Kerri McBee-Black: History & Heritage in Ireland & Scotland

Kerri McBee-Black recently traveled to Ireland and Scotland with her husband, Greg, and son, Tucker. This was their first time traveling to Europe. She found Tenon Tours through her cousin, Lisa, who has traveled with us before. We have to say—a recommendation is our favorite compliment! 

Kerri knew we were a great fit as soon as she spoke with Janet, one of our wonderful Personal Travel Specialists. They got to work planning the ideal tour around the two countries. Something else Kerri loved? The open communication we like to have with our travelers: “You get dedicated service and a tour operator that truly cares about your experience. The communication leading up to our trip was top-notch, answering questions and making adjustments as needed.”

The family of three was a bit nervous about driving overseas—Ireland and Scotland are certainly known for their winding narrow roads and the occasional sheep crossing after all. But, their choice to do a self-drive tour was ultimately one of their favorite parts about the trip. They loved having the ability to go at their own pace, stopping whenever they wished for a photo op of the hills and valleys, lochs and inlets…and even a friendly Highland coo.

The trio had several items of interest they considered must-sees. For one, Tucker enjoys learning about Irish Rebellion history. Our Personal Travel Specialist Janet was able to arrange for a few tours and attractions in Dublin centered around this! They followed a local historian as he led them through battle sites in Dublin. They also visited the eerie historic grounds of Kilmainham Gaol. They knocked plenty of historic tours off the list! Kerri says Tucker was enthralled with all the tours in Dublin related to the Rebellion.

Tucker also tried his first pint of Guinness in Ireland—we love a good first sip in the motherland. While he wasn’t a huge fan, we’re still glad he got to try it fresh from the Irish tap!

As for Kerri, one of her highlights was visiting her clan’s heritage site in Kinchyle, Scotland, which is south of Inverness: “My family clan has a memorial park there, and I have wanted to visit it since I was a kid. Plus, my father, his clan, passed away a year ago and my sister passed away a few months ago. So, I was able to take a note and leave it for my Dad and my sister’s remains and spread them at the park. It is something I will never forget.”

Some of their other favorites? The staggering Cliffs of Moher that are breathtaking—if misty—in any weather. Scotland’s Isle of Skye was gorgeous and they would enjoy visiting again. Kerri says the tour guide—Luke—was the best, and that they could not have asked for a better experience. 

Here at Tenon, one of our favorite pieces of feedback is when our travelers tell us how the adventure made them feel. Often they return feeling excited, full of wonder and have a deeper understanding of the world. Kerri nails this feeling in her comment: 

“Anytime you travel, whether it is domestically or abroad, your perspective on the world shifts. You are a different person after you travel, in a positive way. This trip helped us understand how young the US is and how much history and connection we have to Ireland and Scotland.”

Tucker, Greg and Kerri, we are thrilled we had the opportunity to travel with you! Let’s keep exploring together!