The following review is from a valuable and long time client of Palmer Travel, Tim and Cathy Faherty. They have traveled with Palmer Travel quite a bit over the years and we thought we would tap into their experiences from one of their favorite destinations: Ireland. We are sure you will enjoy.
Ireland: As seen through the eyes of Tim and Cathy Faherty
Ireland, the land of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, when at one time it was said “…only the river runs free…”
Our personal experience, my wife Cindy and I, has been outstanding, on escorted tours and self-drive arrangements. In addition to being very personable, our tour directors were outstanding as were the local guides. The driving can also be an unusual experience but once on the road, it becomes more comfortable.
Most of its history deals with wars and persecution, religious and political. Having no army or military might of any kind, it had been a target for many European nations. Only lately has it approached modernity in terms of justice and self-government. It may be the last of the western states to do so.
Our first Ireland adventure was in 1998 and we have re-visited seven times. Of course we have done the “touristy things”, i.e. kissing the Blarney Stone, shopping at Waterford Crystal and the Beleek pottery factory. We visited the Guiness Brewery, Trintiy College with the irreplaceable Book of Kells, the Cliffs of Mohr and many other historic sites. In Galway Bay, on the little island of Inishmoor, we even discovered family and think these contacts will result in relationships to last for generations.
Galway BayFrom the Temple Bar area in Dublin, The Giant Causeway in Northern Ireland, Kinsale and Loop Head in the south and southwest, we have never experienced an unpleasant moment. The people are sincere in their friendship and they admire many things American, most of all, personal freedom, and many of their laws mimic ours.
Durty Nelly's Pub
Their literacy rate is almost 100% and the number of companies having offices there includes the largest communication companies in the world, computer companies, and other high-tech operations. Having said that, it must be noted that in the west they still speak and teach the Irish language.
We saw through the years how the political “troubles” have been dissolved and all the border guards between the two Irelands are gone. The only way to tell you have left the Republic of Ireland is when you pay for purchases; you now pay in English Pounds instead of Euros.
Bunratty Castle
At our first meeting at the Irish airport, we were asked why we were there. I explained that we hoped to have some fun. The immigration officer said rather authoritatively…”be about it now lad…” We have and we will.
We must specifically thank Char and Mustafa - Palmer Travel associates. If it was not for their generous supply of patience and information, we may not have gone.
Celebrity’s Solstice has a range of unique features such as the Lawn Club with real grass, so well manicured that you want to touch it to see if it is real, where you can play croquet or bocce ball. Or even a bigger attraction is the “Hot Glass Show” in partnership with the Corning Museum of Glass. They have actual demonstrations in the art of glassblowing called the “2300 Show”, referring to the heat of the oven. The show runs three times a day and once at night.
Another great thing about the Solstice is how well it is organized. Specifically, the pools and spa are located on deck 12 and the two-level Aqua Spa and treatment rooms all located on deck 11 with a Persian Garden sauna and relaxation area. Next-door is the Fitness Center, which has an assortment of cutting edge exercise equipment. The guests in the Aqua Spa staterooms have special access to the spa lounges, extra cabin amenities and their own dedicated restaurant, Blu, which serves lighter fare. 
Another major feature of the ship is its atrium, which rises 13 decks through the center of the vessel. On deck 7 there is an exhibit called Team Earth sponsored by Conservation International.
Now let’s talk about my stateroom. It had a large off-white leather couch, a very comfortable designer bed, a 32-inch flat screen TV and a nice size balcony with 2 two chairs and a table. The bathroom was also nice size with a larger shower and a designer sink.
