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Joe Cotter

I have been hiking and climbing for over 35 years all over the world, I have an expert knowledge of the Irish mountains rivers and lakes. An outdoor specialist I have also worked for some of the world's best outdoor brands such as Eagle Creek, Lowe Alpine and MSR.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Ireland, North South East or West. Mountains, Glens, Rivers, Lakes or just quiet country lanes."

How did you get involved in travel?

"Having grown up in the mountains of west Kerry I began to explore other regions and countries, Alaska, Africa, The European Alps, too many to mention. As an outdoor professional working in the outdoor industry I travelled extensively throughout Europe and the Americas."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Too many to mention, I learn something new on every hike whether it is here in County Kerry or the mountains of the Picos Europa in Northern Spain. Fail to prepare...prepare to fail!"

Joe is part of the following groups: Ireland Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Joe

Overall, we were very pleased with our trip. ...
Ireland | Aug 27 - Sep 7, 2024

L
Linda W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 09, 2024
Overall, we were very pleased with our trip. The itinerary was excellent. All of the accomodations, with the exception of Gabriel House in Cork, were wonderful as were the restaurant and pub recommendations. The main issue we had with Gabriel House was the location, being quite a distance from Cork city centre. Plus, we were assigned a room on the top floor (not KImKim's fault, just something for you to be aware of) which made it impossible for us to haul our full suitcases up 4 flights... Read more

Overall, we were very pleased with our trip. The itinerary was excellent. All of the accomodations, with the exception of Gabriel House in Cork, were wonderful as were the restaurant and pub recommendations. The main issue we had with Gabriel House was the location, being quite a distance from Cork city centre. Plus, we were assigned a room on the top floor (not KImKim's fault, just something for you to be aware of) which made it impossible for us to haul our full suitcases up 4 flights of stairs. We transferred a few essentials into a duffle bag and carried that. up. The room was spartan; felt like a dormitory room and the bathroom was barely big enough for one person to maneuver in. Concerning Cork, I know we asked to include that location in the itinerary, but we chose to instead drive down to Kinsale after finding Cork rather dirty and uninviting.

We were pleased to find all the reservations confirmed, including the taxi to/from the Dingle Way hike. We were especially pleased with the hike. We didn't particularly care for the 2.5 km part on the road leading to the Blasket Centre, but we understand why the Blasket Centre was chosen for a pick up location.

Lastly, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a daily check-in text message at the beginning of our trip. I know we had ways to reach out to KimKim had we had any problems, but we liked the check-ins as it felt like KimKim was keeping track of where/what we were doing. Then, the day before we were to go on the Dingle Way hike, I reached out with a question. My phone indicated that KimKim received and read the message, but we heard nothing back for 4 days. We were surprised and taken aback at the sudden lack of communication. I know I could have called, but we assumed all would work out with taxi pick up which it did.

Hotel Reviews
Fernroyd House B and B
Cork

We stayed at the Gabriel House. See my comments in the general section.

Authenticity & Character
Location
way too far from city centre.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tower View
Dingle

Another nice, small inn located close to city centre

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Killeen House Hotel
killarney

A quaint inn a nice distance out of Killarney. We really appreciated being away from the more touristy and busy city of Killarney.

Authenticity & Character
Location
it was on the edge of Killarney National Park with great access to the Ring of Kerry and without being in the heavily populated city of Killarney. We ate both our dinners in the bar there and found the food to be excellent.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fiddle & Bow
Doolin

We actually stayed at the Doolin Inn which was delightful. We loved the small, unique character of this inn and it was in a great location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Galway

A modern, functional hotel in a great location

Location
within walking distance to city centre
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

Great location, very nice hotel.

Authenticity & Character
it is just a nice hotel; much like we would stay in anywhere
Location
within walking distance of most of the sights in the city, or a short walk to public transportation
Staff
very friendly reception and restaurant staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Cliffs of Moher Cruise
Cliffs of Moher Cruise
Ireland

We took a combo cruise to Inishmore then to the Cliffs of Moher. We enjoyed seeing the Cliffs from the water more than from the top.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Joe Cotter