JJ Kavanagh & Sons Reviews 

215
•
TrustScore 2 out of 5

2.0

While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more

To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more

Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 48 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Travelers frequently complained about severe delays, completely unpunctual timetables, and buses passing local stations without picking up waiting crowds standing out in the cold weather. Many passengers also expressed deep frustration regarding rude driver behavior, a total lack of communication, and highly unreliable service when trying to reach important events. Some reviewers were happy with the professional drivers, clean buses, and friendly assistance provided during their regular daily journeys. A few consumers also noted positive interactions when customer support representatives efficiently resolved booking issues and safely returned lost personal belongings via post.

What people talk about most

Service

Customers had ambiguous experiences with service, as many reviewers reported severe delays, missed buses, and... See more

Staff

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of staff, as experiences vary dramatically between individuals. While... See more

Location

People report ambiguous experiences with location, frequently highlighting severe difficulties regarding... See more

Customer service

Clients share ambiguous opinions on customer service, with many praising helpful staff for their outstanding... See more

Delivery service

Reviewers express deep frustration regarding the delivery service, frequently highlighting severe delays and... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I've been using the 717 (Dublin/Clonmel) JJ Kavanagh service on a regular basis over the last number of weeks and have been highly disappointed with the service and punctuality of departures.... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I had a bad experience with a bus driver on one of their buses. I asked the bus driver would he open the luggage door so I could put my luggage in the compartment. He completely ignored me and didn’t... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Useless ! Trying to collect my daughter off the bus in Paulstown. The live bus tracker says she is just arriving in Paulstown - I ring her and she’s on the quay in Waterford ! Live bus... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Every single time I take the 139 bus it is extremely delayed. An awful experience every single time. If the bus timings were live this would help greatly as to not have many people standing out in the... See more


Company details

  1. Bus company

Written by the company

Founded in 1919 by James and Mollie Kavanagh, JJ Kavanagh & Sons began as a small, family-run business with a single bus serving local routes in the rural town of Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny. From these modest beginnings, we have grown into one of Ireland’s foremost coach operators, renowned for our unwavering commitment to safety, reliability, and innovation. Over the past century, we have transformed the coach travel industry, adapting to the changing needs of our passengers while never compromising on the quality of service. Today, we operate over 300 services daily, transporting more than 3.5 million passengers annually across Ireland, connecting cities, towns, and rural areas with ease. An extra-ordinary journey At JJ Kavanagh, we understand that travel is more than just getting from one point to another—it’s about the experience. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing a travel experience prioritising passenger comfort, safety, and sustainability. Our fleet is one of the most modern in Ireland, equipped with the latest technology and safety features to ensure you arrive at your destination smoothly and securely. Backed by a team of over 200 dedicated professionals, we’re proud to be a company that travellers trust to deliver safe, reliable, and comfortable journeys.


Contact info

2.0

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

215 reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

No recent history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 5% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 24 hours

How this company uses Trustpilot

See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.

2.0

All reviews

(215)

48 reviews in the last 12 months

Write a review
Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Stolen Luggage

Your luggage can so easily be stolen and they take ZERO responsibility.

I got the bus from dooleys hotel Waterford at 7am to Dublin airport. I now know that before the bus even left, my luggage got stolen. I know that no one got off the bus at this stop so someone must’ve came along and took not just my case, but another passengers aswell.

JJ kavanagh have done absolutely nothing about this and claim to have zero responsibility even though the driver was inside the bus chatting, instead of at the luggage area watching over your luggage.

I have gone to the guardi but there’s no way I’m getting my luggage back even if they find the guy. Jj Kavangh have offered me a free one year pass for the bus, but obviously I WILL NEVER BE USING THE BUS AGAIN and like most people, I would only use this bus 1/2 times a year. So this “gesture” feels like a bit of a slap in the face.

Hypothetically, I could also easily get on the bus and leave with my case, along with someone else’s. There is zero security and your luggage can so easily be taken.

NEVER use this bus if you plan on putting luggage in the luggage compartment, which they also only allow you to bring a carry on. So if you bring a suitcase, it’s just a roll of the dice.

8 January 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Consistently late on Dublin

Consistently late on Dublin - Clonmel route. Regularly waiting for 30 mins for the bus. The Clonmel bus departs Dublin airport at 6.30pm. The Waterford bus departs Dublin airport at 7pm and yet the Waterford bus arrives before the Clonmel bus at George's Quay. How is that possible given the 30 minute headstart the Clonmel bus has.
Some drivers are very good and quick to apologise - others will merely grunt "traffic".
The timetable needs to be adjusted. I have never had the bus arrive on time.
Buses are also invariably dirty - rubbish strewn around the bus.
My advice : take the train.

1 February 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My First Experience Travelling With JJ Kavanagh

Hi, it was my first time getting the 735 just a couple of days ago. I was travelling from port laois to red cow. It was a really nice and peaceful journey. Usually when getting on the normal Dublin buses, it's always noisy. But on this one it was quiet and I had a nice view of the greenery while passing by. The bus ran smoothly with no bumps and I didn't feel uncomfortable or unsafe at all with the speed. The bus driver was also really kind and helped me get off at the right stop when I notified him it was my first time travelling with them. It was a really nice experience and I will definitely travel with JJ Kavanagh again!

18 January 2024
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hi Neha,

I'm delighted to hear you describe your journey on our 735 coach as really nice and peaceful and that you could sit back and enjoy the scenery. Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review of your experience - we really appreciate it.

I hope we'll see you on board again soon,

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Hi I recently got the Cl1 bus with my…

Hi I recently got the Cl1 bus with my grandson in Clonmel, I noticed the driver was very helpful and friendly to everyone, elderly people were told to stay sitting until the bus stopped and mum’s with young children to take their time , I was very impressed , his name is Abdu thank you for a very pleasant journey.

8 January 2024
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hi Renee,

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this lovely 5-star review of our bus service and one of our dedicated drivers. It's much appreciated and we'll be sure to pass on the feedback!

Hope to see you on board again soon,

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Just a few improvements to work on

I get the 735 from the Red Cow to Roscrea every week return and I find it a very pleasant service, buses are rarely ever late,sometimes even early. Just a few things that could be worked on:
-Radio turned down
-Make sure toilet paper and soap in bathroom
-Be able to change ticket time a few mins before bus due instead of 2 hours.
- Once others and I had to sit on floor of bus as no seats.. very dangerous.. so if bus full get another bus on route
- Reduce fare of tickets 13-18 years old by more as it is barely cheaper than adults.
- Bus drivers need to slow down, even if they are late safety should always come first, but not sure if they understand this
- Buses shouldn't be allowed to leave 10 minutes before scheduled time as that is just silly and many people may miss bus (I know it says this in T and Cs but what is the reasoning)
Other than these issues I find it to be a good service.

2 January 2024
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hi Kate,

Thank you for the review and the lovely email we received this week! We really appreciate the 4 stars and the detailed feedback and looking forward to welcoming you back on board for 2024!

Kind regards,
Laura,
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service

Excellent service. Always on time or (early) bus driver's always courteous and help with suitcase.Wouldnt go with anyone else. Even when I email a query online.Always answered. Thankyou for all your great service.

1 January 2024
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hello Maureen, thanks so much! We really appreciate you taking the time to write such a wonderful review of our service. And we look forward to welcoming you back on board again soon!

Kind regards,

Laura,
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I frequently travel from Dublin to…

I frequently travel from Dublin to Nenagh on Kavanagh's bus. I've always been irritated by the radio noise. If you're trying to work, read, sleep, it is very intrusive, both for the volume and the terrible pop music. I've contacted Kavanagh's numerous times requesting that the radio be kept off. I now wear earplugs and still I can hear the radio noise. Kavanagh's is the only private bus company that I have experienced insisting that passengers like the music. The others provide silence.
On my most recent trip from Dublin and Nenagh there was a different driver and the radio was turned off the entire journey. For the first time in years, I could travel in blissful silence.
Still after reading the large volume of negative reviews, I must say that the 1:35 bus from George's Quay has always been on time and the driver polite. Other than the stressful radio noise, I've experienced very good service.

21 December 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hello Tamara,

Many thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us on the radio noise. We really appreciate the generally positive review of our services and I do take on board your feedback in relation to travelling in blissful silence. I have passed this feedback on to our team for review.

Kind regards,
Laura,
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Nicest bus driver ever

Nicest bus driver ever. Let me on with the wrong ticket time. Brought a woman to a stop that wasn't on the route. Legend

22 December 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hello Jordan,

We very much appreciate you taking the time to leave such a positive review for us! Many thanks and we look forward to welcoming you back on board for 2024!

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Business hours 9am-5pm Monday to Friday…

Business hours 9am-5pm Monday to Friday yet it's Tuesday and I can't get an answer at twenty to ten saying we are closed

12 December 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hi Johnny,

I am sorry you weren't able to get through to our customer service team at that time. Apart from public holidays, they are indeed our opening hours for both phone and email support so I hope your query was eventually resolved. If anything comes up again we recommend you email customerservice@jjkavanagh.ie for the fastest response.

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Reliable transport option

I use thisservice for around a year on route 735. Drivers are excellent. Kind snd with good driving skills. There is also live veiw for journey so it helps.

30 November 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hi Mateusz,

Thank you for taking time to leave us a 5-star review on the 735 service - it's very much appreciated! Looking forward to welcoming you on board for 2024.

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have just returned on the Dublin…

I have just returned on the Dublin Airport to Waterford bus. It was the 12.30 bus. The driver of this bus was just exceptional. What a gentleman. Helped everybody in any way he could, was a careful and mannerly driver. Well done to this man. Kavanaghs are very lucky to have such a wonderful member of staff. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Martina O Connor.

11 November 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hello Martina,

Many thanks for your detailed review of one of our drivers! We have passed on the review to our drivers and staff to highlight what exceptional service looks like. We really appreciate it when people take the time leave a positive review for great customer service.

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Got the 736 from Waterford up to Dublin…

Got the 736 from Waterford up to Dublin airport all was fine. When about to board on way home I double check if the route is going back the same way I.e. through Dublin as me and my friend plan on hopping off early in Dublin not Waterford. The driver says “no my first stop is carlow” I say “but would the way back not be the same as the way up” he said “no the way back is different” real snappy. What the driver didn’t know was my parents were also on board and did confirm with me over the phone that he did in fact go the same way home and did in fact stop in Dublin City and outside heuston station where he previously told us he wasn’t. I think he might have pre judged my friend as she had a travel pass in her hand. He was also refusing another woman whose child had a travel pass and eventually let her on after her begging. This man needs to be seriously investigated for his lying and outrageous behaviour. Tall man, rectangular glasses and dark hair. 736 route just be aware. I was also not refunded for the ticket I didn’t get to use that I paid for online as my return.
(My response to the below comment: he did stop though on the way up and down in multiple stops in Dublin City and I have photo evidence to prove this as my family were on board and said people hopped off and on at the Dublin City stops and it is advertised on the bus route timetable that you stop in Dublin City at multiple stops)

5 November 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hi Hannah,

We cannot pick up passengers from Dublin Airport and drop them off in Dublin city as we are not licensed to do so - other bus operators have this license. The bus driver was correct in saying he couldn't drop you off in Dublin city from the airport - however, by the sounds of it he could have explained this more politely and clearly to you and your friend and I do apologise if their tone was snappy and rude.

Free Travel passengers are always welcome on our services if there are available seats and they have their correct Free Travel pass with them.

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

UK trip

A group of 66 of us travelled to the UK with JJ Kavanagh coaches. Hans and Robert were gentlemen, we were punctual, safe and treated kindly.
Sheelagh in the office was a pleasure to deal with.

27 October 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hi Ber,

Many thanks for taking the time to leave a 5-star review for JJ Kavanagh & Sons coach hire. We look forward to working with you again whatever the occasion!

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I lost my phone on their 139 service…

I lost my phone on their 139 service from Blanchardstown to Naas. I called them up and they were super helpful in trying to locate it. They found it once the bus had come to its last stop in Naas. They were going to send it back on the next bus to Sallins but that would have been after their office had closed so one of the office workers went out of their way to drop my phone back to Sallins. Really impressed with how helpful they were. Great service!

24 October 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hi Abubakr,

Many thanks for your positive review - we really appreciate your feedback on your experience. It's never easy when you lose your phone and we're glad to be of assistance in getting it back to you.

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Lots of "poor" reviews- no surprise

Lots of "poor" reviews- no surprise! Certainly the 717 service (Clonmel to Dublin Airport) seems to depend on the competence of the driver (27/10/23 he knew nothing about road closures in Dublin tomorrow or about JJKavanagh's revised arrangements. Nor how to get through Kilkenny,due to a road closure. The passengers had to guide!)Always late, in my experience. Sometimes rude and incompetent drivers. Buyer beware!

28 October 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hi Pat,

We value all feedback including the "poor" reviews, as it's a way for us to understand where we might make improvements and offer a better service for customers.

We email all passengers with pre-booked tickets of any scheduled delays to services, such as the Dublin marathon and update our website blog and social platforms to allow people to plan.

If you feel any driver does meet your expectations of politeness or competence we ask you to please email customerservice@jjkavanagh.ie to detail the incident with the route number, and time of boarding and hopping off so we review.

You might find it helpful to know that our mobile app and website give real-time information on the exact location of our buses so they can see what time the bus is due to their stop https://realtime.jjkavanagh.ie/.

Hope this helps, please email customerservice@jjkavanagh.ie with any further queries and we'll do our best to help.

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

It’s so bad

It’s so bad, buses are always late. Wouldn’t count on the airport bus from Waterford ever. Plus. 7 euro for a single student ticket is a bit steep considering the train is 4.50 same journey. Don’t travel with them if you can avoid it.

27 October 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hi Peter,

Many people rely on the airport bus from Waterford to Dublin Airport - we have over 118 services to Dublin Airport daily. We do have to use regular roads and there are sometimes traffic delays so we highly recommend that people plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to their boarding time to allow some flexibility.

If you are a student you can apply for the YAC card and get 50% off your ticket - you can find out more here: https://students.jjkavanagh.ie/young-adult-card/

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bus late by 30 mins

Bus late by 30 mins. 717 Clonmel to Dublin. Bus driver sat in the bus on his phone while we waited to get on mind you. Knowing full well passengers there waiting.
Bus driver ignorant and unapologetic. Many passengers late for airport flights or some even missed flights.
ABSOLUTELY DISGRACFUL.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS

27 October 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hi Mary,

It doesn't sound like you had a good experience there with one of our drivers - it would be much appreciated if you emailed customerservice@jjkavanagh.ie to make a formal submission with the date and time of service so we can review.

In relation to the airport, we recommend that passengers plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to their flight boarding time to allow for any events such as heavy traffic etc.

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

20.30 bus from Dublin airport with…

20.30 bus from Dublin airport with driver Abdul was exactly on time on 20 th October.The driver was courteous helpful and friendly . The bus was very comfortable and warm , and we arrived at our destination more or less on time taking into account the severe weather condition that night .
I think Kavanaghs bus is a wonderful service ,perhaps you may consider including Carrick on suir on your route.Thank you Abdul for getting us to our destination safely .
Eithne Brazel Ck on suir .

20 October 2023
Unprompted review
JJ Kavanagh & Sons logo

Reply from JJ Kavanagh & Sons

Hello Eithne,

Thank you for this great review of our services! We really appreciate you taking the time to leave your positive feedback. And we've taken note of your service suggestion!

Kind regards,
Laura
JJ Kavanagh & Sons

The Trustpilot Experience

Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.

We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.

Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.

Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.

Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.

Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.

Take a closer look