We will be in Ireland during the first two weeks of March, flying in and out of Dublin. We will not be renting a car, but traveling by bus from Dublin Airport to Galway, then to Cork, then to Kilkenny and finally back to Dublin staying 2-3 nights in each city. Although we usually have traveled in Europe between cities by train , in Ireland bus travel seems to be the most convenient, quickest and direct, on our Kilkenny to Dublin leg we may take a train instead because it would work for us as well as a bus.
Can anyone share their experience or comment about Ireland inter city bus travel, particularly the following routes and providers:
Dublin Airport to Galway Coach Station on CityLink “Eir Eagle” #760, and “Go Bus” #720,; AirCoach #706, 706X
Galway Coach Station to Cork Anderson’s Quay on CityLink #251
Cork Anderson’sQuay to Kilkenny MacDonagh on Dublin Coach “Big Green Bus” # 600
Kilkenny MacDonagh to Dublin City on Dublin Coach “Big Green Bus” #600
We we have cabin carry on bags and personal bags as luggage.
Thank you.
Posted by
26 posts
Following...we are also trying to see if we can manage without a car, home based in Galway
Posted by
90 posts
I traveled from Dublin Airport to Galway by bus in 2018. I think we used Citylink, but I can’t remember. It was very easy and comfortable with plenty of room for our bags. We fell asleep and arrived in Galway by 10:30am after an overnight flight. Very easy! We took the train back to Dublin, but I honestly think the bus was more comfortable.
Posted by
OP
Franklin, Tennessee
169 posts
Yes, the bus seats, luggage storage in the bottom of the bus and overhead racks compare well with trains. I will prebook all bus travel a day or two before except from the airport to Galway because I cannot be sure of the time I will clear customs.
It also appears all tickets are mobile, so no printouts are necessary.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8882 posts
The bus works just fine. There are even a few pluses. You get to see the center of any towns you pass on way and are surrounded by locals instead of mostly tourists.
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
493 posts
I traveled on City Link, Dublin Coach, and Bus Eireann inter-city busses though not all your exact routes. All were fine. -- easy to book, on schedule, not crowded, good wifi. I believe they all had bathrooms on board though i did not need to use them.
Posted by
Washington
134 posts
One thing to remember about bus travel in Ireland is that unlike the USA there are no bathrooms on Irish buses. You should have no problem with your bags. You can store your underneath the bus.
Posted by
OP
Franklin, Tennessee
169 posts
Thank you everyone!