1. Definitions
a) Connect the Dots Tours of Ireland is the trading name of Mark Doherty Tours Limited, having its registered office at 4 Mariners Court, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin, Republic of Ireland. The company is incorporated in Ireland with limited liability, company registration number 661255.
In these Terms and Conditions, references to “Connect the Dots” shall be deemed to mean Mark Doherty Tours Limited.
b) The Client refers to the person or persons who have made a confirmed booking with Connect the Dots.
c) These Terms and Conditions do not affect your statutory rights.
2. Booking Acceptance
2.1 A booking is accepted only when Connect the Dots, or its agent, has received either:
A 10% deposit and confirmed the booking by email, where the booking is made more than 40 days before the tour departure date, or
Full payment and confirmed the booking by email, where the booking is made less than 40 days before the tour departure date.
No tickets will be issued until full payment has been received.
2.2 Upon receipt of payment, and subject to availability, Connect the Dots will reserve a place on the tour at its discretion. A binding contract is formed only when your booking is confirmed in writing by Connect the Dots or its appointed agent.
2.3 Acceptance of a booking is conditional upon each Client signing a Waiver of Liability, or having one signed on their behalf if under 18. A copy will be provided in advance and must be signed and presented to a Connect the Dots representative at the commencement of the tour.
Failure to sign the waiver will be treated as a cancellation by the Client and cancellation fees may apply.
3. Insurance
3.1 Travel insurance is not included in the tour price.
3.2 Connect the Dots strongly recommends that all Clients obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal belongings, money, and public liability.
Clients are responsible for ensuring that all activities undertaken during the tour are covered by their insurance. Certain activities may require specialist cover, and it is the Client’s responsibility to confirm this with their insurer.
Connect the Dots reserves the right to refuse participation if appropriate insurance has not been arranged. Connect the Dots accepts no responsibility for loss, damage, injury, or death.
4. Cancellation Policy
4.1 Cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation charges are calculated from the date written notice is received.
In addition to the cancellation charges below, Clients may incur fees from third-party suppliers booked in association with the tour.
Private Tours (Exclusive Use)
Notice Period
Refund Policy
Over 60 days before start date
Full refund excluding deposit, or tour may be rescheduled
30–60 days before start date
No refund, tour may be rescheduled
Under 30 days
No refund, tour cannot be rescheduled
Small Group Tours (Non-Private)
Notice Period
Refund Policy
Over 40 days before start date
Full refund excluding deposit, or tour may be rescheduled
30–40 days before start date
No refund, tour may be rescheduled
Under 30 days
No refund, tour cannot be rescheduled
4.2 Once a tour has commenced, no refunds will be made for unused services. Late arrivals or no-shows will be charged in full.
4.3 If the reason for cancellation is covered by the Client’s insurance, any claim must be made directly with the insurer.
4.4 Changes to departure dates must be requested at least 30 days in advance. Any non-refundable third-party costs remain payable by the Client.
5. Reservations
5.1 It is the Client’s responsibility to check the accuracy of travel dates upon receipt of documentation.
6. Changes by Connect the Dots
6.1 Price increases will be notified via agents or the website. Outdated promotional material will be removed where possible.
6.2 Connect the Dots reserves the right to reduce tour prices. The final price will always be confirmed prior to booking.
6.3 Tour itineraries are flexible and published itineraries are indicative only. Connect the Dots may vary routes, schedules, vehicles, or services without notice.
6.4 If a tour is cancelled by Connect the Dots, Clients will receive a refund of the tour price less any non-refundable elements, or be offered alternative arrangements. No compensation for incidental expenses will be paid.
6.5 Where access to a destination is restricted for reasons beyond Connect the Dots’ control, refunds will only apply if suitable alternatives cannot be offered, calculated on a pro-rata basis.
7. Tickets
7.1 Tickets are non-transferable.
7.2 Tickets and valid photo identification must be produced upon request.
8. Travel Conduct
8.1 Clients must comply with local laws and regulations. Failure to do so may result in removal from the tour without refund.
8.2 Clients must follow the instructions and decisions of the Connect the Dots representative at all times. Disruptive behaviour may result in exclusion from the tour without compensation.
9. Holiday Details and Conditions
9.1 Tours may be physically demanding. By booking, Clients confirm they are medically and physically fit to participate.
9.2 Any medical conditions, dietary requirements, or special needs must be disclosed in writing at the time of booking.
9.3 Clients are responsible for all medical costs incurred during the tour.
9.4 Clients are responsible for travel arrangements to and from the tour start and end points.
9.5 Clients must hold valid passports, visas, permits, and vaccinations.
9.6 Connect the Dots may use photographs or video taken during the tour for marketing purposes without further consent.
9.7 Complaints must be raised with the tour representative during the tour and submitted in writing within 28 days of completion.
9.8 Irish law governs this contract and the jurisdiction of the Irish courts applies.
9.9 If any provision is deemed unenforceable, the remainder remains valid.
9.10 Clients must be aged 18 or over unless otherwise agreed in writing.
9.11 Pets are not permitted. Service animals must be declared before booking.
9.12 Mobility aids must be disclosed before booking. Tours are not suitable for large wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
10. Weather Conditions and Force Majeure
10.1 Tours are weather-dependent. Connect the Dots accepts no responsibility for weather conditions.
10.2 Connect the Dots is not liable for delays or cancellations caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest, government action, or health emergencies.
Where possible, alternative arrangements will be offered. If not, the cancellation policy applies.
11. No Smoking Policy
11.1 Smoking is not permitted on any Connect the Dots vehicles.
12. General
12.1 These Terms and Conditions, together with the Waiver of Liability, form the entire agreement.
12.2 Connect the Dots may assign rights or obligations under this agreement at its discretion.
12.3 Third-party suppliers operate under their own terms and conditions. Connect the Dots accepts no liability for their actions but will assist where reasonably possible.
12.4 While care is taken to ensure accuracy, Connect the Dots is not responsible for typographical or printing errors.
13. Validity
13.1 All tours are operated by Mark Doherty Tours Limited, 4 Mariners Court, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin, Republic of Ireland, A96 XY31.
13.2 These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings made from 2020 to 2025.
14. Updates to Terms and Conditions
14.1 Mark Doherty Tours Limited reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Clients are responsible for reviewing the current version prior to booking.
