Frequently Asked Questions

Listed Below Are Some Of The Questions That Come Up Time And Time Again

We Have Listed Them To Help In Planning Your Private Irish Vacation.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q. What Is Generally Included In The Price?

A. Unless otherwise agreed, our prices include the following:

     Luxury Touring Vehicle plus all associated costs including fuel, tolls, car parks, etc.

     Experienced, approved, and qualified driver/guide and driver guide daily and overnight costs.

     Complimentary in-vehicle WiFi.

     Complimentary bottled water.

Q. Do You Book Flights?

A. While we are happy to advise on possible incoming airports to suit your particular itinerary, we do not book air travel. Contact your local travel agent to book flights.

Q. Do You Arrange Accommodation?

A. In the interest of simplicity and price transparency, our listed Private Tours of Ireland do not include the price of accommodation (All-inclusive tour packages can, of course, be put together to include accommodation and excursions should you desire).  We are happy to advise you on the best accommodation to suit your itinerary. We will liaise with you in the planning process of the itinerary and lay out the options that will most suit depending on your budget (5* castles and manor houses down to B&B farmhouses) and your chosen itinerary.

Q. Once We Have Received A Price, For How Long Is The Price Valid?

A.  The quotation is valid for 14 days from being first received.

Q. What Is The Minimum Number Of People Required To Take Part In A Tour?

A.  Tours can be arranged for any amount of people from 1 upwards.

Q. Do You Arrange Tours For Families With Young Children?

A. We welcome family groups. When booking your accommodation, please ensure that you have specified the type of room(s) required and if you require extra beds/cots. Under European regulations, any children that are younger than twelve, but shorter than 4’5″ or 135cm must use a child seat or a booster cushion to travel in a vehicle. Please advise us on booking if you require this facility.

Q. Will We Have Access To The Internet At Our Hotels?

A. This varies. Most accommodation now has complimentary WiFi but some rural ones in secluded regions don’t. Be sure to check before booking if it’s necessary.

Q. Where Do Tours Start From?

A. Tours usually start at either airport arrivals or your hotel, depending on your itinerary. Tours can start anywhere on the island of Ireland.

Q. How Many Attractions Are Included Per Day?

A. The number of attractions included in your itinerary will depend upon the pace you specify, the time you wish to start and end each day, whether you like to stop for lunch, and the distances between locations. On average, 3 attractions can be done each day, 2 before lunch and 1 after.

Q. Ireland Is A Small Country, Why Are Travelling Times So Long?

A. Many roads in Ireland especially the picturesque areas are very windy and narrow and often have just one lane for two-way traffic. Also, traffic can be an issue in certain urban areas in morning and evening commuter rush periods.

Q. We Wish To Extend Our Stay Before Or After The Tour. Is This Possible?

A. We will endeavor to make any arrangements possible to make this happen.

Q. What Language Will Our Driver Be Speaking?

A. Unless otherwise arranged, your driver will be English-speaking. Drivers fluent in other languages may be arranged by prior notice.

Q. How Much Luggage Do I Bring?

A. Most clients bring one large suitcase and one piece of hand luggage. Clients are asked to bear in mind the size of their group and therefore the size of the vehicle required. Most hotels in Ireland do have elevators, if they don’t, luggage may have to be taken to rooms via staircases (your driver will assist you should the porters be unavailable).

Q. What Clothes Should I Bring?

A. Clients are advised to bring a waterproof coat and several layers of clothing as the weather can be very changeable at any time of the year, even in the summer. It is also advisable to bring sturdy footwear as many of the attractions will require walking on uneven ground. Most restaurants and hotels will accept casual clothing. Some fine dining establishments may require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie.

Q. Will I Be Able To Charge My Phone And Camera In Ireland?

A. In Ireland the electrical supply is at 240V and an appropriate adaptor will be required to charge your electrical appliances. Your driver may have in-vehicle charging options for daytime charging. Check before traveling to organize this if necessary.

Q. When Do The Tours Start?

A. Tours may start or finish on any day to suit your requirement, this is your private tour, your private driver, your private vehicle. Our tours have no set arrival or departure dates and are planned around your requirements. When planning your tour we will do our best to ensure that your itinerary reflects the opening times of attractions.

Q. Do We Need Travel Insurance?

A. We recommend that clients take out travel insurance before paying their deposit to cover all circumstances if they need to cancel their tour, or for any illness which may occur during their time in Ireland. Very occasionally departures from airports may be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances such as heavy snow, airport closures, etc. We recommend that our clients take out appropriate travel insurance to cover all events.

Q. What Precautions Should I Take When Travelling In Ireland?

A. Ireland is a safe country to visit with a low crime rate. In large cities, you need to take the same precautions as you would in any other city in the world.

Q. How Long Is A Typical Day Touring?

A. The length of each day may vary according to our client’s wishes. Generally, our driver-guides work from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, although there is flexibility as some days will involve large distances and later arrival at your hotel, while other days you may prefer shorter hours to avail of shopping or hotel leisure facilities.

Q. What Time Will We Be Picked Up From Our Hotel Each Day?

A. You should arrange this with your driver at the end of each day.

Q. What Is The Cost Of Lunch And Dinner And Where Do We Eat?

A. Your guide will be able to inform you of the best options for lunch and dinner at any location. You will need to discuss your preferences with the guide so that he/she knows whether you like a quick snack or a fine restaurant. The cost of a meal in a pub is usually around 10-15 euros per person for a main course. Dinner in a fine restaurant can vary from €40.00-€65.00 per person.

Q. What If We Need Some Free Time To Shop Or Relax?

A. Free time can be built into your itinerary. Our guides are very flexible and if you decide you need free time during the tour, you should let them know.

Q. What If We Change Our Plans During The Tour?

A. Your driver will do all they can to ensure that you enjoy your vacation so each day can, and will be amended if required, this is your private tour, and itineraries are not set in stone they are flexible to suit your requirements.

MONEY QUESTIONS

Q. What Are The Recommendations For Tips/Gratuities?

A. Tips and gratuities, despite some reports to the contrary, are traditionally accepted in Ireland.

Restaurants

Tipping in restaurants is the same as in America, 15% to 20% is normal, but ONLY if you receive good service. Unlike America, your server may not bring your bill to the table, you will need to ask for it when you are ready. Some establishments will not have the ability to add a tip on their credit card machine, bring cash in case. Some places include a service charge on your bill. It is not required to tip in this case unless you wish to.

Bars

Bartenders can be tipped if you receive good service, if they bring the drinks to your table, or if they engage you in meaningful conversation. Most bars (except some hotel bars) will not run a tab, you’ll need to pay each round as you go. If ordering Guinness as part of your round, do so first as it takes the longest to pour and settle.

Hotels

The standard tip for the Bellboy that takes your luggage to your room is €5 per room

Drivers

Your driver will be working towards a tip/gratuity towards the end of your trip. The following is the current industry norm:

• Private full-day driver/guide (1 – 8 passengers) €75 – €100 per day per vehicle
• Private full-day driver/guide (9 passengers or more) €15 – €20 per person per day
• Airport transfer (1 – 8 passengers) €20 – €30
• Airport transfer (9 passengers or more) €30 – €40

Q. What And How Much Cash Should I Bring?

A. The currency in Ireland is the Euro, if your tour goes into Northern Ireland it is Sterling. ATMs are very widely available throughout Ireland there is no need to bring large quantities of currency.

Q. Should I Bring Traveller’s Cheques?

A. Traveller’s cheques are difficult to cash and not advised. Also, the exchange rate for traveler’s cheques is not as good as using an ATM.

Q. Will Our Credit Cards Be Accepted In Ireland?

A. Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels and shops in Ireland. (Some may not accept American Express Cards). Some pubs and small restaurants only deal in cash and may not accept credit cards.

PASSPORTS & VISA QUESTIONS

Q. Do I Need A Passport/Visa?

A. Passports are required by all foreign nationals visiting Ireland. Passports do not need to be shown if you are entering Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. It is advised to contact your Embassy or travel advisor before travel regarding passports/visas required before traveling.

PAYMENT QUESTIONS

Q. When Should We Pay The Deposit And Final Payment For Our Tour?

A. When booking extended tours, we ask for a 25% non-refundable deposit. Your remaining balance is due 6 weeks before arrival. If you are booking within 6 weeks of the start of the holiday full payment for your tour is required.

Day tours require full payment in advance to secure booking.

(See below for the cancellation policy,)

Q. What If We Need To Cancel Our Booking?

A. As previously mentioned, the deposit for extended tours and payment for day tours is non-refundable. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

Up to 42 days before the start of the tour: Non-refundable deposit.
41 to 31 days before the start of the tour: 50% of the total price retained.
30 to 15 days before the start of the tour: 75% of the total price retained.
14 days or less before the start of tour: 100% of the total price retained – No refund.

For clients that prefer to pay in full on booking, we will hold 25% of the payment as a non-refundable deposit up to 42 days prior to tour start, whereupon the above sliding scale will come into effect.

Day tour payments are non-refundable. (We will, where possible, be happy to reschedule tour dates should issues arise.)

Where possible, goodwill will be exercised by Glenbeg Tours and exceptions to the above policy will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. We will also, where possible, be happy to reschedule tour dates should issues arise.

Q. What Forms Of Payment Do You Accept?

A. We can accept International Bank Transfers, and credit cards.

Q. Are Your Prices In Euro Or Dollars?

A. We are based in Ireland and accept payments from countries throughout the world so prices and payments are in our local currency Euro.

Q. How Will We Receive Confirmation Of Our Booking?

A. Bookings will be confirmed by email on receipt of the deposit.

WEATHER & CLIMATE QUESTIONS

Q. What Weather Should I Expect During My Tour?

A. Autumn (September – November) – In Autumn there can be very warm days, but equally there can be very cold ones too! Temperatures fluctuate around the 7 to 14 degrees Centigrade (45F to 60F) mark but are likely to be much warmer in September than in November. 

Winter (December – early March) – Winter sees Ireland’s shortest and coldest days (about 7-8 hours of daylight) but these can be crisp and bright. Temperatures fluctuate from around 1 to 5 degrees Centigrade (33F to 40F). 

Spring (March–May) – In Spring, you might enjoy wonderful sunny weather but then, it might equally be cold and wet. Temperatures fluctuate from around 6 to 11 degrees Centigrade. (42F to 54F). May can have very warm days – up to about 18 degrees Centigrade.

Summer (June – August) – Most days in summer are warm, and evenings can be cool, but don’t forget Murphy’s Law – it is Ireland expect rain at any time. Temperatures average around 14 – 20 degrees Centigrade, (58F – 70F) although it can be up to around 28 degrees Centigrade ( 82F) on some days. Temperatures higher than this are very unusual.