Is a Private Driver in Ireland Worth It?

Ireland is a small island with a huge amount to see, and how you get around shapes the whole trip. Some of our happiest guests tried driving themselves on a previous visit and swore never again. Others love the open road. So, is a private driver in Ireland worth it? Here’s an honest look at the options.

Driving yourself

The good: total freedom, and for a long trip it’s usually the cheapest way to travel.

The not so good: we drive on the left, and while the motorways are easy, rural roads get narrow very quickly, often with stone walls on both sides and a tractor around the next bend. Most hire cars are manual unless you pay extra for an automatic. Parking in towns can be tricky, and whoever is driving spends the whole trip watching the road instead of the scenery. After a long-haul flight, the first day behind the wheel is the hardest.

Coach tours

The good: good value, well organised and sociable.

The not so good: fixed timetables, early starts from central pick-up points, and arriving at the most popular sights at exactly the same time as everyone else. You see what the coach sees, at the coach’s pace.

A private driver

The good: your own car and chauffeur, door to door, on your schedule. Stop for the view, the castle or the pub that looks too good to pass. Your chauffeur knows the roads, the quieter routes and the places worth a detour, and you get to enjoy every mile.

The not so good: it costs more than a coach seat. For couples, families and small groups sharing one car, though, the difference is often smaller than people expect, especially once you count the hire car, fuel, parking and the stress you’d otherwise carry.

How much does a private driver in Ireland cost?

It depends on the shape of the trip. The main things that affect the price are:

• the car, from an executive saloon to a seven-seat people carrier
• the time and distance, whether that’s a single transfer, a full day or a week on the road
• the route, including any overnight stays away from base on a multi-day tour

That’s why we quote every journey personally. Tell us where you’d like to go and we’ll come back with a clear price before you commit.

Do you tip a private driver in Ireland?

Tipping isn’t expected in Ireland the way it is in the US, so there’s no set rule. That said, it’s always appreciated. If your chauffeur has gone out of their way to make the trip special, a tip at the end is a lovely way to say thank you.

Chauffeur or taxi: what’s the difference?

A taxi takes you from A to B on demand. A chauffeur is booked in advance, meets you at a set time and place, drives a premium car and can stay with you for the whole day, planning stops and carrying on to the next destination. For airport arrivals, day trips and anything with more than one stop, a chauffeur is usually the more relaxing choice.

What to look for in a private driver

• A licensed driver. Chauffeurs in Ireland must be licensed, so check before you book. Ours are fully licensed.
• Reviews from real travellers. Read what past guests say about punctuality, the car and the chauffeur.
• A clear quote up front, with no surprises on the day.
• The right car for your party and luggage, golf clubs included.
• Local knowledge, so the day includes the quieter routes and the places worth a detour.

Who a private driver suits best

• first-time visitors who want to see a lot without the stress
• families and groups who want to travel together
• golfers moving between courses with clubs
• anyone who’d rather spend the trip looking out of the window

How to plan a private journey with us

Every quote we send is personal, because every journey is different. The more we know, the better the plan.

• A one-way journey. Send us the pickup, the destination, the date, the time and the number of passengers. For an airport arrival, add your flight number and the bags.
• Hourly hire. From four to ten hours, with the car staying with you between stops. Tell us where the day starts and roughly where it will take you.
• A multi-day tour. Tell us how many days you have, from two to seven, where you’d love to go and where you’re staying. We’ll put the itinerary together free of charge, with no obligation to book.

We’ll reply with a personal quote and the right car. Payment, by secure link or agreed cash, is arranged before your booking is confirmed.

Ready to start? Plan your journey, or explore our private driver tours of Ireland.