Hi all,
Considering first time travel to Ireland and I do not want to rent a car( not a confident driver even on the “right” side) ha
Anyway- places we would visit- Kilkenny, Enniskerry, Dingle & Galway.
We have traveled in Europe but always by train. Is it possible to really get around without using tours or private car?
Many thanks!!!
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
10229 posts
Ireland does need extra research to travel through without a car, but it is entirely possible if you are willing to put in a little extra time and be a bit flexible. You will need to use a combination of trains and buses to make it around. My sister and I did a similar trip. I'm not going to lie. There were challenges, but we overcame them all with careful planning and a willingness to "think outside the box."
We found that travel in Northern Ireland was a bit easier with public transport only than in Ireland itself. Still, we made it to places that others told us it was impossible to get to without a car.
You will need to decide which places are your top priority and focus on them first. Then add in other locations that seem reasonable in terms of transportation.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1883 posts
It's very doable. Here is a map of the train routes:
https://www.seat61.com/reference/Ireland-map.pdf?dl=0
I don't see a way to get from Enniskerry to Kilkenny without going back through Dublin, but the good news is that Enniskerry to Dublin appears to be only 30 minutes or so.
The scenic drives (Ring of Kerry, Slea Head, etc) are generally more enjoyable as a passenger.
Download the Transport for Ireland app for bus schedules and tickets.
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
1146 posts
It is possible, but takes a lot of planning, and more time to get to some places that don’t have train service. This topic has come up several times here, so if you use the search feature and search for Ireland by public transit you should get numerous results, and lots of good advice.
Posted by
California Central Coast 🐚
597 posts
We spent 12 days in Ireland in Fall '23 without a car. We used trains, buses and an occasional taxi. We had no problem getting to where we were going but also planned our locations around what was possible in terms of transportation. Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare and Kinsale.
Posted by
OP
116 posts
Thank you all so much for the encouragement. I was about ready to find another public transport friendly spot to visit.
Posted by
570 posts
We just spent 3 weeks in Ireland W/O a car no problem. Direct bus from DUB to Galway. Busses to Clifden& Westport.
Local buses to Connamera, Achill, Clare Island, and other day trips. Trains for other spots. Very glad to not be driving when I saw my first backwards roundabout.
Brad
Posted by
10060 posts
Recommend taking a tour. Check out Gate 1 Travel and Rabbies Tours.
We did a 10 day tour last year that cost about $2000 per person and it was great.