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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, Ireland Family Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 5 Days
Hit the road and see the best of the Emerald Isle on this 5-day self-driving jaunt through Ireland. Walk the ancient streets of Dublin, kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, visit the...
Highlights of Ireland Road Trip - 10 Days
Explore the magic of Ireland independently with this self-drive itinerary. You'll go from the ancient streets of Dublin to the rebel city of Cork, the quaint village of...
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Dingle & Galway - 7 Days
Experience the best of Ireland's coastal scenery, historic sites, and vibrant cities on this week-long self-drive adventure. Starting in Dublin, this circular route takes you...
Family itineraries
Family Adventure in Ireland - 7 Days
Uncover Ireland's unmatched natural beauty with this week-long, family-centered trip to the Emerald Isle. Enjoy a swashbuckling adventure as you venture from colorful Kinsale to...
Family Adventure in Ireland - 10 Days
Take a 10-day family-friendly tour through some of the highlights of Ireland with travelers of all ages on this itinerary. Start in Dublin before heading down the coast to...
Family Travel in Ireland
Ireland is full of kid-friendly outdoor adventures, fun ways to interact with ancient history, and cultural activities from falconry to farming. Chase the leprechaun legend in...
Road trip itineraries
Highlights of Ireland Road Trip - 10 Days
Explore the magic of Ireland independently with this self-drive itinerary. You'll go from the ancient streets of Dublin to the rebel city of Cork, the quaint village of...
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Doolin, Westport & More - 14 Days
This ultimate self-driving tour of Ireland is filled with adventures in historic towns and along scenic coastlines. Start in Dublin before exploring the villages of Laragh, the...
Ireland Self-Drive & Hiking Highlights - 9 Days
Take yourself through the scenery of Ireland on your own power with this self-driving and hiking itinerary. Your path will take you through buzzing cities rich with history,...

Recent trip reviews for Dean

Experience with Dean and KimKim was incredible
Ireland | Aug 24 - Sep 1, 2025

K
Karyn L.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 02, 2025

Experience with Dean and KimKim was incredible. We missed our connecting our flight to Ireland and they were able to contact our hotel to let them know we would flying in the following morning who allowed us to shower/freshen up and east breakfast before we started our our trip.

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 03, 2025

Hi Karyn

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re really glad we could step in and help when your travel plans hit a bump. Travel delays can be stressful, so it’s great to hear that you felt supported and were able to start your trip refreshed and ready to enjoy Ireland.

We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, and it means a lot to know our efforts made a difference. If you ever plan another adventure, we’d love to help make it just as smooth and memorable.

Wishing you all the best on your future travels!

Warm regards,

Dean

Read all Ireland reviews

Ireland Was Amazing!
Ireland | Aug 24 - Aug 30, 2025

M
Matt C.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025

The trip was really amazing. We found some added adventures that I think you need to add to your list, but all in all - very satisfied. Avondale Forrest Experience and a drive through Black Valley near Killarney were the highlights of the things that we added.
The fishing trip was not what I expected. Guy was nice, but we fished basically in town and never had a bite in 6 hours that we casted over and over again. Had hoped to at least see some scenery.
Still could not have planned a better trip!

Thanks,
Matt

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 01, 2025
Hi Matt, Thank you for taking the time to write a review of your trip. I'm really glad to hear the experience was amazing overall—and it sounds like you uncovered a couple of real gems! I'll definitely add the Avondale Forest Experience and the drive through Black Valley near Killarney to the list. Those are fantastic additions. That area has such hidden beauty, and Black Valley especially is one of those special places that many people miss unless they know to look for it. I'm sorry to... Read more

Hi Matt,

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of your trip.

I'm really glad to hear the experience was amazing overall—and it sounds like you uncovered a couple of real gems! I'll definitely add the Avondale Forest Experience and the drive through Black Valley near Killarney to the list. Those are fantastic additions. That area has such hidden beauty, and Black Valley especially is one of those special places that many people miss unless they know to look for it.

I'm sorry to hear the fishing trip didn’t meet your expectations. I’ll be sure to pass your feedback along to the tour company—we really value honest insights like this, as they help us ensure future experiences are as rewarding as possible.

Thanks again for the great feedback—it truly helps. And if you have any photos or more details you’d like to share from the new spots, I’d love to see them!

Best regards,

Dean

Read all Ireland reviews

Wonderful Father/Son trip to Ireland!
Ireland | Jul 27 - Aug 2, 2025

Brian
Brian C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 06, 2025
So happy with our experience in Ireland! With so many potential options and itineraries it was so helpful to have local recommendations and options to consider. I even threw a curveball when I wanted to focus our trip in the west but adjusted my trip to catch the All Ireland final in Dublin, but the itinerary was adjusted to make it happen. Definitely recommend Achill Island and a hike in Connemara National Park! Locations of all our lodging were great and the local guide’s phone app provided... Read more

So happy with our experience in Ireland! With so many potential options and itineraries it was so helpful to have local recommendations and options to consider. I even threw a curveball when I wanted to focus our trip in the west but adjusted my trip to catch the All Ireland final in Dublin, but the itinerary was adjusted to make it happen. Definitely recommend Achill Island and a hike in Connemara National Park! Locations of all our lodging were great and the local guide’s phone app provided many options to visit with driving directions and access to bookings, making getting around so much easier. Finally, Nenad checked in with me regularly to see if there were any questions or challenges so I knew I could always get support when I needed. I’d recommend the experience to anyone!

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Aug 08, 2025
Hi Brian Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience in Ireland and that the itinerary worked well—even with the last-minute pivot to catch the All-Ireland Final (what a great way to experience the local culture!). Achill Island and Connemara National Park are truly special places, and we’re so glad they stood out as highlights for you. It’s also great to hear that the app and lodging locations helped make your... Read more

Hi Brian

Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience in Ireland and that the itinerary worked well—even with the last-minute pivot to catch the All-Ireland Final (what a great way to experience the local culture!).

Achill Island and Connemara National Park are truly special places, and we’re so glad they stood out as highlights for you. It’s also great to hear that the app and lodging locations helped make your travels smooth and enjoyable.

Nenad will be especially happy to hear your feedback—he’s always dedicated to making sure travelers feel supported throughout their journey.

Thank you again for recommending us—we’d love to help you explore even more of Ireland (or beyond!) in the future.

Kind Regards

Dean

Read all Ireland reviews

Stop the endless research & planning, use Kim Kim
Ireland | Jun 6 - Jun 19, 2025

Wendyjean
Wendyjean B.
Kansas City, MO | Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025
We had an effortless 2 weeks in Ireland and did the whole Isle with the help of Kim Kim and local agent (Ireland Walk, Hike, Bike) Joe. Joe listened to our needs of having a mix of 3-4 star places with some unique nice properties blended in. The things to do they suggest in each location were wonderful. Literally, the only thing we did not find very good was ‘EPIC’ tour in Dublin.
We made so many wonderful memories with the suggested routes they provided, everywhere we stayed was nice... Read more

We had an effortless 2 weeks in Ireland and did the whole Isle with the help of Kim Kim and local agent (Ireland Walk, Hike, Bike) Joe. Joe listened to our needs of having a mix of 3-4 star places with some unique nice properties blended in. The things to do they suggest in each location were wonderful. Literally, the only thing we did not find very good was ‘EPIC’ tour in Dublin.
We made so many wonderful memories with the suggested routes they provided, everywhere we stayed was nice and included breakfast. They provide dinner, cafes, and places to see.
For someone who usually plans every vacation, this was complicated since we only stayed a few places 2 nights and most were 1 night. So I appreciated turning over the planning. I was apprehensive, but once we were a few days in and the recommendations and tickets to things were seamless - I realized the great value of using Kim Kim. I highly recommend!!

Hotel Reviews
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

Very good hotel, a bit of a walk to downtown but easy on light rail. Excellent breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Excellent service and property, appreciate water bottle refill
Location
Easy access to tram, wish it was a tad closer to downtown area
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Malone Hotel
Belfast

We had room on top floor and it was a very good and clean room but sweltering hot. We found out at check out that we could have requested a fan. I suggest a lower floor room If you stay here. The restaurant breakfast was terrible, our least favorite of the trip. We also had dinner here and it also was only fair. They mainly were catering a meal and told us kitchen was backed up 20 minutes.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bishop's Gate Hotel
Derry

Loved this hotel! No AC but had fans in the room. Offered water in the rooms. Service was outstanding. Breakfast was also very good. Charming hotel and great service

Authenticity & Character
Charming
Location
Right in the heart of the walled city
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lough Eske Castle Hotel

Great castle and hotel. We were upgraded to suite and it was wonderful. We had cocktails at bar which were very good. We had dinner at Cedars which was good but not as great as we wanted. Waiter forgot our cocktails and served them after our appetizers with no apology. The appetizers were fair, entrees were good - the feathered beef was the standout dish. The rum soaked sponge was standout dessert. It was a menu where there are standout/excellent dishes but other dishes were not as strong. I had to tell the waiter to ‘tell kitchen to hold firing our entrees until we finish our cocktails’. I shouldn’t have had to do that.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Gerald, Geraldine were standouts
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyatt Hotel Westport
Westport

very convenient to downtown. Overall a good rating. Breakfast was good each day.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mount Juliet Estate
Thomastown

Beautiful estate location. Sadly, on 6/18/25 when we were there the Grill restaurant was closed and no piano playing which was a shame. Hotel had AC which was nice. Beautiful original estate and conference center

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
Photo taken by Wendyjean B
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Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Jun 26, 2025
Hi Wendy Jean Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable and seamless experience exploring Ireland with us. It was a pleasure working with you to create a trip that matched your preferences, blending comfort with unique local charm. We’re especially glad to know that the suggested routes, accommodations, and activities helped you relax and enjoy the journey—particularly as someone who usually takes the lead in planning. Your... Read more

Hi Wendy Jean

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable and seamless experience exploring Ireland with us. It was a pleasure working with you to create a trip that matched your preferences, blending comfort with unique local charm.

We’re especially glad to know that the suggested routes, accommodations, and activities helped you relax and enjoy the journey—particularly as someone who usually takes the lead in planning. Your feedback about the EPIC tour is appreciated and will be shared with our team for future improvements.

On behalf of Joe and all of us here at Ireland Walk Hike Bike, thank you again for choosing us as part of your adventure. We’d love to welcome you back to Ireland anytime!

Kind Regards

Dean

Read all Ireland reviews

Dean did an outstanding job
Ireland | Apr 15 - Apr 25, 2025

Janet
Janet O.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on May 02, 2025
Dean did an outstanding job developing our Ireland itinerary and finding great places to stay (with excellent breakfasts!). I loved having the various options laid out for each section of our trip. No glitches except the weather- which we were well prepared for and was quite normal for the Irish springtime. When my husband needed a doctor visit Dean’s team quickly gave us options for urgent care near our hotel and that worked very well. Read more

Dean did an outstanding job developing our Ireland itinerary and finding great places to stay (with excellent breakfasts!). I loved having the various options laid out for each section of our trip. No glitches except the weather- which we were well prepared for and was quite normal for the Irish springtime. When my husband needed a doctor visit Dean’s team quickly gave us options for urgent care near our hotel and that worked very well.

Hotel Reviews
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

Great hotel, comfortable and very happy with breakfast included. Right by tram line, railway station, and hop on- hop off bus stop.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The River Lee Hotel
Cork

Excellent location, excellent breakfast, and quiet and comfortable room.

Authenticity & Character
Elegant and modern
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great Southern Killarney
Killarney

Best hotel on our trip. Very elegant, with a spacious room . We loved the separate tub and shower and having two bathroom sinks. Lovely view of the springtime garden and terrific breakfast. Plus it’s in a great location and the National Park is stunning. The hotel restaurant was also great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Galway

Apparently the spa is great, but we didn’t use those amenities. Our room was a tiring trek from the lobby, using two elevators, and difficult to drag our luggage on carpets. We asked to switch rooms because the first one had opaque windows that when opened looked out on a garbage area. The breakfast was good and the location was good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vaughans Lodge Lahinch

This hotel was good, with a comfortable bed. The tub was so narrow it was hard to get out of it. The restaurant was closed one night. We had a bit of trouble getting the heat turned down. Nice staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Cliffs of Moher Cruise
Cliffs of Moher Cruise
Ireland

Nice one hour boat tour along the Cliffs of Mohr.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Crowded tour
Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on May 11, 2025
Hi Janet, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review of your trip to Ireland! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience on tour with us. While we can’t control the weather (unfortunately!), we’re glad to hear it didn’t dampen your overall enjoyment of the trip. It’s always a pleasure to know our guests have had an unforgettable time exploring the beauty and culture of Ireland. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the... Read more

Hi Janet,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review of your trip to Ireland!

We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience on tour with us. While we can’t control the weather (unfortunately!), we’re glad to hear it didn’t dampen your overall enjoyment of the trip.

It’s always a pleasure to know our guests have had an unforgettable time exploring the beauty and culture of Ireland. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future for another amazing adventure.

If there’s anything else we can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,
Dean

Read all Ireland reviews

Amazing Southern Ireland Trip.
Ireland | Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2024

Mike
Mike N.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2025
Dean and the team were amazing. They were super helpful in planning and during our trip with local recommendations. The itinerary suggestions help guide our stops along the way in combination with our own research. The hotel accommodations were fantastic. Looking forward to coming back soon. Read more

Dean and the team were amazing. They were super helpful in planning and during our trip with local recommendations. The itinerary suggestions help guide our stops along the way in combination with our own research. The hotel accommodations were fantastic. Looking forward to coming back soon.

Hotel Reviews
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Galway

Nice city hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Nothing wrong, just a typical city hotel.
Location
It was a bit of a walk to the main area. A little scary at night.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa

We enjoyed our bike ride around the grounds in the morning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was an hour or more from Dingle and on the outskirts of Tralee
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great Southern Killarney
Killarney

This was our favorite hotel of our stay. Close to downtown, but quite. We loved the formal feel. The food was amazing!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Jan 07, 2025

Hi Mike

Thank you for your kind words and feedback about your trip. We are delighted you had a great time exploring our wonderful country and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2025.

Kind Regards

Dean

Ireland Wild South Adventure
Ireland | Sep 26 - Oct 7, 2024

DEBORAH
DEBORAH R.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024
Overall this trip was most enjoyable and well planned. The few glitches were taken care of in a timely manner. Our accommodations were all excellent. Our guided trips were also well planned and our guides were very knowledgeable and flexible. In particular our guide in Killarney and Cork, Joe O'Donnell, was a pleasure to travel with. He was well prepared, kind, and highly professional. We appreciated how Kim Kim was able to help us plan such a personalized trip with all the sights we wanted... Read more

Overall this trip was most enjoyable and well planned. The few glitches were taken care of in a timely manner. Our accommodations were all excellent. Our guided trips were also well planned and our guides were very knowledgeable and flexible. In particular our guide in Killarney and Cork, Joe O'Donnell, was a pleasure to travel with. He was well prepared, kind, and highly professional. We appreciated how Kim Kim was able to help us plan such a personalized trip with all the sights we wanted to visit and activities we wanted to participate in. Our thanks to all the individuals who communicated with us and helped make our time in Ireland so memorable.

Hotel Reviews
The River Lee Hotel
Cork

The hotel was a short walk to the main part of Cork. Our room was clean, comfortable and quiet. We enjoyed the meals we had - breakfast, dinners and cocktails in the lounge. The staff was very kind and helpful. My husband was ill while there and they put us in touch with medical assistance within minutes! I am so appreciative of their help.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Old Weir Lodge
Killarney

Great location. Easy walk into Killarney town. Accommodations were excellent. Staff was very kind and rooms were spotless. Breakfast was delicious with many choices.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Doolin Inn
Doolin, Co. Clare

Great accommodations. The rooms was spacious, quiet and comfortable. Anthony's Restaurant was a true gem. Wonderful breakfasts and the dinner was 5 star!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast

Great location in Dingle. The hosts were most kind and accommodating. The B & B was very clean, rooms were very comfortable and the breakfast was simple, but tasty. We felt very welcome and had a pleasant stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to town. Beautiful view.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Explore the Beara Peninsula
Explore the Beara Peninsula
Ireland
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide and driver, Joe, was very knowledgeable and shared much information about the area's history and culture. Made our day unforgettable
Transport
Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Nov 07, 2024

Hi Deborah

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with some useful feedback on your trip,

We are glad you had a great time.

Although we have already discussed the glitches that happened on your trip I once again want to apologise for them again and thanks to your feedback it will help us prevent them from happening again.

Kind Regards

Dean

Clear and timely communications!
Ireland | Sep 26 - Oct 7, 2024

R
Robin S G.
East Providence, RI | Reviewed on Oct 09, 2024
After an amazingly well-organized and experienced trip to the Azores and Portugal two years ago with KimKim, my expectations were high for KimKim. Unfortunately, the organizational piece was uneven and lacked details until the trip was underway. After fine-tuning our plans for SW Ireland by Zoom with Dean on Monday, the 23rd of October, two day before we were to leave for Ireland, it was my understanding an updated/detailed itinerary with important phone contacts was to reach me before... Read more

After an amazingly well-organized and experienced trip to the Azores and Portugal two years ago with KimKim, my expectations were high for KimKim. Unfortunately, the organizational piece was uneven and lacked details until the trip was underway.

After fine-tuning our plans for SW Ireland by Zoom with Dean on Monday, the 23rd of October, two day before we were to leave for Ireland, it was my understanding an updated/detailed itinerary with important phone contacts was to reach me before flying to Shannon. Dean assured me that a driver would be at the airport to transport me upon my early morning arrival at 5:35AM to my hotel, the Doolin Inn. This did not happen as I had to wait three hours for someone to pick me up. I attempted many frustrating calls and emails to KimKim and Dean directly. Throughout our trip, Dean never responded to me regarding the driver not showing up.

I still am unsure as to whom Dean works for: KimKim, an intermediary or Walk, Hike Bike which provided our guide, Joe, who was amazing with every detail of our time with him. He made sure he was clear about each days expectations and execution of each hike, activity and/or drive. Joe was knowledgeable, curious and a treat to experience my first trip to Ireland with him.

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Nov 07, 2024

Hi Robin

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with some useful feedback on your trip,

Although we have already discussed the problems you had on your trip privately I once again want to apologise for them and thanks to your feedback it will help us prevent them from happening again.

Kind Regards

Dean

They Listen. Everything was great! Dean was Awesome!
Ireland | Mar 25 - Apr 2, 2024

Carl
Carl M.
Richmond, VA | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2024
The most important thing to say is that from KimKim's initial intake representative to our local specialist Dean who handled our planning and trip, they listened to what WE said we liked, did not like, and wanted. We have never used a travel agent or planner before, because we had never found that before. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop, as they say. Probably had a bit of an edge in the beginning because I was just 'Waiting for it'. We knew Ireland would be wonderful; we didn't know we... Read more

The most important thing to say is that from KimKim's initial intake representative to our local specialist Dean who handled our planning and trip, they listened to what WE said we liked, did not like, and wanted. We have never used a travel agent or planner before, because we had never found that before. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop, as they say. Probably had a bit of an edge in the beginning because I was just 'Waiting for it'. We knew Ireland would be wonderful; we didn't know we would meet a travel planner that was great as well.

Will mention one more thing. We tested the offer of 'Call or chat me any time' a few times during the trip, often from the middle of nowhere (our favorite places). Dean knocked it out of the park each time. Whether it was helping us find an obscure place, sleuthing some history for us, or locating where we could purchase a hard to find electronic device.

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Oct 03, 2024

Hi Carl

Thank you for taking the time to write a wonderful review on your trip.

We are delighted that you had a great time and that everything went perfectly for you.

Everyone within the company hopes to welcome you back to Ireland in the future.

All the best.

Dean

Our visit to Ireland went off without a hitch. Car rental is tricky, meaning the insurance is very one sided even using my credit card’s insurance feature.
Ireland | Sep 17 - Sep 24, 2024

K
Ken T.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 29, 2024
Hi Kimkim, I received your text and my apologies for not being as punctual as I should have been but we were having too much of a good time. The itinerary your team put together was perfect for seeing County Mayo. We met some of my wife’s relation that live in Mayo. We also saw the family homestead which was just as my wife’s grandfather always said, you could sit on the front porch and gaze out at Clew Bay. We had no idea that Mayo was so large, the counties in Ireland are much... Read more

Hi Kimkim, I received your text and my apologies for not being as punctual as I should have been but we were having too much of a good time. The itinerary your team put together was perfect for seeing County Mayo. We met some of my wife’s relation that live in Mayo. We also saw the family homestead which was just as my wife’s grandfather always said, you could sit on the front porch and gaze out at Clew Bay.

We had no idea that Mayo was so large, the counties in Ireland are much bigger than in Ohio. As Dean assured us, driving was no problem but getting used to the narrow roads was a bit of a challenge. The Hertz car we rented was the perfect size. We went to several beautiful beaches (Silver Strand in the Lost Valley, Keem and Keel beaches.). Croagh Patrick proved too much of a challenge but we did walk part of it. Gorgeous views!

Clew Bay Hotel was great but it was unseasonably hot, no air conditioning or fans in the room which may have helped. Westport was a fun city and Westport House was very interesting. We didn’t make Clare Island because of illness (a bad head cold.) Achill Island is beautiful, Stella Maris was good. We had dinner at Brevie which was exceptional. We went to the Deserted Village, interesting. Went to Ceide Fields, again beautiful views and very interesting. Down Patrick was closed for road repairs. Ballina was also a nice city, Ballina Manor Hotel was good. They gave us a fan for our room which helped with the unseasonable hotter weather.

Our kudos to Dean Garrison, he planned a wonderful trip for us.

Overall a very enjoyable experience.

Ken & Chris Tabellion

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Oct 03, 2024

Hi Ken and Chris

Thank you for taking the time to write a wonderful review on your trip.

We are delighted that you had a great time and that everything went perfectly for you.

Everyone within the company hopes to welcome you back to Ireland in the future.

All the best.

Dean