Linda Meissner: A Mother-Daughter Adventure to Ireland

This month, we’d like to introduce you to Linda Meissner, who recently embarked on a custom trip to the Emerald Isle with her oldest daughter. 

While the duo had certain destinations in mind, they also wanted the trip planning to be as worry-free as possible. After discovering Tenon Tours online, Linda chatted with one of our experienced travel specialists and knew she was in good hands: 

“We wanted our trip to be as worry-free as possible. Since all of our accommodations, our rental car, our plane tickets, and most of the places we wanted to visit would be secured, we felt we would have little to worry about and we were right … we told [Tenon] what we hoped to see and suggestions were made to improve upon our wishes.” 

We’re so glad Linda chose us to help make this mother-daughter trip everything they dreamed of! 

While it’s no easy task to name a favorite piece of the trip, Linda passionately recalled an incredible day which included a visit to the Aran Islands’ craggy coastlines and ancient relics. A horse-drawn carriage ride was the perfect vantage point for their exploration, and the coachman’s pup even followed along for the outing! 

One of the most memorable parts of travel can be the people you meet, and this was true for Linda. She and her daughter enjoyed lunch at a nearby pub, where the locals regaled them with tales about the island’s storied past and their experiences living there.

The highlight had to be the mighty views from the tops of the Cliffs of Moher — feeling the strong winds blow in from the coast and witnessing the landscape’s wild, natural beauty are two things Linda will never forget.

Another day, they drove The Ring of Kerry, where the pair took in endless views of mountains, lakes, and the rocky ocean. They happened upon something one doesn’t see every day: a young man sitting on the road’s embankment alongside his dog, a donkey, and a goat! He was crafting St. Brigid crosses from reeds and selling them to travelers who stopped by — talk about a one-of-a-kind souvenir! 

Giant’s Causeway was another highlight for them, as was the lore surrounding it. The massive formations of basalt rock were a spectacular sight, and listening to the tale of Finn McCoole, the great giant who created the causeway by ripping up pieces of coastline, made the whole area really come alive for Linda. 

A recommendation for our history buffs out there: the Black Taxi tour in Belfast. Linda’s driver, Red, shared stories of the troubles in Northern Ireland from the 1960s – 1990s as he drove them around, pointing out landmarks and great historical sites. Linda will never forget hearing these stories from someone who experienced it all firsthand as a young boy. 

As for accommodation recommendations, spending at least one night at Wilton Castle in County Wexford is a must! The cozy charm made Linda and her daughter feel at home, and the stunning grounds and gardens beyond are a must-see. They hope to return soon for a longer stay. 

The best thing Linda is bringing back from her travels? Her memories! Thank you, Linda, for allowing us to be a part of you and your daughter’s tour of Ireland — we can’t wait to help you plan your next experience!