Dublin Shore Excursion: Dublin and Glendalough

We were expecting a green Paddy wagon bus and had been waiting at the cruise terminal for some time as all the other buses had arrived, some had loaded and left. Finally a black van showed up and the driver said we were going with him. Seven Canadians loaded in, took off through Dublin, driver got a call, he was missing a passenger, returned to port, passenger had changed mind, driver not very communicative as a guide, big rush on highway, started raining, visibility poor, we did get to spend time at the monastery as rain had let up, back on road always rushing, it was not enjoyable, weather didn't help. He did drop us at a very expensive Pub for a late lunch. We wouldn't recommend him as a guide.

Our Paddy Wagon tour bus was totally visible from our ship. Booked independent of our ship at 1/2 price. John, our native Dubliner driver/guide was OUTSTANDING. Entertained us with Dublin facts, stories, poems, and songs. The day was terrific and will use off ship tours again!! John was very willing to accommodate our groups boarding requests too, no angst about meeting the ship.

It was a nice tour. NO issues with the pick up from the cruise port. Good bus driver/tour guide. I didn't give 5 stars because the tour does not include enough time for lunch at Glendalough. We had about 10 mins to get something quickly off the food truck after finishing the trail to the upper lake (and we walked pretty fast).

Enjoyed the trip to Glendalough and had time to walk around the lakes but too short a time in Dublin to do much.

Excellent guide/driver - he was extremely informative - local history, folklore, and general information on the journey. Very flexible - great day - worth the money!!

This company meet us right at the gangway after coming from Crown Princess. Tiernan was very entertaining and very knowledgeable. He’s organize and helps with tips to make the most of your time in the places you are going to visit. It was such a lovely walk at Glendalough so wear your walking shoes for comfort. There’s so much to see in Dublin. Great day and weather. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Driver/Tour guide, Tieran was fantastic. Good day with Paddywagon Tours and I would recommend to anyone.

Unfortunately, the driver would have preferred the Big Bus and not the small bus with the small group he had to do. He drove too fast and the 10 of us were literally hanging on to whatever we could. When we got to Glendalough one man with a bad back said something to him - he disagreed and said he was doing the speed limit and didn't know what we wanted him to do but he slowed down on the way back. Terrible when you don't feel safe. I don't think this fellow did this tour that often. This was the Sept 7, 2019, tour. Have had such outstanding luck with Viator - this put them back in with all the rest and not always a sure bet.

The first day guide: Val from Pattywagon was funny, informative and happy attitude. 2nd day was great .

Worst tour we have ever been on. Paddy wagon was late picking us up. 14 people waiting on the dock. Finally a tour guide from VIP tours contacted Paddywagon and they told us to go with VIP until they could get a bus to come get us. After 20 minutes we were dropped on a street corner where we wanted 35 minutes for a paddywagon bus to come pick us up. The driver who obvious was not a guide said he guessed he would have to drive us to glendalough mountains. no commentary. Drops us at stop with one hour to see sight. No lunch. Rushed back to Dublin where he did give us a drive through city with little commentary. Paddywagon did not have this planned well with 4 ships in town and one of those delayed, so our day was a waste. Would not book again.

Guide (who was also the driver) did a very good job. He was very knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor. We enjoyed this very much.

Our tour was with Paddy Wagon and it was wonderful. !!!!! They have great buses, knowledge of the history, caring and so helpful. We would use them again for sure.

Tour guides were great.