Marie Grenham’s decision means the 112-year-old agency will close for good on 31 December this year. 

She decided to make the announcement “to allow for an orderly wind-up of the operation”, but stressed Grenham Travel has been “more than a business" to her.

Grenham is the third successive family member to operate the agency, which was started by her grandad John Grenham in 1911 when he applied for a licence to operate as a shipping agent. He even booked passengers to go on The Titanic.

Marie took over the business in 1999 when her father Tommy passed away.

Due to the high volume of enquiries, Grenham Travel will not be taking on any more bookings, but Grenham urged customers to book through fellow Worldchoice agencies in Ballinasloe, Galway and Tuam. 

Grenham said: “We have had fantastic repeat customers, many are generations of the same families trusting us with their holiday choices and travel plans throughout their lives. 

“Grenham Travel has been more than a business to me, it has been a true pleasure and privilege to engage and build relationships with customers on a personal and professional level – sharing key moments in their lives both happy and sad.”

She added: “I would also like to acknowledge the incredible team members, past and present, who have worked with Grenham Travel and the role they have played in making the agency such a great success.

"To the Irish Travel Agents Association, Worldchoice Group, all our business partners, representatives and airlines – míle Buíochas go léir [thanks a million] for your friendly, good humoured, courteous assistance, not forgetting your patience and understanding as I always looked for the best value for our customers”.