Train and bus use from Dublin to Dingle

Following this post, as we will be doing the same thing in August.

I have been to Ireland five times, including four visits to Dublin and two to Dingle.

Ironically, I have never taken the Dublin Heuston-Tralee train. However, I have taken the Dublin Hueston-Limerick train two times; Limerick is only an hour or so north of Tralee. The Dublin Hueston-Limerick train is a piece of cake. I imagine the Dublin Heuston-Tralee train is the same.

I took the Tralee-Dingle bus twice. It was a piece of cake.

Unsolicited advice 1: One alternative is to take the Dublin Hueston-Limerick trip if you want to see another city in Limerick. it is easy to catch a bus from Limerick to Tralee.

Unsolicited advice 2: In 2010, I hiked a 100-mile-long trail on Dingle called the Dingle Way (https://www.dingleway.com/). It's worth walking the entire thing or just a portion as part of day trip. It was the best think I ever did in 30 years of international travel.

Cheers.

Such a generous and exciting contribution. I'm so glad I chose Dingle for my longest stay.

Since this is my first time traveling alone, I'm keeping my trip streamlined and simple. Limerick is still very much a possibility, and I love the unsolicited advice! I think your response will help others too. The Dingle walk sounds like a good plan. I can't wait to check out the link you shared.

All the best and again, thank you Craig!

My pleasure! I hope you enjoy what I consider the most beautiful country in the world. (I love Ireland so much that I inquired about emigrating there!) Bon voyage.

"I took the Tralee-Dingle bus twice. It was a piece of cake."
Glad to hear this. That was the part I wasn't sure about.

Thanks

pamwoolway and katiecem:

If you get the chance, there are some great towns other than Dingle town and archeological sites to see on the Dingle Peninsula.

If you have the time, it's worth visiting Cloghane, Dunquin and Annascaul as well as Dingle town.

Cloghane is on the north coast of the peninsula, an area few Americans go to mostly because they go to Dingle town. Cloghane is the most charming small town in all of Ireland I have been to. I loved the atmosphere. Cloghane is great as a base to climb Mount Brandon, the eighth tallest mountain in Ireland. (I looked it up.) The mountain is only about 2,500 ft. I went up and down in about four hours.

At the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, tiny Dunquin is magical amid the fogs of the Atlantic. It hosts a museum on the Blasket Islands. People in Dunquin speak Irish as part of their day-to-day language.

Finally, Annascaul is famous for being the home of Tom Crean, a famed Antarctic explorer of the early 20th century. He was on three major British expeditions, including one Captain Ernest Shackleton. After his sailing days, Crean opened a pub in Annascaul called the South Pole Inn, which is still open: https://www.southpoleinn.com/

Dingle town itself is a wonderful place with great eateries, pubs and atmosphere. And you can book a tour of the Blasket Islands on a boat that leaves from Dingle town.

The Dingle Peninsula is a treasure trove of Celtic, Norman and early Christian history. The three best sites are the Gallarus Oratory, a 12th century Christian church; the early Christian beehive huts, from the 8th to 12th century; and Minard Castle, a spooky Norman castle ruin from I believe the 16th century.

Thanks Craig.

I'm sure I'll meet travelers with cars and can hitch a ride to Cloghane. I'm intentionally not overplanning, which is my impulse. That said I did book two tours: the archeology one with a father and son; and the Blasket Islands.

Here's a question though, Rick mentions quieter cars to ride in on the train. I was not unable to get a first class ticket and wonder if you have preferred seating when you ride the train? I have an assigned seat that they filled in automatically and believe I can move around at will if one car is too loud...
I really enjoy your shares.
Warmly,
Pam

Thanks Craig!

We have 3 days on the Dingle Peninsula and so many things to see and do.

Pam:

I have always traveled in the second class cars of trains in Europe. I must have been on 50-plus trains and never had one that was noisy, though I was once on one in France that was medium. In Ireland, you'll likely have an aisle train, rather than a compartment train. Though compartment trains are generally quieter, even aisle trains are quiet.

There should be no problem if you want to switch seats, unless an official asks you to return to your seat. Everyone is pretty chill on Irish trains.

In Dublin, there are two transit systems, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) and Luas, a streetcar system. The DART is easy to use. I have never been on the Luas, but I have been on streetcars in Germany, Poland and Portugal. They're easy to figure out. Consult Rick Steves' travel guide for instructions if you want to use the Luas and DART. The Dublin bus is also easy.

The father-and-son archeology tour should be excellent! I hope they take you to the Gallarus Oratory, Beehives and Minard Castle as well other other sites worth seeing (Kilmalkedar Church, Brendan the Navigator's hut, Celtic stone circles).

That's also excellent you'll see the Blasket Islands!

I have not taken it, but I plan to do the same journey -- Dublin to Dingle and back!

Have you also looked into a flight from Dublin to Kerry airport? It may end up being faster/less expensive for you, depending.