Questions
General questions
40 answers, each with its own page.
- How many people are usually on each tour?Group sizes vary depending on the time of year and the number of bookings we receive. During busier months, tours may operate in full-size luxury coaches, while in quieter periods smaller vehicles may be used. Regardless of group size, every tour is designed to be comfortable, well-organised, and fully guided by our professional driver and guide team.
- Is the driver also the guide?No, every Wild Rover day tour has two dedicated staff members on board: a professional driver and a separate Irish tour guide. The driver focuses fully on the road while the guide shares stories, history, and local insights throughout the journey.
- Do you have Wi-Fi on board?Yes, free Wi-Fi is available on our day tour coaches (signal strength may vary in remote areas).
- How can I contact the guide or office during the day?Your driver and guide are always on the coach and available to help while you’re on board. During free time at attractions, and depending on the tour, before departure in Dublin, they may not be reachable. You’ll always receive clear instructions on meeting points and departure times before leaving the coach.
- What happens if someone arrives back late to the bus?To stay on schedule for all guests, we can only wait a few minutes at each stop. Anyone who arrives late risks missing the coach, and refunds are not possible in that situation.
- Do you cancel tours if only a few people sign up?No, all tours operate as scheduled regardless of numbers.
- Are meals included?Meals are not included, but there are several café and restaurant stops throughout the day. You’re also welcome to bring your own packed lunch.
- Are attraction admissions included in the price?Each day tour includes the admissions listed on its own tour page, and optional guided walks are included at no additional cost. Not every attraction on a route is included: entry inside Kilkenny Castle, King John’s Castle in Limerick and the Giant’s Causeway shuttle bus, for example, are paid separately.
- Can I buy a ticket on the bus on the morning of the tour?Tickets should always be purchased in advance. Occasionally, if there are last-minute seats available, the guide may be able to sell you a ticket on the morning of the tour, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
- Is tipping customary in Ireland or Northern Ireland?Tipping is absolutely not expected, but it’s always appreciated. If you’ve enjoyed your day, both your driver and guide will be grateful for any tip you choose to give.
- How will I receive booking confirmation?You’ll receive a confirmation email immediately after booking. Simply show this (on your phone or printed) when boarding the bus.
- What should I bring with me?We recommend bringing your booking confirmation, comfortable clothing, a camera, water, and some cash or a card for food and souvenirs.
- Can I bring luggage with me on the bus?Yes, absolutely. There’s plenty of storage space in the luggage compartment under the coach. You can bring small suitcases or backpacks. Please note that luggage cannot be stored inside the passenger area of the bus for safety reasons.
- What should I wear?Ireland’s weather can change quickly, so we recommend layers. A warm jumper, waterproof jacket, and comfortable trousers are ideal. Even in summer, it can be windy along the coast.
- What type of shoes are recommended?Comfortable walking shoes or runners are best. You’ll be getting on and off the bus several times and walking on uneven paths at places like the Cliffs of Moher or Glendalough.
- Do I need rainwear or weather protection?Yes, a light waterproof jacket is highly recommended. Umbrellas can be difficult to use at windy sites, so a hooded raincoat works better.
- Where are the departure points?Our departure points vary slightly by tour. All are centrally located in Dublin City Centre, close to public transport and easy to reach on foot. The specific meeting points and times for each tour are listed in the Departure Points section of our FAQ and on your booking confirmation.
- Is hotel pickup available?Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer hotel pickups on our daily scheduled group day tours. Due to route licensing and scheduling laws, our coaches can only stop at our designated pickup points in Dublin City Centre. We kindly ask that you make your way to the nearest meeting point listed for your chosen tour. The specific meeting points and times for each tour are listed in the Departure Points section of our FAQ and on your booking confirmation.
- Does the bus wait if I am late?We ask all guests to arrive at least 10 minutes before departure. Out of respect for everyone’s time and to comply with driver working hours, our buses must depart on schedule. If you arrive late, unfortunately the coach cannot wait.
- What happens if it rains?All tours operate as normal, rain or shine. Most of Ireland’s iconic sights are outdoors, so please dress appropriately and bring waterproof clothing.
- What is your cancellation policy?- You can cancel or amend your tour up to 24 hours in advance of the tour’s first departure time.
- Can I get a refund if I cancel less than 24 hours before departure?Unfortunately, cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable, as seats have already been reserved. We suggest checking if your travel insurance covers missed tours. Private tours have their own terms; see private tours.
- Can I reserve a front seat due to motion sickness?We are not able to guarantee front row seating in advance. Our guides assign seats each morning to accommodate guests with special needs or accessibility requirements. For motion sickness, the middle of the bus (around rows 5 to 8) is actually the most stable area, and we’ll do our best to prioritise those seats for you.
- Do I need a passport/ETA for Northern Ireland tours?The island of Ireland is an open, free-travel zone. There are no immigration or passport controls on the border with the North of Ireland, in keeping with the law as enforced through the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. For further information on UK border control, click here.
- Is there a toilet on the bus?No, our coaches don’t have toilets on board (to avoid odours). We make regular comfort stops roughly every two hours where you’ll find clean facilities.
- Can I bring drinks, snacks, or coffee on board?Yes, you’re welcome to bring water or small snacks. We ask guests not to bring hot food, as strong smells can be unpleasant for others.
- How often do you make stops during the tour?We make regular comfort and sightseeing stops throughout the day, typically every two hours. Each tour has its own itinerary and timing, so we recommend checking the itinerary or FAQ section for your specific tour for more detailed information.
- What kind of bus do you use?We operate luxury coaches with air conditioning, 4G Wi-Fi, panoramic windows, and comfortable seating. All vehicles are maintained to the highest standards for safety and cleanliness.
- Do your buses have USB charging ports?Most of our luxury coaches are fitted with USB charging points at each seat. Occasionally, if a replacement or older vehicle is used, USB ports may not be available, but this is rare. We always do our best to provide coaches with full modern facilities whenever possible.
- What does the bus look like inside?Our luxury coaches are bright, modern, and comfortable, with spacious reclining seats (we kindly ask that you check with the person behind you before reclining), large windows for sightseeing, and overhead storage for small bags and jackets.
- What payment methods are accepted for booking?Online payments can be made securely by debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) on this website.
- I booked via my hotel and have a payment due, how do I pay on the bus?If you booked through a hotel concierge or at your hostel, you can pay the remaining balance directly to your guide on the morning of the tour.
- Do I need cash, or are cards accepted at stops?Most attractions and cafés accept cards, but we always recommend bringing a small amount of cash (€20, €30) for rural areas or smaller shops.
- Are ATMs available along the route or at major attractions?Yes, ATMs are available in larger towns like Belfast, Kilkenny, Ennis, Galway and Limerick.
- Should I book a day tour with Wild Rover Tours or Paddywagon Tours?Every Wild Rover day tour has a dedicated driver and separate guide, helping you get more from the experience. Tours run on modern luxury coaches with Wi-Fi and USB charging on most, and each tour includes the admissions listed on its tour page. There are no unnecessary shopping stops, so there is more time for the places and experiences you came to see. Dublin day tours start around €43 to €80 depending on itinerary.
- What is the best day tour company in Ireland?Wild Rover Tours have a 4.9/5 rating from more than 43,000 reviews, and our guides get particularly strong praise.
- What is the most popular day trip from Dublin for American tourists?The most popular day trip from Dublin for American tourists is the Cliffs of Moher and Galway Tour. It’s the most referenced tour in Tripadvisor ratings and reviews.
- What is the most popular day trip from Dublin for first-time visitors?The most popular day trip from Dublin for first-time visitors is the Cliffs of Moher and Galway (including the Burren). Over 50% of visitors choose this day trip.
- Which Irish guided day tours work well for small travel groups?Popular small travel group tour routes include:
- Do you offer guides in other languages?At the moment, all private tours are conducted in English. Our driver-guides and tour guides operate exclusively in English to ensure clear communication and a high-quality experience.
