Don’t Take Our Word for It! Here’s What Country Walkers Guests Are Saying about Ireland

Whether you choose a guided or self-guided adventure, you’re sure to have the time of your life on a Country Walkers Ireland vacation. But don’t take our word for it! Here’s what 10 of our most recent guests had to say about Country Walkers guided, and self-guided, adventures in Ireland.

Adventure at Your Own Pace

Whatever the style of Country Walkers adventure you choose, there’s always flexibility to slow down—or speed up! Guests love having the freedom to travel at their preferred pace—whether that means setting off ahead of the group to do your own exploring on a Self-Guided Adventure or sleeping in and enjoying a leisurely breakfast at your hotel on a Self-Guided Adventure.

“We loved the self-guided nature of this trip. While we did have our travel notes/book provided by you, we still had a great feeling of being on our own. Some of our hikes were 7-10 miles, but very doable for us.”—Joanne M. Ireland: Cork & Kerry Self-Guided Tour, 2023

“I had a wonderful time. Very relaxing; very rewarding. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The country was beautiful. We were very fortunate with the weather—not a drop of rain. I loved seeing all the sheep and the beautiful countryside. Being able to walk at my own pace—ahead of the group—was very freeing. I hadn’t been able to walk like that for a long time. It was an emotional tonic. A wonderful trip.”—Jennifer Y. Ireland: County Clare, Killarney & Dingle Guided Tour, 2023

“Absolutely loved the self-guided walk format. It was nice to go at our own pace and not feel like we were being ‘herded’ by a tour guide. I liked the variety of views and geographical terrains that the different walks provided, and felt like the descriptions of levels of difficulty were accurate.”—Jane S. Ireland: Cork & Kerry Self-Guided Tour, 2019

Make Some New Irish Friends

Whether you’re spending a week in the company of our wonderful Irish guides, getting to know your self-guided Local rep, or just hanging out in pubs and rubbing elbows with the locals, you’re sure to meet plenty of charming people as you walk and explore the Emerald Isle.

“The people we encountered were quite friendly. Our drivers were wonderful; the hotel personnel greeted us as ‘the walkers,’ and were very accommodating. We found that we did as much walking on the rest days (Killarney and Dingle), where we were able to tour the local sights (Ross Castle, for example, in Killarney, and the lighthouse in Dingle), shop, and enjoy the local cuisine.” –Sheridel S. Ireland: Cork & Kerry Self-Guided Tour, 2023

“Maureen was so special. One of the best guides I had had in all of the many CW walks I have done over the years. I cannot begin to say how much I enjoyed, and appreciated, her attention to each of us. She shared her knowledge and her personal story of her experiences. She laughed, danced, and sang with us. As a result, I will never forget my time in Ireland. As I shared with members of the trip, I had bicycled in this area of Ireland over 40 years ago and this time doing experiencing it on foot was even more special.”—Joanne C. Ireland: County Clare, Killarney & Dingle Guided Tour, 2022

“Neil is a busy hotel owner, and he took the time to answer all of our questions and give us a brilliant overview, including Irish history. He and his wife, Katy, are the epitome of the charming hosts!”—Marcia L. Ireland: Cork & Kerry Self-Guided Tour, 2019

“There were a couple of stops which were too ‘touristy,’ but the patrons at most of the stops were local and very friendly.”—Jennifer T. Ireland: County Clare, Killarney & Dingle Guided Tour, 2022

Ireland at Its Very Best

Both guided and self-guided Country Walkers adventures bring you the highlights of southwest Ireland—as well as a host of places you would never find in the guidebooks.

“We did a sheep dog herding on the side, instead of going to see the dolphin in Dingle. You should add it. Amazing show with the local farmer and dogs and sheep. Wonderful. Dingle was fantastic—favorite village, and could have stayed there another day as well. Hotel was top notch—fantastic people.”—Arin O. Ireland: Cork & Kerry Self-Guided Tour, 2019

“We enjoyed hikes through the Gap of Dunloe and the Killarney National Park, the wonderful seafood, the camaraderie of our group. And what made it an exemplary trip was the expertise and lively spirit of our local guides, Maureen and Katrin. We especially enjoyed the night of local traditional Irish music in Dingle.”—Beverly L. Ireland: County Clare, Killarney & Dingle Guided Tour, 2023

“The highlights for us were the scenery and the friendliness of the people. We were also pleased that we selected a trip that offered us a different experience—and that we found it challenging, but not overwhelming. One additional highlight that we have not mentioned, but that you recommended, was the Gap of Dunloe. That, along with the boat ride, was spectacular.”—Douglas L. Ireland: Cork & Kerry Self-Guided Tour, 2019