Mandy Walsh
My expertise
I'm based in
Co. Meath
Mandy - Let's plan an amazing adventure !
WOW, even with over 30 years in the travel trade, I still pinch myself that I get to do what I love every day. Travel is truly my passion. Tailor-making special holidays, honeymoons and multi city adventures for couples, families, and groups are amongst my all-time favourites and making each & every trip personal to each client is of utmost importance to me.
I have travelled to some amazing destinations. I have been to a lot of Europe with Greece, Croatia and Iceland amongst my favourites, South Africa, India, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Bali, the USA & Canada, and various islands in the Caribbean. Other memorable trips include The Maldives - twice, Mauritius and the Seychelles. It's hard to pick a favourite, the Seychelles really blew me away as we did some island hopping but I have a deep LOVE for the Maldives. In no way did any of these disappoint. Another travel highlight for me was Tanzania, we went deep into the Serengeti - this was truly an adventure like no other, the holy grail of safaris and created memories that will last a lifetime - truly unforgettable memories. I have also been to Kruger and again it's up there with one my favorite experiences ever!
Last trips - Nov Japan/Apr Nashville/May Athens
Next trip - Sept Crete
I have cruised on numerous occasions in both the Med & the Caribbean and can highly recommend cruising for all. Let me choose the perfect cruise to suit you.
I love to tailor make holidays and it's rare that any two bookings are the same. Creating customised itineraries including all travel, hotels and even excursions. I re-visited Australia as a family so have experienced the anxiety and stress of going abroad with a little one and can help parents feel at ease when travelling. I have many families that contact me for help and advice when travelling as I have been travelling with my daughter since she was 6 months old, and she is now 19. It’s far less daunting than you think. She loves to travel as much as me!
Your honeymoon, should be one of the most memorable and magical trips you take. Just like your wedding day, it reflects your personality, and I believe that your honeymoon should too. I was thrilled to receive the 'Mrs2Be Brides Choice Award' for the Best Honeymoon Supplier, the only honeymoon supplier that has won this award consecutively for 3 years. This is an award for exceptional quality of service and customer satisfaction, recognising excellence in the Wedding Industry.
I have also won the Wedding Journal Readers Award for Best Honeymoon & Wedding Destination Supplier, Best Honeymoon Planner 2019 at the Irish Wedding Awards, HIGHLY COMMENDED at the Let's Talk Wedding Awards 2024 and Best Honeymoon Supplier 2023 & 2025 and yet again in 2026 at the Wedding Suppliers Awards.
I pride myself in offering a level of commitment and expertise that is unrivalled. I was voted as Most Helpful TC, TC Hero, and TC Inspire Champion - these particular awards fill me with pride as were voted for by my peers. I have also won the Established Businesswoman 2023 for Meath as part of the Network Ireland Businesswoman Awards. Last year I won 'Best Customer Experience' at the Meath Style Awards and 'Excellence in Customer Service' at the Meath Business & Tourism Awards 2024 which was an AMAZING feeling. Most recently the Travel Counsellors Customers for Life Award 2025 for the TC with the highest number of repeat clients & Overall Business Excellence 2026
My regular clients’ book with me whenever they travel and always recommend me to their family, friends, and colleagues. They will tell you that I am enthusiastic and very passionate getting their trip just right and aim to always exceed your expectations. I'm delighted to celebrate my 19th Anniversary this year as an award-winning Gold Travel Counsellor. Here is to many more years doing what I love so much. Your adventure really does start here. So where to now?
I really look forward to hearing from you!!
Discover Nashville from the Honky Tonks to Hidden Gems
Nashville - Tennessee, the heart of America’s music scene (and not just country music I must add) is a destination that has been on my wish list for a long time.
14 Apr 2026 5 min read
From Bullet Trains to Bamboo Forests - Japan
The “Golden Route” is one of Japan’s most iconic travel itineraries, weaving together vibrant cities, ancient temples, natural wonders, and the rich culture that makes Japan so attractive to so many! There are moments in life and then there are 'golden' moments so when the offer arrived to experience exactly that - the Golden Route in Japan in November I knew I was going to go on an adventure tha
28 Nov 2025 5 min read
Boston - New England
What's not to love about an invite from Visit USA & Meet Boston to spend a glorious 48 hours in Boston! Boston is a beautiful and vibrant city steeped in revolutionary history what is such an easy place to navigate by foot. We stayed in the Seaport Bay area in the quirky Vibe hotel. Seaport is probably one of the newest neighbourhoods where old warehouses and industrial units have been converted
25 May 2025 5 min read
Caribbean Vibes
There is simply no better feeling than some Caribbean sunshine on your bones in December (especially when everyone at home is battling Storm Darragh) and did I feel guilty - not a bit! We flew Economy Delight with Virgin Atlantic via Heathrow and 9 hours later arrived arrived to a very balmy evening in St Lucia. Virgin Atlantic offerings include Business Class or as its known with Virgin Atlantic-
18 Dec 2024 5 min read
Safari time in Kruger
There are DREAM adventures and then there is an adventure to Kruger and words alone can never do it justice. There is something you take away from a safari trip that never leaves you. From the moment you arrive at Hoedsprit Airport in Kruger which is just minutes from the entrance to Kapama Private Game Reserve, the WOW factor begins as we headed to the luxurious River Lodge. With breakfast, lunch
22 Oct 2024 5 min read
That Silversea's feeling!
To be exclusively invited onboard Silversea's second Nova class ship, the Silver Ray is something I will never take for granted. Silver Ray mirrors every aspect of her sister ship, Silver Nova, including an extraordinary use of glass in both public areas and in suite for uninterrupted views wherever you are. What’s more, Silver Ray is one of the most spacious ships ever built, offering an exceptio
25 Jul 2024 5 min read
Our Big Greek Mamma Mia Experience
We do love an auld musical or two at our house so when I suggested to Ella, we should go to Greece this summer she asked could we do the islands where they made Mamma Mia - okay so let's do this. As there are no direct flights to Skiathos from Ireland we flew to Gatwick and onwards to Skiathos - other options include via Manchester or even via Athens and then get the ferry over. Even the arrival
05 Aug 2023 5 min read
Planning that BIG adventure for 2026!
With luxury holiday & honeymoon enquiries and bookings at an all-time high I said I would take some time to wrote up a little update that might help those starting out on their Honeymoon planning journey or even that once off Roundy Birthday or Anniversary Escape with all the WOW Factor! Firstly, a little about me, with over 30 years of experience in the Irish Travel Trade and over 20 of these sp
25 Feb 2023 5 min read
Kuramathi - The Maldives
So, if you are a new or even an old follower of mine you will know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the beach and especially the Maldives - I am possibly a little obsessed but the beach is my thing. After a very quick familiarisation trip to the Maldives in 2017 I have always wanted to return so when the opportunity arose in 2022, I couldn't resist. I travelled with my sister on Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
13 Oct 2022 5 min read
Dazzled by Dubai
It is not very often I return to a destination twice – with such an amazing world out there and a bucket list as long as my arm but I was very excited to be invited back to Dubai for our Travel Counsellors Gold Conference 2022. My last trip to Dubai was 2011 so I was looking forward to witness some of the ever-evolving changes that have occurred. We stayed at the new Caesars Palace Dubai, not as
14 Sept 2022 5 min read
Southern Caribbean Cruise
WOW what an amazing Bucket List adventure - Barbados, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincents & the Grenadines, Dominica, St Lucia and back to Barbados all ticked off whilst cruising the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas for 7 glorious nights. Without going into every detail I do think my photos alone sums it up, especially, when you send home photos and your Mam says "WOW I alway
25 Apr 2022 5 min read
NCL Epic - Med Cruise Adventure
So to say I was beyond excited was an understatement. With literally a couple of weeks notice we as Travel Counsellors Ireland kindly received a fabulous invitation from NCL Cruises to come onboard NCL Epic and sail from Barcelona to Sardinia as a guest on their inaugural Return to Seas sailing. I flew from Dublin to Barcelona with Ryanair from T1 and returned from Barcelona with Aer Lingus into
16 Sept 2021 5 min read
Escape with the girls
There is no better getaway than with your ‘bridies’, your ‘squad’, your ‘besties’, whatever you call your gang a weekend away with the girls is the BEST tonic ever. And after the last 12 weeks of home schooling, working from home, house & garden maintenance, constantly cooking or baking – the work load has seemed endless and we will savour every second together the next time we get to travel. Over
10 Jun 2020 5 min read
Your Honeymoon
When I originally wrote this in April 2020 never in my wildest dreams did I think in Dec 2021 would this 'pandemic' still be a part of our lives so I am again sending out a message of support again to all Brides & Grooms who have had to postpone their Wedding Day's due to social distancing and thus meaning their honeymoon was more than likely postponed too, but to everyone with a LOVE for travel a
26 Mar 2020 5 min read
Iceland - In Search of the Northern Lights
Yes I know we have heard it over and over again but it seems Iceland is on so many people's bucket list. I headed off this weekend with my fabulous Mam and WOW it was an incredible weekend and exceeded all my expectations. With daily direct flights from Dublin to Reyjkavik it's the perfect choice for a 3 or 4 night escape. We had everything pre-arranged which meant a seamless weekend of activity a
02 Mar 2020 5 min read
Mauritius
WOW what an amazing four days I have just had in Mauritius. We flew via Dubai with Emirates but there are plenty of good options with various airlines. We stayed in the very beautiful Trou aux Biches one of the eight Beachcomber Resorts on the island. Situated in the North West of the island on the whitest sandy beach. It feels like paradise from the moment you arrive into the beautiful reception
12 Oct 2019 5 min read
Where East meets West - Istanbul
Over the years I have been a seasoned traveller to the much-loved country of Turkey. However, the infamous city of Istanbul, where Europe and Asia magically meet over the Bosphorus Strait had escaped me. So, when the opportunity arose to visit Istanbul I jumped at the chance. The list of inspiring attractions in Istanbul is endless - the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Soph
25 Jul 2019 5 min read
NYC - Teenager Style!
Well if you follow my blogs you will know that I did NYC last year with a group of fantastic & bubbly ladies so as this years trip was ruled by the plans of a 12 year old a VERY different few days in New York lay ahead of me! It was far from Rooftop bars, delicious cocktails & late night banter in bars and more about cupcakes, candy stores and sports stores galore, but never the less New York was
04 Jul 2019 5 min read
Honeyswoon!
Your honeymoon should be one of the most memorable and magical trips you take. Just like your wedding day reflects your personality, I believe that your honeymoon should too! Here are some of my top tips for booking your Honeymoon. 1. What are the benefits of booking with a Travel Counsellor like yourself? I have over 30 years of experience and pride myself on delivering an excellent level of p
21 Jun 2019 5 min read
Sri Lanka - The Perfect Blend
Our very comfortable 13-hour flight took us via the Maldives to Colombo. The views over the Atolls of the Maldives were breath-taking and I even made a pact with myself to get back there - which I did but that's another day's blog. After a very short transfer our first night took us to the 4 Star Jetwing Blue Hotel on Negombo Beach. Very large and rustic rooms perfect for that traveller that wishe
18 Feb 2019 5 min read
The Seychelles
Without a shadow of a doubt the Seychelles is the most beautiful destination I ever had the privilege to visit. It was simply 'heaven on earth' and honestly took my breath away each and every day. The Seychelles is made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. We started our adventure by landing in Mahe International Airport and headed straight to the island of Silhouette to stay in the Hilton Se
27 Nov 2018 5 min read
Incredible India
Incredible India really says it all! The sights, the smells, the sounds. I honestly will never ever forget India! After a late arrival in the capital city of India, New Delhi and an overnight in the sleek and modern Le Meridian we enjoyed an informative introduction on India from the ground handlers Travelite. Our itinerary was North India - The Golden Triangle. Delhi to Jaipur via Neemrana, an
05 Sept 2018 5 min read
Serengeti Safari - Tanzania
There are once in a life time adventures and my trip to the Serengeti was that for sure. We flew with Qatar Airways via Doha to Kilimanjaro who were just top class. A quick stop in Arusha for one night to break up the journey and then the 'real' adventure began. Arusha is a very small rural airport that serves the Serengeti area, and this is where we boarded our light aircraft for an exciting shor
13 Jun 2018 5 min read
New York - Girls on Tour !!
Well it has been almost 10 years since I last visited New York so a trip back was well overdue and what a better way than to revisit the awesome 'city that never sleeps' with five other larger than life and fun loving ladies. So how much can you possibly pack into 72 hours in New York? * Times Square * Broadway * Little Italy - so many charming and authentic Italian eateries with gingham tabl
24 Mar 2018 5 min read
Maldives - My Paradise!
Of all the blogs I have written over the years this one worried me the most, and only because I am afraid it won’t do the Maldives and the stunning island resorts of Kuramathi and Kandolhu justice. Everyone has a dream destination and the Maldives has been mine for a very, very long time and by no means did it disappoint. If anything, it was everything I wished it would be and more. We fle
05 Jun 2017 5 min read
Jammin' in Jamaica
Well this adventure started with Virgin Airlines, travelling in Premium Economy in the Upper Deck - it was a lovely experience to say the least. This year’s venue for Travel Counsellors Gold Conference 2017 was the Half Moon Resort – Montego Bay in Jamaica which is a destination in itself, set on 44 acres with 2 miles of beachfront. Our accommodation for the weekend were the Royal Villas. Thes
24 May 2017 5 min read
Austria - Ski Week in Soll
It has been a few years since my last ski trip so myself and a very excited group of beginners headed to Austria for a week on the slopes. I love organising group travel and have arranged some fabulous groups over the years of various sizes – one year I had 44 people that went skiing to Vale Thorens in France and now repeatedly travel with me. I also love travelling with a group and especially
05 Apr 2017 5 min read
Discover Barbados
Myself and 24 of my TC colleagues headed to beautiful Barbados for a fun filled familiarisation trip. We flew via Gatwick to Bridgetown with British Airways. I was extremely lucky to experience World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) on the outbound and Club Class (Business Class) on the return. Our hotel visits began with 2 nights at the 4 Star Turtle Beach Resort, an all-inclusive resort on t
16 Nov 2016 5 min read
La Dolce Vita - Rome
Rome, Italy’s capital, is a very beautiful, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of amazing art, architecture and culture. Ancient ruins such as the Colosseum brought me straight back to my school days when I learned about the power of the former Roman Empire. The Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterp
01 Nov 2016 5 min read
Live life one cruise at a time!
I am extremely lucky to get some amazing opportunities as a Travel Counsellor and so delighted to have been invited to the launch and inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean's first Quantum class ship Quantum of the Seas and boy when they say GO EXTRAORDINARY they certainly mean it. To say I was blown away was an understatement. From the offset we were WOW'd - from the initial boarding which is d
28 Jun 2016 5 min read
Hong Kong
Well, when your trip begins with Business Class flights with Etihad via Abu Dhabi it can be nothing but WOW. I headed off with three of my colleagues to travel to one of the world’s most vibrant and exotic cities, Hong Kong. Home to the spectacular Victoria Harbour and boasting a gastronomic and cultural scene with something to astound any visitor. We spent four nights at the illustrious Cordi
19 May 2016 5 min read
I love Krakow!
What a fabulous January weekend I had in Krakow! Although I’ve been working in travel for more than 21 years, I am ashamed to say that I haven’t been on many city breaks. However, after this exciting weekend I think that’s about to change. My friends and I headed off to Krakow and our first stop was to Wieliczka Salt Mine; one of the oldest salt mines in Europe. Its carvings of fabulous figure
02 Feb 2016 5 min read
We left our hearts in San Francisco!
To say we were excited about this adventure is an understatement but personally as a Mammy I was also a little anxious too with the flights being so long but I need not have been worried at all. We flew British Airways via Heathrow into San Francisco and out of LA and with the excellent transition of terminals now and the on-board entertainment it was ‘plane’ sailing as they say. We stayed with fr
05 Nov 2015 5 min read
The Camino de Santiago - A Special Journey
I didn’t realise when I booked this exciting trip that the night before I would be filled with such nervous trepidation. Over the previous months so many people had said it was something they had to do on their ‘Bucket List’. It was never on mine but possibly with my many photos on my Facebook page and now this blog you will feel you have completed it with me and enjoy it as much as I did. We
08 Jul 2015 5 min read
Dazzled by the Dominican Republic
Well what better way to start December then a trip to the Dominican Republic. My sister and I flew via Gatwick with British Airways. They have excellent connections from Dublin and flying with them was another enjoyable experience of this year and one I couldn't fault, from the super service on-board to the dining options. The balmy heat that greets you on arrival, always super excites me! I
02 Jan 2015 5 min read
Spanish Style
Well after a very early and easy flight to Palma Airport in Majorca, we boarded our express shuttle to Alcudia which only took 45 minutes and were checked in and all to our lovely apartment by midday. Our apartments for the week were the Sol Alcudia Centre and honestly I couldn't fault them. Our one bedroom apartment was huge and spotless and we had a lovely view of another new modern complex and
16 Jun 2014 5 min read
Amazing Andorra
Well what a week - I don't think I have had so much fun in years. I had forgotten what it was like to travel with a group and would highly recommend it. A quick two hour flight to Toulouse with Aer Lingus and then a stunning coach journey to Arinsal in Andorra that took just over 3.5 hours and we arrived safely to the lovely 4* St Gothard Hotel in Arinsal. Andorra is situated between France an
19 Mar 2014 5 min read
Greek Island of Corfu
Well it's been 12 years since I had been to Corfu and I suppose the last time I was 25 and partying was a priority but this time I travelled with my active 6 year old and my parents so a different type of experience altogether. We all had a great time, the weather was HOT just how I like it and the people as friendly as ever. To be honest it has changed a little but then I think thats down to t
31 Aug 2013 5 min read
Marvellous Mexico
Six colleagues and I headed to Mexico to visit the resorts of Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen and Puerto Morelos for a hectic weekend of hotel inspections. So many positive adjectives could be used to describe our time in Mexico but for me 'blown away' is best how I would describe it. We flew out with Air France via Paris - fantastic service on board with a high standard of meals and drinks. O
12 Nov 2012 5 min read
Puerto Banus Weekend
Well with one of my girlfriends wanting a weekend away to celebrate her big 40 we decided on the Costa Del Sol and the up market resort of Puerto Banus. With flights every day with Ryanair & Aer Lingus and less than a 3 hour flight it’s a perfect option for a few days away. We left on an early Friday morning flight and were heading to the beach by early afternoon once we had checked in and unp
04 Sept 2012 5 min read
Lovely Lanzarote
What a lovely week we just had, myself and my 5 year old daughter headed off to Lanzarote for a week. We stayed in the Fariones Apartmentos between the Old & the New Town so an ideal location really. Our accommodation was spacious, very clean and included a fabulous breakfast every day in the little restaurant - everything from delicious fruit, meats, cheeses, so many types of bread, juices and ev
08 Jul 2012 5 min read
Turkish Delights
As my daughter started Montessori School last year and BIG school in September it means we now must go away during 'official' school holidays so off we went to Kusadasi in Turkey for Easter Week. I do admit I was a little nervous about my return trip to Turkey as it has been 15 years since I was there last but it certainly has come up in the world. We stayed at the 4 Star Sea Pearl Hotel only
04 May 2011 5 min read
New York New York
New York – the city that never sleeps and nothing could describe it any better. This was my 3rd time to New York although it was 7 years ago since I was there last so was very excited heading off for a pre-Christmas shopping trip with my Mam. We stayed in the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, which is an excellent location for Times Square and Broadway. Just off the infamous 5th Avenue and
25 Nov 2009 5 min read
The Algarve - Portugal
Well it was a last minute and unplanned trip but totally enjoyable and a destination I would recommend. After a lovely short flight of 2.5 hours we arrived in Faro Airport and a short transfer of 40 minutes had us in our apartment. The Alfagar Apartments are 2kms from Montechoro and 5kms for the Old Town of Albufeira. It took about 15 minutes to walk to the Strip in Montechoro and cost €3.50 in
30 May 2009 5 min read
French Rivieria
We decided this year we would like to try something different from the standard package holiday so we booked direct flights to Nice on the Cote D’Azur. The Côte d’Azur or French Riveria as perhaps it is better known has a most diverse coastline with stunning cliffs and the rolling countryside of Province. Add to this the chic resorts of Fréjus, St. Raphael and St. Tropez and you will really feel
05 Nov 2008 5 min read
Zakynthos Greece
Zakynthos or Zante as this island is known locally is perfect for couples, singles and families looking for a brilliant holiday without having to take a too long of a flight. Less than 4 hours direct from Dublin. I holidayed in Zakynthos in July 2006 and we had a great week. Weather was typical at that time of year – HOT!! Just how I like it but its cooler in May and June, also Sept for Oct if you
10 Oct 2008 5 min read
Captivating Cuba
I know there are many brides to be that dream of a white wedding in the Caribbean with the sun setting in the background and the sand between their toes. It certainly avoids the worry of whether the rain will hold off in Ireland, regardless of whether you chose a summer or winter wedding. I cannot recommend getting married abroad enough. So late November in 2005 myself and my fiancé, my parent
19 Aug 2008 5 min read
Amazing Australia
Its hard to know where to start with my love for Down Under. It certainly is somewhere very close to my heart and not a day goes by that I don’t think of something I did or saw in Oz. I began my journey in Sydney. A fantastic vibrant city that is so easy to get around from the Opera House, Darling Harbour, the Rocks, the shopping area of Pitt St to the infamous Bondi Beach and its breathtaking wa
19 Aug 2008 5 min read
Tempting Thailand
Thailand really blew me away from the dramatic scenery to the beautiful welcoming Thai people. I loved every second of it. We began our trip in Bangkok, which is chaotic but so much fun. Its always buzzing. We then headed to Kanchanaburi and visited the Jeath War Museum and saw the ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ before heading to Erawan National Park to swim in the waterfalls and whilst here eve
15 Aug 2008 5 min read
Japan: Lost between neon lights and silent temples!
Japan you were unforgettable - I will be back!!
15 Dec 2025
Meet the Islands
The islands of the world are opened up to remind us of what we missed.....
26 Jan 2023
Your Honeymoon
Top tips to think about at the early stages of your planning - and just like your Wedding Day reflects both your personalities so too should your honeymoon!
10 Oct 2020
Elephant Hills & Island Hopping in Thailand
Check out Dan & Kadi's fabulous adventure in Thailand. If this is the type of travel that makes you think WOW then please do not hesitate to get in touch!
07 Oct 2020
The Seychelles - My piece of paradise
By no means does my video from the Seychelles do this amazing destination justice. It was WOW. I might have to blame my shaky camera skills on sheer excitement.
01 Oct 2020
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