Hello, I can’t rent a car due to medical reasons but would like to travel to Killarney after my visit to Dublin and Kilkenny. From what I’m finding, it takes 5-6 hours by bus or train because you have backtrack to Dublin and then to go to Killarney. Does anyone know of a way to get directly to Killarney from Kilkenny without a car? Thanks very much!
Posted by
Connecticut
337 posts
We did this in May, but had to hire a private car and driver. It did the trick, but was pricey. Your driver will be based in one of those places, which means he'll have to make a round trip one way or another, and he won't be able to book anything else for the day.
By pricey, I mean it cost us 400 euros. We had the driver for the entire day (see above), so we made stops at the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, and Cobh.
The more people you have, the more economical the day gets. And renting a car would probably cost at least 400 euros, once you pay for all the insurance and an automatic transmission.
So, it's not cheap, but it gets the job done and overall it might be comparable to the cost of renting a car.
Having said that, if it's beyond your price range, do consider bus and train. We did that for part of our trip, too, and it was an interesting experience. You will most likely chat with local people, see beautiful scenery, and save a ton of money. I think you can go from Dublin to Killarney by train.
Good luck and have fun!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I've had the best luck with connection searches at www.transportforireland.ie. That shows buses taking 4.5 hours with a transfer at Cork (including a quick walk across a river bridge to the other side, bus number 600 then bus 40, departures about every two hours).
Posted by
OP
USA
19 posts
Thank you so much for your help. I will look into those options. Thanks again!
Posted by
Killarney Co. Kerry Ireland
75 posts