Work with Us

Owner Driver Guide

At Connect the Dots Tours of Ireland, we believe that the Driver Guide is the single most important ingredient of any great tour experience. Our guests return home with lifelong memories because of the people who lead them across this island.

If you are ready to put skin in the game, invest in your own high-quality vehicle, and elevate your role from Driver Guide to Owner Driver Guide, we are ready to reward you accordingly.

About the Role

We are currently seeking experienced Owner Driver Guides to operate our multi-day small group tours, with a primary focus on our flagship 11-Day Small Group Tour of Ireland.

You will be responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences while operating and managing your own compliant touring vehicle.

Daily Rate:

€1,200 per day (May 1st – Sept 30th)

€1,000 per day (Oct 1st – April 30th)

Key Responsibilities

As an Owner Driver Guide, you will:

  • Deliver outstanding, informative, and engaging guided tours
  • Safely operate and maintain your own touring vehicle
  • Represent Connect the Dots Tours of Ireland to the highest professional standard
  • Provide exceptional customer service throughout each tour
  • Manage daily schedules, routes, and guest logistics
  • Ensure full legal and regulatory compliance at all times
  • Maintain detailed records relating to vehicle, safety, and operations

Vehicle Requirements

All Owner Driver Guides must:

  • Own their own 19-seater minibus
  • Ensure the vehicle is no more than 5 years old
  • Maintain the vehicle to the highest mechanical and presentation standards
  • Ensure the vehicle is fully licensed, insured, and compliant for tour operations

Candidate Requirements

Successful applicants must demonstrate:

  • A minimum of 5 years’ professional driver guiding experience
  • Consistent 5-star reviews across platforms such as TripAdvisor, Google, and similar
  • Proven experience leading multi-day tours
  • Excellent storytelling, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Strong local and national knowledge of Ireland
  • A professional, reliable, and guest-focused approach

Compliance & Professional Standards

Owner Driver Guides are fully responsible for ensuring their business and vehicle are compliant with all relevant regulations, including:

  • ✔ Business setup & registration (Sole Trader or Limited Company)
  • ✔ Road Passenger Transport Operator Licence
  • ✔ LPSV licence for your vehicle
  • ✔ Annual CVRT & roadworthiness certification
  • ✔ Appropriate commercial passenger insurance
  • ✔ Correct driving licence (Category D1/D) and Driver CPC
  • ✔ Documented maintenance procedures
  • ✔ Up-to-date compliance records and contracts

No contract can be agreed without full compliance in place.

Schedule & Work Volume

  • All successful candidates receive their full yearly schedule by March
  • A minimum of 100 touring days per year is guaranteed
  • This is a full-season professional opportunity

If you are seeking occasional or very limited work, we are still interested in hearing from you, but this role is best suited to guides seeking consistent touring schedules.

Thinking of Buying Your First Bus?

This is very important to us.

We are also keen to hear from experienced Driver Guides who are considering purchasing their first touring vehicle and moving into an Owner Driver Guide role in the coming years.

If you have spent years working with reputable tour operators, consistently received 5-star feedback, and are planning to make the step up in 2027 or beyond, we would love to speak with you.

Making the transition from Driver Guide to Owner Driver Guide comes with challenges. While you will ultimately be responsible for compliance and operations, we are happy to offer guidance and advice based on our experience.

Before any contract can be agreed, the following must be in place:

  • ✔ Business setup & registration
  • ✔ Road Passenger Transport Operator Licence
  • ✔ LPSV for your vehicle(s)
  • ✔ Annual CVRT & roadworthiness
  • ✔ Appropriate commercial insurance
  • ✔ Correct driving licence and Driver CPC
  • ✔ Maintenance systems and documentation
  • ✔ Compliance records and contracts

Why Work With Connect the Dots?

  • Competitive daily rate reflecting your investment and professionalism
  • Guaranteed touring days
  • Clear annual scheduling
  • Supportive and collaborative working relationship
  • Focus on quality over volume
  • A company that values and respects exceptional guides

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds like the right next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.

Call: Mark Doherty – 086 810 8934
Email: [email protected]

Please include:

  • A summary of your guiding experience
  • Links to recent reviews
  • Details of your vehicle (if applicable)
  • Your current compliance status

We look forward to speaking with passionate professionals who share our commitment to delivering world-class Irish tour experiences.

Email: [email protected]