FAQ

It’s only natural to have some questions before you book your once in a lifetime trip. We’ve answered the most asked ones below. This way, you can understand more about who we are, what we do and what we stand for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you plan short trips?

From a half day excursion to three or four weeks exploring the backways and bye roads, we are infinitely flexible, and whether it is 4 hours or 4 weeks, you will enjoy unique experiences and create lasting memories

What should I pack?

Layers are important, with something waterproof and shoes that are comfortable to walk in. Remember that 70F is a heatwave for us, so if you are travelling from a hot climate a sweater is a good thing to pack. There are still a few restaurants that have dress codes, so if you are a fan of fine dining a jacket and tie may be required for men, and a dressy outfit for ladies.

When is the best time of year to travel?

The best time to visit Britain or Ireland is between March and June, and September to November, when it’s not as crowded as it is in summer, or as cold as it is in winter. That said, the average rainfall in midsummer is only 10% more than mid winter, though the humidity makes it feel colder. Nowhere in Ireland or Scotland is more than 60 miles from the sea, so the weather changes frequently – it rarely rains for more than a couple of hours at any time of year. And remember the West Coast of both Scotland and Ireland has 5 times more rain than the East Coast

Can you organise car hire?

Yes, we can organise car hire, including self drive super cars and luxury vehicles. However we strongly advise you to take a driver guide. With a rental car the driver does not get to enjoy the views, or the distillery or brewery visits and the passengers are often tempted to back seat drive, leading to interpersonal relationship breakdowns. Apart from being university graduates and professionally qualified and approved by the Tourist Board, many of our driver guides are published authors or members of the aristocracy, and are specially chosen by us for their pleasant manner, charm and intelligence and to complement the interests and profiles of our clients. They will be mentors, guides and friends. Our uniformed chauffeurs are experienced drivers, with an excellent knowledge of the country and the charm that one expects of an Irishman or a kilted Scotsman. All know when to entertain, and when to be silent!

Do you organise international air travel?

No, we do not organise international flights. However we can arrange private charter flights though our colleagues at dBB Aviation

Can you organise travel in both Ireland and Britain?

Yes, we have offices in Dublin, London and Edinburgh, and have been organising private travel experiences for VIP clients in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland since 1980.

How far in advance should I book and how do I pay?

The early bird catches the worm! The best rooms in the best hotels get booked up early, the best pools can be fished by only one angler at a time, tee times on a championship golf curse are often like gold dust. And though we can often move heaven and earth to arrange the impossible and unattainable for you, it is often far better just to book as early as possible. To guarantee the rooms and our services we require a 15% deposit, and we accept all major credit cards.

What is your cancellation policy?

In the event of a cancellation you will incur a 15% cancellation fee (minimum £50) Cancellations of services for which Ireland & Britain Observed have prepaid to guarantee the service (such as golf tee times, theatre tickets, etc) are subject to the providers’ cancellation terms and are generally not refundable.
Other services such as accommodation, admissions, activities, drivers, guides etc are subject to a 60 day cancellation policy. In the event of a cancellation 60 days or more prior to arrival, we will refund all payment made less the cancellation fee. For cancellations within the 60 day period we will refund in full any services or accommodation that are resold.

Are children welcome?

Children are indeed welcome and we can arrange special child amenity packs at hotels, and children’s treasure hunts in cities like London, Dublin and Edinburgh. Some of the favourite activities for children are petting and feeding lambs on a sheep farm, miniature off roading in scaled down Land Rovers, zip lines, tree climbing, kayaking, a traditional dancing class,…

Are we insured and protected while on your tours?

Yes – We are fully compliant with EU Package Travel Directive 2015/2302 and hold a Tour Operators and Travel Agents Insurance Policy. All our suppliers are covered by their own individual public liability policies. However we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance and health insurance.

Can you organise airport transfers to our hotel?

Yes, we have a team of superb and reliable drivers who can bring you swiftly and safely to your hotel. We can also arrange VIP arrival and departure at airports, creating the next best thing to a private flight experience when flying commercial.

Can you get me past the lines?

We arrange skip the line tickets to all major attractions as well as special private out of hours visits. At race meetings and sporting events we’ll get you into the VIP enclosures – you’ll be the person that the other tourists are wondering “how did they get there!” Often we can arrange for the owner, curator, or director to be your guide. The head gardeners of many of Ireland and Britain’s greatest gardens are our personal friends, and will give fellow horticulturalists a unique window on their world.

FAQ