Ireland Tailor-Made Tours & Trips

Alex and Kim – our time in Ireland was wonderful. That was largely due to the trip planning and you guys were awesome as you navigated through our wish list and put together something that no standard tour could provide. I know we were probably more challenging – me with my photography habit and Ruth’s knee issues. Although she greatly surprised me with her mobility during this trip.
I must say that the self-driving was quite the challenge. I was mostly terrified during the first 2 or 3 days of the trip, but I gradually came to feel more confident. Part of it may be that North Ireland, where we spent the first part of the trip is more challenging with the lack of road signs and amazingly narrow and curvy roads. Once we got into Ireland, things were a lot easier – less curvy roads, a lot more road signs, and what not. The M and N designated roads were a joy to drive.
The details are already starting to blur a little, so many interactions with great Irish people who were kind and thoughtful to help us on our way. And just plain engaging and friendly enough to explain some of the more mystifying reasons for why some customs were the way they were.
And the hotels! All of them were so quaint and well cared for. We enjoyed all of them and for different reasons at each place. When we made the decision to self-drive, selecting the right hotels was one of the more challenging things for me and one I gladly turned over to you guys. And I must say, y’all hit it out of the park! We felt so pampered and the inclusive breakfasts were amazing at each location.
Ireland is beautiful. Personally, I struggled with the light – either too much sun or dreary clouds (mostly North Ireland), but that is how photography is. Finding the right light and conditions is largely dependent on luck when you are on a pre-planed trip and my luck was not with me when I needed it. But I did get some stuff that I think will come out nicely and when I find time to process my images from the trip, I will be sure to send y’all a link to them.
We saw a lot. And yet we now realize that we only scratched the surface. Much more to see. I don’t know what the future holds, but a return is not out of the question. Y’all will be number one on my short list.

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

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The River Lee Hotel

Cork

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

Authenticity & Character

Elegant and modern

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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

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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

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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.

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Activity Review

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

Svetlana did a wonderful job of working with me to make this trip memorable. My adult children and I were delighted with the overall trip - the trajectory and locals of our adventures were perfect. We had plenty of time to drive to the sites of interest and to ultimately get to our hotels which were excellent. Special thanks to the proprietor of Dunaree B&B who made us feel very welcome.