We had a wonderful trip to Ireland.
Ireland | Oct 2 - Oct 11, 2025

PAUL
PAUL S.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

We had a wonderful trip to Ireland. We had two guides during our stay., For the first two days we had Vincent and then for the remainder of the trip we had Des. They both were very knowledgeable, friendly and caring. An unexpected highlight for us was the trip to the Barren smokehouse. We had a very interesting conversation with one of the owners. All of the accommodations were great, the food recommendations were spot on.

Hotel Reviews
Davenport Hotel
Dublin

Wonderful hotel, friendly staff, close to the center of town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sheen Falls Lodge
Kenmare

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Definitely worth going to the Falls restaurant, it was a highlight of our dining experiences in Ireland

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Monks Ballyvaughan
County Clare

Well, definitely a less refined accommodation than the others we experienced, the room was clean, comfortable, and had all the modern accessories. The on site restaurant had a great seafood chowder.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Cong

While not actually in the castle, the accommodation was terrific. I’m sure the handicap accessibility of the castle rooms didn’t fit my needs. Anyway, the accommodation was very nice the on site restaurants were great. well, the property is very large. They are more than willing to mow you around the property.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cliff at Lyons
Co. Kildare

A wonderful way to end our vacation was to stay at the Cliff at Lyons. while we were only at the property for a short time, it is conveniently located close to Dublin airport. The property is beautiful and the staff was very friendly. They have a lovely bakery/Café on site with delicious treats.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
The Burren Smokehouse - Meet the Makers
The Burren Smokehouse - Meet the Makers
Ireland

This was probably the most unexpected experience we had in Ireland. We had no preconceived notion about what this experience would be like. Peter just comes up to you and starts having a conversation, taking us to various parts of the facility and ending with a lite lunch at the pub. While we probably wouldn’t have booked this experience on our own. We are surely appreciative that Eleanor pick this experience for us.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Eleanor Whitticombe
Eleanor
Eleanor Whitticombe
Local specialist in Pembrokeshire, Wales | Replied on Oct 17, 2025
Dear Paul, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that your trip to Ireland was such a wonderful experience. It’s great to know that both Vincent and Des made such a positive impression: their knowledge, friendliness, and care really do make all the difference. We’re delighted you enjoyed the handpicked accommodations, dining recommendations, and especially the visit to the Burren Smokehouse, it’s one of those unexpected gems that often becomes a favorite memory. Your... Read more

Dear Paul,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that your trip to Ireland was such a wonderful experience. It’s great to know that both Vincent and Des made such a positive impression: their knowledge, friendliness, and care really do make all the difference.

We’re delighted you enjoyed the handpicked accommodations, dining recommendations, and especially the visit to the Burren Smokehouse, it’s one of those unexpected gems that often becomes a favorite memory. Your thoughtful feedback on each property is much appreciated and will be shared with our partners in Ireland.

It was such a pleasure to plan this journey for you, and we’d be delighted to help design your next adventure when you’re ready to explore again.

Warm wishes,
Eleanor