Private Tours FAQ

Private Tours FAQ

Private Tours FAQ

We hope you will find the following information helpful in considering or planning a private tour of Ireland. Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can provide further advice or assistance - that's why we are in business!

Private Tours Bookings

You can begin the process through the "contact form" or "request a quote" form on our website.


Even if you don't have flights or exact dates yet we can give you a very good estimate in advance. To start the process simply let us know how many are in your party, the likely start date, where you would like to go, what you would like to do, where you will start e.g. Dublin Airport or Dublin downtown, what duration you are hoping for e.g. how many days.


If you wish you can also request a quotation for accommodation as part of a private tours package. We can provide accommodation to suit any style and budget from B&Bs to 3, 4, 5 star hotels and ultra-luxe castle resorts.

The cost depends on a number of factors including the time of year, the day of the week, the number in your party, the exact route, the hours required on a day tour route, the overnight locations on multi- day tours and whether you wish to include accommodation.


As the daughter firm of Ireland's leading tour operator we maintain Ireland's largest fleet of private touring vehicles - we guarantee you won't find a better rate for the quality offered! We offer Mercedes- Benz sedans and MPVs including driver- guide, fuel and tolls starting from around EUR 550.00 / EUR 595.00 per day.


Simple, comfortable accommodations such as B&Bs can be added for as low as EUR 120.00 per night. Meanwhile world famous castle resorts such as Adare Manor or Ashford Castle might cost you north of EUR 1,000 per night in peak season.


Our competitive rates on private tour vehicles mean that we are a popular option for a wide range of people. It's the accommodation aspect that makes the biggest difference to the overall price of a private tour - and you are completely in control of that.


As regards entrances, a good example would be EUR 12.00 per person entry to Cliffs of Moher. Child and student rates also available.


Meals and refreshments are typically at your own expense. You are not expected to pay for the meals or overnight expenses of the driver- guide as this will be arranged by the firm at our cost.


We can quote you a rate for everything you need so you know exactly what to expect. You will have total cost from us before you pay a deposit.

Yes, as the daughter firm of Paddywagon Tours, Ireland's leading tour operator, we maintain the largest fleet of private touring vehicles in Ireland.


The vehicles are all late model premium German variants including the Mercedes- Benz E-Class sedan, Mercedes- Benz V-Class MPV and Mercedes- Benz Sprinter van. We also provide touring coaches in various sizes custom built by premium European outfitters.


All private tour vehicles are finished in tasteful black or silver and are discreet with comfortable leather seating, air conditioning, USB ports and complimentary WiFi so that you can stay connected on the go - whether you need to check in with the office or humble brag to friends on Instagram.

Once you have received your private tour quotation you can secure the price with a deposit as low as 10% and the balance due 14 days out from departure - please see our terms and conditions page for full details relating to various private tour scenarios.

You can pay using most major credit cards and debit cards via secure payment link. Alternatively, you can wire funds to our bank account via SWIFT.
Yes, please simply reach out to our reservations staff who will be delighted to facilitate your requirements. Even if you pre- pay you will still benefit from the standard cancellation and refund terms set out in our terms and conditions in the event of your having to cancel.

Your vehicle, driver- guide, entrance fees (where specified) and possibly accommodation will be included in your private tour package.


Unless you select a room only rate for accommodation, your breakfast will be included by your accommodation each morning. Lunch and evening meal are typically left to guest discretion so as to allow flexibility from day to day. This allows you to explore and decide how you are feeling on the day.


Casual pub lunches (main course and a pint of beer or glass of wine) cost approximately EUR 18.00 - 23.00 in downtown Dublin, EUR 15.00 - EUR 20.00 in suburban or rural pubs and EUR 16.00 -18.00 in small non- touristy towns. Dinner in a pub (Irish stew, fish and chips, roast meat etc) costs approx EUR 18.00 - 30.00 and EUR 5.00 - 7.00 per beverage.

Your driver is typically also your guide. Gratuities are not included and are at guest discretion.


US based guests frequently remind us that tip stands for "To Insure Prompt service!" (although we spell ensure with an "e" this side of the pond). While you can rest assured that you will receive world class service from your Elegant Irish Tours driver- guide, tips are customary and suggested as being 10-15% of the vehicle component of your tour. 


So, for example if your tour bill includes accommodation, entrances and vehicle service you simply identify the vehicle service cost and work out 10-15%. E.g. Private day tour for 4 passengers priced at EUR 695.00 - suggested gratuity would range from EUR 69.50 - 104.25 (typically rounded to e.g. EUR 65.00 / EUR 100.00 paid in cash directly to the driver.


If preferred, we can bill for gratuity by card and pay the driver on your behalf - this would need to be agreed in advance of a tour.

Yes, we can offer discounted rates if you are a regular or will require multiple vehicles for your private tour. Please contact us to discuss requirements.

Yes, our prices include VAT. The price you are quoted is the final price. There are no hidden fees or charges.

We do not charge extra for Christmas or public holidays.


Our prices are based on supply and demand.


All else being equal prices will rise for any given date as availability sells out. As one might imagine, this is particularly the case for holidays such as St. Patrick's Day, Easter and Christmas.

Most of our private tour vehicles are late model premium variants which are less than three years old

Yes, all of our private tour vehicles are non- smoking to maximise guest experience and wellness.

Unfortunately, smoking is not permitted in vehicles. If you wish to stop for regular cigarette breaks simply let your driver know during introductions and he or she will be delighted to accommodate through the day.

Most of our private tour fleet is painted black and very discreet with tinted windows. We do also have some models in other colours such as silver or white. Please let us know if this is particularly important to you.

We maintain vehicles to the highest standards for our private tours clients. Vehicles are washed / polished daily and valeted regularly.

We offer private drivers for hire in Ireland every day. Booking couldnt be simpler, simply contact us with your requirements and we'll explain how everything works.

Yes, please contact us to discuss requirements and rates for your timeframe and party size.

Yes, young children count as passengers. However our pricing is based on vehicle capacity not per passenger.

Yes, we are very happy to provide baby / child seats for your little ones. Please request at time of booking.


It is a legal requirement that children under 3 years old use an appropriate child restraint system such as a baby seat.


For children over 3 years old we provide child booster seats for various ages to maximise comfort and safety.


You are also welcome to bring your own if you wish.

We have taken bookings for private tour arrangements with as little notice as a few hours ahead of departure.


However, availability at short notice can be uncertain and you will avail of lower pricing by booking in advance of high demand periods like high summer, St. Patrick's Week and Thanksgiving.


We suggest making a reservation as soon as you have made your plans to travel to Ireland.

Under the chauffeur regulations your driver must take rest breaks throughout the day.


This will typically be when you are touring an attraction or at lunch.


Your driver's expenses are already included in the final price of your tour and there is no expectation to invite him or her to join you for lunch.


Most guests will take this time to spend privately with their loved ones or travel companions.


The drivers are also typically glad to take some time out to recharge in solitude or to attend to personal communication with loved ones during rest periods.

Yes, you are welcome to customise a private tour as much or as little as you want.


The itineraries suggested in our private tours of Ireland range are very popular and are good to go as is.


Alternatively, you may wish to use one of those routes as a rough plan and customise it to your requirements.


You may also wish to create something fully bespoke or tailor made.


Whatever you are looking for we can assist you with making it a reality. Contact us to start planning your custom tour of Ireland.


No dream is too small or too big.

Yes, of course.


Please take a look at the accomodation section of our travel guide for ideas.


Or simply contact us and ask for advice.


If you wish we can include accommodation in the cost of your tour. We provide accommodation options for all budgets from simple and comfortable B&Bs to 5+ star castle resorts.

A private tour is a tour just for you and your party.


Your date(s), your route, your vehicle, your driver- guide, your attractions, your activities, your collection points and your drop- off points.


The most simple private tours we offer are simply a private tour vehicle with driver guide on a pre- agreed route.


If you wish you can add entrance fees, attractions, activities, overnight accommodation etc.


The sky is the limit.


Contact us for an estimate


 

No, private tours are only open to those who have booked them and their guests.


If you would prefer to travel with others (to share costs or to meet new friends) perhaps you would like to consider a small group tour which anybody can join up to a maximum of 25 passengers

Yes, you can book private tours in languages other than English.


Please bear in mind that suitable non- English speaking guides are in short supply in Ireland - you would be well advised to request e.g. a Spanish, German, French, Italian speaker as far in advance as possible.

Private tours of Ireland can be any duration.


Many of our guests simply require a private day tour or private shore excursion. These typically range from 9 to 12 hours.


Other guests might request tours which overnight in multiple locations all the way from 2 days to 14 days. These are typically based on 9 hours per day.

yes, you are very welcome to request a specific driver guide for your private tour.


We are proud to have many of the most sought after guides in Ireland as part of the Elegant Irish Tours team.


We can make a note of your request and fleet managers will do their best to accommodate.


Please bear in mind that drivers are human and are subject to factors such as illness and last minute extensions by guests already on tour etc.


Several of the world's leading travel agents at SignatureVirtuoso and American Express request certain guides right through the season and individuals may be booked up for weeks in advance.


If friends or family have recommended specific individuals to you we advise you to request as soon as possible.


 

Private tour guests will enjoy a premium tour vehicle to suit their party size and tour duration. Various models are available to cater for various group sizes.


Please take a look at the private tour vehicles page for details.


If you would like to request a certain model please let us know prior to booking. Please keep in mind that if you desire a larger model than would usually be allocated for your group size a supplement will likely be required to upgrade.

Private Tours Experience

The driver will always drive safely and sensibly in accordance with regulations, traffic and weather conditions.

No. Your private tour driver will never drive in excess of legal speed limits.


Our drivers will drive within legal limits and in a way which is conducive to enjoyment and relaxation for our guests.


We also recognise that many guests are nervous passengers in general and opting for a private tour is an important part of their vacation as it allows them a degree of comfort and control that they might not otherwise have with rental cars, public tours or public taxis.


Please bear in mind that your driver may be legally obliged to maintain certain speeds on certain stretches of freeway.


Please rest assured that we will do our utmost to make sure your journey is as comfortable and stress free as possible - so that you can focus on making memories with loved ones.

Our ethos on the leisure and hospitality side of the chauffeur industry is to create a more welcoming and informal atmosphere for guests on vacation.


While most of our drivers do not wear a suit and tie as standard, they will be dressed in smart casual attire.


If suit and tie is important for you or your guests / clients please specify this before booking.

We specialise in the leisure and hospitality side of the private chauffeur industry.


Accordingly, drivers are handpicked to provide warm and interesting conversation throughout your tour - it is an integral part of the service for most guests.


If you would like to enjoy some rest or quiet time, please feel free to let your driver know.


Irish culture is very hospitable and warm, your driver is there to make you feel comfortable at all times.

Yes, your driver will naturally assist with opening vehicle doors for passengers; ladies and seniors first.


Irish culture is very warm and easygoing. If you would like to have the service more on the casual side that is also fine, just let your driver know.


We are in business to meet your hopes and expectations!


 

Yes, your private tour driver will always offer to assist with bags and luggage. Please let us know at time of booking if you will have any outsize or particularly heavy luggage.

No, your private tour chauffeur will not use a cellphone while driving.

Yes, our private tour vehicles are fitted with USB ports to charge mobile devices. Simply make sure to bring your charger to ensure compatibility.

Guests are welcome to consume natural cold beverages such as water in the vehicles.


Likewise snacks such as candies and chips (crisps) are a good option.


Hot food and drinks are not permitted in the vehicles.

Drinking alcohol in a public service vehicle is not lawful. Therefore, we ask for guest understanding that drinking alcohol in the vehicle is not possible even on private tours.

Private Tours Cancellations

Yes, naturally you can cancel a private tour if necessary. You are entitled to a full refund if cancelling 28 days from departure for any reason. Please see section B.2. Amendments & Cancellation of our terms and conditions if you are cancelling at shorter notice than 28 days.

Consent Preferences