As much or as little as you like. Some guests love to be hands-on, while others give us a rough idea and let us handle the rest. Our driver-guides have years of experience and so do our tour planners. We’ll tailor your tour to suit your style – and nothing is final until you’re happy with the plan.

Absolutely. One of the best parts of travelling with Desmond Tours is the freedom to be spontaneous. If you spot a scenic road, a charming village, or a sign that sparks your curiosity – just say the word. Our driver-guides are always happy to take a detour and take you off the beaten track.

We can arrange pick up from any of the airports on the island of Ireland and we also offer pick ups from your accommodation. In other words, you let us know where you would like to start your tour and we arrange it!

The same applies at the end of your tour, we will drop you to any departure point of your choice.

Our tours start on any day of the week, whenever it suits you best, subject to availability. Get in touch with your travel dates and we will check availability for you. Tours between May and September sell out quickly, so booking early is advised.

That’s entirely up to you. We’ve crafted customized day tours but also longer tours, from 2 days to 20 days – and everything in between! Whether you just have the time for a quick getaway or a full month to explore, we’ll pace your tour perfectly so you get the most out of every moment.

We organise tours for any group size. Larger groups may incur a surcharge, please contact us to enquire about specific rates.

We do of course welcome children on our tours – please note that according to EU regulation children under the age of twelve, and shorter than 4’5″ must use a child seat to travel in a vehicle. You must let us know in advance if this is required.

Yes – that’s the beauty of a custom tour. If some of your group want to play a round of golf while others explore gardens, soak in a spa, or dive into local history, we can plan separate activities for different interests on certain days. Everyone gets their perfect Ireland vacation!

Unless otherwise agreed, your tour price includes the following:

• A fully customised itinerary designed exclusively for your group’s interests and travel pace.
• Visits to must-see landmarks and hidden treasures—Ireland’s best-kept secrets!
• Personalised storytelling, live commentary, and entertainment by an experienced, Fáilte Ireland-approved guide.
• Full consultation and expert recommendations for the finest accommodation, pubs, restaurants, and activities Ireland has to offer.
• Scheduled pick-up and drop-off to suit your schedule—no stress, just relaxation.
• Transport in your own private touring vehicle, with all costs included (fuel, tolls, parking, insurance, and licenses).

• FREE guide services: Your guide is also your driver, saving you approximately €280 per day on separate guide fees. And what’s more, we even cover your guide’s overnight expenses as part of your rate quoted!

Please note that tour prices quoted are valid for 5 days only. The payment of a booking deposit secures your tour dates and vehicle/guide booking.

Prices do not include:

• tips/gratuities to drivers and local guides;
• personal insurance;
• any items of a personal nature; 
• accommodation, additional transfers, admission fees and activity bookings, unless specified in your tour quote;
• travel to/from Ireland, such as flights.

Additional charges apply for transfers before 8.00 and after 22.00. Before your final payment is due, please ensure you let us know what time you would like to be picked up.

This allows more flexibility regarding the sites that you may or may not visit each day. By not pre-booking attractions, your guide can also adapt the tour if necessary. This means that you can choose not to enter any attractions, if you prefer, and explore the local area instead.

Yes – and we highly recommend you ‘let us do the heavy-lifting’. With years of experience and strong relationships across Ireland, we know which hotels offer the best service, comfort, and value in every region. We focus on places that go beyond just a bed for the night – somewhere you can truly relax after a day of touring.

We’re happy to work within your budget and style, and we often secure perks like upgrades or better rates you won’t get by booking direct.

Prefer to book your own? No problem – we’ll gladly offer guidance and ensure everything fits smoothly into your itinerary.

No, we do not book flights for our guests but your local travel agent will be happy to help.

Most of our touring days begin around 9:00am and wrap up by 5:30pm. Your tour price includes 8 hours touring per day – but the schedule is entirely up to you. Want an early start or a relaxed morning? Prefer a longer day followed by a lighter one? No problem. With Desmond Tours, your days are designed around your pace and preferences.

It’s as easy as 1-2-3 — and enjoyable! Here’s how it works:

1. Let’s Have a Chat
Tell us what you love – castles, coastlines, cosy pubs, ancestry, gardens, golf… or all of the above! We’ll listen carefully and help shape your vision for the perfect Irish getaway. Contact us here today.

2. We’ll Do the Magic
You relax while we design a personalized itinerary just for your group – tailored to your interests, travel pace, and style. We take care of every detail so you don’t have to.

3. Show Up & Enjoy
From the moment you land, we’re with you. Our team and your expert driver-guide will take care of everything – so you can sit back, soak it all in, and make unforgettable memories.

You can pay your deposit and final payment securely by credit card. Please note that credit card payments incur an additional fee. Bank (wire) transfer payments can also be facilitated on request.

Full payment instructions are provided as soon as you are ready to book. Your deposit locks in your dates with our driver-guide.

Yes, absolutely. For further information on booking and cancellation terms, please see our Terms of Business

Please contact us in advance if you are planning on bringing any large equipment or if you would like to bring more than one large suitcase plus one piece of hand luggage per guest.

We will do our best to accommodate this. Different vehicles have differing spaces available for luggage, so please always double check with us if you are unsure.

This will depend on the size of your group and the availability of our vehicles. Please note that the availability of a particular vehicle cannot always be guaranteed due to maintenance and repairs. Feel free to contact us for more information or review our Mercedes fleet page.

Should your group size or the amount of luggage you wish to bring change, you must contact Desmond Tours in advance. Changes in vehicle size are subject to availability.