Question 1

When and where do our tours depart from

Accepted Answer

All tours depart from The Point A Hotel on Parnell Street at 8.30 am sharp – please arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. This is a great tour departure point as many accommodation options in and around this area will suit your budget. If you are booking the Point A Hotel for pre-tour accommodation please use this Promo code for a 15% discount Promo code: 17IRIS. To book alternative accommodations around this area see FAQ 'Which accommodations do you recommend near start point'

Question 2

When and where do our tours return to

Accepted Answer

All tours end at Ashling Hotel, Parkgate St, Dublin 8, drop-offs between 4:30-5:00 pm. For 2024 The Point A Hotel is now included as an endpoint. Except for train transfers (8-Day Castles & Coasts, 7-Day Ultimate Atlantic Adventure) ending at Dublin Heuston, St John’s Rd W, arrival 6:00 pm. Heuston Station is opposite Ashling Hotel, with transport options like LUAS RED LINE, DUBLIN BUS, taxis.

Question 3

Airport Transfers

Accepted Answer

Please request our detailed PDF regarding airport transfers - you will receive further information after your booking.

Question 4

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes for the tours

Accepted Answer

The minimum number for our tours is two people. Your departure is 100% guaranteed once you’ve booked your tour (as long as there is one other person booked). We’ve never canceled a tour. The maximum group size is 16 on our small group tours and a maximum of 8 on our mini group tours. For Private tours for friends and families, we can cater up to 30+

Question 5

Is it ok to travel alone

Accepted Answer

Yes of course! Many of our travellers arrive alone, others are with friends or partners. It doesn’t matter because by the end of day 1 you have already made a great group of friends on the bus!

Question 6

What kind of people will be on the tour

Accepted Answer

You will meet like-minded people who have an appreciation for the great outdoors. Our guests are usually people from Australia, the UK, Canada and the United States, and come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. On average, we have a 50/50 split between men and women, with several single travelers on each trip as well as couples and friends traveling together.

Question 7

How old are the people on your tours

Accepted Answer

We get a pretty wide range of age groups on our tours, anywhere from people in their 30s to 70s. In any case, we reckon it’s more about attitude than age, which is why social dynamics usually work so well. If you love the idea of getting out into the most incredible landscapes on the island of Ireland, with your feet on the ground rather than looking out of a coach window all day, and you enjoy your creature comforts — we know you will love our trips!

Question 8

Which accommodations do you recommend near to start point

Accepted Answer

All of our tours depart from Point A Hotel, Parnell Street Dublin. Our pick-up times from the Hotel are at 8.30 am. Please arrive 15 mins before departure.

Hotel/B&Bs near pick-up point: Point A Hotel, Leonardos Hotel, Academy Plaza Hotel, Holiday Inn Express City Centre, Castle Hotel, The Maldron Hotel (Parnell Square)The Wynns Hotel, Tom, Dick & Harriet’s Acc, The Charles Stewert B&B, Cassidys Hotel, The Gate Hotel, Castle Hotel, The Belvedere Hotel

Question 9

Which accommodations do you recommend near to drop off point

Accepted Answer

All tours end at Ashling Hotel, 10 Parkgate St, Dublin 8, with drop-offs around 5:00 pm. Except for tours with train transfers to Dublin Heuston Station. Nearby accommodations include Phoenix Park Hotel, Maldron Hotel Smithfield, McGettigans Townhouse, Generator Hostel, Hilton Kilmainham, and The Hendrick Smithfield. For 2024, Point A Hotel is added as a second drop-off point.

Question 10

Are the tours suitable for solo travellers

Accepted Answer

We welcome lots of solo travellers on tour. Take one of our small group tours for a hassle-free way to explore Ireland and meet new friends.

Question 11

Accommodation Details

Accepted Answer

We put enormous effort into finding our tours accommodation that is just right. Instead of large impersonal hotels, we overnight in locally-owned establishments where the welcome really is genuine. Our small group sizes allow us to choose from a variety of high-quality establishments in some of the most untouched places in the country. A hot shower, a pint, a fire in the evening or heading down to the pub; what we can assure you is that wherever you stay, you’ll love it.

Question 12

Are private rooms available

Accepted Answer

All room types available are private – ranging from twin room, double room, single room and family rooms. A twin room is a room with 2 single beds, whilst a double room has 1 large bed suited for two people. Both rooms are designed for double occupancy. A single room is a single bed, designed for single occupancy.

Question 13

Are the days of departure set

Accepted Answer

Yes. All of our tours depart from Point A Hotel on Parnell Street Dublin on either Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays

SUNDAYS: 10-DAY WILD IRISH EXPERIENCE, 8-DAY CASTLES & COASTS, 7-DAY ULTIMATE IRISH ADVENTURE

TUESDAYS: 11-DAY ULTIMATE IRISH EXPERIENCE, 7-DAY ATLANTIC WAY EXPERIENCE

THURSDAYS: 13-DAY FULL IRISH EXPERIENCE, 5-DAY GIANT IRISH EXPERIENCE

Question 14

If a passenger has special dietary requirements, can they be catered for

Accepted Answer

It’s easier than ever for travellers with specialised dietary requirements to visit Ireland. Our advice is to let us know in advance of your tour. Feel free to inform your server upon arrival at a hotel or restaurant. We will always do our best to accommodate you!

Question 15

Do passengers always eat together in the evenings or can they do their own thing

Accepted Answer

That varies from tour to tour depending on what the group wishes to do. Usually, the guide will discuss this with the group and should they all want to dine together, group reservations can be made

Question 16

Is there an option of where to eat each night or do passenger have to eat in the place where they are staying

Accepted Answer

We’re confident that you’ll love Irish food everywhere we take you. When your tour overnights in a town or city, there tends to be great dining options to choose from.

Question 17

What should I take with me on tour

Accepted Answer

No matter what time of year it is you will need comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, bug repellent, and a towel. Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), swimming gear (if you fancy a dip), hat and sunscreen, rain jacket/trousers, warm fleece, hat and gloves, motion sickness tablets, water bottle, towel and toiletries, warm clothing and waterproof jacket, insect repellent, camera. In Ireland, we are known to experience all 4 seasons in one day. The best way to dress here is to bring plenty of light layers.

Question 18

Do I bring a suitcase or backpack

Accepted Answer

Either is fine, it’s up to you! We ask that you bring only one large backpack/suitcase (25kg) and a day pack. If you are going to be travelling with a lot more than 25kg, then please let us know.

Question 19

Are electrical converters required

Accepted Answer

Unless you’re travelling from the UK, you will need an adapter to use your electric appliances in Ireland. We use a three-pin plug in Ireland, with square pins.

Question 20

Are there restroom stops along the way

Accepted Answer

Yes. We make regular stops along the tour route where you can avail of bathroom facilities.

Question 21

Is a visa required when travelling to Ireland

Accepted Answer

If you’re from the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, travelling for the sole purpose of tourism and staying less than 3 months in Ireland, you do not need a visa. From a different country? Check the visa requirements on the official Irish government website. If in doubt, please contact the Irish Immigration Service. Alternatively, contact the Irish embassy or consulate in your home country.

Question 22

Are there any laundry facilities along the way for the longer tours

Accepted Answer

Laundry facilities can be accessed during the two-night stays in Westport, Killarney, Dingle and Clifden. Your guide will advise you on where best to access laundry facilities.

Question 23

What currency Is required while in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Accepted Answer

Euro is the main currency you’ll need. If your tour visits Northern Ireland, you’ll also need Pound sterling (£).

There are two currencies on the island of Ireland. We advise not bringing too much cash to Ireland. On tour, you can withdraw cash from cash machines/ATMs as you need it. You’ll find ATMs in most towns and gas/service stations on tour. Just ask your tour guide for advice on when and where is best to withdraw cash.

Question 24

Is internet access available on the tours

Accepted Answer

All overnight stops offer WiFi. You’ll also be able to access the internet on your WiFi-enabled device at cafés, pubs and other stops along the route.

Question 25

Do I need travel insurance

Accepted Answer

There is no travel insurance cover included on our tours. We strongly recommend that you take insurance to cover you for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability. We do not take responsibility for any personal possessions under any circumstances.

Question 26

Do I tip my tour guide

Accepted Answer

Drivers/tour guides are usually tipped at the end of a trip, sometimes with a communal tip collected from all of their guests. The amount is up to you. It will depend on the length of the tour and the quality of the service. The industry standard in Ireland is approximately €10-15 per person, per day. But this is, of course, at your discretion.

Question 27

Who will be my guide

Accepted Answer

Meet your hand-picked, passionate Irish guide with rich life experiences. From spotting native wildlife to bringing the past alive with stories from the land. The lasting connections you forge will extend beyond the tour. Your driver/guide will be at your service throughout the day, meaning that everyone can go at their own pace and there is always flexibility within the itinerary to do more or less depending on your mood that day.

Question 28

How hard are the hikes and activities – how fit do I have to be

Accepted Answer

Our hikes are optional and range from easy to moderate. Most of the people have questions about how fit they need to be: you just need to enjoy the outdoors! Our trips accommodate all ages and abilities. Go at your own pace with flexibility in the itinerary based on your mood. Small groups of up to 16 people ensure ample options, making it easy to tailor your daily activity level. We always have easier or more challenging options so that you can choose how much or little activity you want.

Question 29

Do you need any outdoors experience

Accepted Answer

You certainly don’t need any technical outdoor experience to enjoy your Irish Experience trip. If you enjoy being out and about in the outdoors and are a generally active person who enjoys hobbies like walking, cycling, golf, tennis, or dancing then you will have no problems at all with the walks and activities on your trip. Remember all walks and activities are optional.

Question 30

Kayaking

Accepted Answer

If your trip has kayaking as an option on it there’s no need for you to have ever been kayaking before. The kayaking is suitable for beginners and you will be in double sea kayaks, which are very stable. A specialist kayak guide will teach you everything you need to know before you head out and will be with you out on the water.

Question 31

Biking

Accepted Answer

If your trip has biking on it you will need some biking experience to complete the bike ride. The trails we bike on are undulating gravel tracks that are rated as “easy” trail rides but you’ll need to have done some biking before to comfortably and safely take part. The activities on our trips are very flexible and many of our guests opt to walk instead of bike. The trails we bike on are shared walking/biking trails so you’ll be able to enjoy a walk with your guide if you prefer.

Question 32

Horse Riding

Accepted Answer

The same goes for horse riding as an option on your trip. Beginner or advanced rider, fast-paced jaunt or relaxing leisure trek, there’s something to suit you. There’s no pressure to go fast. Relax and take in the scenic locations. More experienced riders may be offered the chance to canter or even gallop. All of our horseback riding experiences are fully guided and safety-approved. Our trusted suppliers are local, family-operated businesses. They have the utmost concern for animal welfare.

Question 33

What kind of vehicle do we travel in

Accepted Answer

On your trip, you will generally travel in a late-model Mercedes Benz minibus or an Iveco Turas 700. The size of the vehicle will depend on the exact size of the group, but you will have space to stretch out and enjoy each journey.

Question 34

Are the tours suitable for people with mobility and accessibility considerations

Accepted Answer

Our mini coaches are not wheelchair accessible. To enjoy our tours, you must be able to get on and off our tour vehicles unaided, or have someone come along on tour to help you. A lightweight foldable wheelchair can sometimes be stowed in the luggage compartment. Our tours are not suitable for larger wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Irish Experience Tours