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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

One Family Who Saw It All On Their Private Ireland Tour

8th July 2025
VagaGuide John tells the story of the Davidson clan’s epic private Ireland tour. 💯 What Makes A Great Private Ireland Tour? 🏰 Surprise! The Gang Visit An Ancestral Castle 🧭 The Davidsons’ Private Tour Kicks Off In Northern Ireland 🥃 The Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Distillery 🌳 Derry City and Glenveagh National Park 🥂 Toasting Our Private Ireland Tour - Vagabond Style! ✅ What To Expect From A Private Tour of Ireland with Vagabond
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John's 10 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 🥔 All Hale The Potato! 💪 Treat Stout Like A Health Drink ☕ Brew Your Tea Strong 🍟 Chips = Crisps. Fries = Chips 🍗 Any Day Can Be Sunday Roast Day! 🥖 The Infamous Chicken Fillet Roll
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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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🎃 ENJOY DISCOUNTED IRELAND TOURS IN OCTOBER 2026| BOOK NOW

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