Paddy Wagon Tours - Dublin - Things To Do Reviews

My girlfriend and I stumbled (likely, literally, drunk) into the local TI in Dublin looking for something to do. For me, it was one of the best decisions we made the entire trip. The team of lively lads and lassies of Paddy Wagon made Ireland all I ever expected.

One of their hostels was just ok. They could use some repair. It seems that one of the Site Managers was disregarding their responsibilities and let the Killarney hostel take some pretty painful physical hits. While we were checking in the ceiling tile from over the receptionists head fell down behind her from a long over looked water leak. She took the whole incident in stride and without missing a beat kept processing the rather large group that had just arrived. Now you must be wondering why I'd give the top rating to a place thats first impression was quite literally falling apart? Well...

This group loves Ireland. They are charming, humorous and quite knowledgeable. The owner went out of his way to ensure that my friend and I were transfered from our initial tour to the one we really wanted but were unable to get connected with as it was believed to be full. He went so far as to have a taxi ready for us the morning we were set to transition to the other tour bus. Talk about feeling like a VIP.

During the drives past some of the most beautiful scenary we were given history lessons and more facts than I can remember. All the tour guides incorporate traditional Irish song and entertainment so it's never a dry boring history lesson. On both tour buses we were on there was a tremendous amount of diversity in the ages, backgrounds, and status of those who'd signed up. Yet the characters who were running the show naturally in pulling everybody together. Everybody truly enjoyed themselves.

There was a special man on the last bus. He was a recent widower who'd lost his will to live. He was in his mid-70's I'd guess. He was only one of the many amazing people in the group. We all bonded quickly through the tour guides amazing hospitality. This man commented that this was the best thing he'd done for his self since his wifes death.

My girl friend and I connected initially with the 3-day tour, then switched to the 6-day South Tour. But I can assure you that any tour you chose with this group is guaranteed to appeal to any need you have. If you love history, you get it. If you love the Pub's, you get them. If you love the free breakfast, you get that too. This tour company has been recognized internationally with awards and according to their website were recognized on a TV special there in the UK. (I watched it, it was great)

The owner, Cathal, known to most as Charlie was also a bus driver. His commitment to this company was tremendous. I had a opportunity to talk with him, as the drivers accompany the group to dinner and pubs. Over a glass or two I learned he built the company from the ground up because of his tremendous love for Ireland and his desire to show people the reasons he's so passionate about his Motherland. He sets a standard for his employees. It felt like they had Irish History Degrees in how knowledgeable they are. It is a 100% Irish crew that drives the buses, which look remarkably like a big green grass hopper to me.

The entertainment and history was worth the value. The tours are nicely laid out and it seems everything is thought of for you...you can just relax and fall in love.

I could really coooo over this group for pages and pages; but ultimately it would get too long to read. I loved this group and it seemed everybody on both tours did as well!

I highly recommend Paddy Wagon Tours!!!