A school tour parents can relax about
You're responsible for every pupil from the school gate and back again, so the bus is the first thing to get right. A small class fits a minibus; a whole year group suits a midi or full-size coach.
The checks worth asking about
Any bus carrying children needs a belt or restraint fitted for every child travelling; only general public bus services are exempt. Pupils aged 3 and up must wear them where fitted, and they must be told about it, which is usually a teacher's job before you pull away.
Driving a vehicle used only for children counts as relevant work under the vetting law, so the driver needs Garda vetting. An operator taking 9 or more passengers for hire also needs a Road Passenger Transport Operator Licence. It's perfectly normal to ask for both to be confirmed on the quote.
Rules worth knowing
- Passengers aged 3 or over must wear seat belts on buses where fitted, and must be told of the requirement
Minibus or coach for your class
A minibus usually seats 16 to 19, which suits a transition-year project group or a small rural school. For a year group, one midi coach or full-size coach keeps everyone in the same place and makes the teachers' headcount simpler. Count the adults as well: every person on board needs a belted seat.
Book the visit, then the bus
Several favourite school tour stops work on booked times. Brú na Bóinne is visited by shuttle from its visitor centre, and a party of 15 to 30 pre-books a slot. The Cliffs of Moher want every group of 10 or more to book ahead. At Muckross House in Killarney, all groups reserve. Waterford Treasures advises groups to book; buses let passengers off on The Mall, right by the Bishop's Palace.
Once those times are fixed, build the day around them, with a proper lunch stop off the bus. Children take longer to count than adults, so leave a few minutes at every stop.
Questions
How many children fit in a minibus?
Most minibuses seat 16 to 19. Count pupils and staff together, since each needs a seat with its own belt.
Should we ask whether the driver is vetted?
Yes. Driving a vehicle that carries only children is relevant work that requires Garda vetting, and a good operator will confirm it without fuss.
Can we see Newgrange and the Boyne battlefield in one day?
From Drogheda it's easy: the Battle of the Boyne site is about 10 minutes away and the Brú na Bóinne visitor centre about 15. Secure the Brú na Bóinne slot first.
Cities
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 your school tour
Send the date, pupil and staff numbers and the places you'd like to visit. A licensed partner operator prices a bus and driver, and the school makes the call.
Request a quote or call 35312659159