Ireland Golf Vacations & Golf Travel Testimonials

PORTUGAL - October 2008

Dear Patti,

We loved the trip! The hotels you had us in were great, our drivers and Margarida were attentive, engaging, and fun to be with, the courses were top notch, the food great , the people friendly, the sights were fun to see, the cities were clean and safe.

Some of my friends asked - "why go to Portugal?". After being there, I now tell them it is a must trip.

Dave Knudsen
Pennsylvania


IRELAND - September 2008

Jerry & Mike,

We had a terrific time! Our group of 8 thoroughly enjoyed themselves and just absolutely loved the courses we played. We want you both to know how much we appreciate the time and effort you put into making our trip such a great success.

The itinerary you put together was fantastic, as were all the accommodations. I most certainly will recommend Jerry Quinlan's Celtic Golf to anyone I know who is considering a golf trip! I can't wait until our next excursion! Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Jim Smith
Pennsylvania


IRELAND - August 2008

Hi Patti,

We wanted to thank you again for planning such a fantastic trip to Ireland for us. Kevin and I thoroughly enjoyed the accommodations you reserved for us, and the golf courses were also incredible - just as advertised.

Yet, I must say, what we always remember the most about our world travels are the people we meet - and the experience would not have been as special if Tony McCarthy had not been our tour guide and bus driver. His knowledge of the country, its history, and the Irish people, was so valuable - and if he ever decides to stop driving a bus he could be a very successful stand up comic. What a DELIGHT he was!

Our best to you and your staff, Patti. We are so grateful for ALL you did.

Janey & Kevin McCarthy
Maryland

‘Feeling gratitude
and not expressing it
is like wrapping a present
and not giving it.’

~ William Arthur Ward


SOUTHWEST IRELAND 19TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR – July 2008

Dear Jo & Jerry,

Finally back home in Oz and back to the grindstone – have now caught up with all the ‘bushfires and band-aids’ to get the office back in order. For Jill and myself, I would like to express my grateful thanks for a fantastic week of great golf, and, more importantly, great company.

It is always interesting to see diverse groups in backgrounds, age, and interests interacting with each other, and I felt really happy to be part of lovely company with never a glitch for the whole week. Maybe it had something to do with the organization and feeling generated by you both. It will remain in my memory bank, along with the satisfaction of playing those great courses and the luxurious accommodation, particularly at Doonbeg.

Please keep me in touch with arrangements for the 20th Anniversary Tour for 2009. I already have two friends considering your tours, and I will be showing them the photos that Jill took of the tour to whet their appetite.

Once again, my sincere thanks for a great time.

Cheers,

Peter Blair
Australia


SOUTH FLORIDA PGA ~ IRELAND PRO-AM – July 2008

Jo & Jerry,

I just wanted to let you know how much fun we had during our trip to Ireland with the South Florida PGA. All of my team and I had a blast each and every day. You need to be commended for all your hard work and attention to every detail.

The Killarney Park Hotel was perfect, the golf courses outstanding, the drivers and their wonderful care during transportation excellent, and I’ll even give you credit for the beautiful weather.

It was truly a memorable and special week. On behalf of all, The Old Collier Golf Club Team – thank you for your hospitality and professionalism. We all look forward to our next time with you.

Cheers,

Steve Waugh
PGA Professional
The Old Collier Golf Club


SCOTLAND – July 2008

Joe,

Words cannot describe how great this trip was and how much Johnny and I enjoyed the courses you selected. It was definitely a golfer’s dream trip. We did our best to absorb every memory the excursion had to offer.

The Castle course had a view to behold overlooking the cliffs into the Firth of Forth. It’s a great cliffside course with amazing views of St. Andrews from the 4th and 17th tee, and probably the most challenging of the courses due to all the gorse and berms in the middle of the fairways. You had to hit and putt to spots – something we Americans are not really accustomed to.

The Old Course experience was truly that – an experience we could write a book on. Caddies were knowledgeable and very friendly…and all the drama that comes with having a golf course in the middle of town, next to the beach, with patrons lining up along the fence line, watching unknowns tee off…so much anticipation and excitement you could feel the adrenalin rush. It did not help that Tom Lehman was walking off 18 and watched us tee off. Hitting over the Old Course Hotel at the 17th Road Hole and enjoying fine single malt Scotch on the hotel balcony after the round made it that much more breathtaking. I will never forget it.

At Prestwick, we played our best rounds with Johnny driving the green at 18 and making eagle in front of the caddies at the clubhouse. It was a pleasant surprise that we only had to walk across the street and through the gate from the hotel to play the following morning. After the round, we passed on lunch to see the opening round of The Senior Open at Royal Troon. It was a great day there as well as we walked another 18 following the likes of Norman, Watson, and Sandy Lyle, as well as Tony Price.

Needless to say, our Turnberry 18 turned out to be our hardest and most difficult round. We spent the morning star struck, having run into Greg Norman and Chris Everett in the hallway of the Westin on their way to their helicopter parked in front of the hotel. We ran into and spoke with Colin Montgomerie at the Turnberry Golf Academy bearing his name…so concentration was not at its peak and we suffered playing from the tips…with the wind having picked up, it was more golf course than we could chew…the golf course won that day.

I could ramble on forever, but I better stop. Thanks again for assisting Linda in putting this fantastic gift together for me. I will never forget it.

David Soto
Tennessee


IRELAND – June 2008 

Brendan, 

We had a wonderful trip.  Our driver, Ned, was simply outstanding.  Every detail of the trip was perfectly planned and went smoothly.  We are already thinking about another golf trip with Quinlan, possibly to Spain and/or Portugal. 

R. Cooper
Washington 


IRELAND – June 2008 

Hi Brendan, 

We’re back now and I want to tell you we all had a fantastic time.  Everything was perfectly organized and I take my hat off to the fine people at Celtic Golf.  It was truly a memorable experience.  Our driver, Johnny, was just terrific.  He was a true friend and he really exemplified Irish hospitality. 

I certainly will recommend Celtic Golf to my friends and look forward to being a repeat customer. 

All the best, 

Tim Witzel
Canada 


13th ANNUAL FATHER & SON TOURNAMENT – May 2008 

Joe, Brendan, Jerry, 

I just had to email you and thank you for what was an unbelievable time in Ireland last week.  The trip was perfect – we experienced all types of weather from 45 degrees and 30 mph winds to 75 and sunny with no wind.  The golf courses were stunning – all 4 are now in my top 10.  The accommodations, food, and company were all superb.  I met some people with whom I am certain will develop into longtime friends.   

Again, many thanks to each of you and your company. 

Bob Fischer
Pennsylvania 


WALES – May 2008 

Hi Jo, 

My parents and I just returned from our trip to Wales and had a wonderful time.  You were right – it is truly a beautiful place and the people were super friendly.  The courses were just grand! 

Paula Anderson
Texas 


13th ANNUAL FATHER & SON TOURNAMENT – May 2008 

Dear Jerry, 

We so enjoyed being a part of the Father & Son group.  Everything went like clockwork.  The Killarney Park staff and food were “amazing”.  The courses we tried to play and did finish will remain in our memories for a lifetime.  Thank you for all that you and your enthusiastic staff did to make our holiday so wonderful! 

I was a travel consultant for the last 25 years and I know the effort you put into making things work.  We will be sure to recommend your company and hope to join you again. 

All the best! 

Anita & Dennis McFadden
Pennsylvania 


FRANCE – May 2008 

Jo, 

I just thought I would let you know our trip to France was absolutely beyond our expectations.  Our driver, Chantel, was an absolute sweetheart.  She foraged through the Pyrenees with our van till we found someone to direct us to a distant cousin of my Dad’s.  Once that contact was made, we were off to the races, so to speak. 

The golf was good and the accommodations were excellent.  Thanks again for putting together a great trip. 

Scott Erreca
California 


13th ANNUAL FATHER & SON TOURNAMENT – May 2008 

Dear Jerry, 

It’s hard to believe it’s been 2 weeks since we have returned from the Emerald Isle, participating in the 13th Annual Father-Son Tournament.  The trip was, in a word, awesome.  Originally, I was planning on organizing a trip myself, for my Dad and me, celebrating my 40th and his 65th birthdays.  We wanted to play Ballybunion, Old Head, Waterville, and Tralee, and we wanted to go Memorial Day week.  Then, I came across your web site.  It must have been meant to be – the exact courses, the exact week, and you had already done all of the work for us.  Even if I could have spent the hours organizing all of the tee times, hotel accommodations, airport transfers, transportation to and from every course, there is no way it would have been as seamless as your tour made it. 

But much more, the camaraderie of all the other Father-Son pairs made the trip that much more memorable.  Your drivers are simply the best.  They make the bus rides part of the highlights – their knowledge of Irish culture and history, and even a joke or two are fantastic.  The Killarney Park Hotel was in a great central location, with a great staff and restaurant to boot.  Moreover, the personal touch you and your staff showed, whether it was the greeting at the airport, the welcome dinner, the personal stories, and countless other details, made us feel that we were part of your family.  It was like we were visiting our Irish cousin who happened to be well-connected at all of the best golf courses in Southwest Ireland.   

I have already recommended your services to many friends, and my Dad and I are already talking about when we can come back.  We will definitely be using your services again, but, this time, we will probably have to take our wives with us.  We know that they will be equally impressed by everything your company has to offer.  Thanks for such a memorable trip. 

Appreciatively, 

Dave Schoenfeld
Georgia 


SCOTLAND – October 2007 

Joe, 

I wanted to write back to let you know our trip last week to Scotland was amazing.  Everyone in my group had the time of their life.  The golf, the pubs, the country were all top notch.  We even had the pleasure of hitting the Old Course ballot on the 1st day.  We were very lucky about the weather, too, while we were there.  It only rained the day we played Carnoustie, but, fortunately, the wind wasn’t there, so the wetness was not a big deal. 

When you sent your last email stating that John Bryan was your #1 driver in Scotland, I was thinking you probably say that about all your drivers.  Well, I was completely wrong about that one.  John couldn’t have been a better driver, tour guide, and friend.  He made us feel so comfortable and relaxed while we were there for the week.  I couldn’t have asked for a better guy.  All of his recommendations on restaurants and pubs were right on.  You are very lucky to have such a wonderful person who is very passionate about his job. 

Lastly, I want to thank you again for putting together such a wonderful trip.  My friends and I really hope that one day we will get to head back and play some of the other courses that we missed out on.  I appreciate all that you did for me to make my 40th birthday trip a memorable one.   

Dave Wildes
California 


IRELAND – September 2007 

Patti, 

Just wanted you to know that we had a spectacular trip to Ireland last week.  The weather couldn’t have been better.  Someone told us that it rains in Ireland!!  We were so lucky with sunny days and warm weather the entire trip.  I also want you to know that all of our accommodations were wonderful, especially the 19th Lodge at Ballybunion.  Mary and James were so pleasant and friendly.  Their accommodations were clearly outstanding!  Everything from the hospitality, to the sheets and showers, and the breakfast were the best. 

However, the most memorable part of our trip, in addition to the wonderful golf courses we played, was our driver and guide, John Keane.  We could not have had anyone better!!  He attended to our every wish and was a true professional and a gentleman.  He was so knowledgeable about the history and culture of Ireland, and interacted with us as though we were old friends.  He made every step of our trip a joy!   

Thanks to you at Quinlan for the arrangements, accommodations, and itinerary.  You are a class organization!!  This was truly a vacation we will never forget. 

Cindy & Don Venema
Pennsylvania 


SCOTLAND – September 2007 

Hi Joe, 

We would like to forward the highest praise to our driver.  We found David to be a complete gentleman who helped to make our visit to Scotland as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.  Please mention to him that we will always be impressed with the delicate way that he navigated the car through a herd of cows without using the horn.  As I said previously, a true gentleman! 

Best regards, 

Rob & Ginny Baker
Massachusetts 


IRELAND – July 2007 

Dear Sirs: 

It is with full satisfaction that I write to thank you for planning our golfing vacation to Ireland last month, which myself and my brothers arranged to celebrate our father’s 70th birthday.  Thank you for providing us with your best driver, Derry O’Keeffe.  He smoothed the way and greased the skids in innumerable ways during our trip – Ballybunion and Lahinch foremost in our minds.  He secured us the best caddies, planted us in the best pubs, and made sure the Guinness was cold. 

The highlight of our trip occurred when we were passing through a small town in Tipperary, when Derry learned our grandmother had emigrated to the U.S. from there.  Thanks to Derry, I saw the church where my grandmother had been baptized and stood before the nearby grave of her great-grandfather (my ancestor), who had died in 1836.  Although it seems we no longer have any living relations in Ireland, my family now certainly feels like we do in your man, Derry O’Keeffe. 

Although every other hotel on our trip was a five-star hotel, the 19th Lodge was our favorite.  Mary and James Beasley made our stay at the 19th Lodge most hospitable.  We enjoyed overlooking the fairway of the 2nd hole at Ballybunion, but it didn’t help us play it the next day.  It looked narrow, and it was narrow!  As Americans, we were thrilled that Mary and James had met our current President George Bush (as evidenced by the fine photograph in the TV room); as my brother Evan (who is a Major in the U.S. Army) remarked, he has never before had his eggs cooked by a lady who had met his commander-in-chief.  Meeting James and Mary, and their lovely family, was another high point of our trip.   

Thanks again, Jerry & Brendan.  You have our family’s highest recommendation. 

Best regards, 

Foster Wollen
California 


IRELAND & SCOTLAND – May 2007 

Dear Jerry, 

Having just returned from our pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland, Anna and I would like to thank you most sincerely for having arranged this truly wondrous golfing trip for us.  The flawless planning and execution thereof was remarkable, and even the weather with one or two exceptions, was really surprisingly benign. 

Accommodations were generally excellent.  The Killarney Park Hotel was most comfortable and pleasant – excellent cuisine and staff.  As far as the golf courses were concerned, the selections you made were unbeatable.  We were very graciously received at every clubhouse, and we were most pleasantly surprised by the quality of the visitors’ locker rooms!  The starters everywhere were friendly and professional, as were the caddies.   

Doonbeg was a total delight, and we loved the tranquility of the bucolic countryside with the cows adjoining the fairways – to say nothing of the greenskeeper’s sheepdog who scours the gorse for lost balls and deposits them on the fairway for his master.  Doonbeg was, in every way, quite extraordinary – a totally satisfying, comfortable, and beautifully run complex. 

On our last day golfing, we were paired with two Greek gentlemen from Cyprus who were non-golfers until two years ago, when one of them built a golf resort on that island and they decided it might be well for them to learn something about the sport, and hence their visit to Scotland.  Honestly, we had a ball throughout our trip and once again thank you and your associates for this splendid outing.  We have already praised your organization to a number of our golfing pals. 

Yours sincerely, 

Bill & Anna Mann
Florida 


PORTUGAL – September 2006 

Jo, 

I just wanted to take a minute and tell you how wonderful our trip to Portugal was.  We are the group of fourteen in the Violette golf party.  Our guide, Helena, was absolutely fantastic... everyone loved her.  She was so attentive to every detail, and such a pleasure to be around.  We could not have asked for a better person.  She gave us a great deal of knowledge about the country and its history – every hour was taken care of.  We have been on past Jerry Quinlan trips and they had all been fantastic.  This lived up to that great reputation. 

Sincerely, 

Tommye Anne Violette
Florida 


IRELAND – August 2006 

Joe, 

Just wanted to drop a note of thanks for the wonderful trip.  The arrangements were fantastic, the accommodations were outstanding, and our driver was so good, he felt like part of the family by the end of the trip.  I just wanted to say thanks for your efforts, and the great job you do.  With the golf and moving around, it would have been easy to have a hitch somewhere – but that was not the case, as the pre-arrangements were perfect.   

Your organization is the best.  This is my second trip with Jerry Quinlan’s Celtic Golf, and if I live long enough and am prosperous enough, it will not be my last.  Thanks again for such an enjoyable time in a wonderful country. 

Chip Herndon
Tennessee 


IRELAND – July 2006 

Dear Patti, 

We wanted to pass along our sincere thanks to you and all the people at Celtic Golf who made our trip to Ireland so special.  Our trip went off without a hitch and everything was first class, especially John Keane, our driver and guide, who made the trip so very special.  He charmed our wives and impressed us all with his knowledge of Ireland and its history.  He went out of his way to make sure the girls were able to do all the things they wished, while getting the golfers to and from the golf courses on time.  His choices for restaurants were excellent. 

We would highly recommend Celtic Golf to anyone wanting the ultimate Ireland golf vacation.  We miss John already and we look forward to returning to Ireland in the near future. 

Sam Lindsay
California 


SCOTLAND – July 2006 

Joe, 

Just wanted to thank you for a fabulous trip.  No wonder you guys have been successful for so many years.  Everything flowed beautifully.  Rusacks was a hit.  Channings is also a really nice hotel.  My son and two friends have a memory for life.   

Thanks again for a first class performance. 

Art Ryder
Arizona 


SCOTLAND – July 2006 

Joe, 

We had a wonderful time in Scotland, and I want to thank you for doing such a great job.  The accommodations were wonderful and the golf courses were fun to play.  Steve got a hole-in-one on the St. Andrews course and we all saw it!  That was exciting.  We all got to play the Old Course, which completed the trip.  Our driver, Arthur, was great, and he really took good care of us. 

Thanks again, 

Gail Lastinger
Georgia 


IRELAND – July 2006 

Jerry, 

I just returned from the trip of a lifetime.  Everything from start to finish exceeded all my expectations.  The schedule – starting with the K-Club, followed by Portmarnock, Lahinch, Ballybunion, Waterville, Tralee, and finishing at Old Head – was the perfect layout.  Each day and each course had something new to add to the entire Irish experience.  I wouldn’t change a thing other than to add another day or two.  The entire trip was incredible. 

Extra special kudos to Johnny Whelan – you are fortunate to have such a colleague.  From the moment he first met us, we felt like we were with family.  I can’t imagine a better way to tour the countryside than listening to John’s knowledge of the local history, only to be followed by his enticing description, hole-by-hole, of the ensuing Mecca which awaited us around the next breathtaking corner.  All the while, everything was taken care of in first-class fashion.  Thanks again for making everything so special. 

All the best! 

Sean Collins
Pennsylvania 


SCOTLAND – June 2006 

Joe, 

The trip that you organized for us in Scotland was truly the “trip of a lifetime”, and, believe me, we have had many wonderful trips during the years.  The hotel accommodations were first class, the food (and beverages) were wonderful, and the golf experience could not have been better – with the exception of a downpour at Turnberry; however, we waited a couple of hours and completed our round – what else should we expect? 

For us, the best money we spent was to have the car and drivers for the entire trip.  The two drivers that we had were wonderful, accommodating, and true gentlemen.  My wife, whose heritage is part Scottish, is a real history buff, as am I, and this was a dream come true, especially for her.  We saw battlefields, ruins, churches, castles, etc., and the experience was enhanced by the historical knowledge of our drivers.  All of this without the hassle of trying to find out where to go and what to see. 

Our introduction to golf in Scotland came on the first day when we played Royal Dornoch.  We had a 4:30 tee time.  Coming up the 16th fairway, the sun was setting and we could hear bagpipes playing in the distance in the town square.  Welcome to Scotland – does it get much better than this? 

We both want to thank you for organizing the trip, and we will highly recommend you to anyone who is planning a similar excursion. 

Best regards, 

Ross Creber
Canada 



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