IT'S CELTIC TIME!
BEYOND THE CROWDS
It’s Celtic Time! began from my deep love for the history, charm, and landscapes of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. I started it as its own website, celtictime.com, to help travelers experience the real Celtic spirit with authentic experiences, genuine hospitality, and thoughtfully designed itineraries.
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As my travel services and community grew, it made sense to bring It’s Celtic Time! under the umbrella of Beyond the Crowds, my woman-owned travel agency focused on boutique, meaningful travel in small ships and on small group trips in Europe.
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While the website has moved, nothing else has changed at heart. You’ll still get the same personal attention, immersive journeys, and genuine cultural connections that inspired It’s Celtic Time! But now with even more destinations to explore.
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Whether you’re dreaming of a golf trip, a family adventure, or a custom European getaway built around your dreams, I’ll craft a journey that fits you perfectly.
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Note: This content was originally published on celtictime.com and has permanently moved to beyondthecrowds.com.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY...
Laurel (Multi-Gen Family)
“Thank you for everything Kathie! We had an amazing trip! Having a driver guide made all the difference and he took such great care of us! He made my mom his top priority and made the most out of our time together in Ireland. It was a trip of a lifetime, and I am so grateful for the precious time spent and memories made with my family!”
Cathy (solo traveler)
" I can't even begin to tell you what a sensational time I had on this tour! Whenever I look at a picture on my phone, I recapture the wonder and awe I experienced at that particular site--and the tour was FILLED with incredible sites and so many of those enchanting moments."
Leigh, Steve & 2 Adult Kids
“We cannot thank you enough! We had the most wonderful time, perhaps the best vacation we’ve ever had as a family.
We look at photos or talk about our trip almost daily.
Thank you again for everything, you helped get us organized and your help with the timing was wonderful, we couldn’t have done it without you!”
Celtic Expertise
When you travel to these Celtic nations, you can discover their enchanting beauty with our specialized small group travel experiences. Whether you're dreaming of a golf getaway, an immersive family vacation, or a customized adventure, we cater to all your travel desires.
Our boutique travel agency offers tailor-made itineraries that ensure you experience their rich culture and stunning landscapes From exploring the breathtaking Outlander filming locations to indulging in family fun vacations, every detail is meticulously planned.
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I have been to Ireland every year since 2012 with a couple of more times before that. And I have been to Scotland every year since 2014 plus a couple of times before that. I actually learned to drive on the left in England & Scotland in 2000 when I had a long weekend between software training jobs near New Castle. I put on about 700 miles and never even made it north of Inverness.
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And I can tell you from experience that it is much easier to drive on the left in Scotland than it is in Ireland. In Scotland on their single-track roads, they have what are called lay-bys with "Passing Place" signs. In Ireland, it's much more like a game of Chicken!​​​
Is Golf Included?
If some of the people in your group would like to play golf, please let us know. We provide custom tours and can add golf to any package.
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If you're a golfer and haven't played links golf in Ireland or Scotland yet, then you are missing out. Having played in Ireland, I can tell you it is magical! The people are so friendly and the courses along the never-ending coast of the island of Ireland are just beautiful.
And I walked St Andrews in Scotland. Did you know that there is no golf on Sunday's at the home of golf - St Andrews Old Course - and you can just go walk the course!?
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Note: In Ireland and Scotland, even though they know how to have fun, they take their golf seriously. There are no "cart girls" or heavy drinking on the course.
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And it is all walking (but you can hire a caddy or a push cart).
Then there is the 19th hole which is always a celebration, no matter how you play. You're either glad you're done, happy you did ok, or thrilled you knocked it out of the park.
No matter how you played, plan to stay and have some food and drink at the club house afterwards. It's great to see all of the people who have played there and meet some of the locals.
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About Kathie
Kathie began her journey in the travel business with Carlson Wagonlit Travel in 2009, crafting custom itineraries on a part-time basis. In 2013, after helping friends of the family plan a trip to Ireland and Scotland, she wanted to highlight her expertise and created It's Celtic Time!
Her passion for travel grew, leading her to transition to a full-time travel agency owner. A transformative six-week European trip in 2019, which included a memorable sail on the Romantic Danube, sparked her love for river cruising.
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Since then, Kathie has enriched her expertise by attending the ASTA River Cruise Expo twice, gaining deep insights into the various cruise lines and the rivers they explore. Her specialty now lies in creating bespoke itineraries for small ships and small groups.
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Kathie is dedicated to working closely with her clients to understand their preferences, ensuring each trip she designs is unique and enriching.
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Kathie is a full service Travel Agent, AmaWaterways River Cruise Certified, Disney Cruise Line Certified, Tourism Ireland Specialist, and a CIE Tours Ireland Expert and a Certified Sandals Specialist.
Plus she is IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network) Accredited.​​​
Multi-Gen Family
Private Tour
Full Circle of Ireland including the Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle and Giant's Causeway
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Arrive Dublin
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Day in Dublin with specific activities for each age group To Killarney via Blarney Castle Full day touring the spectacular Ring of Kerry
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Visit the delightful Dingle Peninsula
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To Galway via the magnificent Cliffs of Moher
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Galway and the West
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To Derry via Slieve League and the remote Donegal
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Day in Derry aka Londonderry Northern Ireland and the Giant's Causeway
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Belfast and the Titanic Experience
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Additional Day in Dublin
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Departure Dublin​
Rail Tour of Scotland and Ireland
Rail Between Cities with a
Local Host to Meet
You in Each City
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See Ireland's Sparkling Gems and Scotland's Cities & Natural Landscapes
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Dublin, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway and Connemara
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Edinburgh, Inverness, the Isle of Skye and Glasgow
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Take the train between major cities where you'll stay for a couple of days
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Included day tours to see the sites around each city
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Time to wander around each city or have a walking tour Customizable around your interests and budget
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More of an independent travel type
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14-17 days​
Golf in Ireland
(or Scotland or both)
A Golf trip with additional sightseeing of the beautiful sites of Ireland.
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Arrive Dublin
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Day in Dublin for golfers
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To Dromoland Castle
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Golf Dromoland
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Additional Activities at the Castle (High Tea, Fly Fishing, Bicycling...)
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See the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher
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Dingle Peninsula and Golf Dooks GC
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Additional Day in Killarney (see the Gap of Dunloe, Ross Castle & Killarney National Park)
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Golf Waterville GC & see the Ring of Kerry
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Depart Shannon Airport​