Profile photo for Austin Rock
4208 messages

Austin Rock

Being Irish I love Ireland! I have travelled a lot, I only see the good in people I have always enjoyed meeting others. Irish roots go very deep, I love our unique culture, our long history, our food, our warmth and our openess to other peoples and I am always amazed by our incredible scenery. I love talking about and sharing Ireland with visitors and guests enriching their visit enhancing their own unique experience. My travel philosophy is that travel should enrich your human experience with something unique so I'm excited about giving that with our visitors and guests. There are three ancient words in Irish that describe my travel philosophy, Céad míle fáilte (100,000 welcomes), Sláinte (a toast to a persons health) and Slán (A wish of happiness at parting).

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Cultural and historical visits, castle and ancient archealogical sites, self-drive road trips, walking tours, Kayaking, hiking and biking, music, whiskey, beer, relaxation and having a good time. Or maybe a combination of them all! Always stick to the path, that you wish to travel!"

How did you get involved in travel?

"I worked in graphic design for a few years before I went to work in Berlin and New York in various bars. I enjoyed the interactions and the amazing places and people I got to meet. I returned to Ireland worked for years in IT, but I was always interested in Irish History and especially its unique genealogy. I worked part-time at Genealogy for years, researching, organising family trips and helping then to reconnect with Irish roots in a very personal way. From there I moved into tour guiding especially walking tours for small and large groups. Through that work I was introduced to Carroll's Tours and I found likeminded people passionate about what they do and what I have to offer and it has been a wonderful experience."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Travelling in Portugal when in my teens with my future wife, I was on a train in rural Portugal. The train broke down, passengers were all sitting in the baking heat. A familiy where sitting nearby one of their small children a little girl came with a tray, two small cups of expresso, glasses of water and delicious cake. No words exchanged, no money asked for, just some local people looking after travellers. I have never forgotten that act of kindness."

Austin is part of the following groups: Ireland Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Austin

Austin did a nice job helping us plan our tri...
Ireland | Apr 7 - Apr 14, 2023

L
Laurie i.
Middletown, CT | Reviewed on Apr 16, 2023
Austin did a nice job helping us plan our trip. His suggestion were good. We really enjoyed Leap Castle and had the pleasure of meeting the owner. He even played a song for us. Read more

Austin did a nice job helping us plan our trip. His suggestion were good. We really enjoyed Leap Castle and had the pleasure of meeting the owner. He even played a song for us.

Hotel Review
Bonnington Drumcondra Dublin
Dublin

The hotel was not very clean and the showers did not work very well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Replied on Apr 18, 2023

Hi Laurie, Thank you for taking the time to write a review I really appreciate it. Always good to know what hotels work and do not. I won't be using the Bonnington Hotel again.
Its especially irrating as it was the last night. Thank you for the review it really does help.
Regards,
Austin

Quaint countrysides, endless Guinness, and Irish hospitality
Ireland | Mar 3 - Mar 10, 2023

Madison
Madison K.
North Charleston, SC | Reviewed on Mar 12, 2023
We had an amazing trip in Ireland. Austin Rock is very kind & knowledgable and took us on a tour of Dublin on our first day. He did great with picking places to stay and visit based on our desire to see as much of Ireland and its beautiful landscapes we could in a span on 7 days. Quaint countrysides, endless Guinness, and Irish hospitality. Memories for a lifetime! Read more

We had an amazing trip in Ireland. Austin Rock is very kind & knowledgable and took us on a tour of Dublin on our first day. He did great with picking places to stay and visit based on our desire to see as much of Ireland and its beautiful landscapes we could in a span on 7 days. Quaint countrysides, endless Guinness, and Irish hospitality. Memories for a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews
Cassidy's Hotel City Centre
Dublin
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Old Bank Townhouse Kinsale
Kinsale

Great hotel. Their Irish breakfast was the best we had!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Randles Hotel Killarney
Co. Kerry
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Harbour Hotel
Galway
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Monks Inn & Famous Restaurant

The best place we stayed by far. Has a lot of character and charm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Dublin Walking Tour, Trinity Book of Kells & Christchurch Cathedral
Dublin Walking Tour, Trinity Book of Kells & Christchurch Cathedral
Dublin

Austin was a great tour guide of Ireland. Great start to the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Replied on Mar 15, 2023

Thank you so much Madison, I enjoyed the walk around Dublin and it pleases me so much you had a wonderful time. The pictures are a terrific memory and you have a great eye for taking a picture. The images are a perfect advertisement for just having a great time. Maybe sometime in the future we will meet again.

We are so thrilled!
Ireland | Dec 27 - Jan 5, 2023

Libby
Libby B.
La Vista, NE | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2023
We are so thrilled with the trip Austin planned and organized for us! We were struggling to plan on our own logistically and he put together an itinerary that made perfect sense. He booked wonderful places to stay and booked our car too. When we got to Dublin he met us and gave us a 2 hour walking tour of the city. I plan to hopefully use him again when my family takes a trip to Ireland! Read more

We are so thrilled with the trip Austin planned and organized for us! We were struggling to plan on our own logistically and he put together an itinerary that made perfect sense. He booked wonderful places to stay and booked our car too. When we got to Dublin he met us and gave us a 2 hour walking tour of the city. I plan to hopefully use him again when my family takes a trip to Ireland!

Hotel Review
Ballyseede Castle
Co. Kerry

We had an amazing experience here! The room was huge and beautiful. The service was amazing. The food was the best we had in Ireland! Perfect castle experience.

Authenticity & Character
Historically preserved castle but modern like rooms
Location
Staff
Staff was accommodating and great service!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Replied on Jan 13, 2023

Hi Libby it was great working with you but even better meeting you and Luke it was a really enjoyable evening. I am delighted you enjoyed your trip.
Regards,
Austin

We did a 10 classic trip planned by Austin, t...
Ireland | Sep 7 - Sep 17, 2022

Nikki
Nikki G.
Aurora, CO | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2022
We did a 10 classic trip planned by Austin, to see as much as we could. We stayed mostly near the coast and had an amazing time! Some of our favorite spots were the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle. The Cliff's of Moher and The Dingle Peninsula.
We started talking and planning this trip with Austin in January and visiting Ireland in September. The summer crowds had died down and we got to enjoy not being rushed or waiting in lines. We were in constant contact with Austin. At one point we...
Read more

We did a 10 classic trip planned by Austin, to see as much as we could. We stayed mostly near the coast and had an amazing time! Some of our favorite spots were the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle. The Cliff's of Moher and The Dingle Peninsula.
We started talking and planning this trip with Austin in January and visiting Ireland in September. The summer crowds had died down and we got to enjoy not being rushed or waiting in lines. We were in constant contact with Austin. At one point we added 2 nights in order to see Northern Ireland and Austin was able to adjust the entire itinerary to meet our request. We're so glad we added northern Ireland! This was an amazing trip and wonderful experience and I would love to go back someday!

Hotel Reviews
The 1852 Hotel
Belfast

A little impersonal. We checked in via a key pad. There's a bar directly below the hotel. Although that's convenient, it was an all night party and mostly young people. Fun atmosphere but a little impersonal.

Authenticity & Character
Location
This hotel is located right in the city. Down side is we had to park in a neighborhood and drag our bags a few blocks.
Staff
Lacking
Cleanliness & Comfort
Serendipity House Guesthouse
Derry

Very welcoming, comforting and friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
We were able to walk to dinner and the Peace Bridge.
Staff
The staff was very friendly and welcoming.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Harbour View
Co. Clare

After a very cold cloudy drizzling day out at the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, we checked into this charming, welcoming, comfortable B and B. They knew who we were when we walked in. Called us a cab to take us to the pubs. Provided the most delicious breakfast. We had the French toast. Very kind and friendly family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dingle Harbour Lodge B&B
Dingle Town, Co. Kerry

When we arrived the receptionist was nothing but rude. She told us we were at the wrong hotel and that we didn't have a reservation. Her coworker was able to find the reservation for us. Then she put down the wrong room numbers for our breakfast reservation the next morning.

Authenticity & Character
Lacking charm and character
Location
Near town and near the harbor.
Staff
Our breakfast wait staff were helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bathroom was a little dingy and gross
The Brehon
Killarney

Beautiful hotel in a great location! This was the only hotel we stayed in that offered spa, and pool options.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Isaacs Cork City Hotel
Cork

The hotel looked beautiful in the pictures but it's located right in a busy town. We had to pay $26 to park on a car port. Dragging our luggage several blocks. Our room was small and very hot and stuffy. The bathroom is tiny.

Authenticity & Character
I was more impressed with the pictures than the actual experience.
Location
Very loud and busy
Staff
Wait staff and reception was extremely friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean but our room was hot and stuffy.
Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Replied on Sep 23, 2022

Hi Nikki,
Delighted you had a great time despite some of the irratations you encountered. I certainly appreciate your reviews of hotels this is so important for us and travellers following you.
I am sure if and when you come again you will ahve a much better idea of what it is you would like to see and do. You have all been so patient ideal travellers and it is annoying that some hotels let you down. But as I say this information is vital to us. It was wonderful workign with you.
Slán,
Austin

Dingle was my favorite place except for the c...
Ireland | Sep 7 - Sep 17, 2022

J
Joan G.
Erie, CO | Reviewed on Sep 18, 2022
Dingle was my favorite place except for the customer service at our hotel.
Doolin was the best for service. She knew our names when we walked in the door and she served the best breakfast of the trip.
My favorite hotel was The Brehon.
Ballyseede Castle was a little disappointing and I would not go to Cork at all if I could change anything. My favorite dinner was at The 1852 Hotel in Belfast.
Read more

Dingle was my favorite place except for the customer service at our hotel.
Doolin was the best for service. She knew our names when we walked in the door and she served the best breakfast of the trip.
My favorite hotel was The Brehon.
Ballyseede Castle was a little disappointing and I would not go to Cork at all if I could change anything. My favorite dinner was at The 1852 Hotel in Belfast.

Hotel Review
Harbour View
Co. Clare

The owner knew our names when we walked in. She served the BEST breakfast and was very personable. She arranged a cab for us to go to the pub that night and was full of helpful suggestions. She definitely gets a five star rating from me!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was like a home away from home.
Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Replied on Sep 22, 2022

Hi Joan,
Appreciate your review and at times your patience particularly the wrong booking in Spiddal but you took that really well. Thank you so much for the review.
Austin

Ireland fall trip
Ireland | Sep 2 - Sep 9, 2022

Julie
Julie H.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Sep 11, 2022
We spent nine days in Ireland with everything planned and booked by Austin. It was a great trip! The location of all of our hotels was perfect. He had great recommendations for sites to see and restaurants to check out. We had no problems with anything. I would highly recommend working with Austin and Kimkim. We will definitely be using Kimkim in the future. It was so nice to work with a local travel agent when traveling international. Read more

We spent nine days in Ireland with everything planned and booked by Austin. It was a great trip! The location of all of our hotels was perfect. He had great recommendations for sites to see and restaurants to check out. We had no problems with anything. I would highly recommend working with Austin and Kimkim. We will definitely be using Kimkim in the future. It was so nice to work with a local travel agent when traveling international.

Hotel Review
Doolin Inn
Doolin, Co. Clare

This was such a great location for Cliffs of Moher. We left our hotel and hit the trail that was two minutes away. Easy walk to restaurants and pub as well. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend Doolin Inn if in the area. Rooms were wll equiped with everything you could need. The view from our room was picturesque.

Authenticity & Character
Location
very close to restaurants, pubs, and Cliffs of Moher
Staff
The lady at the front desk was so helpful and friendly. Answered all our questions and made sure we had everything we needed.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Clare Hike, Doolin to Lahinch via Cliffs of Moher
Clare Hike, Doolin to Lahinch via Cliffs of Moher
Ireland

Highly recommend the 2.5 mile hike that lives from Doolin Inn. We were the only people on the trail. The views the entire hike were breath taking. The trail is well maintained and easy for hikers of all levels.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Replied on Sep 12, 2022

Thats Julie and I am glad you enjoyed not just the great hotel but the location and got to see the beauty of the Cliffs from a unique aspect. Looking forward to your next trip!!

8 Day / 5 Towns Self Driving Tour of Ireland
Ireland | Aug 12 - Aug 19, 2022

J
Jenny L.
Brookline, MA | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2022
Austin Rock was friendly and helpful in booking our hotel accommodations and making recommendations for historical sites to visit along the route we were driving, and sites and restaurants in the cities/towns of our trip.
Trip Highlights:
Visiting Hore Abbey in Cashel in the golden hour and taking some amazing pictures at the site and of the Rock of Cashel in the distance.
The tour of Aillwee Cave in the Burren was very interesting and a great way to learn about the geography of the...
Read more

Austin Rock was friendly and helpful in booking our hotel accommodations and making recommendations for historical sites to visit along the route we were driving, and sites and restaurants in the cities/towns of our trip.
Trip Highlights:
Visiting Hore Abbey in Cashel in the golden hour and taking some amazing pictures at the site and of the Rock of Cashel in the distance.
The tour of Aillwee Cave in the Burren was very interesting and a great way to learn about the geography of the region.
Walking along the Cliffs of Moher, no matter how short a walk you take, is definitely a must do. Great tour of Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin. FYI: tours are fully booked for about 2 weeks into the future but they release additional tickets every morning around 9:15 AM and also you can walk up and get tickets.

Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Replied on Aug 23, 2022

Hi Jenny,
Thak you for the review I appreciate it and your tips have all been noted. Hore Abbey is indeed a superb under rated location espeically in the evening time.
Again lovely working with you and appreciate this review.
Regards,
Austin

Excellent advice!
Ireland | Jul 4 - Jul 10, 2022

A
Alexis C.
Nicetown-Tioga, PA | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2022

Excellent advice!

Austin helped us find very good hotels for our group of seven. Excellent advice on touring and distance between locations.

Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Replied on Aug 03, 2022

Thank you Alexis for the kind words, it was very easy dealing with you and your party.
Take care Austin

This was the first time I’ve used a trip plan...
Ireland | Jul 6 - Jul 14, 2022

C
Candace N.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 15, 2022

This was the first time I’ve used a trip planning service and it was a great experience. Austin provided us with the perfect itinerary for our family and gave some great insider tips to make it extra special. Will definitely use KimKim again!

Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Replied on Aug 03, 2022

Hi Candace,
I am delighted you enjoyed your trip it was fun putting it together appreciate the kind words.
Austin

A trip of a lifetime!! With gracious attention and hospitality!!
Ireland | Jun 26 - Jul 7, 2022

V
Val H.
Portland, OR | Reviewed on Jul 14, 2022
From beginning to end, the planning of this memorable trip and our experiences of it were over the top! My husband planned the trip with Austin who was attentive to EVERY SINGLE DETAIL. As we became clearer on how we wanted to experience Ireland, Austin pivoted graciously to create just the perfect vacation experience for us. From car rental to places we stayed to helping us navigate Dublin (all during the Covid times) Austin regularly checked in on us and made sure we were happy. He even... Read more

From beginning to end, the planning of this memorable trip and our experiences of it were over the top! My husband planned the trip with Austin who was attentive to EVERY SINGLE DETAIL. As we became clearer on how we wanted to experience Ireland, Austin pivoted graciously to create just the perfect vacation experience for us. From car rental to places we stayed to helping us navigate Dublin (all during the Covid times) Austin regularly checked in on us and made sure we were happy. He even gave us a private little tour of some of the museums!!! His gracious hospitality should make Dublin proud!!
Some of the most memorable places we stayed were The Wyatt Hotel in Westport, such a beautiful town on the western coast of Ireland and in Kilkenny, at The Kilkenny Hiberian Hotel. These are locations we will return to on our next trip to Ireland, although there is so much to see and explore there. Rest assured we will contact kimkim and request Austin again. Thanks for a fabulous experience Austin!!

Hotel Reviews
Wyatt Hotel Westport
Westport

This hotel is in the center of this lovely little town. We just loved being able to walk out the door to explore. We had a large, very comfortable room and loved the fact that a large Irish breakfast was included in the price of the stay.

Authenticity & Character
This town has tons of character -- loved all of the shops and cafes
Location
The hotel is in the heart of Westport and you can walk around the town easily.
Staff
Gracious in every way.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We LOVED the fact that we could also send out laundry as we were traveling from location to location. A bonus!
Winacre Lodge Galways
Galway

Phil and her husband were the epitome of graciousness. We loved our room at their lovely B&B and all the recommendations Phil gave us for making our experience so lovely.

Authenticity & Character
This location, their B&B is their lifework. They've been running this B&B since 1992 so know Galway, it's surrounds and all that there is to offer.
Location
This location is outside of Galway but we actually loved the fact that it was quiet and not in the center of the busy busy town.
Staff
Phil and her husband made delicious custom breakfasts every morning. Being with others from around the world who were staying there was also a bonus.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was comfortable and spotless!
Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Replied on Aug 03, 2022

Hi Val, appreciate your really kind words, this year has been a challenge (pos covid etc) but meeting people like yourself make it all worthwhile.
Take care and thanks again.
Austin