Jody is joined by Shane Leahy, owner of Ireland Chauffeur Travel. Ireland Chauffeur Travel offers driver guided tours in Ireland.
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Show Notes: (Click on times below to Expand)
01:20
About Driver Guides in Ireland:
Driver Guided tours in Ireland are a lesser-known alternative to renting a car and driving yourself or joining a large group bus tour. Ireland Chauffeur Travel offers several vehicle options catered to different sized groups, including minivans (3-6 people), mini buses (5-12 people), and even small coaches (for groups of 12 or more).All the vehicles are fit with luxuries such as leather captain chairs and larger view windows to offer the best comfort.The main advantage of a driver guide, is YOU control where to go and stop without the stress of driving through the country roads. The guides also able to talk about the areas you go to bring each of their client's trip to life specifically for them.
8:45
What are the qualifications for the guides?
Each guide is Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Licensed, which qualifies them to be a professions driver. To obtain these licenses, they have to go through a background check.In order to be a driver guide for ICT, they also need to be a Failte Ireland Approved Tour Guide. This is where they learn to tell a narrative that is compelling to people of all ages. Ireland Chauffeur Travel also has Experiential training which concentrates on developing the drivers' listening skills. This is what they feel is the most important part of being a guide. This allows drivers to listen to each client and find out what each client is interested in and offer input and suggestions based on that. No cookie-cutter tours here.
12:40
Are Drivers Specialized in Specific Areas?
Yes, we use guides that are specialized to different areas. Not only will these guides know the areas, they know stories of the areas to offer a more knowledgeable and enriched tour for the clients.
14:20
Lodging offered through Ireland Chauffeur Travel:
The kind of lodging people get when they book tours through Ireland Chauffeur Travel is all catered to the clients' tastes; hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, castles… They can even do several different types if they want.Shane learned the basics of hospitality from his mother, who now operated a B&B in Cashel, County Tipperary: Ladyswell House in Cashel.
19:50
Lengths of trips:
All trips are customized. But they recommend a minimum of 6 nights.
Even though Shane listed sites from the west, he also highly recommends visiting sites in Ireland's Ancient East.
28:09
Closing remarks:
Visit the Ireland Chauffeur Travel website for more information. BONUS for Ireland Family Vacations readers! Receive a 5% discount. Just use code IRFV when you make your inquiry.
Jody Halsted is the charismatic host behind the popular Traveling in Ireland Podcast and the Ireland Family Vacations website. With a deep passion for Ireland and an infectious enthusiasm for sharing its wonders, Jody has become a trusted voice in the realm of Irish travel.
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