Nolan Coaches’ passenger-first policy celebrated
15/05/2025
For eight-and-a-half decades and counting, passengers have always been the No.1 priority at Nolan Coaches – one of Ireland’s oldest and best coach and bus hire operators. Regular award winners, this exceptional third-generation family business has been shortlisted in the ‘Passenger Transport Company of the Year’ category at the 2025 Irish Logistics & Transport Awards.
Proven industry leaders and recent winners of the Coach Hire Business of the Year and All Ireland Coach Hire Company of the Year at the Business Excellence Awards and Business All Star Awards, representatives of Nolan Coaches will be in attendance at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry on Thursday, February 27th when the cream of Ireland’s logistics and transport community assembles to celebrate the annual Irish Logistics & Transport Awards.
Nolan Coaches - the premier choice for reliable and professional private coach hire services in Dublin and beyond – has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Passenger Transport Company of the Year’ award much to the obvious delight of chief executive Garrett O’Toole:
“It’s our first time to put ourselves forward for the Irish Logistics & Transport Awards and we are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted,” he told Irish Trucker, Bus & Light Commercials magazine. “Hopefully we will take home the award on the night. We’ve been lucky enough to win a number of industry awards over the past few years – including the Business All Stars, Business Excellence Awards, Public Sector Awards, etc. It’s always nice to win them. We’re looking forward to February 27th and hopefully we can add another one.”
It’s all about the fives at Nolan Coaches in 2025 as the business is conveniently located in Clonshaugh just five minutes from Dublin Airport (with a second depot in Rathcoole), currently running a magnificent fleet of 65 vehicles, generating direct employment for a team of 75 and celebrating an incredible 85 years in business!
The trusted partner for Irish coach and bus hire services in the Dublin area and also nationwide, whether you require transportation for corporate events, school trips, weddings, tours, or any other occasion, Nolan Coaches have the perfect vehicle to suit every need.
The 65-strong fresh, modern and varied fleet is manned by vastly-experienced and highly-skilled, passenger-friendly professional drivers, immaculately presented and courteous, in keeping with Nolan Coaches’ non-negotiable prerequisite of prioritising best-in-industry customer service above all else. As a family-run business with over three generations of experience, they take pride in invariably offering top-quality, safe, value-added and comfortable (all buses are fresh, immaculate, modern, stylish, spacious and include Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, air-conditioning and an array of other modern conveniences) transportation solutions tailored to even the most discerning needs.
Established in 1940 by Jimmy Nolan, the company has a rich history of serving the community with dedication and excellence. Today, under the leadership of David Nolan and Garrett O’Toole, they continue to uphold their commitment to providing exceptional coach-hire services to valued customers.
While an exceptional fleet - including double-decker buses - is at the heart of the business, Garrett agrees that the vehicles would be of little value without good drivers behind the wheel, and points out that being shortlisted for an Irish Logistics & Transport Award reflects the brilliance of the team that has been assembled down through the years, nay decades:
“It certainly does and we wouldn’t be anything without them. Our drivers and all other staff members do great work all the time and the success of the business – be it in looking after customers or winning awards – is all down to them. They deserve all the credit.”
Do a lot of headaches come with the challenge of running a business with 65 staff and 75 vehicles? “No, not at all. We genuinely enjoy what we do and once you are enjoying yourself, it doesn’t feel like you are working. That enthusiasm allows us to invest more energy into the business and specifically into maximising customer service.
“Experience obviously helps, too. The longevity is there as we’ve been in operation for 85 years and have generations of knowledge.”
From Volvos to Tourismos and Ford Transits, Nolan Coaches’ impressive fleet (from 83-seaters down to nine-seaters) features luxury coaches, modern buses and executive mini-coaches in various sizes and styles, ensuring that they meet the diverse needs of customers.
Eco-friendly electric buses ensure sustainable travel options for contract coach hire, while Dublin Airport transfers provide seamless journeys. Operating across Ireland, Nolan Coaches specialise in golf tours, university trips, and conference coach hire. Integrated with ferry bookings and real-time tracking, they can guarantee convenience and reliability for all transportation needs.
Regular, proactive investment in fleet upkeep and replenishment keeps Nolan Coaches at the very forefront of the industry: “We are constantly replenishing the fleet and to this end will be adding 18 new vehicles in 2025, twelve of which are minibuses,” Garrett reveals. “We provide a complete range of passenger transportation solutions, from tours to shuttle services, school trips, airport transfers, staff tripz and sports events … whatever is needed, we will provide.”
The secret behind navigating an industry-leading, award-winning private coach and bus hire company through the winding roads of eight and a half oftentimes tumultuous decades? “Turning up on time with good buses and well-presented drivers, and providing the exact service that people want,” Garrett replies instantly. “We pride ourselves on being professional and dependable. Customer service is a big thing with us and that extends beyond the journey itself. We’re a family business with a personal touch and we always answer the phone and look after people.”
Nolan Coaches,
Unit 18,
Block 5,
Port Tunnel Business Park,
Clonshaugh,
Dublin 17.
Tel: 01 847 3487
Email: [email protected]
Web: nolancoaches.ie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nolancoaches
First published in Irish Trucker magazine March/April 2025, Vol 28-2
