Photo courtesy of Insight Vacations

This March, Insight Vacations is bringing the luck of the Irish to Canadian travel agents. For clients who’ve always dreamed of embarking on a St. Patrick’s Day adventure in the land where it all began, March is the right month to book an Ireland getaway.

“We’re excited to highlight Ireland as our new destination of the month,” said Cris David, president of Insight Vacations Canada. “With more than 14 per cent of Canadians (4.4 million) claiming Irish descent, it’s no wonder why the Emerald Isle has been one of our top-selling destinations.”

Known for its rugged coastline, natural beauty, stately castles and charming folk legends, Ireland is quickly becoming a favourite getaway for Canadian travellers and one of Insight Vacations most popular destinations.

This month, travel agents selling any of Insight Vacations’ Ireland getaways might also find a tiny pot of gold. From March 1-31, during Insight Vacations’ “Luck of the Irish” agent incentive, one lucky agent will win a $100 Visa gift card every day. All agents making Ireland bookings will automatically be entered to win in the daily giveaway.

“We wanted to offer our loyal agents another tool to encourage their clients to visit this incredible country. With the new agent incentive, we say: ‘ár ádh mór ort’ (our good luck to you, in Irish Gaelic)!”

A separate campaign is also available for consumers purchasing an Ireland getaway this month. In partnership with Tourism Ireland Canada, travellers who book an air-inclusive escorted journey to Ireland with Insight Vacations will be entered for a chance to be reimbursed for their airfare.

Insight Vacations offers seven Ireland journeys in its 2016-17 Europe & Britain Premium program, including:

Irish Elegance

During this nine-day adventure, you’ll tour the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy a night at the luxurious Ashford Castle. Starting in Dublin, guests enjoy a city tour including Trinity College where they’ll have fast-track entry to see the 9th century Book of Kells. Next, it’s on to the breathtaking Ring of Kerry and a scenic lunch cruise on the “Isle of Innisfree.” The boat captain, who is also the author of “A Voyage of Discovery,” the history of Ashford Castle, will share his local knowledge with guests. Spend the night at Ashford Castle, owned and managed by Red Carnation Hotels. During your stay, you can explore the estate, visit the spa, or take classes at the resort’s Falconry School.

Focus on Ireland

It may not be Christmas, but Killarney could still be the prettiest sight you’ve ever seen. This eight-day regional journey explores some of Ireland’s most scenic routes. In Dublin, visit the Guinness Brewery and Dublin Castle before heading on to Galway. Here you’ll stop at the Church of St. Nicholas where Christopher Columbus is believed to have worshipped before departing for America. Next it’s on to the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher and then Killarney, where guests will enjoy a memorable ride on a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car.

Country Roads of Ireland

For 13 days, you’ll circumnavigate the Emerald Isle. In Kilkenny, experience the ancient sport of “Hurling,” a tradition that dates back 3,000 years. Then it’s on to the Ring of Kerry before heading to Northern Ireland and Londonderry. Explore the famed Giant's Causeway, where cooling lava bubbled through the earth's crust millions of years ago. Enjoy a stay at the 17th century Ballgally Castle and ask to discover the “ghost room” if you dare.

For more information, visit www.insightvacations.com/ca/special-offers/ireland. 

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