Agent blog: Anna enters the world of Harry Potter on fam trip to Ireland
Agent Anna Carter from Bath Travel in Dorchester blogs about her fam trip to Ireland with luxury operator Insight Vacations.
"We arrived at Dublin airport and were met by a great Insight Vacations rep – Michael. We had an hour to wait for our transfer but that gave us time to meet all the other UK agents on the trip.
My first impression of the Insight coach was that it was very clean and comfortable – loved the extra leg room! It was just a short 20-minute drive to the Burlington hotel, a modern four-star hotel just a 15-minute walk to the historic centre and shopping areas of Dublin.
The Burlington has a large welcoming lobby, bar and restaurant. It’s not the most attractive-looking hotel from the outside but nice and spacious inside. I have lovely big room, and the ease of the check- in procedure was great. Shona, our excellent tour director, handled it all – she gave out our room keys, there was no waiting at check-in – and great for my bag to be delivered to my room in 10 minutes – brilliant service.
We then had time for a little rest before we were back out on a city tour.
We took a lovely route around the city, passing all the lovely old Georgian houses with their painted doors. We passed the famous Guinness Brewery and went onto Trinity College, where we had time to look round and see the 8th Century Book of Kells.
(Anna, left, with Emma Harewood of Midcounties Co-op)
My favourite part of the afternoon was the old library full of amazing books – it was like something out of Harry Potter! It had that lovely old musty smell of books and history – amazing! We’re on this trip with agents from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and everyone really enjoyed the college visit – so much amazing history and beautiful architecture.
We headed back to the hotel and joined Shona and all the rest group for a welcome reception. It comprised a light buffet meal and drinks, which is something enjoyed by all Insight guests. The opportunity for the group to meet and mingle is a great selling point for me as an agent. Loving Dublin so far! Roll on Day 2 and the Ring of Kerry!
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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