Profile photo for Claire Monfray
2869 messages
active 2 mins ago

Claire Monfray

Born and raised in France I grew up in a multicultural family. Passionate for languages, I realised later that this passion had for roots my will to connect with other people and cultures. This passion brought me for 10 years of my life in Ireland, and in a "3-year 4-continent" trip

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in the Ireland, the UK and France. The activities I focus on are a high-end selection of private guides and lodgings. I adore sharing activities and experiences"

How did you get involved in travel?

"It all started with a year of studies at Aberdeen University in Scotland!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"While traveling in Malaysia I met a lovely lady from New Zealand at a cafe. We talked for 20 minutes max and connected on Facebook without real expectations. Almost a year after, when I went traveling in New Zealand she invited me to visit her family. I discovered amazing Picton region and spent 10 memorable days with her family learning about rugby, everything about Mustang car and horse racing, hikes in the Abel Tasman... "

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Claire

Dublin and Beyond
Ireland | Jan 2 - Jan 13, 2024

H
Heather M.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 26, 2024
Claire, our kimkim guide curated an amazing holiday for me and my partner. Highlights included an e-bike cycle on the Waterford greenbelt, something we thoroughly enjoyed and would never have thought of doing. Clair organized a drive to help us see the countryside around Cork. The drive through Kinsale, Cobh and to Blarney Castle was lovely, but even more interesting was talking with our driver about life and politics in Ireland. We were able to spend time with a local, getting a local's... Read more

Claire, our kimkim guide curated an amazing holiday for me and my partner. Highlights included an e-bike cycle on the Waterford greenbelt, something we thoroughly enjoyed and would never have thought of doing. Clair organized a drive to help us see the countryside around Cork. The drive through Kinsale, Cobh and to Blarney Castle was lovely, but even more interesting was talking with our driver about life and politics in Ireland. We were able to spend time with a local, getting a local's perspective. Thank you Claire and kimkim!

Hotel Reviews
Trinity Townhouse
Dublin

We spent 7 nights ant Trinity Townhouse. The location was perfect - we could walk to everything we wanted to see. The breakfast that was included was exceptional. The hotel staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. I would recommend this hotel!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Granville Hotel

The hotel was charming and well located, the hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. I would recommend this hotel!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clayton Hotel Cork City
cork

We spent 2 nights at Clayton Hotel. The location was perfect - we spent half a day walking around and visiting sights and enjoying the restaurants.. The hotel staff were always available with friendly help and advice. I would recommend this hotel!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Ross
killarney

The location of The Ross was perfect - the national park was across the street and we spent half a day walking around. The hotel staff were friendly and help and helpful. I would recommend this hotel!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
 Discover Portmarnock beach
Discover Portmarnock beach
Ireland

We spent a few hours at Howth. I am so glad out KimKim guide put this on the agenda. We loved getting out of Dublin and exploring the outskirts, eating superb fish and chips. Definitely a highlight of our trip.

Quality of Experience
Extended Killarney National Park walk, private guided tours with local guide.
Extended Killarney National Park walk, private guided tours with local guide.
Killarney

We really enjoyed having a local walk us through the park. We saw parts of the park that were lovely and we would have missed had we done this on our own.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide knew every nook and cranny in the park.
Discover Blarney, Kinsale and Cobh
Discover Blarney, Kinsale and Cobh
Cork

This day trip was one of the highlights of our trip. Our guide was knowledgeable and was happy to discuss life, culture and politics in Ireland. Kinsale and Cobh were lovely, and Blarney Castle was interesting, but the real highlight was the conversation with our guide. Thank you!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin ( small group)
Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin ( small group)
Dublin

We enjoyed spending a few hours seeing the Atlantic side of Ireland. We stopped at a couple of places along the way that were also interesting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We thought the lable small group was a bit misleading. The bus capacity was 39, which is smaller than a coach that seats 55, but I wouldn't call this a small group tour.
Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Jan 26, 2024

Greetings Heather,

Thank you for choosing us and being such great travelers. Also, a big thanks for the 5-star review of your tailor-made trip. I'm delighted to hear that you had a good time cycling in Waterford and exploring Cork and its surroundings.

Take care and stay in touch!

Claire

Ireland - just the 2 of us!!!
Ireland | Sep 6 - Sep 16, 2023

Paul
Paul E.
Huntington Station, NY | Reviewed on Dec 03, 2023
What an amazing experience. My wife and I were seeking a trip off the beaten path where we could direct our destinations. We didn’t want to get on and off tour bus or be places on a schedule. In stepped Clare and Stephen who just kicked major butt for us.(that’s an American idiom for they did a fantastic job). Over the course of 11 days we stayed at eight different hotels and castles, drove 1200 miles, and truly understood what it feels like to be a part of Ireland. Of particular... Read more

What an amazing experience. My wife and I were seeking a trip off the beaten path where we could direct our destinations. We didn’t want to get on and off tour bus or be places on a schedule. In stepped Clare and Stephen who just kicked major butt for us.(that’s an American idiom for they did a fantastic job). Over the course of 11 days we stayed at eight different hotels and castles, drove 1200 miles, and truly understood what it feels like to be a part of Ireland.

Of particular highlight is the hike up the other side, the non-tourist side, of the cliffs of Moher as guided by our farmer, friend, and his sidekick historian. Close to the edge is the only way to experience this and to understand it’s connection to Ireland.

One cloudy day, Clare arranged a bike rental on Achill Island. We picked up the bikes in the back of a bed-and-breakfast. Then rode and rode. we saw a surprise Banksy. We stopped for lunch and a pint to watch an Irish World Cup rugby match.(the locals helped us with the rules.).

As properly guided, we’re glad we saw Dublin, but it didn’t hold a candle to the rest of the country. The majesty and the joy was everywhere else.

We drank pints of Guinness and local brew. Enjoyed our whiskey and watched it being distilled in Dingle.

We are adventurous, and Clare was right there, helping fertilize our desire to discover. We will take another trip and will do it with Kim Kim. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience.

Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Dec 08, 2023

I am absolutely chuffed to bits reading your review—thank you so much!

I am beyond delighted that you had as much fun discovering Ireland as we did working on your trip plan. My passion for this country is boundless, and knowing that I've played a part in igniting that spark in you brings me immense satisfaction.

Taking the time for that first call, where you opened up about yourself and your project, was a highlight. From that very moment, I knew that for the adventurers you are, the direction was undeniably west 😉. Sláinte to more exciting journeys ahead!

All was organized well we enjoyed everything ...
Ireland | Oct 11 - Oct 24, 2023

Barbara
Barbara B.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2023
All was organized well we enjoyed everything and everywhere we stayed! Read more

All was organized well we enjoyed everything and everywhere we stayed!

Hotel Review
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

Excellent location and breakfast! All stays were good but band B tramore bed too small for two larger people. Also be good to make travellers aware of chance of pick pocket as we were on our tour in city center

Authenticity & Character
Location
Across street from bus to inner city to connect with other means
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Claire Monfray

Ireland and Scotland our way
Ireland | Oct 12 - Oct 24, 2023

Sandra
Sandra D.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2023
My husband and I had a fabulous trip to Ireland and Scotland thanks to my specialists for each country, Claire and Justine. They discussed our wish list with us to create a perfect excursion. We are foodies and wanted to see all the places that make each country special and they delivered a perfect itinerary. We wanted to stay in unique venues that included great food and convenient locations and that's exactly what we got. We also wanted to be independent, yet get see all the sites so we... Read more

My husband and I had a fabulous trip to Ireland and Scotland thanks to my specialists for each country, Claire and Justine. They discussed our wish list with us to create a perfect excursion. We are foodies and wanted to see all the places that make each country special and they delivered a perfect itinerary. We wanted to stay in unique venues that included great food and convenient locations and that's exactly what we got. We also wanted to be independent, yet get see all the sites so we traveled by rental car, train and tour buses depending on what would be best for each location. We definitely feel we got to know each country and all their wonderful food, history and beautiful landscapes. I never could have put together a plan on my own as amazing as this trip. Both specialist were there to help with any questions and information along the way, so we always had support throughout the journey. THANK YOU Claire and Justine!

Hotel Reviews
Castle Hotel
Dublin

The service was great and the room clean and an comfortable. There were two different choices for breakfast - continental and full service menu and both restaurants were good with friendly service. It is conveniently located in Dublin on the bus line which is easier to get around than driving and parking a car. It was a unique and fun place to stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rivermount House
Kinsale

Wonderful B&B with amazing views and gourmet breakfast. Our room was very clean and comfortable. The staff are very friendly and the service was great. It's a bit out of town, but worth the few km/mile drive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location if you have a vehicle or can use Uber. Free parking.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Hyde Hotel
Galway

The room was clean and comfortable and the service was great. We loved the breakfast that included anything you could want in the morning. It's a great way to start your day of exploring Galway and the area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel du Vin
Glasgow

What a great place to stay in Glasgow. The service is great and our room was beautiful and comfortable. If you love old architecture of grand old homes, you'll love Hotel du Vin. There's a lovely small bar and restaurant that was perfect after a day of touring. The gourmet breakfast in the morning was awesome.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackfriars Hotel
Inverness

This is a unique place to stay that had good food and evening entertainment. The room was clean and comfortable and staff was great. A wonderful spot to stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tigerlily
Edinburgh

We loved this hotel. It has a ton of character and the restaurant and bar was amazing with great gourmet choices and an unbelievable choice of drinks. Our room was awesome with all the amenities that included a breakfast. It was roomy and comfortable that made it a great place for the end of our trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Oct 27, 2023

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review and share your feedback!
Justine and I loved working with you nailing the ideal trip for you and Robert.

We wish you the very best and hope to you again!
Claire & Justine

Excellent choisi for planning a trip to Ireland
Ireland | Sep 26 - Oct 2, 2023

D
David K.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on Oct 03, 2023
Claire did a nice job of adjusting our trip to our needs. Each place we stayed had charm and character. Had never been to Ireland, so we were not sure where to go and what to see, in the 8 days we were here. Read more

Claire did a nice job of adjusting our trip to our needs. Each place we stayed had charm and character. Had never been to Ireland, so we were not sure where to go and what to see, in the 8 days we were here.

Hotel Reviews
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

great old Irish charm. Nice breakfast included. Close to walk to points of interest

Authenticity & Character
Traditional hotel/Bar
Location
Close proximity and safe to walk at night
Staff
language barrier and instead of taking care of a plumbing problem, questioned our use of such fixture.
Cleanliness & Comfort
beds very comfortable
Cannaway House B&B
Macroom

Very charming and quiet location in the hills of a farm (horses) in the hills of Macroom co. Beds are smaller, WIFI is terrible., our shower was a capsule, which made us feel claustrophobic . Owners were very nice and helpful with dining recommendations. The charm and comfort overtook the inconvenience. Traditional irish breakfast was very good.

Authenticity & Character
The family, The home and the armlike surroundings
Location
Make sure you take the shortest route from the main road. Our garmin took us many miles through muddy, narrow, back roads.
Staff
Great hosts
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Victoria Hotel
Killarney

One of the best hotels wee stayed in Ireland. Close and far enough from downtown Killareny. Easy cab ride. Clean, great room (and shower pressure, OMG). Excellent food in the restaurant and breakfast area. Great bar area. Extremely comfortable beds and rooms. Staff was excellent and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
less than 1 mile to town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clontarf Castle Hotel
Dublin

Charming, but did not feel like we were living in a castle. The rooms were ok, but, smaller and resourceful. A little distance from downtown area. It happened to be very busy (there was a wedding going on), so the staff was overcome and trying their best.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Entry into the Emigration Museum EPIC
Entry into the Emigration Museum EPIC
Dublin

Great place to learn about the History of Ireland.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
House of Waterford
House of Waterford
Ireland

Pretty cool place to tour and learn and watch the crystal production as its being done.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Blarney castle and kiss the stone
Visit Blarney castle and kiss the stone
Ireland

Not quite what I expected. The grounds and Castle were amazing. The wait and process of "kissing the stone" are not quite what we expected. Google it to see. Some people were afraid and claustrophobic of the process. Most everyone there, young and old did it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
big parking area
Guided Visit of Cork city Gaol ( Former Prison in Ireland)
Guided Visit of Cork city Gaol ( Former Prison in Ireland)
Cork

Very interesting self guided tour. They have kept the original building in good shape and it was worth a stop. The town has many great restaurants and taverns. We had a fun time at Oliver Plunkett for dinner and music.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit of Bantry house and Garden
Visit of Bantry house and Garden
Ireland

A great place to tour. You could just feel like you were stepping back in time, while visiting each room of this well restored home. It was very rainy the day we went, but still toured the gardens and climbed the steps for the water view.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guided Killarney National Park Walking Tour
Guided Killarney National Park Walking Tour
Killarney

We were lucky with our guide, Mike. A local who loves to walk and chat about the history of the largest park (he said in the world). 26,000 acres. we did about a 3 mile hike and learned more about the town and the royals who owned the park.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party
Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party
Dublin

This was a highlight of our trip. The dinner was very good. I would order the Salmon or Chicken. The show was outstanding. The band leader was informative and funny, and the talent of each individual was great.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Self-Guided Guinness Storehouse Experience
Self-Guided Guinness Storehouse Experience
Dublin

Pretty cool and interesting, even if you are not a beer drinker. Very touristy and busy the day we went. Our tickets included a complimentary pint of beer in the gravity room atop the the building. Great city views and information on the windows.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
self guided, but, they had staff everywhere to direct you
Transport
free parking
Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Oct 04, 2023

Hi David,

A massive thank you for the review & feedback you have left for us.

It was an absolute pleasure working with you on this trip and I'm delighted that you enjoyed the activities we found for you!

Wishing the 3 of you all the best & hoping to see you again in the future.

Claire