Brendan Vacations rolls out the green carpet for Australia and New Zealand

Brendan Vacations, the Celtic travel specialist with more than five decades’ expertise in Ireland and Scotland, has entered the Australian and New Zealand markets with a suite of small-group and tailored journeys designed for deeper cultural immersion from 2026.

Brand launches with small groups and tailored travel styles

The programme is led by intimate Small Group Tours capped at 18 to 24 guests and supported by flexible independent options including private driver, self-drive, luxury self-drive and rail. Each style is backed by Brendan’s Dublin-based team for seamless on-ground support.

Focus on authentic experiences and local connections

The Gap of Dunloe (from Irish: Dún Lóich, meaning ‘Lóich’s stronghold’), also recorded as Bearna an Choimín (meaning “gap of the commonage” or “gap of the little hollow”), is a narrow mountain pass running north-south in County Kerry, Ireland, that separates the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range in the west, from the Purple Mountain Group range in the east. It is one of Kerry’s most popular tourist destinations on account of its scenery.

Core to the brand is a hand-picked approach to experiences and stays. Travellers can expect sought-after historic castles, charming B&Bs and four- to five-star hotels, along with encounters that connect guests to local storytellers and artisans. All Small Group Tours feature a dedicated Travel Director and include at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that champions community and sustainability.

Itinerary highlights for 2026

  • Timeless Ireland & Ashford Castle (nine days): stay at the iconic Ashford Castle, enjoy a deep-dive city tour of Dublin, and hike the Cliffs of Moher as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
  • Ireland at Leisure (10 days): roam Galway and the Aran Islands, learn about seaweed’s importance on the Ring of Kerry (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) and visit local distilleries.
  • Wild Scotland & Isle of Skye (nine days): spend two nights on the Isle of Skye, take a Glasgow street art walk and tap into Edinburgh’s live performance scene (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience).

Trade partnership and how to book

Brendan Vacations sits within The Travel Corporation’s Specialist & Adventure division and is represented exclusively in Australia and New Zealand by Adventure World. The local team will provide sales support and representation in concert with Brendan’s 24/7 Dublin operations. Small Group itineraries and other travel styles are open for 2026 bookings via Brendan Vacations or through Adventure World on 1300 394 716 (AU) / 0800 539 811 (NZ).

Learn more at Adventure World.

Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Travel Monitor has been delivering the First News of the Day to the travel industry since 2009 and continues the tradition of only engaging experienced writers, editors and other professionals to source and create Travel Monitor content.

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