butlers travel ireland

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

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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. …

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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

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!

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.

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

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 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.

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!

7 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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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.

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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, knockeven house, the sardinian guesthouse, bellavista hotel & self-catering suites, waters edge hotel, st. colman's cathedral, cobh golf club, cobh maritime building, titanic experience, fota island adventure, sirius arts centre, cork harbour boat hire, cobh rebel walking tours, fota wildlife park, spike island, cobh museum, titanic trail, butlers shore tours, fota house, arboretum & gardens, cobh heritage centre, the quays bar & restaurant, robin hill wine and tapas, pride and prejudice at fota house and gardens, conscious singles cork, scala retreat centre, a midsummer night’s dream, cobh people's regatta.

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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]

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LUXURY CHAUFFEUR TRAVEL

Chauffeur travel.

At Stephen Butler Coaches, we specialise in delivering chauffeur travel for both personal and business use. As one of Irelands leading travel companies, we pride ourselves in offering unparalleled levels of service to our clients. Whether you choose from the Audi A8 Long-Wheelbase to the Mercedes V-Class, you can expect a freshly valeted vehicle inside and out. Our professional drivers strive to ensure all our client’s needs and expectations are exceeded as well as offer flexible, seamless executive travel. The finest selection of vehicles combined with our friendly drivers makes Stephen Butler Coaches your ultimate, luxury chauffeur company.

EXPERIENCE THE UNFORGETTABLE

Why choose us.

Your driver will be impeccably dressed in a shirt & tie. Always on time and always professional.

Your driver will greet you on arrival and help you with any bags.

Bespoke and personal award winning company.

We are always on hand for last minute changes. Book additional vehicles, amend journey details.

FLEXIBLE, DISCREET AND SEAMLESS TRAVEL

Chauffeur-driven business travel.

Enjoy outstanding, reliable service every time with Stephen Butler Coaches. We will collect you from anywhere in Ireland at a time and place that suits you. Whether you are looking for a private tour of Ireland or wedding transportation for the bride and groom, you can expect a luxury VIP vehicle with your own chauffeur. Our chauffeurs are experienced professional drivers and are on hand to answer any questions regarding local knowledge or recommendations on where to eat and stay. There are a host of reasons why VIP guests choose Stephen Butler Coaches as their chauffeur travel company. We offer flexibility, discretion and seamless travel and we believe that these elements are the foundation of creating the ultimate transportation for any VIP passenger. We can also provide the following optional extras: • Bottled water • Newspaper • Umbrellas

EXPERIENCE LUXURY AND COMFORT

Step inside our chauffeur vehicle.

Step onboard one of our chauffeur vehicles. Each vehicle is tastefully furnished with ultimate comfort and luxury in mind. Whether catering for one person or a small group our dedicated team will ensure that your needs will be accommodated. Our vehicles are equipped with high-end fittings, enhanced with extra legroom and leather reclining seats. Stephen Butler Coaches is the only transport service to accommodate you on your VIP journey.

TRAVELER’S INSIGHTS

Frequently asked questions.

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.

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.

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.

• Itineraries

The Butler Trail

Explore the medieval heartlands of tipperary and discover centuries of drama, romance, intrigue and deadly rivalries as you follow in the footsteps of the powerful butler dynasty..

For more than five turbulent centuries the Butlers were the most powerful aristocratic family in Tipperary and they left an indelible mark. They raised armies and went into battle with rival families, sometimes fighting with and other times against the English Crown.

They built numerous fine castles and houses, both for defensive purposes and as ostentatious displays of their wealth. They sponsored the establishment and embellishment of abbeys and churches which still stand to this day.

Spot the cannonball in the walls of Cahir Castle, take a romantic stroll along the river to the irresistibly romantic Swiss Cottage, delight in a visit to the restored former courthouse at the Main Guard, or explore a house built for a queen at Ormond Castle.

The Butler Trail is fantastic journey through time that takes you around Cahir , Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir in the south-east of Tipperary, and also Nenagh , Roscrea and Thurles in the north and west of the county. It reveals the influence and impact the Butler family dynasty had on the physical, social and economic fabric of these Tipperary towns and communities, and the legacy they left behind.

There is interpretive signage to guide and inform you along the route in each town. You can download The Butler Trail App & Audio Guide on iTunes or Google Play and immerse yourself in this network of remarkable stories told through the landscape of Ireland’s Ancient East.

Download the Butler Trail app on iTunes and Google Play . The app includes three audio trails (available in English, French and German) and a travel guide of Ireland’s Ancient East. These trails will guide you around the ancient towns of Cahir, Clonmel, Carrick-On-Suir and Roscrea, revealing a network of stories – set in a landscape stretching out over 5,000 years.

Check out The Butler Trail Itinerary from here: https://tipperary.com/itinerary/48-hours-on-the-butler-trail/

Download The Butler Trail App & Audio Guide

The Butlers in Carrick-on-Suir

This beautiful and historic town is where the Butler Family grew to power. The Butlers first settled here in the 13th Century. Thomas ‘Black Tom’ Butler, the 10th Earl of Ormond (1532-1614), was the most colourful and influential family member who lived here.

Black Tom built a fine manor house as part of Ormond Castle in the 1560s in expectation of a visit from his cousin Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn. Unfortunately Elizabeth never visited at all.

Find out more about their-much- talked-about relationship on a tour of Ormond Castle, Ireland’s only surviving unfortified Tudor Manor House which contains beautiful details including decorative plasterwork portraits of Elizabeth I.

The Butlers in Cahir

Cahir, a romantic and charming small town, grew up around Cahir Castle which was originally a fort built on a rock in the River Suir. The town became a stronghold of the Butler family. The Manor of Cahir was granted to James Butler, 3rd Earl of Ormond in 1375, and afterwards to his son, James Gallda, ancestor of the Cahir Butlers.

Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. It was famously besieged by the Earl of Essex in 1599. A cannonball can still be seen in one of the walls. It remained under the ownership of the Butlers until 1961. A visit is a must.

Under Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall (1775-1819), and his wife, Cahir became a fashionable place for gentry. In the early 1800s he built the delightful Swiss Cottage, a cottage orné designed by John Nash and the finest eco building of its time. Cahir House, now a hotel, was the town house of the Butlers from the 1770s.

The Butlers in Clonmel

Nestled in the valley of the River Suir, Clonmel is a thriving and bustling town. Once the administrative centre of the Butlers, Clonmel today is the county town of South Tipperary. James Butler, the 12th Earl and 1st Duke of Ormond (1610-88), was a grandnephew of Black Tom. James was arguably the Butlers’ most important family member, being the most influential Butler in Ireland’s history.

James built the Main Guard in Clonmel in 1675 and King James II visited in 1689. Visit the Main Guard to learn more about James’ influence on Clonmel, his role in the English Court and his lasting legacy in Ireland.

Clonmel is steeped in a hidden history which is waiting to be explored, including the site of the famous Cromwellian siege, its town walls and the county museum.

The Butlers In Roscrea

Discover the Butler’s connection with a visit to Roscrea. Discover how the Butlers of Ormond gained power and influence in almost every large town of Tipperary, including Roscrea.

There is a strong connection between Roscrea and ‘Black Tom’ Butler, the 10th earl of Ormond who returned home from England to take control of the town. Discover how Roscrea lay on the northern edge of the County Palatinate of Tipperary and the Butlers historic influence within Roscrea.

The Butlers In Fethard

Download your free audio guide to Fethard on www.fethard.com. Wander through the medieval walled town of Fethard and imagine the town as it was in its heyday. Relive the stories of the past and visit the ruins of fortified tower houses , the 13th – century Holy Trinity Church and the 14th- century Augustinian Friary. Immerse yourself in the Fethard Horse Country Experience, which tells the interlinked story of the relationship between the people, the land and the horse. Afterwards, head to McCarthy’s of Fethard for a unique Irish experience. A pub, restaurant and undertakers, McCarthy’s promises to “wine you, dine you and bury you”.

The Butlers In Tipperary Town

The town of Tipperary was established around 1200 by the Norman William de Burgh. Tipperary was important enough in the 13th century to give its name to the county and growth was helped when Augustinian friars came to the town around 1300. The primary attraction of the town of Tipperary is its setting. Spread across a hill facing south, the town is a short drive from Slievenamuck and the Galtees, twin guardians of the famed Glen of Aherlow. In the words of a local poet, the relationship between these two elevations is like that of a ‘fond mother guarding a child’. Before there was a town, there may have been a well that gave its name to both town and county. This was the Well of Ara (in the Irish language Tiobraid Árann, which became Tipperary), of importance to travellers as they moved between the two most important places in the region: Cashel of the Kings and the monastery of Emly. Explore Tipperary Town on foot following the Historic Town Trail which starts at Tipperary Excel Heritage Centre.

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Adams & Butler

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Magical memories, Bespoke experiences

Once you have travelled the voyage never ends. Adams & Butler will open a world of wonders and create magical memories that will stay with you far beyond your travels. Diverge from the typical tourist destinations in favour of unique, authentic experiences. Experiences designed in the most inspiring surroundings that will be yours, and yours only. Journeys that create memorable moments and Adams & Butler’s bespoke itineraries will make this happen. The wonders of the world are within your reach.

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A&B design itineraries for our clients that others simply cannot, whether around a theme or a private experience. Our team of highly experienced consultants listen, understand and then create a tailor-made journey for you. We believe that travel should not only enrich your perception, understanding, and appreciation of the World, but that it should also allow you to support the local communities you visit. We enable you to explore with purpose, enthusiasm, and a new-found appreciation for the art of travel. Experience diverse cultures; immerse yourself in authentic experiences; take back the moment and reconnect with a joyous attitude towards life.

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Let Adams & Butler open up a world of wonders and create magical memories that will stay with you far beyond your travels. Whatever your travel preference may be, whether you are looking for a cultural city break, a child friendly family holiday, unlimited adventure, a romantic getaway or just to escape and uncover, we are here to create a seamless experience while handcrafting your bespoke journey.

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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.

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What our clients say

“ This company is top notch! Our check in to all the hotels, as well as to the various venues we attended was like clockwork. Our guide was one of the most professional guides in the business and exceeded our expectations. She was extremely knowledgeable, courteous, prompt, and a pleasure to be with each day. Our friends asked us what was our favourite part of our trip, and we truthfully said, "All of it." This is due in part to being in such capable hands. We highly recommend this company. Elaine “

“ Adams and Butler provided drivers who were both charming and knowledgeable hosts and great drivers on the (very) narrow roads of Ireland and Scotland. Our city accommodations were wonderful, and some of the countryside hotels were truly outstanding. Thanks to them we gained a true understanding of the culture and sites of Ireland and Scotland. Candy “

“ It was a wonderful trip, we all loved Scotland, and Fiona! Thank you for everything, it was perfectly planned, and timed!! Lloyd Family “

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• Hotels + Resorts

The High-end Hotel Amenity That's Worth Shelling Out for This Year

With sold-out hotels everywhere these days, the benefits of butler service are turning into a splurge-worthy necessity.

Courtesy of Ceylon Tea Trails

There are better times to arrive on Providenciales, it turns out, than the middle of spring break. My two kids, husband, and I were on the island for a vacation at the 758-room Beaches Turks & Caicos . But occupancy was at 97 percent, and 2,400 guests were jamming the resort’s 15 pools and 21 restaurants.

Luckily, we were booked in a villa, which meant that everything from our arrival to our departure would be expedited by our butler, Moses McKnight, one of 46 such staffers at this resort. Thanks to his handiwork — and in spite of all the other vacationers — we never once waited in a line, scrambled for poolside lounge chairs, or wanted for much of anything at all.

Courtesy of Mango House, LXR Hotels & Resorts

These days, butlers are no longer confined to royal castles and billionaire households, but are becoming essential for high-end travelers.

Just ask Nashville-based Sandy Schadler, the executive vice president of Vacation Travel Services and a member of T+L’s Travel Advisory Board . During a recent trip to Rosewood Baha Mar , in the Bahamas, Schadler fell ill in the middle of the night. Thanks to the 24-hour butler service, which is included for suite guests, she could WhatsApp the staff for immediate assistance.

Courtesy of Beaches Turks & Caicos

“They were there so fast,” she says. A butler arrived with mineral water and was standing by to escort her to the resort’s on-site clinic. “They were very caring. They wanted to make sure that I wasn’t just getting the minimum, but that I was really being taken care of.” (Fortunately, Schadler says, she felt better the next day.)

At Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts , all 41 rooms are staffed by butlers, who can tackle basics like unpacking and pressing clothes, as well as more obscure requests, like procuring a guest’s preferred brand of sunscreen — no mean feat in this remote archipelago.

“If you want a booking somewhere on the island, even if that restaurant is full, we will make it happen,” says general manager Giuseppe Ressa.

Courtesy of Conrad Punta de Mita

Across the Indian Ocean in Sri Lanka, the butlers at Ceylon Tea Trails , a collection of hilltop and lakeside bungalows that’s more than four hours away from the city of Colombo, have made the seemingly impossible possible. “We once got a grand piano up to the property so a guest’s child could have one piano lesson,” says Maheesha Ratnayake, CEO of Resplendent Ceylon, which manages the retreat.

Butlers work a different sort of magic at Mexico’s 324-room Conrad Punta de Mita , which brought on its team of “compadres” in September. They’re available to guests in 43 upper-tier suites and take care of just about anything visitors can dream up. “You get a direct line to someone who can coordinate all your needs,” says Marco Tabet, the hotel’s general manager. “From the moment you check in, you have someone waiting for you at the door — so you don’t ever have to go to the front desk.”

Now that’s luxury.

A version of this story first appeared in the February 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline “At Your Service."

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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