Before I write about anything else, I have to tell you about Niall and CIE touring, because he and they made our vacation fantastic!
Well, comparing our brand spanking new super deluxe coach with tray tables and reclining seats to a “bus” is like comparing diamonds to cubic zirconium. Just ain’t NO resemblance! But this blog is not about the coach so much as it is about the coach driver and CIE Tours. Come along with me on the ride!
Sparky and I had never taken a “Bus Tour” before and we really did not know what to expect. Dan did his homework and surprised me with this touring gift for Christmas knowing I had a life long dream to visit the home of my ancestors, Ireland! He could not have chosen better.
Niall Mc Erlean was our Tour Guide and Coach Driver for our 8 day adventure around Ireland. CIE sure got lucky when they hired Niall and we, as tourists were abundantly blessed to have this experienced, knowledgeable, professional, historian, funny as all get out, and proud as heck Irishman to be our guide for the week!
Niall greeted us warmly that first day in Dublin at the hotel and let us know what to expect and how he would help us along our journey. From getting our luggage checked and on board every day at 7 am, before he grabbed a bite to eat, to unloading and making sure we all were comfortable in our rooms in the evening at 7 pm, before getting himself some dinner, Niall was kind, caring and on top of it all. ( I am thinking a handsome, young Paul McCartney here)
Our coach man kept us in stitches with his running commentary on life in Ireland and non stop self effacing jokes! As tired as we were by the end of the day, Niall just kept us uplifted and laughing. He stepped off the coach first and guided us all safely to ground, then boarded us all back on board. I say this because none of us were…well… kids 🙂
Through sun, rain, wind as in ” blowing a gagger” wind, hail, sleet, He expertly guided our coach around the Ring of Kerry. We had all 4 seasons in one day on the Ring of Kerry! After going through one incredibly narrow tunnel, Dan asked him how much room he had on either side of the coach. “3 inches to spare and nothing to worry yourself about.”
Niall’s knowledge of Ireland geological history and political history was amazing. He rolled dates and dramas off his tongue as thick as his brogue!
Niall constantly reminded us of safety concerns while traveling. “Get those seat belts fastened folks, I don’t like doing paper work!” His humor kept us laughing.
As tired as we were at the end of our daily adventures, Niall was sure to have been exhausted looking after us all. But, he never let on that he was tired and just kept going.
He told us so many family stories making me feel like I knew his kin and was welcomed to his home. Through tiny narrow lanes, to higher than high sheer drop off cliffs, our coach driver was ever confident and reassuring. ” Haven’t lost one yet, too much paperwork.”
Rolling date after date of Irish history off his tongue, he managed to keep us intrigued as he related ancient history up to detail after detail of ” the troubles.”
Our Coach was spotless and very comfortable. I hope many of my friends even with just a drop of Irish blood entertain a trip to Ireland. And if you do, please consider CIE Tours! If you are lucky, Niall will greet you in Dublin!
No, this is not a paid endorsement of any kind. Just a very satisfied customer hoping to entice you to visit Ireland and try CIE Tours!
//www.cietours.com/world/escorted_tour/2016/irish_adventure_8d
Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope wherever your journey leads you today that you stop, and remember those who went before.
Hugs,
Karen, TJG
Love it. Love the old stone bridge.
Looks like a great time!
It sure was!