Hi. We are taking the 7 day tour of Ireland that starts in Ennis. We are thinking of flying to Dublin, then taking the train that day to Shannon to stay overnight and meet up with our RS group the following day. Thoughts, recommendations about train or bus to Shannon? Thank you.
Posted by
Chicago
555 posts
That's doable. I've taken the Dublin-to-Shannon train two times.
Could you switch your flight to land in Shannon? That way, you wouldn't be far from Ennis and could get there sooner.
In 1993, I visited Ennis and then would go on to revisit Ireland four more times over the years but without going to Ennis again. I wish I had revisited the town because it is one the two best medieval cities in Ireland (along with Kilkenny). Ennis is a lovely town with a lot of personality. You won't regret spending an extra night there if you could make it there one day sooner than planned.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
417 posts
Buses go nearly everywhere from the airport. Here is the page:
https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-bus
For the train, you need to go into the city (by bus) to Heuston Station to get the train.
If you're only staying one night, it makes sense to stay in the hotel the group will be using in Ennis (or wherever).
OTOH, if you can add some days, they are best spent in Dublin.
Posted by
West Michigan
136 posts
We took a RS 7 day tour, flew into Dublin arriving 6 AM,, walked to the bus area, and hopped on a bus to Killarney. Scenic 3 hour bus ride, chance to rest up a bit. Stayed in Killarney 2 days, took a Ring of Kerry bus tour (Paddywagon Tours), then took another bus to Ennis. McSweeney Arms hotel in Killarney was very nice. Short walk to the Tourist Office, where the Ring Of Kerry bus started.
Posted by
Midwest
540 posts
Ok did this tour in Aug. went to Dublin too since so much cheaper. Then took the Big Green bus to Ennis. Terrible terrible experience
First bus had no air. 3 1/2 hour ride in the summer packed with people. . Got off , second bus very late. Bus was in very, very bad shape. Extremely dirty and seats broken. I am not picky but it was terrible.
Next day used them to go to another site. Way out they were an hour late. Way back an hour and half late. . Dublin coach is their official name. If I save one person from our frustration my work is done. Ha
I don’t think there is a train from one airport to another. And if you are going to bus might as well go to Ennis.
If I had to do again would go to Galway I believe you can by train. Stay the night then go to Ennis. Try to see some of Ennis before the tour. The tour does not spend any time there.
Great tour. Amazing guide. Enjoy
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1406 posts
Back in 2018 we had a friend who missed their connection in Atlanta so they arrived in Dublin a day late. They caught up with us by riding the bus from Dublin Airport to Ennis and said it was a good experience.
Posted by
Midwest
540 posts
I wonder if the bus service has changed since Covid and 2018. Our experience was terrible and I would really suggest finding another way. This was in late Aug 2024
Posted by
Lake District, England
7831 posts
I've taken the Dublin-to-Shannon train two times
The poster meant to say they had taken the Dublin to Ennis train, as Shannon has no rail station.
That always means at least one change at Limerick. Most of the time it means a 2nd change (off a Cork bound train) at Limerick junction.
At certain times of the day the fastest route is to take a Galway bound train as far as Athenry, changing onto a Limerick bound train down the west coast of Ireland.