
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."
Featured trips & expertise

Wild Atlantic Way Self Drive Adventure - 14 Days
Get ready for mile after mile of unforgettable memories. On this road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way— the longest defined coastal route in the world—you'll enjoy rugged scenery, gorgeous coastline, and off-the-beaten-path adventures from County Donegal’s remote Northern Headlands down to the picturesque southern peninsulas.

Self-Guided Ring of Kerry Cycling Trip - 7 Days
With the highest mountain range in Ireland as a backdrop, this self-guided cycling tour follows the world-famous Ring of Kerry. Starting and ending in Killarney National Park, the journey traces the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, taking you through picturesque villages and natural wonders on a mix of inland and coastal routes.

Northern Ireland & Dublin Road Trip - 7 Days
Discover the scenic highlights of Northern Ireland on this well-rounded road trip. Starting in the ancient streets of Dublin, you'll set off by car to tour wild coastlines and charming towns at your own pace. Explore historic Belfast, cross famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, and wander through the medieval city of Londonderry before driving back to the capital city, where the trip ends.

Highlights of Irish Cities - 7 Days
Experience the unique character of Irish cities on this self-drive tour around the county's urban centers. This weeklong trip takes you to the capital city of Dublin as well as colorful Cork, Limerick, and Galway. You'll dine in corner pubs, explore farmer's markets, tour medieval castles, and even escape to Blarney Castle—a short side trip from Cork—to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

Self-Guided Donegal Hike - 5 Days
Explore Ireland’s hidden treasures along the Wild Atlantic Way on this unique 5-day self-guided tour in North Donegal. A unique Irish experience, this itinerary will inspire you with majestic mountains, beautiful coastlines, astounding sunsets, and picturesque landscapes: if you get lucky, you may even see the Northern Lights.

Guided Kerry Walk - 5 Days
Explore the glorious southwest of Ireland shaped, a region shaped by ancient glaciers and the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean. On this guided tour of the green hills, valleys, and pastures of Kerry, you'll enjoy plenty of fresh air and panoramic views, and you'll have frequent opportunities to meet local people and get a glimpse of daily life in their culture.
Recent trip reviews for Dean
Buffett plus · Ireland - Sep 22 - Sep 28, 2019
Our guide Maurice from Ireland Walk Bike Hike was very helpful both before and during our recent trip to Ireland. He and a woman from their office (whose name I don't recall) called twice in our 7 day trip to make sure all was well. Galway was a good base for excursions. Westport was a lovely little town. We heard the best Trad music there and on my husband's birthday too! Ballina was a fun. We tried the traditional hot seaweed baths since this wasn't something we could do in the US. It was... read more

Hi Betsy
Thank you so much for your kind words, your feedback is greatly appreciated. We are so happy you enjoyed your Self drive experience with us.
We hope to welcome you back to Ireland on tour with us in the near future.
Kind Regards
Dean
Self Guided Hiking Tour · Ireland - Sep 13 - Sep 24, 2019
I had a really great trip with Kimkim. Everything was so easy all the way through and the team was always a phone call away if I had any questions or needed some help.
Dean was fantastic and even dropped in for a face to face half way through to check in. I received phone calls from the team during the trip which was really comforting as I was travelling alone.
Petrina was also always close by when I needed anything and responded very quickly to any questions I had.
The hosts at each of my... read more

Hi Leisa
Thank you so much for your kind words, your feedback is greatly appreciated. We are so happy you enjoyed your Self Guided Dingle Peninsula tour with us.
We hope to welcome you back to Ireland on tour with us in the near future.
Kind Regards
Dean
Ireland · Ireland - Sep 16 - Sep 26, 2019
Our trip to Ireland was memorable and we will use kimkim and Ireland Walk Bike Hike again to plan new adventures. Although we did not bike at all we had many walks and shorter hikes in beautiful places. Our windy, rainy excursion to the Aran Islands was warmed by an Irish Coffee at a small island pub followed by a boat trip around the Cliffs of Moher. Our itinerary was ambitious and we will spend more time in fewer places next visit. Many thanks to trip planner Dean from Tralee who was... read more

Hi Robin
Thank you so much for your kind words, your feedback is greatly appreciated. I am glad to hear you really enjoyed your self drive trip, I know from our discussion that you wished you could have stayed in a few places a couple more days however at least you now have an excuse to come back to this amazing country.
I will certainly pass on your kind words to our accommodation suppliers and we hope to welcome you back to Ireland in the near future.
Kind Regards
Dean
Southern Ireland · Ireland - Sep 13 - Sep 23, 2019
Thanks Dean and Petrina! We had an amazing time in Ireland, and loved every moment of it! We would love to come back and see more of your beautiful country. All the work you put in for us, both in terms of making our bookings and planning our itinerary, is much appreciated. Almost everything worked like clockwork. We were also lucky to have great weather during our time there, and on the one day it wasn't great due to the rain, quite magically Dean showed up, and helped us plan our... read more

Hi Mala
Thank you so much for your kind words, your feedback is greatly appreciated. I am glad to hear you really enjoyed your trip with us.
We will definitely take your feedback on board as it will help us with maintaining a high level of service so we definitely appreciate it.
We hope to welcome you to Ireland in the near future.
Kind Regards
Dean
Trip to Ireland · Ireland - Jul 10 - Jul 17, 2019
It was too much driving for the week, we wish we would’ve had more activities to do.
Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Cycling Tour - 8 Days · Ireland - Jun 30 - Jul 5, 2019
I had a great time! Everything was so easy at every step of the way. I especially liked the route that kept me on back roads with minimal time on the Ring of Kerry road.

Hi Audrey
Thank you so much for your kind words, your feedback is greatly appreciated. We are so happy you enjoyed your Cycle trip along the Ring of Kerry. It really is a beautiful part of the country and we are glad you got to experience it.
We hope to welcome you back to Ireland on tour with us in the near future.
All the Best
Dean
Dingle or Wicklow · Ireland - Jun 17 - Jun 27, 2019
Very friendly. Pick ups as planned. Accommodations very nice. Food was excellent
Ireland 2019 · Ireland - Jun 1 - Jun 9, 2019
Dean was great to work with and it was nice to have things set up and prepaid along the way (car, B&Bs, etc). Also good suggestions on places to stop, sites to see. One place not to miss is Skellig Michael, especially on a clear day, but reserve well ahead!
Hazel trip 2019 · Ireland - Jun 7 - Jun 14, 2019
My granddaughter and I had a wonderful trip!
Petrina arranged everything beautifully and was responsive to all my questions and doubts.
My only complaint was the weather. I doubt she could do anything about it, though.
Ireland is beautiful. The people, the scenery and the food were lovely.
Thank you for all your help.
Stephanie Penn
Ireland 2019 · Ireland - Jun 1 - Jun 9, 2019
I thought overall this was a well planned trip. Every day was different and it felt that there were different themes. We didn't drive long between locations. What made it so successful is that we had a framework and a structure, but allowed us the flexibility to change our plans during the course of the day. Weather is Ireland is always unpredictable. We had a challenging start but the weather came through nicely at the tail end of our trip.
On the first day, driving up to Galway made... read more
1 week in/out Ireland · Ireland - Apr 23 - Apr 30, 2019
Blown away with frances hospitality coming to visit us in killarney in person and calls to make sure all ok.
Margo our bike hike guide was unbelievable. She was encouraging, so informed about so much, great conversation, felt totally blessed to have her for a full day. All accommodations were above expectations. Great locations, bfasts and hosts.
The Hertz GPS was slow and didn't provide accuracy we e expected. That is not your responsibility. Hertz did a wonderful thing in not... read more

Hi Lori
Thank you so much for your lovely words. We aim to provide the best quality trip we possibly can and it is wonderful to hear you had a great time .
Thank you for your suggestions as well, we will certainly take them on board for future trip
We hope to welcome you back on tour sometime in the near future.
Kind Regards
Dean Garrison
Sales Manager
Ireland Itinerary · Ireland - Mar 11 - Mar 17, 2019
Travel advice was great. Walk Bike Hike was very friendly. Great B&B hosts.

Hi Matthew
Thank you very much for your kind words. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your holiday with us and really appreciate the positive feedback. We hope to welcome you back to Ireland in the future!
All the best from your friends at Ireland Walk Hike Bike