Reviews

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Ethel L
Jun 11, 2026
We were very surprised by the number of travelers on our trip! Just the two of us! It afforded for more flexibility on departure times from hotels especially. Chris was a treasure trove of information on Irish history and places to shop,eat or drink at each stay. It was a delightful experience.
Wild Atlantic Way 2026 - 7 days (Galway, Killarney & Dingle)
Hello Ethel, warm greetings from Ireland. Many thanks for your kind words, highly positive review and feedback and most of all for choosing an Essential Ireland tour, it was our pleasure to welcome and host you. What are unique experience for you both to have basically a private tour of Ireland for a week, just the two of you. We are very proud of our 'never ever cancel guarantee', whether there are 2 people or 16 people that book a tour and are signed up,we will always operate the tour, even it it makes a financial loss for us. This is what sets us apart from all the big tour operators who will cancel the tour if they don't reach the minimum number of guests required to run it. Touring Ireland is our passion, it is more about our pride in our country and our culture than it is about making money and this is demonstrated by the fact that we will operate a tour with two people if necessary and only a month to go I led a 7 day tour of the wild atlantic way with just one guest aboard for a week. Some say we are crazy to have this policy but we were repaid with a glowing review and a tour-guest who will most likely travel with us again in future, so its all good :) I have been one of Ireland's leading tour guide for over 25 years and I would rather give up Guinness forever than cancel a tour departure that someone has invested their hard-earned cash into and made travel plans for. Im delighted to read you enjoyed the professionalism of Chris your guide and all his great information, history, stories and recommendations. Thank you sincerely for choosing to travel with Essential Ireland and we hope to welcome you again on our tours, perhaps next time on our 5 day tour of Northern Ireland and Donegal! Either Slainte - Good health Stephen McPhilemy Founder & Chief Tour-Guide
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Cynthia D
Oct 28, 2026
We just got back from one of the best trips I never could have imagined! While learning the history of Ireland, we relaxed in a luxurious coach bus and enjoyed all the scenery around us. The trip hit key areas that we wanted to visit and the accommodations were top notch. Ireland is a magical place and all the people were so nice. I can't wait to plan my next trip back with Cris and Stephen!
Wild Atlantic Way - 7 Day Ireland Tour (Galway, Killarney, Dingle)
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nancy s
Oct 01, 2026
We had a wonderful time. It was wonderful seeing castles, Blasket islands, pubs and Tran music. The people were so nice in Ireland. It was wonderful with a great guide nanedchris. The countryside was 40 shades of green with cattle and sheep. I loved the places that we saw such as Belfast, derry Killarney donegal. Icould go on. Dingle was great with the Irish wolfhounds.
Wild Atlantic Way - 7 Day Ireland Tour (Galway, Killarney, Dingle)
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Mary Alice L
Oct 01, 2026
My friend and I are so grateful that Chris gave us a wonderful tour ( and lots of laughs), and there were just the two of us!! Our first morning could have been a disaster as I booked a hotel near the Wrong Leonardo Hotel. Turns out the Leonardo is a chain and the right one is Leonardo Christchurch, on the opposite side of town. ( Steven did say the Leonardo Christchurch!) There were so many highlights on the tour, from the monastic ruins at Clonmacnoise, the birds of prey, the AMAZING sheepherding in Kerry, Dingle crystal , the very beautiful Blasket Centre Museum, and finally an irish music concert our last night in Dingle. Such friendly service in the cozy hotels too with a special shoutout to the ladies at the Arbutus Hotel!
Wild Atlantic Way - 7 Day Ireland Tour (Galway, Killarney, Dingle)
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Linda F
Sep 21, 2026
We had a fantastic time during our travels through Ireland! We did two tours back-to-back and could not be happier with all of the amazing things that we saw, did and learned. Our tour guide, Chris, was super knowledgeable, patient, and fun! The pace of the tour was just right for us and we had a huge variety of experiences and saw a vast area of the entire country. All of our accommodations and transportation was first rate. Thank you to Chris and Essential Ireland for helping us with this bucket list trip!
Wild Atlantic Way - 7 Day Ireland Tour (Galway, Killarney, Dingle)