butlers travel ireland

Open navigation

Butlers have a fleet of luxury modern tour vehicles, ideally suited for small to large groups. Explore the hidden gems of The Emerald Isle with great running commentary from an experienced local driver/guide.

The team of tour specialists can help plan an exciting tour itinerary, booking hotels, tee times and other attractions to make the most of each day. They believe that an itinerary should flow naturally, while encouraging guests to go where they please. Flexibility is Butlers’ greatest strength and their driver/guide will work on a day to day basis for last minute changes, impromptu stops and off the beaten track locations only known by locals.

These unplanned stops can make all the difference to enjoying a truly memorable vacation in Ireland.

Butlers will always be on hand to help you from the first point of contact right through to the last stop of the tour.

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.

• Tips & Info
• Inspiration
• Explore Cork App
• Conferences

Things To Do

Food & drink, plan your trip, what's on in cork.

Bounce in a club with Pure Cork pizzazz, revel in a festival or kick back to some jazz. Catch an intimate gig in a pub with a fire or watch a horse race with locals that comes down to the wire…

Things to do in Cork

Kayak around the city or head north for a hike, see Dursey by cable car and explore Beara by bike!

Stay in Cork

Find a charming old cottage or quiet hotel, in our old merchant city or near the sound of sea swell…

Food & Drink in Cork

Sink a cool pint of stout as the fireside roars, there’s a plate of fresh seafood and the name on it is yours…

From public transport to fish and chips. Read our list of handy Pure Cork tips.

• Getting to Cork
• Getting Around Cork
• Wild Atlantic Way
• Ireland's Ancient East
• View Itineraries
• Download a map of Cork
• Tourist Information Offices
• Helpful Information
• Destinations
• Ireland's Gateway
• Weather & Climate

Butlers Tours Of Ireland

• Rushbrooke Commercial Park, Cobh, Co. Cork
• +353214811660
• www.butlerstours.com
• [email protected]

If you are planning a bespoke tour on your visit to Ireland and are looking to plan a bespoke tour of Ireland we have over 52 years of touring experience. A family run business, based in the historic maritime town of Cobh, we can provide a personal tour planner so you can create the perfect tour of Ireland. We have our own fleet of buses and our local drivers are highly experienced tour guides.

•    29 km from Cork Airport
•    14.8 km from Cork City centre

Explore Cobh

Places to stay, robin hill sanctuary, fota island resort, fota island lodges, knockeven house, cobh golf club, cobh museum, sirius arts centre, hederman smoke house tour, cobh heritage centre, st. colman's cathedral, fota house, arboretum & gardens, fota island adventure, fota wildlife park, spike island, titanic trail, cork harbour boat hire, butlers shore tours, titanic experience, cobh rebel walking tours, cobh maritime building, the quays bar & restaurant, rob roy bar (cobh), robin hill wine and tapas, spike island literary festival.

• Cork Business Tourism
• Pure Cork Brand
• Add a Business
• Add an Event
• Art, Culture & Heritage
• Performance
• Cinema & Film
• Theatre & Comedy
• Sports & Outdoors
• Food & Drink Events
• On The Water
• Outdoor Activities
• Attractions
• Nature & Gardens
• Food Experiences
• Clubbing & Nightlife
• Sacred & Spiritual
• Learn English
• Guesthouses
• Self Catering
• Caravan & Camping Parks
• Restaurants
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Copyright 2017.
• Website by Batucada Digital Ltd.

Cookies & Privacy

Pure Cork website use cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more details about cookies and how to manage them see our cookie policy

More information Accept

• [email protected]
• 18006865645 USA/Canada

• Scotland Tours
• Go Irish Golf
• Testimonial

Complete the Survey Below for Exclusive Access to Our Top Package Deals

Trips to Ireland, Vacation Packages & Tours

Go Irish Tours is an Irish-founded and Irish-run travel company specialising in package trips to Ireland, as well as limited trips to Scotland and the UK. We offer cheap Ireland vacations as well as luxury trips to Ireland, catering to all tastes and budgets.

Our team are expertly trained in travelling Ireland and have the unique advantage of being native to the island, meaning we can offer you insider knowledge of all things Irish. Click here to find out more about our talented and dedicated staff .

We’ve put the time and the effort into investigating the best value for money deals in luxury castle-stays, hotels, B&Bs, transport, food and sights. If you’re looking for the greatest bang for your buck when it comes to Ireland travel packages, then we are the perfect travel company for you.

Embark on Your Next Adventure – Book Your Dream Tour Today!

Our Ireland vacations stretch from north to south, east to west, covering every beloved landmark and hidden gem on the map. Get to know Ireland the way the locals do, avoiding time-consuming routes and costly days out. We will book everything for you while expertly adhering to your budget and time-frame. Our company prides itself on creating interesting, exciting and affordable Ireland tours for all kinds of individuals and groups. Whether you’re looking for a brief jaunt or a bucket-list adventure, we have an Ireland vacation to suit every heart’s desire. We’re one of the most popular and highest-rated travel sites in Ireland, and it’s not hard to understand why. Our excellent range of package trips to Ireland coupled with a native staff with insider knowledge and many years of experience make us the best company to book your Irish vacation with. Our Ireland tours are the most well-researched and constructed tours of the island, and we know each and every stop inside and out. If you’re going to plan a trip to Ireland, then Go Irish Tours is the company you need to get in touch with.

• Custom Built Itinerary

A self drive vacation with 7 days a week back up and peace of mind! A self drive vacation to Ireland allows you the freedom to explore Ireland at your pace. All our…

Coach Tours

Our coach tours are renowned for the newest line of buses with the best guides Ireland has to offer. Luxury comfort with breathtaking landscapes…

Chauffeur Driven

Sit back and relax. Our escorted tours include a tour guide who will drive you to all of Irelands best tourist attractions. A great way to see Ireland from a…

Our Selection of Tours

Go Irish Tours offer a wide range of trips to Ireland in three categories – self-drive, chauffeur or Ireland group tours. When you get in contact with us, we can help you choose a tour that is tailored to your budget and available time. There are Ireland vacations to suit everyone – even the choosiest of vacationers.

If there’s a group of you interested in a trip – a social event, church group, large family etc. – then we offer bus tours around Ireland to accommodate large groups. Ireland bus tours are a fabulous way to bond with a group and enjoy the experience with people who are important to you.

If you’re looking for a quick getaway we offer four- and five-day cheap trips to Ireland, perfect for people with limited time and a frugal budget. You can explore wonderful cities, sample the food and experience the culture. But be warned – once you’ve seen some of Ireland, you’ll want to come back again and do it all!

We also offer vacations of a lifetime – that bucket-list entry you’ve been looking to tick off? We have the Irish tours to fulfill it. Take two weeks to travel the length and breadth of Éire on an all-inclusive Ireland trip, getting to grips with the land whilst immersing yourself in culture, countryside and craic.

We can guarantee that no matter which of our Ireland vacation packages you choose, you’ll have the expert knowledge of our staff to guide you along the way and make sure your vacation is idyllic from beginning to end.

Click here to visit our self-drive tours, click here to visit coach tours, and click here to view our chauffeur-driven luxury tours. We’re sure there’s something to suit your needs!

• IRISH LOCATIONS
• PRIVATE TOURS
• PERSONAL ADVISORS
• DAYS SUPPORT

Cheap tours and packages all over Ireland to suit all tastes

Ireland is the home of myth and legend – where High Kings haunt the halls of castle ruins and rolling green hills stretch in every direction. If you’re in the market for an exhilarating, exciting and educational vacation then touring Ireland is the perfect trip for you. From Malin Head to Mizen Head and back again, our Ireland tour packages cover every base imaginable. Whether you’re looking for a historical experience, a fun-filled week abroad or even a romantic honeymoon getaway, the Emerald Isle has it all. Explore castles, cliffs, cities and coastline alike as you come to know Ireland as a second home – trust us, you won’t want to leave once you’ve been here! A vacation in Ireland really is an experience unlike all else. Ireland is a vast network of culture and spirit, branching out across the entire island and reaching every city, coastal town and village along the way. Only in Ireland can you experience thriving farmland coexisting alongside lively citylife, where tall buildings and rolling green hills exist side by side. An Irish trip is an experience you’ll never forget. If you’ve got Irish roots then planning a trip to ireland will mean even more to you – visiting your ancestral homeland is a rite of passage, as many US and Canadian citizens will already know.

My husband,three teenage grandchildren and i had a lovely vacation in Ireland this summer. Tina was very helpful with her suggestions and bookings for us, and Goirish provided a driver and van for us. Dennis was our driver, and I doubt you could find a sweeter and more accommodating man in all of Ireland.

My husband and I just returned from a 10 night trip. We flew into Dublin and did a self driving tour staying in many places. This trip was planned in 2019 prior to Covid. We were so excited to finally go and it did not disappoint. Every accommodation was fabulous and the scenery on the drives was amazing.

Our family just completed a weeks tour of Northern Ireland. Go Irish Tours did a fabulous job of planning our trip. Tina had everything ready for us and Pat our driver completed a perfect vacation. We are very comfortable recommending them for any trip to Ireland that you are thinking about.

Contact Us Today

Are you finally ready to bite the bullet and treat yourself to the vacation you sooo deserve? Then it’s time to get in touch with us! Contact us at Go Irish Tours where we will answer any questions or queries you may have. We’ll help you to build your Irish dream vacation from scratch and you’ll be assigned a travel guide who has a vast and in-depth knowledge of our Ireland trips. This guide will be with you from beginning to end, ready to help you with any problems. Click here to contact us, ask us a question or schedule a phone call to talk about our Ireland package deals. We will provide you with information on any and all of our Ireland trip packages, helping you get to grips with planning and deciding. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Contact Information

The checklist was invaluable to us

"Jones Lee & Alice Lee Of Texas, USA"

• Don't Book Your Trip Unless You Know These 4 Facts. (You will be amazed)
• What Are The 4 Surcharges Other Companies Will Charge You?
• The One Question That Could Save You $1,000s And The Worst Experince Of Your Life.
• The Difference Between Having An Ok Trip And an AMAZING, UNFORGETTABLE Trip.

Get In Touch

Travel Butler

Our insider knowledge of Ireland is an essential part of building our tours and trips.The Travel Butler service is designed to ensure you get the best, truest Irish experience possible. The service is is personalised and tailored to each customer and their chosen tour. We have explored countless paths and services throughout the island which has given us an edge when it comes to rates, recommendations and VIP privileges.If you’re looking for a vacation company that can provide you with a legitimate, interesting and utterly authentic trip to Ireland, then look no further. Go Irish Tours is devoted to ensuring our customers get to witness the Emerald Isle in all its glory – hidden gems, day trips and perfect pints of Guinness included!

When you book with Go Irish Tours, the cost is upfront and clear. We won’t hit you with any hidden “extras” or other unpleasant surprises along the way. Your personalised itinerary will outline everything included on the tour, allowing you to plan your trip exactly to your tastes and specifications.

The best trips to Ireland and vacation packages

Scotland Self Drive Fill up the form below

Get an instant quote, fill up the form below, self drive tours fill up the form below, chauffeur driven tours fill up the form below, coach tours fill up the form below.

Butlers Private Tours

Review Highlights

“ Thank you John Stapleton and Butler Tours from the bottom of our hearts for a terrific tour of a special place... ” in 3 reviews

“ Our driver, John O'Donovan was literally one of the highlights of our trip. ” in 2 reviews

“ We had a great tour guide/driver, James, for 6 days that gave us a great tour of southern Ireland . ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Grove Lodge

Bay Lane, Kilshane

Dublin, D11 A6N9

Republic of Ireland

Ballycoolin

Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

Business Owner

We specialise in providing tours of Ireland for private groups small or large who wish to enjoy their own custom flexible itinerary with their own personal driver/guide. …

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

We used Butler Bus tours for our trip to Ireland and they were fantastic. The bus itself was perfect for our group of 11 and our driver Paul is what made the trip special. His knowledge helped us organize the trip to go as smooth and most importantly he was the true embodiment of Irish Hospitality. His kindness helped make this a trip of a lifetime. I would 100% recommend Butler Tours

For our large family trip to Ireland, which included 22 people, ( 13 adults and 9 children) we chose to use Butlers private bus tours. We started in Dublin made our way to Waterford, Cork, Limerick to Galway and back to Dublin. The Butler's bus was comfortable, spacious, and provided ample seating for everyone to spread out. Our drivers name was Peadar Homan, and he was an absolute delight. He was friendly and extremely knowledgeable on the history of Ireland, the people, the culture, and it's architecture. He was very professional, punctual, willing to work with our special requests, and provided recommendations for the group. Often times going out of his way to help make our trip seamless and enjoyable. Our family tour of Southern Ireland was amazing and memorable.The family is in agreement that Peadar definitely added to the overall experience. Would highly recommend using Butler's tours for your travel needs and if possible requesting Peadar Homan as your driver.

The company claims to be cruise friendly. I notified them a day in advance that our cruise was in a storm and we would not be arriving within a reasonable time of the tour. The company refused to cancel the tour, citing their cruise policy only applies if the cruise does not disembark at all. With their refusal to cancel and no reduced fee for the tour, despite the fact it was a 3 hour tour instead of the day trip planned, going to none of the stops that were on the itinerary, I can confidently state this is not a cruise friendly company, nor a customer oriented one. Although it isn't the guides fault (or ours), our guide took us to a little town where virtually everything is closed. A reputable tour company does not do this. Everyone knows that a good tour company is one that understands a win-win is possible in these circumstances (more than one win-win option available in these circumstances), but greed took over for Butlers. Highly avoid!

This review is late as my intention was to post it months ago, but better late than never ! My family and I had the fortune of traveling with Butler Tours last summer . It was the best experience from the planning with Martina, who was knowledgeable and patient during the process of building an itinerary that worked for us to our amazing drivers! Thomas and Jer were fantastic, incredibly knowledgeable and fun!! I can't say enough about them. In fact, during our trip, we needed to attend a funeral via zoom back in the United States. Our service wasn't working and Jer allowed us to use his phone so we were able to connect back home. His kindness & sincere care will never be forgotten. Thomas made everything fun and we learned so much! Our family is so grateful and will certainly be back to beautiful Ireland with Butler Tours! ~ Theresa

We just completed a 12 day whirlwind family tour of Ireland and had our private coach through Butler. Our driver, John O'Donovan was literally one of the highlights of our trip. John was extremely informative, pleasant, funny, and at times even entertained our group by singing Irish songs to us. John went above and beyond our wildest expectations and was quite simply a pure pleasure to be with. We did experience a minor problem with the new bus John was driving but he worked long into the night with the repair service to have our bus good as new the next day. To say he went above and beyond would be an understatement. His hearty laugh and pleasant demeanor was a joy to behold, and we were all a little sad when we had to say goodbye. We all ( there were 12 in our group) would not hesitate to use Butler again if ever we're lucky enough to return to Ireland.

There were 12 of us who took a private tour on June 27 with Butlers and our driver/guide was Paddy. Our main destination was Blarney Castle, with a couple of other very interesting stops and lunch at The White House in Kinsale. Paddy picked us up at our Cruise Ship Port and off we went for an incredible day - mostly due to Paddy! He was so interesting and absolutely hilarious. We wanted to visit a "locals" restaurant for lunch, so he took us to The White House for Fish 'N Chips and oh my goodness were they delicious. (They also have a 9/11 memorial inside their restaurant which was very touching). I highly recommend this tour company AND Paddy. They took great care of us.

We were four couples traveling to Ireland together. The men in our group planned six days of golf. The ladies wanted to tour the Emerald Isle without the hassle of driving. Butlers was the perfect answer! We had three different drivers...one for each part of Ireland we visited. Our drivers, Liam, Jessie, and Dick, each enhanced our experience in their own way. Courteous, professional, prompt, entertaining, knowledgeable...just a few ways to describe our experience. Our days were filled with sightseeing, personal attention to our needs, and great stories to share with the guys in the evening. I would not hesitate to recommend Butler's for your touring needs. Claire and Ian were awesome to work with to enhance our dream vacation!

The trip was amazing the tour was amazing you couldn't have a better guide than Liam Crowley is insight to Ireland was amazing so we suggesting things to do and recommending places to go is an absolute treat to have him as a guide couldn't asked to have a better one

We had a small private group of 6 looking to see the West and south of Ireland. We located Butler Tours from reviews and from the get-go it just all worked. Front end team with Claire was very helpful getting us set up. We did a 4 day itinerary and left some room in case of weather issues with some good advice. There was some flexibility in our schedule. The details of the trip were fully agreed with very reasonable fair pricing. Our driver, tour guide, and soon after mentor, friend, political and religious historian, travel professional, husband/Dad, lost cousin, sports writer /commentator and fellow travel companion ... John Stapleton arrived and greeted us with a smile .. It just all clicked in place from the beginning. Besides the widely places to visit, John introduced us all to a whole new level of understanding of what we were witnessing across our tour. He had points of interest lined up that he was personally keen on and had the intuition to keep us moving as these were all on the route. We made a decision one morning to forego a section of our tour because of bad fog and rain; so we moved on. John kept it all going and we felt we had a better time because of the little surprises. Places like the 911 Garden, Kennedy Compound and New Ross migrant boat were unexpected. The purpose of these reviews to help assist others in their choices when you have come across reputable vendors, hotels, restaurants, etc. I leaned heavily on other opinions in our planning for our trip and if I could pay it forward to the next group with good things to say in a timely manner than the process works. I cannot say enough positive things about our time with John. My group all agreed unanimously. Full days , plenty of stops, breaks, fast food (to keep it moving) and getting to the next pub /restaurant in time for a great local dinner. The wow factor was there as we drove from place to new place. Our photo diary is very extensive and using the photo GPS tag feature helps with locating where were had stopped along our tour. Standing on Inch Beach late afternoon, in a light rain with distant mountains and rain clouds was a moment we will all think for a while. It's been about 1 week later, we are back home and in our jobs and longing to see that again. Thank you John Stapleton and Butler Tours from the bottom of our hearts for a terrific tour of a special place... !!

It's very difficult moving 16 guys around for a golf trip, but Niall made it seamless and trouble free. His suggestions were spot on and his efforts coordinating luggage and golf clubs was amazing. Can't say enough about how much better our trip was because of Niall Mangan!

6 other reviews that are not currently recommended

People Also Viewed

Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland

Elegant Irish Tours

Irish Chauffeurs

Finn Mccools Tours

Cronins Coaches

Brendan Tours

DoDublin Tours

Irish Day Tours

Paddywagon Tours

Other Places Nearby

Find more Bus Tours near Butlers Private Tours

Find more Bus & Coaches near Butlers Private Tours

Find more Limos near Butlers Private Tours

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Butlers Bus Tours

09.00 - 18.00

09.00 - 17.00

Address & Contact

Our address.

Cork Dockyard, Rushbrooke, Cobh, Cork

51.851022622073, -8.3173039305058

021 420 1354

[email protected]

View website

Soc. Networks

Have a chat with our team

US Toll Free: 1-800-894-5712

Australia Toll Free:1-800-764-042

Ireland: +353-1-288-9355

Or fill in the form below and we'll be in touch

• First name *
• Last name *
• Where would you like to go?
• Consent Sign up to receive travel inspiration, exclusive offers & our latest news.

Search for experiences, destinations, rentals etc

Adams & Butler is an upscale DMC offering clients unique and authentic, tailormade travel and cultural experiences in Ireland on varied themes such as Culinary, Genealogy, Whiskey, Shooting, Gay, Jewish, Castles, Golf, Gin, Hiking & Farming. We work with all the better hotels and can arrange private visits with leading experts and the aristocracy. Be hosted by an Earl in his castle or sip whiskey with the Jameson sisters in their ancestral home. We also have a variety of country houses, castles and stately homes available for exclusive rental. We cater to clients seeking affordable luxury and celebrities such as – Kardashians and Taylor Swift. We design itineraries for our clients that others simply cannot, whether around a theme, a private experience or meeting people who are not normally accessible to the public such as local heroes, farmers, sole traders, sports people, politicians, the aristocracy, authors and specialists in their field.  We offer experiences that are unique and not the usual, taking footfall away from over-visited sites to lesser known gems, enabling smaller local communities and businesses to survive and thrive.

Select experience type (You can select multiple)

ireland | Adventure

A Hiking & Biking Tour of Ireland’s Wild West

ireland | Culinary

An immersive plant to plate experience nurtured by Ashford Estate’s team

Aran Islands – Secret Connemara

ireland | Celebration

Artisanal Cheeses of Ireland

ireland | Speciality

Equestrian Ireland

ireland | Family

Family Fun in Ireland

Fishing Ireland

From Castles to Cities – A Scottish & Irish Retreat

Gay Ireland

Genealogy & Ancestry

Ghost Tour of Ireland – Haunted Houses, Hotels & Castles

Golf in Ireland’s Midwest

Golfing in Ireland – Discovering the Iconic and Unknown

Gourmet Ireland

Halloween in Ireland

Haunted Ireland

Ireland – A Luxurious Short Break

Ireland’s Gardens and Historic Homes

Irish Glitz and Glamour

ireland | Photography

Irish Photographic Journey through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara Islands & Dublin with Marc Richardson

Irish Royalty

Jewish Ireland

Lambay Island

Literary Ireland | Past & Present – Travel Experience

Literary Tour – Irish Poets

Pilgrimage & Religious Sites in Ireland

Shalom Ireland | Exploring the Jewish History of Ireland

Sustainable and Conscientious Travel in Ireland

The Evolution of the Irish Culinary Scene

US Presidential Tour of Ireland

Wild Atlantic Seaweed Explorer

Made to measure

We are experience designers.

Our team of highly experienced travel designers will guide you from beginning to end as you embark on a tailor-made journey of distinction, enjoying truly exclusive and authentic cultural experiences. We can fulfil your bucket-list dreams.

Get the latest from Adams & Butler: Sign up to our Newsletter

YOUR PERSONAL CHAUFFEUR SERVICE

WHERE STYLE MEETS LUXURY

BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS

Outstanding service every time.

Butlers Chauffeurs is a family-owned business providing VIP travel in Cork and throughout Ireland. We specialise in luxury private cars, minivans and coaches. Our professional drivers strive to ensure all our client’s needs and expectations are exceeded as well as offer unparalleled levels of service. The finest selection of vehicles combined with our friendly drivers makes Butler Chauffeurs your ultimate, luxury travel company. Call or contact our office today to find out how we can make your travel arrangements run smoothly.

CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN VEHICLES

Top of the range vehicles, mercedes v class, mercedes sprinter, our services, tailor made travel just for you.

Professional Service

Expect professional discreet service for you and your company.

AIRPORT TRANSFER

Meet and Greet

Experience first class service from the initial meet and greet at the airport.

First Class Service

Enjoy safe luxurious travel from your pickup location to your destination.

TOUR IRELAND

Your Personal Tour Guide

Discover Ireland and the many iconic attractions it has to offer. ‍

Finest Tailor-Made Golf Tours

For the golfers, we have a portfolio of hidden gems in Ireland that will entice and excite you.

Enjoy luxurious travel for your special day. ‍

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

'I had to comment on the excellent service I received from this company. From the beginning when I rang this company I was speaking to a man called Sean in the office. He was very knowledgable about places of interest and extremely helpful when booking a trip for myself and friends. I was impressed with the cleanliness and condition of the coach. Also, the driver was friendly and which made it an enjoyable trip. I would definitely recommend Butlers Chauffeurs to anyone looking for a coach in Ireland.’

CATRIONA ON TRIPADVISOR

Why choose us, service that goes beyond expectations, luxury chauffeur service.

We provide a bespoke and personalised service where the customer is at the core of the business.

UNIFORMED CHAUFFEUR DRIVER

Your chauffeur will be impeccably dressed with a shirt and tie. Always professional and on time.

CONFIDENTIALITY

We ensure the highest possible level of discretion and confidentiality from all chauffeur drivers.

We offer high quality vehicles, equipped with leather reclining seats. We make sure your journey is luxurious and smooth as possible.

GET IN TOUCH

Enquire online or call our office today.

Butlers Shore Tours Cork (Cobh)

Cobh panoramic tour € 20, jamesons distillery midleton € 39, blarney castle & cork city tour €59, blarney castle & kinsale tour €89, private group tours € 99 per person, last minute cancellations.

• Lowest Prices Guarantee
• Free Last Minute Cancellation
• Instant Booking
• guaranteed Departures
• Option to pay a low deposit when booking
• Tour Times To Suit Your Docking/Sailing Times
• Exciting itineraries to maximize Your short visit to Cork (Cobh)
• All Admission Included
• Air Conditioned Luxury Tour Buses
• Fascinating & Fun Commentary from expert Local Guides
• local Family Business with 57 years of touring experience
• TripAdvisor Certificate of excellence every year from 2012 to 2019

We pride ourselves on offering the best value tours in both price and quality.

Our tour prices are way cheaper than the cruise ships shore excursions plus we like to think our tours are much better as well - Our reviews on TripAdvisor say it best.

If you find a similar scheduled shore tour from Cork (Cobh) that is cheaper, we are more than happy to refund the difference.

Book with confidence because our shore tours from Cork (Cobh) will never be cancelled.

We totally understand that you may need to cancel for any number of reasons so we are more than happy to issue a full 100% refund right up to 12 hours prior to your tour date.

Plus if your ship does not make it to port, you can cancel right up to the last minute.

You won't find a guarantee as good as this anywhere else!

You must book our tours on this website to avail of our guarantees.

See our refund & cancellation policy

This naturally will be one of your biggest concerns - It's one of ours too!

We always ensure that we have you back to the port of Cork (Cobh) right by your ship at least 1 hour before your sailing time.

Many of our tours are back long before your departure time in any case.

It's fair to say that we take your sailing times even more seriously than you do.

Read more on this

This is a full day tour up to 8 hours and it is our most popular.

The tour itinerary really packs in so much and all without being rushed plus you still get up to 2 hours free time in Blarney and Kinsale.

A driving tour through Cork City is included plus a 15 minute photo stop at the 17th century Charlesfort.

The day is rounded off nicely with some touring around Cobh near your ship plus a 15 minute stop at the Majestic Cobh Cathedral.

See full details

Last year we sold out all our seats for this tour so for 2020 we will be offering 2 departure times.

This is the first time we are doing this and you can choose from a 9am or 12 noon departure time.

Our tour itinerary gives you to 2 hours free time in Blarney to visit the Castle, Kiss the stone and shop at The Woollen Mills. We also take in some of Cork city on route back to your ship.

This shore tour is perfect for cruise ships with a short docking time or if you prefer not to be away for too long. You will also have spare time to explore Cobh to round off a perfect day.

We have had many request to add this tour to our schedule so for 2020 you will be able to book your seat on this exciting tour.

Enjoy a fascinating a fun 4 hours on this tour going direct to the source of Jameson Whiskey.

You will get the chance to sample some fine whiskeys and also enjoy a a Jameson signature drink.

This itinerary also has the added benefit of touring through the historic town of Cobh, Fota Island and Midleton.

Cobh in a word is "amazing" and this tour covers the best Cobh has to offer with extraodinary views, fascinating history, alluring visits and fun facts all rolled into this 90 minute tour.

We have 3 visits in this shore tour with the first stop at Cobh Cathedral, then on to Cobh Fort/Titanic Gardens before our final stop at The Lusitania Mass Graves in the Old Church Cemetary.

Coach and Bus Hire in Cork

Established in 1967, Butlers Bus and Coach Hire Cork are today, the premier travel company in Cork sporting the most modern fleet of passenger vehicles in Ireland from our 6 seat luxury minivans to our mini buses, midi coaches right up to our full size large coaches. See what we do - Cork Coach and Bus Hire

Many of our coach drivers are also accomplished, tour guides with a colourful array of interesting facts, stories, jokes and songs to keep you entertained as you travel the highways and byways of Cork and much further beyond. See Day Tours from Cork

We are cognizant of the fact that customers looking for a coach and bus hire company in Cork expect and deserve a very high standard of professional service. We continue to strive to deliver and improve on this with a full company effort starting from your first point of contact with our office staff right through to our maintenance team, cleaning crew and of course our coach drivers.

We continually strive to be number one for coach and bus hire in Cork . Contact us today to enjoy the Butler Experience.

MORE SECTIONS

• Dear Deidre

MORE FROM THE SUN

• Newsletters

• GAA Hurling

Mikey Butler provides retirement update on teammate TJ Reid ‘chomping at the bit to get back at it’

• Paul Dollery
• Published : 6:00, 19 Aug 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

KILKENNY defender Mikey Butler is confident that TJ Reid will be back in black and amber next year.

The Cats legend’s EIGHTEENTH season on the senior inter-county beat ended with last month’s All-Ireland SHC semi-final defeat to Clare.

A seven-time Liam MacCarthy Cup winner, Reid is sure to be motivated by the prospect of ending a decade-long drought as Kilkenny have not reached the summit since 2015.

The opportunity to regain the title of Championship hurling’s all-time top scorer may also appeal to the Ballyhale Shamrocks sharpshooter, who turns 37 in November.

He is now ten points adrift of Cork’s Patrick Horgan, who surged into the lead during the Rebels’ loss to Clare in the All-Ireland final.

Asked if he expects to hurl alongside Reid in 2025, Butler told SunSport: “That’s his decision to make but I’m sure we will see TJ.

READ MORE ON GAA HURLING

Liam Óg McGovern sums up Wexford's Senior Hurling Championship ‘capitulation’

Clare skipper Tony Kelly has played down his All-Ireland final wonder goal

“His track record and the way he looks after himself, it obviously speaks for itself at this stage. He’s as fresh as ever and he’s chomping at the bit to get back at it.”

One man who will not be contributing to the Kilkenny cause next season is Cillian Buckley, 32, who recently announced his inter-county retirement.

A debutant under Brian Cody at the age of 19, Buckley claimed three All-Ireland medals in his first four seasons on the panel. The Dicksboro man was also twice an All-Star.

Paying tribute to the man whose last-gasp goal against Galway decided the 2023 Leinster final, Butler said: “Cillian is someone who will be missed.

Most read in GAA Hurling

Liam Óg McGovern sums up Wexford's Senior Hurling Championship ‘capitulation’

New Waterford manager Peter Queally suggests dramatic change to hurling format

Dublin star calls for use of VAR after controversial goal in All-Ireland final

"He won it all and he performed for Kilkenny year after year over such a long period of time.

“It was brilliant to be able to see him in training and how professional he is in his approach.

"He was always there early in the gym. He was certainly a role model to the likes of myself and the younger lads in Kilkenny.

“He’s a credit to himself and everyone connected to him.

“He worked extremely hard for everything he achieved and he’ll go down as a legend of Kilkenny hurling.”

In his third year as a member of Kilkenny’s senior set-up, Butler looked set for a third consecutive outing in hurling’s showpiece fixture at the expense of Clare.

GOALS LIVE! WIN IRELAND V ENGLAND TICKETS

FOOTBALL legends Tony Cascarino, Stuart Pearce, Andy Reid and Neil O'Riordan will join The Irish Sun’s first live football preview event on Tuesday September 3 ahead of the Republic of Ireland v England match in The Aviva that weekend.

Goals Live 2024, in association with TonyBet and hosted by well-known sports commentator Dave McIntyre, promises to be an evening of entertainment, discussion, analysis and lively debate as the panel delves into the upcoming big match between football rivals the Republic of Ireland and England.

The event, which is for over 18s only, will take place in The Camden, Dublin 2, from 6.15pm – 9pm.

The ticket includes a complimentary drink for attendees and each ticketholder will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a pair of match tickets to the big game in the Aviva on Saturday September 7.

Tickets are just €5 and available to purchase HERE .

The Leinster champions were six points to the good following a 47th-minute goal from Billy Ryan, only to be reeled in by a Banner side who went on to be crowned All-Ireland champions a fortnight later thanks to their extra-time triumph over Cork.

Reflecting on the 0-24 to 2-16 defeat to Brian Lohan’s men, Butler said: “Look, we were very disappointed.

"There’s no getting away from that. But you have to give huge credit to Clare for what they achieved.

“Against Cork too they had an awful lot to do but they stood up and they did it when it counted.

"Clare proved that they’re worthy champions and deservedly so.”

Derek Lyng, who succeeded legendary gaffer Cody following his 2022 exit, was given the nod to complete his three-year Cats term at a county board meeting earlier this month.

And two-time All-Star Butler, 24, insisted: “Derek has been brilliant.

He’s an excellent manager and he’s someone we all have great respect for in Kilkenny.

“He’s putting a huge amount into it so hopefully we can give him something back by getting over the line next year.”

Butler has now shifted his focus towards helping O’Loughlin Gaels defend the Kilkenny SHC title they prised from Ballyhale’s grip last October.

Brian Hogan’s men later claimed the club’s third Leinster title, only to come up agonisingly short in a dramatic All-Ireland final against St Thomas’ of Galway.

On their prospects of claiming back-to-back county crowns, Butler said: “It most certainly won’t be easy but we’ll be giving it a right go.

"We’re definitely not favourites. Ballyhale, Dicksboro and Tullaroan are all up there.

“It’s going to be a massive challenge in with that standard of competition.”

MIKEY BUTLER took part in this year’s Hurling For Cancer Research fundraiser.

Visit www.hurlingforcancer.ie to make a donation.

• Gaelic Games
• Kilkenny GAA

Questions & Answers

No - All our bus tours are for groups large or small, who wish to book a private vehicle plus driver/guide to enjoy their own custom itinerary.

We are always keen to hear from Tour Operators and Travel Agents. Contact us today

Our tours are for groups who wish to enjoy their own custom itinerary using one of our luxury minivans, buses or coaches, complete with one of our experienced driver/guides.

We cater for all sorts of tours from scenic tours, golf tours, garden tours, sports tours, genealogy tours, business trips, history tours, religious tours, archaeology tours, spiritual tours, mythology tours, pub tours, photography tours and much more ....

No - All our tour buses come with a driver/guide.

It may be cheaper to drive your own rented vehicle but nothing compares to the experience of having your own luxury tour vehicle with your own personal driver/guide.

This is all part of our service to you.

See our Tour planning page for more details.

Yes - We can advise you on your best hotel options, best tee-times and what attractions, etc need to be pre-booked in advance.

If you like we can package up your tour to include your hotels, golf, attractions, entertainment, etc.

See our Package Tours page for more details.

Yes - definitely. This is one of the best advantages of booking your own private tour.

We pride ourselves on offering a flexible tour service so you can enjoy each day at a pace and direction that suits you.

This means you can go where you please and when you please with impromptu stops, 'photo ops' and changes of plan along the way.

Your driver/guide will help you to make the very most of every day and will have lots of options/suggestions for you throughout your trip.

Most tours will be quoted on the basis of 9 consecutive hours per day with an average of 200km per day. If you need more, just let us know.

IMPORTANT: The vast majority of roads in Ireland are accessible to our vehicles but we may avoid L roads (local). We can of course travel on all M roads (Motorways), N Roads (National) and R Roads (Regional). If you book lodgings, attractions, etc on an L road, be prepared for a nice walk.

We strongly recommend you have your own personal travel insurance so you are covered in the event of an illness/accident, cancellations or any unforeseen events.

The best time to take out travel insurance is before you make any bookings so you will be covered if you need to cancel.

No - Typically our tour bookings are for 5 to 8 days or more but you can book our services for just a few hours, a half day or whatever suits you.

The longer the booking - the better the price!

It is advisable to pre-book some attractions, tours, etc in advance. Some attractions are fine on a pay as you go basis but your tour planner can advise you on this

See our Tour planning page

See our Package Tours page

No not at all - Many groups just book their bus/car plus driver/guide with us and then look after their own hotels, attractions, etc

Of course we still still give you lots of help and guidance on the best places to stay, golf, visit, dine etc.

We offer the option of booking some or all hotels, attractions, entertainment, etc.

This saves you a lot of time and effort putting your tour packagetogether.

This really depends on how much you want us to include, your group size, duration, etc.

Contact us today for a prompt quote.

No - When you book your minibus/coach/car with us you have the option to avail of a package tour no matter how small or large your group is.

Your tour planner will first work very closely with you to plan your outline daily itinerary.

This in turn will dictate where your overnight locations may ultimately be.

Based on your preferences, you will then be presented with a list of lodgings, tee-times, attractions, entertainment, etc. and a total cost for everything.

Should you decide to proceed with your booking, your tour planner can advise you of your deposit amount and when your balance is due.

A 25% deposit will secure your booking and your balance due would be payable anytime up to 8 weeks prior to when your tour commences.

Please see our Refund & Cancellation page for full details.

We can recommend which tour vehicle would suit you best based on your group size, tour duration, luggage requirements (golfer/non-golfers), comfort level, etc.

See our Fleet Page

For your own convenience and comfort it is always best to keep luggage to a respectable minimum.

Note: Golf groups will always need a larger vehicle than regular tours to cater for their clubs.

Your tour planner can advise what is a sensible baggage allowance based on your group size/vehicle preference.

See our recommended luggage allowances.

Yes - Your driver will also be your experienced Irish tour guide and will give you entertaining, fun and informative running commentary as you drive along.

No - Your driver will be your guide while on your tour bus only.

If you need a guide for a walking tour or to escort you around an attraction, we can help you arrange this.

Yes - initially your tour planner will work closely with you on your outline itinerary prior to your tour commencing.

Your driver/guide will then work with you on an hourly/daily basis to ensure you make the very most of every day with ad-hoc stops, 'photo ops' and last minute changes all being part of your touring day.

Yes - your driver will load and unload your luggage on/off your tour bus.

However it is up to you to bring your luggage to/from your tour bus.

Yes - Although we assign driver/guides to your tour well in advance, there can be many extra bookings, cancellations, additions, amendments before your tour commences.

This is before we even calculate your drivers legal hours/days available to him/her so generally we do not confirm your drivers details until about a week before your tour date.

Please note: When your driver is confirmed, this will not change unless there are unforeseen changes like an accident or illness.

We get lots of requests from groups who want their own favourite driver/guide.

We love this and our policy has always been to do our utmost to make this happen.

However, sometimes this is just not possible due to a driver already being booked for your dates, or he/she does not have enough available legal hours/days available.

As with the previous answer, our bookings are changing all the time with additions, amendments, cancellations, etc so this can change a drivers schedule at any given time.

Please be assured though that we will do our very best.

Yes - although not compulsory, tips are a normal part of touring and generally reflect your satisfaction level of the service you received.

We often get asked as to what is an appropriaate tip. This is something of an impossible question as this can depend on the group size, bus size, number of adult/kids, tour duration and more..

A very general rule of thumb would be that 10% of your bus cost is a good tip, 15% is excellent and 20% is outstanding.

Yes - To secure your bus and driver/guide we will require a deposit of up to 25%.

Deposits for package bookings may vary due to the individual policies of hotels, attractions, golf clubs, etc.

Your balance is due 12 weeks prior to your tour commencing.

IBAN: IE16 BOFI 9026 3740 6623 24 BIC: BOFIIE2D

Yes - We accept all major credit cards (Visa - Master Card - American Express)

Please see our Payments Page

Unfortunately, we no longer accept cheques.

You can start/finish your tour from anywhere you like.

Our quoted price is the same no matter where in the Republic of Ireland your tour starts or finishes.

There will be some extra costs involved if your tour starts/finishes in the North of Ireland or in a different country which we can advise you of from the outset.

Your tour planner will advise you of your driver/guides name & number before your tour commences and will also send you details of where your driver/guide will be and how to find him/her.

Yes - it is your tour and you can decide where you want to go and when within your booking time frame.

Of course we will help you plan your itinerary and advise if your plans are realistic/achievable.

Your driver will also be working with you on an hourly/daily basis but ultimately you are free to decide what is best for you within your booking time frame.

When we give you our quote we will state how many consecutive hours per day this covers.

Generally this will be for 9 consecutive hours per day with an average of 200 km per day which should be plenty of time to see and do lots every day.

It is no problem to extend your touring day up to a maximum of 12 consecutive hours with extra kms as well.

See Extra Costs

For golf tours the duration is generally 12 hours per day (on golfing days)

Please note: The driver hours laws are a separate issue and must be adhered to at all times.

Yes by law - See details of the driver hours laws.

An issue for example can arise if you have an exceptionally long touring day or if you have a late finish followed by a very early start.

Your tour planner is always happy to work with you and advise on all matters relating to the drivers hours laws.

Yes - Example: Joe comes in a day later than the main group and wants to be collected in Dublin Airport to be transferred to Killarney to join the main group.

This is no problem but do keep in mind that you are using up your drivers hours/daily mileage.

No - No exceptions!

Your driver/guide will not smoke in, around or near your tour bus either.

Yes - in moderation :)

Yes - of course.

We would ask though that you keep your vehicle clean and remove all of your waste each day.

Yes - However this must work in with your daily touring hours/kms and also the drivers hours laws which must be adhered to at all times.

Your tour planner will be happy to discuss any evening requirements you may have.

See also driver hours laws

Most issues can be resolved quickly so please contact us via your driver or direct with our office and we will endeavor to give you a speedy resolution.

For complaints, please contact us in writing by email or post.

See our contact details.

We continuously strive to improve our service and take all complaints very seriously.

You can be assured of a quick and comprehensive response should you have any complaints.

Although we have a very modern fleet of high end vehicles, this unfortunately is no immunity from the dreaded breakdown.

Thankfully though, due to continued investment in top class vehicles coupled with an intensive maintenance program, our breakdown situations are very rare.

However, this does not mean we can rest on our laurels and we will always try to be one step ahead.

The plan in a breakdown situation is always making you, our customer the top priority and to ensure you are safe and your inconvenience is kept to an absolute minimum.

If we cannot provide a speedy solution, we have a comprehensive network of bus/coach companies around Ireland to call upon for assistance to get you underway again with the least amount of disruption as possible.

Please Contact our office and we will always do our very best to locate your property.

Any lost property that has been found by our staff will be stored at our depot in Carrigtohill Industrial Estate, Co. Cork, Ireland, T45 A896 for a maximum of 3 months.

It may be collected from here, by prior arrangement (normally by courier), between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.

Unfortunately due to security reasons we are unable to forward any lost property found on board our vehicles.

Ireland is truly magical anytime of the year but the most popular months are from March to October. (May to September are our busiest months)

Many people overlook touring Ireland in Autumn and Winter but you really are missing out....

Save money touring Ireland in Autumn and Winter

We use the Euro in The Republic of Ireland.

In Northern Ireland we use the English Pound (Sterling)

For currency exchange rates see XE.com

Ireland has a moderate climate influenced by the Gulf stream with no major extremes.

It can be erratic at times but in general the summer time is very pleasant.

Do bring a light raincoat and umbrella along with you though and a sweater for the evenings - just in case!

From the USA and Canada - our office number would be 0 11 353 21 4811660.

From Europe - our office number would be 00 353 21 4811660.

The short answer is that our voltage in Ireland/UK is 220-240 volts and we use 3 pin sockets.

You will need an adapter which generally can be found in airports and tourist locations.

Remember though that your appliance may be suited to the voltage of your country - For example: The USA/Canada are 110-120 volts.

However most modern appliances are able to handle all voltages.

For safety please check out this link.

No - We have trialled wifi on our buses but despite claims, found that the quality is simply not good enough just yet in Ireland.

However good wifi is common in hotels, restaurants, etc.

Yes - these are complimentary but you must pre-book them with us and they are subject to availability.

Yes, we have a range of seats:

- 0 to 3 years is 20.00 Euro per day (Max. 40.00 Euro per booking/tour)

- 4 to 11 years is 15.00 Euro per day (Max. 30.00 Euro per booking/tour)

See our essentials page for more details

Yes we can!

Rent a wheelchair for 25.00 Euro per day (Max. 100.00 Euro per booking/tour)

Yes - See our essentials page for more details

Read Our Reviews On Tripadvisor

A luxe makeover in N.H., a solar eclipse cruise, and pickleball you can pack

Travel news you can use.

ALL-SEASON RETREAT GETS LUXE MAKEOVER

Be among the first to enjoy the recently completed, multimillion-dollar renovations at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, a family-friendly getaway recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Set amid the peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains in Whitefield, N.H., the 141-key grand hotel, dating back to the late 19th century, offers a luxurious four-season escape within 1,700 acres of a pristine landscape. Enhanced guest rooms and suites sport sumptuous fabrics and modern amenities, such as a butler pantry, mini-refrigerator, and curated minibar offerings including artisan snacks, locally brewed beers, and top-shelf spirits. Hungry? Savor signature seed-to-table experiences at Harvest Tavern; intimate wine and food pairings at 1865 Wine Cellar; and casual fare (pizza, burgers, wraps) at Veranda.

The resort also offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and tennis on clay courts. Additional amenities include fitness and wellness experiences at the Tower Spa, a nine-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, disc golf, cheesemaking, gardening classes, falconry, and — in winter months — ice skating, cross-country skiing, tubing, sleigh rides, sledding, snowmobiling, and more. A game room with pool, foosball, and ping pong, and movie theater with more than 500 film choices are available for indoor entertainment. Summer rates from $159. 855-837-2100, www.mountainviewgrand.com/

Advertisement

PLAN AHEAD: SOLAR ECLIPSE CRUISE

If you missed the spectacular full solar eclipse last April, you can experience the wonders of the next one while at sea aboard the Zuiderdam, a Holland America Line cruise ship. Departing from and returning to Boston, the 35-day tour Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse will be in the path of totality just before arriving at Grundarfjørdur off the western coast of Iceland. Before that, it traverses the northeast coast from Boston with calls at charming and historic locations such as Portland, Maine; Sydney, Corner Brook, Red Bay, St. Anthony, St John’s, and Halifax, Canada. On the other side of the Atlantic, multiple ports of call will be in various breathtaking sites in Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, including overnight stays in Reykjavik and Rotterdam.

The 964-foot vessel hosts 1,964 guests, with seven categories of staterooms and suites at varied price points to fit different budgets. Numerous entertainment activities keep guests occupied on longer cruising segments, including casino action, lounge with live music, pickleball lessons and tournaments, shopping, fitness center, and a kids club for younger sailors. Dining options include steakhouse fare, authentic Italian cuisine, poolside grill, seafood pop-up, and more. Early booking and premium package deals offer savings, perks, and amenities. Two additional ships in the fleet will be positioned under the path of totality (Aug. 12, 2026) for cruises originating in Europe: Oosterdam will sail the Mediterranean to witness the eclipse off the eastern coast of Spain; Nieuw Statendam will explore Northern Europe and the western coast of Iceland. The Zuiderdam departs Boston July 18, 2026. From $7,908 per person. 877-724-5425, www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/find-a-cruise/e6t35a/u659

EVERYWHERE:

PICKLEBALL ON-THE-GO

Fans of pickleball will be thrilled to learn they can play their favorite game anywhere they go with Dink Buddy, a collapsible, portable net that turns any space into an instant court. Measuring 6 feet long at regulation height, the sturdy, collapsible frame is made with hard anodized aircraft grade 6061 aluminum framing. Easy to set up and take down, the net collapses into a carrying case weighing only 3 pounds, and folds down small enough to stash in your backpack or pickleball bag. The dividing net is made from mesh technology specifically designed for the Dink Buddy, and is available in black, white, indigo, red, orange, or pink. Need a larger court? Two nets can be joined together for doubles play. The Budding Pro net, smaller in height and length, is perfect for younger family members who want to learn the sport. It’s assembled in the United States, and the company provides free shipping and returns. $79.95-$175.95. mydinkbuddy.com

NECEE REGIS

Necee Regis can be reached at [email protected] .