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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

Claire did an amazing job of helping us plan ...
Ireland | Sep 18 - Oct 9, 2024

Cricket
Cricket H.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 10, 2024
Claire did an amazing job of helping us plan our trip. Every reservation was exactly as she said it would be. Not only did she do a great job with the itinerary before we left, she also touched base with us on the trip to make sure all was going well. Having spent 40 years in the travel business, I was extremely pleased with her attention to details. Dublin transfer to the airport to pick up the car - driver right on time
Car Rental - Europcar was good
Titanic Experience in Belfast -...
Read more

Claire did an amazing job of helping us plan our trip. Every reservation was exactly as she said it would be. Not only did she do a great job with the itinerary before we left, she also touched base with us on the trip to make sure all was going well. Having spent 40 years in the travel business, I was extremely pleased with her attention to details.

Dublin transfer to the airport to pick up the car - driver right on time
Car Rental - Europcar was good
Titanic Experience in Belfast - interesting
Taxi Tour in Belfast - Paul was very informative
Ferry to Rathlin Island - perfect and they allowed us to return early
Bogside History Tour in Derry - very interesting and informative. Sorry, but I cannot remember his name.
Hotels: Excellent other than the Warren in Belfast. The Warren was quirky but not my favorite. Loved the Ghan House
Dinners: Land to Sea in Dingle - wonderful

Hotel Reviews
Heatons Guesthouse
Dingle

The hotel is on the edge of town, but an easy walk into town to the restaurants. The room was large and comfortable with a sea view. I appreciated the hot tea and chocolate cake when we checked in!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ghan House Hotel

The Ghan House is lovely as is the staff. The dinner was very good. We needed an earlier breakfast than what is normally served, and it was no problem. This was definitely one of our favorite hotels during a 23 night trip!

Authenticity & Character
Felt like stepping back in time.
Location
Five minute walk from the town.
Staff
Everyone was very friendly and accommodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Land to Sea : Michelin Recommended dining
Land to Sea : Michelin Recommended dining
Dingle Town

Absolutely exquisite!

Quality of Experience
Belfast Political Taxi Tour
Belfast Political Taxi Tour
Belfast

Very interesting. It was interesting to see the Irish side of the "Troubles". It was not always the same as what we were seeing in the U.S.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Great London Taxi
Guided Bogside History Walking Tour
Guided Bogside History Walking Tour
Londonderry (Derry)

We spent two days in Derry. Did this tour on the first day. It was an eye opener for an American.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking tour
Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Oct 11, 2024
Hi Cricket, Thank you so much for your kind words and detailed feedback! I’m thrilled to hear that everything went smoothly and that the trip lived up to your expectations. It means a lot to know that someone with your extensive travel experience was pleased with the arrangements. I truly enjoyed helping you plan this adventure! I appreciate your thoughts on the Warren in Belfast—it's always helpful to hear this kind of feedback for future trips. I’m glad to hear you loved Ghan House and... Read more

Hi Cricket,

Thank you so much for your kind words and detailed feedback! I’m thrilled to hear that everything went smoothly and that the trip lived up to your expectations. It means a lot to know that someone with your extensive travel experience was pleased with the arrangements. I truly enjoyed helping you plan this adventure!

I appreciate your thoughts on the Warren in Belfast—it's always helpful to hear this kind of feedback for future trips. I’m glad to hear you loved Ghan House and that the experiences like the Bogside History Tour and Land to Sea in Dingle stood out!

Thanks again for your trust and for sharing your experience. I hope we can work together on more adventures in the future!

Wishing you all the best,
Claire & High Point Holidays team

Ireland’s Highlights
Ireland | Sep 28 - Oct 4, 2024

Mary
Mary N.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 06, 2024
Everything was carefully planned and coordinated by Claire and her teammates. Our fairly robust itinerary went smoothly and included walking food tours, e-bike tours, guided hikes, a visit to an island, a boat tour of a lake, and an hidden gems tour and more. The guides on the tours were informative and entertaining. The 3 private drivers were friendly and competent and made our 4 + hours of travel time pass quickly with their stories, etc. Read more

Everything was carefully planned and coordinated by Claire and her teammates. Our fairly robust itinerary went smoothly and included walking food tours, e-bike tours, guided hikes, a visit to an island, a boat tour of a lake, and an hidden gems tour and more. The guides on the tours were informative and entertaining. The 3 private drivers were friendly and competent and made our 4 + hours of travel time pass quickly with their stories, etc.

Hotel Reviews
Skeffington Arms Hotel
Galway
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Randles Hotel Killarney
Co. Kerry
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Fleet
Dublin
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Guided Killarney National Park Walking Tour
Guided Killarney National Park Walking Tour
Killarney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Galway Food Tour
Galway Food Tour
Galway
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Killarney boat tour
Killarney boat tour
Ireland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour
Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour
Dublin
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided E-bike Tour Of Galway City
Guided E-bike Tour Of Galway City
Galway
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Ireland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Oct 07, 2024
Hi Mary and Bill, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was truly a pleasure planning your trip, and I’m thrilled to hear that everything went smoothly and that you enjoyed the activities. I’m especially happy to hear that you connected well with the guides and drivers. We have a close relationship with our local suppliers, and they are true professionals, always eager to share the warmth of Irish "Fáilte." I’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to them and the High Point... Read more

Hi Mary and Bill,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was truly a pleasure planning your trip, and I’m thrilled to hear that everything went smoothly and that you enjoyed the activities.

I’m especially happy to hear that you connected well with the guides and drivers. We have a close relationship with our local suppliers, and they are true professionals, always eager to share the warmth of Irish "Fáilte." I’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to them and the High Point Holidays team!

Wishing you both many more incredible adventures, and I’d be happy to assist you whenever you're ready for your next journey.

Warm regards,
Claire & High Point Holidays Team

Fabulous week in Ireland
Ireland | Sep 21 - Sep 29, 2024

colleen
colleen N.
Columbia, SC | Reviewed on Sep 30, 2024
We loved all the hotels where we stayed and the small group guides were excellent
Overall it was a wonderful vacation
We were able to do a lot and see a great variety of what Ireland has to offer
Read more

We loved all the hotels where we stayed and the small group guides were excellent
Overall it was a wonderful vacation
We were able to do a lot and see a great variety of what Ireland has to offer

Hotel Reviews
The Victoria Hotel
Killarney

Excellent choice for a lovely stay in Killarney The service was exceptional ( Maura at the front desk) the accommodations were cozy and high quality. Wonderful location!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cliff House Hotel
Ardmore

Wow! Destination hotel with beautiful views and top notch staff and luxury accommodations. Enjoyed the beautiful cliff walk on our stay Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Oct 03, 2024

Hi Colleen! 😊

Thank you so much for your amazing 5-star review! I’m absolutely thrilled (but not surprised 😉) that you and your group loved The Victoria Hotel and the Cliff House Hotel. It was such a pleasure working with you all, and I’m truly grateful for the trust you placed in us to plan your trip.

I look forward to helping with your future adventures in Europe—don’t hesitate to reach out whenever you’re ready! 🌍✨

Warmest regards,
Claire & the Team of High Point Holidays

FAMILY TRIP TO IRELANS
Ireland | Aug 3 - Aug 13, 2024

B
Barbara O.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
Claire was our travel agent. Can you imagine asking someone to coordinate a family trip with 19 people which included 9 children ranging in ages from 1-15. Claire not only met our expectations but far exceeded our expectations. She coordinated our 10-day trip to southwest Ireland and Dublin. There was something for all ages. Our travel every day was a large motor bus that Claire coordinated along with our daily tours by Claire. She was available at all times if we needed her--we only... Read more

Claire was our travel agent. Can you imagine asking someone to coordinate a family trip with 19 people which included 9 children ranging in ages from 1-15. Claire not only met our expectations but far exceeded our expectations. She coordinated our 10-day trip to southwest Ireland and Dublin. There was something for all ages.

Our travel every day was a large motor bus that Claire coordinated along with our daily tours by Claire. She was available at all times if we needed her--we only called called her once. Our driver, Con, was delightful.

The tours were amazing. Claire listened to our requests and requirements. Her recommendation for restaurants were amazing. We give Claire 5+ Stars. We have used Kim Kim 3 x's in lthe ast two years. We have always had excellent trips kimKim is is great and look forward to our next trip with their amazing advisers.

Hotel Review
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

Excellent for our large family. The breakfast was amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Staff was very efficient and pleasant.
Location
Location was about a mile from Temple Bar but was perfect for large families.
Staff
Attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Lunch at Petronella
Lunch at Petronella
Kilkenny
 Gap of Dunloe Adventure & Lakes of Killarney Day Tour
Gap of Dunloe Adventure & Lakes of Killarney Day Tour
Killarney
Falconry Adventures
Falconry Adventures
Killarney

This was a true highlight for the children.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mark, the owner was terrific
Transport
Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Ireland

Amazing. Kids really enjoyed as much as adults.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Ireland
Visit Blarney castle and kiss the stone
Visit Blarney castle and kiss the stone
Ireland
Private tour to the Ring of Kerry
Private tour to the Ring of Kerry
Killarney

This is a must see for anyone visiting Ireland.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny
Private transfer
Private transfer
Dublin
Private Transfer/Taxi in Town
Private Transfer/Taxi in Town
Ireland
Trinity College Library : The Book of Kells Experience
Trinity College Library : The Book of Kells Experience
Dublin

Book of Kells were lent out.

Self-Guided Guinness Storehouse Experience
Self-Guided Guinness Storehouse Experience
Dublin
The Leprechaun museum
The Leprechaun museum
Dublin

It is not what you expect. It is more. It is very well out together about Irish Folklore. It was amazing.

Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Oct 02, 2024

Hi Barbara and Patrick,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It was truly a pleasure to craft a personalized trip for your family, and I’m incredibly grateful to have contributed to a small part of your family’s travel memories.
All the best,
Claire & High Point Holidays Tean

Local tour guides added to the travel experience
Ireland | Sep 10 - Sep 16, 2024

L
Laura H.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024
I really appreciated have tour guides that where locals. It really added to the experience. Read more

I really appreciated have tour guides that where locals. It really added to the experience.

Hotel Review
Glenlo Abbey

Great staff. Very nice accommodations

Authenticity & Character
The entire place is historic
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Belfast Political Taxi Tour
Belfast Political Taxi Tour
Belfast

Very worthwhile. It's an opportunity to experience history first hand

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Oct 17, 2024
Hi Laura and Lilyan,

Thank you so much for your review! It was truly a pleasure working with you throughout the planning of your trip. I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the taxi tour experience in Belfast—it’s one of my all-time favorites, too!

I noticed you rated us a 3.5/5, and I’d love to hear more about what we could have done to make it a perfect 5/5! Your feedback is invaluable, and we're always striving to improve and deliver the best experiences for our clients. Any additional...
Read more

Hi Laura and Lilyan,

Thank you so much for your review! It was truly a pleasure working with you throughout the planning of your trip. I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the taxi tour experience in Belfast—it’s one of my all-time favorites, too!

I noticed you rated us a 3.5/5, and I’d love to hear more about what we could have done to make it a perfect 5/5! Your feedback is invaluable, and we're always striving to improve and deliver the best experiences for our clients. Any additional details you can share would be incredibly helpful, and we’d be more than happy to chat further if you have the time!

For now, I wish you a wonderful day!

Fanny, Claire & the High Point Holidays Team

Walking in my Ancestors Footsteps
Ireland | Aug 2 - Aug 9, 2024

Patrick
Patrick T.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024
We had a great trip and very much appreciated the work of Claire and kimkim. Our trip needed to be postponed because of a pilot strike at the last minute. We did need to pay some fees, but we did not need to do any of the work. Things that were chosen fit us well. We loved to see so many sites and have a chance to visit with relatives on this trip. I particularly enjoyed going to the pubs in Galway and hearing some Irish music, seeing the Cliffs at Kilkee (the Cliffs of Moher could be... Read more

We had a great trip and very much appreciated the work of Claire and kimkim. Our trip needed to be postponed because of a pilot strike at the last minute. We did need to pay some fees, but we did not need to do any of the work. Things that were chosen fit us well. We loved to see so many sites and have a chance to visit with relatives on this trip.

I particularly enjoyed going to the pubs in Galway and hearing some Irish music, seeing the Cliffs at Kilkee (the Cliffs of Moher could be skipped in my opinion once we walked at Kilkee - many fewer tourists there and a nice restaurant to have breakfast, lunch or a snack at the base), and touring Guinness. We had nice accommodations that fit our budget. We got good recommendations for things to see in Dublin.

If you can find a way to get off the beaten path to meet locals, please do so. I had the wonderful opportunity to visit with cousins I knew and meet some cousins I did not know. They showed us where my ancestors came from and the beauty of the Knockmealdown Mountains where Johnny Cash was inspired to write is song - Forty Shades of Green. Ancestry research had been done by relatives and I will never forget walking in their footsteps.

Hotel Reviews
The Gibson Hotel
Dublin

Loved the accommodations, the breakfast and the closeness to Dublin activities!

Authenticity & Character
Clean, beautiful and modern
Location
Across from 3 Arena and a short tram or taxi from anything you want to see.
Staff
Helpful with any question we had.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The best hotel on our trip through Ireland.
Aherlow House Hotel & Lodges
Aherlow

Cool, hunting-lodge style hotel. Old Europe feel. Loved the bar. Came on hottest day of the year and was still comfortable without air-conditioning.

Hotel Killarney
Killarney

Decent hotel for the money.

The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Galway

Enjoyed this clean and modern hotel. Nice to have a pool, hot tub and sauna.

Activity Reviews
Dublin Food and Drink tour
Dublin Food and Drink tour
Dublin

Loved this so much!

Guided Killarney National Park Walking Tour
Guided Killarney National Park Walking Tour
Killarney

Nice walk, but our guide was a little quieter than I would have liked. More walking than sharing.

Entry into the Emigration Museum EPIC
Entry into the Emigration Museum EPIC
Dublin

Much better experience than I expected. Very interactive and detailed! If you like history and appreciate Irish History, it is a must do!

Killarney boat tour
Killarney boat tour
Ireland

The boat was not what I expected. I liked seeing the monestary, and you need a boat to get there, but not much said by the guides.

Free time in Dublin
Free time in Dublin
Dublin

Did Guinness and a bus tour. Loved Guinness tour, Trinity College and the Walking Tour on the last leg. Not sure if we needed the hop on and hop off tour, but it did give us an overview of the city.

Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Ireland

Center's short experience was not an IMAX experience and my least favorite part of the trip. Walking the Cliffs at Kilkee was so much more beautiful and so many fewer people to see. This might be the one thing in Ireland that I would not do again.

Private transfer
Private transfer
Dublin

Hilarious and friendly!

Small-Group Morning Walking Tour of Galway
Small-Group Morning Walking Tour of Galway
Galway
Trinity College Library : The Book of Kells Experience
Trinity College Library : The Book of Kells Experience
Dublin

They have improved this experience. I might give it a 4.5 because I did not appreciate it as much as all my other experiences, but for some people it would be a 5.

Private Transfer/Taxi in Town
Private Transfer/Taxi in Town
Ireland

Safe and fast.

Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Aug 28, 2024
Hi Patrick, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I’m truly delighted to hear that you had such a memorable trip to Ireland. Your detailed feedback is incredibly valuable, and I’m sure it will resonate with others who, like you, are looking to explore Ireland off the beaten path. I’m glad you enjoyed the Cliffs at Kilkee—it's a hidden gem, and your comparison with the Cliffs of Moher is spot on. The tranquility and charm of Kilkee, especially during peak season, offer a more intimate... Read more

Hi Patrick,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I’m truly delighted to hear that you had such a memorable trip to Ireland. Your detailed feedback is incredibly valuable, and I’m sure it will resonate with others who, like you, are looking to explore Ireland off the beaten path.

I’m glad you enjoyed the Cliffs at Kilkee—it's a hidden gem, and your comparison with the Cliffs of Moher is spot on. The tranquility and charm of Kilkee, especially during peak season, offer a more intimate and equally breathtaking experience.

It’s heartwarming to know that visiting with your relatives and walking in your ancestors' footsteps made your journey even more special. The beauty of the Knockmealdown Mountains and the connection to Johnny Cash's "Forty Shades of Green" must have been truly inspiring.

Thank you again for choosing us to help plan your trip. If you’re ever looking to explore France, the UK, or Italy, we would be thrilled to assist you with another unforgettable adventure.

Warm regards,
Claire & High Point Holidays Team

Claire and Cathy were very helpful, especiall...
Ireland | Aug 2 - Aug 9, 2024

L
Lynn T.
Phoenixville, PA | Reviewed on Aug 27, 2024
Claire and Cathy were very helpful, especially when we had to change travel dates and itineraries. Highlights: Killarney National Park tour, Cliff walk at Kilkee (better than Cliffs of Mohir), Trinity College/Book of Kells, and EPIC. Enjoyed Dinner and Irish dancing at The Church Cafe and Bar which is in a 300 year old church with beautiful stained glass and organ played by Handel. A great trip-Thanks! Read more

Claire and Cathy were very helpful, especially when we had to change travel dates and itineraries. Highlights: Killarney National Park tour, Cliff walk at Kilkee (better than Cliffs of Mohir), Trinity College/Book of Kells, and EPIC. Enjoyed Dinner and Irish dancing at The Church Cafe and Bar which is in a 300 year old church with beautiful stained glass and organ played by Handel. A great trip-Thanks!

Hotel Reviews
The Gibson Hotel
Dublin

It is a bit awkward to have to go up 3 levels to get to the lobby/registration. There are elevators and escalators. Staff very friendly, rooms were good. Location is pretty far from center city.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aherlow House Hotel & Lodges
Aherlow

Charming older hotel in a rather remote, but beautiful setting. Rooms are done in a peeiod fashion, but have modern bathrooms. Cozy bar with friendly bartenders. We loved it.

Hotel Killarney
Killarney
Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Aug 29, 2024

Hi Lynn,

Thank you for your kind words.

We were delighted to make your dream family trip to Ireland come true and hope to welcome back in the near future.

Kind Regards

Claire

Our trip to Ireland was memorable. We enjoyed...
Ireland | Aug 10 - Aug 17, 2024

M
Maureen A.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2024
Our trip to Ireland was memorable. We enjoyed the places that we picked and ones that were recommended. The most interesting and genuine guide was Arthur in Galway! Truly pleasant to walk around the town he grew up in and still resides. Agnes our driver( twice ) was exceptional! She even added a sight to Rock of Cashel which we were grateful to fit in before returning to Dublin.
The one area of concern was communication issues. The phone number we were given didn’t work. What App was also...
Read more

Our trip to Ireland was memorable. We enjoyed the places that we picked and ones that were recommended. The most interesting and genuine guide was Arthur in Galway! Truly pleasant to walk around the town he grew up in and still resides. Agnes our driver( twice ) was exceptional! She even added a sight to Rock of Cashel which we were grateful to fit in before returning to Dublin.
The one area of concern was communication issues. The phone number we were given didn’t work. What App was also confusing to connect for us. We would have liked to have our transportation easier be confirmed .
Overall, the trip was a good one giving our family a week of wonderful memories!
The Angelastro Family

Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Aug 21, 2024
Hi Maureen, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed most aspects of your trip and created lasting family memories in Ireland. I’m sorry for any confusion regarding communication. The on-call mobile number provided was fully operational, but I understand that the inclusion of WhatsApp may have caused some uncertainty. I appreciate your feedback and will ensure that we clarify the use of such tools for our guests in the future to... Read more

Hi Maureen,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed most aspects of your trip and created lasting family memories in Ireland.

I’m sorry for any confusion regarding communication. The on-call mobile number provided was fully operational, but I understand that the inclusion of WhatsApp may have caused some uncertainty. I appreciate your feedback and will ensure that we clarify the use of such tools for our guests in the future to ensure everyone feels comfortable and connected.

Wishing you all the best on your future adventures!

Warm regards,
Claire

Family Vacation to the South Of Ireland
Ireland | Jul 5 - Jul 13, 2024

Bobby
Bobby M.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024
Overall the trip planning and the trip itself went very smoothly. The whole experience went smoothly and all the reservations for hotels, activities, etc all went per plan. With our requests and Clare's expertise we really have a balanced and memorable family vacation. It was a nice blend of indoor and outdoor activities and the timing/spacing worked well except for one day where it wound up being a bit tight (Killarney to Cliff Walk to Ashford Castle Dinner). We were able to make it all... Read more

Overall the trip planning and the trip itself went very smoothly. The whole experience went smoothly and all the reservations for hotels, activities, etc all went per plan. With our requests and Clare's expertise we really have a balanced and memorable family vacation. It was a nice blend of indoor and outdoor activities and the timing/spacing worked well except for one day where it wound up being a bit tight (Killarney to Cliff Walk to Ashford Castle Dinner). We were able to make it all work.
The guides for each of the activities turned out to be really great: John for the Guinness and Jameson tour, Hester and William for the Killarney Kayak, Eleanor for the Doolin Cliff walk, Conner for the Falcon walk at Ashford Castle and Kate for the Scones and bread making. We also enjoyed the Waterford Factory tour but cannot recall our guide's name for that.
Couple things I noted
- In Dublin, I liked the Jameson tour but felt the Guinness tour was bit too big/commercialized
- The tea at Waterford castle was a little off. They seemed to be some general confusion/delays going on and the sandwiches served were different than the menu which was an issue to do some food allergies. We got it straightened out and had a nice time, And the grounds were very beautiful to explore
- Killarney national park was very beautiful and the Kayak trip was a great way to see a large part of it.
- We went the clock-wise direction for the Ring Of Kerry and found we spent most of our time on the first few spots but that wound up being our favorites.
- The Doolin cliff walk was amazing and it did take the 3.5hrs. We did not account for the delay in getting the taxi back to our car which made the drive onto Ashford Castle in time for our dinner reservation very tight.
- Ashford Castle was our splurge but we really enjoyed the stay, touring the grounds, and the dinning. The falconry tour was a family favorite.
- Driving worked out well for the most part but seemed like on the west side, we encountered on our journey a lot of extremely narrow side roads (some sections where only one car could pass).

Hotel Reviews
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

We liked the location of this hotel and it served us well for the sites we wanted to see. Was a nice, clear, and a good breakfast. The staff was very helpful. It is right off the train line but we wound up walking most of the time.

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

The hotel is really nice and in a great location and our room overlooked the water. But we just ran into an issue that impacted our sleep. Could not get the AC to work, so we opened the windows. But then we had to deal with loud late night partiers along the water and the smell of cigarette/cigar drifting up and into the room. They tried to help resolve and move us but nothing was available.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ashford Castle
cong

This was our splurge and we really enjoyed everything about it. The rooms, the grounds, our fine dinning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Randles Hotel Killarney
Co. Kerry

This was very nice location for visiting Killarney national park and the rooms were really nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sheraton Athlone Hotel
Athlone

Hotel was fine, nothing remarkable but it was just a transit stay for us on the way to Dublin and so it served that purpose well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Parking was a little challenging since you are in the city center. There is a garage but it was a little confusing.
Activity Reviews
Afternoon Tea at ashford Castle
Afternoon Tea at ashford Castle
Cong Co Mayo

The teas and sandwiches were really good. The staff also helped us a lot of the tea selection as well as the preferred order to eat the different sandwiches and desserts. Of course the setting in the Castle only adds to the experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Traditional Irish Homemade Baking Scones and Bread ( Kilcolgan )
Traditional Irish Homemade Baking Scones and Bread ( Kilcolgan )
Ireland

Kate is a really fun teacher. The experience is in the kitchen of her house so nice and intimate. We had a lot of fun and really like the different scones and breads. We each chose slightly different versions to make.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Transfer/Taxi in Town
Private Transfer/Taxi in Town
Ireland

Were on time and it went smoothly

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trinity College Library : The Book of Kells Experience
Trinity College Library : The Book of Kells Experience
Dublin

This is a really interesting experience. It was a little hard to do on our first day due to jet lag

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour
Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour
Dublin

Really like the Jameson part of the tour. It was a small group with very interesting guides and we learned a lot. The Guinness tour is very popular in a huge building with a lot to see and a lot to do, to the point it was a little overwhelming. Though the view of Dublin from the observation level was really great, particularly while working on your pint.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Johnny Fox's Hooley show + Dinner
Johnny Fox's Hooley show + Dinner
Dublin

We really enjoyed the dinner, the singing, and the dancing. Very intimate setting and a great experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We tried to do a taxi for ease, should have stuck to the Bus
Afternoon Tea at Waterford Castle
Afternoon Tea at Waterford Castle
Waterford

Something seemed a bit off that day. There was some general issue going on and the staff were a little distracted. The sandwiches served were different than the menu which cause an issue due to food allergies. We caught it and explained to them, while they did not seem to be aware of the issue, they made some accommodations . I think it was just an off day. The grounds were very beautiful to walk around.

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

Really fascinating to learn how the crystal pieces were made and was interesting to see work being done up close. The gift shop is a bit tempting, and we wound up making a few purchases while there :-)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Killarney Lakes Discovery by Kayak
Killarney Lakes Discovery by Kayak
Killarney

This was a great experience. Our guides Hester and William did a really good job of taking through interesting places on the lake while also providing a lot of history and information. Doing the short live cave runs was also fun. It was a great way to see the national park.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Doolin Cliff Walk experience
Doolin Cliff Walk experience
Doolin

The views of the Cliffs are really amazing to see in person. Eleanor did a really nice job of pacing the walk and taking breaks to share interesting facts and stories. She also did a good job of keeping us safe and proper guidance on where to go and not to go.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private  Hawk Walk ( 1.5 Hours)
Private Hawk Walk ( 1.5 Hours)
Ireland

Was not really sure what to expect from this, but we signed up to do the Falconry tour. Our tour guide Conner was incredible and amazing to see how he controls the falcons on the tour and help us send and receive the falcons. Plus it was really nice to see how the overall operation was run and the dedication to it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Aug 16, 2024

Hi Bobby,

Thank you so much for the fantastic 5-star review! 🎉 I'm thrilled to hear that your trip created such wonderful memories for you and your family. It’s truly an honor to have played a small part in your family’s story. Your kind words mean the world to us! 😊

Claire

Claire and her team were wonderful! We had a ...
Ireland | Jun 24 - Jul 1, 2024

Cynthia
Cynthia C.
Sudbury, MA | Reviewed on Jul 09, 2024

Claire and her team were wonderful! We had a delightful time in Ireland and they were there every step of the way. Highly recommend.

Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Jul 16, 2024

Hi Cynthia,
Thank you for choosing us and being such great travelers. Also, a big thanks for the 5-star review of your tailor-made trip. Romane and I are delighted to hear that you had a good time.
Do not hesitate to contact us for your future European trips 😉.
Take care and stay in touch!
Claire