Ian Walsh
My expertise
I'm based in
Athy
It's Nice To Meet You
Welcome to my webpage and thank you for taking the time to find out a little more about me. I have been working as a travel consultant for 24 years, including 17 years as a Luxury Travel Counsellor, providing a specialist concierge-style travel service. The travel bug first took hold when I was 14, after my very first trip abroad to Spain on my own to visit friends. From that moment, I knew I wanted to see as much of the world as possible.
For over two decades I have been creating dream holidays, and it truly is my passion. Picture yourself in an overwater villa in the Maldives, gazing out over the sparkling Indian Ocean, or in a beautiful luxury suite in St Lucia, with views of the dazzling Caribbean Sea. Perhaps you prefer a relaxed family escape, where the children make new friends while you put your feet up, confident that every detail has been carefully arranged. These are the kinds of experiences I love to create, so you can enjoy special memories that last a lifetime.
As your Luxury Travel Counsellor, I offer a fully personalised service for all types of travel, both leisure and corporate. I am committed to delivering the highest level of customer service and I am available throughout the day, and by appointment in the evenings and most weekends. My role is to work closely with you to plan your perfect trip, tailored to your needs and refined right down to the finest detail.
I aim to take away the stress of researching and booking your holiday. After an initial chat, where I learn about your expectations and what you are looking for from your trip, I will take the planning off your shoulders. By combining a friendly, professional and personal approach with many years of experience, I can offer you excellent value and a wide range of options that are right for you.
With my wealth of travel experience, I can provide first-hand advice on all types of holidays. I specialise in cruises, premium family holidays, honeymoons to many of the world’s most desirable destinations, such as the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Dubai, Africa, Asia and in the Caribbean, St Lucia, Aruba, Grand Cayman Islands, St Barts and Barbados.
Having travelled extensively throughout Europe and across the globe to destinations including Australia, most of Asia including Bali, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and more as well as North America, Mexico, Canada and the USA, the Caribbean, the Middle East and many more. I would be delighted to use this knowledge and experience to help bring your travel ideas to life.
If you would like to have a friendly chat about your next adventure, I would love to hear from you on 059 8633 836.
Best wishes,
Ian
MSC World Europa Cruise was amazing!
🚢 Cruising in Style: Our MSC World Europa Adventure with the Aurea Experience If you're dreaming of a Mediterranean escape that blends luxury, adventure, and unforgettable cuisine, let us introduce you to the MSC World Europa. We recently sailed as a couple aboard this stunning ship and upgraded to the Aurea Experience Stateroom, a decision that elevated our entire journey. ✨ Aurea Experience:
22 Oct 2025 5 min read
Exploring Abu Dhabi: Luxury, Culture & Family Fun!
I was invited out to Abu Dhabi by Etihad Airways, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, and Abu Dhabi Tourism. Just back from an incredible trip to Abu Dhabi, and I couldn’t wait to share the highlights with you. Whether you're a couple seeking luxury and culture, a family craving fun and adventure, or a stopover traveller wanting a taste of something special — Abu Dhabi delivers on every front! Flying Bu
26 Jun 2025 5 min read
Virgin Voyages - Scarlet Lady Ship
A cruise on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady is an unforgettable experience, filled with luxurious accommodations, vibrant entertainment, and top-notch dining! Although it is buzzy ship with a lively atmosphere by day and by night, you can still find quiet places to chill and relax, low key bars and restaurants to completely unwind and dine in. I stayed in a Sea Terrace room, which offers stunning oc
21 Oct 2024 5 min read
Cruise on MSC Grandiosa
The MSC Grandiosa offers an unforgettable cruising experience, especially with a stunning itinerary that includes the picturesque ports of La Goulette, Palermo, Capri, Livorno, and Cassis. Each port brings a unique charm, combining Mediterranean beauty with rich cultural history. We had beautiful Ports of Call: La Goulette, Tunisia: This vibrant port is your gateway to the ancient city of Cartha
21 Oct 2024 5 min read
IKOS Oceania Ultra All Inclusive Luxury
I took a 5 day break to the Ultra All Inclusive 5* IKOS Oceania Luxury Resort. IKOS Resorts are a group of hotels primarily in Greece but now in Spain and soon to be in Portugal too. They have become renowned for their high end luxury and Ultra All Inclusive "Unconditional Luxury" concept, winning awards for their all inclusive over a number of years. The clientele here are couples, families and
12 May 2023 5 min read
Nashvile Tennessee! Where music legends live forever
Nashville is probably the best long weekend break you can have in southern USA! There are plenty of amazing things to do in Nashville and one 3 night trip won't cover everything so that is already an excuse to go back again and again! I travelled with American Airlines in their Premium Economy on their Boeing 787 Dreamliner for the long haul flight to Philadelphia connecting on to Nashville and t
12 May 2023 5 min read
Norwegian Epic Cruise
I was invited by Norwegian Cruise Lines to spend 4 nights on board the Norwegian Epic cruise ship as part of their return to sea test cruise and it didn't disappoint. This was my first getaway since the pandemic kicked off. It had been 18 months since I left the country and I was super excited to be travelling again and on a cruise, one of my favourite holidays. All guests must be fully vaccinated
16 Sept 2021 5 min read
Kuramathi Maldives - A WOW holiday
This was probably my most anticipated holiday ever! I have dreamed of visiting the Maldives ever since I became a travel agent almost 20 years ago! Of course, the Maldives didn't disappoint and I am longing to return for a longer visit next time! Travelling with one of my favourite carriers, Emirates Airlines, from Dublin via Dubai the connection was only 1 hour. It was tight but everything went
16 Sept 2021 5 min read
Malaysia, Australia & Singapore
This was my honeymoon and we definitely made it a trip of a lifetime! We flew business class with Turkish Airlines from Dublin via Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur. The fully lie flat beds were so comfortable for sleeping and the food is some of the best I've ever had on board a plane! Arriving in Kuala Lumpur, we checked in to the stunning 5* Traders Hotel for 4 days, right in the heart of the city, in
29 Mar 2021 5 min read
Universal Resort Orlando!!
This was one trip I was really excited about. We travelled with Aer Lingus on their fantastic direct flight from Dublin to Orlando and we got to experience their Business Lounge in Terminal 2 and what a great experience, with lots of snacks and drinks to help you relax before the long flight to Florida. Ask me about lounge access for any Aer Lingus flight. The US Customs and Immigration pre-cleara
25 May 2016 5 min read
Viva Cuba Libre! Havana, Trinidad City & Varadero
This had been one trip I was very excited for and it didn't disappoint! Travelling with Air France via Paris from Dublin the connection was quick and easy and the new Air France 777 aircraft from Paris made for a quiet and comfortable flight. On arrival in Havana we transferred to our hotel, 5* Parque Central. This hotel is in a prime central location and offers very easy access to all the main at
11 Jun 2015 5 min read
The Dubai Experience
I flew with Emirates Airlines Business Class which was a magnificent experience and one I can highly recommend. They have a world class service and with lie-flat beds, this just made the whole journey seem effortless. The first hotel I stayed at was the 5* Sofitel The Palm. This brand new property, which only opened on 1st July 2013, has a French Polynesian theme throughout giving you a feeling
07 Oct 2013 5 min read
New adult only 5* Secrets Moxché Resort Mexico
Exquisite taste and exotic views will capture your heart at Secrets Moxché. Escape into luxury™ in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
18 May 2022
Kuredu Island Resort Maldives
Kuredu Resort Maldives is a gorgeous vibrant resort, with a stunning lagoon, fringed by white sandy beaches. Excellent for families, couples or friends.
24 Sept 2021
Sail on Celebrity Edge
The incredible Celebrity Edge has revolutionised big ship cruising without compromising on luxury. I hope you enjoy this short video. Call 059 8633 836
20 Sept 2021
Amanzoe Luxury Resort Greece
Wellness retreats don’t get much more exclusive - or decadent - than the Amanzoe. Contact me today on 059 8633 836
20 Sept 2021
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