Exploring Ireland's Beauty
Anastasia Cate
Johnstown, CO
Luxury Travel and River Cruise Professional
Hi there! I’m Anastasia Cate, founder of VistaVenture Escapes LLC and a travel advisor who believes that every journey should feel both effortless and extraordinary. I specialize in small ship cruises and luxury travel experiences that are deeply ...
Hi there! I’m Anastasia Cate, founder of VistaVenture Escapes LLC and a travel advisor who believes that every journey should feel both effortless and extraordinary. I specialize in small ship cruises and luxury travel experiences that are deeply personal, detail-rich, and thoughtfully designed for clients who crave adventure without the hassle.My journey into the world of travel began with Disney vacations—an experience that taught me the importance of meticulous planning and magical touches. From there, I moved into destination weddings and group trips before finding my true passion: curating luxury travel for couples and small groups who want to explore the world in comfort and style. While I no longer plan weddings, I continue to design custom group escapes with a strong focus on high-end, worry-free experiences.At VistaVenture Escapes, I work primarily with retired couples and young-at-heart travelers who appreciate having every detail taken care of. Whether it’s a boutique river cruise through Europe, a luxury beach resort in the Caribbean, or a custom itinerary through Ireland’s emerald landscapes, I bring the same level of care, curiosity, and enthusiasm to every trip I design.My own travels have taken me to breathtaking destinations like Ireland (a personal favorite), Austria, Hungary, Riviera Maya, St. Lucia, and both the French and Dutch sides of St. Martin. I’ve also had the pleasure of planning unforgettable vacations to places like Costa Rica and Malta—drawing on my deep destination knowledge and trusted supplier relationships to create seamless, personalized itineraries.I especially love discovering the little moments that elevate a trip—like the secret speakeasy hidden inside Secrets Moxché, or the made-from-scratch tortillas at their breakfast buffet that still make me smile. For me, the joy of travel lies in both the big experiences and the small, thoughtful touches that make a trip truly special.When you work with me, you’re not just booking a vacation—you’re gaining a dedicated partner who understands your travel style and is committed to making your trip smooth, meaningful, and entirely stress-free. I’ll handle all the logistics, answer your questions before you even ask them, and be your advocate from the first planning call to your welcome home message.I believe that the best adventures are the ones where you feel completely taken care of, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy. Let’s turn your next vacation into something unforgettable.
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My journey through Ireland began in Dublin, a city pulsing with energy, history, and a modern edge that somehow manages to blend seamlessly with its old-world charm. Walking along the River Liffey, I felt the city’s heartbeat, alive with buskers on Grafton Street, laughter spilling from pubs, and the weight of history at landmarks like Trinity College and the hauntingly beautiful Ha’penny Bridge. Every corner of Dublin seemed to hold a story, an echo of the past ready to be discovered.
The next stop brought me face-to-face with one of Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders—the Cliffs of Moher. Standing at the edge, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, I was overwhelmed by the sheer drop, the wildness of the waves crashing below, and the sense of endless possibility. The wind was fierce, and there was a thrilling, almost reverent silence among those standing along the cliff’s edge. It felt as though nature was speaking, reminding us of its power and beauty. It’s one of those moments I know I’ll carry with me forever, a place that etches itself into your memory.
In contrast to Dublin’s lively tempo was my visit to Galway. Though the weather kept me from exploring as much as I’d hoped, Galway left its mark in a different way. The rain and mist seemed almost mystical, shrouding the city in a veil that made it feel timeless. Even from the windows, I could see glimpses of its charm—the winding streets and brightly colored buildings that seemed to defy the overcast sky, standing proud and inviting.
Continuing on, I found myself in Athlone, where a special stop awaited me—Sean’s Bar. Known as one of the oldest pubs in Ireland, and even in the world, it felt like stepping back in time. While others might have expected a pint of Guinness, I opted for a simple orange soda. Yet even without a stronger drink, I could feel the history in the walls, the warmth of the bar’s wood, and the sense of camaraderie that has undoubtedly existed here for centuries. For a moment, I imagined myself as one of the countless travelers who, over the centuries, found comfort and connection in Sean’s Bar.
As I continued my journey, I crossed the River Shannon on a ferry—a simple yet symbolic moment. The Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, feels almost like the spine of the country, connecting the east and west, and it was humbling to travel along it. The crossing reminded me of how interconnected Ireland’s landscapes are, each one flowing into the next, creating a seamless blend of nature, history, and community.
Killarney was my next destination, and here, Ireland’s stunning natural beauty truly came alive. Killarney is a place where the landscape takes your breath away, and the world slows down, letting you savor every moment. I had the pleasure of taking a jaunty ride—a charming horse-drawn carriage—through Killarney National Park. With mountains rising in the background, lush green fields rolling out before me, and the clip-clop of the horse’s hooves on the path, it felt like a fairytale.From there, I set off on the Ring of Kerry, a route known for its awe-inspiring views of mountains, coastlines, and quaint villages. The journey was a reminder of Ireland’s rugged beauty, of how nature here is both powerful and peaceful. Each turn revealed another breathtaking scene—the Atlantic stretching out into the horizon, the mountains standing tall, and the clouds casting shadows over the fields below. I remember feeling so small in the face of such grandeur, and yet incredibly connected to the land and its untamed spirit.
In Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, I dove into its history with a tour of the city and the famous Waterford Crystal Factory. The city itself holds a special charm with its medieval architecture, but it was the crystal-making process that truly fascinated me. Watching the craftsmen at work, I marveled at their skill, at how something so delicate and intricate could come from raw materials and human talent. Each piece felt like a work of art, a testament to Ireland’s commitment to tradition and beauty. Taking in the sparkling displays, I felt a sense of pride in this Irish craftsmanship and its worldwide reputation.
Each of these experiences added a new layer to my understanding of Ireland. From Dublin’s urban pulse to the quiet grandeur of Killarney, from Galway’s misty allure to the staggering cliffs on the coast, Ireland revealed itself in diverse, unexpected ways. Every place held its own kind of magic, a charm that felt both rooted in the earth and lifted by the myths of ancient tales.
My time there was not just about visiting destinations; it was about feeling a connection to the soul of a place that has captivated travelers and storytellers for centuries. Every encounter, every sight, and even every sip of orange soda at Sean’s Bar felt like a piece of a larger story, one that I am honored to share through my journey and that you can experience on your own Journey created by VistaVenture Escapes.