I am doing a 21-day Ireland and UK trip this May/June. I will be in Ireland at the end of May for about eight days. I am going from Dublin to Galway to stay in Galway for a few nights and then back to Dublin. I know both train and bus go this route does anyone have experience with either and how to get the cheapest prices? I expect the bus will be cheaper but is it totally slow/horrible/uncomfortable? Any advice on these issues would be amazing. Thank you!
Kayla
The CityLink bus from Dublin to Galway is 2.5 hours, and one departs Dublin city center every hour. The buses have toilets and free wifi. You can buy the tickets for 11.50 euros each way if you purchase ahead of time online (an extra euro otherwise). Most of the drive is along the M4 or M6 highway. The train runs less frequently and costs more money (around 17 euros each way if purchased ahead of time online). It is slightly shorter (2.25 hours).
I've never taken that bus trip, but it should be good and will save you some money. Note that there are other bus companies out there (Bus Eireann, Go Bus, etc.). You should look into these too, but I believe CityLink is the cheapest.
The bus seats are surprisingly comfortable......light years better (and cleaner) than any in the states if you've ridden here. Actually, shockingly ENJOYED our bus trip.
Have you thought about renting a car? I’m in Galway now and we drove from Dublin today. It’s not too bad driving on the other side of the road and car once you get the hang of it. The highway system will take you straight from Dublin to Galway and back without having to drive on the narrow Irish roads. That being said, if you do choose to get a car, I would recommend getting off in at least one village along the way. The countryside is by far my favorite part of the trip so far.
