We have successfully planned many tours of Ireland over the last few years and there are many questions that have frequently been asked in relation to our tours and Ireland in general. Here are some of these questions that we have compiled to assist you in the early stages of planning your private guided tour. These questions are regarding our tours and service as well as some general questions about Ireland and links to helpful pages and websites.

Q - How do I make a booking with Private Drive Chauffeur?

A - Our booking process is quite simple. We will suggest sample itinerary’s based on your requests. Once you are happy with the tour layout and pricing, a 25% deposit is required on booking. The deposit can be paid online using our secure payment page. The balance is required not later than 4 weeks in advance of your tour date.  Your driver / guide will greet you at your hotel or airport.

Q - What is included / excluded on our Tour?

A - All of your transportation requirements in Ireland. Driver’s expenses, fuel and parking tolls etc. are covered in your tour.

• Entrance to attractions are NOT included however, you can purchase a Heritage Card which gives discounts to most public owned attractions in Ireland. Driver guide gratuity is NOT included in the tour price. Guideline for driver gratuity is €50 – €100 per day, but this in entirely at your own discretion and depends on level of service received.

Q - How long is a Touring Day on average?

A - A full touring day is normally eight hours with some stops for lunch, attractions and anything else that you may have an interest in. As a general guideline, we recommend starting at approximately 10.00 each morning, this allows for a leisurely breakfast. Lunch is normally one hour and finishing at approximately 18.00 in the evening. This may change at times and we are very flexible. Time spent at the attractions or admiring the scenery and taking photographs is included in the 8 hours.  We would usually not spend more than three hours per day actually driving.

Q - Can you give us a sample of the usual extras such as meals and attractions that we will incur on a daily basis while we are in Ireland?

A - This is an approximate guide to the cost of meals in Ireland.

• Lunch: €9.50 to €15 in a pub or café.
• Dinner €20 to €50 depending on choice or restaurant.
• Entrance to attractions vary from around €4 to €7 per person. The Heritage Card provides for free admission to all fee-paying State managed OPW Heritage Sites located throughout the country for one year from the date of first use (with the exception of Muckross Traditional Farms, Killarney).
  • The cards cost as follows:
    • Adult €40.00.
    • Senior €30.00 (60 years and over).
    • Eligible Student/Child €10.00 (Valid student ID required / Child (12-18 years).
    • Family €90.00 (Max. 2 adults & 5 eligible children aged from 12 to 18 years)
    • Heritage Cards are valid for 1 Year from date of first use. The quickest and most convenient way to purchase an OPW Heritage Card is to buy it at the one of these sites listed on the link below www.heritageireland.ie

Extras such as gifts, drinks etc. are entirely at your own discretion.

Q - What are the standard tipping guidelines for Ireland?

A - There are not any absolute tipping guidelines for Ireland and people generally tip based on their perception of service quality and value received. Here are some guidelines.

• Meals – Usually 10 – 15% depending on the quality of the food and service received. 20 % for exceptionally good and no tip for exceptionally bad service is not unheard of in Ireland.
• Drinks – It is not normal to tip bar staff. However if the service was exceptional a gratuity would be appreciated.
• Driver Guides – Driver guide gratuity is not included in the tour price. Guideline for driver gratuity is €50 – €100 per day, but this in entirely at your own discretion and depends on level of service received.

Q - Where do we meet our driver guide at the airport?

A - Our driver guide will meet you as you exit customs in the arrival hall of the airport. Each airport in Ireland has a sign that says “Meeting Point” or “chauffeur meeting point”.

Q - Can you confirm the power supply requirements for our equipment in Ireland?

A - Below are the typical power requirements in Ireland based on using US / Canada Equipment.

• The electrical supply in Ireland is 230v 50hz. The plugs and sockets are different from the USA involving a three-pronged formation, the same as those used in the United Kingdom. If your appliances operate on a different current (such as those from North America) you will need a power converter and plug adapter.
• A plug adaptor does not change the electricity supplied to the appliance, only allows it to be plugged into a different type of wall socket. If the appliance you are using supports dual voltage and dual frequency then a plate/tag will be located on the item stating “120/240v, 50/60Hz”.
• Irish Plug & Socket
• Most laptop computer and battery chargers are dual voltage, so all you will need to use them with a different supply is a plug adaptor.
• Power converters step down the voltage from 240v to 120v, allowing equipment which is not dual voltage to operate at the voltage for which it was designed. Converters do not alter the frequency at which electricity is delivered and should be used a maximum of 1-2 hours at a time.
• Converters can be purchased at travel stores, some discount stores, office supply stores, and electronics stores also. Make sure that you select a converter that will accommodate the wattage of the appliances you wish to operate. Some laptop computers, electric razors and hair dryers have built-in power converters. However, an adapter plug will be required.

Q - What type of clothes do we need to bring to Ireland?

A - We usually recommend smart casual clothing with a mixture of light and warmer clothes. Layering is always a good idea. In particular bring some clothing for rain. Light shoes and sneakers are great for walking. If you are planning a more outdoor, activity based trip, waterproof boots are advisable.  Depending on your choice of accommodation, it is a good idea to bring some formal jackets for the dining rooms.

Q - What is the best time of the year to visit Ireland?

A - Every season has its charms and advantages as well as disadvantages for visiting Ireland. They say, “You can have 4 seasons in one day in Ireland”

Spring is a nice time to come as it is not too busy on the roads and the weather can generally be very mild with lots of flowers coming into bloom. Summer is peak tourist season so accommodations are more expensive but the weather is generally better. There are a lot more people around which can be more exciting and fun. Of late, autumn’s weather has been nice and it tends to be less expensive, winter is often cold and wet but this can be a lovely time to come as there is a cosy atmosphere in the pubs and restaurants so it’s very welcoming. Some places may be closed for the winter. Your driver/guide will be aware of these places.