Profile photo for Svetlana Frolova
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active 8 hours ago

Svetlana Frolova

I came to Ireland for the first time over 25 years ago as a tourist and fell in love with this beautiful small island. I moved here in the late '90s and never looked back.

I enjoy many aspects of this country, the main being its friendly people. Every corner is my favorite: Connemara for the moody landscape, Burren for the extraterrestrial vistas, Wicklow for its magnificent gardens.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I like to travel comfortably, take in the place with all my senses. This needs time and good places to stay. Oyster farm - tick, old stately home - tick, a garden in full bloom - tick!
"

How did you get involved in travel?

"I had to share my feelings about the places around me, so I became a tour guide. It allowed me to gain a more intimate knowledge of Ireland and neighboring Scotland. Then I became a tour consultant.
Now I love to share my experiences and knowledge with you."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Lazing in the warm healing mud of Volcano island at Christmas, with no one around. "

Svetlana is part of the following groups: Scotland Travel Agents, Ireland Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Svetlana

Ireland trip was amazing!
Ireland | Aug 15 - Aug 24, 2024

K
Kathy O.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Sep 06, 2024
Everything that was planned went amazing! Hotels were great and the recommendations and attractions were perfect! Only feedback is regarding the hotel in Kinsale. It was a wonderful hotel but a bit far out of town. Would have preferred something in town where we could walk around the city. Svetlana’s recommendations were perfect! Read more

Everything that was planned went amazing! Hotels were great and the recommendations and attractions were perfect! Only feedback is regarding the hotel in Kinsale. It was a wonderful hotel but a bit far out of town. Would have preferred something in town where we could walk around the city. Svetlana’s recommendations were perfect!

Hotel Reviews
Cassidy's Hotel City Centre
Dublin

Great location, nice restaurant and bar on site

Authenticity & Character
Quaint hotel with friendly staff
Location
Walkable to all the major attractions
Staff
Super friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ten Square Hotel
Belfast

Nice bog rooms and lovely rooftop bar

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to most attractions
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Ebrington
DERRY/LONDONDERRY

Lovely hotel with nice bar and spa

Authenticity & Character
A little more modern amenities
Location
A little outside of town but still walkable
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Castlecourt Hotel, Spa & Leisure
Westport

Beautiful hotel and city. Lots of character and nice restaurant excellent breakfast

Authenticity & Character
So quaint
Location
Perfect for walking the city
Staff
Very friend,y
Cleanliness & Comfort
Harbour Hotel
Galway

Hotel was average bit in a good location for walking

Authenticity & Character
Not much character and a little dated but clean
Location
Easy to walk to city center and attractions
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Meadowlands Hotel
Tralee, Kerry

Lots of character, beautiful setting

Authenticity & Character
Great rooms and restaurant and breakfast
Location
Convenient for traveling but not much around the hotel for attractions
Staff
Helped make accommodations for one of our travelers who was sick
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Kinsale & Spa
Kinsale

Fabulous hotel and spa, beautiful accommodations and views

Authenticity & Character
Modern amenities with less authentic character
Location
About a 10 min drive outside of town, shuttle only transports to town but must can back to hotel
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
Clonshaugh

Good hotel for transport to airport - would only recommend for overnight stay before flying out. Very crowded and busy hotel

Authenticity & Character
Standard hotel
Location
Great for flying out the next morning but nothing else around hotel
Staff
Restaurant and lounge were crowded and took a while to get service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Black Cab Tour
Black Cab Tour
Belfast

Excellent history of Belfast-Jimmy was so knowledgeable and friendly. High,y recommend this tour if you want to learn about the city

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jimmy is the best!
Transport
Not really in a black cab, tour is in a van but was still good
Farewell
Farewell
Ireland

Nothing to rate

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Svetlana Frolova
Svetlana
Svetlana Frolova
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 06, 2024

Thanks so much for your review, Kathy! I’m really happy to hear everything went so well on your trip and that you enjoyed the hotels and attractions. I appreciate the feedback about the hotel in Kinsale, and I’ll keep that in mind for future planning. I’m also glad my recommendations helped make your trip even better. Hope to help plan your next adventure soon! Safe travels!

Perfect Family Adventure
Ireland | Aug 13 - Aug 21, 2024

A
Andrew S.
Gadsden, AL | Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

We had a wonderful time with a great itinerary. The trip was just what we asked for; saw a lot of areas of the country, had wonderful hotels.

Favorite hike: Connemara and Diamond Hill
Favorite Hotel: 12 hotel in Galway

The whole trip was well planned and we will use kimkim again and Svetlana is highly recommended for any Ireland adventure.

Local specialist: Svetlana Frolova
Svetlana
Svetlana Frolova
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 06, 2024

Thanks so much, Andrew! I’m really happy to hear that everything worked out for you. Connemara and Diamond Hill are amazing, and I’m glad they were a highlight for you. I really appreciate the recommendation and can’t wait to help plan your next adventure with Kimkim. Excited for your future travels!

Svetlana planned a perfect family trip for us...
Ireland | Aug 13 - Aug 21, 2024

E
Elizabeth S.
Charlotte, NC | Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

Svetlana planned a perfect family trip for us! Thank you!

Local specialist: Svetlana Frolova
Svetlana
Svetlana Frolova
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 06, 2024

Thanks so much, Liz! I'm really happy to hear the trip was perfect for your family. It was a pleasure to help plan it! Looking forward to planning more adventures with you!

Ireland!
Ireland | Jun 22 - Jun 29, 2024

M
Marek M.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jul 05, 2024
My family and I flew to Dublin, Ireland. From there we traveled to Galway, Cork, Limerick, Cork, Cashel, and then back to Dublin-via Kildare. Our travel specialist Svetlana planned our trip perfectly-in that we didn't move through the countryside to slowly or to fast and our accomodations were fantastic. Further, the stops Svetlana planned for us, (sometimes ones that we would not have chosen for ourselves) turned out to be reals gems-the Kilbeggan Distellery and the Irish National Stud &... Read more

My family and I flew to Dublin, Ireland. From there we traveled to Galway, Cork, Limerick, Cork, Cashel, and then back to Dublin-via Kildare.

Our travel specialist Svetlana planned our trip perfectly-in that we didn't move through the countryside to slowly or to fast and our accomodations were fantastic.

Further, the stops Svetlana planned for us, (sometimes ones that we would not have chosen for ourselves) turned out to be reals gems-the Kilbeggan Distellery and the Irish National Stud & Gardens-and we treasure the visits. Not to mention the usual stops: Cashel, The Book of Kells, The Cliffs of Moher, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Blarney Castle ... almost too many to mention.

Needless to say, my family loved Ireland, loved the Irish and had a wonderful time!

Local specialist: Svetlana Frolova
Svetlana
Svetlana Frolova
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 06, 2024

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Marek! I’m so happy to hear that your trip around Ireland was such a hit with your family and that the itinerary pacing and accommodations worked perfectly for you. It’s great to know that Kilbeggan Distillery and the Irish National Stud & Gardens turned out to be treasures! I know you were revisiting places you already knew from before, and it’s awesome that you enjoyed them again!

Svetlana planned a perfect trip for us - the ...
Ireland | Jun 22 - Jun 29, 2024

Kathy
Kathy M.
Cape Coral, FL | Reviewed on Jul 01, 2024
Svetlana planned a perfect trip for us - the hotels were wonderful and the travel plan hit all of the highlights of Ireland without feeling rushed. We particularly liked having much of the trip booked and paid for prior to our arrival. It was the trip of a lifetime and we will absolutely be using KimKim for our next adventure. Read more

Svetlana planned a perfect trip for us - the hotels were wonderful and the travel plan hit all of the highlights of Ireland without feeling rushed. We particularly liked having much of the trip booked and paid for prior to our arrival. It was the trip of a lifetime and we will absolutely be using KimKim for our next adventure.

Hotel Review
Lawlors Hotel
Naas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Perfectly located downtown - gorgeous and newly remodeled
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Svetlana Frolova
Svetlana
Svetlana Frolova
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 06, 2024

Thank you so much, Kathy! I’m thrilled to hear that the trip was perfect and that you enjoyed the hotels and the itinerary. It’s great to know the pacing felt just right and that having everything booked in advance made things easier for you. I’m so glad it was a trip of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to help plan your next adventure with Kimkim!

Maximum enjoyment with ease
Ireland | Jun 14 - Jun 20, 2024

Sandy
Sandy M.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 23, 2024
From the start of planning with our guide Svetlana to the end of the trip, everything came together with ease. We did not have a lot of time (8 days including to and from Canada) to explore Ireland, but Svetlana helped me hone in on what was most important to us and how best to travel while there. It was our first time travelling with our youngest son and we were thrilled to share this adventure with him. Our hotels were very comfortable and welcoming - our favourite was The Salthouse Lodge... Read more

From the start of planning with our guide Svetlana to the end of the trip, everything came together with ease. We did not have a lot of time (8 days including to and from Canada) to explore Ireland, but Svetlana helped me hone in on what was most important to us and how best to travel while there. It was our first time travelling with our youngest son and we were thrilled to share this adventure with him. Our hotels were very comfortable and welcoming - our favourite was The Salthouse Lodge in Ballycastle, where we stayed for 3 nights to allow us to explore the area. The Beresford Hotel in Dublin was our first stop and Robert at the front desk was both entertaining and extremely helpful. There was the right amount of tours - the Titanic Experience and Black Cab tour in Belfast and the Guiness Tour in Dublin. The itinerary was flexible enough that we could add or subtract experiences as we wanted, so ended up doing Bushmills Distillery visit and a tour in Londonderry, as well as high tea at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast. When there was a glitch in the Black Cab tour timing, Svetlana was easily contacted and she sorted everything out very quickly. It was very helpful to have the breakfasts included each day and it was never difficult to find wonderful places for the other meals. We are already thinking about our next visit to Ireland and other adventures in the world and would definitely use KimKim again to be able to design the best experience with professional and skilled guidance helping every step of the way. We were able to relax in a way we have not done on past tours with other companies. Many thanks to Svetlana for helping to make this a memorable trip.

Hotel Review
The Salthouse Hotel & Lodges
Ballycastle

This hotel checked all the boxes. Location, comfort, great food, good staff and an incredible view. We looked forward to returning to the hotel after each day of exploring to enjoy the bar before dinner, have a great meal and take in the incredible view. We commented to each other on how relaxed we felt. As an eco lodge, it is clear that the Salthouse in working to provide an experience that is environmentally respectful, and they make use of local produce and bar selections. The meals were excellent and the staff were always helpful. I would return to the Salthouse again, hopefully soon.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel is tastefully decorated with a seaside theme that evokes a sense of relaxation. The rooms are comfortable and spacious and the restaurants and bars welcoming and located to get the best view possible.
Location
A panoramic view of the fields, cliffs and ocean. Spectacular
Staff
Always helpful and ready to answer questions
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Svetlana Frolova
Svetlana
Svetlana Frolova
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 06, 2024

Thank you so much for your fantastic feedback, Sandy! I’m delighted to hear that everything went smoothly from the planning stage. It sounds like you had a wonderful experience with your son, and I’m glad you enjoyed the comfortable hotels, especially The Salthouse!

I appreciate you reaching out about the Black Cab Tours; these things happen, and you handled it like a champ! I can’t wait to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s back to Ireland or somewhere new. Thanks again for choosing Kimkim, and here’s to more memorable travels ahead!

Great Trip.
Ireland | May 22 - May 31, 2024

M
Mary P.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2024
My daughter and granddaughter and I took a self drive trip in Ireland. We chose to experience the West coast from the Dingle Peninsula north to Galway. We flew into Shannon which was the perfect airport for us American drivers to start. We used the GPS on my iPhone for navigation. Used ApplePlay instead of Google, although Google works too, and was spot on everywhere we wanted to go. We went off the beaten path many times. Planning was great, until it was not. My original contact ... Read more

My daughter and granddaughter and I took a self drive trip in Ireland. We chose to experience the West coast from the Dingle Peninsula north to Galway. We flew into Shannon which was the perfect airport for us American drivers to start. We used the GPS on my iPhone for navigation. Used ApplePlay instead of Google, although Google works too, and was spot on everywhere we wanted to go. We went off the beaten path many times. Planning was great, until it was not. My original contact listened to what I wanted the trip to look like, planned an itinerary that was not the normal cookie cutter trip, found lodging where we had a triple rom, sent her a glowing review, made final payment then she went silent. I had a question that went unanswered, finally called Kim Kim to get my question answered also had to call the get my vouchers and tickets 10 days before we left. At that point I was put in contact with Svetlana and she was amazing. I understand life happens and things get off track. All my correspondence was going thru the company system, and when my original travel agent was not longer doing her job, I should have been assigned a new contact not my having to make phone calls asking for help. I chose KimKim because I had a great experience planning a trip to Nepal then Covid hit and cancelled the trip. Yes I would use Kimkim again but could not give a 5 star review.

Activity Review
Farewell
Farewell
Ireland
Local specialist: Svetlana Frolova