Robert Allen: Robbie’s Luxury Travel
This feature is part of an ongoing series where I highlight trusted members of my networks from the Ireland Travel Planning Tips Facebook Group. These tourism professionals are passionate about helping you experience Ireland in a more authentic and stress-free way.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how Robbie’s Luxury Travel came about?
Robbie’s Luxury Travel came from a genuine passion for Ireland, travel and meeting people from all over the world. I wanted to create something more personal than simply getting from A to B — a service where guests feel looked after, relaxed and get to experience Ireland through the eyes of someone who genuinely loves the country.
What started as a vision has grown into a luxury private travel and touring service built around comfort, flexibility and creating memories.
You’re also a Fáilte Ireland-registered tour guide. How does being a guide, rather than simply a driver, change the experience for your guests?
Being a guide means I can bring Ireland to life. I’m not just driving guests between destinations; I’m telling the stories, sharing the history, explaining the culture and pointing out the little things they might otherwise miss.
I like to make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination, while keeping things relaxed, fun and personal.
When a client comes to you and says, “We want to see Ireland, but we don’t know where to start,” how do you go about creating their itinerary?
I start by getting to know the people rather than simply choosing places on a map. I ask what they enjoy, how they like to travel, what interests them and what they want to get from their time in Ireland.
From there, I build an itinerary that gives them the famous sights they’ve come to see, but also leaves room for spontaneity, hidden gems and those unexpected moments that often become their favorite memories.
You mention taking guests to hidden gems as well as Ireland’s major attractions. Is there a particular lesser-known place that you love introducing visitors to?
Absolutely. Dingle is one of the places I particularly love introducing to visitors. It has everything you could want from an Irish destination: stunning coastal scenery, beautiful beaches, colorful streets, rich history, great food and a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere.
And one place I particularly love bringing guests to is the 9/11 Memorial in Kinsale, County Cork.
It’s a quiet and incredibly poignant place, with a strong connection between Kinsale and the events of September 11th. It’s not something many visitors know about, but when you bring them there and explain the story behind it, it can be a very moving experience. For me, that’s what makes a hidden gem special — it’s not just somewhere beautiful to visit, it’s somewhere with a story that stays with you long after you leave.
Many visitors try to fit far too much into a week. What would your ideal seven-day private itinerary look like?
I’d rather give guests an experience than have them spend their holiday watching the clock.
I’d combine Dublin with Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, Killarney and the Wild Atlantic Way, finishing around Galway and maybe up into Donegal before returning to Dublin.
The key would be allowing enough time in each place to actually enjoy it, with scenic drives, great food, history, local culture and plenty of flexibility along the way.
If someone wants to experience Ireland beyond the major tourist attractions, which parts of the country would you recommend?
I’d encourage people to get off the main tourist trail and explore places like West Cork, the Midlands and the hidden heartlands that many visitors simply drive through.
Ireland’s real character is often found in the smaller towns, local pubs, quiet roads, dramatic landscapes and conversations with the people you meet along the way.
Of all the tours you offer, is there one that you particularly enjoy taking guests on?
I particularly enjoy taking guests to Donegal and Leitrim.
Both counties offer incredible scenery, rich history and a wonderfully authentic experience of Ireland.
Donegal’s dramatic coastline, rugged landscapes and beautiful beaches are unforgettable, while Leitrim’s lakes, rivers, quiet roads and peaceful countryside provide a completely different atmosphere.
They are ideal destinations for guests who want to experience Ireland’s natural beauty and discover places beyond the usual tourist trail.
You offer multi-day tours along the Wild Atlantic Way. If someone has limited time, which section of the Wild Atlantic Way would you recommend they prioritize?
If time is limited, I’d put Galway and especially Connemara very high on the list.
You get an incredible combination of rugged coastline, mountains, beautiful villages, history and some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.
The Wild Atlantic Way is about the journey as much as the destination, so I always try to leave enough time to stop, explore and enjoy it rather than simply ticking places off a list.
Your reviews often mention your knowledge, humor and flexibility. What do you think is most important when it comes to creating a great experience for your guests?
For me, it’s making people feel comfortable and genuinely looked after.
I want guests to feel like they’re travelling with a friend who happens to know Ireland inside out. You need knowledge, but you also need personality, patience, flexibility and a good sense of humor. The best tours are the ones where everyone is relaxed, laughing and enjoying themselves.
What do you hope visitors take away from Ireland after spending several days traveling with you?
I hope they leave with much more than photographs.
I want them to have stories they’ll tell for years, memories of places they never expected to see and a real connection with Ireland and its people. If they go home thinking, “That was one of the best trips we’ve ever had,” then I know I’ve done my job.
If you’re interested in a complete tour of Ireland, a Castles in Ireland tour, or a golf vacation, or you’d rather take any one of Robbie’s regional tours of Clare, Cork, Galway, Dublin, Kerry, Meath, or Belfast, you can find out more by emailing him at [email protected].
