Does anyone know if there is a more direct route from Galway to Portrush via train/bus? All the routes I find take you through Dublin which adds a few hours to the trip. No one in our group will volunteer to drive while we're in Ireland, and I can't seem to find public transportation that will take less than about 8-9 hours. If I could have convinced someone to drive, it's only about 4-5 hours be car.
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
On a map it may look like 4-5 hours by car but it is closer to six, minimum. You can take Bus Eireann from Galway to Derry and then Ulster Bus on to Portrush but it is approx. eight hours.
Posted by
OP
Clarksville, TN, USA
956 posts
Oh, actually I'd gotten that time from mapquest or yahoo directions. I guess I'll have to suck it up or convince someone to drive!
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
If you do get someone who will drive, but is not from Ireland, allow an hour (or 2!) over what ever you think it may take. Roads are nothing like Kansas and you will want to stop to enjoy the scenery. Buses in Ireland are pretty comprehensive, but not necessarily direct. I was going to suggest going to Derry when I read your post, but someone beat me to it. I assume you have a reason for going to Portrush, but I prefer Port Stewart, next door.
Posted by
OP
Clarksville, TN, USA
956 posts
Funny you should mention Portstewart. We are also considering this town. But we wanted to go to Kelly's and I figured it would be more convenient if we stayed in the same town... Or how far is a taxi from Kelly's to Portstewart? Plus, isn't the Giant's Causeway east of Portrush?
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
Sorry, who, where or what is "Kelly's"?
Yes, the Giant's Causeway is east of Portrush and Port Stewart is west of Portrush, but not far. We visited both last September and, while Port Stewart was a bustling place, Portrush was quiet and looked really rundown. I was quite disappointed, my father had spent a holiday there in the 1930s and I have his photos and was anxious to see it. It was one of teh few disappointments in our time in Ireland last year.
Posted by
OP
Clarksville, TN, USA
956 posts
Kelly's is a club. Apparently one of the best in Northern Ireland. They have famous DJ's from around the world.
Thanks for your opinion on Portrush, Iaian. I really appreciate that. That's part of the reason that I started looking at Bushmills and Portstewart, because of similar comments I'd read saying that Portrush was rundown. If we stay in Portstewart, how is the public transportation to get to the Giant's Causeway?
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
Here is the link to a timetable for the Portstewart and Portrush to Giant's Causeway
http://www.nirailways.co.uk/present/ULB_177_I.asp
Although it says "nirailways" I believe this is a bust timetable.
Is Kelly's in Portrush? If so, it is only a 15 minute bus ride from Portstewart. If my memory is correct, it took less than 10minutes by car from Portstewart to Portrush.
Posted by
OP
Clarksville, TN, USA
956 posts
Yes, Kelly's is in Portrush. But if it's only a short drive, we can catch a a taxi to get to and from and it should be no big deal. Thanks, Iaian.