Minibus Hire Ireland – Getting around – Planning

Planning a trip trough Ireland may be a rollercoaster of emotions. The destination is picked, the airfare is sorted, and the activities decided on. Very soon many potential visitors may face the perhaps daunting prospect of that very important question. How do we get from point A to point B? Minibus Hire Ireland, amongst other methods of travel, could be the answer.

This is where this article comes in handy.

For many years now we have come across that very question. So here are a few solutions.

Car Hire

Very handy if you have been to Ireland before, are used to the laid back Irish drivers’ attitude of indicating the intended direction of travel, (especially at roundabouts) and the narrow roads ( L roads – local roads  and R roads – regional roads) Just pick up your vehicle at Dublin airport, and hit the open road. Simple, convenient, and very often cheap at first glance.

Pros:

On your own time and schedule, can go wherever you want, at your own speed. Affordable and lots of discounts available if a member of company scheme like Herz. Discover many hidden spots unseen from any other transport type. Get lost. I mean truly lost to a point when you have no cell service and discover-how-to-read-a-map-again lost. But a really fun way to travel, and highly recommended. Asking a local farmer for directions must be the most entertaining type of conversation there is. Give it a go. Best experiences often are those that we don’t plan for.

Cons:

Besides the narrow roads, tractors and unfamiliar territory, simple things like parking and tolls can accrue additional costs. For example a one way trip to cork, tolls can cost E4 for a car one way. Not a lot but a pain non the less. Diesel price at the time of writing is an average of E1.74/L source the AA. And you can expect to fill a vehicle up every 2/3 days if going on a countrywide tour. Ferry cost across the Shannon is E23 for a car one way. ( Discounted if purchased online)  and finally the biggest problem of them all. The drink. We all know Ireland is famous for it’s whiskey and porter. With a micro brewery or a distillery springing up what seems like every other week, you will find yourself tasting if not indulging in a pint or two. Drink driving is Illegal and highly dangerous. Chances are if you had a late night, you will not be legal to drive until the following afternoon! 

Public transport

Public transport while affordable, can be quite unreliable in Ireland. I have been a victim of  it’s shortcomings over the years. For more information on trains see here, and for transport by public bus, click here. Also taxi prices are regulated and you can even use the taxi calculator by clicking here. There is no Uber in Ireland, however apps like ”free now” are widely used. While a decent option, you will have to account for late arrivals, or no arrivals at all. As such I would be using public transport sparingly.

Pros:

Affordable and widely available.

Cons:

Trains don’t go to every town, Tourists still need to get from the station to their destination, therefore some other means of transport is needed.

Buses do not always turn up on time, or sometimes not at all. This is not a joke, there has been tales of Phantom buses, one’s that are scheduled but do not turn up. See here for the story. 

Private Minibus Hire in Ireland:

If you are a small group travelling throughout Ireland, this must be the most convenient way to travel. There are many operators like ourselves in Ireland, with knowledgeable drivers, who have been providing this type of service for decades.

As such, your driver will meet you at the airport or your hotel, and bring you throughout Ireland according to your itinerary, telling you about sights and the history of the area while you relax in a comfortable vehicle and enjoy your vacation. Our drivers are also able to recommend dining options and reserve activities while you discover the sights and sounds of Ireland. We can also look after the Accommodation bookings and activities for you.

Pros:

Convenient way to travel, with a dedicated tour professional. Safe and comfortable, our vehicles are purpose built to accommodate for tours, with large leather seating, privacy glass and intercom system for the driver / guide. Custom Itinerary built to suit you and your group. Go at your own pace. Travel with a local knowledgeable guide and make a friend in Ireland to help you with your vacation transport and much more along the way.

Cons:

Can be pricier than public transport, depending on the group size. The more passengers, the more affordable minibus hire in Ireland as a method of transport is. Trick is to strike the balance. Max group size at the moment we look after is 16 passengers.

Interested? Fill out a form or contact us.

We try to get back to all customers within a few minutes of receiving your email. No robots, just people. Thelma or Anton will look after your enquiry and suggest the best course of action to take.