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Dublin to Shannon - Need Your Input

Three adults traveling to Ireland for first time in September would like to go from Dublin to Shannon to then rent a car to drive back through the west, southwest area back towards Dublin. What is the best way to get there? Air, train, bus? Trip is 8 days of sightseeing time. From the U.S. and have driven on the left side once during a trip to the UK and Scotland about 7 years ago, so was hoping to drive back on the inside on the way back - seems a little safer. A little worried about driving... What are the best options for this plan? Also looking for suggestions on stops/sights not to be missed. Would like a pub experience(s), town experiences, possibly a castle stay and to see much of the landscape. We move fast on trips due to limited time and are okay with that. All suggestions on relocating towards Shannon, pubs, restaurants, towns to visit, places to stay, etc. appreciated.

Posted by
3123 posts

Why not fly open jaw, arriving from the US in Shannon and departing from Dublin?

Posted by
34 posts

Unfortunately, airfare already purchased - in and out of Dublin. Error #1.

Posted by
91 posts

I took the bus all around Ireland when I was there (solo) the first time, and found it to be pretty reliable (Dublin-Kilkenny-Cork-Dingle-Shannon). However, a handy website I discovered is: rometorio.com
Simply plug in your starting point & destination and it gives you all matters of how to get there, and will link you to the sites to purchase plane/train/bus tickets.
Dingle is a jewel of a town, btw!
Happy Travels

Posted by
2493 posts

Do you want to go to Shannon, in particular? Because if you're just wanting to get to the west coast, you could take the bus or train to Galway, or maybe Killarney, and then make your explorations from there.