TESTIMONIALS
I would like to thank all of you who have taken the time to write me a testimonial and share your experience with others. It has been my pleasure getting to know you all and personalising your trips to Ireland. I hope to welcome you all back for more Craic & Ceoil.
Mise Le meas,
Dara
"A Venture to Ireland was what our family had decided we wanted for a major celebration . There are 17 of us in total. 3 families made up of 6 parents, 9 grandchildren and 2 grandparents. The trip would be for 2 weeks during July and August of 2019. A time to celebrate “ big birthdays”, high school and college graduations as well as a chance to be all together in the country of our forefathers.
We needed so much assistance we did not know where to begin. One day as I was listening to a podcast on NPR the discussion centered on the music traditions of Ireland. Dara Herlihy was one of the participants. He and his father Michael own The Music Shop in the town of Dingle. Dingle is on the West Coast of Ireland and was the destination we had hoped we could use as a base location.
I called Dara at The Music Store the next day. That began an 8 month preparation culminating in the trip of a lifetime for our family. When I reached Dara I told him what we thought we would need. A house for 2 weeks that would sleep 17 and have a pool. 4 cars, catered meals at the house on 4-5 nights, reservations for 17 on 5-6 nights at a variety of restaurants. Transportation to sites and towns for day trips, assistance with food etc. shopping, reservations for golf (tee times for 10). A guided tour of the Dingle Peninsula. A sea safari to the Blasket Island, etc. When I finished the list of needs Dara said “Look no further, I am your man. I have 9 years of tour experience in all of Ireland. I will take care of your family and all of their needs.” And he did! He made it look effortless.
Dara’s knowledge of his country, its language and history is extensive. He scheduled our trips to the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Adare, Kilarney and Kenmare on a very comfortable coach. He even helped plan a trip to a” possible” family Heritage site that turned out to be fun for all and will be added to the family folklore. Dara’s associates were all knowledgeable and courteous. They all love their country and town. All 17 of us were welcomed into their world.
We would highly recommend Dara and his associates to anyone that would like Personal Assistance for any size group or family that wants a memorable experience in Ireland."
-Marilyn & Paul O'Rourke
"In October 2018 my husband and I enjoyed a 14 day tour of Ireland with Dara Herlihy as our guide. We experienced not only the beauty of Ireland but we learned much of its history, contemporary issues, and our favorite-the music. It was a fun and memorable trip!!!"
- Joan & Jim Turner, USA
"Traveling with Dara is stress free and laughter filled. It’s so important for me not to worry about the details when I travel and to leisurely enjoy the wonder of the country without a lot of structure. Dara will make sure he meets and exceeds your expectations whatever they are. Ireland is an incredible vacation destination and has so much to offer. He loves Ireland and everything about it and his enthusiasm is contagious. He will help you experience everything as much or as little as you want. The history, music, food, shopping, pubs or hiking through the incredible country side whatever you are interested in doing. I look forward to my next trip."
- Penny Burton, USA
"My wife and I have taken several group trips to Europe, the UK and Ireland. All our tour guides have been great, but Dara was over the top. He was the most entertaining, enjoyable guide and connected us with the most informative local guides. If you book a tour with Dara you will not be disappointed and will remember it for the rest of your life."
- Galen and Carolyn Dale, USA
"I have had the pleasure and privilege to tour around the Dingle area with Dara on a few occasions during some of my visits to Dingle. Indeed, these are some of my fondest memories of a very beautiful part of Ireland that I hold most dear.
Dara grew up around Dingle and his love of his home turf shines brightly as he imparts multitudes of information about the geography, the history and the 'general goings on' of the area. He makes you feel as if you've been invited in to the private world of the "real" Dingle. He's been a tour operator for years in Ireland with Rick Steves so he knows his beloved country inside out, upside down and backwards, but best of all, he shows us Ireland in all its beautiful, interesting and multi-faceted sides.
On my more recent visits I haven't had the chance to see very much of him as he was busy with his touring and opening his pub "Nelligans"in Dingle. I considered arranging a private tour with someone else but (after Dara), didn't want to be disappointed. So! A new opportunity arises! I will be sure to arrange something with him as soon as I am there next..and very excited I will be!
Anything Dara does, he brings the very best of himself, and those around him. I heartily recommend his new tour company ‘Aisling Tours’ to everyone. I know you will be delighted."
- Sue Taylor, Canada
"Our two week tour with Dara Herlihy was splendid! Not only did we see the sights but also learned a tremendous amount about the culture, history and music (which we loved!). At the conclusion of the tour, we were provided with a list of books, movies and music to further our knowledge along with wonderful memories and new friends. We would go back to Ireland in a heartbeat with Dara as our guide."
- Sean & Diane Bower, USA
"I had the pleasure of meeting Dara Herlihy in August, 2019. My family went to Ireland for our dream trip. Dara showed us his country in such a way that he made us feel like part of his family. The trip was so much more than seeing the sights. He took us to his favorite eateries, recommended his favorite pubs (that aren’t overrun with tourists), even told us about his favorite spot in Dublin to just relax. He told us about Irish history in a way that was interesting and entertaining. Dara has an amazing sense of humor and his love of what he does shines through everything he does."
- Jennifer Mason, USA
"Joyce and I first met Dara Herlihy in the fall of 2019 during our first visit to Ireland. It was our first trip to the country and our first time using Rick Steves Tour company as well. From the very first meeting I knew we were in good hands. Mr. Herlihy’s ability to keep 26 strangers on point, enjoying each other’s company over a period of 7 days was exceptional. Dara is very knowledgeable of Ireland’s history, geography and politics. His sense of humor had us laughing all the time we were together. I also noticed that when we were in remote areas he always had someone local whom he knew to take us on a personal guided tour. Joyce and I had an unforgettable experience with Dara, one we will never forget. Thank you my friend."
- Pat & Joyce Spaulding, USA
"I own Friar’s Lodge Guest House in Kinsale Co Cork and have had the pleasure of working with Dara for many years when he was the guide for Rick Steve Tours . I found Dara not only to be the consummate professional but very warm and helpful. He is very knowledgeable, conscientious and dedicated to his clients. Touring with the Irish speaking Dara will be a wonderful and unforgettable experience."
- Maureen Tierney, Kinsale, Ireland
"We originally met Dara on a Rick Steve's 14 day tour of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Over years of being an outstanding tour guide, and his visiting and touring the USA, he has insightful knowledge that brings Irish history to life. He easily relates to and compares many cultural, social and political situations that both Ireland and other societies have experienced, both in ancient and modern times. His humour and patience are absolutely refreshing. His constant concern for traveler's safety and comfort is remarkable.
We look forward to enjoying Ireland again with Dara and to seeing and learning about other places and to experiencing wonderful restaurants, pubs and music. Slainte with double shots of 12 year Redbreast!"
- Ed Shaul, USA