Tips in Ireland for bus driver?

[BobHatcher]

I am heading to Ireland for a week in August through a tour operator. There are twelve of us and we will have a private bus/van to take us from course to course. The tour administrators tell us "In relation to Driver Gratuity we always recommend a minimum of 12 to 15 Euros per person per day."

 

That seems like a lot of money to me for a bus driver. For a dozen people that is about 150 Euros a day ($170) Tripadvisor says that there is not a strong tipping culture in Ireland but if you think it's appropriate then 10% is about right. Given that, are we really paying 120 Euros each for the bus each day?

 

Does anyone have any advice on this?

 

Thanks,

 

Bob

[duffer987]

Yes you really are.

Pay it.

 

Assuming you're with a proper operator, you're not just getting a coach driver, you are effectively getting a minder/baby sitter for the length of your trip. You are paying how much for the trip overall and you're looking to nickle and dime to save a 100 Euros?

 

TBH we always drive and organize ourselves, but last year I joined up with some well heeled East Coast country club US golfers for a round in Ayr and their coach driver was clearing waaaaaay above a tenner/day per person.

 

Once you commit to a holiday, worrying about cost is pointless. If it's such a worry just stay home and save the group from having to hear about how much everyone is paying for their coach driver.

[BobHatcher]

You clearly got up on the wrong side of the bed and need a lesson in tact and diplomacy. Why so rude? I've not done this before and I was just asking a question. I am not looking to nickle and dime anyone. I've been a professional ski instructor for a very long time and I guarantee you there are not many pros who average $170/day in tips for a job that is much harder and requires much more skill than driving a bus. It just seems like a lot of money.