While planning a trip to Ireland for late Sept/early Oct 2025, we've become intrigued by the possibility of traveling mostly by train. We've explored the south and southwest by car in past trips, but this time are looking mainly at Galway and surrounding area, Belfast, and the Antrim coast. I know RS recommends a car for flexibility, etc., and we've appreciated having a rental in past trips. But not dealing with a car, roads, traffic, rental agency is appealing. We have 2+ weeks, and we tend to travel with carry-on backpacks only.
Here's our current thinking, and would appreciate feedback from those who've used trains and buses in these areas:
After an overnight in Dublin, take the train to Galway, basing there 3-5 days and doing some day trips. Possible night or two in Westport. From Galway or Westport, taking buses up to Derry. Staying in Derry or Portrush as a base, explore the coastal area, probably with a hired car. Then take the train to Belfast. Couple of nights in Belfast before heading back by train to Dublin. Could also do all this in reverse.
From what I've read, the weak link here would be busing from Galway to Derry, as buses can be hit or miss. Alternatively, we would take a train to Galway, explore the area and head back to Dublin, then setting out to the Antrim coast.
Has anyone tried any version of this? Any advice? Also, I read on Lonely Planet that train travel is free for adults over 66 - is that true??
Thanks for any help!
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
498 posts
Here is the Man in Seat 61's information on train travel in Ireland, including how to get to the Giant's Causeway by public transport:
https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-ireland.htm
I'll wait on isn31c to give you instructions on getting from Galway to Derry by bus. It's not complicated, as far as I know, but it would be a long day. Stay in Derry.
Don't forget about taxis for excursions that are not on the bus route. They may seem expensive in the moment, but your other transportation costs will be quite low, and you'll probably still be well below the cost of the rental car.
Posted by
OP
NC
49 posts
Thanks! I'd forgotten about that good website!
Posted by
Lake District, England
8385 posts
Galway to Derry is a 5 1/2 hour journey several times a day and is run by Bus Eireann rather than one of the private companies. I'm looking at tracking today and everything is on time and has been all day. It is possible to look at tracking data each day for every service.
Transport for Ireland will do that randomly, and take action if needed.
Of course weather, traffic etc can affect services on a given day, randomly.
My suggestion would be to get the 0845 bus out of Galway. Get off at Sligo at 1130, look around the City, have lunch and get back on the 1330 which starts in Sligo thence through to Derry. Maybe even spend the night in Sligo to help break up the journey.
It's slower and more expensive but you could even do Galway to Dublin Heuston on the train, cross town then Dublin Connolly to Sligo on the train. Overnight there then bus to Derry next morning.
If you chose that option maybe take the outward train to Galway via Limerick.
You could go from Galway to Westport by train rather than the bus. Then next day back to Claremorris on the same train line and pick up another of the buses from Galway at 1305 for a 4 1/2 hour ride to Derry. The obvious connection at Knock Airport doesnt work timing wise.
That's the best I can find for a slightly awkward divert to Westport but need to go into Mass like now.
The Lonely Planet statement applies only to residents of the Irish Republic, not visitors.
Posted by
OP
NC
49 posts
So very helpful - thank you!
Posted by
Tucson, Arizona
529 posts
Jpeeps, I'm also considering a possible trip to Ireland in the spring and was intrigued by your question about free train travel over age 66.
It looks like what you are referring to is the "Free Travel Scheme" or "Free Travel Pass" and is for people legally living permanently in Ireland. I've included the link below:
Posted by
Chicago
3287 posts
Another option if you prefer not to drive is a combination of train and tour. For my upcoming trip, I am using the train and supplementing with a 3-day Rabbie’s tour.
Posted by
OP
NC
49 posts
Great suggestions - thanks!
Posted by
OP
NC
49 posts
Thanks again for the helpful comments, all. I'm curious if anyone is familiar with Railtours Ireland? I stumbled across their site while exploring various options.
Posted by
Lake District, England
8385 posts
Railtours Ireland are a division of Irish Rail. So in most cases the rail portion is on a service train. Then they book the hotels and provide the coach connections/excursions for you.
A one stop shop if you like.
So they are a reputable company.
Probably you could put each tour together for less (maybe a lot less), but it's the indefinable added value of getting someone to do that for you.
Posted by
OP
NC
49 posts
isn31c - very helpful. That makes sense. Thanks!
Posted by
Lake District, England
8385 posts
Another interesting idea for someone wanting to do Ireland by train- the preserved Claremorris Railway opened for traffic at Christmas. This short line is at Maam Cross between Galway and Clifden.
Looks like they have some interesting stuff there including Bord-na-Mona (the peat railways of Ireland) there. You used to be able to travel passenger on the Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway Bord-na-Mona line (which was huge fun) but that ended some time ago due to the amount of freight traffic
So potentially you could do the Claremorris line on the way to Westport if the operating days work. The website is a bit sparse on detail currently.
Take the Citylink 923 or Bus Eireann 419 Galway to Clifden buses, break journey at Maam Cross, then later connect onto the 423 bus for Westport at Clifden.
Another thought is that from Westport you could use bus #450 to do a side trip to Achill Island.
Posted by
OP
NC
49 posts
isn31c - this all looks fascinating. Will definitely check it out further. Thanks for the info!