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active 19 hours ago

Emily Reilly

Hello! I am Emily, and I grew up in Northern Ireland. At 12 years old I moved to Dumfries and Galloway in South-West Scotland with my family where we lived by the sea and made the most of the beautiful coastal landscape around us! The rural area enabled me to develop a passion for trail running and cycling in the stunning rugged surroundings. Dumfries and Galloway is home to 5 of the 7 World Class Mountain Bike trail centres known as the 7 Stanes and therefore very popular with bikers. I have benefited from an active upbringing, with many family holidays spent in the stunning Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands, and skiing in Switzerland - (although I also love skiing in Scotland). I studied at Edinburgh University and have a deep love for the beautiful, historic city, with the Pentland Hills just a short drive or bus ride from the city. In 2023 I relocated to Morzine in the French Alps where I cycle, run and hike in the summer, and ski all winter.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I have lived in the lowlands of Scotland, studied and lived in Edinburgh, and holidayed extensively in the Highlands in the Cairngorms National Park. Scotland is an extraordinary country, offering sea, cities, castles, history, hills and of course, lots of distilleries. Whether you are looking for an active holiday, exploring the hills by foot, bike or 4x4 tour, or perhaps sea kayaking around Scottish Islands, or whether you want to explore Glasgow and Edinburgh, visit the famous castles, and explore local distilleries, or even a bit of both! I would love to assist you in creating the trip of your dreams. I also specialise in Ireland and Northern Ireland, having lived there and spent childhood holidays in the South, there are so many amazing places to explore!"

How did you get involved in travel?

"I have been lucky enough to have travelled from a young age. My parents had a property in Switzerland and I first skied aged 3 years old. Spending so much time outside has resulted in me developing a passion for exploring new parts of the world and trying new activities. Whether visiting an underground salt mine in Romania, horse-riding in Canada, or road cycling in Spain, I have a true love of absorbing new cultures, trying different things, and finding the best local coffee shop! "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"In 2013 my family was on holiday in Canada. We were driving on the outskirts of Banff, and some cars had stopped on the road. We got out to have a look and a beautiful black bear crossing the road in front of us! Later in the trip, we went on a boat trip to see some killer whales - often people never actually see them on this trip but we took a chance. We were treated to a show of them jumping out of the water by the boat, it was incredible. I even managed to take a photo of one in mid-air! My favourite stop on that trip was definitely Lake Louise."

Emily is part of the following groups: United Kingdom Travel Agents, Wales Travel Agents, England Travel Agents, Ireland Travel Agents, Scotland Travel Agents
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Recent trip reviews for Emily

Great trip. A big thanks to Emily and Cathy a...
Scotland | Mar 17 - Apr 6, 2024

K
Kevin S.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Great trip. A big thanks to Emily and Cathy and the High Point Holidays team for all their help planning the trip to Scotland and Ireland and for there assistance when we were there. Everything went off quite smoothly and we had a great time. I’d also like to thank Safari Steve for a great day driving around Aviemore and to Maura in Killarney for all her selfless help and guidance with our driving route along the Slea Head trail. Read more

Great trip. A big thanks to Emily and Cathy and the High Point Holidays team for all their help planning the trip to Scotland and Ireland and for there assistance when we were there. Everything went off quite smoothly and we had a great time. I’d also like to thank Safari Steve for a great day driving around Aviemore and to Maura in Killarney for all her selfless help and guidance with our driving route along the Slea Head trail.

Hotel Reviews
King Sitric Guesthouse
Howth

Very good location. Right at the end of the main street and close to everything. Room was pretty small and nothing special but the sound of the ocean was nice. Staff at the restaurant were nice but we felt the food was highly overpriced for what we got and not that great. Expected a full crab dinner for the inflated price but received a few small leg pieces and a minced crab salad of some kind. Guesthouse is okay but wouldn’t recommend the restaurant. I’d try the busy pub next door instead.

Authenticity & Character
It has character for sure.
Location
Very good location. Close to the water and on the main street.
Staff
Staff were nice enough. The place is small though so don’t expect someone at the front desk after core working hours.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Place was clean but a little cramped.
Renvyle House Hotel
Renvyle

This hotel is hard to describe. Definitely more suited to families with younger children than a couple in my opinion. Lots of history to this hotel and a nice view of the ocean but I didn’t love the overall vibe of this place. Some guests were a little snooty for my liking and although the staff were helpful and professional they were very serious. You could feel the tension, almost felt like everyone was afraid they’d lose their job. I think this is a hotel you’ll either like or not like, depending on who you are.

Authenticity & Character
This place has character, just not the character for me.
Location
Nice location right on the ocean and close drive to Kylemore Abbey and National Park. Unfortunately, a half hour drive from Clifdon
Staff
Good professional service but you guys really need to lighten up a little.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were large and comfortable enough. No complaints.
The Victoria Hotel
Killarney

Best hotel experience in Ireland! Great staff, good food, fun pub, nice rooms and the place has character. Huge thank you to Maura for her help mapping out our driving route to the Slea Head trail and to Clifdon. Maura you are truly awesome and a wonderful person, very glad to have met you.

Authenticity & Character
Just stay here. This place and the people are pretty special.
Location
Only small negative about this hotel is that it’s a 25 minute walk to town. Many hotels are closer…but I’d still stay here again in a heartbeat.
Staff
The staff were amazing. Fun but professional. They make you feel like you’re at home.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable. Good size room and bathroom also.
Clayton Hotel Cork City
cork

Nice clean modern hotel with a great location. Walking distance to everything.

Authenticity & Character
Nice place but quite modern so no big points for character.
Location
Location was perfect. Downtown is 2 blocks away and you have the river across the street.
Staff
Staff were mixed. Some were great, some weren’t. To be fair it was Easter weekend so I don’t think anyone really wanted to be be working.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was large enough and very clean. We did tell someone that the bathroom sink was plugged when we arrived and they noted it but it didn’t get fixed while we were there. Not a big deal and I chalk it up to reduced staff over the Easter weekend but would have been nice to have sink that didn’t take 30 minutes to drain. Good breakfast though.
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

Almost gets 5 stars but it’s about a 15 minute walk to the action so I’m giving it 4 for that reason alone. Rooms, staff and the hotel were great otherwise despite the renovations that were being done to the bar area.

Authenticity & Character
Friendly staff, nice rooms, cozy dining area. Very good breakfast and dinner also.
Location
A bit further walk to the Temple Bar area than some other places but close to the Jameson distillery and the Guinness plant if those two things are on your list (and they should be).
Staff
Staff were all friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was quite large with a view of the city and countryside. Huge bathroom too. Very clean and comfortable.
Motel One Glasgow
Glasgow

The location is great, you’re walking distance to everything and the train/tram is right outside your front door if you need them. Room and bar were nothing special but the location can’t be beat.

Authenticity & Character
Not a ton of character like many other spots in Europe but a fine place to stay.
Location
Right in the centre of town close to everything.
Staff
Staff were all pretty nice and helpful with directions.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was a bit cramped and not that comfortable but it did the trick. Very busy lobby, small and hectic breakfast area and the unfriendly pub would certainly make me pause before going back.
Perle
Oban

Perfect location, large room and view of the town and ocean. Staff were very friendly and breakfast was top notch. Highly recommend this hotel and a visit to Oban.

Authenticity & Character
Old building but very well maintained. Place has a great vibe.
Location
Town and the ocean are right outside your front door and you can walk to everything. Location can’t be beat.
Staff
The staff were all great. Very friendly vibe and service was quite good.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skeabost House Hotel
Portree

This hotel was a bit of a drive but well worth it. The garden room was quite large with a nice view of the water. Great vibe to this place and friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Nice rooms, cozy bar and restaurant and pretty good food.
Location
As noted this hotel is a farther drive than many others but very peaceful place to spend a couple nights.
Staff
Everyone was quite friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
This place is very comfy and well maintained. Large rooms, nice view, comfy beds, heated floor in the bathroom and huge shower and tub. Couldn’t ask for more.
Cairngorm Hotel
Aviemore

This is the place to stay in Aviemore! This hotel has character, very good food and friendly staff. The restaurant and pub are frequented by guests and locals alike so even though this is a smallish inn this is literally the centre of town. Highly recommend staying here, eating here and going to the pub for a drink and some live music. The hotel is also very close to the mountains and lots of activities so the location is right on point.This hotel was one of the highlights of the trip for sure.

Authenticity & Character
This place has authenticity and character in spades. Just spend a couple nights and you’ll see what I mean.
Location
You’re walking distance or a short drive to everything you’ll need or want to do in or around Aviemore.
Staff
Staff were very friendly and helpful with advice. These people like where they work and it shows.
Cleanliness & Comfort
View of the mountains from your room and very comfortable bed. The only thing I could complain about was the very cramped shower in our particular room but the rest of the experience more than made up for that.
The Stirling Highland Hotel
Stirling

Very nice hotel. Large rooms and walking distance to the castle and town. Would recommend for a night or possibly two.

Authenticity & Character
Nice place to stay and very quiet for being close to a main street.
Location
Close to everything you’ll need in Stirling.
Staff
Staff were quite nice and helpful with directions.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Good size rooms for Europe and very clean. Well done.
Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel
Edinburgh

The room was a little outdated and cramped but the location was great. You can walk to all the main sights with ease and close to numerous restaurants and pubs. The trams, buses and trains are also directly in front of you so getting around was a breeze. Great breakfast too.

Authenticity & Character
Quaint, friendly service, good food.
Location
Close to everything you’ll need and want. Perfect location for everything.
Staff
Everyone was friendly and quite helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel has everything you need but it could use a little updating. Rooms are quite small.
Activity Reviews
Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey
Scotland

I thought this would be on the boring side but the Abbey and its history was quite impressive. Spent 2 1/2 hours walking the grounds and the garden also. Nice place to go just for the scenery alone. Recommended.

Quality of Experience
Very nice place to visit.
Visit Blarney castle and kiss the stone
Visit Blarney castle and kiss the stone
Scotland

Definitely worth a visit. The castle is great, and well you just gotta kiss the stone if you’re there. The grounds are quite nice for walking also.

Quality of Experience
Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour
Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour
Dublin

Very touristy but also a very fun day. If you’re in Dublin you kinda have to visit these two places. The Jameson tour was fine, educational and the right length at 1 hour. Guinness, you just have to go and experience. Both activities are recommended and the 4 hour tour allows you to skip lines at both spots.

Quality of Experience
Just a fun day.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was pretty good, no complaints. The tour guide at Jameson (forget his name) was really good - made it fun and he was a very charismatic speaker/presenter.
Transport
It’s a walking tour. My feet did a great job.
Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull
Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull
Oban

Nice comfy boat ride. Friendly staff and good views of Oban, the islands and a few castles along the way. Lots of birds and some seals too. Good way to spend 2 hours if the weather is nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly staff.
Transport
Nice boat.
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban

Decent experience. Definitely worth a stop in Oban if you want to learn about the history of the brand and the distilling process. You get to sample 3 whiskeys too which isn’t so bad.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was just okay. Seemed a little bored but not sure I blame him if he has to repeat the same info to a new group every hour.
Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Scotland

Safari Steve was awesome! Just book the trip. Great guy in every way, very fun tour and you couldn’t ask for a nicer ride. If you like birds, animals, learning about just about everything by an expert guide and naturalist and you want to see four very different and very stunning ecosystems all in one day then this trip is for you. One of the highlights of our trip to Scotland for sure.

Quality of Experience
Pretty darn good day.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Would give 6 stars if I could.
Transport
I want a Land Rover (and a highland coo) now.
Hill Trips Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Hill Trips Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Scotland

The reindeer were pretty amazing. Unfortunately, the weather was not in the last week of March. Would recommend this trip for sure but try not to go when it’s too windy. The winds were around 75 km/h which made it quite cold and hard to stand up at times. You’ll be on the mountain and will have to walk through boggy peat so make sure you are sure on your feet. All that said, I’m glad I made the trip.

Quality of Experience
Reindeer were very cool.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Couldn’t hear the staff due to the high winds. Was a little surprised they didn’t cancel the tour due to the weather conditions. You’re very exposed on the mountain so safety should be a little more of a priority I think. That said, I still went on the hike.
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling

Very nice castle with interesting and important history. Nice views of the town and countryside too.

Quality of Experience
Very nice castle and interesting history.
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh

It’s a pretty impressive castle. Would definitely recommend going.

Quality of Experience
Nice castle with interesting history.
Walk up Calton Hill
Walk up Calton Hill
Edinburgh

Definitely worth the trip and it’s only a short walk from downtown. Great view of the city and a great thing to do before everything starts opening up.

Quality of Experience
Very nice walk and great views of the city.
Local specialist: Emily Reilly