Guest Testimonials

Our Fall 2024 trip to the southwest coast of Donegal, Ireland was unforgettable, and the memories we made still come up in family conversations. It’s true—memories are made with the people you’re with, and our immersion experience to the Gaelic coastal village of Kilcar, hosted by Scott and Maureen, was truly special and the most culturally authentic foreign trip we have ever taken. Their warmth and hospitality, combined with the vibrant local culture, turned this trip into something extraordinary.

Scott and Maureen opened their cottage and introduced us to the heart of local communities as we explored shops, art villages, restaurants, pubs, hikes, and demonstrations. We visited stunning locations like Kilcar, Sleive League Cliffs, Glencolmcille, Killybegs, Carrick, and Donegal.

Our road trip from Dublin to Kilcar was smooth, and when we arrived at our cozy cottage, we were welcomed with a turf fire and thoughtful reception that made us feel right at home. Here are a few highlights from our time in Ireland.

One evening, we visited John Joe’s Pub, where local musicians gather for a lively jam session. Scott introduced us to so many friendly faces that by the end of the night, it felt like a place ‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name.’ Another memorable night was spent at a sheep farm, where Liam gave us a tour of his award-winning sheepdogs and an impressive herding demonstration—our grandson still loves watching the video of it!

At Kilcar House, we spent time with Ken, his wonderful family, and Scott and Maureen called in some local history/genealogy enthusiasts who shared fascinating insights about our lost relatives (Scott and Maureen helped find) and the area. Our luck continued when we toured Studio Donegal, where all products are handwoven in their Kilcar mill. We were also able to enjoy a casual tour of the operating facility.  That same day, we visited a local legend, knitter, Kathleen Meehan, with breathtaking ocean views from her home and shop. Shipping our purchases back home was easy and affordable.

A short road trip took us to Donegal Town and the Donegal Craft Center, where we met artists in their workshops. We even commissioned a piece from Michelle McKee, who creates very unique and vibrant 3D art from stained wool.

Though we ran out of time for a boat tour, it’s on the top of our list for next time, along with a round(s) of golf.

This experience was truly a trip of a lifetime, made possible by Scott and Maureen’s generosity, warmth, and deep connection to this beautiful corner of Ireland. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!
Matt and Diane M.

Denise's Response to this review on our Facebook Page:

I couldn’t agree more… since I  also experienced almost the identical itinerary! 

When I came back home, I recall feeling like I had not lived my life until this experience.
For avid golfers or those who have always wanted to go to Ireland, you must check out Glenmaire! 

After a 2 year delay we finally made it to Ireland! It was even more than I imagined.
 

The 2020 Plan was to see Navy v Notre Dame in Dublin, then tour Ireland with Scott Riehl and Maureen Malinowski Riehl as our guides, staying in castles along the way.
 

The 2022 Plan turned into an Irish immersion experience with Scott and  Maureen not only our guides, but our hosts as well. With the ability to  ‘work from home’ they have been living on the Northwest Coast of Ireland  for a few months. Like the Irish, Scott and Maureen opened their home  and hearts to those they met along the way. By the time our little group  arrived in August, Scott and Maureen were a part of the Kilcar  community.
 

We stayed in Kilcar and visited the local area, including Sliabh Liag,  Port, Glencolumkille, Glengesh Pass, Killybegs, Donegal and yes, Dublin  on our way in and way out. We walked to the Tea House along the hilly  coastal road. One evening after dinner Scott surprised us with a private  sheepdog herding demonstration. Not many people experience boating on  Ireland’s upper west coast, but we did, along the coast and out across  the bay to Sligo. With Scott, nothing is out of consideration.
 

On top of enjoying the natural beauty of Ireland we also befriended her  beautiful people thanks to our hosts: the owner of the local pub and his family; the owners of the tea house; the talented knitter who lives along the way to the tea house and sells her creations from her home; the father and son sheepdog herding duo who gave us that private demonstration; a local fisherman who spends months at a time at sea, and his family too; local budding musicians; neighbors; and a Scottish gent sailing solo to Ireland, only intending to stay a day or two in Kilcar, until  he met Scott & Mo and decided to stay a ‘wee bit’ longer.
 

This experience is one that I, nor anyone in our little group, will ever  forget. So much gratitude for Scott, Mo, Ireland and her people.