It’s that time of year again! Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends across the pond! We hope you are having a great holiday surrounded by family and friends. We’ve been lucky enough to meet some of you on our small-group tours of Ireland this year — we hope you had as brilliant a time as we did showing you around!
In the spirit of the holiday, we’d like to share all the things we have to be thankful for this year. Or, as we’d say here in Ireland, Míle Buíochas (a thousand thanks). Scroll down to find out what we have truly appreciated in 2024 and what we’re looking forward to next year!
If you have any questions for the Overland team as we go, please just contact us for the answers you need.
A Quick Introduction to US Thanksgiving
Most of the guests we welcome on our small-group tours of Ireland come from the United States, so we don’t need to introduce Thanksgiving in too much detail! But for our Irish and international readers, let us give a quick explainer for those who may not be so familiar.
This quintessentially American holiday is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November and is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. Americans traditionally gather for a hearty feast, featuring turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, while sharing their gratitude for all the good things in life. It’s a day steeped in history, commemorating the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest in 1621 and a reminder to reflect on the year gone by.
The spirit of gratitude is something we can all embrace, no matter who or where we are.
Is Thanksgiving Celebrated in Ireland?
While Thanksgiving isn’t a national holiday here in Ireland, the connections between the US and Ireland run deep. Many of our cities, including Dublin, Galway, and Cork, have embraced the tradition in recent years. You’ll find pubs and restaurants offering Thanksgiving-inspired meals, allowing Americans abroad to get a taste of home.
However, when it comes to national celebrations, Ireland’s biggest events revolve around Christmas and, of course, St Patrick’s Day. Both offer incredible experiences for visitors and locals alike. Whether it’s the festive Christmas markets or the vibrant parades and gatherings on St Patrick’s Day, there’s always something to celebrate on the Emerald Isle!
If you’re interested in visiting Ireland during either of these celebratory times of the year, be sure to read our blogs Christmas in Ireland: Everything You Need to Know and St Patrick’s Day in Ireland: All You Need to Know.
What Overland Ireland was Thankful for in 2024
Looking back on 2024, we have so much to be grateful for. Here are just a few of the biggest “míle buíochas” from the Overland Ireland team:
Our Wonderful Customers: Míle buíochas to all our guests who traveled with us this year. We hope the magic of Ireland captured your hearts, and we look forward to welcoming you, and maybe even your friends and family, back for more adventures in the future. For any future first-timers out there, here’s a gift to help you — our blog What Should an American Know Before Visiting Ireland?
Our Passionate Guides: A huge thank you to our amazing guides, who brought Ireland to life for our guests with their knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication. Whether navigating the twists and turns of the Wild Atlantic Way or sharing the hidden gems of the Irish countryside, they made each tour unforgettable.
The Musicians, Singers, and Dancers: Traditional Irish music and dance play such a huge role in our tours, and we are so grateful to all the talented performers who entertained us and our guests with their incredible skill and lively spirit. Míle buíochas to you all!
The Dingle Bay Kayaking Team: Thank you to the team in Dingle Bay, who helped our guests get up close and personal with Fungi the Dolphin – a truly magical experience for anyone visiting Ireland and one of the best things to do on the Dingle Peninsula during your Irish tours.
The Weather Gods: Míle buíochas to the weather for giving us stunning views of the Cliffs of Moher, perfect sailing conditions for our trips to the Aran Islands, clear skies for our hikes up Croagh Patrick and Mount Brandon, fog-free views of the Inagh Valley. Even the rain has its charm here in Ireland, keeping the landscape lush and green!
The Local Distilleries and Breweries: A heartfelt thank you to the small distilleries and breweries that welcomed our guests and shared their craft with us. Whether it was tasting Irish whiskey, gin, or craft beer, your warmth and hospitality made every tour special.
Murphy’s Ice Cream: We can’t forget the mouthwatering Dingle Gin and Tonic ice cream! Míle buíochas for creating such unique and delicious treats that delighted our guests.
Ben’s Surf Clinic: Thank you to Ben’s Surf Clinic for teaching our guests to catch the perfect wave, giving many their first-ever surfing experience right here in Ireland.
The Locals Along the Wild Atlantic Way: We’re forever thankful to the locals who welcomed our guests into their pubs, restaurants, shops, and guesthouses. Your friendliness and stories added a personal touch to each journey.
What the Overland Ireland Team is Looking Forward to in 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re filled with excitement and anticipation for another incredible year of adventure. We’re eager to welcome new faces to experience the beauty and culture of Ireland with us. From exploring the rugged landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way to uncovering the secrets of Ireland’s ancient history, we’re ready to create even more memories together.
Thank you in advance to all the wonderful people who will help make 2025 another unforgettable year. We can’t wait to get started!
Míle buíochas agus sláinte!
Here’s to another year of discovery, fun, and friendship on the roads of Ireland. We look forward to seeing you soon! And if you’re ready to start planning your adventure, browse our full range of Ireland tours to find the perfect fit for you. If you have any pre-booking questions for us, please just get in touch. We’re here to help however we can!
And if you’ve enjoyed this US-Ireland connection, we think you’ll love our blog Why are There More Irish in America Than in Ireland?
