Susan Kiernan RIP. Our tribute to a true Industry legend

Jacinta Mc Glynn (Travelbiz), friend, colleague, golfing buddy and fellow travel professional pays tribute to Industry Legend Susan Kiernan.  

A true icon of the Irish Travel Trade, Susan Kiernan departed on her final journey on the last day of August 2023. She spent her final days in the wonderful care of Blackrock Hospice surrounded by her loving family.  

Susan started out in travel in Executive Travel at the tender age of 18, the business her father had opened with Jeff Smurfit Jnr, based in Dublin’s Dawson Street. Her love and passion for all things travel blossomed from there. Executive Travel moved premises to Donnybrook and, when it closed, Susan opened her own travel agency, called “Ask Susan”, the clever acronym based on her initials (Susan Kiernan). She built up an amazing clientele who remained totally faithful to her. This was not surprising as Susan dedicated herself to her clients, left no stone unturned to please and worked tirelessly to offer a superb service. Nothing was too much trouble for Susan. She worked over and above the call of duty to ensure travel ran smoothly and she planned the itineraries meticulously. In fact, if she could have piloted aircraft herself, I think she would have done so! Her superb service and attention to detail was remarkable and this personal touch earned her a loyal following indeed. Ever caring and committed, her knowledge of travel and the intricacies of the business was second to none. Susan’s breadth of knowledge for travel was vast; she specialised in high-end trips and could tailor-make a package to specific needs. 

Susan was a leading light and lively and lovely part of our ’Ladies Who Lunch’ bunch and she’ll be sorely missed. We enjoyed many lunches in Dobbins and other famous eateries, shooting the breeze, regaling each other with travel escapades and indulging in the camaraderie and friendship which travel buddies enjoy. She was often late to the parties as some last-minute detail of a client’s booking could never remain unfinished. Such was her complete dedication. She was great for the lift home too as Lisa or Tom would be summoned to chauffer us home! Susan was also an excellent golfer, participated in many outings with TIGS and she just loved the Irish Open. I sincerely hope she’s on the fairway to heaven just now….   

Gone on her eternal travels far too soon, Susan shone as an icon of our industry. A wonderful warm character – kind, generous, gregarious, sweet and spirited- her caring soul will be very fondly remembered.  A shining beacon whose path will be lit to heaven.   

Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Tom & Lisa and her adored little pooch, Millie. Your lives will be diminished by Susan’s absence, but surely enriched by marvellous memories of her. A legend for sure, Susan leaves behind an unforgettable legacy – she was cherished and truly loved and I doubt we will see the like of her again.  

May her gentle soul rest in peace. 

 Jacinta Mc Glynn 

31st August 2023