A friend and I are planning on visiting Ireland for 1 week in June. I want to fly into Shannon Airport and out of Dublin Airport (I will be flying from Dublin to Zurich not back to US). I do not want to rent a car because it will be expensive and because I'm not at all comfortable driving in another country. Most of the posts on here and most of the discussion on the Rick Steves podcasts about Ireland assume people are going to rent a car. Is it easy to see part of Western Ireland and Dublin in 7 days without a car? What places would be the easiest to see without a car? Would we have to sign up for daily bus tours or can we see things and get places on public transport each day?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
The reason that most people suggest renting a car is that it really is the best, most flexible way to see the more remote parts of western Ireland. But your choice to use public transportation is perfectly valid, too. Your best bet is probably to use the Journey Planner at www.buseireann.ie, the national bus line, to plot out your trip. You can get almost everywhere by bus, not tour, though you might find tours a good option for certain sites or areas. There is little train service in the west, but you can get back to Dublin by train. And you won't need or want a car in the city, anyway. In the Dublin area, you could take day trips to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains, or to Newgrange. Sorry I can't be more specific about traveling around by public transportation - I rent a car.
Posted by
Carrollton, Texas, USA
81 posts
I agree with all of Nancy's comments. But I too have only rented a car. I would add that driving in the West for 5 days would be the easiest. You can get to the sights when you want. I would drive straight to the Dublin airport and drop the car. Like Nancy says you won't need it in Dublin. Good public transportation system. From Limerick or Galway to Dublin is much like our interstate highway system. IF you can drive and tolerate the LA traffic, you won't have any problems driving. The cost shouldn't be that much for days. There are several good rental companies to choose. JUST be sure you buy the additional CDW collison insurance. You'll have a blast!
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
1043 posts
Hi Kira, Yes of course it is possible to see Ireland without a car, although it does require more planning and less flexibility - we do it every year! The best approach is to base yourself in a few major locations and then book on to local tours to see the sights. The public bus system really does not work for this as there is often only one bus per day each way. The other thing we often do is hire a local hackney car/minibus for a day (with driver), this usually works out at less than a €100 for day for 4 people. For your trip I would think Galway and Dublin would be you best bases.