Ireland Walk Hike Bike

NOTE: Our rating is a 3-1/2 for the KimKim experience and working with Joe.

A beautiful island with amazing sights including verdant vistas, rolling gradation of greens, rugged and wild coastline a surprising amount of archeological history. So happy we toured around almost the whole island, starting in Dublin then south to Kilkenny and Kinsale, west to Dingle (our favorite) and up to Galway.

Many great experiences including the Ashling Hotel in Dublin (great location, helpful front desk folks and good breakfast selections), drinking Guinness and Jameson and hearing traditional music, quaint and colorful villages (Kilkenny, Cobh, Kinsale, Ennis, Dingle). Glad we made the stop at the Rock of Cashel, the Jameson Distillery tour in Midleton, the Titanic museum in Cobh and the Cliffs of Moher. Dingle Peninsula is a must-see and thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Emlagh House with delightful and helpful staff, delicious breakfasts and great location. Doyle's restaurant in Dingle is a MUST.

The most challenging part for us was notably the driving, which can only be described as harrowing and stressful. We did not get much chance to enjoy scenery enroute to the locales as one was driving and one was navigating - very narrow roads, a lot of traffic circles and plenty of traffic. We missed stopping off at many sights just because it was too
tense getting back on the road and pressure to get to the next overnight. Also we were very disappointed outside Dublin that pretty much every pub we went in in Kinsale and Galway were not what we expected in terms of warm welcomes and jovial conversations. In some we were virtually ignored while locals chatted with the bartenders and made merry. We were also disappointed with our hotel in Galway - located on the ocean, which was beautiful, but waaaaaaayyyy out at the end of town with a commercial district that was overrun with casino-type buildings, fast food restaurants and convenience stores.

Hotel Reviews

Ashling Hotel Dublin

Dublin

Great location, great (friendly and helpful) front desk staff, great breakfast selection and wonderfully big, fluffy towels in the bath. There is a huge and beautiful park nearby, a free museum, a light rail that will take you directly to the Temple Bar area.

Authenticity & Character

Location

see above

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Greenmount House Luxury B&B

We did not stay at the Greenmount House - We stayed at the Emlagh House which was five stars all around! Lovely, helpful staff, wonderful breakfasts, cozy accommodations, wonderful location to walk to beach or to town.

Authenticity & Character

Note this rating is for Emlagh House

Location

Note this rating is for Emlagh House

Staff

Note this rating is for Emlagh House

Cleanliness & Comfort

Note this rating is for Emlagh House

Actons Hotel

Cork

Beautiful hotel, spacious and comfy rooms, great location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Beautiful views, easy walking to all parts of town.

Staff

Ian (front desk manager) When we arrived, after a long day of driving on the LEFT side of the road on narrow streets and much traffic, there was NO parking. The person who greeted us at the hotel basically said "too bad." Ian was extremely helpful and found a way to keep my car safe until a spot opened up, so I could get settled in. If Ian wasn't working at the front desk that day, my rating would've been poor. The person who greeted us didn't even offer to help us find parking.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Galmont Hotel & Spa

Galway

We did not stay at the Galmont House - we stayed at Salt Hill Hotel. Overall rating - 3 stars

Authenticity & Character

Location

situated in very commercial district, too far from town

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

worst bathroom ever

Activity Review

Jameson Distillery and Blarney Castle

Cork

I will start by saying our time in and around Westport with our guide Jim Henry was one of the best parts of our trip. He’s friendly, knowledgeable, extremely accommodating, empathetic and an overall pleasure to spend time with. We learned a great deal from him.
We really enjoyed having multiple choices of places to stop along our routes. Most routes we accomplished 1-3 stops. On the causeway coast we did 6 of 7. We were exhausted after but it was worth every step. If we get the opportunity we will be in touch for another trip in the south of the island.
Thank you to all who were involved!!

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

Location

Staff

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.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

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

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

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

The Galmont Hotel & Spa

Galway

A modern, functional hotel in a great location

Location

within walking distance to city centre

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

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

Tower View

Dingle

Another nice, small inn located close to city centre

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

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

Activity Review

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