Stephen Molloy

Stephen was very easy to work with. He was so responsive and followed up on all the details. The activities chosen were well picked. We particularly appreciated the KimKim team and Stephen accommodating our multigenerational needs. There was only one hotel in Galway the Ardilaun that we would not necessarily recommend to future guests. The rooms were rather run down and not well kept. Otherwise, both hotels the Grafton and Brehon were fantastic. We would have appreciated tickets being purchased for the Book of Kells/Trinity College Library in advance because we were under the impression that was part of the walking tour. The Irish House Dancing was great and such fun. Our driver Mr. Gerard and our vehicle were five star and we so appreciated all his guidance. Mr. Gerard was wonderful!! The carriage ride in Killarney was great for grandparents and kids. The Cliffs of Moher boat ride though scenic and incredible I would warn people about the choppy waves and sea sickness. Aran Islands was such a highlight! We truly thank the KimKim team, Stephen and Mr. Gerard our driver for creating a memorable trip for our whole family.

Hotel Reviews

The Ardilaun Hotel

Galway

The rooms were small, dated and not clean. The old carpet in the hallways and tight elevator.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Brehon

Killarney

Great location. Nice breakfast. Great restaurant and bar. Lovely lobby.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Grafton Hotel

Dublin 2

Great location. Spacious rooms.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party SHOW ONLY

Dublin

Incredibly fun for all ages!

Private 4X4 Tour of Inis Mór

Ireland

The driver was excellent. The vehicles were well maintained. We were happy to be dropped off, get a chance to experience restaurants in town and hike up to the cliffs.

Falconry Adventures

Ireland

Wonderful experience. The birds were incredible.

Killarney National Park Jaunt - From Park to Castle

Ireland

Wonderful. Great for grandparents and kids.

The Fantastic Walking Tour of Dublin - Private Guided Tour

Dublin

It was a bit dull. Wish we could have stopped to see street performers. Wish they had booked tickets in advance to see inside Trinity College.

Dublin Wheelchair rental - with hotel or airport dropoff/pickup

Dublin

A dream trip come true. A couple minor hiccups, however did not diminish overall joy of the trip. The drivers provided were very good. The visit of distilleries were numerous and also outstanding. Most distilleries provided a keepsake. You can trust KimKIm to set up a great trip.

Hotel Review

Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel

Inverness

Outstanding, an apartment with all amenities included. Clean spacious and wish we had more nights there.

Authenticity & Character

It was extremely useful.

Location

So close to everything.

Staff

All staff.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Super clean and very warming.

Activity Review

Ben Nevis Distillery Tour

Fort William

Wow what a great place to visit. We had a one on one tour guide that crushed it. Got to utilize the “copper dog” ourselves. Generous portions of single malt to taste.

Transport

James our driver on two (2) occasions was incredible. Use his contacts set set up a visit to our number one distillery.

Booking my mom’s 70th birthday trip to Scotland through Kimkim was one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made. Stephen planned a truly beautiful journey from the moment we landed in Edinburgh until our plane took off nine days later. Every detail was thoughtfully arranged, allowing us to experience both the iconic highlights of Scotland and deeply personal moments tied to our family history.

Of course, even the best travel plans can encounter unexpected changes. When our itinerary was suddenly disrupted, Stephen and his team stepped in immediately and seamlessly organized a last-minute hotel stay in London along with train transportation to Edinburgh. What could have been a stressful situation turned into just another memorable part of the adventure thanks to their calm professionalism and quick problem-solving.

Throughout the trip we were able to visit our ancestral home and explore so many unforgettable places: Scone Palace, Blair Atholl Castle, the breathtaking Isle of Skye, and a captivating boat tour in Oban where dolphins followed alongside our boat. Every stop felt meaningful, magical, and perfectly paced.

This trip gave my mother memories she will cherish for the rest of her life, and I am incredibly grateful to Stephen and the Kimkim team for making her milestone birthday so special. I cannot recommend them highly enough for anyone planning a personalized and unforgettable journey through Scotland.

My clients had a WONDERFUL time on their trip.....

I do feel the communication portal could use a little work....... And I'm not a big fan of the final docs, Seems it could be easier to access and perhaps a little earlier than you provide them. (Minor details) (I tend to be old school and like physical docs)

Stephen was a pleasure to work with!

Thank you for a beautiful & memorable trip! We started out with a flight delay & missed flight connection, so we lost our first day in Edinburgh. Thank you for booking the room in London & a train to Edinburgh the next day. Loved the Edinburgh Castle(quite the uphill hike) and high tea for my birthday. Toured 4 amazing castles, saw 2 castle ruins, boat trip on Loch Ness, boat trip in Oban. We hiked to the fairy pools-gorgeous! All accommodations were comfortable with kind & efficient staff. Everything was organized & easy to follow on your app. Thank you for making my birthday trip special.

Hotel Reviews

Clayton Hotel

Glasgow

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Perle Oban Hotel & Spa

Oban

Nice old hotel on the harbor. Friendly staff & comfortable room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

On the harbor

Staff

Friendly & helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Skeabost House Hotel

Portree

Very nice location & comfortable accommodation. Friendly & helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character

Lovely hotel

Location

Perfect location for touring the isle of skye

Staff

Always attentive & helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rokeby Manor

Invergarry

Quaint & comfortable. Friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Townhouse Hotel

Arbroath

Drop off luggage then park your car.

Authenticity & Character

A room above a pub-charming.

Location

Only problem was parking-we had to find a place to park then walk with luggage to hotel.

Staff

Very friendly staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Seagulls were noisy but they gave us complementary earplugs & they worked like a charm!

Market Street Hotel

Edinburgh

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to train station & Edinburgh castle

Staff

Friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very nice room, comfortable beds

Activity Reviews

Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull

Oban

Loved this boat tour! The guide was funny & very informative. We saw an eagle, dolphins, & seals! Beautiful!

Quality of Experience

Excellent

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guides were very helpful in pointing out wildlife.

Transport

We had a beautiful sunny day though chilly., dress warm.

Visit the Glenfinnan Monument

Scotland

We arrived after tower was closed for the day due to a flat tire on route but were able to walk around.

Quality of Experience

Lovely location, tower & viaduct

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Friendly

Transport

We drove

Blair Atholl Castle Entrance tickets (Reopens 1st April)

Scotland

Loved this castle. Very helpful & knowledgable staff

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Edinburgh Castle Tickets

Edinburgh

Beautiful old castle, heck of a climb for this out of shape old lady but worth the effort!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide

Edinburgh

Unable to go on this tour due to flight delay

I have been a huge cheerleader for KimKim, having taken a trip to Slovenia which was stellar in every way. So I did not hesitate to come back to KimKim again for a special birthday week in Scotland. Unfortunately, it was a trip that I could have planned on my own fairly easily for far less cost. I am at a loss to understand the value of KimKim for this trip. All in all, it was an uninspired, off-the-shelf undertaking with our specialist Stephen who I wasn’t convinced knew the area well when all was said and done. Never felt the enthusiasm I had in the past, but more of a bit of phoning it in and taking dictation. And through the process I did some push back (should have done more) but it never seemed to result in upping his game.

What I had loved about my past experience with KimKim was the surprise and delight of things to do or see that I would not have found or thought of myself. None of that was the case on this trip.

The itinerary for Glasgow turned out to be ho-hum at best. Lots of go to museum self-guided recos. The private walking tour that was booked was quite lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed it. BUT this came as a result of MY request for it, not the specialist’s recommendation (and a supplemental charge was added to do so). Ultimately, we were looking for some inspiration on things to do in Glasgow besides wandering around museums. I had requested a private Whiskey tasting several times which he said he was working on but never got back to me. Not one suggestion for something inspired.

Unlike our Slovenia trip, transfers to the stations, hotels etc. beyond airport drop off and pick up were not included and left to us to navigate via Uber and local taxis which were not included in the price.

Oban and the Highlands: I requested a castle and got a long in the tooth Isle of Eriska manor house that needs a whole lot of upgrades. And not being familiar with the logistics, it was a 38 pound taxi ride of at least a half hour to get into the town. And Oban area was the only recommendation that was offered. The 3 Isle tour day was fine. But again, I could have booked this on my own directly. It was full of tour groups on a crowded boat and on a coach. The islands, however, were lovely and once on them it was very nice. Our last day was the best day. Our private guide Campbell Cameron was sensational and the highlight of our trip. Kudos to Tartan Tours. THIS was the kind of experience I was hoping for the entire trip.

And the insult to injury is that when I voiced my complaint to KimKim requesting multiple times why this trip that cost me $11K actually would have cost approximately $6700 if I planned it myself, they never had an answer (and because it was so off the shelf it was easy to break out the costs). That is one big mark up for service. Other than just making reservations for things that I could have easily found myself, the value of KimKim for this trip is still a mystery to me. And to add insult to injury their recompense was to refund me a mere $500! Insulting at best to a good customer who has recommended KimKim multiple times to many others. Not only will I never use KimKim again, I will be sure to let all my travel friends know not to use them again and advise others to look elsewhere for a bespoke trip.

Activity Reviews

Full day in Glencoe and the Trossachs

Scotland

Saved our trip on our last day in the Highlands. Our guide Campbell Cameron was sensational and the highlight of our trip. Kudos to Tartan Tours. THIS was the kind of experience I was hoping for the entire trip. The scenery was breathtaking and his intimate knowledge of the place as in his bones. The loch ride was lovely and he drove us through all the nooks and crannies of Glencoe.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Walking Tour of Glasgow

Glasgow

Lovely guide who was very knowledgable and lovely. I had to request this be added to the itinerary as our "specialist" never offered anything of the kind. Oh yeah, and of course this was supplemental. While on the walking tour our guide took us by the council building where she told us there are tours of the interior, but only on weekdays. Our tour being on Saturday, we could not do it. This is something we would never have known about independently and could perhaps have been something for our specialist Stephen to suggest for our Friday itinerary.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Three Isles Tour – Mull, Iona & Staffa

Oban

Once at the islands it was great. But a crowded boat and coach trip. Could have booked this myself.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer in town

Scotland

If we actually had any I would be happy to review them. But other than one trip from the train to our hotel when we arrived, we were on our own

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

University of Glasgow Tour

Glasgow

Don't bother. Given by an undwhelming student who could care less. We left early

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We have such an amazing trip. Stephen did an excellent job planning a fun filled trip. Our local tours were so so wonderful! We loved it all! Some days were over booked ,because the places we stayed alone were something to just enjoy!
Thanks
We will use KimKin again when traveling for sure!

We had a wonderful trip. Each and every stop was unique and interesting. From urban settings to small towns and even the seldom traveled Shetland Islands, the scenery was beautiful. We found out many new and unknown facts about England and Scotland and their rich and interesting history. Our guide Paul, in London was very knowledgeable about all things Beatles. When we got to Edinburgh Robert gave an excellent walking tour of the city and told us many stories of unknown facts about events that have occurred in the town. From there we headed out into the country where we received gracious hospitality at all of our lodging stops. We were especially happy with our stay on the Isle of Sky and also the Shetland Islands. When we arrived in Lerwick Lara gave a wonderful and car tour of the town and some other historical sites on the Island. She was interesting, knowledgeable, and accommodating. We all enjoyed the day with her.
After the Shetlands we head back to London for some more rich history tours with Angie and Tracy. The walking tour to the Buckingham Palace was interesting and Angie was full of fun facts about the Royal family and the traditions. Tracy took us on a Black cab tour of London. Tracy was also interesting and knowledgeable. She took us to some local shops and eateries unique to London. She was great as well and we enjoyed our day with her. We could not have had more fun. Stephen you kept us busy and entertained. It was better than I imagined it could be. Thank you for the great planning and great guides!

We were contacted by Stephen Malloy in April 1, 2025 and began planning our Ireland Vacation. From the beginning, Stephen made us feel like he cared about making this trip an adventure for us. We exchanged emails, had two videos chats, questioners, and even received feed back and help from his partner in crime: Elisa Gjepali, Two for One! We must have been important or a big pain.
We received our first itinerary on April 6 and it was almost perfect. We could tell Stephen had listened to us and was trying to make our dream vacation a reality. A few changes were made and we had booked our trip by April 26 and excited to be on our way.
From May through September, Stephen or Elisa answered many. many question we had and not just about our bookings and outing. We had never traveled internationally and had no idea about anything. From travel insurance to customs procedures, they helped us feel comfortable and never acted like it was a bother.
We received our travel book a week before we left on our trip. Some scheduling changes had been made and they wanted to make us aware of the changes. Stephen even did another video chat with us because there was on very confusing day and he wanted to make sure we were all on the same page about the changes for that day.
Our first day in Ireland, we received an email from Stephen welcoming us to Ireland. A friendly face in a new town. He made sure we had numbers to call in case of problems, and let us know we could still contact him or Elisa if needed.
And we did need them a couple of times. Problems were handled and we had a wonderful time.
Thank you Kimkim for a wonderful time and to Stephen and Elisa,
You will be remembered in our hearts and prayer from this day forward.
Blessings,
Pat and Patti McHugh