Pre-Travel:
Transportation

GPS can only be requested when reserving the car. They are on a first-come, first served basis at the rental office. Always check to make sure the car doesn’t come equipped with a factory installed navigation system since they are becoming standard equipment in a lot of newer cars. Something we also suggest is the Here WeGo app. You can download the app to your phone before you leave and download the maps for the countries you need as well. Once you arrive at your destination, you will be able to use the app for driving directions, finding restaurants or gas stations and looking for tours and attractions. And this can all be done completely offline, without connecting to the internet.

With scheduled transfers you’ll enjoy a ride on a luxury coach bus or train. Scheduled transfers can be upgraded to private transfers for an additional charge, please ask your sales representative.

Your car quote includes all compulsory insurance – Collision Damage Waiver insurance (CDW with an excess/deductible), theft protection insurance (TP), sales tax (VAT), unlimited free mileage, third party liability insurance, one driver (unless otherwise noted), airport surcharge, free road map and 24-hour peace of mind break down coverage. We highly recommend that you read through all of the terms and conditions of the car rental so you are familiar with what is included and what is not, as they will present you with several options upon pick-up (increased insurance, GPS, etc.).

Tipping is always at your discretion; please refer to our tipping guide online for customary suggestions.

Automatic cars are in much higher demand than manual cars in Ireland and the UK because of international visitors not used to driving on the opposite side of the road or driving a manual.

You may think that the main idea you need to keep in mind when driving in Ireland and the UK is to stay on the left side of the road. That’s important, true, but there are a few other details to remember when you’re doing a road trip in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland and the UK.

Automatic vs. Manual. Many overseas rental agencies charge a premium for automatic cars. If you’re used to driving an automatic at home, you may not want to try to save a few bucks by renting a standard. You’ll have enough on your mind without worrying about stalling the engine on Ireland and the UK’s hilly roads. Ignore this advice, and you too may end up with a frustrated passenger yelling from the backseat, “Clutch! Use the clutch!” Or you may develop your own version of Irish driving mantra, invented such as when the car starts wandering toward the shoulder every time you change gears: “When you shift, you drift.”

Park the cell phone. In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and the UK, driving while using a handheld cell phone is illegal, and fines are steep.

Remember that every drive takes longer than you’d think. When passing through towns, major highways often morph into traffic-clogged two-lane streets. Farm vehicles are allowed just about anywhere, including most four-lane roads. So the 260 mile drive from Belfast to Cork can take four hours or close to six hours. On the bright side, most of the scenery you could be crawling past is very pretty.

Rent a monster car at your peril. Roads are narrow (particularly those marked “R” on Republic of Ireland maps), and they’re often lined with parked cars or dense hedges. If you enjoy having side mirrors, forgo the SUV.

Learn to handle roundabouts. They can be terrifying, but you can’t escape them. Just remember that traffic already in the roundabout, and traffic approaching from the right inside the roundabout, has the right of way.

Budget wisely for gas. You think your gas prices are high? Keep in mind that the price listed is per liter! (Roughly 4 liters make up a gallon.)

Look before you pump. Diesel is more widely available in Ireland and the UK than in the US/Canada. Make sure you’re pumping the right fuel before popping that nozzle in the tank.

Don’t rush! Allow yourself time to get lost, and you’re almost certain to discover a special castle, pub or golf course far off the beaten track.

Your flight does not need to meet any specific time requirements though most flights from the U.S./Canada do arrive early in the morning. Airport transfers are supplied by local city-center shuttles (bus/train), hotel shuttle or pre-paid taxi. Shuttles are provided by companies such as Aircoach, CityLink, Heathrow Express or Bus Eireann depending on your airport and location.

We do not use first class on the train as first class is not available on all trains in Ireland. For operational reasons all customers who book a rail tour sit together in a specially reserved car.

Tipping is always at your discretion; please refer to our tipping guide online for customary suggestions.

Of course! In fact, we encourage it!  Your driver will be an amazing source of knowledge for the area you’re touring, so be sure to pick their brain as much as possible!

If you arrive to pick up your car before your confirmation time and a car is available they will let you pick it up early. If you pick up the car early your return time will then change to the same time on the day you need to drop it off as car rentals are valid for a 24-hour rental period.

Your car quote includes all compulsory insurance – Collision Damage Waiver insurance (CDW with an excess/deductible), theft protection insurance (TP), sales tax (VAT), unlimited free mileage, third party liability insurance, one driver (unless otherwise noted), airport surcharge, free road map and 24-hour peace of mind break down coverage. We highly recommend that you read through all of the terms and conditions of the car rental so you are familiar with what is included and what is not, as they will present you with several options upon pick-up (increased insurance, GPS, etc.).

Many credit cards offer additional insurance coverage, however it is VERY important to note if the country you are visiting is included. Ireland in particular is often an exception to this additional insurance coverage. If you’re one of the lucky few where Ireland is covered, all we need is proof of coverage from the credit card company to receive to book.

Yes! Your driver, while they may have accents native to their respective countries, will always speak English.

Generally there will not be a Tenon Tours representative at the airport upon your arrival unless you booked a private taxi. Please follow the directions you were given on your transfer vouchers and/or travel documents in order to locate your appropriate transportation company (car, bus, private taxi).

If you arrive to pick up your car before your confirmation time and a car is available they will let you pick it up early. If you pick up the car early your return time will then change to the same time on the day you need to drop it off as car rentals are valid for a 24-hour rental period.

Your car quote includes all compulsory insurance – Collision Damage Waiver insurance (CDW with an excess/deductible), theft protection insurance (TP), sales tax (VAT), unlimited free mileage, third party liability insurance, one driver (unless otherwise noted), airport surcharge, free road map and 24-hour peace of mind break down coverage. We highly recommend that you read through all of the terms and conditions of the car rental so you are familiar with what is included and what is not, as they will present you with several options upon pick-up (increased insurance, GPS, etc.).

Of course! In fact, we encourage it!  Your driver will be an amazing source of knowledge for the area you’re touring, so be sure to pick their brain as much as possible!

Hopper tours, depending on your country and itinerary, utilize a combination of transfer types including door-to-door transfers with a driver, trains and/or scheduled bus.

For scheduled Hopper tours with door-to-door transfers between towns, vehicle types will vary depending on group size. While we don’t retain a single vehicle for the duration of your trip, we do work with several local transportation and tour suppliers to ensure comfortable, hassle-free transfers and sightseeing excursions. The type of transfer may vary and is subject to change based on the total number of travelers traveling to/from the same destination on any particular date.

Airport transfers to/from the airport are provided via scheduled service shuttle buses to the city-center. Upgrades may be available for door-to-door transfers with a driver.

If customizing your own Hopper we can help you set up various types of transportation between towns including a private driver, train and/or scheduled coach bus transfer. When utilizing scheduled transportation the proximity from pick-up and drop-off points to your assigned hotel may require up to a few block walk or hiring a taxi at your own expense. Maps of locations will be provided.

Prior to travel you will need to have a rough outline of where you want to go and what you want to do so that we can help you determine if it is even possible within the driver’s hired time limits and the countries regulations.  There should be some flexibility built in for unforeseen time issues and/or if you would like to take a more causal approach to your sightseeing.  Always remember, there are time, mileage and driver regulations that must be abided by.  These regulations are not set by Tenon Tours and your driver will work with you directly as to any itinerary changes or updates that may be required.  For more details on itinerary planning for chauffeur driver tours, download our Private Chauffeur Driver Guide here!

Yes. In Ireland, the driver must be between 23-80 years at the time of travel. Certain conditions apply for drivers 76-80 years old, and elderly drivers may have to provide additional documentation to rent a car. Drivers aged 23-24 years are restricted to the economy-sized car class and pay a daily surcharge of €26.00. If you are 23, 24 or 75+, please let your travel specialist know at the time of booking. In the UK, drivers must be 25+, no exceptions, and there is no upper age limit.

You may think that the main idea you need to keep in mind when driving in Ireland and the UK is to stay on the left side of the road. That’s important, true, but there are a few other details to remember when you’re doing a road trip in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland and the UK.

Automatic vs. Manual. Many overseas rental agencies charge a premium for automatic cars. If you’re used to driving an automatic at home, you may not want to try to save a few bucks by renting a standard. You’ll have enough on your mind without worrying about stalling the engine on Ireland and the UK’s hilly roads. Ignore this advice, and you too may end up with a frustrated passenger yelling from the backseat, “Clutch! Use the clutch!” Or you may develop your own version of Irish driving mantra, invented such as when the car starts wandering toward the shoulder every time you change gears: “When you shift, you drift.”

Park the cell phone. In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and the UK, driving while using a handheld cell phone is illegal, and fines are steep.

Remember that every drive takes longer than you’d think. When passing through towns, major highways often morph into traffic-clogged two-lane streets. Farm vehicles are allowed just about anywhere, including most four-lane roads. So the 260 mile drive from Belfast to Cork can take four hours or close to six hours. On the bright side, most of the scenery you could be crawling past is very pretty.

Rent a monster car at your peril. Roads are narrow (particularly those marked “R” on Republic of Ireland maps), and they’re often lined with parked cars or dense hedges. If you enjoy having side mirrors, forgo the SUV.

Learn to handle roundabouts. They can be terrifying, but you can’t escape them. Just remember that traffic already in the roundabout, and traffic approaching from the right inside the roundabout, has the right of way.

Budget wisely for gas. You think your gas prices are high? Keep in mind that the price listed is per liter! (Roughly 4 liters make up a gallon.)

Look before you pump. Diesel is more widely available in Ireland and the UK than in the US/Canada. Make sure you’re pumping the right fuel before popping that nozzle in the tank.

Don’t rush! Allow yourself time to get lost, and you’re almost certain to discover a special castle, pub or golf course far off the beaten track.

Departure times to each city can differ, but are usually between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Your By-Your-Side Service℠ TEAM member will review your time and touring options so that you can plan out activities accordingly. All departure times will also be listed on the travel documents issued prior to departure from the U.S..

Tip is not included, but suggested based on the level of service you receive. Tipping is always at your discretion; please refer to our tipping guide online for customary suggestions.

Prior to travel you will need to have a rough outline of where you want to go and what you want to do so that we can help you determine if it is even possible within the driver’s hired time limits and the countries regulations.  There should be some flexibility built in for unforeseen time issues and/or if you would like to take a more causal approach to your sightseeing.  Always remember, there are time, mileage and driver regulations that must be abided by.  These regulations are not set by Tenon Tours and your driver will work with you directly as to any itinerary changes or updates that may be required.  For more details on itinerary planning for chauffeur driver tours, download our Private Chauffeur Driver Guide here!