travel in ireland

I would guess that most of us here on the helpline use rental cars to get around Ireland (train service is fairly limited compared to other parts of Europe, and buses don't go everywhere) and might not be very well-versed in getting around by train. Can you give us some idea of what you might like to do or see? What are your interests? For your last night you will need to stay where they have a shuttle to the airport. There are a number of B&Bs on the Bunratty road, behind Bunratty Castle, six miles from the airport. There is also a hotel at the little shopping center across the road from the castle.

I also did the rental car route, but in planning my trip I did research other options one of which was Paddy Wagona backpacker sort of tour bus option. See http://www.paddywagontours.com/tours.php. I also remember that the railways offered some rail/bus combinations. Another suggestion is to take the train to Galway from where you can get several one-day bus tours and it's not too far to Shannon from there.

Victoria - You may want to look at www.buseireann.ie.

If you want to see the west coast, here's a possible intinerary using the Galway Tour Company which I found doing a Google search. (Note: I rented a car in Ireland and haven't taken any tours.) Thursday: Take the tour company shuttle bus from Dublin to Galway and take either the Connemara full-day tour or the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren full-day tour. Friday: Take whichever tour you didn't take on Thursday. Saturday: Spend the day in Galway and take a Bus Eireann bus directly from Galway to Bunratty (just over two hours). Spend the night in Bunratty. Or take a Bus Eireann bus from Galway to Ennis, spend some time there, and then take a Bus Eireann bus to Bunratty. Sunday: Take a shuttle (if your B&B or hotel provides one), a taxi, or a Bus Eireann bus from Bunratty to Shannon. The first bus leaves Bunratty at 05:25 and arrives at Shannon at 05:45.