Brendan Vacations to launch small group tours in 2026

Brendan Vacations is introducing a new Small Group Tour travel style debuting in 2026, in addition to new accommodation and experience options for its flexible itineraries. 

Designed in response to growing demand for more intimate travel experiences, the tours promise a deeper cultural immersion, greater personalization and all the convenience of a guided vacation.

“With the introduction of our new Small Group Tours, we’re giving travel advisors more options to create vacations that truly feel personal for their clients,” said Catherine Reilly, managing director of Brendan Vacations, in a statement. “These smaller tours emphasize depth over distance, offering travellers the chance to experience Ireland and Scotland in a more meaningful way. From connecting with locals and savouring authentic dining to enjoying exclusive stays in boutique and iconic properties like Ashford Castle, these new tours use their size to deliver experiences that are both distinctive and unforgettable.”

With a maximum capacity of 18 to 24 guests, the new Small Group Tour travel style taps into the tour company’s expertise in Celtic destinations. 

Enhanced with the guidance of a dedicated Travel Director and at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, this travel style layers into the brand’s storied history of crafting memorable vacations with detail and care. Itineraries include:

• Timeless Ireland & Ashford Castle: This 9-day journey through Ireland features a stay at the Ashford Castle, an in-depth city tour of Dublin, a coastal hike at the Cliffs of Moher as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and beyond.
• Ireland at Leisure: On this premium 10-day itinerary, travellers will explore Galway, the Aran Islands, Cork, and more with opportunities to learn about the importance of seaweed at the Ring of Kerry as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, visit local distilleries, and more. 
• Incredible Ireland: As part of this 12-day luxury itinerary, guests can enjoy a regal stay at Dromoland Castle, visits to Killarney National Park, Glensane Farm, and more, in addition to discovering the inner workings of a local distillery as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience.
• Wild Scotland & Isle of Skye: This 9-day trip includes two nights on the Isle of Skye, complete with a Glasgow street walking art tour, an indulgence in crafted cocktails and live performances in Edinburgh as part of a  MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, and more.

New stays for flexible itineraries

These new stay options allow travel advisors to further personalize flexible itineraries with accommodations that feel unique to every traveller.

• Dunluce Lodge: The Dunluce Lodge stands as the only 5-star resort on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast. Guests can expect warm hospitality, access to coastal views, spa treatments, and an on-site restaurant with locally sourced meals and a curated whiskey selection. 
• Seaton House: This restored stay in the birthplace of golf, St Andrews, offers a deep connection to the region's rich golfing legacy that stretches back to the 15th century. Nearby, guests can explore ancient ruins, artisan shops, local cafés, and elevated dining.
• The Dean: A boutique hotel experience situated in the heart of Galway city, The Dean offers rooms with unique décor and exclusive access to Power Gym and health club, including a hydrotherapy pool. Travellers can enjoy rooftop views of Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch, and the Latin Quarter while dining at Sophie’s Restaurant. 
• The Scott: The Scott Hotel in Edinburgh is a 4-star gem situated in the Southside neighborhood, housed within a historic 18th-century baronial house. It presents 36 uniquely designed rooms with complimentary access to nearby fitness facilities, including The University of Edinburgh’s Pleasance Sports Complex Gym and Oxygen Fitness Studios.

New activities in Scotland for flexible itineraries

These new activities expand Brendan Vacation’s selection of exceptional experiences for flexible itineraries, offering a form of exploration for every type of traveller. 

• Harry Potter Train & Scenic Highlands: On this day tour in the Highlands, guests will explore the breathtaking coastal landscapes of Inverness with its ancient ruins and sweeping beaches and rugged mountains. A highlight of the day trip includes a ride aboard the legendary Jacobite Steam Train, where they’ll pass by lochs, cliffs, and travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the recognizable pass from the Harry Potter films.
• Edinburgh People's Story: This 1.5-hour private walking tour through Edinburgh offers an exclusive look into the lives that have helped shape it, from kings and clergy to everyday citizens. With the guidance from an expert local guide, travellers will immerse in the very streets that shaped the iconic city. 

 Small Group itineraries and other travel styles are available for 2026 bookings here.  

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