Bus...., Howth

This picture is actually in Dublin at the Bus Station just behind the Custom House North of the River Liffey. Bus Eireann is actually a long distance bus service, so you wouldn't take it to get to Howth or Malahide. Instead, you'd get on the Dublin Bus. You're looking for route 31 from Lower Abbey Street in Dublin. To Malahide, look for the 42 bus from Beresford Place in Dublin.

By the way, you have to have the exact fare for the bus in coins, not notes. The fares break down like this:
.80 euro for 1-3 stages
1.20 for 4-7
1.40 for 8-13
1.60 for 14-23
1.70 for over 23
2 euro for outside the city zone.

Don't worry, just have some change and the bus driver will help you. The bus drivers are really nice in Dublin!!

To get from Dublin Airport into Dublin to catch the DART to Howth, I'd planned to use the local bus service as I understood that this was around 2 euros instead of the 6 euros to pay on the Airport bus. As it happened, I couldn't find the local bus - ( I think the bus station was undergoing some renovation, so the bus stops seemed to be in temporary sites.
The bus station is opposite the Arrivals entrance, across the pedestrian crossing. There are some cafes and a newsagents shop in there.

As I was eager to get to Sutton and Howth, I decided to go back and get on the airport service 747. Whenever I've been to Dublin airport, there has always been at least a couple of these buses waiting for passengers, for the 25 minute journey.

There were staff on hand to advise on which was the best ticket to purchase. As I was only here for the day, my 6 Euro ticket was valid for a full day and also gave unlimited travel on the Dublin bus service (which would include my journey to Howth)

CLICK HERE for ticket options and prices.

The bus stops in Dublin at O'Connell Street, and the Bus Terminus, which is where I planned to catch the local bus to Howth. After waiting ages, and not seeing a bus to Howth, I caught the DART instead.

Plan your return to the airport with plenty of time to allow for the traffic (especially during 'rush hour' and when there are sporting events etc taking place.

You can get the No. 31 bus from Abbey st in Dublin that takes you all the way to Howth and Howth Head, as an alternative to the DART. Unlike the DART, the 31 bus will take you through the village and up to the Head, if you can't handle the uphill walk.