We are planning to travel to Ireland for a couple weeks at the end of September - we're traveling without a rental car. Our thought is to travel from Dublin to Galway for a few days during our stay and do some tours from there (to be determined). It looks like we could go by train or bus. Does anyone have thoughts on which would be preferable? Both seem to take about the same amount of time and I don't think the costs are too different. We generally prefer trains but the buses from central Dublin seem pretty convenient. Thanks!
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
2211 posts
Train. Buy tickets in advance. Heuston station is a mile and a half or so west of the main tourist areas. Easy to reach by bus or tram.
https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-ireland.htm
The only reason to take the bus is if you're going directly from the airport. Even then, some folks will say go into the city and get the train.
Posted by
Chicago
4630 posts
I always prefer trains. I took the train last year Dublin to Galway and back to Dublin.
My trip report might give you ideas. I had 2+ weeks using public transportation and small tours.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-ireland-may-2025-my-trip-report
Posted by
San Franciso Bay Area, USA
1242 posts
Second vote for train. We were in Dublin two weeks ago. It is an easy journey, drops you in the center of Galway. You can see wonderful views along the way. My only advice is to book in advance and get assigned seats. Our train was completely full (we left at 11:30) and we wouldn’t have been able to get tickets on the fly.
Posted by
OP
15 posts
Thanks for the input - the train sounds like the way to go. The Man in Seat 61 web site looks very helpful. The trip report is awesome Carrie and does give us some ideas. Best to you all.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
579 posts
Add my vote for the train option. We've done it and it was a good choice. By the way, the train and bus stations in Galway are very near each other.
Posted by
Virginia
693 posts
We did the route by bus. The main reason being that the bus station was there at the airport when we arrive. We played it safe by not having to go into the city and then find the bus station. Seems like either way is a good choice.
Posted by
TX, USA
6495 posts
My vote is train if you are already in Dublin. If you are headed to Galway upon arrival from the airport (often saves breaking up a trip), then bus from the airport.
Posted by
4 posts
Tried sending this a private message, but I accidentally sent it to the wrong person so I couldn’t resend it.
I found your name through the search function on the forum. My wife and I are planning a trip to Ireland in a few year for our 25th anniversary and her 50th.
We are looking to do 5-6 days in Ireland and then head to Southern Portugal for a couple days of beaches and sun. We will most likely be going in the month of September.
Can you give me any recommendations from your trip?
Did you stay in the Dublin area only or stay at multiple locations as you traveled around?
Any locations are "must sees" and any "no big deals"?
I am thinking of either landing in Shannon and then traveling along the southern part of Ireland going West to East and finishing up in Dublin for our flight to Portugal.
Or
Land in Dublin, and traveling along the southern part going East to West up to Galway, then taking a bus or train back to Dublin for our flight.
Thanks for any info and I hope you had a great time.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
499 posts
The train was great. We did Dublin to Galway, then Galway to Cork (had to change in Limerick), then Cork back to Dublin.
Posted by
OP
15 posts
We just posted a trip report on our 2-week visit - hope that helps.