Flights from Dublin to Galway or Shannon

Have you sent an email to Aer Arann directly for help? It does seem a little strange that you can fly from Shannon to Dublin but not the reverse. There definitely is no listing for flights from Dublin.

The reason you can't access those flights is that neither Ryanair nor Aer Arann flies those routes. You're looking at taking a train or bus instead. There are 4 or 5 buses daily from Dublin airport to Galway. Here's the bus schedule: http://www.buseireann.ie/pdf/1314893562-20.pdf

The car rental we got in Dublin was actually outside the city so did not find it a problem to learn to drive on the left as did not have to go into city. That said, if you don't want to do this, suggest as previous poster said, take bus to Galway and get car there. I would not pay $200 dollars to fly and then take 5 hours to do it.

Thank you for your information and suggestions. It completely baffled me that I couldn't fly west on airlines that had flights going into Dublin but not coming back. I read that going from Dublin by car was definitely more worrisome and challenging for new Irish drivers to adjust to. That leaves the train or bus or maybe we'll just "bite the bullet" and rent a car in Dublin. Now I can plan my itinerary. Happy travels!

Could you look at flying directly into Shannon instead of Dublin (flying out of Dublin, if you choose)? The bus to Galway would be a good choice, anyway. You could get a good view of the countryside, and maybe get some sleep on the way before tackling driving.

Thanks for your reply. We are luckily able to use frequent flyer miles but the airline and its code share affiliates do not fly into Galway or Shannon. If we lose our nerve to drive from Dublin, a train ride seems a viable and novel option and about an hour faster than a bus.

I wouldn't have any worry Max about hiring the car in Dublin, you have dual carriageway or motorway virtually from the door of Dublin Airport to Galway or Shannon, take it handy and no problems really

As far as the train goes, Galway is a straight shot from Heuston, whereas Limerick is about as close to Shannon as one get. To go to Limerick, you will have to change trains at a place called Limerick Junction which is about a 20 minute run from Limerick and is out in the middle of NOWHERE near Tipperary.

citylink offers hourly express bus service from the Dublin airport directly to Galway. The bus makes one stop in Dublin. By the time you factor in getting from the airport to the train station and waiting for the next train, taking the bus will be faster than taking the train.