A private driver tour of Ireland costs from about $4,200 per person for 5 nights to $12,300 per person for 8 nights of luxury golf, with classic 7-night trips starting between $5,800 and $6,600 per person. That works out at roughly $830 to $950 per person per night for a classic private driver trip, or $1,100 to $1,550 per night when you add five-star castles or championship golf.

We are a family-owned Irish travel agency in Dublin, and "how much?" is the first question almost every guest asks us. Here are our real starting prices, what drives them up or down, and how they compare with a coach tour or driving yourself.

What does a private driver tour of Ireland cost in 2026?

These are our current starting prices for Ireland and Northern Ireland, checked on 8 October 2026. Prices are per person in US dollars.

These are from prices for land arrangements, based on two people; flights are not included in the tour price. We can tailor your trip to match your wishes, and our suggested itineraries serve as starting point for your plans. We provide the right vehicle for any group. If you travel alone or in a group of up to 9, our Private Driver experts will supply a perfectly sized vehicle. Traveling with ten or more? Our group travel specialists will arrange the right coach for your group too.

Our tip: look at the per-night column rather than the total. A 14-night all-Ireland trip costs about the same per night as a 7-night one, so a longer trip is often better value than it first looks.

Why does a private driver cost more than a coach tour?

Because the car, the driver and the day are all yours. On a coach tour, the cost of the driver, the vehicle and the guide is shared by 30 to 50 people. With a private driver, it is shared only by your own party.

What you get for that:

• Your own pace. Stay an extra hour at the Cliffs of Moher, skip the gift shop, stop for lunch where you like.

• Your own route. The trip is built around the places you care about, including the townland your family came from.

• A local who knows the roads. Irish country roads are narrow, winding and often wet. Your driver handles them, and the parking, so you can look out the window.

• Better hotels. Most private driver packages use castles, manor houses and four- and five-star hotels rather than large tour hotels.

Private driver vs coach tour vs self-drive: how do the prices compare?

The fairest comparison is the same trip length. Here is a 7-night trip three ways, using our current starting prices.

So a private driver trip costs roughly twice a coach tour and three to four times self-drive. Whether that is worth it depends on how you like to travel. You can compare all six of our tour styles on our tour styles page.

Our tip: if the price gap worries you, consider a coach tour with a few extra private-driver days added at the start or end, for example to visit your ancestral county.

What makes the price go up or down?

• Hotels. The biggest factor. Castles and five-star hotels push the per-night cost from about $850 to $1,100 or more.

• Season. June to August is the busiest and dearest time. May, September and October usually cost less, with quieter roads.

• Group size. The car and driver cost the same whether two or six people travel. Price for groups of 3 to 6 would increase as clients need to upgrade to a bigger car and that depends on the tour, date etc.

• Special interests. Golf packages include green fees at championship courses, which is why they sit at the top of the range.

• Length of trip. Longer trips cost more in total but not more per night.

What is not included in the price?

Plan for these extras when you set your budget:

• Flights to Dublin or Shannon. flights are not included in the tour price. The package price also doesn’t include gratuities or any meals not listed in the itinerary. However, airfare can be added separately through our air department, so we can help you arrange flights to Dublin or Shannon on top of your tour.

• Most lunches and some dinners, depending on the package.

• Gratuities for your driver-guide. For gratuities to your driver-guide, tipping isn’t included in your package price and can’t be prepaid, so it’s given in local currency at the end of your holiday.

  Suggested minimums, per person per day:

  • Ireland: Driver/Guide (1-person crew) €10; small group €13

  • Private Driver (chauffeur vehicles): €25 per person per day (Ireland, Italy) or £20/ $25 depending on destination.

  You’re always free to tip more if you feel your driver-guide has gone the extra mile.

• Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend for any trip of this value.

Is a private driver tour of Ireland worth it?

For many travellers over 55, yes. You get a trip where nobody has to drive, nobody is rushed, and the route can be built around your own family's story. If you are travelling as a family or with friends, the cost per person can come closer to a premium coach tour than you might expect.

It is less worth it if you are on a tight budget, enjoy driving, or like the social side of a group tour. In that case a coach tour or self-drive will suit you better, and we are just as happy to arrange those.

Get a private driver quote for your dates

Tell us when you would like to travel, how many of you are going, and the places you most want to see. We will send you a personalised itinerary and an exact price.

See our Custom Private Driver tours · Ask for a quote · See current offers

Private driver tours of Ireland: frequently asked questions

How much does a private driver cost per day in Ireland?

On our packages, a classic private driver trip works out at about $830 to $950 per person per night including hotels. Luxury and golf trips run from about $1,140 to $1,540 per person per night.

What is the cheapest private driver tour of Ireland?

Our lowest starting price is $4,220 per person for 5 nights in Northern Ireland on the Game of Thrones package.

Is a private driver cheaper than renting a car in Ireland?

No. Self-drive packages start from about $1,000 to $1,650 per person for a week. A private driver costs more, but you avoid driving on the left, narrow roads, parking and fuel.

How many days do you need for a private driver tour of Ireland?

Seven nights covers one region well, such as the south or the north. Ten to fourteen nights lets you see the whole island without rushing.

Can a private driver tour be customised?

Yes. That is the main reason to choose one. Every route, hotel and stop can be changed to suit you, including visits to family places.

Last updated: October 2026. Prices are starting prices checked on 8 October 2026 and may change; we always confirm your exact price before you book.

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