Tom Britton, managing director of Marble City Travel in Kilkenny, told TTG he was “thrilled skinny” to take over Top Class Travel, which has been operating in nearby Carlow for 25 years, from Lena Delaney, who is retiring.
Marble City Travel was named Top Agency Republic of Ireland at Top 50 Travel Agencies 2025 by TTG.
Describing Delaney as having been “absolutely magnificent” during her agency’s growth from one team member to five, Britton said: “Lena wanted to see longevity in her business, and not see it hoovered up to become another ‘brand’ within a grouping – I’m delighted she reached out to me.
“We have found a seasoned team who we know will be great additions to the Marble City Travel family.”
Britton has vowed to preserve the jobs within Top Class Travel “and work with our own expertise to elevate the consumer’s experience”. In fact, he has already recruited a new team member and is moving ahead with an immediate office revamp.
“Our team gives us flexibility to offer extra customer service to the Top Class clients without needing to add any additional cost to their holidays,” Britton said, adding that Top Class now simply has “even more firepower behind it”.
Britton added that the news had largely been “incredibly well received”. Indeed dozens of comments on Marble City Travel’s Facebook post announcing the takeover would appear to corroborate this.
The shopping centre where Top Class Travel is based has lost four retailers since Christmas, so Britton said this added to the locals’ positive reaction to the acquisition.
