About us

About us

Like all the best journeys in life, Paddywagon Tours started in 1998 with the simple thought:
It’s time for something different

At that time the choice for sightseeing & touring European countries was car rental or long, expensive and formulaic group tours.

Setting out to bring choice, quality and value to all visitors to Ireland we have steadily become the nation’s leading tour outfitter over the past 2 decades, and are renowned for the quality of our vehicles, guides, range of routes and durations, 52 weeks a year.

We have evolved into one of Ireland’s most loved brands alongside Kerrygold, Guinness, U2 and Gerard Butler. These days, we welcome a broad demographic of guests from students to professionals, families to corporate executives and from the cast of Dallas to the Imperial Royal Family of Japan.

Broadly speaking, you will find four main categories of tours to choose from:

  1. Day Tours

    Day Tours are available (every day on most routes) for all of the most popular attractions in Ireland including the Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Wicklow Mountains, Kilkenny, Connemara & Galway, County Kerry, Belfast City, Blarney Castle & County Cork. Enjoy the highest quality touring vehicles in the industry with wi- fi access as standard. When you climb aboard on the morning of your tour, you’ll be glad you chose the Paddywagon!

  2. Multi-day Tours

    Multi-day tours allow you to experience the various regions of Ireland easily and in comfort. Departures several times a week also mean that you will likely find something to match your travel plans when time is at a premium. You can choose between 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 day durations and also between B&B / Guesthouse or youth hostel accommodations. Time is split between touring, personal exploration time and leisure time in the evenings. Read more about the accommodation options & the various kinds of people who travel with us.

  3. Private Tours for Couples, Families and Groups

    Private Tours can be arranged for any of the suggested itineraries or perhaps you’d like to create something unique for your loved ones, friends or colleagues? Together with our upscale sister company “Elegant Irish Tours” we can provide you with bespoke arrangements at every price / quality point from budget to 3 star, 4 star and 5 star. Read more about private hire.

  4. Shore Excursions for Cruise Passengers

    Shore excursions for cruise passengers are available for all of the major cruise ships docking at Dublin, Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Cork, Cobh (Cork), Belfast and Waterford. Enjoy the same great highlights and same great quality at a fraction of the price charged on board. We’ll show you the best of Ireland and get you back to the boat well ahead of sailing, guaranteed.

You can book your Paddywagon Tour with all leading hotel concierges and reception desks as well as at all Official Irish Government Tourist Offices. Alternatively, book directly with us online where you’ll always find the best available rates or in any Paddywagon Tourist Store where you can also browse a great range of souvenirs, apparel and traditional Irish gifts.

We hope to welcome you aboard the Paddywagon & look forward to showing you the best of our little green island in the near future!


Is mise le meas (respectfully yours),
Cathal O’Connell, Founder & President

"The pride, passion and professionalism of this vibrant young company augurs well for the future of tourism in Ireland"

Minister John O'Donoghue, Irish Minister for Tourism