The trip organized by Rachel and her team was perfect. The trip pacing was perfect and we really enjoyed all of it. The most astounding part of the trip was frankly the properties they selected . Every one was unique and perfect. Every time we showed up to a new property we were delighted. Of particular note was the sheepdog demonstration- a fascinating experience we wouldn’t have found on our own.
Hotel Reviews
Wonderful hotel in the perfect location for Dublin. Breakfast was fabulous and our garden room had a lovely view. Very centrally located near a couple really fun pubs.
Location
Centrally located.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
This property was amazing. The grounds were just spectacular - we spent most of one afternoon just hiking the very well maintained trails on the property. Over 5 miles by our count. There is a lovely perfect walled garden and kitchen garden that was one of the most beautiful we have ever seen. Our room was nicely situated with a river view. Perfect orientation.
Authenticity & Character
Great fireplaces and seating areas to hang out at.
Location
Great property with amazing walking trails through the woods and along the river.
Staff
Well- they mostly seemed a bit overworked and stressed. We didn’t really get the warm welcome or assistance with luggage we would have expected, and were quite surprised by that. The pub was lovely, but they had the poor bartender doing everything. He seemed extremely overworked.
This was one of our favorite properties on the trip. We enjoyed the breakfast very much, and also enjoyed dinner there on one of the casual nights. Very very nice. The property and the room we were upgraded to (Fuschia) were spectacular. The pub was warm and cold and we spent much of one rainy afternoon there by the fire. Perfection.
Authenticity & Character
Wonderful sitting rooms with garden views and fireplaces throughout. Such a lovely setting.
Staff
Everyone was so welcoming and lovely. They really made you feel at home.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was lovely, large and nicely outfitted with a seating area for two that we loved. Very comfy bed!!!!
The view from the lounge are was spectacular!
Authenticity & Character
Beautifully decorated and very amazing artwork throughout the property.
Location
Perfectly located at the top of a hill with lovely views of the fields and Dingle bay.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We were pleasantly surprised that we were able to have laundry done, as some of the reviews mentioned otherwise. Same day service and very reasonable!
Killarney Park Hotel
Killarney
I wish I could give this place 8 stars. The service was impeccable, the rooms were very nice and the location was very central to the parks we were visiting.
Staff
Fallen, Brendan and Colin were so fantastic! Also Maria at the front desk was very helpful and welcoming.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was perfect with all the amenities you could want. We were in a classic King, which was just fine, but I would love to go back and stay in one of the other class of rooms, as I bet they are spectacular.
What a unique property! A straight up castle- it was very cool.
Authenticity & Character
Just the fact it looks like and actual castle was cool. We stayed in the. Carriage house, but since it was attached to the main building it felt like you were staying in the castle. Another very cool item were the onsite escape rooms. We had a great time escaping the dungeon.
Location
It was out in the country, but that made it perfect.
Staff
John at the activities center (the escape room) made it very fun!
Cleanliness & Comfort
One of the things one should be aware of is that this is a big wedding venue. When we checked in the lobby was full of wedding guests and we literally had to wiggle our way to the desk to check in. They were also packing the bar, so getting a nice beverage after the long drive was impossible. Not a big deal, but something to be aware of. The music from the wedding was also quite loud, although away from the main building. It did not take away from our enjoyment but something to be aware of.
Cliff at Lyons
Co. Kildare
The room we were in (Pipit) was fabulous. Lovely and only one of two rooms in the building which made it very quiet. Lovely view over the lily pond.
Authenticity & Character
It was a very beautiful property with lovely buildings and gardens. Most of the garden beds seemed over grown and in needing of love. Apple trees with fruit on the ground and beds overtaken with dandelions and weeds.
Location
It was very convenient to the airport really. Only 40 or so minutes away, so it was very nice to not have a long drive to. A ivate
Staff
Everyone we ran into was very helpful and nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
So this was also another wedding venue and there was one going on this day. As a result the next morning there were empty glasses and empty beer bottles littered about and one area (obviously the smoking area) outside the restaurant where the ground was littered with cigarette buts. My partner found broken glass on his seat at the breakfast as well.
Activity Reviews
Dublin Private Walking Tour
Dublin
Brian was great and we enjoyed his banter and stories of fairies and fairy trees! He modified the trip for us and was very flexible.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Brian was great, on time, very knowledgeable and personable. Perfect walking pace for us as well
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Ireland
Beautiful views and locations - Wry scenic and not to be missed.
Killarney National Park Jaunt - From Park to Castle
Ireland
Really cool experience and our driver was super nice and knowledgeable about the area.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private tour of Emigration Museum EPIC
Dublin
Our guide Emma was fantastic- not saying anything wrong with her at all. However we would have gotten a lot more out of it going through on our own. This is not an activity or museum where a guide is needed at all.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Doolin ( 50 min)
Doolin
We did not go on this cruise as it was raining and the seas were rough. I would suggest it as an activity but not book it in advance. There were lots of spots available and could easily be walk up.
Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party (Dinner & Show)
Dublin
Amazing entertainment as well as food!
Food
The Guinness beef stew was incredible!!
Connemara Sheepdog Demonstration
Ireland
I would like to give 5 stars to our sheepdog Mac as well. This was amazing and one of my favorite activities. Well worth the drive!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The farmer doing the demo was funny, knowledgeable and amazing.
Local specialist: Rachel Long
