Brendan Vacations, known for its Celtic travel itineraries, is expanding its offerings for 2026 with the introduction of its new small-group tours. The tour operator is also introducing new accommodations and activities for more flexible itineraries.
Brendan’s Small Group Tours, which are capped at 18 to 24 guests, are designed to deliver a deeper cultural immersion. Each trip includes the support of a dedicated Travel Director and incorporates at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience.
“With the introduction of our new Small Group Tours, we’re giving travel advisors more options to create vacations that truly feel personal for their clients,” said Catherine Reilly, Managing Director of Brendan Vacations, in a media statement. “These smaller tours emphasize depth over distance, offering travelers the chance to experience Ireland and Scotland in a more meaningful way.”
What’s New for Small Groups
Highlights of the new collection include:
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Timeless Ireland & Ashford Castle: A 9-day journey featuring a stay at the Ashford Castle, a Dublin city tour and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at the Cliffs of Moher.
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Ireland at Leisure: A 10-day exploration of Galway, the Aran Islands and Cork with immersive cultural stops, including learning about seaweed in the Ring of Kerry.
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Incredible Ireland: A 12-day itinerary with a stay at Dromoland Castle, a distillery visit and time in Killarney National Park.
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Wild Scotland & Isle of Skye: A 9-day experience including two nights on the Isle of Skye, a Glasgow street art walking tour and an Edinburgh cocktail-and-performance MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience.
If you’re looking to customize trips further, you will also find new hotel partners for Brendan’s flexible itineraries. Additions include:
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Dunluce Lodge on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast. The region’s only 5-star resort.
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Seaton House in St Andrews, tying into the area’s golf heritage.
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The Dean in Galway, offering boutique style and access to a hydrotherapy pool.
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The Scott in Edinburgh, a 4-star stay inside an 18th-century baronial house.
For clients wanting authentic Scottish experiences, Brendan has also introduced the Harry Potter Train & Scenic Highlands trip that includes a ride aboard the Jacobite Steam Train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. There is also the Edinburgh People’s Story, a private 1.5-hour guided walking tour highlighting the lives and stories that shaped Scotland’s capital.
For more information, visit brendanvacations.com.
