4-Day South West Ireland Tour from Dublin

I went on the 4-day SW Ireland backpacker option (hostels). I enjoyed this trip, but can't give the tour high marks for except transportation convenience for non-drivers. I work in study abroad and have done MANY tours abroad . The 1st day was excellent - combined with day trip. Guide was great and informative. We learned mid-day that he would not be our guide for the entire journey. We stayed at the Dawson hostel in a room just for Paddywagon. We were with 6-day people, who informed us we were joining them and we would all get a new guide. Gordon was our guide. He was well-intentioned and a good driver. However, he felt more like a driver. No Irish music and shared very little about what to do at stops, history, folklore, etc. He did share at times - interested in Irish sport. Our group was punctual, but lectured on timeliness. We spent a lot of time sorting accommodations, dropping people off which was related to disorganization by him or PW - incorrect lists, etc. Day 2: No stop at the Burren or go to Adare as advertised. Cliffs of Moher were slightly rushed - could not eat AND do the walks (I walk FAST and managed it but was rushed). Annascaul is cute, but DEFINITELY wish we stayed in Dingle. Base for PW, very small. We went to all four pubs (pink = fave), but underwhelming overall. Backpacker option was a B&B with shared 2-person rooms/bathrooms and very nice. Comparable to the upgraded option (frustrating to those that paid the extra $). Day 3: Dingle Peninsula was BEAUTIFUL. We only got out 2-3 times (2 very briefly - photos). The options not clearly presented - pub or the visitor center/museum. It was not mentioned that the latter had an amazing hike - I did this and others were disappointed they didn't know. Day-trippers with us that we had to drop off in Annascaul, which shortened time in Dingle. Dingle was VERY rushed. I chose not to eat and only got to do a very short loop. Stop for one hour lunch should be eliminated - seemed to just be supporting an out of the way restraunt that was good but everyone would have just wanted that time back given the option. Killarney was GREAT - hostel people were placed in the same b&b as upgrade but shared rooms (5 beds - 2 people). Again, upgraders were disappointed. Day 4: Only do the horse ride if you are experienced and only want to ride an expensive horse for an hour (110E). No views or seeing the park. Horses not broken/spooked - not a real provider. Carriage goers also weren't very impressed. Someone did an e-bike and saw the most, enjoyed it (20E). This wasn't a presented option - but seems like a better one. Didn't go to Rock of Dunamase or eat until LATE. Gordon annoyed about pick ups, we were late, he was mad we didn't have enough cash for the horses but weren't given a price and he estimated much lower). Would have benefited by having a group chat - plans would change word of mouth style. Our group was great and this made the trip for me, but would be miserable with a bad group. Expect to be a bit rushed, but still more than I could have done on my own. Go in with right expectations, this is transportation, and if you get more, great.

First time travelling with a wheelchair and they were incredibly helpful. I saw a lot of incredible sights and I would definitely recommend

Absolutely delighted with this tour company. Great service, took in some great sights. My mother-in-law went with them recently and had a great time. She mislaid an earring in one of the B&Bs and Paddywagon not alone went out of their way to get the earring back for her, but wouldn’t accept any money for the postage. They really take customer satisfaction seriously, can recommend 100%.