Dean Garrison

After an amazingly well-organized and experienced trip to the Azores and Portugal two years ago with KimKim, my expectations were high for KimKim. Unfortunately, the organizational piece was uneven and lacked details until the trip was underway.

After fine-tuning our plans for SW Ireland by Zoom with Dean on Monday, the 23rd of October, two day before we were to leave for Ireland, it was my understanding an updated/detailed itinerary with important phone contacts was to reach me before flying to Shannon. Dean assured me that a driver would be at the airport to transport me upon my early morning arrival at 5:35AM to my hotel, the Doolin Inn. This did not happen as I had to wait three hours for someone to pick me up. I attempted many frustrating calls and emails to KimKim and Dean directly. Throughout our trip, Dean never responded to me regarding the driver not showing up.

I still am unsure as to whom Dean works for: KimKim, an intermediary or Walk, Hike Bike which provided our guide, Joe, who was amazing with every detail of our time with him. He made sure he was clear about each days expectations and execution of each hike, activity and/or drive. Joe was knowledgeable, curious and a treat to experience my first trip to Ireland with him.

Enjoyed the private tour with Linda via Walk/Hike/Bike - very knowledgable including historically. Great day with her and taking in the various sights. Some things about the trip were a bit confusing via the site we downloaded to the phone versus what came over via email including tickets for various excursions via boat. Linda helped us with one of them which helped it make better sense. We used Kim Kim in the past for our honeymoon to Italy and it was an awesome experience where they truly tailored the trip, had rooms with champagne upon arrival and spoke with her as we set up the travels. In this instance the same attention to detail was not there and we did not even know our resource was going to be away during our travels if we had questions so it was a bit of a scramble to send notes via kim kim site to commuincate. With that said, the trip was beautiful but would spend at least 2 days in Dublin in retrospect. We lost the day due to a delayed flight so did not get to a few places we intended to see in Dublin. Did like the way we traveled via car and driving from Kenmare to Killarney was absolutely beautiful (but this drive was via word of mouth and not recommended from the agency). We happened to talk to locals who made recommendations on the suggested routes for the drive. I still enjoy using Kim Kim and would likely do it again but be sure to be more active with questions about what to do or see when traveling to Ireland. Finally - would say to anyone driving do not be shy. I was nervous at first driving opposite side of the road but you get used to it quickly. There are some very narrow streets but go at your own pace - it is not too bad. This trip was for our 1st anniversary so thought there would have been something more on the day but maybe this was missed by the agent?

Hotel Reviews

Ashling Hotel Dublin

Dublin

Nice hotel, great breakfast located in walking distance to Nancy Hands pub and the Guinness tour.

Authenticity & Character

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Cleanliness & Comfort

The River Lee Hotel

Cork

Location of this hotel was perfect. Breakfast was fantastic each morning. Walking distance to few of the local pubs. Enjoyed the hotel bar as well, very nice hotel.

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The Brehon Hotel

Killarney

This hotel was a bit out of the way so need a car to get to Killarney. We had a large room which was nice and the breakfast was very nice, can order from menu. Ross Castle and Muckross House are nearby via short drive. Town of Killarney was very nice. Walk would be a bit long.

Authenticity & Character

Location

I think it just requires a car ride to downtown Killarney - bit of a longer walk but nice hotel.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Doolin Inn

doolin

Enjoyed the small town charm of the hotel. I thought they had the best restaurant and menu with some very different things to try. The room however was extremely HOT and the bathroom was extra hot. There is no A/C, they had an occilating fan in the room. We were a bit uncomfortable. Also in the evening ensure you have everything you need because there will be nothing open and the front desk closes.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Really need A/C in the room. It was HOT and the bathroom - extra hot

The Galmont Hotel & Spa

Galway

Very nice hotel and spa, can use all facilities. The breakfast was buffet style so not as good as some other places but the location was perfect. It was a 5-6 minute walk to downtown Galway and the shops/pubs. This hotel was very convenient and the room was very nice as well.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very close to downtown pubs/shops

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Dingle and Slea Head Guided Drive

Ireland

We had a private tour for this part of the trip and certainly recommend it. We had Linda who was the former owner of the Walk/Hike/Bike and she was very versed in Ireland history so the conversation and lessons were fantastic. There are many spots we would not have known about without some big time research, and it was nice to not have to drive for a day and sit back and take in the scenery.

Quality of Experience

The places to see - Sleighead was nice and the wife loved the town of Dingle

Food

The food was great in Sleighead at the little bar at the end talking with Sean (bartender) and Rocky (his buddy).

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Walk/Hike/Bike and Linda our guide was fantastic and very versed in Irish history

Transport

Mini-van guided tour was great to sit back and relax vs. drive for a day.

Cliffs of Moher Cruise

Ireland

Cliffs were amazing, but I would say the trip to the island of Inis Mor was even better. Best pictures and views were from Inis Mor where you literally can look over the edge (dangerous but incredible). Added Dublin, Doolin, Galway pics here as well.

Quality of Experience

The hotels, car rental and planned activities were great. On the other hand, we received a very long document before our trip that just listed *all* of the options of things to do at each place - there was no priority or added information about timing, booking in advance, or attempts to tailor recommendations to our preferences. This document was generally not useful and we ended up having to use a travel book to figure out what to do in each place.

We planned our hiking trip in Ireland using KimKim and the local representative, Dean from Ireland Walk Hike Bike, arranged a terrific self-guided trip for us in the Southwest of Ireland. Every day was memorable. We particularly appreciated their responsiveness when there were questions. Twice we needed to change plans and they responded in minutes, updating our itinerary info and GPS. Loved the accommodations they arranged at Ashling Hotel, the Old Weir Lodge and Tower View B&B and the people at all of them. Had wonderful drivers too. Cannot recommend highly enough!

Hotel Reviews

Ashling Hotel Dublin

Dublin

Terrific hotel. Great location, particularly if you are taking the train, as the station is across the street. Most restaurants an easy 15-20 minute walk, but some close as well. Three blocks from one of the largest parks in Europe. Also close to Guinness brewery if you are going there. Very good breakfast and super friendly host, who spontaneously started leading us in traditional Irish song! Loved it!

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Tower View

Dingle

Loved the Tower View B&B! Aiden, Helen and the staff made us feel so welcome. Very friendly and welcoming. Breakfasts were terrific. A big part of why we had such a wonderful trip to Southwestern Ireland!

Authenticity & Character

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Old Weir Lodge

Killarney

Felt so welcomed by the O’Donoghue family at the Old Weir Lodge! Small hotel/Inn with the feel of a B&B. Felt so welcomed. It was a plus that father and son run the boat tour we took in the park as well. Excellent breakfast and service. Highly recommend!

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Activity Review

FALCONRY KERRY

Ireland

Had some time on our last day in Killarney before getting our train and this was a perfect way to spend the morning. Highly recommend!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We had a really great itinerary. Our local guide, Joe O'Donnell was very knowledgeable in both historical and current sights to see. He filled us in as we travelled on current, recent, and ancient events in Ireland. He also had a knack for finding good establishments for eating. It was very interactive and Joe always made sure we were happy with the activities we engaged in.

Dean with KimKim laid out the perfect vacation for us. He asked us what we wanted to do, and then made it happen. Our guide Joe was personable and just an all around great guy. Knowledgeable about the areas and history, and got us where we needed to be on time. Will defiinitely use KimKim again.