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TRAVEL REVIEWS

Lynn

June 2024

Martin recently planned a trip for our group of 8 family members. My husband and I had been to Ireland before but were looking forward to our second visit. Martin helped us map out a plan, select sites and convinced us to hire a private driver for the group. What a revelation that was. Our driver (also named Martin) was knowledgeable and charming. He found us so many hidden gems along the we would e otherwise missed. A couple of our favorites were the entire town of Killarney and The Great Southern Hotel there. The facilities and rooms were beautiful and the town had so much to offer. Our Stop at Inch Strand beach was breathtaking. Our trip could’ve been chaos, but with the guidance from Authentic Irish Tours, it was a relaxing and memorable trip for all of us. Highly recommend.

Jan

June 2024

Thank you, Martin and Authentic Irish Tours, for our week-long journey in London. Jeremy has for years wanted to explore the castles and see England's rock influences. It was a dream come true! Our trip encompassed both beautifully. We visited an array of sites, from castles to cathedrals, churches, universities, Stonehenge, and Shakespeare's birthplace. Observing Jeremy fulfill his dreams on the rock and roll tour and we traced the steps of Pink Floyd's members, was incredibly joyful. Of course, we tried fish and chips, enjoyed the local pubs, and rode the Tube. The trip had so many remarkable moments, they're too numerous to count! We had a fantastic time and would wholeheartedly recommend booking with this agency.

Dale

June 2024

MartinAll I can say is WOW. Despite the first day driving jitters we had an amazing trip. Killarney was our favorite, but honestly, everything was fabulous. You did great planning this trip for us and we couldn't be happier. You helped make this the trip of a lifetime. We appreciate everything you did and the care you took with us. Thanks again

Jayde

May 2024

Martin and John helped me make a dream of taking my people on a special tour of Ireland from concept to reality. We worked together to create Jayde's Mystical Tour of Ireland and I took 33 people to Ireland in April, 2024. The tour was fantastic, and Authentic Irish Tours was there every step of the way, even checking in during our week in Ireland to make sure all was well. All the details were planned carefully, and the trip was smooth and seamless.

Can you book your own travel to Ireland? Sure you can. But why waste so much time and energy trying to Google this and that when you have seasoned experts who can help you build your dream trip? Whether it’s 2 or 42 of you, they will help you get all that you want from your time in Ireland. Oh, and they’re super nice guys, too.

Book with confidence! I’m already planning our next trip with them, to Scotland!

Gale

April 2024

My husband and I just returned from our first trip to Italy. Our travel agent was great to work with. He put together a wonderful travel package for us. We got to visit so many beautiful places around Italy. Our Bus driver Dominic from Scotland was a (lol) was very entertaining and kept the trip fun as we drove around Italy. We also got to meet some lovely people on this trip. We can’t wait to go back

Thanks for all your help Martin

Mary Kay

November 2023

WOW! What an amazing experience. This trip was fantastic. It was well planned and worked out perfectly. It was a pleasure working with Martin, he listened to our requests, made some suggestions, and arranged the entire trip. The Itinerary was a perfect blend of organized site seeing and free time with the family. Our Private Chauffeur was outstanding! He was so knowledgeable about Ireland. The country is beautiful, and the people are warm and welcoming.
THIS IS THE WAY TO TRAVEL! Can't wait to go back.

Carolyn

November 2023

My husband and I were very pleased with the accommodations and recommendations that Authentic Irish Tours provided for our first trip to Ireland. Martin was very pleasant to work with and wanted to make sure his arrangements met our expectations for lodging and ease of travel to various points of interest. We enjoyed our trip so much, we hope to return in the future and will seek the guidance from Authentic Irish Tours again!

Judy

November 2023

Recently, I worked with Martin Hughes from Authentic Irish Tours in Valparaiso, Indiana for a custom trip to Ireland. Myself, my son, and two friends went on this journey beginning in Sept. and ending in Oct. We were gone almost two weeks and the reservations went off without a hitch. Martin made suggestions, and as it turns out two of my favorite places were the Dylan Hotel in Dublin and Dromoland Castle. All the hotels were unique, however these two were exceptional. Can't wait to go back and you can rest assured that I will be using Martin from Authentic Irish Tours to do my bookings.

Meg

October 2023

They are amazing here! If you’re looking to book a trip and wanting to have a great adventure, I highly recommend Authentic Irish Tours! Martin Hughes helped me plan a solo trip to Ireland. I wanted to take a spontaneous trip and asked Martin for his help! He wasn’t used to solo travelers and I wasn’t used to traveling alone so I told him I needed his help. He helped me plan such a wonderful trip that was unforgettable. I met new friends, the locals were so kind, and I saw some breathtaking sites! If you’re a foodie Ireland is also a great place to visit (must try fish n chips In one of the pubs or seaside towns!). My favorites were the architecture and nature in Ireland. Some of my favorite places were Galway, cliffs of moher, a scenic tour I took around Ireland, and kissing the Blarney Stone.

Patrice

September 2023

Martin and John were so fun and easy to work with as I planned my dream vacation to Ireland. Highly recommend using Authentic Irish Tours.
When we arrived at Dublin airport were greeted by our transport to take us to our hotel.
We started off in Dublin with the Notre Dame package. I fell in love with Dublin, a great city with so much to see and the people were so fun, and friendly, and found this to be true anywhere we went around the country.
After picking up our rental car, we proceeded to drive around Ireland starting in Belfast and making our way to Donegal,
driving the Wild Atlantic Way and making our way to my favorite town - Cong.
The itinerary Martin suggested and my must-see places were the perfect way to see the country.
The accommodations exceeded my expectations. The hotels were beautiful, the food was great and the country itself was amazing.
Thank you, Martin, John, and Melissa for making a lifelong dream come true!

Jeanette

September 2023

This was an awesome experience to Ireland. Martin and his team had set up a trip of a lifetime for us. We are so grateful for they're knowledge and thoroughness. Thank you it was wonderful!!

Thomas

July 2023

Mr. Hughes promised me the trips of a lifetime for my nine family members and he delivered on his promise. Everything from beginning to end was perfect, every hotel better than the last.

Chuck

June 2023

Martin is an Irish gem! Being from Ireland he has the history we required to enjoy our trip. Thank you Martin.

David

August 2022

The Long and Winding Road...led us happily to Martin and Authentic Irish Tours! What a blast we had on The Beatles tour of London and Liverpool ion August 2022. Martin arranged all the hotels, stops, guides, and transportation--all perfectly organized. We never had to worry about anything except having a good time, and that we did with abundance. Five Stars!!

Jacqui

July 2022

We worked with Martin Hughes and Authentic Irish Tours for a two-week trip to Ireland and London. I cannot say enough good things about the whole experience. From the very first email to the day we got back home, Martin and his team were nothing short of amazing! He worked within our timeframe and budget and stayed in touch every step of the way to make sure the trip was exactly what we wanted. The result was a magical trip for 7 people (ranging in age from 16 to 62) that was absolutely flawless. If you are considering any kind of travel - but especially travel to Ireland - Martin and his team are exactly what you want! I am eternally grateful for all they did for us to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Carrie

June 2022

Booked our dream vacation, bus tour through Ireland, for September 2020 through a different travel agency...Well, we all know how that ended. I was crushed, devastated, and convinced that I would never see Ireland's beauty firsthand. My husband and I happened to meet Martin from Authentic Irish Tours Travel Agency at an event in Valpo and lamented our 2020 trip that never came to fruition. My sweet husband met with Martin in secret and re-booked our trip for our anniversary, only "new and improved". Instead of seeing Ireland by piling on and off a tour bus following a pre-set schedule, we would be renting a car and embarking on a true Ireland adventure. Now, mind you, I was a tad anxious at first thinking out driving all about the Irish countryside, but we were reassured by Martin that this was the way to truly see Ireland. We just got back from our trip two weeks ago and I can honestly say that in hindsight I am so glad our original trip was canceled because of COVID! From start to finish the whole trip went so smoothly. We stayed at four different hotels, all great. Getting our car rental was easy (driving was actually easier than we thought it would be). You would think with so many reservations that there would be some problem along the way, but no, everything was so easy. The only "hiccup" we had was an issue with the names on our airline tickets, which was quickly and professionally handled by Authentic Irish Tours. If you are looking for a true Ireland vacation, I would say that Authentic Irish Tours should be your "go to" for all that you are looking for. Working with Martin has been great...We may just be going back and we know who we will be calling.

Sandra

April 2022

I highly recommend Authentic Irish Tours Travel Agency! From the very beginning, they have made us feel so well taken care of and confident in their ability to help us plan our trip. We went thru AITTA to book a tour abroad with a well-known tour company, which one might simply book on their own. So glad we went through AIITA! The tour company caused a couple major rebooking issues, and Martin stepped in and smoothly managed all of the problems on our behalf. We didn't have to worry about anything. Plus, every time we had a question, Martin and the rest of the team were eager and ready to answer. You really do get personal service there!

Brian

March 2021

Martin was great at helping us plan our trip to Ireland. He knows all the details about the areas your traveling to, that make the trip more personalized to what you would like your experience to be.

Brendan

March 2021

Awesome people, Authentic, knowledgeable and great to work with!!

Kathy

December 2019

Joe & Helen

September 2019

Joe & Colleen

August 2019

Mike & Shirley

June 2019

Martin Hughes will put together a tour of beautiful Ireland that you will never forget! 

Thanks to the diligent efforts of Martin Hughes and his team, we enjoyed our trip to the “Wild Atlantic Way” very much. Rather than going on a programmed tour, we decided to hire a private driver and go our own way at our own pace. Martin facilitated the services of a wonderful driver who also acted in the capacity of a personal tour guide. His name was Robert McNulty and his extensive knowledge of Irish history and local sights really made the trip. He was thankfully familiar with some of the best pubs and restaurants en route, and his advice was always spot-on. The Mercedes vehicle was spacious and comfortable and it was a blessing for us to enjoy the scenery without worrying about either the “other-side-of-the-road” driving adjustment or navigating our itinerary or getting lost. The hotel lodgings arranged by Authentic Irish Tours were very nice, but if we could do it over again, we’d opt for more Bed and Breakfast choices. Local Irish hospitality is not to be missed.

I can not speak highly enough about our trip to Ireland with authentic Irish tours, Martin huges and John Hanley were awesome from the first moment we met them. The people in their office was very kind and helpful too.We not only went to Ireland to visit we also
got married there and with all their help everything went off without a hitch. Martin did a great job of working with us and making sure we were prepared for the money exchange, the driving differences, the roundabouts. He also recommended a pub that my husband fell in love with. Martin also keep in contact while we were there just to make sure everything was going smoothly. Like I said, going our first time over the pond with authentic Irish tours was the greatest time my husband and me has ever had. So thank you Authenic Irish tours for having such great people working for you.

My wife and I came back from Ireland on June 7. Thanks to Martin it was the best trip we had. Martin knows so much about the hole of Ireland . If you want someone who knows their stuff on traveling Martin Hughes is the man to go to. Thanks for the memories

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