Paddywagon Tours

Dublin, Ireland

3.3

20 reviews

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Telephone:
+353 1 823 0822
Website:
www.paddywagontours.com
Address:
5 Beresford Place Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin, Republic of Ireland, Dublin 1
North Inner City
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Today –
Local time (Dublin) 3:30 PM Friday, November 29, 2024

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Description

Specialties

We are Ireland’s Number 1 Tour Company and lovingly operate the only All-​Ireland hostel/B&B network, the sparkling Paddys Palaces.

Paddywagon is officially the ‘Most Fun Tour Company’ in the world, as voted by over 900,000 reviewers at Hostel​world​.com

Our award-​winning tours of Ireland are:

All-​inclusive

World Famous

For the young and young at heart

oh, and No-​one can beat us on price

See all of Ireland’s major attractions; The Cliffs of Moher, Giants Causeway, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Bay and many more!

History

Established in 1998.

The Legend Evolves:

Today our team has expanded rapidly. We will neither confirm nor deny the tale that Paddywagon Drivers are taken from their parents at the age of 6 and brought to the Isle of Skye in Scotland and trained by the warrior woman Scathach in the art of war-​making and social intercourse and then unleashed on the world of Irish tourism (you can decide that during your adventure in Ireland). We will however try to introduce you to some of the present clan below — Irelands finest Tour Guides!

Paddywagon Drivers are known throughout the world as being many things — Celtic Chieftains, Warrior-​Poets, Gaelic Princesses and by several grandiose titles we’ll keep quiet for now! Their competence and professionalism is renowned. Their ability as drivers and professional Tour leaders is our great source of Irish Pride. All are 100% Irish and are committed to the Paddywagon Travel Philosphy.

Meet the Business Owner

Cathal O.

Business Owner

Cathal O’Connell started Paddywagon Tours in Dublin on St.

Patricks Day 1998 after several years roaming the planet as restless free spirit, safari driver in Mozambique and a cook aboard a luxury yacht in the Indian Ocean.

He was 29 years old.

His eureka moment came in a backpacker bar in New Zealand when he devised and wrote down his business plan on the back of a beer mat, a sacred object he still possesses!

Cathal has won every accolade on offer in the lucrative and growing global backpacker market, on the mantelpiece in his billiards room he even has a gleaming Hoscar — the Oscars of the world Hostel industry.

Partly due to its distinct brand image, Paddywagon has grown to become the second largest backpacker Tour Operator in Europe and one of the few globally not owned by a multi-​national conglomerate, despite many offers.

It brings 90,000 tourists (mainly 18 – 35 year olds) around Ireland on budget, fun-​filled trips each year.

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Terenure

20 reviews of Paddywagon Tours

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Place rating: 5
Fresno, CA
I HIGHLY recommend paddywagon tours. I was only in Dublin for 3 days and wanted to see some of Ireland. My friends and I booked the tour to Blarney. I could not have asked for a better experience. We had an AMAZING tour guide Val O’ Brien. He kept us entertained the entire trip. Made us all feel comfortable and wanted to really get to know us.
A one day trip from 8 am to 8 pm felt like we had been on a 6 day tour by how much we bonded and learned on this trip.
we made great friends and explored the beauty of Ireland.
My friends and I were not expecting much, that we would just explore the country and look out the window along the way.
Seeing Blarney, Cobb and Cork was awesome in itself but what made the experience memorable and worthwhile was our spectacular tour guide Val O’ Brien.
Place rating: 1
Englishtown, NJ
After reading the reviews on this company I was very excited to book a bus tour with them. I booked a tour in late October and was contacted almost two weeks later via email by the Cork office informing me that the tour I booked was going to be cancelled because they did not update their system to follow their winter schedule.
That was fine. They offered to honor our purchase towards another tour but none of the other tours fit into our time in Ireland. They also offered a full refund. I was told that the refund request has been submitted and would take a week to process. That was back on November 6th. I’ve been waiting a month for my refund. I have been trying to contact the Dublin and Cork offices but have not received any replies. I would appreciate a response back.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
Took a one day tour to Cobh, Cork, and the Blarney Castle. Well worth it and very memorable. Frank was our driver and he was very knowledgeable about Irish history and very funny. Coach was comfortable and the Wi-​Fi was excellent.
Highly recommended.
Place rating: 5
San Ramon, CA
My boyfriend and I took the 3 day Northern Ireland tour on paddy wagon starting Monday, November 9, 2015 starting in Dublin. Our tour guide was Val and he was amazing. He was detailed in his descriptions of the places, helpful with suggestions on how to make the most out of your personal time in each city, and very welcoming to all guests, with himself and everyone else. I was extremely impressed with his relaxed professionalism and wonderful pride in Ireland. It made our 3 day tour become a 4 day. We loved this tour and Val so much we didn’t want it to end. He was very quick in adding another day to our tour and made it so easy to continue on. He made sure accommodations were available too, which was really important to us. He made our knowledge for Ireland and love for the beautiful country grow so much, I can’t believe how quick your trip went. Best tour, best guide, best experience I could have asked for all thanks to Val! We chose the B&B option and it was well worth it. Amazing breakfast, hosts,& comfortable clean places to stay in the heart of each town.
Very comfortable busses with free wifi!
Place rating: 4
Mountain View, CA
Went back in 2010 but better late than never to review this place. I did the 6 day tour of Southern Ireland, 1 day tour of Cliffs of Moher and it was absolutely perfect. The people in my van were great, my guide was great and I really recommend this to all backpackers who want a easy way to explore the country. Its very affordable way to enjoy all of Ireland, would recommend them to everyone.
Place rating: 4
London, United Kingdom
We really enjoyed our Cliffs of Moher tour! It lasted from about 8am-​8pm, and for only 40 euros, what a deal!
We had no idea it would be such an In-​depth complex tour of so many locations near and on the way to the cliffs. For an additional fee you also have the option of going on a boat to the bottom of the cliffs, but it isn’t 100% necessary for the experience.
Our driver had an eccentric and somewhat creepy personality, but seemed nice, and most importantly he drove well and gave interesting & detailed commentary as we went.
Place rating: 5
Oak Park, IL
Absolutely brilliant tour. Our guide, Leigh, made perfect recommendations on what to see, what to do, what to eat wherever we went.
I did the 6-​day All-​Ireland tour. We covered most everywhere in the country, including Belfast, Galway, Dublin, and all other major sites. The bus was comfortable, and the accommodations for the private bedrooms were great. While paddy wagon was not responsive the email for the most part, they were extremely responsive via phone calls, so this would be the best way to contact them for anything you need. At one point, I got separated from the group, and they were fantastic about getting me back in touch with the leader, and reconnecting with the group.
For everything we did each day, and everything that was included with the price, including admission to many popular spots, the price for this tour is excellent. Would recommend 100%. Would strongly suggest doing it with Leigh as your guide.
Place rating: 4
Jackson Heights, Queens, NY
We are a group of four that are coming to Ireland for the first time. We looked around and around and paddy wagon was the best bang for its buck. We did 2 tours with them and so fortunate we had the same tour guide James. He was great and patient. I would have preferred a little longer time at certain locations (it needed it) but overall had a comfortable and pleasant time… And I must add I forgot my glasses on the 1st tour. And found them on the second one. Made me happy
Place rating: 3
Arlington, VA
A friend and I booked a 12 hour tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin.
Overall, it was a great day, but the description on the site was a tad misleading.
The «10 stops» we make along the way aren’t really stops, and especially not authentic ones. The first stop is at a gas station for food, while the next is at a convenience store. I understand that there are a lot of people on the bus (and 2 buses go together) but the description made it seem like we would stop in these quaint villages and have time to walk around and explore them.
Lunch was a stop at a local restaurant and was buffet style. Food was okay, but nothing special and kind of bland. Also a bit on the expensive side.
Finally, we arrive at our destination of the Cliffs and of course it’s cloudy. Still beautiful though! If you have the opportunity to take a ferry out ti the Cliffs, I HIGHLY suggest it. It’s € 15 and 110% worth it. Such gorgeous views!
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Just got back from a 6 day Paddywagon tour with Tiernan. Had a wonderful time, saw amazing things, and met some great people from all over the world. Overall, I would definitely recommend this to people but i have some advice that would make it even better (hindsight is 20⁄20!)
–Ireland– 5 stars! amazing sights, stunning nature, quaint cities, sheep :)
–Tour– the stops on the tour were all good and i don’t think there were any i though to be boring or unnecessary
–Guide– THE BEST! I would 110% recommend Tiernan to anyone. He was so funny and so knowledgeable! He really made the history come alive and was also just fun to hang out with. He also had great recommendations for places to eat at and bars to go to.
–Paddywagon accommodations– there are 2 options, backpackers (staying in hostels) and fancy (b&bs). I have stayed at many hostels over the years, and these were by far the worst. Just awful (why i did not give this tour 5 stars). Its worth it to stay in the b&bs. I would have had a much better time if i didn’t have to share one toilet/​shower with 12 people and share a room with 6 – 10.
–People– awesome! we had a great group :)
–I went solo and it was totally fine :) great way to travel as a single female and feel safe and see a ton
Place rating: 5
El Cajon, CA
We took the Dingle Peninsula tour out of Cork and it was great. Our driver was Tony. He was a wealth of knowledge. He talked the entire time (well close to it) and interesting facts and stories about everything from the country’s history to the people he knows in each village.
We have good recommendations and navigated that bus like a pro. I felt very safe on those hairy roads.
Before we got on Tony’s bus we rode with a couple other drivers Jamie and… I forgot. But they were great too.
I’d recommend this tour company!
Place rating: 5
Bay Area
I see all the negative reviews, but honestly — this was a GREAT DAY for our family! We chose the Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin. We were the last pick up (8:00 am at the Molly statue) and our bus was loaded and rolling by 8:10. All 5 of our family members got seats together, and the bus was spacious and air conditioned.
We went with Paddywagon based on the price and the itinerary. We had a 10% discount code, so for a family of 5 the cost was only $ 209 for a full day.
I have no idea how they train their drivers, but ours was amazing. The driver is also your tour guide — and ours was fantastic. John spoke to us the majority of the ride, gave us history of the areas we were seeing, sang songs and told jokes. When we were sleepy, he let us sleep. He was the best — if we had taken this tour in silence, it wouldn’t have been anywhere near as good. My kids were loving the stories of fairy forts, famine houses and the potato famine.
We made stops at little towns, mini cliffs, restroom breaks and saw the country side. Lucky us — when we got to the Cliffs of Moher, it was a clear (ish) day and we were blown away by the beauty. It is a long day — but well worth it! We’d do it again in a heartbeat, and go with Paddywagon. Plus — it’s really easy to spot your giant green bus amongst all the tour busses.
Place rating: 2
Miami, FL
Disregard towards passangers.
Bus needed a good wipedown. Bad smell as you enter the bus. Windows dirty, so there was no point in trying to take photos from the inside of the bus.
Commentary was passive and not very interesting.
But what was most upseting, was the temperature inside the bus. Air conditioner was malfunctioning and they had no problem sticking 40 of us inside a bus without any open windows, all breathing in the same hot stagnant air for hours.
There has got to be a better option than this.
Place rating: 4
Houston, TX
I really quite enjoyed the day tour to Giants Causeway, Carrick-​a-​rede, dark hedges, and Belfast.
We didn’t leave on time, so we didn’t get to utilize all the limited time we had but that’s my only complaint. Keep in mind also that the tour does not include your ticket across the Carrick-​a-​rede bridge. Going to the sight is free of charge, but you do have to pay to cross it.
Our tour guide was hilarious, and great story teller. It was definitely nice that he laid out the rules at the beginning of the road trip, one of the most important «hushing when he’s talking». That’s mainly so we could hear him talking about sights and history without other people’s chatter cluttering up our ears.
Dark Hedges is definitely a place to see when there’s not that many people around (random people in scenic trees picture). But otherwise, it was super relaxing to just jump on board and be taken to places that I wouldn’t have wanted to drive to on my own.
Place rating: 2
Fremont, CA
Took the one day tour to Wicklow today and my mother was feeling carsick. We were late ten minutes coming back to the bus on the first stop because it was pouring rain and she was in the restroom trying to recover. When we got on, the bus driver rudely asked me if I had a watch.
I understand that keeping the tour on time is very important, but there’s no need to take it out on your customers. We took the one day Paddywagon bus tour to the Ring of Kerry the day before and were two hours late coming back to Dublin. We didn’t complain since we understood that things happen which are out of the bus driver’s control.
Beautiful sights but unprofessional.
Place rating: 2
Philadelphia, PA
Obviously the landmarks and scenic voyages speak for themselves, but the overall tour was a bit of a disappointment. I suppose the larger the tour group, the more potential problems to run into. Turns out we ran into almost all of them.
While I’m aware that I’ll sound incredibly hypocritical, there was a huge problem with the tourists. There were (far more than) a few that came back to the bus late at every stop. There were multiple ones that chose to speak over our driver’s microphone. And there were several that left garbage (rubbish, as they call it) over the seats.
That being said, our driver Marc was a fantastic tour guide. Very witty and quick with a joke. For the parts that I could hear, I actually did learn quite a bit about the area, mainly the history of our destinations, but also some local legends we might not have heard otherwise. The guy clearly loves his job and does it great.
But for a $ 65 tour, I can only imagine that renting a car and traveling at your own place would be a much better alternative. Because of everyone’s lateness, we seemed to have minimal time at each stop. No, not seem. We DID have minimal time. Hop off, take a pic, hop back on. It really was a disservice to Ireland and all it has to offer.
The best advice I can offer is to do your research ahead of time. Learn a little about each spot before you go, maybe ask someone about it while you’re there, and stress the importance of going at your own pace. And by renting a car, the only thing you’ll have to shush is the cows mooing at you as you drive through THE FREAKIN’ COUNTRYSIDE OF IRELAND!
Place rating: 2
Highland Lakes, NJ
The trip to Carrick-​A-​Rede Bridge, Giants Causeway, and the Dark hedges has beautiful views and highly recommend seeing them, just maybe not with this tour group.
We didn’t leave Dublin on time (due to some reason that we were never told about) which cut off the amount of time we had at each location. This made it very hard to see the whole site and enjoy it.
Our driver really stressed how he didn’t like to be late and that he will leave without you. Surprisingly he did start pulling away at one location. This just did not seem like good customer service especially since it was the company’s fault that we were short on time.
The whole day was just very rushed and I didn’t feel like I got to fully enjoy each location. I do recommend seeing these locations because they are breath taking but possibly on your own or a different tour group.
Place rating: 2
Cherry Hill, NJ
I recently attended the Paddy Wagon Giant’s Causeway tour from Dublin at $ 65 a person. Seemed like a great deal for a 12 hour tour that included the Carrick A Rede bridge, Gaint’s Causeway, The Dark Hedges and a few other things.
The tour was set to leave by 7:30 and had 3 pick up locations you could choose from. Here is where I was the most disappointed– the tour did not get on the road until after 8:30 AM. We sat at the one pick up location for an hour, just sitting, even worse we were not kept in the loop as to why there was a delay. After finally getting on the road we had to make an additional pick up in Belfast, which was not listed on the website and took us out of the way.
The worst part about the delays was that our stops were then cut short so we could still arrive back in Dublin in time. This really annoyed me and left little time to enjoy everything since we were rushed.
The sites are beautiful, and nothing can beat the views. All the stops were great except the last one– Belfast. This stop could have been skipped, as it was just a city without alot to see.
The tour guide was okay, provided a decent amount of information and tried to control the crowd. The bus was also just okay– could really use a good cleaning. Apparently it had wifi, but I was unable to use it.
Personally, I would not book through Paddywagon again. Instead I would rent a car, so I could leave on time and spend the appropriate amount of time in each place.
Place rating: 1
London, United Kingdom
TL;DR: Terrible management at Paddywagon Tours. The Cliffs of Moher and other Ireland destinations are too beautiful to miss due to an unreliable company — book elsewhere.
Arrived at our departure point on time for a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, waited around, and called the company to see if the bus would be arriving shortly. She told us she would call the driver and let us know the status of the bus — no call back. 15 minutes later we followed up and she told us that the bus had left, the bus could not come back, we could not make it to another departure point, and we could not have a refund.
I fully understand tours are on a schedule (this is why we arrived on time), however, a tour can’t leave prior to a DEPARTURE time. Our names were on the list for the stop. If you are expecting customers at 7:50, and they’re not there at 7:48, you wait… no?
We visited the office to speak to someone and were told the manager was not in until 12 and couldn’t be contacted. Okay? Interestingly, we were also instructed to email someone who we later learned had no authority in the refund process.
Came back at 12 (at this point they had already wasted 5 hours of our day) and was treated extremely disrespectfully by the manager of this office.
I would advise anyone to find a different company to tour Ireland with. Or be prepared to kiss your money goodbye once you’ve booked with Paddywagon, no matter what happens on the day of the tour.
Place rating: 1
Grand Rapids, MI
This tour company was the only black mark and major hiccup on our Ireland trip.
I booked our Limerick to Cliffs of Moher tour in anticipation of our Ireland trip. My Visa card was immediately ran which I thought was quick but not anything unusual.
We arrived in Limerick the day prior to our tour and spent the afternoon sightseeing in area without Wi-​Fi. It wasn’t until much later at night that I saw the cancelation email sent by Paddy Wagon alerting us that the tour was canceled because they didn’t have enough people booked for it. Had I not seen this email (sent less than 24 hours to the start of the tour) we would’ve shown up the next morning at the meeting spot at a time that would’ve made it too late to get on another tour.
Thankfully we found another tour company bright and early and had a splendid visit to the Cliffs but Paddy Wagon has yet to respond to my calls and emails for a refund of our original trip.