Become a Home Based Travel Agent

Forty Shades of Green
By: Jan Shaughnessy

I recently returned from my fourth trip to Ireland.  Each time I see and learn more about this fabulous country. The plane had barely left Dublin when I started wondering, “When will I return?”   Each visit solidifies in my mind, that Ireland is one of the most friendliest and beautiful countries in the world.   In 1959 Johnny Cash wrote a song about Ireland called the “Forty Shades of Green”.  It referred to the multitude of green shades in the rolling hills and pastures of Ireland.  Thanks to a temperate climate, Ireland is green all year long.  The numerous shades are a product of the climate and the fertilization of the soil.  Here it was the middle of February and the green shades went on as far as the eye could see.  I was already seeing yellow daffodils, purple and white crocuses, and yellow and pink flowering shrubs.  This temperate climate makes Ireland an excellent destination for you to promote to your clients. 

Ireland is an easy 7 ½ hour direct flight from Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, and New York.  The country is about the size of Maine, which makes it easy to see a lot in a week long vacation.  Do you have adventurous clients seeking a long weekend get-a-way?  Why not recommend Dublin for a five day/3night Pub Crawl.  Your clients can tour Dublin by day, using the Hop on–Hop off bus visiting 23 popular attractions.  A don’t miss is the historic Guinness Storehouse with the top level Gravity Bar offering 360 views of Dublin.  Not to mention a free pint of Guinness.  Book your clients in the Temple Bar area where they will enjoy a lively enclave of cafes, theatres, and Irish Pubs.

What else does Ireland offer your clients?  Here are just a few of the types of clients you might send to Ireland.

Golfers – Ireland is known for their championship golf courses.  Many suppliers offer golf packages with pre-arranged tee times.  Your clients can golf the famous Lahinch Links Golf course, or tee off with the backdrop of an enchanting castle.    

Active outdoors – Choices abound in this area.  Do you have clients that like horse riding, cycling, angling, kayaking, mountain climbing, hiking, or walking?  How about surfing?  Surfing in Ireland?  Yes!  The West coast of Ireland has stretches of beaches ideal for surfing.  Surfing championships are held each year near the North West town of Donegal.

History, Culture, Ancestory – Ireland is rich in this area with it’s Viking roots, medieval days, religious wars, to the potato famine.  The city of Cobh will call out to your cruise clients with its historical link to the Lusatania and Titanic.  Your clients can relive history by visiting folk parks, museums, and participating in a medieval dinner banquet. Perhaps your clients may want to walk in the paths of their ancestors.  Tours can be customized to include ancestral research.

Ireland suppliers offer escorted tours, self-drive tours, B&B voucher programs, Manors & Castle stays, and Chauffeur driven vacations.  Visit www.irishtourism.com.  Whatever your client type, Ireland is sure to delight and put some of that “Shades of Green” in your wallet.  And that’s no Blarney!