See Ireland by bus and skip the stress of planning & driving
I have 116 posts about what to see and do on this website (so far). It's the best content on Ireland anywhere, certainly the most honest. But it's a lot to take in. Some people love the research and planning of a big trip. Others don't.
If you are in the latter group, then the easiest way to see Ireland is to book a guided coach tour.
One booking and it's all done.
The operators have done these tours hundreds of times and know the best routes. You'll see all the best sights & you'll be relaxed enough to take them in, rather than treating each stop as a welcome break from the stress of driving and navigating.
The bus drivers themselves are an attraction, with their Irish wit & charm. They'll explain what you're seeing so you're not just looking a rock and wondering why it's so special.
Things to Consider
It's not all rosy though.
You're moving at the pace of the tour. The bus leaves on time even if you want to stay and look at the Cliffs a little longer.
The itineraries are busy and you're changing hotel every night. There are other passengers, some you won't want to sit next to at dinner.
But all my walking tours guests who I've talked to at the end of the coach tours have spoke very highly of them and were delighted that they had done them instead of driving themselves.
Which Tour Company To Go With in Ireland
Picking your tour company is the only decision you have to make, since they do everything else, so let's get it right.
Here are some of the best bus tour companies in Ireland.
Brendan Vacations - The Irish Specialist
Brendan only does two countries: Ireland and Scotland. That's it.
They're like me. Focused on what they know. That's why I like them so much. Do one thing and do it superbly.
They have been building Irish itineraries for decades and know every inch of Ireland and Scotland.
I drive past their Dublin office all the time, they have a small team which I like. You'll know them by name, there's no "press 1 for France, 2 for Ireland" type calls.
Brendan Vacations has frequent departures so you'll find something that works with your dates. They also do self-driving itineraries where everything is organised and pre-booked for you, you just drive. Or they can organise a private driver to handle it all.
Very highly recommended.
🚌 Go to Brendan Vacations to see their tours & itineraries
Trafalgar - A trusted name in tours
Trafalgar is one you've probably already heard of, maybe even done a tour with them.
They have been doing coach tours for seventy years across dozens of countries, and a reputation that's been tested by a lot of travellers over a long time with the infrastructure to back it up. They have a 4.7/5 rating from 130,000 reviews.
I often see their buses on the streets of Dublin. I like that tours are categorised by what you'll see like "Castles & Manors". They do full island tours that included Northern Ireland and you can also combine with tours in England, Scotland & beyond.
This is the one I'd point you to if you want reassurance more than anything else.
🚌 See all of Trafalgar Tours itineraries
G Adventures - The small group specialists
G Adventures operate all over the world, including places you've probably never heard of. The adventure in their name is earned.
They are known for their small groups tours, they average only 12 people on each tour. Their National Geographic Signature tours are their luxury tours.
Their guides are called Chief Experience Officers, which tells you that they have the authority to make decisions as you go to make sure your trip runs smoothly.
G Adventures are very highly rated with 4.9/5 on Trustpilot from 15,000 reviews. You don't see scores that high on Trustpilot. People love them.
G Adventures are a good choice if you've never done a group bus tour before.
🚌 See all G Adventures tours
Last Minute Tours
If you're coming to Ireland soon and want to book something quickly, you can book with this week long trip along Ireland Wild Atlantic Way with just one click.
No waiting for confirmation, Overland Ireland have tours leaving Dublin every Sunday. They are Irish, based in Galway and their reviews are full of praise for the funny guides.
Which One To Pick?
None of these are wrong choices. They're just built for slightly different travellers, pick the one that sounds most like your cup of tea.
Spend a day in Dublin before & after your trip.
One thing worth doing regardless of which you pick is fly into Dublin a day or two before your tour. You'll have some time to get over the jet lag and relax before starting your busy bus tour.
My Dublin Jet Lag Tour is specifically designed for your first day in Ireland. On your return to Dublin, do my Vista Tour, where we walk between Dublin's two nicest villages along the coast. You'll be glad to stretch your legs.
If you're not sure which itinerary to pick or what to add onto your bus tour, arrange a trip planning call with me. I'll answer all your Ireland questions and help you perfect your trip.
Read next: 10 things to know before Renting a Car in Ireland / Where to Stay in Dublin / Prepare your phone for Ireland
