Joanne O Brien Travel Counsellor

Joanne O Brien Travel Counsellor Luxury Travel Consultant, based in Ballincollig. Specialising in bespoke itineraries

31/05/2026

Ignore my laughing - this just cracked me up.

Cruise dining has become SO much more fun than people expect 😂🍴

This experience onboard honestly had everyone talking.

Le Petit Chef combines dining with entertainment in such a clever way and it’s one of those little cruise extras people remember long after the holiday.

Another cruise myth?
“The food onboard is average.”

Definitely not anymore 😅

From speciality dining to immersive experiences like this, cruise food has come a very long way.

Would you try this onboard? 👀

This is only avaiable on some Celebrity Ships

📧 [email protected] 📞 085 2591883

’ll admit it, Celebrity Cruises surprised me in the best possible way 👀Before visiting the ship, I expected traditional ...
21/05/2026

’ll admit it, Celebrity Cruises surprised me in the best possible way 👀

Before visiting the ship, I expected traditional cruising. What I found felt much more like a luxury hotel at sea.

Things I loved most: ✔ Stylish modern spaces ✔ Incredible food ✔ Relaxed atmosphere ✔ Gorgeous outdoor areas ✔ Beautiful cabins

It’s ideal for couples, friends travelling together and anyone wanting a more premium cruise experience without going ultra luxury.

There really is a cruise line to suit every type of traveller now, which is why choosing the right one matters so much.

If you’d like my latest cruise brochure or want help narrowing down the right cruise for you, send me a message.

📧 [email protected] 📞 085 2591883

A few snapshots from Alentejo, from the coastline and vineyards to the whitewashed towns that define this part of Portug...
24/04/2026

A few snapshots from Alentejo, from the coastline and vineyards to the whitewashed towns that define this part of Portugal. It is easy, laid-back travel with great food, local wine and plenty of space to take it all in.



If you are thinking about Portugal but want somewhere a little quieter, this is a region well worth considering.



Contact me today to start planning your next adventure.

15/04/2026

Two incredible trips… and honestly, I don’t know how I’m going to choose between them 😅

One option is all about exploring multiple destinations, think Iceland, Norway and everything in between. The other is a completely different kind of experience… and both are just amazing in their own way.

This is exactly the kind of thing I help my clients with every day, taking all those ideas and turning them into something that actually works (and feels right for you).

If you want to hear more about these trips or start planning your own, just get in touch and we’ll arrange a quick call.

[email protected]

085 2591883

Wondering how a Costa Rica trip actually flows? Here’s a real example…This is the route of the group trip but there are ...
08/04/2026

Wondering how a Costa Rica trip actually flows? Here’s a real example…
This is the route of the group trip but there are a few different ways to do it.
A few nights in La Fortuna, on to Monteverde, finishing in Manuel Antonio, with all transfers, experiences and pacing carefully thought out.
It’s not about ticking boxes, it’s about making sure each stop feels right and you’re not exhausted halfway through.
I plan everything personally, and for my July group trip, all of this is already carefully mapped out, so you can just turn up and enjoy it.
If you’d like me to tailor something similar for you, or want details on the group, just get in touch and we’ll start with a quick call.
[email protected]
085 2591883

This Spain itinerary is one of the best family trips I’ve ever put together. ☀️✈️Direct flight from Cork to Valencia, a ...
15/03/2026

This Spain itinerary is one of the best family trips I’ve ever put together. ☀️✈️

Direct flight from Cork to Valencia, a few days exploring an incredible Spanish city, time in Barcelona, then finishing with Costa Brava beach days. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for families.

Here’s exactly how it works:

Day 1
Fly Cork to Valencia. Check in, dip in the rooftop pool, then a relaxed movie night at the hotel.

Day 2 – Exploring Valencia
• Gulliver’s Playground, one of Europe’s most unique playgrounds
• Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
• The incredible Oceanogràfic aquarium
• Pool time back at the hotel

Day 3 – Valencia to Barcelona
Comfortable train journey to Barcelona, check in and enjoy the rooftop pool and city views.

Day 4 – Barcelona
A slower pool and beach day, one of the things families love most about Barcelona.

Day 5 – Exploring Barcelona
Cable car views over the city, wandering the old streets and of course churros and chocolate.

Day 6 – Costa Brava
Train to Caldes de Malavella and transfer to Cala Gogo.

Days 7–10
Four full days of pool and beach time on the Costa Brava.

Day 11
Transfer to Girona Airport for the flight home to Cork.

Why you will love this trip

✔ Direct flights from Cork
✔ Cities and beach time in one holiday
✔ All transfers organised so everything runs smoothly
✔ Train tickets arranged in advance
✔ All documents in the myTC app
✔ 24/7 support while you travel

Trips like this are generally excellent value for everything you experience when they’re planned properly.

If you’re thinking about a Spain family holiday like this, get in touch and we can arrange a quick call to chat through options and dates.

📧 [email protected]

📱 085 2591883

🌟Last Minute Luxury on the Danube May 2026🌟Looking for an incredible European escape this spring? Check out these stunni...
12/03/2026

🌟Last Minute Luxury on the Danube May 2026🌟

Looking for an incredible European escape this spring? Check out these stunning last-minute value offers on Travelmarvel's Highlights of the Danube River cruises from just €1,995pp!🤩

Your package includes:
✈️ Return flights
🧳 Checked luggage
🍽️ All meals onboard
🥂 Drinks with lunch & dinner
✨ Insider experiences & guided touring
💶 Gratuities included
📋 All taxes & charges

Sail through some of Europe’s most beautiful cities and landscapes along the legendary Danube River. Think citybreaks in Vienna and Budapest, charming riverside villages, and unforgettable scenery🌅

Upgrade your experience with a French Balcony from only €350pp and wake up to stunning river views every morning☀️

📅 Departures in May 2026 – limited availability

Get in touch to book
[email protected]
085 2591883

Will you be watching High Road Low Road on Tuesday evening?? From sunrise game drives to star-filled skies, South Africa...
08/02/2026

Will you be watching High Road Low Road on Tuesday evening??

From sunrise game drives to star-filled skies, South Africa is where the wild heart of Africa truly comes alive. Think lions padding through golden grass, elephants at the waterhole, and penguins waddling along soft, sandy shores.

If you have been dreaming of your own South African adventure, tune into High Road Low Road on RTÉ this Tuesday 10 February for a taste of the magic on screen, then let me bring it to life in person for you. As a South Africa expert, I will design a trip that goes far beyond the usual tourist trail, tailored around the wildlife moments you have always wanted to experience.

If it inspires you to plan a South Africa Trip - get in touch! [email protected] or give me a call 0852591883

Planning a trip together but dreading the group WhatsApp and endless organising.From milestone birthdays and family reun...
06/02/2026

Planning a trip together but dreading the group WhatsApp and endless organising.

From milestone birthdays and family reunions to special celebrations or that long overdue trip with friends, group travel is amazing when it’s organised the right way.

I’ve been looking after group trips for years, including multi generational family holidays in Europe and long haul, cruises, incentive trips and fully tailor made group adventures. I hosted a group cruise in 2024 and I’m currently coordinating a family group trip to Costa Rica in July 2026.

You’ll have one dedicated point of contact, a clear plan from the start and an easy to use app that keeps track of who has paid what and when. No spreadsheets, no chasing and far less stress for everyone involved.

All that’s left is enjoying the trip together and making the memories. ✈️🌍✨

If you’re thinking about a group trip in 2026, now is the time to get it moving and have it planned properly from day one. Get in touch and let me take the stress out of it. 🧳

[email protected]

Address

Cork
Cork

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+353852591883

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