Your own day out, at your own pace

How much fits into one day

A driver may drive for 9 hours in a day, or 10 on two days a week. After four and a half hours on the road comes a break of at least 45 minutes, which can be taken as 15 and then 30. Most groups make the longer part lunch.

From Killarney, the full Ring of Kerry is about 180 km and fills a whole day once you stop along the way. Dublin to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland takes about 3.5 hours in each direction, so the time on the stones is shorter than most people expect.

Gentle days from each base

Shorter drives mean more time out of your seat. From Dublin, Powerscourt is about 35-45 minutes and Glendalough about an hour. Cork groups can be at Blarney in about 20 minutes or Kinsale in about 30. Galway puts Cong and Ashford Castle about 50 minutes away, and the Aran Islands ferry at Rossaveal about 45. From Letterkenny, Glenveagh is about half an hour; from Sligo, Drumcliffe and Lissadell are each under 20 minutes.

Rules worth knowing

• Daily driving is capped at 9 h, extendable to 10 h twice a week

Places that ask you to book

At the Cliffs of Moher, every group of 10 or more books in advance, so a full minibus counts. At Glenveagh, vehicles stop at the visitor centre and the park shuttle takes you up to the castle. Brú na Bóinne also runs by shuttle from its visitor centre, with slots for groups of 15 to 30. Fix those times first and let the driving fit around them.

Heading out of Dublin

Buses and minibuses on the western M50 cross the toll point between junctions 6 and 7, which has no barriers. There's no cash booth; the operator settles it by account, tag or online.

Questions

Does our minibus group need to book the Cliffs of Moher?

Yes, if there are ten or more of you. Groups of that size, and all coach arrivals, must book ahead.

Can we do the Ring of Kerry in a day?

Yes, starting from Killarney. The loop is about 180 km and takes the full day with stops.

Do we wear seat belts on a minibus?

Everyone aged 3 or over wears a belt wherever one is fitted. A quick reminder at each reboarding helps.

Cities

• Dublin
• Killarney
• Galway
• Cork
• Letterkenny
• Sligo

Vehicles

• Full-size coach — 49-57 seats
• Midi coach — 29-35 seats
• Minibus — 16-19 seats
• Executive van (Mercedes V-Class / Sprinter class) — 7-8 seats
• Executive car (E-Class saloon class) — 1-3 seats
• Wheelchair-accessible minibus — 10-16 plus wheelchair spaces seats

Plan a day out

Share your starting point, the places you'd love to see and how many are going. We'll pass it to a licensed partner operator for a quote with a driver.

Request a quote or call 35312659159