Ireland by Car or Public Transportation

Ireland is one place where having a car is a huge advantage. You can find other ways without a car, but you will not be able to wander, which is half the fun of exploring Eire.

I'm a fan of driving, though you definitely do NOT want a car while in Dublin. A car is really the best way to see the more rural areas efficiently. Though buses do go everywhere, they aren't able to stop for photo ops along the way like you could if you were driving, and you're at the mercy of their schedules so you could spend time waiting when you'd rather be sightseeing.

Are you locked into arriving in Dublin? Arriving at Shannon instead would give you a better chance to get used to driving on the other side of the road before you encounter traffic. Or you could consider arriving at Shannon and departing from Dublin.

If you are starting in Dublin, then tour the city and pick up your car as you leave so you don't have to drive in the traffic.

For most of places you are going you can do public transportation of some kind but in the end it will cost more and take more time.

Tegan,

I did almost this exact itinerary two years ago, and driving it is definitely preferable if it's doable for you. You can travel on your own time and get to all the out of the way places. Getting to and from Dingle in particular is a bit of a pain without a car.

BTW, I'd skip Waterford unless you have a specific reason to stop there. The crystal factory is now closed to visitors and your time can be better spent elsewhere, IMHO.

car is a must. get all your insurances and a small car to navigate small parking spots and narrow roads. Do not get car until you leave Dublin however.

Thanks to everyone for their input. I pretty much gathered from the guide books that a car is the best way to go but it is nice have feedback from people who have actually been there.

Michael from NY - Thanks for the tip on Waterford. I was the least excited about that but thought it would be easiest to get to the Rock of Cashel from there if we did decide to go with public transportation.

I'm happy to help! Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions.

Well, I'm in the minority, but I must include a big vote for public transportation. (for balance:-)

Bus Eireann (national bus system, www.buseireann.ie) offers great service all over Ireland, certainly all the places you mentioned, including the Rock of Cashel and Dingle. You can check out their (pdf) map and schedules to see all the places they service. Nearly every town they service has numerous buses day and night, usually at least every hour or 2. We spent very happy days in Dingle, West Cork, Cobh, Newgrange, Doolin/Cliffs of Moher, Shannon and Dublin, all using public transport. (mostly bus, but also train, luas, taxi)

A 2 week bus pass is 114 euro. Trains are cheap if you purchase online, mid-week. (www.irishrail.ie) They don't service as many places, but are good to save time on long journeys and to break up the bus routine.

Most towns are easily walkable for shopping, music and pub-grub in the evening, etc. We only hired 1 hackney; for the must-see Slea Head tour and Conor Pass on Dingle Peninsula. It was a highlight of our trip, not only because it was breathtakingly beautiful, humbling and educational, but as a native showing us around his homeland, Martin (O'Sullivan Cabs) made it extra special by taking us places only locals know about and telling stories as only an Irishman can. (plus we could enjoy the scenery instead of negotiating the roads)

Time spent on the bus is also free time to sleep, read, write in a journal, or just relax while you enjoy the scenery, rested and ready for your next adventure.

IMHO, layovers in Dublin are counter-productive. They can last several hours when instead you could hit the ground running as Dublin is the main hub for bus and train service.

Enjoy your journey!

One thing no one has mentioned is--can you drive a stick,and, don't forget, you will be shifting with your left hand instead of your right. My experience is that if you request an automatic transmission, you get hosed for the difference.