A Complete Guide to Coach Types in Ireland – Minibus, Luxury, Party Bus & More
Introduction
Whether you’re organising a school trip, a corporate retreat, a wedding convoy, or a night‑out party, coach hire in Ireland offers a vehicle for every occasion. The market is diverse, ranging from compact minibuses that fit a small family to massive luxury coaches that can accommodate a whole sports team. This guide breaks down the main coach categories you’ll encounter on IrishCoaches.ie, explains their typical capacities and features, and provides practical advice on how to pick the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Minibuses – The Flexible Workhorse
1.1 What is a minibus?
A minibus is a purpose‑built passenger vehicle that sits between a standard car and a full‑size coach. It usually has a low floor, large windows, and a simple interior layout that can be customised for luggage, wheelchair spaces, or standing room.
1.2 Common sizes in Ireland
| Seats | Typical Use | Example Providers |
|---|---|---|
| 8‑seater (Mercedes V‑Class) | Airport transfers, small group tours, private hire | Fitzpatrick Coaches, Dublin Day Tours |
| 16‑seater | Corporate shuttles, small school trips, sports clubs | Dave Long Coach Travel, Premier Coaches |
| 20‑seater | Corporate events, wedding parties, senior outings | Dave Long, Corduff Travel |
| 26‑seater (Midi coach) | Mid‑size school trips, museum tours, group outings | Dave Long, Fitzpatrick Coaches |
| 29‑33‑seater | Larger school groups, weekend getaways, small conference delegations | Fitzpatrick Coaches, Martin’s Coaches |
| 18‑seater (Mercedes) | Luxury private hire, executive transport, boutique tours | Fitzpatrick Coaches |
1.3 Key features
- Low floor for easy boarding, especially important for wheelchair users.
- USB charging points and Wi‑Fi on most modern minibuses.
- Air conditioning is standard; many have heated seats for winter travel.
- Optional wheelchair ramps and dedicated spaces to meet Irish accessibility standards (National Transport Authority, NTA).
1.4 When to choose a minibus
- Group size ≤ 20 people.
- Need for flexible pick‑up/drop‑off points (e.g., multiple school locations).
- Budget‑conscious trips: €150–€300 per day (incl. driver, fuel, basic insurance).
2. Standard Coaches – The All‑Rounder
2.1 Definition
Standard coaches are larger than minibuses but smaller than executive or luxury coaches. They typically have a high floor, luggage compartment, and a single aisle of seats.
2.2 Typical capacities
| Seats | Common Use | Example Providers |
|---|---|---|
| 33‑seat coach | Day tours, corporate outings, regional sports teams | Dave Long, Fitzpatrick Coaches |
| 39‑41‑seat coach | School trips, small to medium group tours | Fitzpatrick Coaches |
| 49‑53‑seat coach | Large school groups, multi‑day tours, conference delegations | Fitzpatrick Coaches |
| 55‑seat coach | Mid‑size corporate travel, tourist groups | Dave Long, Premier Coaches |
| 63‑87‑seat coach | Large school trips, major sports squads, group holidays | Dave Long (63‑87 seat “luxury” coach) |
| 92‑seat double‑deck coach | Massive school outings, national sports events | Dave Long (double‑deck) |
2.3 Features to expect
- Reclining seats with individual reading lights.
- Overhead luggage racks and a separate boot for larger items.
- Air conditioning/ heating, often with zone controls.
- On‑board entertainment (TV screens, Bluetooth audio) on newer fleets.
- Safety equipment: seat belts, fire‑extinguishers, first‑aid kits, and Euro 6 emission compliance (required for all new coaches in Ireland as of 2020).
2.4 Choosing a standard coach
- Ideal for groups 20–80 passengers.
- Good balance of capacity, comfort, and cost – expect €300–€700 per day for a 33‑seat coach, scaling up to €1,200–€1,800 for a 63‑seat model.
- Check whether the coach includes wheelchair‑accessible spaces if you have passengers with reduced mobility.
3. Luxury Coaches – Travel in Style
3.1 What makes a coach “luxury”?
Luxury coaches combine the space of a standard coach with premium amenities: leather upholstery, individual climate controls, enhanced suspension, on‑board Wi‑Fi, power outlets, and often a mini‑bar or refreshment service.
3.2 Popular capacities
| Seats | Typical Luxury Features | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 42‑seat luxury coach | Leather seats, USB/Power, Wi‑Fi, optional mini‑bar | Executive retreats, high‑end tours |
| 55‑seat luxury coach | Full‑size TV screens, conference‑style tables, climate zones | Corporate conferences, VIP sports teams |
| 63‑87‑seat luxury coach | Enhanced suspension, premium audio, optional on‑board bathroom | Multi‑day corporate tours, large VIP groups |
| 92‑seat double‑deck luxury | Luxury finishes on both decks, extended luggage space | National event convoys, large corporate delegations |
3.3 Example providers
- Fitzpatrick Coaches – 42‑seat and 55‑seat luxury coaches with USB charging and high‑grade leather.
- Travel Ireland Coaches – Offers a range of Euro 6 luxury coaches with on‑board Wi‑Fi.
- Tony Doyle Coaches – Executive luxury fleet for Dublin‑Wicklow routes.
3.4 When to splurge on luxury
- Corporate image matters (client transport, board meetings on the move).
- Long‑distance tours where passenger comfort is a priority (e.g., Wild Atlantic Way tours).
- Special occasions such as weddings or high‑profile sports events.
Cost range: €600–€1,500 per day for a 42‑seat coach; larger luxury coaches can exceed €2,500 per day, often inclusive of driver, fuel, and basic insurance.
4. Party Buses – The Mobile Nightclub
4.1 Definition
Party buses are essentially converted coaches designed for entertainment. They feature LED lighting, high‑power sound systems, dance floors, and sometimes themed décor for hen or stag parties.
4.2 Typical capacity
- 12‑seat party bus – The most common size on IrishCoaches.ie (see BookABus.ie). Seats are usually reclining and arranged around a small dance area.
4.3 Core amenities
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| LED party lights | Colour‑changing strips, strobe lights, and ambient lighting. |
| Sound system | Bluetooth connectivity, high‑output speakers, optional karaoke. |
| Mini‑bar | Small fridge for drinks (often supplied by the client). |
| Seating layout | Reclining seats that flip forward to create a standing space. |
| Safety | All seats have seat‑belts; drivers hold a full passenger‑transport licence. |
4.4 Ideal use cases
- Stag & hen parties, pub crawls, concert shuttles.
- Corporate team‑building events that want a fun twist.
- Wedding transport for the bridal party.
4.5 Pricing
- €800–€1,200 per day (includes driver, fuel, basic insurance). Additional charges may apply for themed décor or extended mileage.
5. Specialty Coaches – Beyond the Basics
| Type | Capacity | Typical Features | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair‑accessible coach | 20‑55 seats (with 2‑3 wheelchair spaces) | Low‑floor entry, ramp, secure wheelchair locks, wheelchair‑friendly restroom | Inclusive school trips, senior outings |
| Double‑deck coach | 92 seats | Two levels, high capacity, often used for national sports teams | Large school outings, national events |
| Executive/Executive‑luxury coach | 8‑20 seats | Leather seats, conference table, on‑board Wi‑Fi, minibar | High‑profile business travel |
| Eco‑coach (Hybrid/Electric) | 33‑55 seats | Low emissions, quiet operation, may qualify for Green Tax incentives | Environmentally conscious corporate travel |
6. How to Choose the Right Coach
6.1 Assess group size and luggage
- Count passengers (including drivers).
- Add 10‑15 % for extra space (especially for seniors or families with strollers).
- Estimate luggage weight – a rule of thumb is 15 kg per passenger plus any large items (e.g., sports equipment).
6.2 Consider journey length
- ≤ 2 hours: Standard or minibus is sufficient.
- 2‑5 hours: Look for reclining seats, air‑conditioning, and on‑board restroom (luxury or larger coach).
- > 5 hours: Prefer luxury or double‑deck coaches with enhanced suspension and on‑board entertainment.
6.3 Accessibility needs
- Verify that the coach complies with NTA accessibility guidelines (ramp, wheelchair spaces, handrails).
- For mixed groups, a standard coach with a dedicated wheelchair bay is often the most cost‑effective solution.
6.4 Budget constraints
| Coach type | Approx. daily cost* | Ideal budget range |
|---|---|---|
| Minibus (8‑20) | €150‑€300 | €0‑€400 |
| Standard coach (33‑55) | €300‑€700 | €400‑€900 |
| Luxury coach (42‑87) | €600‑€2,000 | €900‑€2,500 |
| Party bus (12) | €800‑€1,200 | €1,000‑€1,500 |
| Specialty (double‑deck, eco) | €1,200‑€2,800 | €1,500‑€3,000 |
*Prices vary by season, mileage, and extra services (e.g., driver overtime, insurance upgrades).
6.5 Check licensing and insurance
- All commercial coaches in Ireland must hold a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence.
- Ensure the provider offers comprehensive third‑party insurance and the option for additional passenger liability cover.
- For party buses, confirm the driver has a Category D licence and a valid Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence).
6.6 Environmental considerations
- Euro 6 engines are mandatory for new coaches (2020).
- Hybrid or electric coaches qualify for Reduced Vehicle Tax (RVT) and may be cheaper to run on long routes.
- Ask the provider about fuel‑efficiency and carbon offset programmes if sustainability is a priority.
7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Hire
- Book early – especially for peak tourist months (June‑August) and major events (All‑Ireland Finals, St. Patrick’s Day).
- Confirm mileage limits – many contracts include a set number of kilometres; excess mileage can add €0.30‑€0.50 per km.
- Ask about driver breaks – drivers are required to rest after 4.5 hours of driving; plan stops accordingly.
- Inspect the coach on arrival – check seat belts, lighting, and cleanliness before the journey begins.
- Clarify cancellation policy – most companies charge a 20‑30 % fee if cancelled less than 48 hours before the hire.
- Provide a detailed itinerary – the driver can optimise routes, reducing fuel costs and travel time.
- Consider a “night‑out” insurance add‑on for party buses to cover any accidental damage during celebrations.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the minimum booking time for a coach? | Most companies require a 24‑hour notice for short trips, but a 7‑day notice is standard for multi‑day tours. |
| Can I customise the interior (e.g., add a projector)? | Yes – many luxury and executive coaches allow on‑board AV equipment for an extra fee. |
| Are drivers allowed to assist with luggage? | Professional drivers will help load and unload luggage, but heavy or hazardous items may incur additional charges. |
| Do coaches have Wi‑Fi? | Most luxury and many standard coaches include Wi‑Fi; minibuses may only have USB charging. |
| What happens if the coach breaks down? | Reputable providers have 24‑hour roadside assistance and a spare vehicle policy. Confirm this before signing. |
Conclusion
Ireland’s coach‑hire market offers a spectrum of vehicles that can be tailored to any group size, budget, and occasion. From the nimble 8‑seat minibuses perfect for airport transfers, through the versatile 33‑seat standard coaches for day tours, to the high‑end luxury coaches and party buses that turn travel into an experience, there’s a coach for every need. By understanding capacities, key features, and regulatory requirements, you can confidently select the right vehicle, keep costs under control, and ensure a safe, comfortable journey for all passengers.
Happy travelling, and may your next Irish adventure be as smooth as a freshly‑tuned coach on the Wild Atlantic Way!