I want to take a trip to Ireland this summer with a friend but neither of us feel comfortable driving a car in Ireland. I looked up trains to and inbetween some of the cities and it seems possible, but I don't know if it is possible to travel anywhere on the outskirts of the towns without having a car. For instance, if I am in Cork is it possible to travel out to the Blarney Stone by train or bus?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
The bus system is extensive in Ireland, not so much the trains, particularly in the west. You can get almost anywhere you might want to go by bus. Blarney isn't exactly on the outskirts of anywhere, though. It is a town. The castle and grounds are right in the middle.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7945 posts
I agree, buses are overlooked in Ireland (and many other countries) There are a combination of National buses, private lines, plus "hop-on-hop-off" type buses. Try a search for Ireland buses, look for the "Paddy Wagon", "Irish Rover", and "Open Road Pass" all offer a good selction of destination on a pass type basis. The buses will take you to the major destinations, maybe not all the nooks and crannies of Ireland, but enough to fill a couple of weeks.
Posted by
Texas
518 posts
If you can convince yourself to drive, you can see a lot more. There are so many little shops and restaurants and parks and villages to see. May I ask why you don't want to drive?
Posted by
Denver, CO
30 posts
It really isn't that difficult driving on the left hand side of the road. Just drive carefully and keep repeating to yourself, "Stay to the left. Stay to the left." Works for me every time. And you will be able to go to a lot of smaller, out of the way places that you wouldn't be able to otherwise. Imagine riding on a bus, seeing something go by you'd love to see but you can't because you're stuck on the bus. It's all about the adventure. Have fun!
Posted by
OP
Wilmington, DE
2 posts
I heard that all the cars were standard, and I don't know how to drive a stick shift...plus driving on the left. But thank you all for your suggestions!! They were very helpful!
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
Kristina, I rented an automatic transmission car in Ireland - Dan Dooley Rentals. It just costs more than a standard transmission.
Driving in Ireland was a REAL ADVENTURE!!! Be careful.....
Posted by
Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
20 posts
Hi Kristina,
just wondering what your dates are for Ireland, I would love to share a car I have been looking its so expensive for a automatic but I would much rather rent a car then go by bus :) My dates are: arrive in Dublin on June 21st thru July 16th Dublin to Athens. Just thought I would ask!
Posted by
Texas
518 posts
We rented an automatic. They are just not as common, and you should rent it before you go for the best price. We used SIXT. Driving on the left is not hard. When you are in the drivers seat on the right, it just sort of reverses everything. I had no trouble with it. Roundabouts are easy too. You can google how to use a roundabout and get some good explanation. For us, the freedom of going when and where we pleased and not having to lug around our belongings far outweighed driving concerns. Anyway, I thought you should know you can rent an automatic.