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Taking a Private Chauffeur Tour holiday or private driver guided tour as they are sometimes referred to, is a superb relaxing and stress free way to discovering the rural charms of Ireland. There was a time joining a tour bus with a larger group was the only option, and that came with a niggling frustration of waiting for 40 people or more to get a move on. Now you’re free to hit the road and get going at your leisure, and yet still benefit from a structure that offers you a complete and holistic picture of the country you are visiting.

You could of course be ‘doing it yourself’, with a hire car, but the plus side of that having your own guide, escort and driver really does change the whole dynamic of taking a road trip, turning it into a real vacation that everyone has the complete freedom to relax and enjoy. And surprisingly, the costs are not that much of a difference given the immediate advantages that spring to mind.

Perhaps the first distinction in relation to doing it your self, has to do with driving the surprising narrow and unforgiving roads found in Ireland. Indeed, its rural and un-spoilt landscape is of course Ireland’s most endearing attraction, and why you may be heading this way in the first place. And when you’re more accustomed to driving on the right side of the road (we drive on the wrong side) this could well lead to a few strained nerves by the end of the day, for all concerned. Certainly getting close quarters with a thick thorny bramble hedge, stone wall, truck or tractor, would soon have the car hire company claiming waiver fees and more! Believe me that can ruin a dream holiday.

Then there’s the other thing too, finding your way around. Whilst Google ‘Sat Nav’ is fantastic, distances and route choices can still be deceptive. What looks only half an hour on a map, can turn out quite different on a single carriageway road, or a route that takes you down a laneway that eventually has grass growing down the middle! Having that country knowledge, that familiarity with the local customs and traditions, by way of your own personal driver guide, is an absolute blessing when there are things to be done, sights to see, and places to  be explored. What’s more, the discussions on route can be both very informative, enlightening, lively and highly entertaining!

Perhaps the most notable feature a private chauffeur tour of Ireland, is the absolute liberty you have to recover from the excess of the night before, whilst relaxing as you are being whisked along in luxurious comfort through some of the most spectacular scenery to be found. So having provided a quick flavor of what a great vacation a private chauffeur tour of Ireland can offer, here’s what to look out for when organizing one.

What are the five top travel tips when planning a chauffeur tour / private driver vacation to Ireland ?

1) Firstly be mindful. Contracting a private driver comes with a certain responsibility to ensure when hiring limousines that the on the job working hours do not exceed 11 hours in any three consecutive days. All licensed SPSV (Small Passenger Service Vehicle) drivers are required to log-on to the National Transport Agency App, to register their working times associated with any given vehicle registered as a Limousine. Any breaches can incur hefty fines for the driver. But please make sure your driver is registered; as this ensures your safety, insurance and recourse should an issue occur.

2) Be certain of your Driver’s role in your holiday plans. Given the distances covered, it’s your driver’s role to get you from location to location and all the venues and sights in between. Once you’ve enjoyed your full day, let your chauffeur take his or her breaks too. The EU has a working directive that requires drivers (of both small and large coaches) to take a minimum 11 hours break between shifts.

3) Be aware of transport legislation. Both small and large capacity coaches are fitted with tachometers – vehicle movement recording devices. When planning your trip before hiring a coach and driver, there is a shift system they have to adhere to. Actual driving cannot exceed a 4 hour stint without taking a minimum 45 minute break in between and the maximum driving time in any one day is 8 hours. This time can be split over 15 minute and half hour breaks. Be aware these larger vehicles are also limited to 63 mph. 100km. Smaller SPV’s and Limousines are not affected by this.

4) Be sure to get quotes  beforehand that  include all-road tolls and ferry crossings. It is common practice that your sightseeing entrance fees, and meals during the day are not included unless specified.

5) Luggage. Of course this aspect is very dependent on the duration of your stay and your airlines policies. But when travelling alongside your luggage this aspect impact your enjoyment if not managed, especially as you may want room for souvenirs and other keepsakes found along the way. A quick rule of thumb when selecting a vehicle size ie, a saloon, SUV or a small  9 -16 seater coach is always select two seat sizes up. For example, an S-Class Mercedes, seat 4, but with luggage and allowing for room to stretch out, it really suits 2 people. A Mercedes Viano may seat up to 4 -7 persons, but in essence will suit 4 with luggage. If you have more than 4 persons you may consider moving up to a luxury Mercedes Sprinter, more so if you have a golfing trip in mind. It’s hoped you see the idea, as from past experiences the more room you have the more delightful your holiday plans will be.

I'm here to help, drive, guide and escort you as you’re Touring Ireland.

In concluding these ‘five top travel tips when planning a chauffeur tour’, it’s hoped Mac Tours Ireland can help organize your future trips. Our website includes linked 4 & 5 Star Hotel listings and also my signature tour plans to help start the ideas flowing. You can of course adapt these to suit the length of your stay, and there are itinerary suggestions to extend or select an alternate days sightseeing, with each listed tour plan. Indeed if you have a particular itinerary of your own in mind, I’d be delighted to hear from you and we can offer a quotation - just send an email from here to get the ball rolling.

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4&5 Star Hotels in Ireland Guide

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Author:  Martin Critten, Chauffeur & Driver Guide

Mobile: (00353) 0857 394081

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