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 other 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 cant 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!
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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 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 €725.
The average cost to hire a private driver for one week in Ireland for 4 people is €5075.
The above prices are only estimates; some 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.
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.
Private driver guides may follow a different protocol than drivers for a touring company. When in doubt you can 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 for your private trip to Ireland 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 reservatons, and attraction visits.
Ireland Chauffeur Travel is the company I partner with for my small group guided tours of Ireland and Alma, my personal consultant, would be delighted to help you plan your own magical Ireland vacation.
Ireland Chauffeur Travel offers a variety of luxury vehicles for group sizes from 2 to 20 (and above!).
If you contact Alma directly 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 and BMW 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 people 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).
Abbeyleix Chauffeur Services: Personalized Service for Couples and Small Groups
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 3 people will enjoy the comfort and luxury of the Mercedes E-class sedan. 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 Chauffuer Services via the website contact form (or grab the direct email and phone number there, as well).
Ireland Chauffeur Vacations: A Small Company Specializing in Ireland's Ancient East
Based in the historic city of Kilkenny, Ireland Chauffeur Vacations is located in the heart of Ireland and can easily access Ireland's 3 main airports and 5 busy ports.
Enjoy a comfortable ride in a Mercedes E-class sedan or V-class touring van with a knowledgeable private chauffeur who can take your itinerary off the beaten track and on to the next level with their passion for Ireland and knowledge of the country's history and culture.
If you need assistance booking accommodations Ireland Chauffeur Vacations is happy to help with that, as well.
Contact James at Ireland Chauffeur Vacations via the contact form at the bottom of the website (or grab the direct email 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.
Emerald Irish Tours: At the Heart of the Wild Atlantic Way
From their base in Kilkee, County Clare, at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, Emerald Irish Tours can help make everything from single day excursions to multi-day tours an experience to remember.
This female-owned company is one of the leading chauffeur services in Ireland and offers a range of comfortable, luxury vehicles for groups from 2 to 8 passengers. Emerald Irish Tours also offers tour consultation 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.
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.
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Submit your Comment 
Last fall after listening to your podcast I hired Ireland Chaffeur Travel and received the 5% discount. We had a wonderful, safe driver and an incredible experience. The 4 star hotels they booked were in the heart of the tourist districts.
Thank you so much for letting me know you had a great tour with Ireland Chauffeur Travel, Joan! I love hearing that the tours I recommend exceed expectations!
This is how we traveled around Ireland in 2014… we had Shane for our driver for a couple of days, then when he had to go take care of some family business, we got Bill Coyne… both drivers were extremely knowledgeable & entertaining… such a great experience… & dealing with Orla (Shane’s sister) in the before-trip preparations was a joy…
Ireland Chauffeur Travel does such an incredible job! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences Leslie!
Our family of 4 are taking a side trip to Ireland before attending a wedding in Scotland. Our tour package includes a rental car and staying at the Adare Manor Villa for 6 nights. (11-21-2015 til 11-27-2105) Would like to hire a driver to drive our rental car during that time. Are you able to provide a drive, and if so, what would be the cost?
Hi Janet. I’m not sure if you understand that I am not a travel agent, so your question actually needs to be directed at the tourism company – Ireland Chauffeur Travel- directly: [email protected]