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active 3 hours ago

Dean Garrison

My role as a Sales executive is to help my clients achieve what they are looking for in a holiday to Ireland. Whether that would be offering places to stay, providing a detail Itinerary outlining specific walks or hikes to participate in or to suggest unique and interesting places to visit. My aim is to get as much information out of people as possible so I can provide a trip that they will remember for years to come.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

""Saying that "I" specialize in Hiking and cycling would be to deny the amazing team that I work with at Ireland Walk Hike Bike. Our company was set up with one purpose in mind – to show guests the real Ireland that we know and love. Having watched many visitors “flash” through Ireland – my business partner and founder of the company Linda Woods decided back in 1994 to find a better way to see the country. As Linda says “My aim was to slow people down, so they really get their feet into the soul of the country, meet the locals & discover what makes Ireland & the Irish tick………” and 24 years later – this is exactly what Ireland Walk Hike Bike is still doing today….
We specialise in hiking and cycling holidays both Guided or Self Guided and take great pride in designing bespoke holidays in line with the needs of our guests."
"

How did you get involved in travel?

"I have been involved in the travel industry for over 12 years. Starting off by studying a International Travel and Tourism degree learning the in and out of the industry. I then undertook 1 year trip around the world visiting over 30 countries across 6 continents. Since then I have spent the last 8 years continuing to travel to different countries as well as working in different roles within the industry expanding my knowledge and passing this information on to others. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I have been on many hiking holidays but the one that will have a special place in my heart was my trip to Peru and participating on the Inca Trail. 4 days of breath taking views and exploring old Inca ruins. The main event of the trip however was towards the end where you approach The Sun Gates and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu (the lost Inca City) without a doubt one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had."

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

Recent trip reviews for Dean

Two weeks drive around Ireland in February
Ireland | Feb 11 - Feb 24, 2024

W
Will J.
Brattleboro, VT | Reviewed on Feb 25, 2024
This trip was specifically planned to exclude places we'd been before and INCLUDE some small towns where our respective families came from, two generations back. That said, thoughts about this trip: 1) We took it in February. The plus side was that there were much fewer crowds, and a lot more locals to chat with in the pubs, restaurants, hotels, etc. The minus side is that a number of attractions were closed, partially closed, or just a lot less fun/interesting in the cold, wet, rainy... Read more

This trip was specifically planned to exclude places we'd been before and INCLUDE some small towns where our respective families came from, two generations back.

That said, thoughts about this trip:

1) We took it in February. The plus side was that there were much fewer crowds, and a lot more locals to chat with in the pubs, restaurants, hotels, etc. The minus side is that a number of attractions were closed, partially closed, or just a lot less fun/interesting in the cold, wet, rainy weather. But we chose that, and we knew what we were getting.
2) If flying from the US, definitely fly home from either Dublin or Shannon airports, and not Belfast or anywhere else. Dublin and Shannon have US Customs pre-authorization. You go through the process on that end, which I think is nice, so when you arrive in the US, exhausted from a long flight, you don't have to deal with Customs there.
3) There was very little here that we wouldn't recommend. If we had to pick something, we found Armagh City to be both much less friendly and much less accommodating to special dietary needs than most of the other places we went. We also can't comment much on Dublin, as we didn't venture into the city but only stayed overnight after a late arrival, and overnight prior to an early departure.
4) The Western side of the country is amazing. The Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, Randles & Rose and Wyatt hotels, Killarney, Tralee, Westport. Galway was also amazing, but as we're more rural people, it was slightly less to our liking, although still great. The Hardiman hotel's beds weren't really comfortable, and while the people were very friendly, there's no on-site parking, so you have to park 3 blocks away and pay for it (make sure you get the voucher so it's merely a cost and not an expensive one).
5) If you do travel into Northern Ireland, remember that the prices are now in pounds rather than euros, and the speed limits are now in MPH rather than KPH.

All in all, the team was fantastic and checked in regularly to see how we were doing.

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Feb 28, 2024

Hi Will

Thank you for your kind words.

We are very happy to hear you enjoy your trip to Ireland with us.

Also thank you for the useful feedback regarding certain hotel options we will certainly take this on board for future bookings.

We hope to welcome you back to Ireland in the future.

Kind Regards

Dean

Fantastic experience for our first trip to Ir...
Ireland | Sep 23 - Sep 30, 2023

Kevin
Kevin K.
Kew Gardens Hills, NY | Reviewed on Jan 13, 2024
Fantastic experience for our first trip to Ireland- the accommodations were excellent, all of the suggested locations, excursions, and travel itinerary were outstanding- Dean listened to what we were looking to do, and really came through with excellent recommendations that made for a memorable vacation and lifetime memories- Thanks again - highly recommended ! We will book our 2024 trip soon- this time to Italy Read more

Fantastic experience for our first trip to Ireland- the accommodations were excellent, all of the suggested locations, excursions, and travel itinerary were outstanding- Dean listened to what we were looking to do, and really came through with excellent recommendations that made for a memorable vacation and lifetime memories- Thanks again - highly recommended ! We will book our 2024 trip soon- this time to Italy

Hotel Reviews
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

fantastic hospitality and perfect location- highly recommended-

Authenticity & Character
location was great- walking distance to some great restaurants
Location
Staff
front desk persons were very helpful, attentive and made a difference
Cleanliness & Comfort
rooms and all of the public spaces were terrific- dining room for breakfast was great
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Galway

Beautiful locale and again was so convenient for waling to great dining options

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
rooms and common areas were fantastic
Wyatt Hotel Westport
Westport

nice location in Westport with some fun music and drink at the Cobbler

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
front desk staff were extremely pleasant and very helpful with suggestions and recommendations.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Jan 16, 2024

Hi Kevin

Thank you for your kind words.

We are delighted to hear you had a great time with us on tour.

We hope to welcome you back to Ireland in the near future.

Kind Regards

Dean

Wonderful trip to Ireland!
Ireland | Oct 15 - Oct 22, 2023

A
Alexis F.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 31, 2023
Wonderful trip to Ireland! The local team was great with checking in once in country. The itinerary provided offered wonderful selections of things to do and places to visit to fill our time. All restaurants and stops suggested were wonderful. The hotels lacked in some areas, but overall nice stays. We loved driving through the south end of the island and visiting the beautiful naturescapes of Ireland. Would definitely use again for future trips! Read more

Wonderful trip to Ireland! The local team was great with checking in once in country. The itinerary provided offered wonderful selections of things to do and places to visit to fill our time. All restaurants and stops suggested were wonderful. The hotels lacked in some areas, but overall nice stays. We loved driving through the south end of the island and visiting the beautiful naturescapes of Ireland. Would definitely use again for future trips!

Hotel Reviews
The Alex Hotel
Dublin

Great service, wonderful rooms, excellent food and drink! Staff could not be more accommodating or friendly!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Montenotte Hotel
Cork

Gorgeous location and design; however, completely dysfunctional hotel with poor service, poor layout, and poor bathroom facilities. Great to stop at for panoramic view of city, but not worth checking in!

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

Grand hotel, though dated, with charm offering numerous amenities. Rooms were spacious and practical despite showing age. The restaurant facilities were nice; however, staff was not friendly at dinner and service was poor. Better to eat in town or elsewhere as dinner was like pulling teeth. Location wonderful as it provided easy access to so many wonderful spots in the area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dingle Skellig Hotel
Farran, Dingle

Beautiful area - hospitality lacking. Hotel was clean, room was spacious and practical; however, staff would not even make eye contact or answer questions upon check-in. Similar experience at check-out. Opted to spend time in town rather than use facilities of hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful views from hotel room, but a walk to town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Harbour Hotel
Galway

Great location - updated hotel with very nice and functional rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Nov 01, 2023
Hi Alexis Thank you for your kind words. We are glad you enjoyed the your trip with us around Ireland. Also we really appreciate the feedback about the hotels, I am very surprised about your experience regarding the The Montenotte Hotel, I stayed there myself over the summer for a long weekend and it sounds like totally different hotel you are describing. I will certainly pass this information on to the General Manager of the Hotel and I am sure he will message you personally to apologise... Read more

Hi Alexis

Thank you for your kind words. We are glad you enjoyed the your trip with us around Ireland. Also we really appreciate the feedback about the hotels, I am very surprised about your experience regarding the The Montenotte Hotel, I stayed there myself over the summer for a long weekend and it sounds like totally different hotel you are describing. I will certainly pass this information on to the General Manager of the Hotel and I am sure he will message you personally to apologise for your experience.

I am glad overall that your experience was an enjoyable one and hope to have the chance to welcome you back to Ireland in the future.

Kind Regards

Dean

Take it slow in Ireland
Ireland | Oct 6 - Oct 13, 2023

K
Kelley H.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 23, 2023
Quick response time from local guides; very comprehensive guidebook with helpful pictures and explanations. We wanted to make some changes in the middle of our trip and Dean was able to accommodate our request. I’m glad we used Kimkim for our first trip to Ireland as the number of locations to visit and places to stay can be overwhelming. Though the tendency when visiting a place for the first time is to try to see everything, this is a big mistake in Ireland. Even driving an hour can feel... Read more

Quick response time from local guides; very comprehensive guidebook with helpful pictures and explanations. We wanted to make some changes in the middle of our trip and Dean was able to accommodate our request. I’m glad we used Kimkim for our first trip to Ireland as the number of locations to visit and places to stay can be overwhelming. Though the tendency when visiting a place for the first time is to try to see everything, this is a big mistake in Ireland. Even driving an hour can feel like an eternity when the roads twist and turn in every direction, which they DO. Better to choose just one or two locations and explore from there. We loved Kilkenny and Dingle the best. Both were really walkable, friendly, and charming. We found that you get a much better sense of the real Ireland in the smaller cities, so don't waste your time with Dublin.

Hotel Reviews
Hibernia Hotel
Kilkenny

Awesome, central location and great food. The only downside was that it was unseasonably warm when we arrived and there was no air conditioning, plus windows don't open very much.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to get to pretty much everything. The Kilkenny Castle is just around the corner and has a beautiful green space with trails for walking/jogging.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Overall, good, but beds are a little on the small side.
Devanes B&B
Dingle

A family operated B&B, so you'll be in good hands. The couple running the place are so kind and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Feels like you're a guest in someone's home, and you are! Complete with family photos on the walls. :)
Location
We liked that it was convenient to everything, but still on a quiet street.
Staff
We arrived a bit later than expected, but Kevin was there to greet us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It wasn't luxurious, but who wants that in Dingle? The rooms had everything we needed. Great family accommodation.
Harbour Hotel
Galway

We didn't love the breakfast (it was our least favourite of the places we stayed), but everything else about the hotel was very good. Excellent location (convenient to all the sites), very stylish decor, comfy rooms, and friendly staff. One of the only places that had a fitness room - my husband was so happy!

Authenticity & Character
More of a nautical theme (very fitting for being on the harbour), but it didn't feel quite as cosy as some places.
Location
Away from the hustle and bustle of Eyre Square, but just a short walk to all the best pubs, shops, etc.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great beds and linens. The AC felt awesome!
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

Really nice hotel, albeit a bit farther from things than we would have expected. After being in small towns, the map of Dublin was deceiving - be prepared to walk A LOT.

Authenticity & Character
Loved the bar and restaurant. Excellent food and service.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Oct 24, 2023

Hi Kelley

Thank you for taking the time to fill out a review of your trip. We really appreciate your kind words and useful feedback.

We are glad that you enjoyed your trip and hope to welcome you back to Ireland in the future.

Kind Regards

Dean

Dean did an exceptional job. Every detail wa...
Ireland | Oct 3 - Oct 12, 2023

R
Russ S.
Rock Hill, SC | Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023
Dean did an exceptional job. Every detail was covered. Read more

Dean did an exceptional job. Every detail was covered.

Hotel Review
Fiddle & Bow
Doolin

Perfect location and accommodations. Walked a short distance to a great pub for dinner. Woke up to cows grazing on the hill nearby. Truly amazing setting.

Authenticity & Character
Reception and greeting at the front desk was welcoming and personal.
Location
Interwoven with natural beauty of Irish landscape.
Staff
Friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spacious room exceptionally clean and comfortable.
Activity Review
Belfast & Giants Causeway Day tour from Dublin
Belfast & Giants Causeway Day tour from Dublin
Dublin

Landscape along the trip made you forget about any concerns about the time required. Black cab tour was very educational and a good opportunity to see Belfast.

Quality of Experience
The green landscape, sheep and Cattle grazing, and the pasture layout were all amazing. Never seen anything so welcoming and breathtaking at the same time.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly, personable, welcoming and most of all, relaxed and caring.
Transport
Renting a car and following the tour route at our pace was perfect.
Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Oct 23, 2023

Hi Russ

Thank you for your kind words.

I am pleased to hear you enjoyed your trip.

We hope to have the chance to welcome you back to Ireland in the future.

Kind Regards

Dean

Dean was great to work with. He was responsi...
Ireland | Oct 3 - Oct 12, 2023

K
Keith G.
Rock Hill, SC | Reviewed on Oct 13, 2023
Dean was great to work with. He was responsive to our questions and gave wonderful suggestions. We love Killarney especially and the Cliffs of Moher. The accommodations were very easy to work with and we really loved the Fiddle and Bow hotel. Read more

Dean was great to work with. He was responsive to our questions and gave wonderful suggestions. We love Killarney especially and the Cliffs of Moher. The accommodations were very easy to work with and we really loved the Fiddle and Bow hotel.

Hotel Reviews
Fiddle & Bow
Doolin

We loved this place. Everyone was friendly and very helpful. The rooms were great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

The staff was great and the rooms were clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clayton Hotel Cork City
cork
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Killarney International Hotel
Killarney, Co. Kerry

Parking is very difficult. Unloading and unloading luggage was even more difficult.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Parking and a place to deal with luggage.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bambury Guesthouse
Co Kerry
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Galway
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Oct 20, 2023

Hi Keith

Thank you for your kind words. We are glad to hear you had a great time on your self drive tour.

I will certainly pass your words on to the Fiddle & Bow Hotel , they will be equally please you enjoyed your experience.

We hope you to have the chance to welcome you back to Ireland in the future.

Kind Regards

Dean

Stress free planning
Ireland | Sep 18 - Sep 30, 2023

Ryan
Ryan L.
Storrs, CT | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2023

You made the planning process stress free. It would have been a nightmare booking all the individual accommodations myself. I will use you again for future vacations.

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Oct 04, 2023

Hi Ryan

Thank you for your review.

We are glad to hear you had a great trip with us in Ireland.

We hope to welcome you back to Ireland in the near future.

Kind Regards

Dean

Dingle walk
Ireland | Sep 3 - Sep 10, 2023

R
R T.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023

Dean and other members of the team were professional. They were able to accommodate our last minute requests.

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 18, 2023

Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for your kind word.

We are glad to hear you had a great time in Ireland and you enjoyed every aspect of your trip.

We hope to welcome you back to Ireland in the future.

Kind Regards

Dean

we had an outstanding tour guide, Margaurite....
Ireland | Aug 26 - Sep 4, 2023

D
Debbie C.
Walhalla, SC | Reviewed on Sep 11, 2023
we had an outstanding tour guide, Margaurite. Her knowledge was impressive, as well as her love for Ireland. She meshed so well with our family. Our group consisted of my husband and I, our daughter and son-in-law, our daughter and fiancé. We also had our 11 month old grandson. Dean made sure that everything we did, was doable with an infant. Every hotel was prepared for an infant. I would NOT hesitate to have kimkim plan future vacations. We made some changes to our itinerary, and it... Read more

we had an outstanding tour guide, Margaurite. Her knowledge was impressive, as well as her love for Ireland. She meshed so well with our family. Our group consisted of my husband and I, our daughter and son-in-law, our daughter and fiancé. We also had our 11 month old grandson. Dean made sure that everything we did, was doable with an infant. Every hotel was prepared for an infant. I would NOT hesitate to have kimkim plan future vacations. We made some changes to our itinerary, and it was handled well.

Hotel Reviews
Harbour Hotel
Galway

This hotel was excellent. The room was very comfortable and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Tower Hotel
Waterford

Our first stop was quite impressive, from the location to the restaurant on-site, this hotel was fabulous.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City
Cork Co. Cork

A perfectly good hotel with all the amenities we needed.

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

A pleasant stay. The hotel was very good and had air conditioning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lahinch Coast Hotel
Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare

This hotel was a bit of a letdown. There was no air conditioning, and the noise from the parking lot and the banging of a fire door all night was bothersome. Also, the location didn't have much to offer in terms of shops or dining.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maldron Hotel Kevin Street Dublin
Dublin

This hotel was very good and well-located. We were able to walk to many places in Dublin from here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Kilkenny and Waterford
Explore Kilkenny and Waterford
Ireland

This exploration was quite fantastic. It was a great way to kick-start the trip.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cork via Rock of Cashel & Blarney Castle & Stone
Cork via Rock of Cashel & Blarney Castle & Stone
Cork

I had a wonderful time experiencing the history and charm of these places.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mizen Head and West Cork
Mizen Head and West Cork
Ireland

Truly a picturesque location, it was a delight to explore.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ring of Kerry and Valentia Island tour
Ring of Kerry and Valentia Island tour
Ireland

The tour was perfect and well-organized. The landscapes were absolutely stunning.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dingle and Slea Head Guided Drive
Dingle and Slea Head Guided Drive
Ireland

A memorable drive indeed, filled with beautiful scenery.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Belfast
Belfast
Ireland

The black cab tour in Belfast was fabulous, one of the highlights of the trip.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 11, 2023

Hi Debbie

Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for your kind word.

We are glad to hear you had a great time in Ireland and you enjoyed every aspect of your trip.

We hope to welcome you back in the future.

Kind Regards

Dean

Our trip was amazing!
Ireland | Aug 26 - Sep 4, 2023

B
Bryn P.
Kennesaw, GA | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2023

Our trip was amazing!
Margaret exceeded expectations as our tour guide. She was knowledgeable, friendly, took us to the best places, and fit in well with our family. Dean/Maria planned a wonderful trip for us and we would recommend them to anyone.

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 07, 2023

Hi Bryn

Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for your kind word.

We are glad to hear you had a great time in Ireland and you enjoyed every aspect of your trip.

We hope to welcome you back in the future.

Kind Regards

Dean