You must read these Business to Customer terms and conditions after using the Racontour website and deciding to book a tour. By doing so, you warrant that you understand, agree and accept all terms and conditions contained herein.
John Ward trading as Racontour Productions (“the Business”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions: –
1. Contract
The contract is between the Business and you (“the Client”), being any adult travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the Business. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the Business sends an email confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the Business and the Client comes into existence. The Business or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion. Due to the mature nature of the tours, persons under the age of 18 are NOT permitted on any of our tours.
2. Booking and payment
(a) Complete the Enquiry form to start the process. We will respond within 24 hours and if the schedule works, we will arrange a 20 minute free consultation. If we both decide to progress, a travel itinerary will be drafted within a week for which two amendments only can be made by Client. There will be a booking fee of €300 payable for making all necessary travel arrangements, even if Client then decides not to proceed.
(b) All payments must be completed in full at the time of the booking, unless otherwise agreed in writing. These include payment for all accommodations on the itinerary. Client is responsible for accommodations for the driver as well as the pre-tour/post-tour accommodation/transfer fees. Partial deposits are not accepted as a booking guarantee.
(c) Payments for all tours shall be made by credit/debit card provided the funds reach our bank account before the tour start date. All card payments are processed securely through a trusted third party provider, Stripe.
(d) The first-named Client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of ALL persons whose names appear thereon and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
3. Travel Insurance
(a) Travel insurance is mandatory for all Clients when on all the Business’s tours. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients best know their own requirements and condition and are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private travel insurance based of this data with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of, amongst other things, cancellation and curtailment, death, injury, medical expenses and repatriation, all with sufficient cover.
(b) The Business strongly recommend Clients to purchase additional travel insurance covering the following: holiday cancellation, luggage loss and theft, personal and third-party injuries and repatriation. The Business does not in any circumstances take responsibility for the aforesaid matters.
4. Holiday participation
(a) The Client agrees to accept the authority and decisions of the Business’s representatives and agents for the full duration of the holiday. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a Client at any time before or after departure appear likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a holiday, the Client may be excluded from all or part of the holiday without refund or recompense.
(b) In the case of ill-health, the Business may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the Client. If a Client commits an illegal act, the Client may be excluded from the holiday and the Business shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If any Client is affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect him/her or other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, Client must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
5. Responsibilities
Business
(a) The Business shall conduct the tours to the highest standards. Punctuality, professionalism and courtesy shall be adhered to by the Business and enjoyed by the Client at all times.
(b) In the event of a complaint, Client must immediately notify your driver guide. If the Client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, you must write to us/email with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause shall extinguish the Client’s ability to claim compensation.
(c) In the event of a personal emergency arising for the Business, the Business shall seek a replacement driver until the main driver returns.
Client responsibilities
(d) The Client shall check all travel documentation immediately when furnished to him/her. If the Client considers any document is incorrect or has a query in relation to its contents, he/she shall forthwith notify the Business of their concern and the Business shall respond as soon as possible.
(e) The Client is solely responsible for ensuring that he/she presents himself/himself at all the meeting points of his/her holiday mentioned in the travel documentation provided to him/her by the Business. If the Client arrives after the departing time stipulated in the travel documentation provided to the Client, the Business shall not be obliged to carry the Client and shall be entitled to treat the holiday as having been cancelled by the Client.
(f) The Client is restricted by regulation of carriers and executive authority with regard to the weight, type and contents of baggage which he/she may take on board the craft and/or vehicles which will be used in connection with the holidays. The Client shall be responsible for ascertaining any limitations which apply in this regard and shall not present himself/herself at the port of embarkation with any prohibited item in his/her luggage or on his/her person or with items which exceed weight or dimension restrictions applicable. Baggage on our tours shall be no more than 23kg (50lb) per person unless agreed otherwise in writing.
(g) This Client hereby agrees that he/she shall abide by all instructions or directions given by a member of the Business’s staff or any crew member of a carrier’s craft or vehicle used in connection with the holiday and hereby agrees to indemnify the Business against any loss or injury suffered or incurred by any other person as a consequence of the Client’s failure to act in accordance with any such direction or instruction.
6. Accepting Business Authority
(a) Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Business’s tour operator whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a Client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the Client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill-health, the Business may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the Client.
(b) If a Client commits an illegal act, the Client may be excluded from the tour and the Business shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
7. Tour cancellation
(a) The Business reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances, but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the amount due in a timely manner.
(b) Compensation will not be payable (1) where the Business is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the Clients chosen holiday (less than two) and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 8. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 4 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
8. Cancellation charges
Should the Client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the Business or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:
The following charges being a percentage of the holiday cost will be made:
- More than 60 days before starting date of the holiday – 10% of holiday cost.
- 59 – 35 days before starting date of the holiday – 30% of holiday cost.
- 34 – 15 days before starting date of the holiday – 50% of holiday cost.
- Less than 14 days before starting date of the holiday – 100% of the holiday cost.
- All cancellation charges apply to each person covered by any booking. In the event that one person who is due to share a room needs to cancel a trip, then the other person will then be charged a single room supplement.
(a) Where the Client is prevented from proceeding with the holiday, he/she may transfer his/her booking to a person who satisfies all the conditions required, having first given the Business reasonable notice in writing of his/her intention to do so before the departure date (such notice shall not be less than 21 days prior to the date of departure). The transferee of this Client must sign a Booking Form and comply with any other requirements of the Business applicable to the holiday.
(b) A Client who transfers a holiday booking shall be jointly and severally liable with the transferee to the Business for the payment of any balance due in respect of the holiday and for a substitution fee of €30.00 per person substituted, subject to a maximum of €120 per booking (or such other greater sum as may be authorised).
(c) In accordance with the terms of Clause 1 (a) the Client who transfers a holiday booking and the transferee should be aware that some suppliers, such as carriers, impose cancellation fees and apply restrictions which are not within the control of the Business and for which the Business shall not be held liable. The transferor and transferee are both liable for these cancellation fees.
(d) Should cancellation occur for whatever reason, it is solely the responsibility of the the Client to try and seek a refund off the accommodations they ultimately reserved. Client acknowledges and agrees that this will be strictly dictated by the accommodation’s booking policy and discretion which is outside the Business’s control.
(e) Insurance is not transferable.
9. Force majeure
We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we, the supplier of services in question, could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics, pandemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
10. Privacy
(a) Although the Business and its agents have to collect some information about you in order to plan your trip and ensure your comfort and safety, we are committed to respecting your privacy and to protecting the security of your personal information. The Business will not sell, rent, lease, trade or disclose information about our Clients to third parties unless required by law.
(b)Photo and video footage of Clients shot during the tour will not be used without Client’s permission. If we want to use any of the photos or videos for marketing purposes or on our social media channels, the driver guide will ask you before taking such photos or we will get in touch and request your consent.
(c) All payments received are handled by a third-party provider, we have no access to Client’s credit information.
Discover the Magic of Irish Seasons: Traditions and Changes
Experience the enchanting shifts of Irish seasons, rich in traditions and cultural changes that connect the past
with the present. Discover the magic today!
Spring in Ireland: Traditions and Celebrations
As the chill of winter begins to wane, Ireland bursts into a vibrant array of colors and renewed life. Spring in
Ireland is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation. The season starts with St. Brigid’s Day on February 1st, marking
the beginning of the Celtic spring. St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints, symbolizes fertility and the
arrival of longer, warmer days. Traditionally, Irish families weave St. Brigid’s crosses from rushes, believed
to protect homes from fire and evil spirits. These crosses are hung in homes and barns, embodying the hope and
protection that spring brings.
Another significant event in the Irish spring calendar is St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. This global
celebration of Irish culture is marked by parades, music, dancing, and a plethora of green attire. Originally a
religious holiday honoring Ireland’s patron saint, it has evolved into a celebration of Irish heritage
worldwide. Towns and cities across Ireland host parades featuring floats, marching bands, and performers, creating
an atmosphere of joy and community spirit. Traditional Irish music and dance performances are integral parts of the
festivities, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Spring also heralds the start of agricultural cycles, with farmers preparing their fields for planting. This season
is crucial for the rural communities, as it sets the tone for the year’s harvest. Traditional spring fairs and
markets spring up across the country, offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and a taste of rural life. These
events are not only essential for the economy but also serve as social gatherings that strengthen community bonds.
The return of longer days and the blossoming countryside invigorate the Irish spirit, making spring a time of
optimism and communal celebration.
The Beauty of Summer: Festivals and Activities
The arrival of summer in Ireland is met with great anticipation and excitement. From June to August, the country
transforms into a vibrant playground of festivals, outdoor activities, and natural beauty. The summer solstice,
celebrated around June 21st, is a significant event in the Irish calendar. Historically, ancient Celts marked this
longest day of the year with bonfires and feasting. Today, people gather at ancient sites like Newgrange and the
Hill of Tara to witness the solstice sunrise, connecting with the traditions of their ancestors.
One of the most iconic summer festivals is the Galway International Arts Festival, held in July. This two-week event
features a diverse program of theatre, music, visual arts, and street performances, attracting artists and audiences
from around the world. The festival transforms the city of Galway into a bustling hub of creativity and cultural
exchange. Similarly, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the largest traditional Irish music festival, takes place in a
different town each August, showcasing the best of Irish music, song, and dance.
Summer is also a time for exploring Ireland’s stunning landscapes. The Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic coastal route
stretching from Donegal to Cork, offers breathtaking views, charming villages, and opportunities for outdoor
adventures. Hiking, cycling, and water sports are popular activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the
country’s natural beauty. Beaches, though often chilly by international standards, become hotspots for locals
and tourists alike. The blend of cultural festivities and outdoor pursuits makes summer in Ireland a season of
endless possibilities and joyful experiences.
Autumn in Ireland: Harvest and Cultural Significance
As the leaves turn to shades of gold and crimson, autumn in Ireland brings a sense of reflection and gratitude. The
season is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, with harvest festivals celebrating the bounty of the land.
Lughnasadh, the ancient Celtic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season, is celebrated on August 1st.
Named after the god Lugh, it involves feasting, music, and games, reflecting the community’s gratitude for the
earth’s abundance. Though modern celebrations are more subdued, the spirit of Lughnasadh persists in local fairs
and gatherings.
Autumn is also the time for Samhain, the ancient festival that marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the
darker half of the year. Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain is considered the precursor to Halloween. It was
believed that on this night, the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to roam
the earth. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off these spirits. Today, Halloween in Ireland is a
blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities, with children trick-or-treating and communities hosting haunted
attractions and events.
The cultural significance of autumn extends to literature and the arts. The Dublin Theatre Festival, held in late
September and early October, is one of the oldest and most prestigious theatre festivals in Europe. It features a
mix of Irish and international productions, highlighting the richness of the performing arts. Additionally, the
Wexford Festival Opera, taking place in October, showcases lesser-known operas and attracts opera enthusiasts from
around the globe. These cultural events, combined with the natural beauty of the changing landscape, make autumn in
Ireland a season of introspection and artistic inspiration.
Winter Wonders: Traditions and Festivities
Winter in Ireland is a time of warmth, reflection, and festivity, despite the cold and often damp weather. The
season is marked by a series of traditions that bring light and joy to the darkest months. The winter solstice,
occurring around December 21st, has been celebrated since ancient times. At the prehistoric site of Newgrange in
County Meath, the solstice sunrise illuminates the inner chamber of the tomb, an awe-inspiring spectacle that draws
visitors from around the world. This event symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of longer
days to come.
Christmas in Ireland is a blend of religious observance and joyous celebration. The season begins with Advent, as
homes and churches are adorned with wreaths, candles, and nativity scenes. On Christmas Eve, many attend Midnight
Mass, a tradition that underscores the religious significance of the holiday. Christmas Day is a time for family
gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts. Traditional foods such as roast turkey, ham, and plum pudding are
enjoyed, and the evening often ends with songs and stories by the fire.
The festive season continues with St. Stephen’s Day on December 26th, also known as Wren Day. In some parts of
Ireland, people dress in old clothes and straw masks, parading through towns while playing music and singing. This
tradition, rooted in ancient customs, symbolizes the triumph of the wren, considered the king of birds, over the
darker days. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated with fireworks, parties, and resolutions,
marking the end of one year and the hopeful beginning of another. The blend of ancient customs and modern
festivities makes winter in Ireland a season of warmth and renewal.
The Role of Nature in Irish Seasonal Changes
Ireland’s seasons are profoundly influenced by its natural environment, with the landscape playing a central
role in the country’s cultural and agricultural practices. The mild, temperate climate ensures that each season
is distinct yet not extreme, allowing nature to flourish year-round. Spring’s arrival is heralded by blooming
daffodils, lambs frolicking in fields, and the gradual lengthening of days. The lush, green countryside comes alive,
reflecting the renewal and growth that characterize the season.
Summer’s warmth and extended daylight hours provide the perfect conditions for outdoor activities and the growth
of crops. The landscape is dotted with wildflowers, and the coastal regions become popular destinations for hiking,
swimming, and exploring. The fertile soil and favorable weather conditions support a diverse range of flora and
fauna, making summer a time of abundance and natural beauty. The interplay between the land and the sea, with its
rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, adds to the unique charm of the Irish summer.
Autumn’s arrival brings a transformation in the landscape, as trees don vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow.
The harvest season reflects the culmination of the year’s agricultural efforts, with fields yielding crops and
orchards laden with fruit. The crisp air and shorter days signal a time for reflection and preparation for the
winter ahead. Winter, though often harsh with its cold winds and rain, has a stark beauty of its own. The bare trees
and snow-dusted hills create a serene, almost mystical atmosphere. The natural cycles of growth, harvest, and rest
are deeply intertwined with Irish traditions and way of life, making nature an integral part of the seasonal
experience.
Folklore and Mythology Associated with Each Season
Irish folklore and mythology are rich with stories and legends that reflect the country’s deep connection to the
natural world and its seasonal changes. Spring, for example, is associated with the goddess Brigid, a figure of
fertility, healing, and poetry. Her festival, Imbolc, marks the beginning of spring and is a celebration of new life
and the return of the sun. Legends tell of Brigid’s magical cloak, which could expand to cover vast areas of
land, symbolizing the growth and protection that spring brings.
Summer’s mythology is filled with tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of god-like beings who are said to have
brought magic and prosperity to Ireland. The festival of Bealtaine, celebrated on May 1st, honors these deities and
the start of the summer season. Fires were lit on hilltops to welcome the sun and protect against evil spirits. The
legend of Lugh, the god of light and the arts, is also central to summer celebrations. His festival, Lughnasadh,
marks the beginning of the harvest and is a time of feasting, games, and merriment.
Autumn’s folklore is dominated by the festival of Samhain, a time when the boundary between the living and the
dead is believed to be at its thinnest. This night is filled with stories of spirits, fairies, and otherworldly
beings. The legend of the Púca, a mischievous shape-shifting fairy, is particularly associated with Samhain. It was
believed that the Púca would roam the countryside, playing tricks on unsuspecting travelers. Offerings of food and
drink were left out to appease these spirits and ensure a safe passage through the dark months.
Winter’s mythology is rich with tales of the Cailleach, the divine hag of winter. According to legend, the
Cailleach is responsible for the harsh winter weather, and her reign begins at Samhain and ends at Bealtaine. She is
depicted as an old woman with a staff, capable of summoning storms and frost. The winter solstice, celebrated at
Newgrange, is also steeped in mythology. It is said that the solstice light represents the rebirth of the sun god,
bringing hope and renewal. These stories and legends add a layer of magic and mystery to the changing seasons,
reflecting the deep cultural significance of nature in Irish life.
Seasonal Foods and Culinary Traditions in Ireland
The changing seasons in Ireland bring a variety of culinary delights, with each season offering its own unique
flavors and traditional dishes. Spring’s arrival is marked by the availability of fresh, seasonal vegetables
such as asparagus, new potatoes, and rhubarb. Lamb, a symbol of spring, is a popular choice for Easter Sunday
dinner, often roasted with herbs and served with mint sauce. Traditional dishes like colcannon, made with mashed
potatoes and spring greens, reflect the season’s bounty and the importance of locally-sourced ingredients.
Summer’s abundance is celebrated with a wide array of fresh produce, seafood, and dairy products. The long, warm
days are perfect for outdoor picnics and barbecues. Freshly caught fish and shellfish, such as salmon, mackerel, and
mussels, are staples of the summer diet. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are in season, often enjoyed in
desserts like Eton mess or simply with a dollop of cream. The tradition of afternoon tea, with its selection of
sandwiches, scones, and cakes, is also a beloved summer pastime.
Autumn’s harvest brings a wealth of hearty, comforting foods. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and
turnips, along with apples and pears, feature prominently in autumnal dishes. The harvest festival of Lughnasadh is
celebrated with breads and cakes made from the first grains of the season. Traditional Irish stews, made with lamb
or beef, potatoes, and vegetables, provide warmth and sustenance as the days grow shorter. Apple tarts and crumbles,
often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, are popular desserts that capture the essence of autumn.
Winter’s chill calls for rich, warming foods that provide comfort during the darkest months. Christmas dinner is
a highlight of the winter season, with roast turkey, ham, and all the trimmings taking center stage. Mince pies,
Christmas pudding, and rich fruitcake are traditional holiday treats, often enjoyed with a glass of mulled wine or
Irish whiskey. St. Stephen’s Day is a time for leftovers and simple fare, such as bubble and squeak made from
the previous day’s vegetables. Soups and stews, made with seasonal ingredients, are staples of the winter diet,
providing nourishment and warmth.
Modern Interpretations of Irish Seasonal Celebrations
While many of Ireland’s seasonal celebrations are rooted in ancient traditions, they have evolved to incorporate
modern influences and practices. Today, St. Brigid’s Day is not only a celebration of the coming spring but also
a time to honor women’s achievements and contributions to society. Contemporary events include women’s
gatherings, workshops, and performances that highlight the strength and creativity of Irish women. Similarly, St.
Patrick’s Day has expanded beyond its religious origins to become a global celebration of Irish culture and
heritage, with cities around the world hosting parades and festivals.
The Galway International Arts Festival and other summer events reflect the blending of traditional and contemporary
culture. These festivals showcase a mix of traditional Irish music and dance alongside modern art forms, creating a
dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. The rise of food festivals, such as the Taste of Dublin, highlights the growing
interest in Ireland’s culinary scene. These events celebrate local produce and innovative chefs, offering
visitors a taste of modern Irish cuisine while honoring traditional flavors and techniques.
Autumn’s cultural events, like the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Wexford Festival Opera, demonstrate the
continued importance of the arts in Irish life. These festivals provide a platform for emerging and established
artists to share their work, fostering a vibrant cultural community. Halloween, with its roots in the ancient
festival of Samhain, has embraced contemporary customs like pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating, while still
honoring its mystical origins through events like ghost tours and storytelling sessions.
Winter’s festive season has also seen modern interpretations of traditional customs. Christmas markets, inspired
by European traditions, have become popular in cities like Dublin, Galway, and Belfast. These markets offer
artisanal goods, festive foods, and entertainment, creating a magical atmosphere for holiday shoppers. New
Year’s Eve celebrations, including fireworks displays and concerts, have grown in scale, bringing communities
together to ring in the new year. These modern interpretations of seasonal celebrations reflect Ireland’s
ability to honor its past while embracing the present, creating a rich and dynamic cultural landscape.
Conclusion: Embracing the Seasons in Irish Culture
Ireland’s seasons are more than just changes in weather; they are deeply woven into the fabric of the
country’s culture, traditions, and way of life. From the rebirth of spring to the festive warmth of winter, each
season offers its own unique experiences and opportunities for connection. The traditions and celebrations that mark
these changes provide a sense of continuity and community, linking the past with the present.
Nature plays a central role in shaping these seasonal experiences, with the landscape’s beauty and bounty
influencing cultural practices and culinary traditions. Folklore and mythology add a layer of magic and mystery,
enriching the understanding of the natural world and its cycles. Modern interpretations of seasonal celebrations
demonstrate Ireland’s ability to adapt and evolve, honoring ancient customs while embracing contemporary
influences.
In embracing the seasons, Ireland celebrates its heritage, creativity, and resilience. Whether through traditional
festivals, culinary delights, or the simple enjoyment of nature’s beauty, the magic of Irish seasons continues
to captivate and inspire. As each season unfolds, it offers a new chapter in the ongoing story of Ireland, inviting
all to experience its enchantment and wonder.
