We will be a party of 10 arriving Shannon Sept 10, 2018 and departing Dublin Sept 24, 2018. We plan to work our way to Dublin, then Northern Ireland back to Dublin. Have researched hiring a driver/guide and am having no luck. Have emailed many sites/companies that provide these services but have not received responses. Our goal is to stay together/same vehicle so we can experience this trip together. It seems our best bet would be to tour via train. Looking for any advice or guidance. Much appreciated.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
4228 posts
We are researching such a trip for the summer of 2019. We have decided to use Butlers Tours (butlerstours.com). We were going to get in touch with them around March, but they have great reviews and have cars for up to 12 people and comes with a driver/tour guide. Read their website, review, FAQ, etc and see what you think.
I edited this to include that they also have cars/buses for up to 55 people. You pay one price per day for driver/tour guide, gas, tolls, parking, guide’s accomodations and food. We did the math and think it is a good deal, but i don’t know your budget.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Trains will take you directly between the larger cities, but around the west coast, most public transport is by bus. Connections are summarized in Rick's Ireland guidebooks for the areas he covers. Detailed schedules are available at www.transportforireland.ie or see more bus and train links at https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/ireland-rail-passes.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7098 posts
Some locations like Giant’s Causeway or Carrick-a-Rede bridge in Northern Ireland may be difficult to reach via train or bus. Maybe consider two mini-vans. A private driver for that length of time may be very pricey.