Reviews
A day to remember from my travels to find my ancestors - June, 2019
Beth
10 June 2019
Beth
If you are interested in having a once in a lifetime off trail hiking experience, go with Philip on this hike! I learned about flowers , birds, the mountain range, map/compass basics, how to free climb rock faces with three hold technique, how to maneuver terrain, importance of hiking/climbing partner, climbing communities and about this part of Ireland nature. He was kind, listened to make a personalized experience that fulfilled what you were hoping for day, and brought coffee which was perfect! He has expert qualifications in this area and I felt safe and confident to hike this terrain with his instruction and guidance. Truly memorable!
Northern Ireland’s highest peak 850metres in the bag - June, 2019
Holli
17 June 2019
Holli
Honestly, I would do this exact same trek/adventure again tomorrow with Philip, but he does have other hikes to check out as well! Might as well do both đđ˝ You will not find anything like Philâs adventures and nothing quite the same or even close for the price (outrageously, wildly low for this days full adventure). This was an exceptional, intimate guided trek/adventure with transportation included. The small touches Phil added throughout the trip really shows he cares about his hikers, but also shows passion, professionalism and character. By far my favorite airbnb experience or any experience for that matter ever and I have been using this app and trekking around since it came about. You want a true day filled with adventures from a born and raised Northern Ireland local with profound knowledge and background of his country and other cultures, then you have come to the right place. For the price of this adventure, you are getting a steal and one heck of a time. I am still in awe and overwhelmed mentally. I feel like a kid on cloud 9, but I am grown woman who just had the time of her life. We had a few other men on the adventure and just had an all around blast. We were in awe the whole entire way. The hike was not just a stunningly, breathtaking one, but a solid actual trek with a solid, professional local and now friend of mine, Phil. Book now as this intimate adventure does not have many openings per day. If I had one regret, it would be that I only booked this tour and not his other tour as well. This one is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but check out his other adventures in his profile if you really want to experience Northern Ireland for all she had to offer. One amazing adventure with this lad is just not enough. Slainte đť
Wow what a mountain day we had hiking in the Mournes - June, 2019
Aaron
17 June 2019
Aaron
WOW! Phil offers nothing but the best guidance for an incredible experience. He started off our day with some nice warm beverages for the car ride, timing the start of our journey perfectly to get a good glimpse of gorgeous Northern Irish landmarks when crowds are sparse. Throughout the trip (which is full of breathtaking sights), Phil offered deep insights into local flora, history, wildlife, and culture, letting us take breaks whenever we wished, to soak it all in. The hike itself may seem daunting at first, but Phil will lead you through it without a hitch. He is an amazing guide, and I could not recommend him or this experience more. I had a splendid time with him and my fellow guests. He really makes you feel welcome, and offers just wonderful amenities and well-honed local knowledge to make the trip a great one. What a great trip–I wouldn’t trade it in for anything. If you go on this experience with Phil, you will truly be in luck for a wonderful day.
A hike to the top of the beautiful Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain never to be forgotten - June, 2019
Laurie
18 June 2019
Laurie
Philip was an excellent guide and we were able to cover some really amazing terrain. It is obvious Philip has a passion for the Mourne Mountains and has extensive knowledge of the vegetation and wildlife in the area, it forced me to take a more detailed look at my surroundings and allowed me to have a better understanding of where I was hiking. This was definitely a highlight of my trip and would recommend it to anyone visiting Ireland and has a passion for the outdoors and the beautiful natural scenery Ireland has to offer. It was myself and another hiker, Theresa, and Philip made an assessment of our physical capabilities and catered the hike to what he thought we could handle. We were able to cover just shy of ten miles in the day and hit multiple peaks/significant sights during that time. I was able to get absolutely amazing photos and really felt like we accomplished a lot in the end. If you are considering doing this hike with Philip, DO IT, you will not regret it. Cheers, Chris
A hike to the top of the beautiful Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain never to be forgotten - June, 2019
Teresa
18 June 2019
Teresa
What a great experience! This tour was definitely one of my highlights of my trip to Northern Ireland/Belfast. Phil is an excellent guide with lots of knowledge about the history, geography, flora and fauna of the Mournes area as well as Northern Ireland. We were a group of three people and he let us set the pace and take all the breaks we needed. He made me feel safe and comfortable at all times during the tour. We managed to do several peaks in a day (Chimney Rock Mountain, Slieve CommedaghâŚ), walked on the Mourne wall towards the highest peak Slieve Donard and hiked apart from the normal tourist paths which made the tour very special! The panoramic views of the mountains were just amazing! Another great thing is that Phil was taking a lot of pictures of us, so we got nice memories of this trip. This is a tour I highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a unique hiking experience in the beautiful Mourne Mountains/Northern Ireland. đ
A hike along a beautiful cliff top walk never to be forgotten - June, 2019
Kate
19 June 2019
Kate
We thoroughly enjoyed this experience. We had wanted to see The Causeway & the day did that and then provided much more. A great walk along the beautiful coastline with a guide who is very friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend this day.
A hike through Irelands mountains never to be forgotten - July, 2019
Chance
11 July 2019
Chance
When you go on this experience with Philip you really feel like youâre accompanying a veteran mountain climber on one of their hikes. Philip pulls you in and connects with you immediately and makes you feel comfortable during the hike.
A hike through the Mournes in Irelands mountains to remember - July, 2019
Katherine
11 July 2019
Katherine
Prepare to get your endorphins buzzing! Philâs expertise, positivity & gift for inspiring confidence helped this 54-y-o schoolteacher reach the top of Slieve Donard. Truly transformative- donât miss it.
A hike through the Mournes in Irelands mountains to remember - July, 2019
Keith
11 July 2019
Keith
Absolutely the best time Iâve had hiking ever. The guide was friendly and made every attempt to ensure each one of us had a safe, enjoyable experience. The views are incredible and worth the trek.
A quiet hike in the beautiful Mourne Mountains away from the hordes - August, 2019
Irene
4 August 2019
Irene
Great host, great experience! Phil has a lot of knowledge about the local nature and wildlife, so you learn a lot during the day. He only does his tours with a small group, so he can adjust the experience in case it’s wanted or neccessary. He also tries to avoid the big crowds of tourists as much as possible, which is really great.
A pre wedding hike in the beautiful Mourne Mountains - August, 2019
Candace
6 August 2019
Candace
Philip is a world traveler who has decades of Mountaineering experience. Hiking with him felt safe as well as educational – he knew everything about the plant and insect life as well as the history and folklore of the area. Philip’s tour is a once in a life time experience!! He even bought my fiance and I a celebratory Irish coffee to toast our soon to be wedding!
Guided hike through the mountains in Ireland - August, 2019
Sarah
23 August 2019
Sarah
Had a lovely hike with Philip! He made the tour a delight – I was able to go at my own pace (a bit slow I’m afraid) and enjoy the scenic views. Philip had lots of local knowledge – about plants, wildlife, history, etc. which made the hike even more enjoyable. đ
Game of Thrones sites with a walk made in heaven - September, 2019
Yiping
12 September 2019
Yiping
This whole day trip was absolutely fantastic. It deserves a 5 star rate. Various experiences from rope bridge to local restaurant to coastal walk till Giant’s Causeway. I enjoyed every single bit. A bit bonus. My trip was in mid September, autumn in Ireland. Wild blackberries along the coastal walk and they were delicious. Highly recommend. P.S. Due to the nature features during the 5 miles coastal walk, no toilet facility is available. On the other hand, due to the same reason, you can make the entire earth your own toilet. Giant’s Causeway visitor centre is very stingy. You have to buy tickets in order to use toilets inside the centre. But there are two outside. Last but not least, you may pass by cows or horses during your journey. Grab some wombok or apples if you want to do animal feeding.
This trip of the North Coast of Northern Ireland and the Giants Causeway is for you - September, 2019
Chivaun
12 September 2019
Chivaun
Touring with Philip is a once in a lifetime experience! The entire excursion was phenomenal, from the moment he picked me up from my door until he dropped me off home! Philip is a world class expert guide who enthusiastically pulls you into the enchantment of the beautiful scenes of Northern Ireland. He has vast knowledge of everything you will encounter along the way; from flowers, wildlife, and geography all the way to history and folklore. Philip was able to ensure everyone was having a safe, comfortable, and fun time; and took us to see more interesting and amazing places than anticipated. Touring with Philip was an amazing and unforgettable endeavour that I would recommend to anyone! I cannot speak highly enough of how awe-inspiring this tour was. This has to be the absolute very best way to experience the Giantâs Causeway and Northern Irish coastline!!
A day to be remembered in the Mournes - September, 2019
Lynann
17 September 2019
Lynann
My partner and I did a full-day excursion with Philip to the Mourne Mountains. It was one of the absolute top highlights of our holiday throughout the UK. Stunningly gorgeous terrain, beautiful vistas, and a variety of experiences packed into 11 hours – including several forest walks, a two-peak mountain hike, and a beautiful drive through farmlands and seaside villages. But what truly made this special was the guide. Philip is a certified Mountaineer with 40+ years of hiking experience and extensive knowledge of the area. He tailored the experience to those of us on the tour, making sure it met with our fitness levels, while challenging us to stretch ourselves to ensure we enjoyed the full experience. I highly recommend this trip.
The Mournes at their very best - September, 2019
Denise
17 September 2019
Denise
Amazing experience! We got to see so much of the Mourne Mountains in one day, it was really incredible. Philip is extremely knowledgeable and adapts the experience to suit the group’s ability, which is great. I would actually book this again immediately if I was back in that neck of the woods!
The Antrim cliff top path walk to beat them all - September, 2019
Dexter
19 September 2019
Dexter
Phillip was a wonderful guide to Northern Ireland. Seriously one of the best experiences that weâve done. Perfect mixture of hiking, viewing, science, history, and eating. Would recommend to anyone going through Belfast.
The complete tour of the Antrim Coast of outstanding natural beauty - September, 2019
Denise
19 September 2019
Denise
The perfect way to explore the coast in a personal and totally unique way. This is far from the regular tours that visit the causeway and the sights along the coast. Philip is an amazing host who will go out of his way to make this a memorable experience for his guests. Don’t miss this if you’re visiting Belfast!
The Mourne mountains are outstanding - October, 2019
Jennie
24 October 2019
Jennie
People – if youâre considering this adventure, ABSOLUTELY do it. You canât actually put a price to how fantastic the day is. Phil is an exceptionally nice human being, not to mention highly knowledgeable and experienced. He has this day down to a fine science and I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. Just DO IT!
Mourne walking -
Ăystein
24 October 2019
Ăystein
We had an amazing time at the trip with Philip. The day was perfectly planed and we got great value for our time and money. Highly recommended!!
Mourne Walk - October, 2019
Shannon
24 October 2019
Shannon
My day trip with Philip was incredible. From our first communication, to picking me up (and dropping me off) at the door of my Belfast Airbnb, to special touches like bringing coffee, chocolates, raincoats, and gloves, to his easy, cheerful disposition; from his careful and respectful guidance to his quirky, interesting anecdotes, Philip made this an outing to remember! I suffer from arthritis in both knees but I was able to finish the 2.5 hour hike along the coastal path, as well as climb the fascinating Giants Causeway rocks. Being able to relax in the Nook pub afterwards was a real treat, too. The size of the group (only 4 of us) was also what sets this tour apart from others. We were a team, not a horde. As a solo traveller, I would never have been able to arrange anything like this experience on my own. Iâm so thankful for Phil and his excellent Airbnb experience!
The Giants Causeway the way Finn McCool would have seen it - October, 2019
Stefani
25 October 2019
Stefani
My husband and I are on our honeymoon! We wanted to do something special while we were in Belfast and had already seen many good things about this tour. We both had a marvelous time and couldnât have been more happy with the entire tour! Phil was generous enough to provide extra gear if we needed it, he let us take our time when we got to the causeway so we didnât feel rushed, and he made sure to make the tour appropriate to what we all wanted. Phil also was kind enough to go out of his way to suggest different eating places within the city and places to see since we had never visited. Beautiful scenery mixed with a kind tour guide was exactly what we wanted for our honeymoon!
The North Coast just blew us away. The scenery, GOT’s sites and walk were awesome - October, 2019
Aaron
25 October 2019
Aaron
Phil was a fantastic tour guide and host. He made Stefani and my honeymoon that much more special. Not only was he super prepared but his knowledge and stories helped make the day more than memorable.
Private Feedback: Thank you again for making Stefani and my honeymoon amazing and memorable.
The Molurne mountains are indeed magic - October, 2019
Adam
25 October 2019
Adam
The whole experience felt very personalised. We especially liked the thoughtful touches of coffee, water, tissues and chocolates on the journey. Phillip had a lot of local knowledge that he delivered well, with stories of history, wildlife and Irish folklore
A honeymoon walk through Irelands mountains of Mourne - November, 2019
Lo
16 November 2019
Lo
If you do anything in Belfastâ do this. Forget the big bus toursâ this is the absolute best tour Iâve ever been on. Personalized always plus he only ever takes max 5 people! Phil is so kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly easy to get along with. My wife and I were on our honeymoon and LOVED our tour around the Northern Ireland coast. He picked us up and had coffee and tea ready and was totally flexible and accommodating to our needs and requests throughout the day. Heâs quite the outdoor aficionado and knows about geology, birds, nature, historyâ pretty much everything there is to know to lead a beautiful and thoughtful tour. Plus he even offered to take our photos multiple times so we can have memories to last a lifetime. 10/10 will recommend to everyone I know visiting N. Ireland and will hopefully be back ourselves soon to go on another adventure with Phil!
Mourne mountain walks - October, 2019
Anthony
19 November 2019
Anthony
Great experience and an overall an amazing hike. Worth the experience and Phil will take care of you!
A walk on the wild side along the cliffs of the Giants Causeway and through the GOT sites - November, 2019
Laurie
28 November 2019
Laurie
My husband and I had a wonderful day exploring the North Coast with Phil. He picked us up as promised, and drove us through the beautiful countryside to all the sights and included others that he thought we would enjoy. He is very knowledgable and brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the tour. I was confident that we would have a good time based on reading previous reviews, but Phil still managed to exceed our expectations.
Glenveagh National Park mountain walk, Donegal, Ireland - November, 2019
Claire
30 November 2019
Claire
My best adventure in Ireland so far! The views from Aghla More were varied (as the weather changed) and always spectacular. Philip is knowledgeable, encouraging, and shares a ton of fun stories and interesting information. Don’t miss this experience!
Giants Causeway tour cliff top including Game of Thrones sites - December, 2019
Angeline
20 December 2019
Angeline
STOP LOOKING, because you will not find a better Giant Causeway and surrounds coastal walk experience than with Philip! He is not only an expert, highly qualified mountaineer, but also a genuinely considerate and caring gentleman. Philip personalised our experience with flexibility, patience, local knowledge and considerate touches to ensure that we were comfortable, hydrated, safe and more knowledgeable by the time we parted. By the time we said goodbye we parted as friends who would welcome crossing paths again. We highly recommend that you book Philip for a memorable experience!
Another fantastic day in the beautiful North coast - January, 2020
Erma
2 January 2020
Erma
Probably the best decision I made on my trip was booking this hike with Phil instead of with a tour group. He will work with your interests and fitness level so that you will have a wonderful time. The experience is so well organized that you will miss the large crowds visiting the rope bridge and GoT sites. Phil has extensive knowledge of the surrounding land, communities, and local fauna, and it was interesting to hear about his various mountaineering experiences around the world. He was great at taking plenty of pictures (I was travelling solo) and encouraged taking time at the sites we visited. Strongly, strongly recommend booking this experience if you’re in Belfast.
Ireland’s Donegal mountains blew me away - January, 2020
A fantastic tour of the Giants Causeway and GOT’s sites - January, 2020
Really enjoyable day in the Mourne Mountains - February, 2020
A special day - February, 2020
Beautiful Mourne Mountain hike - February, 2019
- February, 2019
Tiraporn, Portsmouth - October, 2018
Two weeks ago, I booked Philip to guide me to the top of Slieve Donard. As his experiences and being the mountain rescue team, he has lots of knowledge and local information to entertain me during the walk to Slieve Donard. Very impressive in the way that he answers all of my curiosities about the forest and wild animals, and also give me more explanation, including how to read the map. Additionally, he gave me the map of walk before getting started. The path we took were slightly different from the tourist path. That means I had walked on Slieve Commedagh to Slieve Donard. Fantastic view indeed. Thank you very much indeed for this wonderful experience.
Steve, UK - November, 2018
I booked an Airbnb experience with Phil for the 6 November 2018 to walk in the beautiful Irish mountains. Prior to meeting Phil, I contacted him to confirm the details and I found him to be extremely helpful and accommodating. I told him what I had in mind regarding my experience and what I would like to do. No request seemed too much trouble and Phil went above and beyond to make my walk a fantastic memory. When I met Phil in Belfast I was met with a huge smile and a firm handshake and I knew I was in for a great day. On the drive down to the Mournes, he chatted away and we got on like a house on fire. The walk started from the base of a mountain called Binnian at the Ben Crom Reservoir and as we started Phil let me walk at my own pace. I didnât feel pushed and that was the way it was throughout the entire walk. He pointed out lots of interesting fauna and flora and gave me some interesting stories about local folk lore. This wasnât just a walk, it really opened up my eyes to the mountains in an entirely new way. During the walk, my hands got cold and Phil came to the rescue with a spare pair of gloves, in fact, he seemed to have thought of everything, even bringing a small shelter to allow us to eat lunch out of the wind on the top. I would thoroughly recommend Philâs experience, it was one of the best days I have ever had in the mountains and one I will always look back on with fondness.
Teresa, Waverly, OH - November, 2018
What can we say but grateful we stumbled upon Phillip prior to our trip! From the start of our day when he picked us up and might we add he was waiting on us promptly 7am to our hike on the Great Causeway to suggesting and having us lunch reservations set up and the wealth of knowledge he provided to us on the hike was amazing!! He was very accommodating to our requests for what we would like to do and corresponded to make sure everything was planned days leading to our arrival. Would highly recommend Phillip to any travelers coming to visit this area.
J, Washington, DC - January, 2019
what an amazing hike, just amazing and crazy and grande! the Mournes, from looking forward to it, upon it, and from behind it; they are beautiful and rich, breathtaking and unforgettable. depending on time of year, donât expect this to be a walk in the park. Phil, the guide was beyond great. he took complete care for our comfort, safety, and enjoyment. he is full of much wonderful and unique Belfast-insider scoop, as well as all-around general trail knowledge and life experience. he is a master of the journey. i defly hope to book another journey with him and would recommend his trips for those who want a full and robust experience.
Kirsty, Charlottesville, VA - January, 2019
Wow! What an amazing experience!! This challenging mountain hike was more than I expected and Iâm so glad that I got the chance to do it. Phil is an expert guide and a terrific person. His knowledge, passion and humor made the hike all the more memorable.He was also able to supply gear that made the trip more comfortable.
Paul, UK - February, 2019
A great experience. Have walked the mournes the tourist route many times but with Philip I saw parts that never knew existed. The guy is a legend, a credit to Northern Ireland with his knowledge and passion for the great outdoors. With 6 hrs together I felt refreshed, at ease and all in all a great experience that I would highly recommend. I totally intend to work with Phillip again and he is such a decent guy and great at what he does. The whole experience was a bargain for what I paid. Well done Phillip and thanks
Megan, UK - February, 2019
This trip was absolutely brilliant, couldnât have asked for better weather and the route Philip took us on meant we got the best panoramic views and avoided other walkers – it was like having the mountains to yourself! Philip was extremely professional, knowledgeable and safe. He taught me a lot about the history and stories of the area, the geology and geography and flora and fauna. Heâs a wealth of knowledge and made the trip even more special! He also let me set the pace and I didnât feel rushed despite being a bit slow on the steep parts. Would love to come back again
Leo, Toronto, Canada - March, 2019
Phil was a fantastic tour guide–he provided excellent insight on the history, folklore, geology, plants, and animals during the day-long trip. Not only did we do all that was on the agenda, he also accommodated me by stopping at the Dark Hedges en route to the clifftop walk. The walk itself was gorgeous and was not very strenuous at all. We stopped many times to take photographs because the views were outstanding. Phil made reservations at a great beachside restaurant where we enjoyed a late lunch. On return into Belfast, Phil also made an additional stop over a bridge so we could view a murmuration of starlings. Sightseeing spots tend to get very crowded with people but for the most part we were able to escape from the crowds because we visited areas that normal tour groups would not see. If you are planning on taking a day trip out from Belfast, choose to go with Phil instead of one of those big bus tours! You will enjoy a unique experience that you won’t soon forget.
Lisa, Fairfax, VA - April, 2019
If you do anything at all in Northern Ireland or are just trying to decide what kinds of outdoor adventures you might enjoy, then look no further: go on this unique & exceptional hiking tour of the Mourne Mountains with Philip! His attention to detail is superb. For example, he noticed that I love to drink tea so he brewed me a large flask of freshly made tea so I could enjoy some hot tea while on the hike. And at the start, he met me with yet another hot flask of tea to get the day started for me. Philip made me feel safe on this journey & he really looked out for me to ensure that I had the best time possible, which I did. This is the highlight of my trip to N. Ireland! We hiked to the summit! Of the Slieve Donard, or, the highest mountain peak in all of N. Ireland. I could not have done this without him. And, he took pictures for me so that Iâd have those memories to share, and enjoy. Philip is super knowledgeable about all the flora and fauna of the area, as well as Irish folklore vs the facts. I learned so much about mountaineering from him. This tour / hike of the Mournes was so well thought out and enjoyable that after I launch my website when I return home, Iâll be featuring Philip on my top 10 list of things to do in N. Ireland. This hike with him is in first place! I canât say enough about this tour. Just book it and see for yourself. Whatever you might expect it to be, he will exceed your expectations! Philip will tailor the hike to your needs as well. He is very thoughtful, warm, & kind and his passion and knowledge of the area is something that, as he shares it with you on the journey, will become a part of you, as well. Donât miss this! This hike will be the highlight of your trip to Ireland, too. đ
Elizabeth, UK - April, 2019
Philip was a wonderful guide, and shared his knowledge the local history, Irish folktales, and the wildlife. The views were stunning! Philip was super friendly, I’d definitely recommend this day tour đ
Justin, Epsom, NH - April, 2019
Philip is world class – he took our group of 3 down a great walking trail along the coastline, where we saw only a handful of people until we reached the Giant’s Causeway. It felt private, and unique, despite not being difficult to get to. Between his knowledge of the area, culture, flora and fauna, and the trails we walked down, I can’t think of a better way to spend a day out in Northern Ireland, except maybe to go on one of Philip’s Mountain Tours!
Angela, Hanover, Germany - April, 2019
We had a fantastic day trip with breathtaking views. We got many insights into the Irish flora and fauna as well as geology. On top of that, Philip was a wonderful guide, providing everything you could wish for on a coastal walk – rain gear, water, binoculars, snacks, and he took a lot of great pictures of us along the walk. We heartily recommend this trip to anyone interested in an authentic Irish outdoor experience!
Elizabeth, Harrisonburg, VA - April, 2019
An adventure! Phillip ensured these two Americans made it to the top in awful conditions. He had all the gear we needed and made sure we had hot tea and shelter for our breaks. As another reviewer noted: itâs not for the faint of heart. But youâll definitely be glad about what you accomplished.
Brenda, Ankeny, IA - May, 2019
The best day of my trip to Ireland, full memorable moments! Philip was an excellent host and guide. I couldnât have imagined anything to make the day or trip better.
Jeff, Canada - May, 2019
This was a fantastic experience!! Philip was an awesome host. He was 100% engaged throughout the day, was knowledgeable about the fauna and history, was funny and spent time getting to know all 5 of his guests. He was very accommodating, provided coffee in the morning and a delicious assortment of treats throughout the day. We have done many smaller group trips such as this and Philip was by far the best host we have ever had. On top of this the hike and Giantâs Causeway were extraordinary. Highly, highly recommended.
Catherine, North Coogee, AUS - May, 2019
The tour Walk with a Giant by Philip is really brilliant. Philip is a very generous person who really thinks about providing an exceptional experience. He picked us up at 7am and we were out all day till about 7.30pm. For a couple of days prior all the members of the group were in touch which was lovely. Phil took us to some of the GOT sights as well as the Giants Causeway and Carrick a Rede Bridge. The walk along the coast was amazing. Philâs knowledge of plants and birds was great. Iâd give you an A+ for that Phil. But he doesnât know how wide Northern Ireland is so I hope by the time you are going on the trip with him he can tell you. Just book the tour youâll have a great day. Chocolate abounds. Catherine
Abigail, Distrito Federal, Brazil - May, 2019
This is a great experience! Of course, the Giant Causeway, and other sights are gorgeous. The entire trip is really beautiful! Philip does a wonderful job personalizing this walking tour, conversing and getting to know his guests, and sharing his passion and knowledge about the science and history of the area throughout the day. He also goes the extra step to make his service thoughtful and enjoyable (like bringing you hot tea or coffee when he picks you up and having chocolate available during the day). I highly recommend this tour!
Cassandra, Fairbanks, AK - May, 2019
Philipâ coast walking experience was fantastic! For one, he picks you up right from your accommodation. Two, he only takes a small group of people along which allows for a more personal adventure. Three, he takes you to a variety of amazing sights throughout the day, some of which arenât accessible by tour buses. Four, he is very knowledgeable about the fauna in the area and is always happy to answer questions. And five, he has a very welcoming personality and is easy to have a conversation with. I would definitely recommend this experience!
Erin, Wellington, NZ - May, 2019
What an incredible experience! Phil is an excellent guide, full of knowledge about the history, geology, and flora/fauna of the area. He told us about some local myths and superstitions and pointed out lovely birds and plant life along the hike. I liked how Phil was friendly and relaxed and didnât rush us along but let us explore cool spots. He even stopped at certain scenic points along the road so we could take photos and had hot tea/coffee ready made in the car. It was such a lovely experience!
Johanna, Benicia - May, 2019
The whole day was wonderful. Phil was knowledgeable and modified our schedule based on it being a holiday (busier at attractions), which we were grateful for. The local insight of where to start our hike, and off-the-beaten path sights, etc were worth the cost. He was friendly and there was plenty of chat the whole time. He even took several photos for us from âthe best spotsâ we would have otherwise not dared to go to.
Jutta, Karlsruhe - May, 2019
It was a fantastic day. You really should not miss out on that!
Krystal, Edinburgh - May, 2019
Phil is the real deal. I booked a tour with Phil for my husbandâs birthday, and I was apprehensive at first because weâd never done a guided tour before. I shouldnât have worried. From the moment I messaged him to when he dropped us off, he was completely lovey and accommodating. He tailored the walk to our time constraints, which was very considerate. We climbed all the way to the top of gorgeous Slieve Donner, (the type of view at the top that you just canât take a photo of because nothing does it justice) had the best lunch ever (just sandwiches, but we had worked hard for them!), coffees/teas, chocolates. He not only has vast geological knowledge of Northern Ireland, but also knows all about local recent history, legends, and can even point you toward the best local pubs. Toward the end of our day-long tour, I was leaning down to put my hands in a river and stupidly fell in! I started sliding down river, wondering how this could possibly be happening, and Phil threw himself in front of me to save me. Luckily we both came out soaking wet but unscathed. At least everyone in the group now has a story about how a daft American woman fell in a freezing Irish river. Canât not mention Philâs great personality too; he has just the right amount of chat and humour for everyone. Thanks so much for everything Phil, hope to see you again!
Jeffrey, Vancouver - May, 2019
I had an excellent time walking the Mourne Mountains will Philip. He was very knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, local geology and history of the area, which made the time walking very informative. Philip was also very encouraging and made me feel confident and comfortable while walking in the mountains. He led our group at a pace that was comfortable for everyone and let us take all the breaks we wanted. Overall, it was a great experience and I would be more than happy to go on another tour Philip.
Sarah, United Kingdom - May, 2019
One of the very best days of my life. An incredible hike, beautiful views, and with an expert guide who is friendly, knowledgeable and pitches the pace to suit the needs of the group. I found some of the steeper sections challenging, but Philip encouraged us to stop whenever we needed to, as a group, and was so incredibly supportive and well prepared. The group I was with were a pleasure to walk with and I feel so proud of us all for completing the walk! I really canât recommend this enough – a day Iâll remember forever đ
Katrina, Ireland - May, 2019
I can’t recommend this trip enough. The Mournes are beautiful and the sense of achievement once you reach the top is brilliant. Philip goes above and beyond to make it an exceptional day. He put everyone at ease, was encouraging all the way and is full of expertise on the wildlife and the history of the mountains. Whatever the weather, you’ll have a fantastic and truly memorable day.
Laxminarayan - May, 2019
The beautiful and picturesque Mourne mountains first look intimidating from the base when you think of scaling them and to overcome such a feeling you need a guy like Phil in your corner. I was totally unprepared for this trek – didnt have the right gear, didn’t pack food, etc. Phil got me the gear (without charge) and was so accommodative. He has an amazing knowledge about the topography of the place, the vegetation and the folklore as well. He is a supercool guy, you can literally talk to him about anything. The trek was a little challenging for me near the summit of Slieve Donard, specially because of the wind blowing at 35 mph in my face and the steep climb. Thankfully, I had Phil and a great group of people who kept motivating me by their actions. There were few moments in the climb, where I struggled but still moved on, which I will remember for the rest of my life. Great conversations made the descent even more memorable. Simply put, this is the best experience in Northern Ireland I have had so far. I would recommend this to everyone but I’d also advise them to be a little physical fit as well to enjoy this experience.
Beth - May, 2019
If you are interested in having a once in a lifetime off trail hiking experience, go with Philip on this hike! I learned about flowers , birds, the mountain range, map/compass basics, how to free climb rock faces with three hold technique, how to maneuver terrain, importance of hiking/climbing partner, climbing communities and about this part of Ireland nature. He was kind, listened to make a personalized experience that fulfilled what you were hoping for day, and brought coffee which was perfect! He has expert qualifications in this area and I felt safe and confident to hike this terrain with his instruction and guidance. Truly memorable!
Johanna - June, 2019
The whole day was wonderful. Phil was knowledgeable and modified our schedule based on it being a holiday (busier at attractions), which we were grateful for. The local insight of where to start our hike, and off-the-beaten path sights, etc were worth the cost. He was friendly and there was plenty of chat the whole time. He even took several photos for us from âthe best spotsâ we would have otherwise not dared to go to.