How Much Does It Cost for a Private Driver in Ireland?
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and weighing up whether to hire a private chauffeur, one of the first questions you’ll want answered is simple: what does it actually cost?
It’s a fair question, and honestly, one I get asked a lot. So let me give you a straight answer, along with the context that helps you understand why prices vary from one driver or company to the next.
My Full-Day Rate
For a full day of private touring with Setanta Chauffeur Tours, you’re looking at €850. That covers a full day out on the road with me as your driver and guide, travelling in comfort in the Mercedes V-Class, with room for up to six passengers and their luggage.
I don’t offer half-day tours. In my experience, Ireland rewards a full day out — there’s simply too much to see and too many worthwhile stops along the way to rush things into a few hours. A full day gives us the time to actually enjoy the places we visit, rather than ticking boxes.
What Affects the Price
While €850 is my standard full-day rate, private driver pricing across Ireland generally moves with the seasons. Demand climbs during the peak summer months and around major events, and prices across the industry tend to reflect that. Booking well ahead, and travelling in the shoulder or off-peak seasons, is usually your best route to value.
What About Airport Transfers?
Private transfers from Dublin, Shannon, Cork, or Belfast airports are priced individually, since it really comes down to distance and your specific route. Get in touch with the details of your transfer and I’ll put together a quote for you.
Why Private Costs More Than a Coach Seat — and Why It’s Worth It
There’s no getting around it: a seat on a group coach tour will always be cheaper than a private chauffeur. But you’re paying for something fundamentally different. With a private tour, there’s no fixed itinerary dictated by fifty other passengers, no rigid toilet-stop schedule, and no missing the best light at the Cliffs of Moher because the coach has to move on. You set the pace, I know the roads and the stories behind them, and the whole day is built around what you actually want to see.
For many visitors, particularly those with limited time in Ireland, that flexibility is the difference between seeing the country and truly experiencing it.
Get a Quote
Every itinerary is a little different, so the best way to get an accurate price for your trip is to get in touch directly with your dates, group size, and the places you’d like to see.
Setanta Chauffeur Tours offers private chauffeur-driven day tours, multi-day itineraries, golf tours, and airport transfers throughout Ireland, travelling in a Mercedes V-Class for up to six passengers.