! Was just what we wanted, spontaneous, yet planned!
Your itinerary suggestions were great, let us pick & choose as we went.
We loved the Bonham & it was the perfect place to start our trip! However, we found Norwood Hall, although lovely, quite an unfriendly jolt after it. Could just be our own bias with the snooty French staff, we were glad we were only there 1 night.
Explorer Pass
We used it for 5 castles/fort & it did save us $. But what it also did was give us clout. When we showed up to 1 without reservations & it was full, they let us in. We always received a “fantastic” when we used it and “sorry” when they weren’t on the list. And I had downloaded the app & it always knew where we were, even when we didn’t! And it also had great suggestions of locations with pics & descriptions to see near us. (Stone circles/cairns, etc)
Again, a wonderful, “Bucket List” trip, thank you!
Tanya & Carl Cecka, WA
Geraldine Merino, FL, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, May 2023
This trip was FABULOUS!!! Excellent 5* accommodations. A family trip that was wonderful. Trip route and driver were excellent. Ireland is beautiful and welcoming. We plan to go again. Best vacation ever! Thank you Sheenco!!
Geraldine Merino, FL
Larla Rucker, TX, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Scotland, April 2023
I am happy to express how wonderful the trip was, and the beauty that is Scotland. Maurice was exceptional and very gracious with us. (I’m thinking we were not easy!) My Favorite castle was Inverlochy Castle. The staff were very welcoming and we did enjoy the dining experience the first night. I really liked Eleanor! Staying more than one night was a relief for us, and we realized by that stay that we needed to go to the castle earlier in the day to actually experience being there. Kincraig has such a warm and welcoming staff. We appreciated the sense of comfort and the dining allowed us to order from the menu. Our view was not photo worthy since out our window looked out to a dirt patch. However, the room was a great size and enjoyable. Overall, all places were comfortable.
Feedback from my experience would be that we tried to stay at too many castles with such full days. Although Crossbasket appeared to be a beautiful setting we arrived later in the evening from our first day adventures not having eaten (that’s our doing) so our option was to dine there. It seemed that they worked us in for the dinner although there were only two other tables, it took 3 hours. I’m still processing how that happened. We actually had very little interaction with the staff for our short stay. That is the only place I would not choose to go again.
I think it would be a good idea for people to understand that moving every night may take a toll and although you are staying at a castle, you are only there a short time. Letting people know that if they plan on eating at the castle to be prepared for a long sitting. Cringletie allowed us to order from the lunch menu and skip out quickly….we just needed packing and rest time. Nothing to do with cost, we enjoyed spending money! It is just lovely there, baby lambs were part of our view. Regarding gratuity I needed a tutorial on what was appropriate or expected at each hotel, and hopefully we gave Maurice a favorable one. We do understand the general gratuity expectations, just not what I mentioned. The day the ferry did not run from Armadale to Mallaig and we were required to drive back was obviously too long for all of us.
Your staff is incredible. The multiple responses and follow ups were so appreciated. I am very grateful to Rebecca for trying to make sure we had separated twin beds. That was a comedy routine at some hotels. Making a recommendation of Sheenco will be my pleasure, I’ll also recommend they ask for Maurice! I’m looking forward to my next booking for Ireland.
Thank you
Larla Rucker, TX
Katherine Mistilis, TN, Custom Chauffeur Driven, Ireland, February 2023
We had a fabulous trip to Ireland 2/16/23-2/26/23. It would be difficult to tell you favorite accommodations as all were outstanding. There is not a negative thing to say about Harvey’s Point. Our room had been upgraded and was the largest room I have ever seen. We had 2 bathrooms. We did not have a view as they were all Kings and Cynthia and I required 2 beds. Every amenity you could think of was in the room. Every employee went out of the way to help in every way. The food was delicious and service over the top.
Ashford was next and Catherine, who is Manager in Rooms Division upgraded Cynthia and me to a gorgeous room with fireplace, etc. it was the same room we had in 2006. The other rooms were not so nice and very small and one couple said they would not go back to Ashford. She said they had nothing in their room, not even a minibar. If we go back, I would request upgraded rooms for all. One guest said the room sets the stage for your impression of the castle.
Adare Manor was next and I had requested corner rooms for all and no one got them. However all in my group got very nice large rooms that they loved except Cynthia and me. Our room was exactly half as large as the rest of the group. I asked for a different room and the manager kept me waiting for a full 30 minutes and then told me there wasn’t another room. The girl at front desk said they were about 70% occupied. Nothing was done for me until Rebecca called Kevin who was MOD and that got the ball rolling. I guess it was ok since we got the preferred room at Ashford.
Adare was, I think preferred over Ashford with my group. We would not want the tasting menu again however. I realize that is the only choice in the Oak Room but it lasted from 8:00-12:00 and we were all exhausted. They were very slow with long waits between courses. Possible that they didn’t have enough servers especially at first.
Transportation was perfect and we all loved Jerry. No problems at all. He went out of his way to make us comfortable and to please us in every way.
It was great to get to meet Gary at the Merrian Hotel. Everyone’s rooms were ready except mine and they suggested we have tea while we waited and that’s where Gary and I met. I appreciated such nice gifts from him and enjoyed our visit very much. We love the hotel and MOD was very kind to us.
My hats off to the staff at Sheenco!
Katherine Mistilis, TN
