Getting Around Ireland
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient buses and Luas trams for Dublin and Cork. Rural: Rent a car for Wild Atlantic Way exploration. Coast: Buses and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Dublin to your destination.
Train Travel
Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann)
Efficient train network connecting major cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick with regular services.
Cost: Dublin to Cork €40-60, journeys 2-3 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via Irish Rail app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Irish Explorer Pass offers unlimited travel for 3 days (€110), 5 days (€160), or 8 days (€220) within a month.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, Irish Rail website, or official app with instant activation.
Intercity Options
DART and commuter lines connect Dublin suburbs and coastal areas, with links to Belfast via Enterprise service.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Dublin Stations: Main station is Dublin Heuston for west/south, Connolly for north/east.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring rural areas and the Ring of Kerry. Compare rental prices from €30-60/day at Dublin Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 120 km/h motorways.
Tolls: M50 Dublin toll €3.10, other motorways like M7 require e-toll tags or cash.
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts require yielding to traffic inside.
Parking: Disc zones in cities, metered parking €2-4/hour, free outside urban areas.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.70-1.90/liter for petrol, €1.60-1.80 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Dublin during rush hours and around holiday periods.
Urban Transport
Dublin Luas & DART
Dublin Luas Trams & DART
Two Luas lines (Red/Green) cover Dublin, single ticket €2-3, Leap Card day pass €10, 10-journey €16.
Validation: Tap in/out with Leap Card or contactless, fines for non-validation.
Apps: TFI app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Dublin Bikes sharing scheme in Dublin and other cities, €5-10/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths in cities and along Wild Atlantic Way coastal routes.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
Bus Éireann nationwide, Dublin Bus urban, and Go-Ahead operate comprehensive networks.
Tickets: €2-3 per ride, buy from driver or use Leap Card/contactless.
Coastal Services: Routes connect west coast towns like Galway to Cliffs of Moher, €5-15.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train/bus stations in cities for easy access, central Dublin or Galway for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like St. Patrick's Day.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Ireland including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Vodafone, Three Ireland, and Eir offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0, daylight saving March-October (IST, UTC+1).
- Airport Transfers: Dublin Airport 10km from city center, bus to center €7 (30 min), taxi €20-30, or book private transfer for €30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (€5-8/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and buses accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to narrow paths.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large €5), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for €5, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Ireland
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Dublin Airport (DUB): Primary international gateway, 10km north of city center with bus connections.
Cork Airport (ORK): Regional hub 8km south, bus to Cork €3 (30 min).
Shannon Airport (SNN): West coast airport with US pre-clearance, convenient for Kerry/Limerick.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into London or Manchester and taking ferry/train to Ireland for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and Norwegian serve Dublin and regional airports with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.