We just returned from a wonderful trip to the Cornwall region of England. We hired Tim Uff to give us a private tour of the area, and it was amazing. We would like to do that same thing in Ireland, but we are having a difficult time finding a private driver online. We keep ending up with tour companies, and that's not what we want to do. We are looking for advice and suggestions, names and recommendations. Thanks!
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7034 posts
I'm not sure why there would be a difference hiring a private driver for a custom tour through a tour company - many of them have that service - and hiring an independent driver. Is price the issue? I haven't looked at prices for the private tours through tour companies vs a single independent driver, but it would still be just you and the driver so what's the difference?
Posted by
TN, USA
2114 posts
Not sure which phone is correct, as I have never telephoned him, but I know the email address is correct. We hired Tony to drive us for 3.25 days in Ireland a few years ago, and he was fabulous. Recommended him to friends, who were also super delighted. He has nice, clean, spacious vehicle. Very reliable and courteous, as all as a great Irish sense of humor.
Tony McGann
(00353)(0)65-7074790
(00353)(0)87-2422950
tonyscabdoolin@eircom.net
Posted by
Killarney Co. Kerry Ireland
75 posts
For up to 3 people try https://www.facebook.com/ringofkerrysightseeingtours/
For up to 7 people try https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g186612-d4586310-Reviews-Killarney_Tour_Taxi_Service-Killarney_County_Kerry.html
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2261 posts
For the Dingle Peninsula I highly recommend Denis Ryan with Dingle Tours-though there are several guides in the area. You can do a half or a full day, and you can let Denis design it or you plan it out and tell him what you'd like to see. At the least, the Slea Head Drive past Coumeenoole Beach, the Beehive Huts, Dunquin, the West Kerry Museum at Ballyferriter, the Gallarus Oratory, Kilmalkedar Church, Connor Pass, etc. If you are undecided or want to leave it loose, there is a good TI in Dingle and they can likely set you up.
Posted by
Florida
509 posts
Ring of Kerry and environs: Based on many RS Forum recommendations, we've booked Paul Brown for a Ring/Kerry tour next year. Here's his website: http://www.kenmaretaxitours.com/about-us.html. If you put his name in the search field, above, you'll find comments from many happy customers. I'll be surprised if Forum regulars don't pile on with their own recommendations on Mr. Brown.
Posted by
44 posts
Ger Lawlor (GerLawlor83@gmail.com) did a nice job for us.
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
I just posted this elsewhere:
On Maggie's comment above she has the phone numbers wrong for the guide she recommends. if you're dialing the country code you don't use the zero after the 353. If you're in Ireland using an Irish phone the number starts with zero such as 083-167...... etc. So if you try to call her guy, you won't get thru! his number would be +00353-87-......
I've helped others book private drivers and I personally think they're quite dear (that's expensive in Irish speak!). They are limited by law to how many hours they can drive a day; the cost of their food and hotel is something you will pay..... if money is no object, go for it. But be prepared....
I called a friend recently to see if he'd drive myself and 2 friends around the Ring of Kerry, so I could drink at the pubs and not have my car when we ended in Killarney (I was training away that next morning). His charge was around 240 euros!! I thought that was crazy! So crazy, my next door neighbor is now getting his taxi license to get in on that deal!
Just my thoughts....
Susan
Ex Pat in Waterville.....
Posted by
Connecticut
337 posts
Susan,
You've been so helpful that I'm going to ask you another question:
What about hiring a taxi for transport from city to city?
For example, from Dublin to the Rock of Cashel?
And then, later in the day, from the Rock of Cashel into Kilkenny city?
Would that be a realistic option for someone who'd rather not drive (and not so "dear" as a hired driver)? Or is that a crazy idea?
Thank you!
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
I'm not sure how a person is tagged but this is in answer to Stacy's question in the comments!
Stacy - that sounds crazy! ;-)
I think that would be very expensive, if they did it on the meter, and if not would be a guy/gal who has the hack license and is charging just what any private driver would charge!
Don't forget BusEireann or private buses, too. LocalLink, and others..... McCarthy's.....there are many smaller bus companies around for smaller, popular routes....
Susan
ExPat in Waterville.
.
Posted by
Connecticut
337 posts
Thank you, Susan!