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Adrian Murphy

An Irish native with 16 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry in Ireland before relocating to the sunny south of France!

When it comes to travel planning, I’m all about creating trips that feel personal and memorable, not just ticking off the usual sights. I like mixing local culture, a bit of history, and the odd detour that turns into the highlight of the whole trip. My approach is pretty simple: figure out what makes a place special, and match that with what makes you light up. Plus castles. I love a good castle!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I focus on travel all across Ireland, with a real soft spot for the country’s historic sites and cultural gems. Castles, monastic ruins, famine roads, ancient wells...you name it! I’m all about the kind of travel that gives you stories to take home, the kind no one else in your friend group will have. If you want to see a side of Ireland that most visitors miss, I’m your man. I love mixing in well-known highlights with the quieter places that still feel untouched, and I’ve built up a good knowledge of where to go if you're after a bit of atmosphere, local legend, or just a great pint in a pub that’s been around for a few hundred years."

How did you get involved in travel?

"My background is in hotels. I worked as a hotel concierge in Ireland for years, and that gave me a front-row seat to what travellers really want. I spent my days helping people plan their time, book hidden gem experiences, and find places they never would’ve discovered on their own. It was hands-on, personal, and fast-paced. I loved the challenge of tailoring suggestions to each person. That experience naturally evolved into a role in travel planning, where I get to bring the same level of care and detail to someone’s whole trip, not just their day. And now I’ve got the best of both worlds: local insight and the space to build full journeys around it."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One trip I’ll never forget was visiting Salem, Massachusetts in the US. I’ve always been a bit of a history nerd, and the witch trials fascinated me. While I was there, I took a walking tour of the town that really stuck with me. It was theatrical, thought-provoking, and brought the whole place to life. I left feeling so inspired that when I got back to Ireland, I actually trained and qualified as a walking tour guide with Fáilte Ireland, focusing on Dublin city. That experience in Salem showed me how powerful storytelling can be in travel, and it definitely shaped the kind of guide (and planner!) I’ve become. I’m a big believer in trips that leave you thinking, not just ticking boxes."

Adrian is part of the following groups: Ireland Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Adrian

Thanksgiving in Ireland
Ireland | Nov 22 - Nov 29, 2025

Ana
Ana C.
St. Marys, GA | Reviewed on Dec 01, 2025
We had an excellent experience with Adrian and team from High Point Holidays. Their communication was clear and timely from start to finish, making the entire planning process stress-free. The team offered thoughtful recommendations that perfectly matched our interests, and every detail was handled with care. Thanks to their guidance, our trip was seamless and memorable. Highly recommend to anyone looking for expert travel advice and great service! Our walking tour through Dublin was a... Read more

We had an excellent experience with Adrian and team from High Point Holidays. Their communication was clear and timely from start to finish, making the entire planning process stress-free. The team offered thoughtful recommendations that perfectly matched our interests, and every detail was handled with care. Thanks to their guidance, our trip was seamless and memorable. Highly recommend to anyone looking for expert travel advice and great service!

Our walking tour through Dublin was a highlight of the trip thanks to our fantastic guide Sandra. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and warm personality brought the city’s history, culture, and stories vividly to life, and the time flew by as we explored.
She was incredibly knowledgeable about Dublin and Ireland, sharing historical facts, local legends, and personal anecdotes in a way that was easy to follow and always engaging.
The route covered many of Dublin’s key sights as well as a few hidden corners that we would never have found on our own. The guide also gave excellent tips on where to eat, drink, and explore later, which really helped us make the most of our time in the city. This walking tour was an excellent way to get oriented in Dublin, learn about its past and present, and experience the city through the eyes of a local. I highly recommend Sandra and her tour to anyone visiting Dublin who wants an informative, fun, and memorable experience.

We had such a great time with Sorcha on this food tour and are so glad we booked it for our Thanksgiving celebration. The tastings were delicious and the places we visited were the perfect way to experience the local scene.
Our guide Sorcha was friendly, fun, and clearly passionate about her job.
Each stop was well chosen, offering generous portions and a great mix of flavors. The walk between tastings was just right and helped us see different parts of the neighborhood along the way. I highly recommend this food tour and guide to anyone who loves good food and wants a fun way to get to know the city.

Kim Kim is the best “one stop shop “ that provides you with the most wonderful local tour guides that make your travels easy and unforgettable!

Hotel Reviews
InterContinental Dublin, an IHG Hotel
Dublin
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Langtons Hotel Kilkenny
Kilkenny
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Killarney Heights Hotel
Killarney
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Connacht Hotel
Galway
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport
,Santry, Dublin 9
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Dublin Private walking tour
Dublin Private walking tour
Dublin

Our walking tour through Dublin was a highlight of the trip thanks to our fantastic guide Sandra. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and warm personality brought the city’s history, culture, and stories vividly to life, and the time flew by as we explored. She was incredibly knowledgeable about Dublin and Ireland, sharing historical facts, local legends, and personal anecdotes in a way that was easy to follow and always engaging. The route covered many of Dublin’s key sights as well as a few hidden corners that we would never have found on our own. The guide also gave excellent tips on where to eat, drink, and explore later, which really helped us make the most of our time in the city. This walking tour was an excellent way to get oriented in Dublin, learn about its past and present, and experience the city through the eyes of a local. I highly recommend Sandra and her tour to anyone visiting Dublin who wants an informative, fun, and memorable experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Galway Evening Food Tour
Galway Evening Food Tour
Galway

We had such a great time with Sorcha on this food tour and are so glad we booked it for our Thanksgiving celebration. The tastings were delicious and the places we visited were the perfect way to experience the local scene. Our guide Sorcha was friendly, fun, and clearly passionate about her job. Each stop was well chosen, offering generous portions and a great mix of flavors. The walk between tastings was just right and helped us see different parts of the neighborhood along the way. I highly recommend this food tour and guide to anyone who loves good food and wants a fun way to get to know the city

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Adrian Murphy
Adrian
Adrian Murphy
Local specialist in France | Replied on Dec 01, 2025
Hi Ana, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and generous review. It genuinely means the world to me. I’m delighted to hear that your Thanksgiving trip to Ireland was everything you hoped for and that Sandra and Sorcha added so much to your experience. They’re both absolute stars! I’m especially glad the blend of history, food, and local insights helped bring Dublin to life during your stay. Planning this trip with you was a pleasure from start to finish, and... Read more

Hi Ana,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and generous review. It genuinely means the world to me. I’m delighted to hear that your Thanksgiving trip to Ireland was everything you hoped for and that Sandra and Sorcha added so much to your experience. They’re both absolute stars!

I’m especially glad the blend of history, food, and local insights helped bring Dublin to life during your stay. Planning this trip with you was a pleasure from start to finish, and hearing that it all came together seamlessly is the best feedback I could hope for.

Whenever Ireland calls you back (and it always does) I’d be honoured to help you plan the next chapter of your adventures here.

Slán go fóill! (Bye for now!)
Adrian
High Point Holidays

Adrian 10/10
Ireland | Nov 1 - Nov 7, 2025

Kyle
Kyle D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 23, 2025
Adrian and the team at KimKim were fantastic to work with. Friendly, professional and extremely knowledgeable especially about our destination. We had a basic idea of what we wanted to explore during our time in Ireland, but Adrian helped bring it all to life… not to mention, he asked us about our interests in general and was able to add excursions that we would have never known about that made our trip even more memorable. Any questions that came up over the course of our trip were... Read more

Adrian and the team at KimKim were fantastic to work with. Friendly, professional and extremely knowledgeable especially about our destination. We had a basic idea of what we wanted to explore during our time in Ireland, but Adrian helped bring it all to life… not to mention, he asked us about our interests in general and was able to add excursions that we would have never known about that made our trip even more memorable. Any questions that came up over the course of our trip were immediately answered and the customer service was second to none. Since we visited later in the season some of our initial plans had to be adjusted, but it didn’t take away from a once in a lifetime visit! Thank you Adrian!

Hotel Reviews
Waterford Castle
Waterford

The Waterford Castle was an experience second to none. The grounds and estate were beautiful. All of the staff were welcoming, especially Alisandro who crafted fantastic cocktails for us. The food was delicious and the bread pudding was the star of the show!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ballea Castle
Cork

Louise and her family provided a fantastic stay at Ballea Castle. Everyone, including the animals, were warm and kind. Our room was wonderful and dinner at Mabel Lane was top notch. We enjoyed walking the grounds with Daisy, Prince and their two lovely cats. A worthwhile stay during our journey through Ireland.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Lake Hotel
Killarney

An experience all to itself! A fantastic home base for all of our excursions in Killarney. The staff were incredibly kind and added a special touch to make our birthday celebration truly memorable. The newly renovated wing was beautiful and the views were outstanding. From our balcony we could see deer, ducks, and the most breathtaking view!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Dublin

We had a nice stay at The Gresham. Its location made it easy to walk to museums, restaurants and shopping. Everyone we interacted with was kind and accommodating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Menlo Hotel
Galway

The Menlo Hotel is conveniently located right on the edge of downtown Galway. The staff were friendly and added a special touch for birthday celebrations. The hotel was undergoing additional construction, but it did not impact our trip in the least. The downtown area was a quick taxi ride in the rain and the Shannon airport was an easy drive as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Pearse Lyons Distillery: Dublin's Unique Church-Converted Spirit Haven
Pearse Lyons Distillery: Dublin's Unique Church-Converted Spirit Haven
Dublin

Hidden gem located right next to Guinness. The church was beautifully restored and our tour guide was both friendly and knowledgeable about the Distillery’s history and the whiskey making process. If you’re looking for a smaller / local distillery feel, not to mention some pretty good whiskey, this is your place!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Viking Triangle - King Of The Vikings
Viking Triangle - King Of The Vikings
Waterford

Very informative and fun way to learn about the Viking history in Ireland. Knowledgeable guide and cool VR experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Falconry Adventures
Falconry Adventures
Killarney

Don’t miss an opportunity to meet Mark and his birds! Mark’s passion and knowledge make this a great stop in your travels. We learned a lot about the birds of prey, including how they are trained, how they hunt, and got to hold / feed them too!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Waterford Crystal Factory Tour
Waterford Crystal Factory Tour
Waterford

The Waterford tour was enlightening and we had a great guide (Caroline) who was super friendly. We saw every step in the process and even some of the famous pieces on display. Hit the gift shop at the end and get something special!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Adrian Murphy
Adrian
Adrian Murphy
Local specialist in France | Replied on Nov 24, 2025
Hi guys! Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure helping you bring your Ireland trip to life and I'm especially glad we were able to tailor things to your interests in a way that added a few surprises along the way. You both were a dream to work with and I couldn’t have asked for better travel partners. I know there were a few seasonal curveballs near the end, so your grace and flexibility meant the world. I'm thrilled to hear it still felt like a... Read more

Hi guys!

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure helping you bring your Ireland trip to life and I'm especially glad we were able to tailor things to your interests in a way that added a few surprises along the way. You both were a dream to work with and I couldn’t have asked for better travel partners.

I know there were a few seasonal curveballs near the end, so your grace and flexibility meant the world. I'm thrilled to hear it still felt like a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip. That’s the magic we aim for every time.

Wishing you many more unforgettable adventures!
Slán go fóill! (Bye for now!)
Adrian
High Point Holidays

Highly recommend
Ireland | Nov 7 - Nov 14, 2025

L
Lisa C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025

Adrian was wonderful and lovely to work with. He listened and did his very best to make our experience exceptional. Also, if getting a driver, I highly recommend Ken Smyth - he was incredible! Five star!

Local specialist: Adrian Murphy
Adrian
Adrian Murphy
Local specialist in France | Replied on Nov 16, 2025

Thank you so much, Lisa!

It was an absolute pleasure working with you and your group. I’m so glad we could bring your Irish adventure to life! I’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Ken; he’ll be delighted to hear it. Wishing you all the best until next time!

Slán go fóill! (Bye for now!)
Adrian

Seamless and an intentionally built itinerary for two friends!
Ireland | Sep 10 - Sep 18, 2025

Amanda
Amanda Q.
Hunts Point, NY | Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025
Adrian was a delight to work with, and he nailed our goals for this friends trip. Neither of us had been to Ireland before and were overwhelmed with the many options to choose from. Do we take trains or rent a car? Hotels or B&Bs? Cliffs of Moher or one of the other many cliffs? This castle or the ruins of that monastery? Etcetera. He navigated our needs for authentic experiences without the overly touristy spots filled with buses and selfie sticks. While we love the history of a... Read more

Adrian was a delight to work with, and he nailed our goals for this friends trip. Neither of us had been to Ireland before and were overwhelmed with the many options to choose from. Do we take trains or rent a car? Hotels or B&Bs? Cliffs of Moher or one of the other many cliffs? This castle or the ruins of that monastery? Etcetera. He navigated our needs for authentic experiences without the overly touristy spots filled with buses and selfie sticks. While we love the history of a country/city/place, we didn't need constant tour guides or tour groups, and he nailed that goal to create a unique experience without feeling overly lonely or overly crowded throughout the trip. We spent 9 days, traveling the entire country, including a day and a half in Belfast and to the Giant's Causeway. The experiences he set up for us were an absolute delight, and his recommendations and timeline throughout the journey were great. Of course, we wish we had 3-5 more days to explore a little further, but we have no regrets in terms of what we were able to fit in. One of our excursions was a boat trip to Skellig Michael, which was canceled due to weather. We reached out as soon as we learned about it, and requested some other options. What are the good, better or best options that we could replace it with. He gave us some great suggestions that we never would have come up with on our own looking online, and we had a great time doing the alternative (e-bikes through the Gap of Dunloe - stunning views!!).

Local specialist: Adrian Murphy
Adrian
Adrian Murphy
Local specialist in France | Replied on Sep 21, 2025

Hey Amanda!

I’m absolutely delighted tha you and Tania had such a good time. Putting together your trip actually made me a bit homesick if I’m being totally honest!. I’m thrilled to hear the experience was fairly well balanced over all. Skellig Michael was definitely a pain but sure look, we can save that for when you come back to make up those “extra 3-5 days” next time!

Slán go fóill! (Bye for now!)
Adrian