We are planning 10 days in Ireland, my second visit in 27 years:) We will bring our three adult children, so 5 of us. We will rent a car, but am trying to avoid driving in Dublin. What do you think about taking the train from Dublin to Galway, renting a car in Galway to explore western Ireland (Killarney, Dingle, Skellig)? If we rent in Galway, we rent for fewer days, as first 4-5 days will be Dublin and Galway. Thoughts?
Thank you,
Karen
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3182 posts
Brilliant idea to rent in Galway. If you want to save Dublin for the end of your visit, there are hourly express buses to Galway taking 2:30 leaving DUB airport from just outside the airport terminal. This way. you can spare yourselves two trips into and out of Dublin and just do it once at the end of your trip.
Not only that, but after flying over the pond. any jet lag you may have is more easily recovered from in Galway than in Dublin.
Trains from Galway’s train station arrive at central Dublin’s Heuston train station in 2:20.
You can check www.AutoEurope.com for car rentals.
www.CityLink.ie for buses
Posted by
NW England
822 posts
Good idea x2 !! Both on not driving in Dublin and not actually needing it for 4 days anyway.
Trains are roughly hourly from early morning to mid evening (later start on Sundays).
https://www.irishrail.ie/getmedia/81529cec-6419-43db-9b2d-4563775766e6/06-Dublin-Galway.pdf
https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
550 posts
Great idea! Several years ago, after renting a car in Dublin city centre, we swore never again. On a later trip we trained from Dublin to Galway (beautiful scenery because it's in.....Ireland!) The train station in Galway is an easy walk to the car rental office. Sorry, can't remember which company it was but it's likely that the choices are limited so probably doesn't matter much. Do some online research for Galway rental companies and check the maps to see where they are located. You will LOVE all the places you listed.