I will be a first time traveler to Ireland this summer. Can anyone help me with the following questions?
What is the quickest way to get from Belfast to Westport? Car, train, etc.?
Also, are there any issues or anything I should be aware of crossing from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland? Any special requirements or documents? What should we expect when crossing from one border into the other? For some reason I feel apprehensive.
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
So far, there are no border controls on land from Northern Ireland to Republic of Ireland (or Ireland as the purists insist).
This is due to a Common Travel Agreement between Ireland and the UK, separate from any EU agreement. Of course with Brexit, at some point there may be, you never know. Of course as a visitor, you should never cross borders without your Passport.
You may not even notice when you cross the border. Road signs and markings will change. As above, have your passport with you although you're unlikely to be asked for it.
Belfast-Westport is unfortunately an indirect trip as far as public transport options go. www.a-b.ie even suggests an option of travelling via Dublin!
It's a long journey to make in one go. I would think about spending time in Enniskillen, Donegal or Sligo to break it up a little, aswell as enjoying more of the countryside.
Train is a good way to go.
I visited these cities last March and enjoyed them both. I was on a tour so cannot comment on transportation between the two but can tell you the border crossing was similar to crossing state lines here in the States. We saw a sign and honestly if the tour director hadn’t mentioned it we might have missed it. Easy peasy. Just don’t forget Pounds Sterling in Northern Ireland and Euros in the Republic.
