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Johnboy

John McKiernan is Reservations Supervisor at Vagabond. He was previously a driver guide for Vagabond and, fadó fadó, 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

The exterior off the Grand Canal Hotel on a sunny day

Where To Stay In Dublin? The Best Dublin Hotel Recommendations.

5th June 2025
Where to stay in Dublin? Discover the best areas to stay in Dublin, plus expert hotel recommendations and local tips. Travel expert John goes through his favourite hotels in each neighbourhood, including maps and tips on where to avoid. 📍 The Best Hotels In Dublin For Our Tours 🥜 The Grand Canal Hotel In A Nutshell ♻️ Best Green Hotel in Dublin 🏨 Best Areas To Stay In Dublin Near The Grand Canal Hotel 🚉 Best Hotels in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock Area ☕ 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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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 2026. Travel expert John explains why value lies at the heart of Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland. 🗓️ 23 Years of Experience Leading Small-Group Tours 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Small-Group = Personal Service 🕗 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 😋 Hotel Breakfasts In Ireland A Personal Highlight For Me 🛏️ Irish Hotel Bed Sizes Do NOT Match US Bed Sizes 🚽 Get Ready The Subtle Nuances Of Irish Hotel Bathrooms 👕 It Is Possible To Do Laundry On Tour
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Couple exploring colourful shops in Kilkenny, Ireland

Understand Sales Tax In Ireland & Get A VAT Refund

25th June 2024
What is VAT? Travel expert John helps you understand Irish sales tax and how you can claim it back after your vacation to Ireland. Sales Tax And VAT Refunds In Ireland At A Glance 🤔 What is VAT Exactly? 📉 Different VAT Rates Sometimes Apply 💰 Is VAT Charged Separately? 🤑 How To Save On VAT
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Female tour guests with Vagabond tour guide smiling at a kayaking centre

7 Reasons Guided Tours Go Beyond Self-Drive

16th April 2024
Less hassle. More friends. Freedom in spades. Compare how small-group guided tours measure up against self-drive vacations in Ireland with this helpful guide. Tours Vs. Self-Drive in Ireland 💰 Tours Are MORE Economical. Fixed Pricing Vs. Astronomical Rental Quotes, Gas, Insurance PLUS Other Fees 📸 You'll See MORE On Tour With Us Than You Would Driving. Let An Expert Guide You! 🗺️ Flexible Tour Itineraries With Choice & Downtime Built-In. Real Independence! 😎 Less Hassle. No Need To Adapt To Driving Stick, Driving On The Left Or Different Road Layouts 🙌 Be More Sociable! Ready-Made Travel Buddies On Tour And The Chance To Meet Friendly Locals 🗺️ No Fiddling With Maps Or GPS. See The REAL Ireland. All The Must-See Sights PLUS Our Secret Destinations. 🕖 Skip Queues At Major Attractions. We Time Arrivals Outside Peak Hours. ✔️ Little Or No Research Involved. We've Been Exploring Ireland Since 2002!
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Exterior of Roxford Lodge Hotel in Dublin, a redbrick building with blue sky

John's Alternative Guide To Dublin Hotels Outside The City Centre

15th February 2024
Having trouble finding reasonably-priced hotels in Dublin? Travel expert John has the answer; base yourself outside the the city centre. Use John's guide to book high quality Dublin accommodation and learn the best ways to reach downtown. Alternative Dublin Hotels At A Glance 🏟️ Avoid The Events On This Calendar In 2025 📍 Orient Yourself With This Dublin Hotel Map 🏨 Alternative Dublin Hotels That Are Still Quite Central 🧭 Hotels Located South and West of Dublin City Centre 🚐 Note That All Tours Begin and End at the Grand Canal Hotel
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