Hiring a Driver in Ireland {2024 Guide}
Want to tour Ireland at your own pace, but you don't want to drive? You should definitely consider hiring a driver guide in Ireland!
A self-drive vacation in Ireland is not for everyone. Some groups are too large for a single vehicle while for others driving on the left on winding, narrow roads can make the vacation more stressful than relaxing.
So what is the traveler to Ireland to do if they can't or don't want to drive, but want to have the flexibility to make suggestions and changes?
You plan a trip with a private driver in Ireland!
Need a quote for a private driver? Click here!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | iHeartRadio | RSS | More
Hiring a Driver in Ireland
You will find multiple options when searching for a private guide in Ireland.
From luxury chauffeur companies that offer inclusive services to independent drivers in Ireland that specialize in day tours, it is possible to find a chauffeured experience to fit your vacation goals.
CLICK HERE for the Ireland driver guides I recommend
How Much Does a Private Driver in Ireland Cost?
The cost of hiring a driver in Ireland has a few variables including:
- Number of people in group (and luggage capacity)
- Size of touring vehicle
- Day tour vs multiday tour
- Round trip vs one-way tour
The average cost for an 8-hour day trip for 4 people is €750.
The average cost to hire a private driver for one week in Ireland for 4 people is €5250.
The above prices are only estimates; some drivers charge more, some less.
Costs are higher for larger groups & vehicles.
How Much Should I Tip My Driver Guide in Ireland?
I recommend a €100 per day gratuity for your private chauffeur for groups of 9 or fewer.
If your group is 10 or more an average of €8-€10 per person per day is recommended.
While that may seem like a lot it is important to consider that your driver is with you at least 8 hours a day. They manage your luggage, act as your tour guide, handle any changes or unexpected problems with your itinerary, and see to every aspect of your tour, making sure you have an exceptional, worry-free vacation.
Independent private driver guides may follow a different protocol than drivers for a touring company. When in doubt inquire directly about tipping procedures.
Finding the Best Private Drivers in Ireland
When searching for a private driver in Ireland it can be difficult to make a choice based on search results.
When choosing a driver guide for your Ireland vacation you want to be sure that they are fully licensed to carry passengers, fully insured (you should never have to pay extra for insurance) and provide their own vehicle (you should never have to rent the vehicle and pay the driver separately).
You can, and should, request proof of licensing. You can download the TFI Driver Check app (it's free) to check the license details of taxis, limousines, and chauffeurs.
If you want to bypass the hassle of searching through dozens of online results to find the best private driver for your trip, let me help you.
I work with some of the best driver guides in Ireland and can connect you directly with a private driver to fit your vacation goals and budget.
Meet the Ireland Driver Guide Companies I Recommend
Ireland Chauffeur Travel: All-Inclusive Private Tour Company
I use Ireland Chauffeur Travel for my small group guided tours and highly recommend them if you want a bespoke Ireland vacation.
Based in Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland Chauffeur Travel can help create your entire vacation, including booking accommodations (and obtaining competitive pricing at 5-star hotels, manor houses and castles), dining reservations, and attraction visits.
Ireland Chauffeur Travel offers a variety of luxury vehicles for group sizes from 2 to 20 (and above!).
Alma, my personal consultant, will be delighted to assist you in planning your magical Ireland vacation. Be sure to use code IRFV in your email or phone call to receive my exclusive 5% discount off your tour price!
Bronze and Boru: A Luxury Touring Company Specializing in Bespoke Experiences
Based in County Limerick, where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Hidden Heartlands. Bronze and Boru is a luxury touring company whose driver guides have over 20 years combined experience providing their customers with bespoke touring.
Bronze and Boru use Mercedes vehicles exclusively and can comfortably transport groups from 2 to 12 passengers.
The team at Bronze and Boru are happy to enhance your proposed itinerary to get you off the regular tourist pathways and introduce you to the amazing places and people all over the island of Ireland.
Contact Brendan and Richard at Bronze and Boru via the contact form on their website (or grab their direct email there, as well).
Emerald Irish Tours: At the Heart of the Wild Atlantic Way
From the heart of the famous Irish Wild Atlantic Way, Emerald Irish Tours is a family run business that provides custom Ireland Itineraries and Driver-Guide Service Tours, with single or multi-day tours, and experiences to remember. Your custom-made tour is personalized so that it allows for a more individual and flexible experience.
This female-owned company is one of the leading chauffeur services in Ireland and offers a range of comfortable, luxury vehicles. Emerald Irish Tours also offers travel consultations and is delighted to assist in planning an Ireland vacation that fulfills your vacation goals.
Contact Martina and Carmel at Emerald Irish Tours via email or phone number located on their website.
Abbeyleix Chauffeur Services: Personalized Service for up to 7 People
Based in County Laois, Abbeyleix Chauffeur Services are close enough to Dublin to provide day tours from the city as well as fully guided experiences across Ireland.
Couples or groups of up to 7 people will enjoy the comfort and luxury of the Mercedes E-class sedan and Premium Ford Torneo Custom 7 seater (with leather). Abbeyliex Chauffeur Services will work with you to create an itinerary that caters to your interests or assist you to enhance the itinerary you have planned.
Contact Aubrey at Abbeyleix Chauffeur Services via the website contact form (or grab the direct email and phone number there, as well).
Best of Ireland Tours: An Independent Guide Specializing in the West of Ireland
Based in the vibrant town of Ennis, County Clare, Best of Ireland Tours is a terrific choice if your itinerary includes the Wild Atlantic Way from Connemara to Kerry.
Offering bespoke tours for small groups up to 6 people you will enjoy a comfortable tour in a BMW 7 Series or a Mercedes V-Class. Best of Ireland Tours includes their clients' interests and hobbies in customized tour itineraries and can add some of Ireland's hidden gems to the itinerary you have created.
Contact Niall at Best of Ireland Tours via the website contact form (or grab the direct email from that page) to inquire about a tour.
About Ireland Taxi Tours: 10 Hubs Around Ireland
If you think you can't afford to hire a private driver, I urge you to take a look at intercity travel with About Ireland Taxi Tours. You can choose to travel direct, or take the scenic route, with a local driver. Because you are traveling one-way costs are less because the driver returns home. And when you're ready to move on you'll have the experience of a new, local driver.
About Ireland Taxi Tours can also assist with multi-day tours and cruise ship excursions. Get more information and book direct online.
- Discover Ireland's Hidden Charms: Fall and Winter Travel Insights - September 12, 2024
- How to get Around Dublin - September 9, 2024
- Dublin Airport – Tips for Arrival and Departure - September 9, 2024
