I have been dreaming of visiting Ireland and have done much reading on the topic. We need to use public transportation or a chauffuer for our 18 day trip. Need advice on how to find a driver and what are the rules for this.
Arrive Dublin for 4 days, Train to Kilkenny, overnight. Train to Cork? 2 nights staying in Kinsale. Driver to Killarney. Stay for 2-3 nights.Tralee or Limerick next for 2 or 3 nights to see Bunratty Castle, Adare, Dingle, Burren and Cliffs of Moher. Drive to Galway for cruise to Aran Islands. Drive to Connemara to see Kylemore Abbey, Slieve League, over night in this area, drive to Dublin, end of trip Return to US. All areas that are listed as drive would have to be with a chauffuer. Is this doable?
Posted by
Tucson
4183 posts
Are you talking about a single chauffeur for the whole trip? I can't imagine how much that would cost, since you'd have to pay for them to stick with you.
Have you considered combining public transport with taking a taxi if needed?
You can research trains at Irish Rail.
You can research Bus Eireann for some of the trips. Go to the link and use the journey planner and take a look at the map.
This is another map that might be useful.
Posted by
OP
Boynton Beach, Florida, USA
87 posts
I was only thinking of a chauffeur from Kinsale through the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Penn. and then another one from Killarney through to Limerick so that we could visit Adare and Bunratty . From Limerick we could catch a bus to Galway and in Galway we can take organized tours to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burrens and even to parts of Connemara. I really need one for the few days in the s.w. of Ireland.
Posted by
TN, USA
2158 posts
Caryn,
We hired a driver (who provided his own vehicle), and he only charged us for the days (or portion of days) that he drove for us. On days we did not need transportation (such as when we spent two nights at Dromoland, and two nights at Ashford Castle), he was free and took other passengers.
The arrangement was PERFECT for us....we had a local driving, he acted as a sort-of tour guide telling us about Ireland and what life is like there, and we did not have to worry about driving on the wrong side of the road/getting used to a rental car, and finding our way (in the more rural areas, street signs can be confusing).
Below is his contact info:
Tony McGann
[email protected]
Although he is based in Doolin, he drove for us on a rather wide loop thru the southwest portion of Ireland.
He is reliable, on time (early), has a very clean vehicle, is courteous, and he has a great sense of humor.
He may or may not go as far as Dublin, but you can ask him.
If he is already booked for the days you need, he could recommend someone else.
We hired him about 5 years ago, and then recommended him to friends who hired him and also we super pleased.