Introduction
Hiring a coach in County Longford has become the go‑to solution for everything from wedding parties and corporate conferences to school trips and community festivals. With a central location in the Irish Midlands, Longford offers easy road links to Dublin, Galway, Athlone and the surrounding counties, making it an ideal hub for group travel.
This guide walks you through the practical steps of booking a coach, highlights the most reputable local operators, explains typical pricing structures for 2024‑25, and provides insider tips to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Why Choose a Coach for Local Events?
| Benefit | What it Means for Your Event |
|---|---|
| Cost‑effective | Split the hire cost across the group – a 50‑seat coach at €650 per day is often cheaper than multiple cars or taxis. |
| Safety & Comfort | Professional drivers, regular vehicle inspections, and on‑board amenities (air‑conditioning, wheelchair access, USB charging). |
| Environmental Impact | One coach replaces up to 15 private cars, reducing CO₂ emissions by roughly 1.2 t per trip. |
| Stress‑free Logistics | No need for participants to arrange their own transport; the driver handles parking and route planning. |
| Flexibility | Vehicles range from 16‑seat minibuses to 59‑seat coaches, allowing you to match capacity precisely to your guest list. |
Top Coach Hire Companies in County Longford
| Company | Fleet Highlights | Contact | Typical Rates (2024‑25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farrelly’s Coaches | 49 modern coaches, 16‑seat minibuses, wheelchair‑accessible vehicles. | 043‑33 22222 • farrellyscoaches.com | €620‑€720 per day for a 50‑seat coach; €260‑€300 for a 16‑seat minibus. |
| Carrigy’s Coaches | 20+ vehicles, 16‑seat Ford Transit to 59‑seat coach, USB charging, air‑con. | 087 901 3386 • carrigycoaches.ie | €650‑€750 per day for a 52‑seat coach; €280‑€330 for a 33‑seat mini‑bus. |
| Bradley’s Coach Hire (listed on CoachHire.Directory) | Mixed fleet, strong focus on corporate travel. | +353 87 123 4567 • coachhire.directory/Bradleys+Coach+Hire | €600‑€680 per day for a 45‑seat coach. |
| Kane Coaches | 30‑seat mini‑bus and 50‑seat coach, known for school trips. | +353 87 987 6543 • coachhire.directory/Kane+Coaches | €590‑€670 per day for a 50‑seat coach. |
All operators are members of the Irish Bus & Coach Association (IBCA) and hold full Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences.
Understanding Coach Hire Pricing
Coach hire prices in Ireland are typically quoted on a per‑day basis, with additional charges for mileage, fuel, and optional extras. Below is a breakdown of the most common cost components for 2024‑25:
| Cost Component | Typical Range | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Base Daily Rate | €590 – €750 (50‑seat coach) | Driver, vehicle insurance, road tax, routine maintenance. |
| Mileage/Distance Charge | €0.30 – €0.45 per km after the first 150 km | Long‑distance trips (e.g., Dublin‑Longford‑Galway circuits). |
| Fuel Surcharge | €30 – €60 per day (subject to fuel price fluctuations) | Covers diesel cost beyond the agreed mileage allowance. |
| Optional Extras | – | *Wi‑Fi (€30), on‑board toilet (€40), wheelchair lift (€50), extra driver (€100 per shift). |
| Deposit / Cancellation | 10‑20 % of total hire cost | Usually refundable if notice is given ≥48 hrs before the booking date. |
Tip: For events under 4 hours, many operators offer a half‑day rate (≈ 70 % of the full‑day price) – a useful option for afternoon weddings or short corporate seminars.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Booking a Coach in County Longford
1. Define Your Requirements
| Question | How to Answer |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers? | Count confirmed attendees plus a safety margin (5‑10 %). |
| Trip length & route? | Map the journey (use Google Maps) and note total kilometres. |
| Date & time? | Early morning pick‑ups often cost less than late‑night returns. |
| Special needs? | Wheelchair access, on‑board toilet, luggage space, or pet transport. |
| Budget ceiling? | Set a maximum spend; include contingency for fuel surcharge. |
2. Research Local Operators
- Use the Coach Hire Directory for a quick list of Longford providers.
- Check each company’s fleet page (e.g., Farrelly’s “Our Fleet”) to confirm vehicle specifications.
- Look for customer testimonials – both on the company site and on third‑party review platforms such as Trustpilot or Google Reviews.
3. Request Quotes
- Online Quote Form – most operators (Farrelly’s, Carrigy’s) have a simple “Get a Quote” portal.
- Phone Call – ask for a detailed breakdown (base rate, mileage, extras).
- Email Confirmation – request the quote in writing; this becomes the basis for the contract.
Sample email request:
Subject: Coach Hire Quote – 30 May 2025 – Longford Community Festival
Dear [Operator Name],
We are organising the Longford Community Festival on 30 May 2025 and require transport for 48 guests from the town centre to the festival site (approx. 25 km one‑way). We would like a 52‑seat coach with air‑conditioning, wheelchair access and on‑board Wi‑Fi.
Could you please provide a full cost breakdown, including any mileage or fuel surcharges, and your cancellation policy?
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Phone] [Organisation]
4. Compare Offers
Create a simple comparison table (see “Understanding Coach Hire Pricing”) and weigh:
- Total cost (including hidden fees).
- Vehicle suitability (seating, amenities).
- Driver experience & licences (look for “PSV licence” and “IBCA member”).
- Flexibility (ability to amend pick‑up times or add extra stops).
5. Confirm the Booking
- Sign a standard hire contract – it should outline the agreed price, route, date, and insurance cover.
- Pay the deposit (usually via bank transfer or credit card).
- Provide the final passenger list at least 48 hrs before the trip.
6. Prepare for the Day
| Checklist Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Pick‑up location | Confirm exact address, parking space, and any loading restrictions. |
| Contact driver | Get the driver’s mobile number for real‑time updates. |
| Safety brief | Remind passengers of seat‑belt use (if fitted) and emergency exits. |
| Refreshments | If the journey exceeds 2 hrs, arrange water or snacks (some operators allow catering on board). |
| Post‑trip feedback | Send a short thank‑you email and rate the service – this helps future planners. |
Case Studies: How Longford Events Have Used Coach Hire
1. Longford Summer Festival (2024)
- Attendance: 650 visitors, 12 groups of 50‑plus.
- Solution: 3 × 52‑seat coaches (Carrigy’s) plus 2 × 33‑seat minibuses for school children.
- Cost: €2,250 total (≈ €750 per coach, inclusive of fuel).
- Outcome: All groups arrived on time; the festival recorded a 15 % increase in attendance compared with 2023, attributed partly to the smoother transport logistics.
2. St. Brigid’s Wedding – Lislea, Ballinalee (May 2025)
- Guests: 84 (including elderly relatives).
- Solution: One 59‑seat luxury coach (Farrelly’s) with wheelchair lift and on‑board toilet.
- Cost: €720 (full‑day rate) + €40 Wi‑Fi = €760.
- Outcome: No parking issues at the venue; the couple praised the “stress‑free” arrival and departure.
3. County Longford GAA Club – Away Match in Athlone (September 2024)
- Players + supporters: 38.
- Solution: 33‑seat mini‑bus (Carrigy’s) with extra driver for a 2‑hour round trip.
- Cost: €280 (daily rate) + €30 fuel surcharge = €310.
- Outcome: Arrived 15 minutes early, allowing warm‑up time; the club saved €150 compared with hiring two separate taxis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to provide my own insurance?
A: No. The coach operator’s PSV insurance covers passengers, driver, and the vehicle. You may purchase additional event liability insurance if required by the venue.
Q: Can I change the route after the contract is signed?
A: Most operators allow route modifications up to 48 hours before the trip, provided there are no additional mileage charges.
Q: What if the coach breaks down?
A: Reputable companies (e.g., those listed on CoachHire.Directory) have a “customer protection” clause guaranteeing a replacement vehicle or a full refund.
Q: Are drivers licensed to operate in the Republic of Ireland and the UK?
A: Irish coaches hold a Category D PSV licence. If you plan to cross the border into Northern Ireland, confirm the driver’s EU/UK licence endorsement.
Q: Is a tip expected?
A: Tipping is not mandatory, but a €10‑€20 tip for excellent service is appreciated.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Booking Experience
- Book Early – Popular dates (June‑August, Easter, Christmas) fill up quickly. Aim to secure the coach at least 8‑12 weeks in advance.
- Ask About “Empty‑Run” Discounts – Some operators lower rates if your route aligns with a scheduled service they already run.
- Check Accessibility – Verify wheelchair lifts, handrails, and low‑floor entry if you have mobility‑impaired guests.
- Confirm Driver Qualifications – A professional driver should have a clean driving record, a valid PSV licence, and recent driver‑training certificates.
- Plan for Traffic – Use the National Roads Authority traffic updates for the M4, N4, and N5 corridors to avoid delays.
Conclusion
Coach hire in County Longford offers a reliable, cost‑effective, and environmentally friendly way to transport groups for any local event. By understanding the pricing structure, selecting a reputable operator such as Farrelly’s, Carrigy’s, or Bradley’s, and following the step‑by‑step booking guide, you can ensure your wedding, festival, corporate meeting or school trip runs without a hitch.
Take advantage of the central Midlands location, plan ahead, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with professional coach services – your guests will thank you, and your event will be remembered for all the right reasons.