Private Driver Tours of Ireland
Coast roads, castles and pubs, with a local at the wheel and no left-hand driving for you.
Get Free Trip QuotesPrivate driver tours of Ireland are popular for good reason. The best scenery sits along narrow coast roads and country lanes, the weather changes by the hour, and the Irish drive on the left. A local driver takes all of that off your hands and usually brings a fund of stories with them.
Why Ireland Suits a Private Driver
- Driving on the left. For visitors from North America, a full day on narrow left-hand roads is hard work. A driver lets you enjoy the views instead.
- Rural roads. Lanes bordered by stone walls and hedges, sheep on the road and tight bends are part of the charm, and much easier as a passenger.
- Scattered highlights. Cliffs, castles, monastic sites, islands and villages are spread across the countryside, often far from a railway.
- Pubs and distilleries. A driver means everyone in your group can enjoy a pint or a tasting.
Classic Days With a Driver in Ireland
Many visitors build private driver tours of Ireland around the Atlantic coast. The Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula in the southwest, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren in County Clare, and the lakes and mountains of Connemara in the west are favorites, and the Wild Atlantic Way touring route links much of this coastline. Inland, the Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny and the monastic site at Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains make good days out from Dublin.
A good driver will suggest the order of stops to dodge the coach crowds, know where to pull in for a photograph safely, and tell you which villages are worth a walk. Tell them early if you have particular interests, such as family roots in a county, golf, gardens or literary history.
Licensing: What to Ask an Irish Driver
In the Republic of Ireland, taxis, hackneys and limousines are all small public service vehicles. According to the National Transport Authority, drivers need an SPSV driver licence granted by An Garda Siochana as well as a normal driving licence, and one SPSV driver licence covers all three categories. Hackneys and limousines work on a pre-booked basis rather than being hailed in the street. When you book private driver tours of Ireland, ask to see the driver’s SPSV identity card and confirm the vehicle is licensed and insured for carrying paying passengers. Our vetting guide covers the other questions to ask.
Planning Tips
- Allow more time than the map suggests; rural roads are slow and the scenery is distracting.
- Pack layers and a waterproof jacket, even in summer.
- Agree in writing what is included: waiting time, tolls, parking and any overnight costs if the driver stays away from home.
- Book popular sights with timed entry in advance and share the times with your driver.
- If you want to stay a night or two in the countryside, find rooms on Rooms Cheap and give the driver the addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who licenses private drivers in Ireland?
Taxis, hackneys and limousines are small public service vehicles (SPSVs). An Garda Siochana grants SPSV driver licences, and the National Transport Authority issues driver identity cards and licenses the vehicles. A licensed driver should be able to show you their card.
Does a private driver tour of Ireland cover Northern Ireland?
It can, but Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and has its own licensing system. If your route crosses the border, ask the driver how they are licensed and insured for both sides.
How many days do I need?
That depends on how much you want to see. Many travelers use a driver for a handful of key days, such as a coastal loop or a long transfer between regions, rather than the whole trip.
Plan a Private Driver Tour of Ireland
Tell us which parts of Ireland you want to see, your dates and the size of your group. A travel specialist will plan your driver days and send free quotes.
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