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Frequently Asked Questions

 

When you visit Ireland, you’ll quickly discover the warmth and friendliness of the local people. The Irish are renowned for their hospitality and are always eager to engage with our guests. As part of our Small Group Tours of Ireland and our Private Tours of Ireland, the team at Overland Ireland will make you feel right at home.

Booking an adventure trip to Ireland is a big deal and we know that you probably have loads of questions. To provide you with the information you need, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions from our guests.

Should you have a question that isn’t covered in our list, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated team at Overland Ireland is here to assist you and ensure that your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Simply click on the questions below to find the answers you’re seeking.

Before The Overland Ireland Tour

How Do I Book?

We have made booking your adventure tour of Ireland as easy as possible. The most convenient way to book is directly online, but you can also reserve a place on one of our tours by email or phone.

You will pay a deposit when you book. We will hold onto your card details until full payment is taken around 60 days before departure. We use a secure booking system, Peek Pro, and accept all major credit cards.

Do I Need A VISA To Visit Ireland?

Some countries require a VISA to enter Ireland. The list of countries whose citizens do not require a VISA to enter Ireland is defined in the Immigration Act 2004 (Visas) Order 2011 (SI 146 of 2011).

Do I Need Travel Insurance For My Trip?

To ensure your peace of mind during all our exciting tours of Ireland, we highly recommend securing comprehensive travel insurance.

This insurance should encompass various aspects, including but not limited to:

  • Cancellation coverage
  • Medical expense coverage
  • Protection for personal luggage
  • Coverage for money and valuables
  • Personal accident coverage
  • Public liability coverage

It’s important to note that Overland Ireland cannot assume responsibility for any loss or damage to personal belongings or any liability for personal injury or loss of life. Therefore, having appropriate travel insurance in place is essential for your protection and well-being throughout your journey.

Booking & Payment for Your Overland Tour

Brochure and website prices are quoted in euros. However, payment will also be accepted as alternative currencies (charges may apply).

Once a client has booked their tour, Overland Ireland will not retrospectively apply a tour discount, if an offer is running. The payment terms of bookings with Overland Ireland are:

A payment of €250 per person for small-group scheduled tours, €300 per person for self-drive tours, and €300 per person for private tours.

A final payment of the remainder of the tour cost will be processed 2 months prior to departure and deducted automatically from the credit card that was used to make the initial booking.

Deposit Payment

To confirm your booking you are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 per person for small-group scheduled tours, €300 per person for self-drive tours, and €300 per person for private tours. The remaining balance must be settled by the due date indicated on your invoice or in our correspondence.

Failure to adhere to this deadline may result in additional costs or, in extreme cases, cancellation of your booking.

Upon receipt of your deposit and the acceptance of your booking form, a binding contract will be established between us. We will promptly provide you with an invoice for the outstanding balance and inform you of the payment due date.

Credit Card Change

You can change the credit card used for your booking up to the final payment deadline which is 60 days prior to your tour departure date. Credit cards can be changed before this 60 day final payment deadline, and cannot be changed after. The card that remains on file at 60 days will be charged final payments due.

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellation must be notified in writing by the person who made the booking. If you cancel your holiday:

  • More than 61 days prior to the start of your holiday, you will only be charged your deposit.
  • Between 60 and 31 days, you will be charged 50% of the holiday cost.
  • Less than 30 days before the start of your holiday or on or after the commencement of the holiday, you must pay the full holiday price plus any insurance premium paid. 

Note: We appreciate that wholly unforeseen events may result in cancellation. To facilitate this, we have lowered our deposits from 25% of the tour amount to Euro 300/250 per person.

The moment you book, our team starts working on your tour, making reservations, providing a welcome pack, and much more. The non-refundable deposit is there to cover these costs.

We therefore strongly advise you to take out insurance against irrecoverable cancellation costs. You will be advised of the exact amount of any cancellation charge prior to the cancellation being finalized.

If you need to speak to us about a cancellation, please contact us.

Single Supplement

We welcome all solo travelers on board! If you are a solo traveller there is a mandatory single supplement charge for your tour. The single supplement will guarantee you the comfort of a private en-suite room. Solo travelers can no longer share a room.

On Tour

Will There Be Other Solo Travelers On Your Irish Adventure?

At Overland Tour Ireland, we pride ourselves on creating a warm and inclusive environment that caters to a diverse range of travelers. Our tours bring together friends, solo adventurers, couples, and siblings.

Our small group size ensures that you’ll have time to interact with each of your fellow travelers, creating a more intimate and meaningful connection within the group.

This is especially appealing to solo travelers, as it provides an excellent opportunity to build new friendships and share experiences throughout the journey. We love the presence of solo travelers, who typically make up around one-third of our tour participants.

Are The Activities Suitable For Everyone?

We provide two different kinds of small group tours. One labeled ‘Zest’ and the other as ‘Jewel’. Our zest tours are more jam-packed and active and our jewel tours are taken at a more relaxed pace.

However, our adventure activities are suitable for every age and fitness level. We understand that each traveller has unique interests and comfort levels and our guides are trained to adapt the activities to the ability of the group. Guests have the freedom to opt in and out of all activities along the way.

Remember, it is your tour of Ireland and you must enjoy it from start to finish. So if something isn’t your cup of tea then take a break, read a book, or go and explore the area. An adventure holiday is more than activities. It is about going off the beaten track and experiencing new things.

Do We Have Free Time During The Trip?

We always try to keep the driving to a minimum and more time off the bus so that our guests have time to explore towns and villages. Your guide will arm you with restaurant recommendations, where to find the ‘craic’ and the best pint each evening.

At the end of the day, it’s your adventure tour. You decide if you want to eat with the group or just chill in front of a turf fire.

Once Booked Is The Departure Guaranteed?

Yes, all our tours of Ireland are 100% guaranteed.

Do All Tours Always Follow The Exact Route?

Please note that tours can be run in reverse and can be merged with other Overland Ireland Tours in order to provide the best customer experience. If you would like more details regarding a particular tour please reach out to our excellent customer service team.

How Flexible Are The Tours?

Your Irish holiday promises a leisurely and relaxed experience, where we prioritize flexibility in opting in or out of daily activities. We’re committed to accommodating any special requests or bucket list items you have along the way, making every effort to include them in your itinerary.

Please keep in mind that unforeseen logistical challenges may occasionally prevent us from visiting unlisted places on the day.

The Ultimate Ireland Tour Package:

Starts at 8:00 am from The Ashling Hotel, 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 P38N

Ends between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Dublin Heuston Station Saint John’s Road West, Dublin.

Emerald Explorer Ireland Tour:

Starts at 8:00 am from The Ashling Hotel, 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 P38N

Ends between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Dublin Heuston Station Saint John’s Road West, Dublin.

Ireland To Island Tour:

Starts at 8:00 am from The Ashling Hotel, 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 P38N

Ends between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Dublin Heuston Station Saint John’s Road West, Dublin.

The Great Atlantic Adventure Ireland Holiday:

Starts at 8:00 am from The Ashling Hotel, 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 P38N

Ends between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Dublin Heuston Station Saint John’s Road West, Dublin.

The Wild West & North Ireland Tour:

Starts at 8:00 am from The Ashling Hotel, 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 P38N

Ends between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Dublin Heuston Station Saint John’s Road West, Dublin.

Spectacular South & West Active Tour Of Ireland:

Starts at 8:00 am from The Ashling Hotel, 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 P38N

Ends between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Dublin Heuston Station Saint John’s Road West, Dublin.

Magical Southern Ireland Tour:

Starts at 8:00 am from The Ashling Hotel, 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 P38N

Ends between 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Galway Coach Station, Fairgreen Rd, Galway, H91 CX90

Our adventure tours do not include transfers to and from Ashling Hotel to the airport. If you book one of our Ireland Private Guided Tours, the starting time is negotiable as we tailor the experience to fit your needs and requirements.

Are Airport Transfers Included?

Airport transfers are not included in the price however, there are taxis readily available from the moment you step outside the airport (cost about €25-€35), or passengers can get a bus service that runs from the airport to different locations throughout the city (cost about €6-€8).

Arranging your airport pick-up and drop-off are always better arranged in advance as ad-hoc prices could be higher.

For our custom tours, airport pickups and drop-offs can be arranged.

How Many People Will Be On My Irish Tour?

This depends on the number of bookings and what vehicle is available for that tour. We have an average of 14 guests on each tour. This gives our new friends a more personal experience, more space, and a lot more options for cultural experiences, activities, eating, and entertainment.

We prioritize a personalized and intimate experience by keeping our group sizes small. This allows us to offer genuine Irish guest house accommodations and dedicated attention to each guest. Our ultimate goal is to create unforgettable moments for our guests during their Overland Ireland tour.

Age Restrictions

The minimum age for small group tours is 12 years old, with no age limit on private guided or self-drive tours.

Money On Your Irish Tour

The official currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro. You’ll find ATMs and banks readily accessible throughout your Overland Tour Ireland journey. Your tour guide will ensure that there’s ample time for money withdrawal or currency exchange as required.

While many shops and restaurants in Ireland accept debit and credit cards, we recommend keeping a modest amount of cash on hand, especially when visiting charming, locally-owned pubs and stores. If your tour takes you into Northern Ireland, it’s essential to have British Pounds (Sterling) for your transactions.

How Much Time Do We Spend On The Road?

As little as possible. Journeys between each destination are relatively short so that we can spend as much time exploring and doing exciting adventure activities as possible.

However, in order to get off the beaten track and start your Irish tour we need to cover some ground to get to the West Coast and of course get back to Dublin.

What Kind Of Vehicles Are Used On Our Irish Tour?

Our current fleet of Overland vehicles features Mercedes Sprinter mini coaches renowned for their comfort. These smaller-sized coaches are perfectly suited for venturing off the typical tourist path, navigating through narrow country lanes, and accessing remote valleys and mountains.

All our vehicles offer a peaceful and cozy ride, with spacious interiors equipped with modern conveniences like air conditioning and USB charging ports, ensuring a pleasant and well-equipped journey.

Accommodation And Luggage

What Kind Of Accommodation Can We Expect During Our Tour Of Ireland?

The accommodations we partner with are a mixture of traditional Irish guesthouses and boutique hotels. The properties we stay with vary, depending on availability. You can rest assured knowing we have personally vetted each property (we’ve even jumped on the beds ourselves).

If you are customizing your own tour, we can provide all types of accommodation even luxury castle stays.

Is There A Separate Bathroom During Our Overnight Accommodations?

All accommodations have ensuite facilities.

Is Smoking Allowed In Vehicles And Accommodation?

Overland Ireland operates a strict no-smoking policy in all of our vehicles. Smoking is illegal in all enclosed places of work in Ireland. This includes office blocks, various buildings, public houses/bars, restaurants, and company vehicles (cars and vans).

The ban was introduced by the Tobacco Smoking (Prohibition) Regulations 2003. During your Irish tour, we will have plenty of breaks where you can light up a cigarette.

Are There Luggage Restrictions On Tour?

Packing for a trip is never easy and we fully understand that you want to bring as much as possible on your tour of Ireland. For the tour bus, we would ask you to try to pack as lightly and mindfully as possible.

The max dimensions we would suggest would be 76cm/48 cm OR 30 inches/19 inches (70L backpack) – this size suitcase would be considered a large size universally. We just want to ensure all guests can fit their luggage on the bus comfortably!

We also suggest packing a rucksack/backpack for day-to-day necessities while on tour.

Laundry

We understand the challenges of packing for a trip, and because we do have some luggage restrictions, we recognize that guests might need to do laundry during the tour.

Each tour will provide an opportunity for laundry, and to learn more about the specific timing, please get in touch with our exceptional guest support team. They will be delighted to provide you with all the necessary information.

What To Bring On My Overland Ireland Tour?

Overland Ireland advises people to travel light but a few essentials are needed.

  • Walking or hiking boots/shoes
  • A waterproof jacket and a few sweaters
  • Beach towel
  • Music
  • Camera
  • Great sense of humor
  • Believe it or not: Sunscreen!

In Ireland, we are known to experience all 4 seasons in one day. The best way to dress here is to bring plenty of light layers.

Good To Know

Tipping

When dining at restaurants in Ireland, it is very much appreciated to leave a gratuity of around 10% if you are satisfied with the service. However, when enjoying a drink at a pub during your tour, tipping is not obligatory.

Gratuities On Tour

Tipping your guide is very welcome and customary after a wonderful experience on tour. The industry standard is between €10 and €15 per day! This is, of course, totally up to the guest. Guides are absolutely thrilled to receive any gratuity in recognition of a job well done. For more information, read our guide to tipping in Ireland.

Gadgets, Phones & Electrical Stuff

We understand that your favorite gadgets are essential during your holidays. Throughout the tour, you’ll need to keep your phone, camera, and other electronic devices charged.

In Ireland, the power outlets have three-pin plugs with square pins, similar to those used in the UK. You can also conveniently charge your phone in the vehicle if you bring your USB connection with you.

Do Passengers Move Their Own Luggage?

Yes, our clients do need to move their own luggage, however, just give the tour guide a shout if you need a hand.

What’s Included In Your Irish Adventure Tour?

Overland’s Adventure Tours of Ireland offers a comprehensive package that goes beyond the offerings of most other companies, ensuring a worry-free experience for our guests.

At the end of each day, your main concern will be deciding on your choices for lunch and dinner, and perhaps treating yourself to a delightful ice cream after one of our exciting activities

  • Comfortable Air-Conditioned Transport
  • Loads of laughs!
  • Select guesthouse accommodation
  • Great Irish Breakfast each morning
  • Expert-friendly tour guide
  • Entrance fees – Many tourist attractions and National Parks
  • Daily activities
  • All taxes and charges

For each tour, we have created a special page with the specifics of what’s included.
Please follow the links below for each tour

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The Full Irish Active Tour Of Ireland

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Plan Your Dream Trip

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Meet Liz, Your Expert Agent

Our American cousin Liz, who has embraced all things Irish, is your perfect link to Ireland. A seasoned traveler of the Emerald Isle, she knows its highways and byways intimately and is arguably more Irish than some locals!

As a superstar tour agent, Liz loves turning our customers’ bucket lists into reality. She understands our international guests and ensures they have a trip of a lifetime. This American/Irish ‘cailín’ with authentic red hair and a cheeky charm will take care of you from the very start of your Overland Ireland journey.

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