Austin Rock
Being Irish I love Ireland! I have travelled a lot, I only see the good in people I have always enjoyed meeting others. Irish roots go very deep, I love our unique culture, our long history, our food, our warmth and our openess to other peoples and I am always amazed by our incredible scenery. I love talking about and sharing Ireland with visitors and guests enriching their visit enhancing their own unique experience. My travel philosophy is that travel should enrich your human experience with something unique so I'm excited about giving that with our visitors and guests. There are three ancient words in Irish that describe my travel philosophy, Céad míle fáilte (100,000 welcomes), Sláinte (a toast to a persons health) and Slán (A wish of happiness at parting).
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Cultural and historical visits, castle and ancient archealogical sites, self-drive road trips, walking tours, Kayaking, hiking and biking, music, whiskey, beer, relaxation and having a good time. Or maybe a combination of them all! Always stick to the path, that you wish to travel!"
How did you get involved in travel?
"I worked in graphic design for a few years before I went to work in Berlin and New York in various bars. I enjoyed the interactions and the amazing places and people I got to meet. I returned to Ireland worked for years in IT, but I was always interested in Irish History and especially its unique genealogy. I worked part-time at Genealogy for years, researching, organising family trips and helping then to reconnect with Irish roots in a very personal way. From there I moved into tour guiding especially walking tours for small and large groups. Through that work I was introduced to Carroll's Tours and I found likeminded people passionate about what they do and what I have to offer and it has been a wonderful experience."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Travelling in Portugal when in my teens with my future wife, I was on a train in rural Portugal. The train broke down, passengers were all sitting in the baking heat. A familiy where sitting nearby one of their small children a little girl came with a tray, two small cups of expresso, glasses of water and delicious cake. No words exchanged, no money asked for, just some local people looking after travellers. I have never forgotten that act of kindness."
Featured trips & expertise
Ireland Castles & Coast Family Road Trip - 14 Days
Explore the castles and coastline of the Emerald Isle on this two-week family adventure. Choose your own pace as you wind your way from Dublin to to the wild west coast and on to the iconic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry. Along the way, you'll hang ten in one of Europe's best surf spots, capture the kids' imaginations in historic castles, and hike and bike through scenic national parks before circling back to Dublin for some educational fun at the Epic Museum.
Family Outdoor Adventure in Ireland - 10 Days
This charming 10-day family tour of Ireland introduces kids, big and little, to a taste of Irish rural life as they explore the country's stunning natural beauty. Let screens and email become a distant memory as you journey from Dublin to the breathtaking scenery of Wicklow and onward to Kinsale, Kenmare, and Doolin. Make memories as you learn bushcraft with the kids, experience the 3,000-year-old Celtic sport of hurling, and discover the myths and legends of the mysterious Cliffs of Moher.
Ireland South & West Family Road Trip - 10 Days
This 10-day, self-drive Irish adventure is ideal for families with kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens. Starting in Dublin, you'll drive west to Athlone and then continue on a loop around western and southern Ireland, visiting the Connemara region, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and other natural and cultural highlights. Along the way, you'll enjoy a range of fun activities and outings—from touring "haunted" castles to sunset kayaking and adventurous hikes.
Action-Packed Ireland Family Road Trip - 14 Days
Starting in historic Dublin, get ready for a two-week road trip that immerses your family in the best of Ireland. Drive onward to Kinsale, Kenmare, Tralee, Doolin, and Birr to experience unbeatable natural beauty, stately castles, rich history, friendly locals, and cultural experiences. You and the kids will be falconing one minute, sailing the next, whale watching, and hiking—and that's all just in the first few days. Buckle up and prepare to make some memories!
Family Fun in Ireland: Parks, Castles, Lakes & Beaches - 7 Days
This fun-filled family tour of Ireland starts in Dublin, where you'll visit some of the city's most iconic parks and say hello to the animals at the Dublin Zoo. Then, you'll pick up your rental car and head to Connemara for hikes in Connemara National Park, a beach day on the peaceful shores of Coral Strand, and a deep dive into the history of castles such as Athlone, Aughnanure, and Clifden. The trip ends back in Dublin, with more castles, museums, and an ocean walk on the city's Great South Wall.
Family Tour of Ireland: Dublin, Kinsale & Killarney - 7 Days
Immerse your family in the wonders of Ireland on this seven-day self-drive tour. Start in Dublin, where you'll stroll through St Stephen's Green Park and visit the hallowed halls of Trinity College. Then, it's off to Kinsale for the good-luck charms of the Blarney Stone and a kayak tour of Ireland's most infamous pirate routes. Bike through the greenery of Killarney National Park, paint your own toy soldiers at Europe's only toy soldier factory, and commune with the little folk on Offaly's enchanted "fairy trails."
Recent trip reviews for Austin
We are so thrilled!
Ireland
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Dec 27 - Jan 5, 2023
We are so thrilled with the trip Austin planned and organized for us! We were struggling to plan on our own logistically and he put together an itinerary that made perfect sense. He booked wonderful places to stay and booked our car too. When we got to Dublin he met us and gave us a 2 hour walking tour of the city. I plan to hopefully use him again when my family takes a trip to Ireland! read more
Hi Libby it was great working with you but even better meeting you and Luke it was a really enjoyable evening. I am delighted you enjoyed your trip.
Regards,
Austin
We did a 10 classic trip planned by Austin, t...
Ireland
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Sep 7 - Sep 17, 2022
We did a 10 classic trip planned by Austin, to see as much as we could. We stayed mostly near the coast and had an amazing time! Some of our favorite spots were the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle. The Cliff's of Moher and The Dingle Peninsula.
We started talking and planning this trip with Austin in January and visiting Ireland in September. The summer crowds had died down and we got to enjoy not being rushed or waiting in lines. We were in constant contact with Austin. At one point we... read more
Hi Nikki,
Delighted you had a great time despite some of the irratations you encountered. I certainly appreciate your reviews of hotels this is so important for us and travellers following you.
I am sure if and when you come again you will ahve a much better idea of what it is you would like to see and do. You have all been so patient ideal travellers and it is annoying that some hotels let you down. But as I say this information is vital to us. It was wonderful workign with you.
Slán,
Austin
Dingle was my favorite place except for the c...
Ireland
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Sep 7 - Sep 17, 2022
Dingle was my favorite place except for the customer service at our hotel.
Doolin was the best for service. She knew our names when we walked in the door and she served the best breakfast of the trip.
My favorite hotel was The Brehon.
Ballyseede Castle was a little disappointing and I would not go to Cork at all if I could change anything. My favorite dinner was at The 1852 Hotel in Belfast. read more
Hi Joan,
Appreciate your review and at times your patience particularly the wrong booking in Spiddal but you took that really well. Thank you so much for the review.
Austin
Ireland fall trip
Ireland
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Sep 2 - Sep 9, 2022
We spent nine days in Ireland with everything planned and booked by Austin. It was a great trip! The location of all of our hotels was perfect. He had great recommendations for sites to see and restaurants to check out. We had no problems with anything. I would highly recommend working with Austin and Kimkim. We will definitely be using Kimkim in the future. It was so nice to work with a local travel agent when traveling international. read more
Thats Julie and I am glad you enjoyed not just the great hotel but the location and got to see the beauty of the Cliffs from a unique aspect. Looking forward to your next trip!!
8 Day / 5 Towns Self Driving Tour of Ireland
Ireland
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Aug 12 - Aug 19, 2022
Austin Rock was friendly and helpful in booking our hotel accommodations and making recommendations for historical sites to visit along the route we were driving, and sites and restaurants in the cities/towns of our trip.
Trip Highlights:
Visiting Hore Abbey in Cashel in the golden hour and taking some amazing pictures at the site and of the Rock of Cashel in the distance.
The tour of Aillwee Cave in the Burren was very interesting and a great way to learn about the geography of the... read more
Hi Jenny,
Thak you for the review I appreciate it and your tips have all been noted. Hore Abbey is indeed a superb under rated location espeically in the evening time.
Again lovely working with you and appreciate this review.
Regards,
Austin
Excellent advice!
Ireland
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Jul 4 - Jul 10, 2022
Excellent advice!
Austin helped us find very good hotels for our group of seven. Excellent advice on touring and distance between locations.
Thank you Alexis for the kind words, it was very easy dealing with you and your party.
Take care Austin
This was the first time I’ve used a trip plan...
Ireland
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Jul 6 - Jul 14, 2022
This was the first time I’ve used a trip planning service and it was a great experience. Austin provided us with the perfect itinerary for our family and gave some great insider tips to make it extra special. Will definitely use KimKim again!
Hi Candace,
I am delighted you enjoyed your trip it was fun putting it together appreciate the kind words.
Austin
A trip of a lifetime!! With gracious attention and hospitality!!
Ireland
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Jun 26 - Jul 7, 2022
From beginning to end, the planning of this memorable trip and our experiences of it were over the top! My husband planned the trip with Austin who was attentive to EVERY SINGLE DETAIL. As we became clearer on how we wanted to experience Ireland, Austin pivoted graciously to create just the perfect vacation experience for us. From car rental to places we stayed to helping us navigate Dublin (all during the Covid times) Austin regularly checked in on us and made sure we were happy. He even... read more
Hi Val, appreciate your really kind words, this year has been a challenge (pos covid etc) but meeting people like yourself make it all worthwhile.
Take care and thanks again.
Austin
All was fine
Ireland
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Jun 27 - Jul 10, 2022
All was fine read more
Hi Samuel, Your trip was so unusual but it was something I would love to do myself. And thank you for the tip re Buncrana and The Lake of Shadows Hotel, you will be pleased to know I have added it as a place to visit.
Take care Samuel.
Regards,
Austin
Austin created a wonderful itinerary!
Ireland
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Jun 24 - Jul 11, 2022
Austin found wonderful places for us to stay during our trip to Ireland. He also did a great job creating google map routes with suggested stops to use all throughout our trip. We appreciated him meeting us at the airport early in the morning on arrival and getting us started off right! read more
Thank you Michelle, it waqs a daunting task putting that trip plan together. But you engaged with the process and it was great to see it turn out the way it did. So happy your lovely family enjoyed Ireland.
Regards,
Austin
Austin was great. The process of planning was...
Ireland
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Jun 26 - Jul 7, 2022
Austin was great. The process of planning was super and we were responded to in every request. We (kimkim, Austin and my wife val and I)
Crafted a great holiday and then they made it all happen
Our trip required flexibility and adaptation along the way but all the planned details were able to flex with us.
We are home now and already clear that this vacation was one of our all-time best
Hi Bill really delighted it worked out for you. It was great meeting you both as well and showing you Dublin.
Regards,
Austin
Austin Rock did an excellent job in arranging...
Ireland
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Jun 1 - Jun 10, 2022
Austin Rock did an excellent job in arranging our ten day visit to Ireland. He took into account our desires to stay in quaint BNBs in small towns, have available hiking options, and experience the culture and people of western Ireland. His suggestions were spot-on and made for a very memorable vacation. Austin was very easy to work with and timely with communications and itineraries.
Our most memorable activities were hiking in Killarney and Connemara National Parks and attending a... read more
Thank you so much Russell it was great working with you. I am delighted you enjoyed your trip and look forward to you coming back this way again. Really appreciate the lovely message.
Amazing road trip in Ireland
Ireland
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May 28 - Jun 3, 2022
I must say Austin is a star! From the beginning when we were planning the trip to the end of our trip Austin has been great with his information and organisation. All the places we visited were suggested very well and detailed information of what to see was provided including all the Google map/direction links. People were lovely everywhere we went and made us feel very welcome in Ireland. A tip…if walking along the cliffs, walk downhill from the visitor centre towards Doolin. We did it the... read more
Hi HEMANGI,
I am so delighted you had a great time, some really unforgettable memories, I enjoyed reading about Cliffs of Moher and your Trip to Rock of Cashel you all seemed to have a great time. So I am so happy you got this out of a trip, and you where wonderful to deal with from the start.
Austin
Austin put together an epic journey
Ireland
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Apr 27 - May 5, 2022
Austin put together a trip that we couldn't have come up with on our own, with recommendations to do things that we probably would have overlooked. We saw so much of Ireland. We loved all the accommodations, especially staying at Kinnity Castle. We had so much fun and such great adventures and made memories to last a lifetime. Austin gave us an insider's tour of the history of Dublin Centre, which was so interesting. He was so helpful when we had a minor snafu (of our doing) on our journey. read more
Really Appreciate this review and delighted you had such a wonderful time especially Kinnity Castle a very under rated place.
Austin was awesome managing the logistics of ...
Ireland
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Apr 27 - May 5, 2022
Austin was awesome managing the logistics of 4 couples and covering a lot of ground in Ireland. We had a great time! Highly recommend kimkim. read more
Hi Melissa,
I am deligthed you enjoyed the trip, in fairness you where all so flexible and easy going I could see you all had a great time. It was a pleasure meeting you all and hopefully I will see you again soon.
Thanks! Austin
Austin in Ireland ...
Ireland
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Apr 27 - May 5, 2022
Austin was great to work with. He was patient with us, made recommendations and everything came together as planned. He made all hotel arrangements, rental car, etc. We hooked up with him in Dublin for a walking tour of almost two hours, which was very informative.
Loved the trip and will consider kimkim again. read more
Hi Gary it really was great meeting you all I so enjoyed all your company. I am delighted the trip was everything you hoped for.
The Best West Coast Trip!
Ireland
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Apr 16 - Apr 24, 2022
Austin nailed our itinerary! We had the best time and he was extremely communicative and curated a trip that was perfect for us. I highly recommend using Austin and KimKim for all your coordination and itinerary needs. It was extremely easy to communicate and develop something to please all our party.
The fact that I did not have to spend hours online researching "all the things" was fabulous. I will use this service again and again for any trip in my future. read more
Thank you Lauren for the review I certainly enjoyed meeting you all it was great company!
Arranging a trans-Atlantic trip in these time...
Ireland
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Aug 21 - Aug 28, 2021
Arranging a trans-Atlantic trip in these times is quite a risky project. However, Austin stayed with me and we eventually got a reservation. Without Austin's local experience we would never have found the ideal place for us to stay, Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy.
He was able to find a local guide for us and the trip was so good we are certain to go back again.
I have to emphasise that without Austin's help we would never have found this place.
Thank you so much Mervyn I appreciate your comments so much. I look forward to seeing you again.