DESTINATION GPS
Culinary Travel
Culinary Travel
Discover Ireland and Scotland with Brendan Vacations, one local bite at a time.
Brendan Vacations is an expert in local know-how, yet still has the flexibility to go off-script from a planned itinerary. That means a trip through Ireland and Scotland can be amplified by a bowl of spontaneous chowder in a harbor pub or a dram poured by the person who distilled it. The company has built its reputation on knowing just where to go for meaningful moments like these. The result? Guests happily forgo typical sightseeing for the kind of culinary access only locals can offer: family-run kitchens, working distilleries, and guides who treat every meal as a story worth telling.
These six unique experiences showcase how food, wine, and spirits can foster a deep connection to the people, traditions, and landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. Meanwhile, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences put the spotlight on the locals who spring these culinary traditions to life.
1. Learn to bake traditional Irish soda bread at Tracey’s Farmhouse, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where guests connect with local traditions through hands-on baking and warm Irish hospitality.
2. Taste freshly harvested oysters in Connemara, Ireland at DK Oyster Farm and learn about the region’s renowned seafood culture.
3. Join a guided walking food tour of Westport, Ireland, sampling local specialties while discovering the town’s culinary history and vibrant community.
4. Experience the flavors of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way with a visit to Burren Smokehouse, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience showcasing traditional artisan smoking techniques and sustainably sourced seafood.
5. Discover the heritage of Scotch whisky during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visit to Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, producing whisky since 1794.
6. Indulge in handcrafted chocolates at Highland Chocolatier with award-winning chocolatier Iain Burnett, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience celebrating Scottish craftsmanship and locally inspired flavors.
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Hi! I'm Shelly. I'd love to share a little about why I do what I do.More than 30 years ago, my husband survived a terrorist bombing, and our family had to learn what a new normal looked like. Through God's faithfulness and grace, we found healing, purpose, and a renewed appreciation for time together. Travel became one of the ways we created joyful memories and focused on what mattered most. That's why I do what I do. I know firsthand that travel isn't just about where you go—it's about the memories you make and the people you share them with.
Today, I help my clients create those same kinds of experiences. Whether it's a cruise, an all-inclusive resort, Europe, Alaska, Disney, Universal, or an adventure closer to home, I take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the journey. My goal is simple: to help you create unforgettable memories without the stress.