Client Reviews

Pre-Trip Service
Our Wilderness Ireland trip (Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal) was remarkable, approaching magical. Our planning was easy after we were contacted by Louise, who gave us the information we needed. She promptly answered our questions. As a result, we brought the clothing and gear to make the hikes enjoyable, including the backpack rain covers.

Trip Comments
Georgia our guide was prepared and knowledgable on a wide variety of subjects pertaining to the tour as well as Ireland in general. She provided context for the locations we visited and made it more enjoyable. Topics included geography, geology, Gaelic language, history, literature, music, film, food, drink, flora and fauna. We were also lucky to have Liam, new to this company, who was shadowing for 3 days.

The hikes ranged from easy to moderately hard, in part because of the good weather. With more rain they could have been harder. The scenery along all trails was striking. The hikes had frequent pauses to point out specific features or history as mentioned above. Heaven was removing boots and taking a barefoot walk on the spongy, cool plant surfaces at Malin Head.

Georgia made frequent ‘amuse-bouche’ stops while traveling between locations. A notable one was the Doagh Famine Village, which provided an insight to life in Ireland during the famine, during the Troubles, and in more recent times. The host also provided a sample of poitín aka uisce beatha.

A major component of our trip enjoyment was our traveling companions Bob, Trisha and Ciersten (Gaelic spelling). We enjoyed an informative, imaginative and often humorous forum to discuss everything from our backgrounds to evil pillow cat faeries.

Accommodation and Food
For each hiking day, Georgia knew where the good teahouses and pubs were. We non-tour guides managed a pint of Guinness or Cider at the pubs. She also knew the good restaurants for the evening. The packed lunches were routine except for the brownies. Restaurant lunches were quite good. Snacks were welcome and plentiful. Dinners were very good, especially if you wanted lamb, salmon and other seafood. The ones that stood out were Tartine, Nancy’s, Carnaween House, …

The lodgings ranged from the unusual to sublime. Our favorite was the Glen House B&B. The most memorable stay was at the Carnaween House. All had wifi, some more reliable than others.

Your Guide
And we repeat:

Georgia our guide was prepared and knowledgable on a wide variety of subjects pertaining to the tour as well as Ireland in general. She provided context for the locations we visited and made it more enjoyable. Topics included geography, geology, Gaelic language, history, literature, music, film, food, drink, flora and fauna. We were also lucky to have Liam, new to this company, who was shadowing for 3 days.

Georgia made frequent ‘amuse-bouche’ stops while traveling between locations. A notable one was the Doagh Famine Village, which provided an insight to life in Ireland during the famine, during the Troubles, and in more recent times. The host also provided a sample of poitín aka uisce beatha.

For each hiking day, Georgia knew where the good teahouses and pubs were. We non-tour guides managed a pint of Guinness or Cider at the pubs. She also knew the good restaurants for the evening. The packed lunches were routine except for the brownies. Restaurant lunches were quite good. Snacks were welcome and plentiful. Dinners were very good, especially if you wanted lamb, salmon and other seafood. The ones that stood out were Tartine, Nancy’s, Carnaween House, …

The Bottom Line
Our Wilderness Ireland trip (Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal) was remarkable, approaching magical. I hope it comes out ok when it gets posted. Worst case, readers may say, "didn't we see this before?"

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation and Food
The Caraween house had some issues with internet and maintenance issues with in the rooms. Our shower door didn’t stay closed. Someone’s door handle came off, another guest had troubles opening their door.
Other accommodations were excellent. Food was excellent everywhere.

Your Guide
Both Georgia and Liem were great.

The Bottom Line
I think as an advertised hiking holiday there should be a bit more hiking. We seldom did the mileage on our itinerary. In fact our itinerary was partially wrong. I know they changed the itinerary and accommodations from the previous year. Some of the listed itinerary didn’t work with this years trip. Georgia had to make adjustments. We still had a good time, but some days our hike was only 2 hours of a 8-10 hour day.

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation and Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service
Suggestions for hotels and restaurants were helpful. The Gregory in Belfast was good. I got the wrong receptionist first but the next one was very helpful. I ate in Conor opposite the Ulster museum, both excellent. In Sligo, the Riverside's corporate package deal appearance image was redeemed by the down to earth evening receptionist chap who shut the party up in the room next to me, very comfortable and convenient. Marvellous Model art gallery and Tintown play by blueraincoat company.

Trip Comments
A loss for you I am sure but it was lovely for Roseanne and me. Once we got the hang of it not being a "get up in the morning and go walking" holiday and not really what either of us expected from a grade 3 holiday ( based on W Scotland ( walking-Roseanne and cycling-me) but a balance between travel, exercise and the sights I relaxed and loved it. Calliam has ideas of how to improve the first two days. There was the option of getting bit more exercise at each of the places we stayed and it was lovely to have the energy to do that, the cliff path at the Causeway in the morning, the waterfall at Glen house and the beach at Portnoo. I wanted an introduction to parts of Ireland I knew nothing about including especially Northern Ireland and could not have asked for a better one.

Accommodation and Food
I do not like boxes, it was good/excellent. I put excellent because the excellent for location outweighed any reservations. The Causeway hotel being NT was much better than ne might expect from the one right on the causeway. It was lovely being there when the tourists went away and seeing it with no one else there. The evening meal was fine although no nod to Easter day whatsoever, pagan or otherwise (just make sure there are Easter eggs next time, I had them and did not take them and bought an awful one). Easter day felt flat as no hot cross buns ( very good at the Gregory on Good Friday) or eggs at the hotel. I as usual pestered them about plain yoghurt which appeared the next day. Glen House was definitely excellent all round including sandwiches ( apart from light pollution at night outside which went off eventually I think). he location at Portnoo was marvellous. By day two our hostess had got it together, was a bit odd on day one with arrangements for "cleaning"? Good porridge with well presented berries and plain yoghurt on day two. I was fine in my room, went and read out the front. I am sure Roseanne has made a comment, she has a point, not sure how clean the hand towel was in my room but just used another as there were plenty. Arleen was lovely, sandwiches were not a success, wish I had had the lobster rolls at Slieve league, offered and I declined my mistake. Dinner was OK , not great but acceptable ( hard act to follow Nancy's) excellent sorbet and convenient to not get in the van again so fine. All the places were fine for food.

Your Guide
Calliam describes himself on your website as primarily interested in the outdoors. So I made sure I did my homework on the cultural and historical aspects of the holiday in advance. However, Calliam had a wealthy store of knowledge on the history and politics as well as the lichens and teaching us how to eat nettles and loved telling us or else he is very good actor. It was difficult for him to manage the first two days with a trainee in tow and the Easter crowds and a completely new trip to Rathlin Island. It was all fine, we saw everything me being delighted at seeing puffins, very good scone at the Manor house (where there were NO queues which Calliam logged for next time). I was pleased to see the East lighthouse as I was reading the Watch House, a novel about Marconi and Rathlin Island. The rest of the trip was easier I think and the walks more straightforward. Calliam was receptive to suggestions and enjoyed learning about new options, eg the famine village were and stopping at the Burt church a great success. Calliam never gave the slightest hint that he would rather be elsewhere than taking us round. He was very professional, kind, thoughtful, courteous and showed initiative, compromise and leadership in decision making.

The Bottom Line
We were cheaper on the alcohol front than that picture of Duncan and Paul? I am have taken the trouble as it a new holiday for you. he grading is difficult for that holiday. I am confused trying to compare the grading for the other walking holidays.

Pre-Trip Service
Telephone contact very helpful

Trip Comments
Duncan Warner is extremely competent as a guide specifically he is knowledgeable friendly respectful and understanding
We have had many guides he is the best

Accommodation and Food
The bed and breakfasts were good to excellent
Duncan provided fresh fruit and snacks .his choice in restaurants matched our needs and wants

Your Guide
we completely enjoyed our time with Duncan
He is warm and kind yet capable of meeting a schedule and arranging f great experiences at all sites and activities
Ourcthanks to Duncan for making our visit unforgettable

The Bottom Line
We cannot wait to go on another wilderness Ireland adventure what better recommendation is there?

Pre-Trip Service
Great two-way communication to establish what was desired.

Trip Comments
Flexibility to accommodate weather surprises, to highlight sites and activities that aligned with our interests, and to build a complete picture of culture, history, geography, and food.

Accommodation and Food
Provided a wonderful sampling of food choices, levels of sophistication, and setting while integrating accommodation and food into the overall travel scheme.

Your Guide
This category needs a level above excellent - how about "fantastic?" Knowledge and enthusiasm along with guide skills showed at every instant.

The Bottom Line
Could not have asked for more from Wilderness Ireland!

Pre-Trip Service
From the first time I called your office up until I arrived in Ireland, I received friendly, responsive service. I felt you truly wanted to make our experience positive and worked with me to create a trip that worked for us.

Trip Comments
From Paul arriving to pick us with the Halloween decorated van all the way until he dropped us off at our Dublin hotel, we had the most amazing time experiencing Ireland. It really is hard to say what the highlights are as it was all so wonderful. We appreciated Paul's vast knowledge of the area we were visiting and the overall history of Ireland. He went above and beyond in providing stellar customer service to us. He was fantastic with our girls, encouraging them when the didn't think they could keep going on our 30 mile cycle trip, for example. We loved experiencing Ireland on bike, horse, boat, and with our legs. A truly magical experience!

Accommodation and Food
The best experience with meals was food we ate at the restaurants Paul took us to. He found some lovely restaurants where we were able to taste the tasty breads, soups/stews, fish and other dishes. The hotel food was just okay. The sleeping arrangements at the first hotel were great - ample room for sleeping with the three beds. For the second hotel, having a bunk bed wasn't ideal as neither one of my kids wanted to sleep on the top.

Your Guide
I mentioned a lot in my previous answer, so please share that with Paul as well. Paul made the trip what it was - an amazing adventure exploring beautiful Ireland on bike, horse, boat, foot, and van. Wow! We so appreciated the top-notch level of service from Paul. Welcoming us with the Halloween Van, the always replenished goodie box below the seats, the fascinating level of knowledge of the area and of Ireland as a whole, guiding us through the gorgeous landscapes of Ireland, and being so friendly and kind to us throughout the trip. He was excellent with the kids who at times weren't feeling up to the challenge - helping to motivate them to finish the long cycle ride for example. He brought us to delicious restaurants which after a long day of activities was always welcomed. We thank Paul so much for creating the most memorable, fun trip to Ireland for us.

The Bottom Line
I would definitely recommend working with Wilderness Ireland for your next family vacation. Louise and Paul provided top-notch customer service from preparations to execution. If you're looking to truly see the beauty of Ireland in an active and fun way, I'd go with Wilderness Ireland. My hat goes off to you! Many thanks.

Pre-Trip Service
I started searching and planning my trip months in advance. The hiking trip was only a portion of my holiday in Ireland and any and all questions I threw at Louise from general Ireland questions (such as bus and train schedules, recommended places to stay and eat etc.) to hiking trip specific (I'm a celiac, can this be accommodated?) were always answered quickly and very efficiently. All the help I received made me feel more comfortable choosing Wilderness Ireland for the hiking portion of my trip. As far as I am concerned there is nothing that could have been done better and you are lucky to have her as an employee.

Trip Comments
To tell the truth I was unsure exactly what to expect when I signed up as a single female for a hiking trip to Ireland with a company and other people I knew nothing about would turn out. All I can say is.... I'm sure glad I did!!!! From the first day to the last day I had a smile on my face the whole time. The scenery of the coastal route & Donegal was absolutely spectacular. I don't believe there is one view in Ireland that is not unbelievable and I enjoyed each and every one on my hiking trip. One of the highlights of travelling with Wilderness Ireland was not having to worry about anything.... from transportation, to where I would be staying, to where we would be eating... all I had to do was hike, relax and take pictures. What a holiday!!! The group of people that joined up for this hiking trip were all fantastic and Paul Quinn our hiking guide was fabulous. One of the highlights for me was the diversity in the ecosystems we got to hike through, from bogs to heather to sand dunes to mountains to oceans it was incredible. Each and every day on the hike had it's own beauty and I have and will be encouraging everyone I know to put Ireland on their bucket list, and if they like the outdoors in any way, shape or form to look into taking a trip with Wilderness Ireland. It was a blast.

Accommodation and Food
Every place we stayed at was fantastic. What was great also was that you didn't pack up your bags and move every day. My favorite place was the Murray Castle House because it was smaller and you got to talk to and know the owners. I also can't say enough how grateful I am for the places where we ate. I am a celiac and it is not easy to travel at times, and in particular finding good places to eat. The food was fantastic at every accommodation and restaurant. A BIG thankyou to Paul for always making sure I was okay at every meal and even going above and beyond for finding special snacks just for me. Very kind and thoughtful.

Your Guide
Can't say enough about how fabulous Paul was for our particular group. We were a mature (lol) group with a wide range of hiking capabilities. No one was ever not looked after from the fastest to the slowest of us. Paul would talk, laugh, educate, encourage and hike alongside each and everyone of us at various times along every route. He would always ensure everyone was okay and it was obvious he took his job seriously about trying to make our experience the best he could. I'm not even sure what would ruffle him as he even took a car accident in stride and just kept trucking right along with us. All I can say is if I ever get the chance to do another hike with you, it will be my pleasure any time, any where. Thank you very much.

The Bottom Line
I almost didn't go on this trip in the end even with months of planning in place. I am a single female, I am a celiac, I was hesitant to hiked with a group of people I had never met, and my father was going through very harsh cancer treatments at the time I was to leave for my trip. In the end it turned out to be one of the best trips I have ever had!!!! From the first questions answered by Louise to the fantastic care by Paul I would take another trip with Wilderness Ireland again any time. There was no problem travelling alone, the food was fabulous everywhere, the accommodations were unbelievable, and I met some fantastic people who I now call friends. What more is there to say except thank you very much, and I tell everyone I talk to that they should put Wilderness Ireland on their bucket list.

Pre-Trip Service
Louise was FABULOUS.. I booked the trip quite late, and she made it work for me!

Trip Comments
How do I start? Everything was meticulously planned!

Accommodation and Food
Each hotel was great..restaurant choices were top notch. I especially loved the Castle Murray Inn in Killybegs

Your Guide
Paul Quinn..fabulous, knowledgeable, patient and passionate about his work!

The Bottom Line
I did a trip the following week, and decided to wait til the end to say..
I will definitely book with Wilderness Ireland again and recommend it to friends!

Pre-Trip Service
Louise was extremely helpful. Answered all questions. Sent literature when requested. And stayed on top of everything.

Trip Comments
Gooe people, good hiking, beautiful, beautiful scenery and the freshest seafood ever!

Accommodation and Food
Most enjoyed the B and B in Baltimore. Good to have a restaurant attached.

Your Guide
He was fun and careful and made sure everyone had a good time. Knew the area completely so changing plans was no problem. Especially loved the “rest stops" that always included a story or a song! (Having Louise there too was an added attraction!)

The Bottom Line
I have now traveled with both WS and WI and find both companies run really well. Great guides, accomodations, food, etc. Scenery beautiful. Had a wonderful trip each time. Highly recommend!