Yesterday evening, ITTN’s Katie Doyle enjoyed a wonderful event celebrating Travel Department and TD Active as they launched their 2026 holidays with trade and media representatives.
The evening began in Saba Baggot Street, in their secret garden where guests enjoyed a wine and beer reception and were joined by key Travel Department staff and collaborators, including Miriam O’Callaghan, whose show ‘Sunday with Miriam ‘ on RTÉ Radio One is sponsored by Travel Department since February of this year.
Afterwards, guests walked the short distance from Baggot Street to dine in La Peniche‘s elegant canal cruise on the Grand Canal offering a French-inspired menu that delighted all attending. The evening began with a drinks reception on the top of the boat, before going to the intimate downstairs to enjoy a sit down dinner. Starter options included a cured meat and cheese board, salmon rilette, soup and the most-enjoyed classic French tartiflette. For mains, guests could choose from a fillet of seabass, corn-fed chicken supreme, confit duck leg or roasted cauliflower. Desserts included a Bailey’s creme brulee and a chocolate cake!
First, we heard from James Coughlan, CEO of Travel Department, who told the group about all the amazing upcoming opportunities and even better savings for Travel Department customers in 2026. Hundreds of tours are now on sale to multiple outstanding destinations, whether you want a relaxing coast side holiday in Europe, or a history-soaked expedition across Asia or Africa, Travel Department has you covered.
Customers can enjoy up to a huge €400 off per person on holidays departing in 2026 when booked between 13th June and 7th July 2025. Whether you’re dreaming of a two-week bucket-list trip or a short European break, now’s the time to plan ahead. 2026 brings an exciting range of wildlife-focused holidays and hidden Europe escapes. From the sweeping plains of Namibia and tiger-spotting in India to the biodiversity of Costa Rica and the Galapagos, Travel Department’s nature tours promise awe-inspiring experiences – all fully guided and authentically original.
While European tour destinations like Estoril and Lisbon are well known, the smaller towns and stops along the way, like Óbidos, Alcobaça and Nazaré, are where an authentic, less ‘touristy’ experience begins. Think Montenegro’s Riviera and Europe’s answer to the Maldives! To reiterate his point, Paola- a Travel Department guide for the last seventeen years- from Lisbon told us the beautiful story of how she brings guests around Lisbon and Portugal to give them authentic cultural experiences. A Portuguese native, Paula told an inspiring tale of what travel means to her customers and why they continue to come back year after year.
An exciting moment on the canal boat saw guests return back upstairs to watch as we passed through a barge on the Grand Canal by Leeson Street where we also heard from Claire Doherty, Product and Operations Director for Travel Department who explained the magic of their escorted tours, and the upcoming opportunities for all travellers around the world. She also told us more about the With growing interest in solo-friendly travel and their expanding river cruise programme across Europe – including the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Seine, and more – with 5-to-7-night stress-free itineraries available.
Then, guests heard from Francesca- who told us about all the upcoming destinations that are seeing more and more popularity, most excitedly – Japan is becoming a huge destination for their escorted tours. Italy continues to excite consumers and trade alike while shorter trips with eco-conscious and sustainable themes have become increasingly popular.
Stephen Power, Product Manager with TD Active Holidays told us about the 2026 opportunities for curious travellers who want to go beyond the ordinary and enjoy immersive adventures with a small group of like-minded people. From trekking through the Pyrenees on a 7-night Andorra walking holiday to the coastal trails of Croatia or tackling the legendary Camino solo, there’s something for every active soul. TD Active’s expert guides design adventures for those who want to connect deeply with the world around them—without the stress of planning. From the Carpathians of Transylvania to the peaks of Sierra Nevada, every step offers new perspective and unforgettable experiences. TD Active have also increased their walking holidays for 2026 with new destinations including the Amalfi Coast, Turkey & Cappadocia, Cinque Terre, and Sicily while they’re also developing tours for Montenegro, the Dolomites, Bulgaria, Puglia, and Italy’s famous lakes.
Finally Vanessa Wills, Groups and Tailormade Account Manager, thanked the continued support of the media and travel trade in bringing awareness and excitement to their fantastic tours that reach every corner of the world.
The night was a great success and all left happy, full and inspired about the global opportunities that Travel Department and TD Active. Special thanks to Roisin O’Hea and her team and O’Hea PR for making the night such a success!
Booking Details with Travel Department:
€400pp off holidays of 14 nights or more
€150pp off 7–13 night holidays
€50pp off short breaks (6 nights or fewer)
Book online at www.traveldepartment.ie, call 01 637 1633, or visit the Travel Store in Arnotts, Dublin.
Booking Details with TD Active
From 13 June to 7 July, save:
€300pp on holidays of 14+ nights (code: LAUNCH300)
€200pp on holidays of 7–13 nights (code: LAUNCH200)
€100pp on holidays of 6 nights or fewer (code: LAUNCH100)
TD Active Holidays take the stress out of travel, organising flights, transfers, accommodation, expert guides and authentic local experiences—so all that’s left is to enjoy the journey.
Book online at www.tdactiveholidays.ie, call 01 637 1633, or visit the Travel Store in Arnotts, Dublin.
And, for those still considering a 2025 holiday, late-booking deals offer savings up to €250 per person on a selection of Travel Department tours, for late summer and autumn, although there is limited availability, so immediate booking is advised.
