Courtney Stryker
7 Dec 2009

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Imagine canoeing through Ireland with a favorite cousin or uncle. You'd feel instantly relaxed and at home. There would be some interesting and amusing experiences and tales to tell both during and after the trip. And, because you're going with someone who has your best interests and enjoyment in mind, you'd expect to do things much differently than just another tourist might. That's what our trip with Charlie was like.

Our family of 4 (with children 8 and 13) got to experience parts of Ireland and learn about some of its interesting people, places and things past and present that we'd never have heard of--let alone seen firsthand. Charlie had everything planned out each day from breakfast to dinner to local evening entertainment, but was always happy to adjust things on the fly should if we wanted to.

The pace was perfect and Charlie's many insights into the area and its history were fascinating. An extremely able river man, it's clear that he loves the "Barrow" and the region and has many years experience navigating its waters. Safety was never a concern.

Although he was well stocked with life vests, jackets and even wetsuits, we opted for shorts, river sandals and light raincoats most days and were quite comfortable. We did and you will get splashed and wet at times, but that only adds to the fun. While you are drying out, there is plenty of beautiful foliage to see along the river, plenty of stories to hear about Ireland and its people and plenty of peaceful paddling to take you further away from whatever you do when your aren't on vacation.

If you are looking for a truly unique vacation that doesn't involve trudging around yet another city, lining up like lemmings at a name-brand theme park for yet another ride or showing up somewhere exotic and searching (likely in vain) to figure out yourself what to do to have a memorable and enjoyable experience, then contact Charlie before he gets "discovered" and become too busy. From start to finish, he was clearly out to see that we had a fantastic time. You won't be disappointed. We certainly weren't.

This was a great holiday for anyone wishing to do something that doesn't involve the typical tour experience. It gave us the opportunity to see a slice of Ireland from the inside. Book this trip now!