Getting Around Ireland

Planning my trip I have found the website for Ireland's national bus company (Bus Eireann) incredibly useful. It has printable timetables even down to the smallest routes.

Busiest days seem to be Friday and Sunday.

This site also links directly to the train service (Iarnrod Eireann). The site is as useful but the network is nowhere as nearly comprehensive.

Typical fares:
Bus - Dublin to Waterford (one-way) EUR 10.50
Train - Dublin to Waterford (one-way) EUR 22

When you don't have a car Bus Eireann is a good substitute.The buses are very comfortable and you can get all sort of different passes that will make it cheap as well
The only problem is that to some destinations there are only 2 or sometimes just one connection a day but from what I understand they are rapidly improving this
Since I had only 16 days to see as much of Ireland as I could I even planed the bus times ahead through the internetsite of Bus Eireann and it all worked out perfectly.

The main tourist routes of the West of Ireland's Shannon Region are linked via the Killimer-Tarbert car ferry. This 20 minute journey across the Shannon Estuary will save 85 miles (137 km) from ferry terminal to ferry terminal.

Times may vary, check schedules.

1st April - 30th September Departure, Monday - Saturday, Sunday
every hour on the hour
07.00 - 21.00
09.00 - 21.00
Tarbert
every hour on the half hour
07.30 - 21.30
09.30 - 21.30
1st June - 30th September
(peak holiday season)
Two ferries operate, to give an additional half-hourly service between 10:30 and 18:00 from each side.

1st October - 31st March Departure- all week
every hour on the hour
07.00 - 19.00
10.00 - 19.00
Tarbert
every hour on the half hour
07.30 - 19.30
10.30 - 19.30

The ferry across the Irish Sea to Ireland from Fishguard, Wales to Rosslare is operated by Stena Lines. At the Rosslare Ferryport there is a rail and a bus station. You can rent cars and book bed and breakfast places there also.

We bought a ticket in London for the train to Fishguard and then Stena Lines across the Irish sea to Rosslare Harbor.

CROSSING TIME:
3 Hours 30 Minutes
CHECK IN TIME:
Individuals: 30 Minutes
Groups: 60 Minutes

For more info go to the Stena Lines website listed below.

The main airports are in Dublin, Cork & Shannon (there are several others including Knock & Kerry).

Dublin & Cork city centres can be quickly & easily reached by bus or taxi from the airports while Shannon is approximately half an hour outside Limerick city.

Driving is on the left hand side of the road & automatics are not very common when hiring a car. Irish roads can be narrow - drive slowly & enjoy the view!

Trains are usually the quickest way to get around however unless you are travelling between the main towns & cities the network is limited so bus is probably the best form of public transport if you wish to visit places off the beaten track.

I loved this site for finding places in Dublin. http://interactive2.iol.ie/maps/content/iolmap.asp
Spouse loved this site for driving instructions - like a USA AAA trip tik. http://www.theaa.com/travelwatch/inc/planner_main_redirect.jsp

You will be delighted to hear that the road network has improved HUGELY in the last couple of years with a first class Motorway network eg Dublin - Galway is now 2 hours - it used to be closer to 4. Cork - Dublin likewise, hours shaved off the travelling times.

Could I suggest www.theaa.com - GO TO Republic of Ireland on the Route Planner. It will give you exact travel times, plus you can print out the route as it is described step by step for you - saves you getting maps for your Sat Nav!

Good luck with that!

Conor

Good for you...and planning well ahead...I'm impressed! Why bother with a Tour Company??? The island's not that big, any places in particular you want to visit? Try www.buseireann.ie for Bus schedules and www.irishrail.ie for train options. If you book your tickets on-line they're cheap as chips, like €10 takes you across the country. Save your Euros for liquid refreshments ;-)