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Johnboy

John McKiernan is Reservations Supervisor at Vagabond. He was previously a driver guide for Vagabond and, fadΓ³ fadΓ³, a hiking guide and travel agent. Johnboy loves to share his passion for Ireland, his knowledge of Irish culture and his in-depth travel expertise.

Blog Articles

John's 9 Unbreakable Traditional Irish Food Rules

26th June 2025
Our Irish food and travel expert, John, navigates your path through the rules of eating in Ireland. Traditional Irish Food Rules At A Glance 🍳 Eat Dinner For Breakfast 🍞 Make Sure You Munch All 1,387 Irish Bread Varieties 🧈 Speaking of Bread, Spread Your Butter Thick 🍲 Try A Different Chowder In Every Village πŸ₯” All Hale The Potato! πŸ’ͺ Treat Stout Like A Health Drink β˜• Brew Your Tea Strong 🍟 Chips = Crisps. Fries = Chips πŸ— Any Day Can Be Sunday Roast Day! πŸ₯– The Infamous Chicken Fillet Roll
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The exterior off the Grand Canal Hotel on a sunny day

What Are The Best Hotels & Areas To Stay In Dublin Before & After Your Tour?

5th June 2025
What’s the best area to stay in Dublin? Discover travel expert John's favourite hotels in each neighbourhood, including maps and tips on where to avoid. πŸ“ The Best Hotels In Dublin For Our Tours πŸ₯œ The Grand Canal Hotel In A Nutshell ♻️ Best Green Hotel in Dublin 🏨 Best Areas To Stay In Dublin Near The Grand Canal Hotel πŸš‰ Best Hotels in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock Area β˜• Dublin’s Northumberland Rd/Baggot St Area 🍻 Temple Bar/St Stephen’s Green Area ✈️ Best Hotels Near Dublin Airport ❌ Where NOT To Stay in Dublin
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Dublin Airport

How Do I Get From Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre?

8th May 2025
Read John's guide to the taxis, buses and tickets that will get you from Dublin Airport to downtown Dublin City. Getting From Dublin Aiport To Dublin City Centre At A Glance πŸš– Our Recommended Option: Taxi 🚏 Alternative Option 1. Aircoach 🚍 Alternative Option 2. Dublin Express πŸ’š Dublin Travel Card - Visitor LEAP Card
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Tron tour vehicle on a scenic beach in Northern Ireland

No Better Time To Book The Best Value Ireland Tours

28th November 2024
No better place to escape to than Ireland. No better time to come than 2025. Travel expert John explains why value lies at the heart of Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland. πŸ—“οΈ 23 Years of Experience Leading Small-Group Tours πŸ§‘β€πŸ€β€πŸ§‘ Small-Group = Personal Service πŸ•— Full Days on Tour & Amazing Reviews  
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Johnboy's Guide To Hotels In Ireland: What To Expect

6th September 2024
Hotels in Ireland have their own unique charm. We hand-pick our accommodation providers so you always get the best possible experience. Travel expert Johnboy is here to explain it all. Let's dive in! What To Expect In Hotels In Ireland At A Glance 🦱 Hotels Have Hairdryers & Wifi (But Rarely Aircon) ⚑ Power Sockets In Irish Hotels Are A Little Different πŸ˜‹ Hotel Breakfasts In Ireland A Personal Highlight For Me πŸ›οΈ Irish Hotel Bed Sizes Do NOT Match US Bed Sizes 🚽 Get Ready The Subtle Nuances Of Irish Hotel Bathrooms πŸ‘• It Is Possible To Do Laundry On Tour
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Female tour guest raises her eyebrows and widens her eyes at the camera while sipping from an Irish coffee

Tipping In Ireland: How Much?

12th July 2024
When should you tip in Ireland? How much? And who should you definitely NOT tip? Ireland travel expert, Johnboy, has the answers. TIPPING IN IRELAND AT A GLANCE πŸ˜‹ Tipping in Irish Restaurants and Pubs πŸ’³ Can I Use A Credit Card To Tip? πŸš– When Should I Tip Irish Taxi Drivers? What About Hotel Staff? 😎 Do I Tip My Tour Guide & Activity Suppliers On Tour?
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