I have a flight into Shannon on Aer Arann in March arriving at 2:15pm. I'd like to catch a 2:50pm bus to Dingle. I am flying in from Edinburgh so I'll have to clear customs and immigration (I'm a US citizen and I'm checking baggage). Is 35 minutes enough time to disembark, clear immigration, get luggage, clear customs, buy bus tickets and catch the bus? Thanks for the help!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I don't think so. You could probably clear the airport in 30 minutes with carry-on only - I doubt you will be able to with the wait for checked luggage. Since the plan is to buy the ticket there, there is no risk trying - depending on when the next bus to Dingle departs.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Since you will be arriving from another EU country, according to this page on the Shannon Airport site, customs will be a walk through the Blue Channel (no stopping). The bus route is Shannon-Limerick-Tralee-Dingle and the connection time in Limerick is 15 minutes. If you miss the bus at Shannon, you might be able to take a taxi to Limerick in time to catch the 15:35 bus to Tralee.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
Having been through Shannon several times, I have doubts that you can make that tight a connection, even though Shannon is small. Arriving at 2:15 (if the flight is on time) doesn't mean being in the terminal at 2:15. On one of my trips there was a delay in luggage being unloaded. Locating the ticket window and buying tickets (will you have euros or have to stop at an ATM?) will take time, too. Tim's backup plan could work if you don't catch it at Shannon, but you should head for Limerick as soon as it becomes clear that you won't make the bus there, or you could miss it in Limerick, too. Traffic can be bad there.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco
2 posts
thank you very much for your replies. I've decided to just bite the expensive and scary bullet and rent a car. From Shannon I'll drive to Dingle. I hope to arrive by 6 so I don't have to try driving on the "wrong" side of the road for too long in the dark.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Let me reassure you. You will quickly adjust to driving on the left-hand side of the road. I think you'll be glad to have a car for the Slea Head drive. If the weather cooperates, you'll want to stop frequently to admire the view and go for short walks.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
From Shannon, head for the Killimer-Tarbert ferry instead of going around through Limerick. It will save some time and will keep you out of Limerick traffic. And it's fun to cross the river on a car ferry.
Posted by
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
45 posts
Consider taking the Connor Pass if you are adventurous. Absolutly terrifying after the all night cattle ride with AirTransat from Toronto, but one of the things we think and talk of all the time. Comes out right into Doolin. Spectaculary beautiful, and I will remember it till the day I die!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
I'm not sure what Rob meant to say, but Connor Pass is nowhere near Doolin. Doolin is in Co. Clare, Connor Pass is in Co. Kerry.
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
Maybe Dingle ?