Hello. We will arrive in Shannon on the morning of August 7. We have two nights in each hotel in the following towns: Kinsale, Dingle, Ennis. The hotels are booked. We have to use public transportation. The plan is to get a bus to Limerick and take the train to Cork, another bus to Kinsale. On the 9th, bus to Cork, train to Tralee, bus to Dingle. On the 11th, bus to Tralee, train to Ennis. At the end of the trip we want to travel to Cliffs of Moher and dinner at the Duguaire Castle, heading back to Ennis for the night. Several questions:
1. Is there more than one train system in Ireland? (There appears to be several sites on-line?) 2. Is it worth booking the pass for more flexibility in travel? 3. What's the best way to get from Ennis-Cliffs of Moher-Dungaire-Ennis? 4. Is there a bus pass that can be purchased ahead of time?
Thanks for your help. I think I have things figured out and then get very hesitant/confused when I go to book the transportation portion.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
www.irishrail.ie covers the Republic of Ireland, not the north. Train tickets are cheaper booked online (up to 90 minutes in before departure) than in the station.
www.transportforireland.ie is a good journey planner that mixes by rail and bus. However, I think sticking to bus can be faster or require fewer connections than the train/bus combos you've found. There's no requirement to book ahead if it seems easier to reconfirm and book locally.
www.buseireann.ie is not the only bus company, but the largest. Their Open Road ticket covers 3 days of travel within a 6-day window.
From Ennis, Rick's Ireland book (pp. 301 and 308) suggests Barratt Tours for the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.
I'm not sure that you'll find a bus service back from Kinvarra/Dungaire to Ennis after dinner. A 50-minute taxi ride sounds expensive. Bunratty Castle is closer to Ennis and the bus #51 does run through the evening.
Posted by
5 posts
Laura,
Although wjcooper asked the question, you helped solve our travel puzzle. I had been searching for similar information, but did not see recommendations for public travel between west and southwest Ireland. Thanks for the tip about the 6 day bus pass and the links to the train & bus lines.
You have been a big help!
Thank you !
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for all of your help. I'll be looking into the Open Road ticket today.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Hello All,
I think I'm losing my mind... I keep trying to purchase the Open Road bus ticket but can't figure out how to do it. I can see the information about the pass but not how to purchase it. Also, am I able to use the bus company app for the pass? Thanks again for your help. It's so nice to have this forum available.